Previously, it was always Zhang Hao scoring effortlessly, breaking the deadlock for his teammates. This time, it was his teammates creating opportunities for him.
Van Exel's unreasonable outside shooting forced the Cavaliers' defense to stretch out.
Zhang Hao didn't fixate on getting mid-to-long-range opportunities. When the opponent's defense expanded outward, he decisively cut in, aggressively seeking contact in the paint to find free throw opportunities or direct scoring chances.
The first quarter ended 19 to 21, with Van Exel holding things up. The second quarter saw the Lakers slightly edge ahead 21 to 20, trailing by 1 point at halftime, 40 to 41.
