At halftime, the score was a staggering 64-35. The Orlando Magic were down by a full 29 points.
As the third quarter began, the Orlando Magic faced an even more suffocating defense and relentless offensive firepower from Boston.
Pierce was absolutely on fire on offense. Neither Michael Redd nor Mike Miller could withstand Pierce's one-on-one attacks, which combined size, footwork, and rhythm. They were all as fragile as paper.
On the defensive end, Garnett completely shut down all of O'Neal Jr.'s offensive routes. The Orlando Magic's highly anticipated cornerstone in the paint, facing Garnett's overwhelming long arms, made only 3 of 14 shots and scored a paltry 8 points.
When the final buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter, the massive 41-point deficit meant that the entire fourth quarter became a showcase for Boston's bench players.
Even during garbage time, the Orlando Magic still didn't get any respite.
Stephen Jackson, who had just returned to the NBA from an overseas league, completely turned the fourth quarter into his personal showcase. This swingman, who had spent several years in Europe, possessed an untamed and reckless nature, displaying a completely unreasonable "core style" on the court.
Facing Orlando Magic rookie Gilbert Arenas Gilbert Arenas, Jackson made two consecutive crossovers at the top of the arc, then forced his way into the paint and drew a foul. On the next possession, he even hit an incredibly arrogant drifting three-pointer from the left corner, despite Türkoğlu's tight block and his loss of balance. After landing, Jackson immediately made a "shut up" gesture towards the Magic's bench.
On the defensive end, Andrei Kirilenko, the Russia rookie with flowing blond hair, showed the audience what true defensive artistry is.
His defensive area covered the entire half court. He first intercepted Gilbert Arenas ' pass beyond the three-point line and completed a fast break dunk. Then, on the next possession, he burst out from the weak side with incredible speed, slamming Mike Miller's seemingly inevitable layup against the backboard. The sheer size of his help defense made the Magic's reserves even subconsciously develop a psychological aversion when driving into the paint, causing their movements to become somewhat distorted.
Wang Zhizhi also displayed excellent form after entering the game in the fourth quarter. Under Billups's extremely experienced guidance, Wang Zhizhi cleverly moved to the high post to set screens and pop out. Facing the Magic's backup center's clumsy footwork, he hit two consecutive signature three-pointers. The moment the basketball went through the net, the Chinese fans in the arena erupted in a roaring cheer.
With three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the score was 111-68.
Coach Rick Carlisle glanced at the timer, then turned to look at the far end of the bench.
" Brian, come on."
Upon hearing the coach's call, a tall man with red hair, fair skin, and a slightly overweight build jumped to his feet.
Brian Scalabrine, this year's second-round pick.
As Scalabrine took off his warm-up suit and walked toward the scorer's table.
The huge central screen hanging above the stadium suddenly flickered.
Immediately afterwards, a man wearing a tight T-shirt, a thick beard, and sunglasses appeared on the big screen. He began to sway his hips in an extremely flamboyant manner to the 1970s disco song "You Should Be Dancing".
This is the Boston Celtics ' famous and exclusive home celebration – " Gino Time "!
This extremely retro and sarcastic disco video is only played on the arena's big screen during garbage time when the Celtics have a large lead at home and the game is already decided, as a way to declare the opponent's death sentence.
As the entire arena clapped along to the disco music, Scalabrine stepped onto the official NBA hardboard amidst a roar of "GINO TIME."
He didn't disappoint the fervent atmosphere. In his first offensive possession, Scalabrine cleverly found an open space in the corner, received a pass from Billups, and, with a less-than-perfect but extremely steady motion, sank a three-pointer.
"Boom--!"
The entire arena erupted. Garnett and Pierce on the bench jumped up excitedly, waving white towels wildly, as if Scalabrine had just hit a game-winning shot.
As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard showed a final score of 115 to 72.
A massive 43-point difference.
Chris Paul Pierce finished his work in three quarters, scoring an extremely efficient 32 points. Kevin Garnett had 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Gary Payton easily dished out 12 assists, making life miserable for the Orlando Magic's backcourt.
The moment the final whistle blew, the menacing atmosphere on the field vanished instantly.
Garnett tugged at his jersey, strode to center court, put his arm around the neck of Orlando Magic Brad Miller, and patted his white brother, who had once been his backup in Boston, hard. The two whispered something to each other.
On the other side, Pierce and Michael Redd were also hugging.
Türkoğlu also came over and shook hands and hugged Rasheed Wallace and Coach Rick Carlisle.
These former Boston players, who were traded away just a few summers ago, stood in the center of the court, looking at the championship banner on the dome, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.
While the players were exchanging pleasantries, Lin Qi had already reached the entrance to the players' tunnel on the sidelines.
Orlando Magic head coach Doc Rivers was heading towards the visiting team's locker room when he looked up and bumped into Lin Qi. He quickly walked over, habitually raising his clipboard to cover his mouth, and muttered a complaint in a low voice.
" Lin Qi, how can you be so ruthless? It's the fourth quarter, and you're still letting Rasheed and Billups lead that Russia monster on the court? When I get back to Orlando tomorrow, the local media will tear me apart!"
" Doc, don't be so smug." Lin Qi chuckled at Doc Rivers's bitter face, lowering his voice in return, "If I hadn't practically given you these starters this summer, you wouldn't have lost by 43 points tonight, you would have lost by 60. Go back and practice O'Neal Jr.'s low post game; he was completely dominated by Kevin today."
Doc Rivers, his sore spot touched, could only sigh helplessly, roll his eyes, and walk into the passageway.
Lin Qi turned and headed toward the home team's locker room.
Pushing open the door, I found the locker room Heat. The players, who had just unleashed their fury on the court, were now tearing off ice packs from their bodies while loudly bragging to each other.
The locker room fell silent for a moment when Lin Qi walked in.
Lin Qi put one hand in his pocket, glanced at the group of sweaty players, and smiled easily.
"Well done, guys."
Lin Qi clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Hurry up and take a shower and change your clothes. Nobody should go home tonight. I've booked the whole place at a top-notch steakhouse in the harbor area. Everyone's going."
Upon hearing that they would be eating Boston's most expensive steak, cheers erupted in the locker room, and Stephen Jackson even whistled excitedly.
"However..." Lin Qi paused deliberately, looking at Pierce and Garnett, and half-jokingly teased, "When we go, please stop giving me those looks that make me look like I'm going bankrupt. Don't worry, even if we really lose tens of millions of dollars next year... we can still afford to treat everyone to meat."
"Hahaha! I want to order two of the most expensive tomahawk steaks!" Garnett led the laughter, throwing the towel in his hand into the air.
The atmosphere in the locker room was completely ignited; all the heavy psychological burdens were gone, replaced only by the joy of victory and the anticipation of tonight's feast.