basketball player

Chapter 360 358: I won't let you return as a hero

The Pacers had a seven-point lead over Oklahoma City after three quarters when Paul hit a 7-pointer at the buzzer on a beautiful screen from beyond the arc.In the second and third quarters, in the absence of Durant, the gritty Thunder did not completely collapse.After three quarters, Westbrook has scored 24 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Most importantly, he shot 42% from the field and only made 2 turnovers.

Westbrook, who is as passionate as fire, has carried the Thunder to the present. Although he has not been defeated, he is 12 points behind the Pacers with only 7 minutes left in the game. This is still not good news for Brooks.

"Westbrook's performance in this game can be described as perfect. When Kevin Durant was injured and returned to the locker room, I thought the game was over. But unexpectedly, the Thunder and Westbrook tenaciously held back the defending champion. They dragged the defending champion into the mud and rolled in the mud. Although the Thunder were very embarrassed, the defending champion was not easy."

Kenny Smith is now full of respect for the Thunder, fighting back to back, without Durant under various unfavorable conditions, but still clinging to the score.

At this time, the head coaches of both sides are nervously arranging tactics.Henson has already planned, first use the starting lineup to score points, and then use a half-substitute and half-starting lineup in the middle to transition.In the end, the "Death Defense", which is still outstanding in effect, was used to end the game.

"In the fourth quarter, they must have been very tired! As long as we can persevere, we will definitely be the final winners! But first of all, we must not make mistakes! Stabilize the situation and keep this situation until the end! The further the game goes, the better it is for us!"

Henson was sweating profusely. If the team hadn't had a complete lineup today, the Oklahoma City Thunder would have taken the lead.But no matter how tough the game is, Henson has to win.It is impossible to let the 72-win plan be buried in the outcome of a game!
But just before the end of the break, Henson heard a little commotion in the other half.He hurriedly turned his head to look, but found the scene he least wanted to see.

"Kevin Durant, he's back on the court! Looks like he's all right! In the fourth quarter, will Coach Brooks let KD play again!?"

Kenny Smith saw Durant almost at the same time as Henson, but he was obviously more excited than Henson.

"Coach, I'm back!" Durant trotted all the way back to the bench, high-fived Westbrook, and then reported to Brooks.

Brooks did not respond to Durant, but glanced at the team doctor who was behind Durant.

"No problem, we can play." The team doctor knew what Brooks' eyes meant, so he nodded slightly.

"I was just too tired in the first quarter, coach. Now I'm full of energy, let me play!" Durant took the initiative to ask for a fight, and agreed to settle accounts with the Pacers with Westbrook. How could he leave the team and leave first?
"Damn it, KD is back. It doesn't matter, just do as I said, play smarter and play more cautiously, as long as we don't make mistakes in the last 12 minutes, we will win!" Henson didn't change his strategy because of Durant's sudden appearance. Just after he finished speaking, the buzzer sounded for the start of the fourth quarter.

No one noticed, Henson glanced at Leonard.If Durant returns, then Leonard will shoulder a heavy responsibility.

"Kevin Durant went into battle, haha, the Oklahoma City Thunder ushered back their scoring leader! Kevin Durant returned strongly!"

Durant's return undoubtedly boosted the morale of the Thunder.And most importantly, after resting for two quarters, Durant may not necessarily encounter physical problems in the fourth quarter.The game suddenly became tricky again.

On the first offense in the fourth quarter, Durant preempted with a long shot.At this time in Oklahoma, God knows how many Thunder fans are cheering desperately for this tall No. 35.The drama of the hero's return will never be outdated in the NBA!

After the goal, Durant pursed his lips, far less ostentatious than Westbrook in the second and third quarters.Whether the Thunder's record is good or bad, Durant's performance has been stellar, consistent throughout.Regardless of whether the Thunder is active or passive in the game, Durant is like "Stone Buddha" Duncan, neither sad nor happy, as always.

If Russell Westbrook is hot, he is passionate.Then Kevin Durant is an iceberg, calm and stable.It's just weird that two completely different people can work so well together.

Just when the Pacers players were still a little dazed about the three-pointer just now, they heard a burst of clapping.The sound was very loud and easily recognizable.Everyone looked back, only to see Henson pressing down on everyone.

"Let's serve, let's attack back!" Paul shouted immediately, and everyone came back to their senses in an instant.

As long as they see Henson on the sidelines, the players will always feel inexplicably at ease.Chris Paul organized the offense steadily and assisted George to hit a three-pointer over Sefoloza in response.

Responding to the ball seems to have become the theme of today.Whether it is the Thunder or the Pacers, they are always able to respond to the opponent's offense toughly.

"Their offense is really beautiful. I dare say that they are the team that played the best offense under our defense this season!" Seeing that the two sides were in anxiety again, Henson couldn't help but look at the Thunder and Durant with admiration.

The most eye-catching performance of the Thunder today is: the execution of the offensive end in the fourth quarter.

Although trailing in the final quarter, the Thunder did not reveal their immaturity last season, but played in a disciplined manner.Especially Durant and Westbrook, in Henson's impression, the two have never been so efficient in the fourth quarter at the same time.

"Today, no matter what kind of opponent the Thunder are facing, it is impossible for them to lose! But, they encountered the most difficult bone in the league!" Kenny Smith felt sorry for the Thunder. Their performance deserved the victory, and their perseverance and fighting spirit also deserved the victory.But the victory in this game may not necessarily belong to the Thunder.

Under the efficient and indiscriminate bombardment of Durant and Westbrook, the Pacers still maintained a 2-point lead 2 minutes before the end of the game.Henson used up the second-to-last timeout in his hand, and brought up the "death defense" lineup as planned.

2 minutes, death defense.The whole world knows that Henson wants to end the game with a solid defense.Henson patted Leonard on the shoulder meaningfully before the players took to the court.Leonard was originally a silent person, and Henson also knew that he didn't need to say much to him, a look was enough.

Today, because George needs to spend most of his energy on the offensive end, at the last moment, Henson chose to use Leonard instead of George to defend Durant.

The effort of the whole game and even the whole season, Henson put his treasure on the last 2 minutes.Among them, Leonard's is the most focused!Because Durant, who was directly facing him, scored 11 points in a single quarter in the fourth quarter.Of course, the hit rate is a dreaded 75%.

"Leonard performed well against LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals last season. Today, Coach Henson once again chose to believe in him! Look at the spear and shield, who can beat who today!"

"Break through more and try to foul them!" Brooks knew very well that the three guys Henson sent on the field liked to use strong physical confrontation to defend, so he danced on the sidelines and reminded his players to look for free throws as much as possible to score easily.

On the first offense in the last 2 minutes, Al Horford's first three-pointer missed the target.Perkins defended Horford well today, after all, he had already paid his tuition last summer.

Westbrook took off the rebound himself, and in just 5 seconds, he advanced from the backcourt to the frontcourt, and directly plunged into the penalty area!
Fortunately, Jimmy Butler stopped Westbrook in the air in time, and the No. 0 guard slid out for a layup!But the Thunder's offense did not end there. Durant followed later, stretched his long arms and lightly tapped, and made a tip-up!

"At the 13th point in the fourth quarter, KD's scoring momentum has not been stopped! Should Coach Henson consider using Paul George to defend Durant?"

Obviously, Henson had no such intention.The Thunder just drew a tie, so there is no need to make a fuss.

Sure enough, after Durant successfully tipped the basket, Horford sat inside this time and made Perkins a defensive foul.Brooks wanted his players to score fouls, but he didn't expect the Pacers' players to get to the free throw line first.

Now that the long shot has been ineffective against Perkins, Horford took the initiative to sit inside and play.It is much easier to draw a foul in the three-second zone.

The start of the two sides in the last 2 minutes seemed to be a head start. In the next few offenses, the two teams played back and forth, and the Pacers always maintained a 2-point lead.

But it is worth noting that Leonard has not had a successful defense since he came on the court!Durant's scoring has reached 15 points in a single quarter. This guy is in amazing condition today!
Finally, in the last 12.5 seconds of the game, the Thunder ushered in the last chance to attack.At this time, the Pacers led by 2 points, and Brooks had just called a timeout.During this timeout, the on-site photographer gave Henson shots more than once.The player who talks the most with Henson is undoubtedly Leonard!
There is no doubt that the Thunder want a three-pointer, and their physical fitness cannot support overtime.Henson also expected this, so beyond the three-point line, the Pacers blocked very tightly!It can be said that it has reached the point where you would rather let you break through to tie the score than leave you any shooting space!
"What did you just say to Leonard!?" Vogel stood nervously on the sidelines, his body shaking uncontrollably.

"You'll know right away, right away." Henson didn't look sideways, the key battle of 72 wins, the only hope of the alliance. It all depends on this attack!
At the last moment, Westbrook passed the ball to Durant according to the tactics.Durant had no shooting space, and Leonard used his chest to stare at No. 15 who scored 35 points in a single quarter!
But Durant was not discouraged. After all, in the last 2 minutes, Leonard didn't even have a successful defense!This time, don't even think about success!
He made a temporary screen with Ibaka, Ibaka blocked Leonard, and Durant broke through with the ball!
Since you can't get 3 points, then you need a 2 points first!Although playing overtime is not good for the Thunder, it is better than losing the game directly!

Durant hung up the screen and went straight to the basket. Horford hadn't reacted at this time, and West had just been nailed to the high position by Ibaka.It only takes one easy throw, one easy throw, Durant can change his life against the sky, and he can fulfill his promise with Westbrook under the morning glow!

Taking a step inside the free throw line, Durant took off on one foot, lifted his front leg to maintain balance, raised his long arm, and was ready to shoot!

However, at the moment Durant took off, Leonard suddenly killed him, covered his crotch with his hands, and stood in front of Durant!
"what!?"

Leonard saw Durant's knee flying towards him, but he still didn't move half a step, and there was no expression of fear on his face!

"Boom!" With a loud noise, both Leonard and Durant fell to the ground!Everyone in the audience saw that Durant's knee hit Leonard hard in the face. After Nick Collison, the court was once again bloody!
At the same time, bursts of red light appeared on the backboard.
(End of this chapter)