Grab Curry at the start

Chapter 115
In the first half, both the Timberwolves and the Magic's defenses were more targeted.

It can be said that the offense has become more of a defense. The Timberwolves can't play some tactics against the Magic. For example, Love supports in the high position and hits the basket from the flanks. Howard can't do it.

Howard is the leader in rebounds, blocks, and the best defensive player. As a result, the Timberwolves' flanks can only shoot from the outside in this game, and their tactical role has been weakened a lot.

The Magic's tactics were relatively simple, and the game became stalemate.

Because the Timberwolves defended tightly from the outside, the Magic also began to send the ball inside.

Howard's not in a good position to receive the ball is not a big threat, but if he receives the ball in a relatively deep position, the Timberwolves will probably foul if they want to stop him.

For this reason, Jefferson and Milicic have more fouls.

Fouling Howard is still a good deal, after all, this buddy's free throw percentage is not very high, not yet [-]%.Resolute defense at the basket is also Zhang Sixin's requirement for defense. Howard cannot be allowed to wreak havoc on the basket and play aggressively.

On the court, morale is very important in many cases. The players of the two teams not only have to compete in technology and body, but also in willpower and spirit.

Therefore, no matter what, you can't make your opponent play comfortably.

After consuming Howard by various means, the Timberwolves began to make adjustments.

Their rotation is a little earlier than the Magic because they also have more rotation personnel.

When Howard was on the court, they first put Milicic on top.

When Howard went down to rest, the Timberwolves switched to a smaller lineup.

As for the Magic asking Howard to play more, they actually dare not, because Howard also fouls a lot.

Howard's defense is very strong, but the foul problem has not been resolved. After all, it is a bit rough, and sometimes he likes to make some meaningless extra moves.

When Howard was on the court, it was difficult to play in a small lineup, and Howard's speed was actually not slow.

But when he went down, there was nothing to worry about Gortat.

This time, they played better than in the first half.

Belinelli hit two [-]-pointers to help the team gain an advantage for a while.

It's just that some people in the Magic's bench lineup performed well. Anderson continued to perform, and Redick also made a three-pointer.

In fact, their hit rate is not high, but they did throw some good shots.

The small lineup has both advantages and disadvantages. When the Timberwolves scored on the offensive end, they also lost some rebounds, which gave the Magic a lot of opportunities. As a result, shortly after the start of the fourth quarter, the scores of the two sides became entangled again.

White Chocolate played a good efficiency in the rotation lineup. Before the main lineup came on the field, the Magic played an offensive climax and overtook the score.

Zhang Sixin sighed off the court, in fact, they can play better.

It's just that Love's rebounding is a bit problematic this time. He may have been hit by Howard. When he played the fifth position, Gortat and Anderson both grabbed offensive rebounds.

This also caused Love to score points, but still allowed the Magic to play an efficient offense at the beginning of the final quarter.

Seeing the score lead, Magic head coach Van Gundy did not rush to Howard.

The Timberwolves took the initiative to adjust the lineup, first let Curry and Love go down to rest, and prepare for the decisive moment in the last few minutes.

They also did not allow the Magic to play an efficient offense. The opponent's small burst before was actually a bit of a coincidence. Now the Timberwolves' defense is targeted and it is difficult to replicate.

But this coincidence will often determine the final outcome of an anxious game, so it should not be underestimated.

Fortunately, the Timberwolves are not far behind now, and they still have a chance.

The score didn't change much for a few minutes before the strongest lineup of both sides came on the field.

The Timberwolves were using defense to stabilize their position, and the Magic also paid special attention to Jefferson who came up, which made the game dull.

But these few minutes of dullness are for the last few minutes of desperate work, and the coaches of both sides have a tacit understanding.

After half a quarter, all the main players of both sides returned to the field.

This time, the Timberwolves were the first to break the deadlock.

Curry and Love have high pick-and-rolls, and the Magic should pay more attention to Curry. After all, Love has Howard going inside, so don't worry too much.

However, Love resisted the pressure, first made a mid-range shot, and then assisted Matthews to help the opponent force Carter to score 2+1.

It is always more advantageous to rush up on the flanks first. As long as the timing of the pass is good enough, cutting in from the flanks is a very practical tactic.

"Howard's foul problem has a suitable opportunity to be targeted, but there is no need to pay too much attention to it." Zhang Sixin said.

Howard is very important to the Magic, and he will definitely be targeted in the playoffs.

However, the Timberwolves can not be entangled in the inside line to increase risks at critical moments, but they don't necessarily have to beat people down.

"We still have to defend the three-pointer. Howard will not focus on the inside at the critical moment of the Magic." Zhang Sixin is very clear about the methods of the Magic.

As a strong team in the league, the Magic is actually an easier type to target.

The tactics are relatively simple, and the core team's offensive strength is insufficient, which is also the only one.

Of course, some teams have no conditions to target, so there is no way.

The Timberwolves still have them, and they are not afraid of insiders like Howard.

Therefore, even when the decisive moment came, Zhang Sixin felt that there was no need to change the team's tactics.

After the Timberwolves regained the lead under Love's set, Howard also played one inside.

Didn't hit directly, but got fouled.

He was relatively stable this time, making two free throws, and the suspense of the game continued.

However, then the Magic's offense stalled again.

Zhang Sixin immediately relaxed a lot. He smiled and said, "The Magic don't have enough outstanding players on the offensive end. It is difficult for anyone to stand up at critical moments. This will be their biggest problem. Carter is not at that level now."

The Magic hit iron from outside the three-point line. Although the Timberwolves missed the next one, Curry made a successful steal and assisted DeRozan to create a kill.

The Timberwolves' lead suddenly crossed the 5-point threshold, and the time was only more than 2 minutes left.

The magic in the last few minutes felt completely different from the previous magic, as if it was much more ordinary.

The Magic had no choice but to hand the ball to Howard after there was no chance from the outside.

At home, the referee still gave face, a ball that could be blown or not, and once again gave Howard a chance to get to the free throw line.

Howard felt surprisingly good in the final quarter, and even made all free throws again.

The Magic once again ignited some hope. They are good for three-pointers. As long as they hit two more in the end, the outcome is still uncertain.

However, Curry then smashed the Magic's hopes with a three-pointer.

The offensive ability of the core players at critical moments, the Timberwolves are much better than the Magic.

This is the ability that a strong team must have. The Timberwolves already have the prototype of a top-level team.

(End of this chapter)