The half ended, with the Cavaliers leading the Lakers by a whopping 15 points, 58 to 43.
The Cavaliers made 7 out of 14 three-point shots in the first half, achieving an accuracy of 50 percent.
Irving was the leading contributor for the Cavaliers in the first half, making 9 of his 11 shots, hitting 7 out of 8 free throws, and scoring a game-high 27 points.
"Do you want the game to end like this, letting everyone mock you for not earning that damn respect? Or do you want to come with me and win this damn game?!"
After entering the player's tunnel, Kobe cornered James against the wall.
Having been suppressed for the half, his emotions finally erupted.
This was the first time James had lost control like this since he joined the Lakers.
James didn't answer, but lowered his head.
It wasn't until the end of the first half that he realized something—he, who had always been compared to Hansen, had unexpectedly matched up with the young Irving for half the game.
