Pick Westbrook

Chapter 259 The First Battle of the Eastern Conference Finals

Second half of the game.

The Heat suddenly set off a counterattack, and James and Wade began to attack the basket more.

Wade fell and James tanked for a layup.

The two used their signature breakthrough to turn the Bucks' inside line upside down.

Even if Li Lai deployed the twin tower combination of Cousins ​​and Yi Jianlian at this time, it would not be able to restrict their breakthrough to the basket at all.

Instead, they were each charged with a full 3 fouls.

Artest was pushed away many times in the matchup with James. Although the two have similar size and strength, it is difficult for James to compare with the peak Artest in terms of impact and explosive power.

This is the first time Artest has been completely abused by James on the court since the Bucks and Cavaliers battle in the playoffs last season.

"In fact, as early as the beginning of the season, Artest's competitive state has declined significantly."

"In this year's DPOY list, Artest actually ranked outside the top ten at the end of the regular season. This position is also the first time since his rookie contract ended."

"Artest is obviously aging badly."

Of course, in Su Qun's eyes, this is a very normal and acceptable phenomenon.

After all, Artest is 32 years old.

Maybe some players can continue to maintain their peak form at this age, and even play more and more monsters as they get older, but this is based on first-class skills and experience.

For Artest, his entire career has been based on defense, and his other skills can only be considered so-so.

This also made it difficult for Artest to maintain the level of his peak when his physical function began to decline.

"In the 60s and 70s, the average career of NBA players at that time was only about 5 years."

"By the 80s and 90s, players' careers would last about six years."

"With the development of professional basketball and the advancement of modern medical care, NBA players are paying more and more attention to protecting their bodies and prolonging their careers."

"So after the turn of the millennium, the average career age of NBA players has reached about 7-8 years. It is foreseeable that this time should be slowly extended in the future."

"Artest has been playing for 12 years, and he is still a small forward. He can already be regarded as a very good athlete."

In Yu Jia's view, even though Artest's promotion status has declined this season, he is still a very good player at the small forward position.

It's just that the effect is not obvious when facing James.

After all, the discussion about James has already belonged to the top three categories in the league. Athletes at this level are like Kobe, and they are not something you can defend if you want to.

"The Bucks were able to keep the opponent from breaking out without double-teaming James. This is already a very good defensive result."

The third quarter is over.

James and Wade teamed up to set off a wave of 12:6 offensive small high slot.

This wave of offensive high slots not only helped the Heat reverse the situation and overtake the score, but also allowed the Bucks to change their defensive strategy.

Li Lai took a deep breath off the court, then looked at the court and shouted resignedly, "Team! Double-team me!"

The breakthroughs of Wade and James finally beat Li Lai into a panic.

Because the Heat are different from the Bulls, the price of double-teaming Rose is not obvious, but double-teaming James and Wade will pay a very heavy price.

What's more, Wade and James are still on the court together at this time.

Mario Chalmers hit two open three-pointers in this quarter, and Dragon King Chris Bosh made several consecutive mid-range shots in the pick-and-roll with James.

Because of the Bucks' double-teaming strategy, the Heat suddenly blossomed more, and once again played a 10:2 offensive high slot.

75: 84.

The Bucks have trailed the Heat by 9 points.

On-site commentary desk.

Kenny Smith couldn't help shaking his head helplessly and said: "The Bucks have obviously made sufficient preparations for this game. They have done everything they can, but the situation on the court is still on the Heat's side."

"James and Wade are too invincible."

“韦德已经18投10中，罚球5罚4中，砍下了24分4篮板2助攻的数据，估计全场比赛结束时他突破30分的得分不成问题。”

"James sent 5 assists in a single quarter in the third quarter, and currently has 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists."

"The state of these two brothers in this game tonight is really scary, and the Bucks are a little stunned by them."

Kenny Smith took out a piece of data at this time.

Throughout the regular season, the Heat will always lead their opponents in scoring in the third quarter.

This is the scariest part of this team.

Barkley talked about it before the start of the game, and the Bucks could not be the Heat's opponent.

After all, it is a team that has created 27 consecutive victories, and this record represents the strength of this team.

"Guys, cheer up."

"The Heat are only leading temporarily. If we give up at this time, we will really lose to them."

"9 points is a fart?"

"No matter how much we fall behind, we have the strength to fight back."

Li Lai's words gave the players peace of mind at this time.

O'Neill and Iverson applauded and encouraged their teammates to keep working hard.

"All the Bucks players gathered together at this time. The more difficult the time, the more it reflects the unity and strength of a team and its resilience in the face of difficulties."

Su Qun always believes that the Bucks are a team capable of performing miracles.

The battle between the Bucks and the Lakers last season was not optimistic by most people, and even suffered a 0:2 deficit at the beginning.

But in the end, this team came back little by little like this, and successfully won the championship trophy.

In his opinion, this team will never give up to the opponent so easily.

"They'll adjust."

Game four.

The Bucks blew the counterattack horn.

At this time, the Heat also came up with their lineup to close the game.

Mario Chalmers, Wade, Ray Allen, James, Bosh.

"This is a very small lineup, very similar to the Bucks' death five."

Yu Jia looked in the direction of the Bucks.

At this time, the lineup they took was still Westbrook, Curry, Artest, Yi Jianlian and Cousins.

"The Bucks seem to be focusing on the Heat's inside line, and still put on a two-tower lineup. They are going to focus on the Heat's inside line."

Westbrook got Li Lai's order when he came on the court, and he will focus on the inside in this quarter.

Because Bosh was pushed to the center position, the Heat's inside defense once again had a huge problem.

The Bucks attack.

Westbrook advances with the ball.

Because after halftime, the Heat will inevitably double-team.

Therefore, Yi Jianlian followed Westbrook all the way, and always helped the opponent block people to reduce the defensive pressure.

After halftime, Westbrook strode and accelerated suddenly, just not giving the Heat a chance to double-team.

Mario Chalmers was blocked solidly, and James decisively switched to Westbrook.

It stands to reason that his defense of Westbrook should be considered a good result for the Heat, but Westbrook accelerated so fast that even James couldn't keep up.

Coupled with the fact that Westbrook broke through to the free throw line and took off directly, it was even more difficult for James to perform his iconic peg block.

boom!
Bosh helps defend.

Westbrook made a dunk with a tomahawk.

"In terms of talent, it's not just James and Wade, the Bucks also have a talent."

Yu Jia was stunned by this buckle and sighed repeatedly.

on the field.

After dunking, Westbrook was extremely excited. He clenched his fists and showed off his big chest muscles. Looking back at James, he roared angrily.

"come on!"

This fighting spirit and passion also affects every Bucks player.

The horn of counterattack sounded.

In the next round, Westbrook returned to the original style of play with the big core holding the ball, and rushed to the basket frantically with every ball.

boom!
It's another slash with the turtle's battle axe.

This dunk also forced the Heat to help defend Westbrook by shrinking the inside line.

In this way, the outside line of the Bucks is full of opportunities.

Artest was the first to hit a three-pointer, and then Curry also hit it.

Yi Jianlian made a super long three-pointer, and Cousins ​​succeeded in a dunk from the inside.

The Bucks took advantage of the situation and played a wave of 15:6 counterattacks.

This wave of offense also made Spoelstra of the Heat's bench stand pacing back and forth near the sideline of the court, very disturbed.

The fans at the American Airlines Center Arena were also beaten into silence.

All the fans were frightened by the offense and power of the Bucks. This is the first time the Heat have encountered such a severe crisis and test since the playoffs.

"90:90 tie!"

There are 3 minutes left in the game.

At this time, Spoelstra replaced Mario Chalmers and took Dunis Haslem, who was wearing the captain's armband, onto the pitch.

The height of the Heat on the field finally returned to normal. At the same time, Wade was pushed to the point guard, Ray Allen became a dangerous shooter ambushing on the outside, and James returned to the familiar small forward position.

With this lineup, the Heat's offense and defense have reached the extreme.

"The Heat are closing the game!"

Wade holds the ball, James ambush high response.

The Heat's style of play at this time is also Wade as the first scorer, prioritizing the possession of the ball, followed by James.

"The Heat at this time are still Wade's Heat."

After seeing this, Li Lai finally smiled for the first time in this game.

If the current Heat team is James' team, then with the current strength of the Bucks, there will be no way to take this Heat team completely.

Because they can't limit James at all.

But this team is still Wade's team, so the defense that the Bucks need to carry out at critical moments is very simple.

"Two-team Wade!"

Li Lai did not let Curry participate in the double-teaming of Wade. First, Curry's double-teaming is irrelevant and useless to Wade. Second, Curry double-teaming Ray Allen will inevitably have an open shot.

Even if he doesn't double-team Wade and Lee, he never wants Ray Allen to have an open shot on the court to catch the ball.

Then the only one who can double-team Wade is Artest at the small forward position.

"But that leaves James open on the floor."

Tyronn Lue raised doubts at this time, and he also believed that Li Lai's defensive strategy was too risky.

Li Lai didn't explain, but said directly: "Let him vote."

The game continues.

The Heat attack.

Wade singles Westbrook with the ball outside.

At the moment Wade broke through, Artest's double-team defense came.

Barkley at the commentary stand couldn't help standing up excitedly and shouting, "Beautiful!"

Artest did not double-team Wade before the start of the breakthrough, but after the start of the breakthrough. His purpose in doing so is to limit Wade's early points.

After all, James' ability to hold the ball is too organized, and it is extremely easy to cut the opponent's defense.

So in any case, Artest never wants Wade to give the ball to the open James in advance.

And now, even if Wade intends to split the ball during the breakthrough, it is difficult for him to pass the ball steadily.

"This is Artest. It is also a double-team tactic arranged by the coach. He can do it better than other players."

Facing the double-teaming of the two, Wade's breakthrough was blocked.

James is at the top of the right arc at this time. It stands to reason that his best play at this time is to cut and break through the basket.

It's just that the Bucks have already ambushed Yi Jianlian and Cousins ​​inside, and Dunis Haslem and Bosh don't have the ability to open up space outside the three-point line.

So at this time the penalty area is very crowded.

In addition, Wade also broke through to the vicinity of the paint area, where Westbrook and Artest stood, even if James cuts in, he will still face the problem of difficulty getting into the penalty area.

"The Bucks are not a strong defensive team, but their defense in the crunch time will always make you hard."

Wade made a one-handed throw, and the Heat's offense ended in a strike.

This is also one of the few Bucks in this game that defended Wade's breakthrough.

Yi Jianlian grabbed the rebound and shouted: "Defend and counterattack!"

Curry has already run towards the opponent's basket.

Yi Jianlian made a long pass in the half, Westbrook frantically held the ball and advanced after receiving the ball.

James returned to the defense very quickly, and at the same time restricted Curry and Westbrook. His help defense is really great among strikers.

But after Curry drove to the basket and ran empty-handed to the three-point line, Westbrook continued to attack the basket.

In this case, James is a little bit at a loss, and he also chose the defense of the basket, which is the most offensive threat.

Westbrook points the ball to the bottom corner.

Curry opened his hand and made a quick three-pointer.

The basketball was still flying in the sky, and Curry had already looked back at the Heat's dugout and their head coach Spoelstra, and nodded arrogantly.

"Let the basketball fly for a while!"

Swish!
Three point hit!

If it wasn't for the playoffs or the Eastern Conference finals tonight, these Heat players would probably rush to the court to beat Curry.

Simply too arrogant.

Then Li Lai called a timeout and arranged an eagle-style circle-around cover tactic.

Under this tactic, James and Wade were both brought near the penalty area at the same time, and the Heat's outside defense was empty.

Curry received a pass from Westbrook and made another three-pointer steadily.

"This is Curry's eighth three-pointer of the game."

"Eight three-pointers in a single game are still on the stage of the playoffs. Of course, this is still far behind Curry's own record in the playoffs."

After this three-pointer hit, the Bucks gained a weak 5-point lead.

In the next round, Wade made two consecutive layups, and once again showed the classic Wade throw.

But the Bucks still clung to the score to the end, winning the first game 102:99.

库里三分球15投8中，拿下了30分3篮板3助攻的数据，威斯特布鲁克在下半场状态回暖砍下了22分6篮板10助攻的数据。

Cousins ​​played the best performance of his playoff career, with a large double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds.

Dragic also performed very well, with 12 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists.

“韦德34分6篮板6助攻，詹姆斯30分7篮板8助攻，热火队三巨头合砍80分，但是雄鹿队还是险胜拿下了东部决赛第一战。”

(End of this chapter)