That block completely swung the momentum, and the on-site fans' emotions instantly reached their peak.
The Cavaliers inbounded from the sideline again. James kicked it out to Delly on his final drive, but Holiday defended him into a 24-second violation.
The Pelicans attacked the frontcourt again. After a pick-and-roll, Tang Tian broke through James's help defense and finished a soaring layup for two points.
The stamina advantage Stevens had been waiting for was starting to show.
The gap had been cut to 6 points!
With three minutes left, the Pelicans had every chance!
Lue raised his hand and called a timeout.
This stretch of scoring drought from the Cavaliers was deadly. He had to draw up a play to get points first.
The two-minute timeout felt as long as a century to the waiting on-site fans.
Quite a few fans holding streamers were beside themselves with anxiety.
Whether the Pelicans could raise the championship trophy at home for the second straight year depended on these last three minutes.
"Beep~"
At last, the timeout ended, and both teams returned to the court.
Both sides had their full starting lineups out now.
The decisive battle of the last three minutes.
James continued to control the ball at the top of the arc.
Lue was not Cole. In crucial moments, he always chose the most reliable tactic: give the damn ball to James.
James continued attacking Tang Tian. He charged into the three-second zone, and Davis stepped up to help, forming a death trap from New Orleans's twin cores.
James came to a sudden stop and launched a deep Fadeaway Jumper.
It was a beautiful choice. The ball sailed over the heavy double-team from Tang Tian and Davis.
The ball dropped into the basket.
But then it bounced back out!
The arc had