basketball player

Chapter 736 Chapter 734: Before the champion falls, he is always the champion
Kevin Durant's obsession with winning the championship is stronger than any other Warriors player, because he chose to come to this city for the championship, and he is also one of the few players in the Warriors team who has not touched the championship trophy.

Therefore, Durant played very seriously in every game.He tried his best and seized every possible opportunity.He knows very well that the Warriors' contract extension this summer will be very difficult.And Durant has also decided that he will no longer cut his salary.

At that time, who will leave and who will stay in this team, what will it look like, and even where he will go, no one knows.

Therefore, this is Durant's best chance to win the championship.

Thinking of this, Durant called a screen.He can't act recklessly, but must get through the crucial last few rounds steadily.

After the screen, Durant made a decisive shot in the seconds before the Pacers switched defenses.With a long three-point shot, the hearts of the Warriors fans couldn't stop beating.Everyone knows how important this shot is to the Warriors.

However, Durant didn't let the fans down, nor did he let himself down.He made a precise three-point shot and scored his 28th point in the game. Kevin Durant will not give up his home court easily!

"The goal was scored, and the time left for the Pacers was only 1 minute and 11 seconds. This three-pointer was very important. He allowed the Warriors to take the initiative in the last minute. Coach Henson didn't call a timeout, and he looked confident!"

Mike Breen marveled at Henson's confidence, but Henson didn't know why he was nervous.

In the six years of his professional career, Henson does not know how many key rounds he has experienced.He felt that this kind of moment was much easier than announcing in front of fans and reporters that he would not stay.

The Warriors didn't dare to double-team because they knew how balanced the Pacers' offensive lineup was.

Therefore, Cousins ​​​​must face Antetokounmpo alone.However, judging from his performance during the period before the fourth quarter, it is still quite difficult for Cousins ​​to keep up with the Greeks.

Cousins' state this season is far from being comparable to his peak period. Whether it is offensive certainty or defensive vitality, Cousins ​​is far behind the Kings and Pelicans.Whether Cousins ​​will be able to sign a big contract next season is still unknown.

On the surface, the Warriors are a Big Five lineup.But the performance of Cousins ​​and Green this year is not as good as people think.

Seeing that Cousins ​​was defending himself, Antetokounmpo began to change hands.Fancy dribbling is not what Antetokounmpo is good at, but against Cousins, his level of ball control is more than enough.

As soon as Antetokounmpo started, Cousins ​​actively posted it.This big center who was plagued by injuries smiled, he completely blocked Antetokounmpo's breakthrough space!
But Antetokounmpo did not stop the ball, but turned around with his back, and easily wiped into the penalty area!

Green and Durant rushed to the basket immediately. Although they knew it would miss people, it was better to bet on the Pacers' three-pointer than to watch Antetokounmpo dunk.

Which one is more likely to score a three-pointer or a dunk, even a child can tell the difference clearly.

So, Antetokounmpo used all his tricks and distributed the ball to PJ Tucker.

Last season, Tucker was a nightmare for the Warriors.The guy's toughness on the defensive end, aggressiveness on the boards and threat from beyond the three-point line caught Green off guard.

I thought that this year, after adding Cousins, Tucker would no longer be a threat.As everyone knows, he is still a nightmare for the Warriors.

Tucker catches and shoots, and the corner is his favorite shooting spot.This strong man who is less than 2 meters tall but often plays inside has a very soft touch. Under the desperate eyes of the Warriors, Tucker hit a three-pointer and equalized the score!
"Go in, the Pacers bite the score. There are 50 seconds left in the game, the Warriors have the ball, and they still hold the initiative!"

The moment Tucker scored, the Pacers' bench jubilated into a ball.But Henson just applauded calmly and didn't say anything else.

This is the strongest lineup he can come up with. In order to use this lineup to beat the Warriors, Henson has been secretive for a season.He is full of confidence in this lineup. In his opinion, this lineup is impossible to miss!
In the last two rounds, for both sides, there was one offense and one defense.In other words, whoever can score and prevent others from scoring wins the game. 48 minutes of hard work will be reflected in the final attack and defense.

Cole used up the last timeout in his hands. If he doesn't use it at this time, how long will he have to wait?He made it clear that the Warriors want three-point tactics, and he doesn't want to leave any chance for the Pacers to kill the game.

There is no doubt that Durant, who feels the hottest, is Cole's last choice.After returning from the timeout, with Curry and Thompson actively restraining, Durant got a fleeting shot.

This shot is very likely to feel the life and death of this game, but not all players have the courage to complete the shot.But for Durant, shooting at this moment is not a problem at all!

Durant's shot went over Siakam's space and went into the net for the second time in a row!With another three-pointer, the Warriors took a key lead in the last 23 seconds of the game!
Henson paused immediately, and the audience erupted in jubilation.In the eyes of Warriors fans, Durant has almost killed the game.Next, as long as the Warriors stick to the Pacers' three-point shot, they will be over!

"Then they will definitely stick to our three-point shots, so it is difficult for us to have a chance."

As soon as the players left the field, Henson told the players the worst.

"But we don't want a two-pointer, we must have a three-pointer. I need you to leave about five seconds, five seconds before the end of the game, no matter whether there is a chance or not, you must complete the goal. If there is interference, then shoot against the interference!"

Everyone looked at Henson strangely. This is not like his coaching style.Generally speaking, Henson will find the most suitable opportunity to complete the deadliest lore, instead of letting his players shoot against the defense.

Seeing that everyone has doubts, Henson smiled slightly, "If you can't make a shot, don't rush to defend. Everyone, I mean everyone, try hard to grab offensive rebounds. Once the opportunity for the second offense appears, the Warriors' defense will be chaotic. The person who gets the rebound must first pass the ball to the left corner. I need someone to respond at any time."

Becky Harmon, who was watching, gasped. Henson's tactics were really bold.

"If all goes well, we will tie the game about five seconds before the end of the game. At that time, neither side has a timeout, and the Warriors must serve a baseline ball. The next step is simple, don't foul easily, but use your slender arms and more dominant height to force them to make mistakes! We are already at stake, guys. Victory, you have to fight back!"

After Henson finished setting up, the buzzer sounded.He clapped his hands and signaled everyone to come out.Going back to the home court and winning the championship is Henson's only plan, which cannot be broken!

"After the timeout, neither side has changed. The Pacers are still the ultimate lineup, and the Warriors are still the regular starter. This offense is very important to the Pacers. Whether they can go home happily depends on this last offense."

"Block the three-point line, block the three-point line!" Under the commentary, Steve Kerr shouted so loudly that even Mike Brin, who was wearing headphones, could hear him.

There is no doubt that the Warriors will build a solid wall outside the three-point line.Pacers want 2 points?The Warriors would be more than happy.They will resolutely stay outside the three-point line and never give any chance to shrink.

The referee whistled and Antetokounmpo kicked off.He handed the ball to George, and he cut to the inside.At the same time, Siakam and Kuzma crossed positions and came out to receive the ball.Tucker gave them an off-ball screen. It seems that the Pacers' tactic is to make three-pointers!
"Huh, I won!" Cole applauded secretly in his heart, he was full of confidence in the team's defense this time.

George handed the ball to Kuzma, who came out of the pocket. Henson always likes to use unexpected people to make key shots, so people are not surprised to see Kuzma come out to catch the ball.

But under Thompson's close press, Kuzma didn't get space.The Warriors were determined to defend against three-pointers, and no matter who Henson used to shoot, they couldn't achieve the unexpected effect.

Henson shook his head, the situation was just as he imagined, he had no chance at all!

Kuzma hesitated, he was still just a second-year rookie.It is really difficult for him to shoot against the defense at the critical moment of the finals.

So, he continued to pass the ball. This time, it was the deadlier Siakam who received the basketball!
Siakam is much bolder, he catches the ball and shoots!But where can Durant make him get what he wants?Siakam scored 32 points in the first game, and he already felt ashamed enough.Today, no one will be a hero except Durant himself!
So, Durant raised his long arm high and almost blocked the basketball.Siakam had to increase the arc for this, and the result of increasing the arc was that the basketball hit the front of the basket!

"Boom!"

"Didn't make it, the Pacers missed the lore opportunity, and the Warriors won!"

Mike Brin yelled excitedly, and Durant, Curry and Thompson also rushed to the frontcourt immediately.If there is another counterattack, they will firmly grasp the victory!

It's exciting just thinking about pulling 0 rounds in a row after falling behind 2 to 2.

However, the backcourt long pass that the fans were looking forward to did not come. PJ Tucker didn't know when he entered the penalty area, and before Cousins, he firmly grabbed the offensive rebound.

At that moment, the entire Oracle Arena was shrouded in fear.Tucker didn't hesitate, and before he landed in the air, he passed the ball directly to the left corner.

As Henson said, there would be someone there to meet him.And the one who was responding at this time was the deadliest Paul George!

"Fuck it."

Before Cole could finish cursing, George made a decisive move.With three Warriors players rushing forward, George was unguarded at all.

The No. 13 forward was born for the big scene, so he took the shot.He proved that he is truly a legendary player under a legendary coach!

George raised the knife and hit a three-pointer!The audience was silent, and the Pacers evened the score again in the last 5.2 seconds of the game!

"PJ Tucker, he grabbed a priceless offensive rebound! The Pacers tied the game at the last minute, and this game is likely to be overtime!"

Kevin Harlan felt that he was out of breath, the atmosphere was really suffocating.However, if he knew the truth, he would definitely be more suffocated.Because Henson didn't want to play any overtime at all, he wanted to kill the game in 5.2 seconds without a timeout!
As soon as Cousins ​​was about to serve the bottom line, he found that the Pacers' pressing defense was very decisive.

Cole swallowed. He thought it was just luck that the Pacers "picked up" an offensive rebound and scored a goal.But seeing the opponent's pressing so decisively, he suddenly realized that everything was arranged by Henson just now!
Shooting, grabbing rebounds, second offense and pressing the whole court. Henson used the last timeout to arrange everything!He doesn't fight unprepared, and he doesn't plan to bring the Warriors back to Indianapolis with a 2-2 score.

"Be careful, pass the ball carefully!" Cole yelled from the sidelines, but there is no guarantee how effective such yelling will be.

Becky Harmon felt pain in the palm of his hand, but when he looked down, he realized that his fingernails had sunk into the flesh due to tension.

Looking up at Henson again, the Chinese man in the Armani suit remained calm.Becky Harmon shook her head. At least in this regard, she thought that she would never be as good as Henson in her life.

Since there was no timeout, Cousins ​​had to pass the ball from the service violation timeout.Therefore, without Curry completely getting rid of the defense, Cousins ​​​​passed the ball!

If it is against the ordinary one position, Curry believes that he can catch the basketball.But at this time, it was the tall and long-armed George who was defending Curry!
George did not hesitate to fight fiercely, then straightened his arms and successfully destroyed Cousins' baseline ball!
Cole's heart was shaken, he could only pray over and over again: "Don't go in, don't go in!"

The basketball was destroyed, but neither side could contain it.Tucker took the initiative to fall to the ground to catch the ball.Next, Draymond Green also rushed forward roughly, pressing heavily on Tucker.

Green's weight of 104 kg is not considered slender. Being pressed down by him like this, coupled with the guy's rough fighting action, Tucker must be uncomfortable at this time.

But the tough guy persevered and he calmly passed the ball on the ground.Antetokounmpo bursts through the crowd and picks up the basketball.

Cole slumped to the bench, feeling like his heart stopped beating for a few seconds.

That sense of suffocation was unforgettable for Cole.

"boom!"

"Beep~~~~"

Dunk, lights, whistle.The audience was silent, while Antetokounmpo shouted to the sky.

It took about a second before the audience realized what had happened.Everyone on the Pacers bench immediately poured into the court and surrounded Antetokounmpo!
"Lore, lore! Giannis Antetokounmpo, he ended the game with a dunk lore! The tenacious Pacers, they used the last 5.2 seconds to overrule the Warriors' 48-minute effort! Great team, great players, great coach! 3 to 1, the Pacers got the match point. They will meet again with the O'Brien Cup, and the Warriors are at stake!"

Mike Breen yelled loudly, but continued to yell.The audience was jubilant, and everyone in the Warriors faced each other, unable to believe what happened in the last 5.2 seconds.

Cole sighed, then turned to look at Henson.The guy didn't join in the players' celebration, just smiled and clapped.Perhaps this kind of scene, he has seen it.Henson directed everything well before the timeout ended.So when this happened, Henson wasn't surprised at all.

At this time, Cole suddenly remembered a sentence Henson once said.

"Before a champion falls, a champion remains."

Now, Cole can use this sentence to describe Henson as well.

"Before the champion coach retires, he will always be the champion coach."

(End of this chapter)