On the court, it was the Lakers' offensive turn, and Qin Yue, who finally got a chance to crush Kobe's basketball dreams, swatted Kobe's layup out of bounds with a powerful volleyball-like block.

"Is that all you've got? LeBron's layups are way tougher than yours." In the Warriors' Forbidden Area, Qin Yue took the opportunity to taunt Kobe with a glance, having just shattered his basketball dream.

This was a taunt that instantly got under Kobe's skin.

Although in this lifetime, the NBA hadn't yet kicked off the highly publicized "23VS24" event, the ever-competitive Kobe couldn't stand Qin Yue's kind of taunt, where he praises someone else to put him down.

On the court, after the Lakers inbounded the ball, Kobe first elbowed Ah Tai and then bumped off Biedrins, using a dunk to finish the attack.

However, before he could respond, Qin Yue was quick to say, "No wonder they say your Slam Dunk Contest victory lacks gold; Vince Carter's dunks are at least ten thousand times better than yours, in my opinion."

Kobe: "..."

How can one describe Kobe's feelings at this moment?

In short, he was pissed.

"Win a Slam Dunk Contest yourself, and then talk about my dunks!"

"Just wait, I'm winning the Slam Dunk Contest this year."

Will Qin Yue participate in the Slam Dunk Contest?

Of course, he will.

Qin Yue is very clear, although his dunk style is destined not to be elegant...

But in his mind, he has those creative and powerful dunks that Aaron Gordon will do in the future.

Moreover, as a player who never goes back on his word...

Since Qin Yue promised to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, he wouldn't just participate casually.

Halfway through the first quarter.

This game, which is extremely intense and far exceeds the usual playoff game intensity, finally reached a scheduled timeout.

Scoreboard, 12 to 11.

In the repeated physical confrontations where both teams seemed more interested in fighting than playing basketball, the score proved that both teams' shooting touch was quite affected as a result.

During the timeout, Kobe initially intended to commend Odom's defense tonight...

But who would've thought...

His right-hand man, at this moment, was more interested in sneaking some glances at the beauties?

On the Warriors' bench, Qin Yue was deeply frustrated with Odom, on which he and Mike Malone completely saw eye to eye.

After the timeout, to break through the Lakers' fortress, the Warriors actively adjusted their formation, bringing in Deng Liwei and pulling out Biedrins.

As a result, the Warriors' on-court lineup shifted to a big and four smalls with Qin Yue, Ah Tai, Richardson, Deng Liwei, and Jack.

On the Lakers' bench, Jackson turned to assistant coach Brian Shaw and asked, "Are they trying to speed up?"

Shaw shook his head and said, "I think they're planning to crash our interior."

Shaw guessed correctly.

As the game's intensity suggested Qin Yue could play the entire match without regaining his shooting touch, Malone and he both thought...

At times like this, he must go for a heavy hit in the interior.

A big and four smalls formation could fully spread the floor.

As for defense...

On the court, it was the Lakers' offensive turn.

Artest was still mainly guarding Kobe on defense.

But different from the previous man-to-man defense, the Warriors switched to a box-and-one.

On TNT TV Station, Barkley commented, "They say a box-and-one is 'kiddie tactics'....

But now, these 'grown-ups' in the NBA have clearly forgotten how much they previously looked down on these 'kiddie tactics'.

In certain specific matches, the box-and-one tactic has already proven its value.

The Warriors want to play big and four smalls, relying on Qin Yue for the inside.

So, with only Artest able to slightly handle Kobe, the other four's help defense to protect the restricted area is undoubtedly the optimal solution.

At the three-point line's top, under Gasol's patient breaking, the Lakers found Shane Battier lurking at the baseline through successive ball movements by Gasol and Odom.

This elite forward from Duke showcased his big heart, hitting a three-pointer steadily.

This was the first three-pointer made by both teams in this game.

To be able to maintain shooting precision amidst such intense confrontation...

Battier indeed lives up to his "Batman" (Batman) nickname.

Then, it was the Warriors' turn to overcome the Lakers' fortress.

The Warriors' big and four smalls lineup fully spanned the court.

However, after seeing the on-court configuration and positioning of the Warriors' players...

On the Lakers' bench, Jackson's rare change of expression revealed surprise, "They're playing a triangle offense too?"

Basketball games have never had out-of-date tactics.

As long as there are suitable players, any tactic can be called advanced with some adjustments.

The Warriors' triangle offense was nothing but to create a one-on-one opportunity for Qin Yue to take on Odom in the low post.

Because only here could Qin Yue fully leverage his weight advantage.

Thud—!

Thud—!

On the left low block, as soon as he violently shoved Odom aside, Qin Yue spun and used his wingspan to slam the ball into the hoop.

This low post backing-down move displayed Qin Yue's talent that burst off the screen, once again washing away everyone's preconceived notions.

Because, typically considering the distance Qin Yue had left after spinning from the back-down...

Most inside players would choose to use a hook or a floater to finish the play.

But Qin Yue could dunk it in.

On the sidelines, Kohler enhanced her admiration for Qin Yue's raw and wild dunk with her dynamic "wave swaying".

Yet, the rebellious girl Jenna, who had already purposefully pulled up her jersey to reveal her navel, was more convinced that Qin Yue's wink directed toward the stands was meant for her.

On the court, the bickering between Kobe and Qin Yue continued.

"Your back-down move was way inferior to Shaq's in his prime."

"Don't mention that bum who can't win a championship after leaving you in front of me!"

Friends come and go, but in the championship-banner-flying Staples Center, only Shaquille O'Neal could make Qin Yue and Kobe become close bros for a fleeting moment.

"If you're so bold, don't assist—just shoot."

"Then dare you tell Pau Gasol to put away that damn pick and roll and go one-on-one with Ron?"

"I don't even need a screen to take on that stand-up comedian."

"Then why do you assume I'm Kobe Bryant—the nut who can't pass the ball?"

At the Staples Center, along with the repeated quarrels between Qin Yue and Kobe...

With the end of the first quarter, 27 to 25.

In the second half of the first quarter, Odom, who got all aggressive with Qin Yue in a fit of jealousy, became the most disheartened player in this game.

Because, in a way, being "offensive to his elders" by Qin Yue...

Not only did he have to endure Qin Yue's wrath on the court, but off it, he also had to endure Kohler's continuous advances toward Qin Yue.

What was even more frustrating...

Qin Yue simply did not care about Kohler, the treasure Odom cherished.

From beginning to end...

Throughout the night, his eyes were only on Kobe!

...

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