Starting from the last bus in the NBA

Chapter 195 Inflated Self-Confidence
May 5, Seattle, Key Arena.

Before the game starts, there is another important ceremony, of course, this is for Wang Hao.

Even for the entire league, this is no small matter.

Before the start of the game, NBA officials will conduct a simple awards ceremony at the game site.

That's right, nearly a month after the end of the regular season, various awards have also been released.

The first to be announced is naturally the best sixth man and the most improved player, these two less important awards.

The Most Improved Player was won by Jalen Rose of the Pacers.

That's right, it's this guy who will almost kill Kobe in the Finals.

Many years later, Jaylen Rose also admitted that he did it on purpose, just for the championship ring.

It was precisely because of this incident that Kobe's 81-point performance in a single game came about.

Last season, Jaylen Rose averaged 11.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. This performance can only be regarded as a qualified role player.

However, under the guidance of Larry Bird, Jaylen Rose averaged 18.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4 assists per game this season.

Moreover, not only the superficial improvement in data, but also in efficiency, his shooting rate has increased from 40% to 47%.

Then the best sixth man was won by Rodney Rogers of the Suns, and there was no suspense in the voting.

He averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season, and he performed very well.

In terms of performance alone, Cedric Ceballos of the Mavericks and McGrady of the Raptors performed even better.

It's just that the situation of the two is somewhat similar, both of them have played too many games as starters.

The best rookie award should have been announced earlier, but the league deliberately postponed it.

As for the reason, it is also very simple, that is for the awards.

Just yesterday, the league just announced the best rookie and the best rookie team.

In the end, Wang Hao won the best rookie award.

It seems to be a well-deserved award, but according to the media's revelations, Wang Hao's victory is very dangerous.

He only got 36% of the votes from the media and commentators, not even half of them.

As for the most ruthless split votes, it is naturally Elton Brand and Steve Francis.

Among them, Elton Brand won 32% of the vote, and Francis also had 30% of the vote.

Even Odom, who played well, was abandoned.

In any case, Wang Hao is the best in terms of personal data and team performance.

Especially the performance in the playoffs has drawn Wang Hao a lot of support, otherwise, it would be really dangerous.

I have to say, this is kind of nonsense.

This is just a vote for the best rookie, what if it is replaced by other more important awards?
For such a situation, Wang Hao was actually mentally prepared, but when he really encountered it, he was still a little uncomfortable.

In addition to the best rookie, the best team has also been announced.

All-Rookie First Team: Wang Hao, Elton Brand, Francis, Odom and Szczerbiak.

However, the All-Rookie Second Team, Andre Miller, Artest, Sean Mario, James Posey and Jason Terry.

"Congratulations, king!"

After all, it was their own players who won the award, and now the fans are naturally giving face and cheering constantly.

However, compared to the awards, everyone values ​​the performance in the next game more.

Losing two games in a row, by this time, the Supersonics had already fought to the death, and there was no room for maneuver.

----

"My God, the Sonics have made a huge change. I don't know if they can win the game today?"

With the release of the Supersonic starting lineup, it can be said that everyone was stunned, which is a little unbelievable.

Because this starting lineup can be said to have broken everyone's notions and is simply unpredictable.

The first is the outside line. Ruben Patterson, who has been working hard on the defensive end, was taken off the starting lineup.

And to replace him, at the beginning of the season, the veteran Brent Barry has been firmly occupying the starting lineup.

Such an adjustment is not difficult to understand. After all, the Lakers' offense, especially O'Neal, is too incomprehensible.

A starting defensive player cannot help the team too much.

The Sonics need to improve their offense. As early as the last game, they replaced Ruben Patterson with Lewis.

In fact, the effect of doing so does have, but limited.

In addition, there is another adjustment, that is, Lewis replaces Vin Baker as the starter.

To be honest, Rashad Lewis is not an orthodox insider, but more like an outside player with an inside body.

No matter how bad Wen Baker is, his height and weight are still there.

Taking Wen Baker out of the starting lineup can only explain one problem. The Sonics have given up their defense on the inside.

"Abandoning defense means that the Sonics are going to play offense, they have to speed up and play against the Lakers.

The loss of the previous two games allowed the Sonics to come up with a subversive tactical play.

Whether it can play a role, whether it can beat the Lakers, let us wait and see. "

Naturally, CCTV would not miss this game, and began broadcasting the game early in the morning.

From Wang Hao receiving the award on the spot, CCTV spent a lot of time and various pre-match preparations.

It can be said that they also attach great importance to this game.

Among other things, just because Wang Hao won the award, this is also the first time in China.

"Both sides started jumping the ball, oh, Hores won it, it's not easy.

Among the jump balls facing O'Neal before, Horace only won once. It can be seen that he is in good condition today. "

With the sound of Sun Zhengping's voice, the TV screens also appeared in thousands of households in China.

Especially today is the weekend, which attracted a large number of student parties.

"Brother Hao, come on, beat the Lakers."

"Yes, this is a home game, and the Sonics will definitely win."

"So what about Kobe? If it wasn't for O'Neal, Brother Hao would have blown up this guy long ago."

……

As the game between the Lakers and the Sonics began, the game played quite unrestrainedly at the beginning.

Horace grabbed the ball, Gary Payton held the ball, and without delay even a second, he directly found Wang Hao in the frontcourt.

Wang Hao is not polite either, he just threw it with his hands.

As for Glenn Rice who defended him, Lewis has already blocked him. As for AC Green, he hasn't reacted yet.

"Shh!"

3:0
In less than 5 seconds of the opening, the Supersonics played fast and slow, and hit a three-pointer first.

In fact, that's the Sonic's opening tactic.

If the jump ball is successful, it will give the Lakers a different feeling on the first offense.

It's good to be able to make a shot. Even if you can't make a shot, you should play out the speed and let the Lakers feel it in advance.

The Lakers' offense still hit O'Neal on the inside, and what awaited him was naturally double-teaming.

Again, Paul Westphal decided to play fast, but he didn't give up on defense.

There is not enough manpower inside, so how to defend O'Neal?Naturally, double-teaming, unlimited double-teaming.

Before the game, the head coach had already said that he allowed the Lakers to shoot outside, but he couldn't see O'Neal score.

What a hatred!
Sure enough, O'Neal just played here, and the defense of Brent Barry and Lewis has already come up.

No way, O'Neal can only pass the ball.

Glen Rice relied on O'Neal to attract the defense, and his mid-to-long-range shots were unguarded, making steady hits.

3:2
Almost at the moment the ball was scored, the Supersonics had already responded.

Horace served from the bottom line, Gary Payton was about to receive the serve, and the remaining three were already running towards the frontcourt.

After receiving the ball, Gary Payton did not delay, ran two steps, and immediately passed the ball.

No matter how fast a person runs, can he still be as fast as a ball?
On the Lakers side, only Kobe and Ron Harper retreated to their own half, and the ball has come.

Brent Barry barely stopped the ball, and immediately gave the ball to Lewis who was following up, and he immediately set a screen for Wang Hao.

After Wang Hao made an air cut, Lewis' pass immediately followed.

With just so many passes, the Lakers' defense has been stretched to pieces.

O'Neal, who was returning to defense, rushed towards Wang Hao almost in a stress response.

At this time, Wang Hao made a very light ground pass, but it was Gary Payton who inserted it from the back row.

It is impossible for O'Neal to return to the basket again.

"Shh!"

5:2
"Oh my god, 4 passes, 8 seconds, the Sonics did another play.

The Lakers looked clumsy, they couldn't keep up with the Sonics, they were just struggling. "

……

Although the voice of the TV commentary could not be heard, Wang Hao could imagine it.

As long as they can play a wonderful offense and help the TV station increase its ratings, they will definitely praise it.

What's more, the Sonics' offense is really exciting.

The Lakers attacked again. This time, O'Neal did not pass the ball after being double-teamed, but chose to play hard.

It's ridiculous, because he really succeeded.

Fortunately, it only caused a foul, but did not score, just let O'Neal go to the free throw line.

It is still the traditional one of two free throws.

5:3
At this time, the Sonics quickly served the ball again, Gary Payton advanced at high speed, and handed the ball to Wang Hao immediately.

That's the Sonic's tactic, which is to love as much as possible.

This time, the Lakers reacted very quickly, and immediately chose to retreat collectively.

It's just that, seeing O'Neal's quicker moves than in the offense, how many rounds can he last?

Falling into positional warfare, supersonic also has a way.

Wang Hao returned the ball to Gary Payton, and then quickly started running, but he wasn't the only one running.

Almost instantly, the other four supersonic players all moved, constantly moving positions, and picking and rolling each other.

On one side, Brent Barry made a pick-and-roll for Wang Hao, and on the other hand, Wang Hao made a pick-and-roll for Horace.

In the end, when Wang Hao almost ran out of space, he successfully attracted the defense, and Lewis hit a three-pointer from the bottom line.

8:3
Wang Hao and Lewis hit three-pointers successively. I have to say that they are in really good form today.

On the sidelines of the game, Phil Jackson, the Zen master who has always been as immobile as a mountain, is already frowning.

In these few rounds of the game, he saw the shadow of the last round of the game and saw the offense of the Kings.

In the last round of the series, it seemed that the score difference in each game was not small, but the game was actually quite thrilling.

If it weren't for the Kings' decisive ability at critical moments, the game would be hard to say.

This also means that before the final battle comes, the Kings must widen the point difference to a certain extent.

Otherwise, no one will stand up at the critical moment.

There is no way, the entire Kings offense is playing Princeton, and the emphasis is on passing and running.

Everyone has an opportunity to attack, which is naturally the best way to play during regular time.

But when it comes to critical moments, there are still rookie stars.

The Kings also have star Chris Webber, but as a power forward, after all, it is a bit difficult to support.

As for the outside line of the Kings, Pejakovic has not yet grown up, and white chocolate is a double-edged sword.

The white chocolate style of play is only suitable for highlights, not for the playoffs.

The Supersonic is different. At the critical moment, both Gary Payton and Wang Hao can make the final decision.

At the moment when Phil Jackson lost his mind, the Supersonics fought back again, and the point difference was further widened.

12:5
You know, from the opening to the present, only 4 minutes have passed, and the Sonics have already scored 12 points.

It can be said that allowing the opponent to get such a high score, the Lakers' defense is useless.

"pause!"

Without any hesitation, Phil Jackson immediately stood up and applied for a timeout with the technical desk.

"Oh, Zen master is the most inaccurate, it can be seen that the supersonic strategy is effective.

Moreover, we must also note that when will O'Neill's physical problems break out?
It is too difficult for him to keep running back and forth on the field, or to go at a high speed! "

……

"You guys, you've done a good job. Continue to maintain this state. The guy on the other side is already in a hurry."

Paul Westphal is constantly boosting morale, and when the team is on the right path, there is not much the head coach needs to do.

When the two sides returned to the game, the Lakers really made adjustments, and Robert Hawley replaced AC Green.

To be honest, this substitution surprised Wang Hao.

The purpose of Phil Jackson is very simple, that is to increase the speed, and use the speed to limit the offense of the Sonics.

As long as there are four people retreating, it can basically be done, preventing the Supersonics from easily counterattacking.

But the question is, is Robert Hawley suitable?
Robert Hawley can not only play power forward, but also small forward.

However, his speed is actually quite average, and he is not a player who is good at speed.

Logically speaking, isn't it better to send Fisher at this time?
It is not impossible for Fisher and Ron Harper to play double point guards and push Glen Rice to the fourth position.

However, Phil Jackson chose to be conservative.

No wonder, many years later, many people think that Phil Jackson is just a head coach who can use superstars.

Without a superstar, his judgment and response to the game will be greatly reduced.

Sure enough, after replacing Robert Holly, the Lakers' retreat speed has improved.

However, this is not a great restriction on the Supersonics. What they play is the transition of offense and defense, and what they play is that the opponent's foothold is not stable.

Not only that, during the bench time, the Supersonics continued to speed up and continue to speed up the rhythm.

Gary Payton and Shamond directly play double guards. As for the inside, there is only one faster Gerani.

Because O'Neal is not on the court, they don't think about the inside.

There were not so many rounds, and the Supersonics really played a bit of mercury, and the offense was too smooth.

Of course, it's not because the Sonics players are too strong offensively, but because the Lakers' defense is exhausted.

The Lakers have picked up as much speed as possible to keep up with the Sonics and limit them.

However, when the Sonics speeded up again, the Lakers couldn't keep up with the Sonics.

Coupled with the good state today, the score was quickly opened.

68:50
At the end of the halftime game, the Sonics had already led by 18 points. This point difference was a bit desperate.

Not only that, until the second half of the third quarter, O'Neal was obviously a little physically weak.

He can't keep up in defense, and even in offense, he can't fight successfully every time.

Watching O'Neal take the initiative to mention the high position and play pick-and-roll with Kobe, it is actually a signal of his lack of physical fitness.

Until this time, Phil Jackson didn't realize it.

They are the ones in the lead, and they are the champions. There is no need to follow the Sonics' offensive rhythm.

It's just that in the game against the Kings, winning in this way made the Lakers a little blind.

It's a pity that with a difference of nearly 20 points, there is not enough time.

What's more, you have to slow down the tempo and play slowly, so there is no chance of catching up with the score.

However, Phil Jackson was decisive enough, with more than 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, he simply conceded defeat.

The 22-point difference caused more than 5 minutes to be reduced to garbage time. It didn't look like a playoff game.

In the end, the score between the two sides was fixed at 121:106, and the Sonics beat the Lakers by 15 points.

Being able to win this game and achieve a big victory, in addition to tactical success, the players' performance is also as good as the end.

In the whole game, the Sonics shot 53% from the field, and this is still in the case of a large number of three-pointers.

In this game, six players scored in double figures, and Wang Hao and Gary Payton even scored 6 and 31 points respectively.

Although Gary Payton's 20 points are not high, he still has 15 assists and a large double-double.

Sure enough, the transition between offense and defense is faster and the rhythm is smoother. This is the best mode for assists.

Throughout the game, the Sonics sent a total of 36 assists, far exceeding the 23 assists in the regular season.

In addition to scoring and assists, the SuperSonics are behind the Lakers in other statistics.

By the way, there is another data lead, and that is mistakes.

There is no way, if you continue to choose this way of playing, you will have to give up something.

As for mistakes, there is no way to do it, the faster the pace, the easier it is to make mistakes.

However, in general, everything is moving in a good direction, and doing so can indeed win the game.

"Hey guys, see, the Lakers are no big deal, we can win as well.

This is just the beginning, in the future, we will still win and win more victories.

The Western Conference Finals, that is indeed an attractive place, but why can't it be us? "

……

I have to say that Paul Westphal is a little swollen.

However, if you don't even have confidence in yourself, how can you win?
(End of this chapter)