Grab Curry at the start

Chapter 111 Relaxed

The Timberwolves' high-position pick-and-roll tactic looks simple, but it is not so easy to fully implement it.

Before the pick-and-roll tactics became, in fact, the entire offensive time was almost consumed, the Lakers' defensive players would pounce on Curry, but they did not expect the tacit understanding between Curry and Love, as well as Curry's passing ability.

With more than 30 seconds left, the Lakers requested a timeout again.

Zhang Sixin didn't know how the Lakers would attack. He had only one request. When Kobe got the ball, he should decisively pinch without hesitation.

In the face of pinching, Kobe's efficiency will be reduced if he makes a strong attack.

If Kobe passes out to let the other Lakers attack, it's okay to let the opponent's not so strong shot at the critical moment, isn't it a successful defense?

Back on the court, the Timberwolves first defended against Kobe receiving the ball.

However, Kobe is very flexible and very strong on the back line, and he still relies on the defensive player to get the ball.

Then there is nothing to say, the Timberwolves started to attack at the three-point line.

Kobe asked Gasol to pass the ball, but soon the ball returned to him.

At the last moment, with Kobe around, the Lakers players are basically used to looking for him.

After spending more than ten seconds, Kobe still didn't find a chance, so he simply pulled up and made a strong shot.

But the ball was missed, and Love grabbed the rebound and the Lakers used foul tactics.

Love stood at the free throw line and made two free throws. At this time, the Lakers still had a chance, but the Timberwolves' defense was simpler. They only focused on Kobe and the three-point line.

As a result, Kobe missed another strong shot, and Kobe really didn't feel much today.

Although Milicic only made two free throws after getting a rebound and was fouled, the Lakers no longer had a timeout and the game didn't have much time.

They missed another shot, and the game was over. The Timberwolves relied on their strength and a little bit of luck. During the away game, they finally managed to save some face.

After the game, Zhang Sixin praised the players for their hard work and hard work, "I think we performed very well in this game. The players did a lot of right things in the game and were very hardworking. But as always, we will still have intermittent problems in the game, but this is expected."

Curry, who scored 30 points and 11 assists, also said, "We fought very hard in the game. I like our efforts in the game. We tried our best on the court and played very well in the 48 minutes of the game."

Lakers coach Jackson said that it will definitely not be easy for the team to defend the title, and the Timberwolves may also become one of the obstacles on their way to defending the title, and they still need to do a lot of work.

Back from the away game, the Timberwolves have two days to adjust. The key is that they don't need to continue to entangle with the strong teams in the West. The entire coaching staff is relieved.

They have been facing the opponents they may encounter in the playoffs, and they feel more tired than the players.

However, the Timberwolves now have the last dozen games left, and they cannot really relax.

Fortunately, they don't have a lot of pressure. Before the season started, no one thought that the Timberwolves could make the playoffs.

Now, they don't say they are completely stable, but they are definitely a team with a relatively high probability.

On March 3, they ushered in a challenge from the Raptors at home.

The Raptors are hitting the playoffs in the East, so they may not be as strong as the strong teams in the West, but they can't take it lightly after matching.

There is not too much chance of competition in the East, and some teams in front have been relatively stable.

Now the Raptors, Bulls, and Heat are competing for the last two spots. During this period of time, their record has dropped a lot due to injuries, but they still have the best record among the three teams.

For the Raptors, they are temporarily eighth in the Eastern Conference, but their position is not stable.

Their defense is really poor. If there is a problem with the offense, no one will dare to lose.

The Raptors are still the same this time, with a lineup without a fifth position.

Don't worry about the height of the inside line when the Timberwolves face the Raptors. They are at least stronger than the inside line of the Raptors.

The Raptors started Bosh and Bargnani, and neither of them could play the fifth position.

Of course, they are also misplaced against most of the insiders, and it depends on who can seize the opportunity.

It is indeed easier to play fringe players in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and the Timberwolves took the lead when they came up.

It just doesn't feel very good, and has not expanded the lead.

If the Timberwolves want to explode on the offensive end, they must shoot three-pointers well.

Otherwise, you can only use the slower defensive player to take advantage.

This is the case now, and maybe the Raptors' perimeter defense is better.

The Raptors are still a bit weak inside, so Zhang Sixin didn't force himself, and let the players play inside.

This time Jefferson, Love and Milicic can all play, and it feels relatively easy.

But it's just about mentality. In fact, the Raptors played very hard, and the Timberwolves have never had a clear advantage.

Bosh played well, whether it was rebounding or singled out with the ball inside, they were more conspicuous.

Bosh can play with the ball on the offensive end, but after forming the Big Three, he is not as good as the other two in terms of holding the ball, which reduces a lot of similar attacks.

But he must have the ability, he can shoot and help defend, and he can get a big contract.

Of course, defense alone is still insufficient, and it just so happens that the three insiders of the Timberwolves are all powerful.

So even if Bosh performs well, it will be difficult to help the team take the lead. His ability is good, but not enough to lead a team to win a strong game.

Instead, the Raptors' rotation was a surprise, and it was a shock to the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves' bench lineup is still unstable.

Zhang Sixin is still envious of a sixth man. With a strong sixth man, the Timberwolves' rotation has no flaws. Now it depends on the performance of the players, but the performance of each game is different. It is difficult to bully the teams with more leagues.

Unlike the main lineup, Curry and Love have been cultivated, and the basics are there.

"We still have an advantage against a team like the Raptors, but it is difficult to guarantee 100% victory." Zhang Sixin said.

"You have to know that we just won the first place in the Western Conference before, and the team's combat effectiveness is still not stable enough."

After almost a season of coaching, Zhang Sixin has already understood what players he needs.

In the summer, the Timberwolves can definitely make some upgrades.

Not to mention what stars are attracted, but the structure of the team will be more reasonable, and the combat effectiveness of the players can be fully utilized, and the abuse of food will be more stable.

Antoine White and Sony Weems both performed well as substitutes, and they also caused some trouble for the Timberwolves, and these two wing players played in the Huaguo League later, which can be regarded as fate.

Fortunately, after the main force came on the field, the Timberwolves stabilized the situation again.

It's different to have players at the All-Star level. They can play and attract defensive attention.

Matthews benefited from this. After he hit a three-pointer, he also suppressed the momentum of the Raptors chasing points.

(End of this chapter)