At halftime, the Lakers were trailing by 12 points, 55 to 67, as they entered the break.
Finally, in the third quarter, the stronger Lakers took the initiative in a quarter where energy management, rhythm adjustment, and tactical changes were key. With Zhang Hao leading a 6-0 run on three fast breaks, and relying on the offensive bursts and long shots by Sibaros and Van Exel, the Lakers reduced the deficit to 85-90 by the end of the quarter, outscoring the quarter 30 to 23.
At this point, the Lakers reversed the situation and took the initiative.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Zhang Hao made an unguarded three-pointer and Jason Williams grabbed an offensive rebound that led to Zhang Hao's dunk for a 2+1 play, sparking a 6-0 run to take the lead. Zhang Hao's dunk over Brian Grant further boosted the Lakers' morale!
