Jackson was evidently anxious; he could even anticipate what might happen in the second half, all deeply engraved in those terrible memories.
As the third quarter began, the Lakers treated it as a formidable battle; Jide, Tracy McGrady, and Robert Horry were ordered to assist in defending Gan Guoyang when necessary.
Indeed, Gan Guoyang started the third quarter with much more agility than in the first half, immediately moving to the low post to call for the ball.
The Lakers double-teamed, Gan Guoyang took the ball, passed it, positioned himself on the other side, took the ball again, and the Lakers shrink and double-team once more.
But this time Gan Guoyang did not forcefully attack; instead, he passed the ball to Kobe cutting through the center line, number 8 Kobe took the ball and soared, scoring a left-handed dunk!
This play marked the first strike in the Trail Blazers' counterattack against the Lakers in the third quarter.
