Pick Westbrook

Chapter 322 Playoff Seats

On April 4, the regular season draws to a close.

Peja Stojakovic said to Lee: "Oden has resumed physical training, his recovery process is good, and he has been actively cooperating with all the team's recovery plans."

"It can be seen that he attaches great importance to this opportunity to return to the NBA."

Li Lai nodded. Even though Oden only played 5 games in 82 seasons, he never gave up on himself, and never had any conflicts on the court or in the locker room of the team.

In this regard, there is obviously a big difference from the same talented center Darko Milicic back then.

Peja continued: "According to the current recovery process, Oden has every chance to catch up with the playoffs."

"But he hasn't played for two years, and it's hard for us to have time to integrate him at this time."

"So I suggest not to let Oden play in the playoffs. His appearance in the game will probably not bring any help to the team, but will have a negative effect."

Li Lai didn't pay attention to this issue at all. He had already made plans in his heart regarding the use of Auden and a series of issues.

During this period of time, Oden has been participating in games with the team. Although he did not play, Li Lai saw that Oden has been working hard to learn the tactics of the Hornets.

So Li Lai has confidence in Oden's performance in the playoffs.

Stevens was quick to say something else of paramount importance.

"As long as we win tonight's game, we can lock the playoffs in advance, and the brutal competition in the West will have nothing to do with us."

Stevens couldn't help but think back to the beginning of the season at this point.

At that time, Li Lai set playing time limits for Paul and Jordan from the very beginning. Stevens once thought that the Hornets were going to play badly, and even had some bad thoughts in his heart.

But now it seems that Li Lai's series of decisions made the Hornets continue to improve in a better direction.

Chris Paul has played in all 74 games so far this season, the first time in his career that he has not been injured.

At the same time, the average playing time is only 32 minutes. Compared with the playing time of more than 38 minutes in the previous seasons, Paul got the greatest rest in the regular season.

The average playing time of 32 minutes per game is even lower than that of Paul, who averaged 34 minutes per game in his rookie period.

但就是在这样的上场时间下，保罗打出了生涯以来最强的一个赛季，场均20分3篮板10助攻2抢断2失误。

Paul is the only 20+10 defender in the league. He also ranks first in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and also ranks first in the league in steals.

"This is why Chris Paul can be the No. 2 regular season MVP candidate."

Stevens would like to say that not only Chris Paul, but JR Smith also played his own redemption season.

Facts have proved that the mid-level contract that Li Lai offered for the other party in the off-season is completely worth the money.
Averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game, shooting 44% from the field and 40% from the three-point range. This is the best performance of JR Smith since his career.

除此之外还有场均10分10篮板2盖帽的小乔丹，场均13分5篮板3助攻1抢断1盖帽的伦纳德，以及场均10分5篮板的吉米巴特勒和场均6分6篮板5助攻的迪奥。

Even Vince Carter had a very impressive performance, averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He is 35 years old.

"Coaching makes everyone better!"

Stevens said with certainty.

Because the current Stevens is also much stronger than when he was in the NCAA last year, and so is Du Feng.

Li Lai recalled everyone's thoughts at this time and said, "The Bulls are a very strong team, and they are also a strong team at the championship level."

"We don't have an advantage against them in the lineup, but that doesn't mean we don't have the possibility to win them."

"At the same time, this is also a game to test the spirit and strength of the players. Winning this game will not only confirm the place in the playoffs, but also allow all players to feel in advance what the intensity of the playoffs is!"

"Tonight, go all out!"

Li Lai stretched out his right hand, and Stevens, Du Feng, Payton and Peja put their hands up at the same time.

The five of them smiled tacitly.

In the Hornets locker room, Paul is doing the same thing as Li Lai.

He stood in the middle of the tunnel and called all his teammates to him.

"At the beginning of the season, everyone thought we were a weak team. Remember that game against the Clippers, they said the Clippers were stronger than us."

"But now, not only are we leading the Clippers in terms of record, but we also have the opportunity to secure the playoffs ahead of them."

"Remember, the more others say you can't do it, the more you have to do it, and then point at him and say: You're the fucker."

Paul roared: "NO NBA, NO LIVING!"

This is the slogan that Paul shouted for 7 seasons in the Hornets, because NO is the abbreviation of the city of New Orleans, and it is also the motto of Paul's life.

It was his riposte to those who thought he was short, small, and slow.

"NO!"

Jimmy Butler and Beverly looked at Paul with firm eyes, and they felt that they had the same life as Paul.

Vince Carter put his hand firmly on Paul's hand. He has always known that everyone thinks that he is the one with the worst achievements and talents among the four shooting guards.

Paul's word was also a counter to Vince Carter.

Jordan put his hands on the shoulders of his teammates. He is considered the most crude center in the league, and he also wants to cry out for the injustice of fate like Paul.

Leonard and Diaw are silent at this moment, in their opinion this is the best team.

JR Smith closed his eyes, and what echoed in his mind at this moment was what the team general manager Hammond said to him: The coach said, the prodigal son turned back.

Oden was still wearing a suit, but this did not affect him staying with the team. He was the last one to put his hands on the hands of all his teammates. Oden felt the tremendous strength of this team.

Paul continued to shout at this time: "New Orleans, never back!"

Jimmy Butler led the crowd and then shouted: "We will never give up!"

Paul yells: "New Orleans, never back down!"

Beverly led the crowd and shouted: "We persevere!"

Jordan roared: "Let's fight to the last minute, even the last second!"

Paul shook his head and roared, "New Orleans!"

All the Hornets players surged at this moment, shouting frantically: "Fight!" "Fight!!!" "Fight!!!"

New Orleans Arena.

The big screen at the scene quickly displayed the starting lineups of the two teams.

Hornets regular starter.

Bulls starting lineup: point guard Derrick Rose, shooting guard Paul Pierce, small forward Luol Deng, power forward Boozer and center Noah.

Before the start of the game, Rose deliberately walked to the Hornets' bench and Li came to hug and greet.

"Coach, I'm glad to meet you, how are you doing recently?"

Li Lai patted Rose on the back and said, "Of course, what about you?"

Rose said very happily: "The Bulls won the playoffs as early as last month, and I am going to play in the playoffs again. This time I will definitely win the championship."

Li Lai looked at Rose, whose eyes were full of excitement, and reminded him, "Have you practiced three-pointers?"

Rose nodded again and again and said that he has been practicing three-pointers well. This season, his three-point shooting percentage has also reached a career high, with a 34% shooting percentage.

Rose sincerely thanked Li Lai for his valuable advice at the beginning of his career. He practiced shooting well from the beginning instead of relying on his breakthrough ability to completely ignore three-point shooting.

Of course, even though Rose has practiced his three-point shooting very well, he still didn't follow Li Lai's other suggestion to try more shots from outside the three-point line.

Because in Rose's view, his breakthrough lethality is much greater than the three-pointer, and those opponent teams will always defend Rose's three-pointer instead of breakthrough for the first time.

So unless the opponent is completely emptying Rose, he will rarely try a three-pointer easily outside the three-point line, and still focus on breakthroughs.

Game start.

Midfield jump ball.

Noah jumped off the ball from Jordan Jr., and the Bulls attacked.

Rose advances with the ball, Pierce is positioned at a 45° angle on the right and is ready to receive the ball at any time, Luol Deng is ambushing in the left corner, and Boozer is on the right waist ready to receive the ball at any time.

Noah plays the pick-and-roll in the high post.

Rose used the pick-and-roll to accelerate directly to the basket. It is not that Jordan has never defended such a fast-breaking defender.

In the previous game against the Bucks, he also faced the offense of the breakthrough master Westbrook after the pick-and-roll substitution, as well as Wade of the Heat.

But even after seeing those two masters who are also famous for their breakthroughs, he still couldn't help shouting when he saw Rose's breakthrough: Fuck!

Hornets coaching bench.

Du Feng said: "Westbrook's breakthrough is fierce. When he hits the basket, it is a slam dunk. Wade's breakthrough is skillful and varied, especially in the European step in the paint. Wade has won the fans. The good name of Zoubu."

"And Rose's breakthrough is fast, that is, a word is so fast that there is no limit, and he doesn't even change direction without slowing down!"

Stevens nodded, which is why Rose's breakthrough was so scary.

And after breaking through to the basket, Rose's layup skills are very rich, and he can throw shots, fold the lever or layup.

The most commendable thing is Rose's folding lever. It can be seen that this player's core strength is extremely strong.

"But the physical damage caused by such a fight is too great, especially the characteristic and ability of Ross's ability to change direction without slowing down."

"What a wear and tear on Rose's knees and ankles."

Li Lai didn't speak for it. He had already obtained Rose's statistics for this season from Du Feng before the start of the game.

场均26分3篮板8助攻，投篮命中率45%，三分球命中率34%。

But Rose only made 3 three-point shots per game, and almost all of the remaining 17 shots broke through the basket.

"Maybe this is the Rose of the Windy City."

Li Lai couldn't help but said with a long sigh at this moment.

He hopes that Rose can stay on the court forever, instead of being displaced due to injuries like in his previous life, making a life that should have been a legend end up full of sadness in the end.

But now it seems that Rose is still the same Rose, and will not change because of Li Lai's existence, and Rose will never be afraid of withering.

on the field.

Little Jordan didn't keep up with Rose, which was already expected by Li Lai, so he specially arranged extremely targeted tactics when arranging the defense.

Leonard took the initiative to abandon Paul Pierce and came to the basket to help defend Rose's breakthrough.

Facing Leonard, who has a taller arm than his own and is more exaggerated, Rose used a large fold to collect the ball, squeezed his body into a ball, and then made a layup.

Leonard said inwardly that he was not good. He had never thought that Rose could make such a move in the air, so he could only fight back and stop him desperately.

beep!beep!
The referee whistled, Leonard fouled, and Rose stood at the free throw line.

Barkley was looking forward to the game at the commentary stand and said: "The Bulls and Hornets are both strong defensive teams. Watching the two teams play also feels like a dream back to ten years ago."

"However, in terms of experience and strength, the Bulls are obviously the stronger team, and they have only one goal this season, aiming at the championship."

"I am very much looking forward to Rose's performance in this year's playoffs. The revenge of being eliminated by the Bucks last season must always be in Rose's heart."

Kenny Smith agreed and said: "Although the Hornets' defensive strength is strong, and the defense is very even inside and outside, but if they defend against other teams, it's okay, but against the Bulls, it may not be effective."

"After all, the Bulls have Rose, and other teams don't."

Rose made two free throws and the Hornets attacked.

Paul also called a Jordan Jr. pick-and-roll from the perimeter.

Noah's defensive experience is extremely rich, and he switched to Paul in advance.

Although Rose had to defend Jordan alone at this time, but with Luol Deng assisting in defense at the waist, the Bulls were not afraid of the Hornets' lob tactics.

Paul military training singles Noah.

Noah's defensive footsteps are good, always following in front of Paul and not giving him an easy shot.

Faced with such a defense, Paul made a shooting fake followed by a breakthrough fake, and then dribbled the ball under his crotch to shake Noah away.

Paul was ready to end the attack in the middle distance, but Noah's defense was much better than those centers who were trained by Paul casually.

Even if he is completely lost by Paul, he can still jump over to block Paul's shot at this time.

Paul took advantage of the situation to collect the ball, watched Noah who rushed over and smashed the opponent's ass, and then continued to complete the mid-range shot.

Noah, who originally thought that Paul had already thrown the ball, turned around and didn't see the basketball flying in the air. Instead, he felt his ass was hit hard, and turned his head subconsciously.

Paul has gone all out on offense.

Swish!
hit!

Barkley at the commentary desk has already let out a pig cry from laughter.

"Paul is such a bad guy, no wonder so many players don't like him."

Kenny Smith agreed: "If I was teased like that on the pitch, I'd give him a slap."

But Paul is precisely at this point the most annoying. If Noah really slapped him and was expelled, it would be much easier for the Hornets to win this game.

"That's the thing about Paul that's so annoying, he's going to do anything to win a game."

Although Noah was very angry, he also knew the name Paul left in the league.

Old Cannon, Old Cannon, that is the title that even those experienced veterans got when they were fooled.

So Noah could only swallow his anger and did not attack, nor did he applaud and mock him like Curry and Westbrook who defended the Bucks.

next round.

Rose still broke through to the basket easily, this time it was Vince Carter's defense.

Veteran Carter had no choice but to use his body to cover Rose's path when facing Rose's breakthrough.

Faced with such a defense, Rose twisted his body in the air and found a shot.

The referee blows his whistle at the same time.

The basketball hit the rim and nearly fell in.

Rose goes to the free throw line again.

Stevens suggested: "Ross' breakthrough ability is too strong. If there is a pick-and-roll from the outside, no player can keep up with him. We can only help defend."

"But it's impossible to always let Leonard help in the defense. Even when he is defending Rose, he is very vulnerable to foul crises."

Li Lai nodded. Vince Carter was easily fouled and almost scored 2+1 in the round, which also reminded Li Lai.

Rose's breakthrough is too sharp. It is difficult to defend for a long time with the help of one player. It is best to use the wheel tactics.

"Hey, coach Li Lai has changed!"

"It's too early!"

This is the second time Kenny Smith has seen the Hornets make substitutions so early this season, and the appearance of such a picture also means that the Hornets are bound to win tonight's game.

Barkley said: "Even if the Hornets want to win tonight's game desperately, this is not something they can win if they want to win."

"After all, in terms of overall strength, the Bulls are much better than them."

Vince Carter replaced, Jimmy Butler replaced.

Butler flicked his braces, and after high-fiving Vince Carter, only Rose was the player in his eyes.

He was on the court with a mission, and Li Lai had only one mission for him, and that was to assist in defending Rose who had entered the paint.

Hornets attack.

Keeping the ball and breaking through to eat Rose, after attracting Boozer's double-team inside, he directly passed the ball to Lewis in the weak side corner.

The latter hit a three-pointer with a knife in his hand.

Turning his head, it was Rose's breakthrough with the ball again.

This time facing Leonard and Butler while helping to defend the inside, Rose did not hesitate to make another layup.

beep!beep!
"The whistle is blowing again!"

"Butler just came up, and he sent a foul directly."

"This is the Hornets' third foul in a single quarter."

Kenny Smith shook his head again and again after watching it, and wanted to say that this is Derrick Rose, this is the hope of Chicago's post-Jordan era, and the only reason for the rise of the Bulls.

Barkley said: "In the Eastern Conference this season, the Heat, Bucks, and Bulls, the three teams are very close in strength."

"Regardless of which of these three teams makes it to the Finals, whoever has a very good chance of winning the championship."

"No matter from the strength of the team lineup or the maturity and tacit understanding of the style of play, these three teams are all at the championship level."

on the field.

Butler put his head in his hands in frustration, not knowing how to defend Rose.

In the first step of the outside pick-and-roll, no player can keep up, and the breakthrough does not slow down, causing the defense players to also be unable to keep up.

These points make Ross look very incomprehensible.

Stevens said: "Coach, we have to find a way to limit Rose. If he continues to play like this, with a few fouls, all our players will be beaten by him."

Li Lai naturally discovered this too. He had to admit that Rose's breakthrough was indeed powerful, but it was not without the possibility of restricting the opponent.

"Team in advance and force Rose to play!"

Li Lai walked up to the center line, clenched his fists and bumped into each other.

All the Hornets players on the field saw the coach's gesture clearly, and Barkley and Kenny Smith on the commentary desk also saw it clearly.

They are now very familiar with Li Lai's gestures.

"The Hornets' defense has upgraded, from a help defense tactic to a double-team tactic."

"Don't underestimate the Hornets' double-team tactics, thinking that they will definitely leak offensive players after double-teaming."

"In fact, the Hornets' perimeter delays, overall defensive details, and defensive speed are among the top in the league."

"This team can play the top defensive efficiency in the league this season, that is, it depends on the bottom-of-the-box tactics at this critical moment."

"Outside double-teaming!"

on the field.

Rose looked at Paul and Leonard who rushed over and wanted to dribble the ball early to break the double-team, but the defensive positions of the two and the timing of the double-team were so good that there was no possibility for Rose to break the double-team.

Rose, who had fought against Li Lai many times, knew very well that this was another terrifying tactic designed by the other party.

He knew that this tactic was aimed at him, so Rose did not dare to try a personal attack, but sent the ball ahead of time to Pierce at a 45° angle on the right.

Butler's return to defense was fast and did not give Pierce a lot of open time.

At this time, Leonard on the outside quickly shifted his defense to an open player. The Hornets' defensive tactics were completed, and the basketball came from Rose to the hands of other Bulls players.

The point is, the Hornets haven't lost ground on such a defense.

"Butler, a swingman, is facing Pierce. This is the result that the Hornets' coaching staff really wants to see."

Paul singles Butler.

Break through the front and dribble one step, then turn back for singles, move sideways one step, dribble and retreat, then shoot.

call!
Butler defended aggressively, covering Pierce's eyes with his right hand as the basketball was about to be shot.

Duang!

It's hard.

Barkley praised: "Jimmy Butler defended the ball beautifully!"

"He knew that his height and wingspan were not enough, so he was very smart not to block Pierce's shot, but to use a blindfold defense."

This isn't the first time Kenny Smith has seen Jimmy Butler shine on the court.

Although Butler's ability on the offensive end seems to be lacking a lot, but on the defensive end, Butler is no worse than any player on the Hornets.

"I heard that the player Jimmy is still a training madman, and his training madness is even more exaggerated than Kobe in Los Angeles."

Barkley had never heard of this incident, and frowned and said, "Kobe is Los Angeles at 4 o'clock in the morning!"

Kenny Smith said with a smile: "Jimmy Butler hadn't finished training at that time."

Hearing this, Barkley was shocked. Kobe started training at 4 in the morning, but Butler hadn't finished training at that time? !Is it possible for him to practice until dawn!

This kind of almost crazy training Barkley is not unheard of.

Back then, the Pistons' bad boy army was invincible. The team that gathered a large number of villains such as Isiah Thomas, Lambiel, Thomas, Mahon, Rodman, etc. caused countless teams in the league to suffer. The same is true of Jordan, the god of basketball.

During that time, Jordan was almost bullied by the Bad Boys. After being eliminated by the Pistons in the playoffs for two consecutive years, Jordan began to learn from the pain and finally established the Breakfast Club.

Barkley was invited to join the Breakfast Club, and signed a non-disclosure agreement as soon as he entered the club.

After the first day of training, Barkley couldn't help but want to quit and uttered the already famous words.

"I no longer envy Jordan's talent, because his success is more due to hardships that ordinary people can't imagine."

At this moment, Barkley saw Jordan's shadow in Jimmy Butler.

The first quarter ended quickly.

Because of the double-team defense that the Hornets suddenly put up, it was difficult for the Bulls and Rose to adapt at the first time, so the Hornets temporarily led by 25:22.

The second game.

The Bulls' rotation is: point guard John Lucas III, shooting guard CJ Watson, small forward Richard Hamilton the Mask, power forward Gibson and center Omer Asik.

Du Feng couldn't help swallowing when he saw the Bulls' rotation.

"It's no wonder that this team can compete with the Heat for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls' rotation is so strong."

With cold sweat on his face, Stevens said: "John Lucas III can organize, pass, and score. Richard Hamilton is a well-known CIC master in the league."

"Gibson is a dynamic player on offense and rebounding, and he moves the floor very quickly."

"Asik is the only player in the league this season who played as a backup center but scored 10+10 data."

"This Bulls bench is really strong."

Stevens and Du Feng looked at Li Lai at the same time.

Li Lai also found it difficult, but he still smiled and said: "Our substitute lineup is not bad."

Game start.

As soon as Hamilton came up, he singled Vince Carter and made a mid-range shot.

With his mid-range shot, the Bulls blew the counterattack horn.

Lucas III made a layup, Gibson grabbed the offensive rebound and dunked under the basket.

Diaw responded quickly and passed the ball to JR Smith who came up around the screen, and the latter made a strong three-pointer and made a steady hit.

Kenny Smith said: "JR Smith's three-pointer is invaluable. If it weren't for his three-pointer, the Hornets' score on the court would have been overtaken."

Barkley agreed and said: "JR Smith used to have too many problems, which could easily bring conflicts in the locker room to the team, and his thorny personality made the team management extremely headache."

"But this season he has indeed shown a visible improvement. When he puts his mind on the court, JR Smith is indeed an efficient offensive player."

Of course, what Barkley didn't say was JR Smith's defensive problems.

JR Smith is not an efficient defensive player, but in the Hornets' overall defensive system, JR Smith doesn't have to worry so much at all, he just needs to complete the offense.

This is where Barkley has to admire the Hornets coaching staff.

They can always make the best use of the abilities and characteristics of each player, and combine these abilities and characteristics to make the Hornets a stronger team.

Bulls coach.

Coach Thibodeau looked at the court with a frown.

The Bulls' bench lineup is recognized by the league as being extremely strong in terms of offensive and defensive balance, but it's hard for him to understand that such a lineup didn't even open the score and beat the Hornets on the court.

The assistant coach of the Bulls immediately reminded Thibodeau: "The strength of the Hornets' bench lineup is not bad, especially JR Smith."

"If nothing else, JR Smith has a high probability of winning the best sixth man award this year, and his offensive ability is quite fierce."

Thibodeau frowned even more when he heard this. The Bulls have not given up competing with the Heat for the league's first record until now.

So no matter what, the Bulls must win this game tonight.

In Thibodeau's view, the Heat's strength is too strong. Once the Bulls meet each other in the playoffs, a little more advantage means one more possibility of defeating the opponent.

The home field advantage in the playoffs is one of the most important points that cannot be ignored. This is why Thibodeau must compete with the Heat for the top spot in the regular season.

"Remove John Lucas III and take Rose."

The assistant coach of the Bulls who heard this sentence looked at Thibodeau in shock and said: "Coach, Rose only took a rest for 2 minutes, and we are about to face the challenge of the playoffs. If the opponent is overloaded to play at this time, I am afraid."

Thibodeau said firmly with his eyes: "Live up to youth, seize the day and night."

Seeing that the Bulls suddenly called a timeout and Rose was replaced, Kenny Smith and Barkley on the commentary desk were stunned at the same time.

Barkley was the first to react and said: "There are two coaches in the league who are absolute dead fuck players."

"One is coach Tylen Lue of the Bucks, and the other is coach Thibodeau of the Bulls."

Kenny Smith shook his head and said: "No, Coach Tyronn Lue is still inferior to Coach Thibodeau in dead-fucking players."

"Rose averaged 38 minutes per game this season, second in the league."

"Only James, who averaged 39 minutes per game for the Heat, is slightly higher than him."

"But by April, James' average playing time has dropped to 4 minutes. Coach Spoelstra is obviously deliberately reducing James' playing time. This is to build up energy for the playoffs."

"But for Rose of the Bulls, his playing time did not decrease but increased."

As soon as Rose came up, he made Beverly a defensive foul.

Beverly, who used to defend anyone, even Durant, had a way, but after meeting Rose, whose playing style was completely lightning fast, all his little tricks failed.

"To defend Rose, if you can keep up, you can keep up, if you can't keep up, you can't keep up, and any other method is useless."

Li Lai's expression was extremely ugly at this moment.

One is that he has no better way to restrict Rose at this time, and the other is that Thibodeau's overload of players makes him extremely worried about Rose's physical condition.

"Using players in this way may catch the opponent by surprise technically and tactically, and it may also bring very good results, but after all, players are living people, not machines."

"Even James, who has proven that his body can't be broken no matter how hard he is, those coaches will not play around like this when they use him."

on the field.

罗斯完全打爆了贝弗利，单节爆发7投5中，罚球4罚4中，砍下了14分2篮板2助攻的数据。

The Hornets were overtaken and fell behind 48:54.

(End of this chapter)