There was a sharp smack.
Tristan Thompson got to the ball first and tipped it back into the Cleveland Cavaliers' half, giving them the first possession of the game.
Kyrie Irving dribbled across half court.
Just as he reached midcourt, his teammate Kevin Love darted in from the wing, ready to receive the ball.
Kyrie Irving's eyes flashed, and he sent a precise pass straight to Kevin Love.
However, Kevin Love didn't try to drive with the ball. Instead, he quickly turned to look at J.R. Smith, who was stationed in the corner.
As if they shared a telepathic connection, J.R. Smith immediately understood and sprinted toward Kevin Love without hesitation.
In the blink of an eye, the two completed a beautiful handoff.
Just then, two Boston Celtics players—Gordon Hayward and Giannis Antetokounmpo—switched assignments at astonishing speed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo shifted in a flash, like a moving mountain, and quickly planted himself in front of J.R. Smith.
J.R. Smith was secretly delighted. This meant he had a perfect mismatch, with a smaller defender guarding him.
He took a deep breath and swayed his body nimbly, trying to fool Giannis Antetokounmpo before taking a mid-range shot.
Unfortunately, J.R. Smith had underestimated Giannis Antetokounmpo's defense.
Just as he was about to jump and shoot, Giannis Antetokounmpo soared into the air like an eagle taking flight and blocked J.R. Smith's mid-range attempt head-on.
His enormous hand was like an impenetrable barrier, mercilessly swatting the ball away.
The blocked ball happened to fall into the hands of Tony Allen, who had been waiting nearby for his chance.
Tony Allen reacted instantly, grabbing the ball and launching a fast break without hesitation.
He raced up the court with long, powerful strides.
As he ran, Tony Allen's sharp eyes picked out Goodwin, who was streaking ahead, leading