Chapitre 24: Facing the Celtics
The next day, as soon as Jay Sun arrived at the arena, he sought out LeBron James for advice. Jay had always been an eager learner, and LeBron was happy to oblige.
For LeBron, mentoring a younger teammate was a win-win. Building relationships within the team created goodwill and strengthened connections—useful assets for a leader like him.
Moreover, LeBron recognized Jay's potential and growth. In his eyes, Jay could very well become an All-Star someday, especially with his marketability as a Chinese player. Supporting such a promising teammate was an easy decision.
After a discussion with LeBron, Jay began to understand how the media operated. The trick was to balance praise for the Big Three while staying humble. It wasn't about what you said—it was about how you said it.
With three days off before their next game against the Celtics in Boston, Jay thought about exploring the city but quickly returned home.
"There's nothing here!" Jay grumbled, deciding to spend the time practicing instead.
On November 15th, the Cavaliers arrived in Boston to face the Celtics.
The once-dominant Celtics were in a rebuilding phase. Of their championship-winning roster, only Rajon Rondo remained—a relic of a bygone era. Both the Celtics and Rondo seemed ready for a parting, but they had yet to find a suitor.
Jay was excited to reunite with his former Kentucky teammate, James Young, now a member of the Celtics.
The night before the game, Young hosted Jay, venting his frustrations about his limited playing time and the intimidating presence of Rondo.
Young also expressed envy at Jay's situation.
"You're lucky, man. You've got the trust of your coach and LeBron already. Look at me—I barely get minutes!"
Jay patted his friend on the shoulder. "Hang in there, bro. You'll get your shot."
Game Day
Jay knew Rondo wasn't the biggest threat on this Celtics team. That title, in Jay's mind, belonged to Kelly Olynyk.
Before the game, Jay warned Kevin Love to watch out for Olynyk.
Though Love was surprised by the unsolicited advice, he politely acknowledged it, "I'll keep an eye on him."
Jay wasn't expecting to save Love from future playoff woes, but planting the seed wouldn't hurt.
Jay started the game as the shooting guard while Waiters remained on the bench.
The Cavaliers opened with possession. Kyrie Irving brought the ball up, dazzling with his dribbles but failing to shake Rondo.
He passed to Love at the top of the key, who quickly moved the ball to LeBron on the wing.
LeBron, after a textbook triple-threat stance, bulldozed past Jeff Green for a layup.
Jay watched in admiration. Thank goodness I joined this team. Competing against these guys would be a nightmare.
On defense, Rondo initiated a pick-and-roll with Olynyk. Slipping through the screen, Rondo drove inside before dishing out to Avery Bradley on the perimeter.
Jay's Clamps badge activated as he rotated over to contest the shot. Bradley's attempt clanged off the rim.
Jay thought to himself, This Defensive Anchor badge really works wonders against shooters.
As the game progressed, the Cavaliers leaned on their Big Three for offense, leaving Jay to roam the corners.
Midway through the first quarter, Jay finally found an opening. Receiving a pass from LeBron in the corner, he launched a three-pointer.
Swish!
Jay's first points of the game were on the board.
The first quarter ended with the Cavaliers leading 31–25. Jay had modest stats: one three-pointer, two free throws, and five points total.
In the second quarter, with Irving resting, Jay was tasked with running the point alongside LeBron and Love.
This lineup, featuring three players with excellent passing and court vision, proved deadly for the Celtics.
On one possession, LeBron and Love ran a pick-and-roll at the top of the key, drawing multiple defenders. LeBron kicked the ball to a wide-open Jay, who sank another three-pointer with his Catch and Shoot badge lighting up.
The Cavaliers' ball movement was seamless, leaving the Celtics scrambling.
Frustrated by the deficit, Rondo pushed the pace to try and close the gap.
Jay sagged off Rondo, daring him to shoot. Everyone knew Rondo's three-point shooting was unreliable.
Unfazed, Rondo initiated another pick-and-roll with Olynyk. This time, he broke free, driving into the paint.
Jay, wary of a potential Euro-step, didn't leap immediately. However, Rondo surprised everyone by executing a behind-the-back pass to Olynyk, who scored with ease.
Jay watched in disbelief. "Rondo's incredible," he muttered. He's turning Olynyk into an All-Star.
Rondo continued to orchestrate the Celtics' offense, dishing out assists to Jeff Green, Evan Turner, and Marcus Thornton. By halftime, he had racked up eight assists, keeping the game close.
The second quarter turned into a shootout, with the Celtics narrowly outscoring the Cavaliers 34–30.
At halftime, Cleveland held a slim 61–59 lead.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone