Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The chapter discusses the tactical challenges faced by the Heat's Big Three against the Mavericks' zone defense during the 2011 NBA Finals and parallels this with the Cavaliers' struggles against the Clippers. The Clippers utilized a zone defense to restrict scoring opportunities for James and Wade, forcing the Cavaliers to rely on their defense. Despite the hype surrounding the Cavaliers' Big Three, they struggled offensively, particularly in three-point shooting, similar to the Heat's difficulties in the past. Coach Adelman hesitated to make substitutions to improve shooting due to the pressure of showcasing the Big Three, fearing backlash if changes led to losses. The chapter highlights the Clippers' effective defensive strategies and the Cavaliers' aging lineup, which contributed to their inability to compete effectively. The score at the end of the first quarter was 15-13 in favor of the Clippers, and as the game progressed, the Clippers extended their lead, showcasing their depth and athleticism.

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