Chapter 50: Starting Lineup.
This report had a unique perspective, especially when all the other reporters were busy finding excuses for the Cavaliers' loss. However, it was easy for people to accept because it reflected the truth.
From this, two key messages automatically formed in fans' minds: first, Han Sen saved the Cavaliers; second, the Cavaliers currently have issues with their play.
The Magic team had weakened this season, and the Raptors were at best a fringe playoff team. There was no reason the Cavaliers should have struggled in these two games.
The delayed media pressure exploded intensely following this report.
The underperforming Varejao became the target of criticism. After all, he had just signed a 6-year, $48.2 million contract with the Cavaliers that summer.
Soon after, Brown's player rotations were also questioned. Despite Cunningham and O'Neal working well together in the first game, Brown stubbornly kept Varejao in the starting lineup.
The day after returning to Cleveland, Han Sen went to the gym for training as usual. Not long after, James and his trainer arrived as well. James looked upset, and this time, Varejao wasn't with him.
Before formal practice began, Brown announced a change: Varejao, due to soreness in his left ankle, would not play in the next game, and Cunningham would take his place as the starting power forward.
"Is this a way out?" Han thought, recalling James' expression, instantly understanding what had happened.
You've got to admit, the power of public opinion is really useful!
After practice that day, Cunningham dragged Han Sen to a bar to celebrate. Thanks to his experience in the Summer League, Cunningham booked a private room.
"It feels like a dream," Cunningham said, still in disbelief. Initially projected as an early second-round pick, he was selected in the first round because the Cavaliers traded away Hickson to acquire Han Sen and needed a power forward.
But who would have thought, just two games into the season, he'd be starting?
"It's all about timing. Look at Courtney Lee last season; he started 42 games as a rookie for the Magic," Han provided a relevant example.
Though he had influenced the decision behind the scenes, there wasn't anyone else on the Cavaliers' roster who could replace Varejao.
Han knew that before Jamison came to Cleveland, that role belonged to second-year player Hickson, a power forward who could stretch the floor but couldn't shoot threes.
"You're right; I feel way less pressure now," Cunningham said with a smile, pouring drinks for both of them.
"There's no need to feel pressured. Just make your open shots and play solid defense," He encouraged him.
"And, control your fouls," he added, remembering Cunningham's tendency to foul.
Cunningham nodded and raised his glass to toast.
"I just wonder when you'll make the starting lineup," Cunningham said after putting down his glass.
"I'm comfortable where I am now," Han Sen replied. Although he was still a substitute in the last game, he played 28 minutes, which was practically the same as a starter.
"But it won't be long."
...
Over the next week, the Cavaliers played against the Timberwolves, Bobcats, and Knicks, securing a three-game winning streak.
Cunningham averaged 19.8 minutes over these three games, contributing 6.3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 0.6 blocks, and 2.5 fouls, with a 49.5% field goal percentage. Despite still committing too many fouls, he perfectly executed Han Sen's advice: make the open shots and play good defense.
Varejao "returned" in the game against the Bobcats but, as expected, didn't regain his starting position.
With Cunningham's performance, it seemed unlikely Varejao would return to the starting lineup this season.
However, the most important change brought by this adjustment was how much more comfortable James and O'Neal played together. James even pulled off a highlight-worthy assist to O'Neal for a dunk.
After the lineup change, the Cavaliers seemed to shake off their early-season slump and entered a honeymoon phase. However, that honeymoon didn't last long.
In their first game of November, and on their home court no less, the Cavaliers lost to the Heat.
Wade exploded with 43 points, being the key player in the Heat's victory.
This game was significant because the Heat targeted O'Neal relentlessly, using screens to set up Wade against him. Parker couldn't keep up, and O'Neal couldn't step out to contest, allowing Wade to quickly find his rhythm.
By the time Brown substituted Han Sen, the defensive impact wasn't as effective as expected.
A 4-2 record wasn't great for a team with championship aspirations like the Cavaliers.
And to make matters worse, the Cavaliers were about to embark on a Western Conference road trip, which included teams like the Suns and Jazz, both with elite point guards and a mastery of the pick-and-roll.
The Heat had set the blueprint, and these teams would surely exploit it.
The first stop on the Cavaliers' road trip was Oklahoma City.
While the Thunder weren't known for their pick-and-roll game, they did have Kevin Durant, a top-tier perimeter player.
The night before their road trip began, Han was in the team's video room studying footage of Durant's games this season when Malone appeared at the door, knocking.
"How's your research going?" Malone asked, sitting down by the computer.
"I shouldn't have beaten him in the tryouts," he replied as he handed Malone a cup of instant coffee.
"What do you mean?" Malone asked, puzzled.
"This guy's fixed the flaw in his shooting form. He no longer shoots across his face to the right; now it's a straight shot from bottom to top," Han Sen explained, summing it up. "Defending him is going to be twice as hard."
Malone, intrigued, set down his coffee and started watching the video himself. After a while, he looked up at him with admiration in his eyes. "You've analyzed this better than the coaching staff."
"Have you figured out how you're going to defend him?" Malone asked.
Han shook his head.
Though Durant was only in his third year, he was already showing incredible scoring ability, averaging 35 points per game — the highest in the league.
In some ways, Durant should thank Han Sen.
Malone continued, "Tomorrow, you'll be starting at shooting guard."
Han set down his coffee, slightly surprised. It was happening sooner than he expected — he had thought it would come after a losing streak, when he would be called upon to "save the day."
"LeBron didn't object?" He asked.
Malone sipped his coffee, then smiled. "Didn't you say defending him is going to be twice as hard?"
Han Sen smiled in return.
Of course! Durant had switched to playing small forward this season.
While James wouldn't be defending Durant on the court, when comparing stats post-game, Durant and James would be the ones going head-to-head.
...
The day before the game, the Cavaliers arrived in Oklahoma City and practiced that afternoon at the Ford Center.
News had already spread that Han Sen would start, so after practice, reporters swarmed him with questions about matching up against Durant.
'Seriously, how does everyone know LeBron doesn't guard Durant?' Han adjusted his emotions and fiercely responded, "I'm gonna blowout Durant, just like I did during the tryouts here!"
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