In this substitution period, the Cavaliers surprisingly not only avoided being outscored but managed to tie the game by the time the starters returned.
It was something no one had anticipated, yet everyone witnessed with their own eyes.
Everyone had underestimated this team's desire for victory.
And this was crucial.
By halftime, both teams were tied at 64.
The Heat Team was strong, and the Cavaliers couldn't stop their fierce offensive firepower, but they matched the Heat's score with a superior offensive performance!
"If the Heat Team can't pull ahead in the third quarter, they're really going to be in trouble," Barkley became increasingly excited at the commentary table.
Spoelstra's strategy wasn't wrong, but if Hansen had normal stamina entering the fourth quarter, then it would be the Heat Team that would have trouble.
After all, who could outscore Hansen when it mattered most in the fourth quarter?