LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 31: The Christmas Showdown
The day after the Cavaliers' narrow win over the Hawks, Tyronn Lue called a team meeting at the practice facility.
In the meeting, Lue reviewed the game. Though the Cavs had won, they couldn't always rely on buzzer-beaters to save them—especially with three stars on the roster.
Lue pointed out a few key issues and wrapped up by praising Jay Sun.
Lue's trust in Jay wasn't blind faith. Jay had proven time and again that he deserved every bit of confidence.
Of course, winning over LeBron's trust was the real game-changer.
Meanwhile, Dion Waiters sat quietly in the corner, distant from the rest of the team. He knew his days in Cleveland were numbered.
After the Hawks game, the Cavaliers had a string of relatively easy matchups.
On December 20, they cruised past the Nets 100-91.
Joe Johnson and an aging Kevin Garnett couldn't hold back the onslaught of LeBron James.
On December 22, the Cavs dismantled the Grizzlies 110-91.
Even with Marc Gasol putting up an All-Star performance with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, it wasn't enough.
Zach Randolph was sidelined with injuries, and Vince Carter was far from his prime.
On December 24, the Cavaliers thrashed the Timberwolves 125-104.
This game had a special spotlight—the clash of Rookie of the Month winners from the East and West.
It was also Andrew Wiggins' first game against the team that drafted him.
The media was abuzz with stories:
"East vs. West: The Battle of Rookie of the Month Winners" "The No. 1 Pick Faces His Old Team" "Wiggins Confronts the Man Who Traded Him—LeBron James"
Wiggins came out fired up, as if fueled by a personal grudge.
He put up an impressive stat line: 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block with 56.3% shooting from the field. He nailed all three of his three-point attempts and went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line.
It was a statement performance. Wiggins was clearly sending a message to the Cavs' front office: "You made a mistake by trading me."
Jay, however, wasn't about to be overshadowed.
In the fourth quarter, Jay hit four consecutive threes, breaking the game open and sealing the victory for Cleveland.
Jay finished with 25 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.
While Wiggins outscored Jay, Jay's points came at critical moments, making a bigger impact.
And with five assists, Jay demonstrated his playmaking skills, showing he wasn't just a scorer.
Comparing the two rookies, most observers were more impressed with Jay's all-around game.
Still, Wiggins' physical gifts drew praise from fans and analysts alike.
The Rookie of the Year race was heating up.
After the Timberwolves game, the real marquee matchup was next:
The Christmas Showdown.
LeBron James would return to Miami to face the Heat for the first time since leaving.
December 26.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric.
Fans in Miami held up signs calling LeBron a traitor.
But LeBron, ever the professional, greeted his former teammates warmly. He shared an embrace with Dwyane Wade and exchanged handshakes with Heat staff.
Tip-off.
The Cavs won possession, with Kyrie Irving bringing the ball up the court.
Facing Mario Chalmers, Kyrie wasted no time—he went straight into attack mode, blowing past Chalmers for an easy layup.
On the other end, the Heat ran a set play.
Luol Deng, now Miami's starting forward, was supposed to fill the void left by LeBron. But Deng simply wasn't the same caliber of player.
Deng caught the ball and took a long two-pointer, only for LeBron to contest the shot and force a miss.
LeBron grabbed the rebound and brought the ball up himself.
Facing Deng, he powered his way into the paint before dishing it to Anderson Varejao for an easy dunk.
The Heat's next possession saw Wade take control.
Wade signaled for his teammates to spread out. He wanted to go one-on-one.
Guarding Wade?
Jay Sun.
Jay kept a close eye on Wade, following his every move.
Though he held a Wade badge in his player card, Jay still felt nervous facing the real thing.
Wade dribbled in and out, trying to shift Jay's balance.
Suddenly, he exploded toward the basket.
Jay stuck with him, staying glued to his hip. But Wade's strength was undeniable.
With one hard bump, Wade created space and finished at the rim.
On the next possession, Kevin Love set a screen for Jay.
Jay zigzagged through the defense, slipping past Wade.
LeBron, reading the play perfectly, delivered a pinpoint pass.
Jay caught the ball and fired a three.
Wade jumped to contest, his fingertips brushing the ball.
"Rebound!" Wade yelled.
The ball bounced off the front rim, kissed the backboard, and dropped in.
Jay let out a sigh of relief. A lucky bounce.
Wade returned the favor on the next possession, orchestrating a series of off-ball screens that freed up Mario Chalmers for a corner three.
Chalmers drained it.
Both teams traded baskets until the first quarter ended with the Heat up 30-27.
In the second quarter, Jay took over.
Running a pick-and-roll with Love, Jay attacked the paint before dishing it to Shawn Marion in the corner.
Marion's three-pointer found the bottom of the net.
Jay: +1 assist.
On defense, Jay faced Wade again.
This time, Jay anticipated Wade's moves better.
When Wade started his drive, Jay had already taken a step back to give himself more room to react.
As Wade tried to finish with his signature Euro step, Jay wasn't fooled.
"I've seen this move before!"
Jay mirrored Wade's every step, sticking to him like a shadow.
Wade's shot clanged off the rim. Kevin Love grabbed the rebound.
Wade stared at Jay, his expression a mix of surprise and respect.
"This kid's good."
What Wade didn't know was how much time Jay had spent studying his tape—pausing, rewinding, analyzing every detail.
Sometimes, Jay even stayed up all night watching Wade's clips.
Thanks to Jay's defense, the Cavs dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Heat 32-22.
By halftime, the Cavs led 59-52.