For the Celtics, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse.
The Trail Blazers, like a cunning hunter, lay in ambush in the mud for three and a half quarters, only to pull out a sharp dagger at the last moment.
Though the dagger hadn't completely pierced the heart of the Celtics, everyone could smell the dangerous scent of its blade.
A sense of panic spread throughout the Fleet Center. The sweet dreams of the Bostonians were about to be shattered by harsh reality.
On the bench, Bobby Berman calmed himself down. During the previous timeout, he was really bewildered.
Anyone would have been bewildered; the Trail Blazers' rhythm change was too quick, too fierce. They hadn't been lying low for just three quarters but had been setting up an ambush for a full seven quarters, starting from the last game.
Although the first game was more of a passive ambush because of the energy spent fighting the Lakers in Game 7, they hadn't fully recovered.
But it still played a confusing role, causing the young Celtics to lower their guard.
This was an intensity the Celtics hadn't encountered during the regular season. It was the Trail Blazers' decade-long foundation, energy accumulated by veterans over many years.
It was entirely normal that Berman and the players didn't respond immediately in such a short time.
Berman is ultimately a battle-hardened coach; he's withstood the immense pressure of the Finals.
During the four-peat, every year was a test and torment for Berman.
Like in 1991, Gan Guoyang forced Berman under pressure, nearly breaking him down that season.
Now, Gan Guoyang is still the one putting pressure on Berman; that familiar feeling has returned.
Before taking out the strategy board, he made personnel adjustments; he didn't sub out Ilgauskas and abandon the Twin Towers because he knew this was Gan Guoyang's psychological warfare.
Even if Ah Gan is indeed a Twin Tower Killer, will he not strike if you don't play the Twin Towers?
The combination of Ilgauskas and Duncan at the final moment is still the most effective and reliable.
Therefore, Berman wasn't swayed by Ah Gan's "temptation," and persisted in keeping the Twin Towers on court.
At the same time, he replaced Fox with the veteran Cliff-Robinson, forming a three-tall lineup for the final battle against the Trail Blazers.
In terms of strategy design, Berman employed a classic high double screen with dual weak-side ambush.
This routine has the most variations, the strongest adaptability, and has been used least in the series so far, being one of the nine tactics hidden in Berman's arsenal.
After setting up offense, Berman urged for continued defensive contraction, protecting the inside, with some allowance on the outside, betting on the Trail Blazers missing their shots.
This strategy seemed risky like gambling, but actually was a reliable choice because once the inside was breached by Ah Gan, points were certain to be lost.
Leaving the perimeter open would give more chances for rebounds and fast breaks due to Trail Blazers' inconsistent three-point shooting this season.
In this timeout, Berman made clear adjustments and setups, showing he was well-prepared, with contingency plans.
On the other side, on the Trail Blazers' bench, Rick Carlisle sat on the bench with his chin in hand, watching Gan Guoyang squatting in front, holding a strategy board to make his setup.
Gan Guoyang's arrangement was very targeted, saying, "That coward Bobby definitely doesn't dare to bench the Twin Towers, he's played it safe his whole life! Offensively, he'll surely use a screen-and-spread tactic. Remember, guard your own man, no switching, absolutely no switching!"
"Our offensive choice is simple, attack the basket. They'll undoubtedly contract, but it's okay, ensure offensive rebounds as much as possible, making good use of our personal abilities. The perimeter must also be ready for a lethal strike, guys!"
As Gan Guoyang set up, he encouraged his teammates, almost seeing through Berman's tactical arrangements at a glance.
The two worked together for so many years, Berman's cautiousness and attention to detail were ingrained, and Gan Guoyang knew this all too well.
Whether at Beiqiao High School, Gonzaga University, or Portland Trail Blazers, Berman always did the basic work and details particularly thoroughly, tactical arrangements skillfully, data usage proficiently, and possessed strong psychological endurance, but there was always a lack of sharpness in on-the-spot command.
And this missing sharpness was always complemented by Gan Guoyang, the two could be considered a match made in heaven.
Even his bold, aggressive approach after joining the Celtics was largely encouraged by Gan Guoyang.
Only Gan Guoyang can truly evoke the gambler's nature deep within Berman and activate his most aggressive side.
The prerequisite is that Gan Guoyang stands on his side.
The current situation is, Gan Guoyang stands in opposition.
From the first game till now, the Celtics have been stable like no other young team.
They were overly seeking stability, overly cautious, that they were unprepared both psychologically and rhythmically when abrupt changes occurred.
Berman's mentality was accurately grasped by Gan Guoyang. Both he and the entire Celtics were too eager for victory and success, making them too afraid of losing.
In comparison, the Trail Blazers were much more relaxed.
Except for Barkley who was still fighting tooth and nail for a championship, everyone else seemed quite at ease.
Terry Porter couldn't wait to retire with 10 rings and enjoy life.
Sabonis, Dell Curry, if not for their sons, wouldn't have continued playing.
Even Gan Guoyang himself had relaxed his mindset, whatever the outcome, just give it a go.