Chapter 35: Sixers’ Defensive Adjustment — Embiid Shifts the Momentum

With the Warriors taking a slim 2-point lead, the Sixers wasted no time capitalizing on Embiid's size and strength, quickly evening the score at 38–38.

For the remainder of the second quarter, the two teams battled for control. The Sixers struggled to contain Tang Lei's off-ball movement, repeatedly allowing him open looks, but the Warriors also failed to contain Embiid's powerful presence in the paint and the hot shooting hand of Saric. The two teams traded leads, basket for basket, until the halftime buzzer finally sounded.

Score: 62–62.

In the locker room, Coach Kerr emphasized adjustments on offense and defensive schemes aimed at doubling down on Embiid. The first half had been intense, and the Warriors knew they needed every edge they could muster to keep pace with this championship-caliber opponent.

On the other side of the world, fans packed the Tencent live-stream chat, smashing attendance records set during the Warriors' showdown with the Rockets. With over 2 million viewers tuning in, Tencent even upgraded their servers to prevent the crashes that had occurred last game. In the downtime, viewers bantered and analyzed, creating a lively atmosphere as they watched the courtside cheerleaders, decked out in festive Christmas attire, perform during the break.

When the second half began, the intensity picked right up where it had left off. Tang Lei, now leading the Warriors with 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting, wasted no time taking advantage of his hot hand.

On their first possession, he used Kerr's advice to maneuver through screens, shaking off Butler's defense and getting an open look. However, just as he was about to shoot, the Sixers' defense sprang into action, switching seamlessly and closing down his space. Tang pulled back, adjusting his dribble, and launched a deep three-pointer, but as he moved, the Sixers doubled him.

Tang passed out of the double-team to a wide-open Draymond Green. Unfortunately, Green's three-pointer bounced off the rim, missing by a frustratingly wide margin.

The Sixers saw their chance. Simmons and Embiid executed a flawless pick-and-roll that ended in a thunderous alley-oop dunk from Embiid, putting the Sixers back up by two. The scoreboard read:

Score: 62–64.

Kerr's Warriors continued to struggle as the Sixers employed a tactic of doubling Tang Lei and daring Green to shoot, effectively shutting down the Warriors' offense. In the next possession, Tang found himself once again trapped by Butler and Saric. Forced to pass, the ball made its way to Curry, but he too was stifled by Simmons' relentless defense. With only seconds left on the shot clock, Curry took a difficult, contested shot — and missed.

The Sixers pushed the ball downcourt, and Embiid capitalized with a rebound, flinging an outlet pass to Butler, who finished with a dunk.

Score: 62–66.

Over the next few possessions, the Warriors struggled to get clean looks, while the Sixers leaned heavily on Embiid and their strong transition game to build a solid lead. Kerr tried rallying the team as Green attempted another three-pointer — only to miss again.

The Sixers widened their lead to twelve, taking command of the game with a 17–5 run. With frustration mounting, Kerr signaled for a timeout.

The Warriors' bench exchanged frustrated glances as they circled around Kerr, desperate for a spark to reignite their offense. They knew they needed to counter the Sixers' adjusted defensive strategy — and fast — if they hoped to regain control.