The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 270 Winning streak
The Pelicans switched back to the main force ahead of time, but the Cavaliers can't be so anxious, at least James needs to rest enough.

However, after Zhang Xiaotian tore apart the opponent's defense and relieved the team's pressure, everyone in the Cavaliers also relaxed a little.

The Pelicans' advance to the main force did not re-establish their advantage. Although Zhang Xiaotian received stricter defensive treatment, Irving finally blossomed after making zero shots in ten shots.

As an All-Star player, if you find the touch, you have found it. After Irving hit the shot, he became energetic, as if someone else had hit the iron before.

The Pelicans are also very depressed, and the drawbacks of Anthony Davis' inability to play are finally reflected.

When they encounter difficulties, there is no absolute strength to stand up.

After the Cavaliers overtook the score, they replaced James, and all the pressure came to the Pelicans.

The Cavaliers also tried a big and a small four at this time, but this season James is not very used to playing the fourth position, and the effect is not very outstanding.

In the second half, the Cavaliers resumed their normal lineup, but replaced Varejao with Tristan Thompson inside, which is also their most routine operation.

The Cavaliers maintained the lead until the last 3 minutes. Unexpectedly, the Pelicans still had the strength to resist.

It was also they who gave the opportunity. James played too much before, and he was actually a little tired at this time.

He originally switched to defend Ryan Anderson, but at this time he didn't catch up for the first time twice.

Ryan Anderson has one of the best shot speeds among big pitchers, and he hit three-pointers in a row.

Suddenly, the Pelicans were not only renewed, but also had the possibility of winning.

The Cavaliers quickly requested a timeout to allow the players on the field to adjust briefly.

Zhang Xiaotian reduced his personal offense after several of the team's attack points returned to the field. The opponent had two defensive weaknesses, which the team must take advantage of, and there was no need for him to rush to fight.

But now that the team has encountered difficulties again, he must stand up.

Now the team has the opportunity to touch the ball, but it is not an offensive opportunity. Zhang Xiaotian needs to do something that looks out of the ordinary in terms of tactical system.

But for him, this is often done in the final quarter.

On Ryan Anderson's side, the coach proposed to switch back to defense, but James refused.

James is a bit tight right now, but he has to save face.

Some core players don't like to do so much on the defensive end. James is still different. He wants to be the best in every aspect. He enjoys the praise from the outside.

When the Pelicans let Ryan Anderson shoot again, James really interfered.

In fact, as long as it is a normal defense, it is difficult for Ryan Anderson to make a shot in front of James.

Tristan Thompson grabbed the rebound and handed it to James, and the Cavaliers directly launched a counterattack.

James rushed up to attract the Pelicans' defense, and then made a pass back. Zhang Xiaotian caught the ball and made a steady three-pointer.

The Pelicans came back to find Anderson again, and Anderson was disturbed again.

The Cavaliers counterattacked again, this time Irving broke through directly and made a layup.

From falling behind by 2 points to overtaking by 3 points, even less than 1 minute, this is the NBA.

This time it was the turn of the Pelicans to pause. Their offense was too rigid, always trying to open at the same point.

When falling behind, the Pelicans chose to make a substitution. They replaced Rivers Jr. and started playing three guards.

Luke Babbitt has height, but he didn't play any role at all on the defensive end. It can only be used purely to contain three-pointers on the offensive end. Now it's the last minute and the team is behind again. There must be a surprise .

The three guards are more flexible on the offensive end and have enough footwork on the defensive end. Against the Cavaliers' strong points, they can directly pinch them.

It's definitely not good to play like this in the whole game, but for a short time, the Pelicans have also practiced this tactic.

Back from the timeout, Evans really hit one.

Facing fast-paced opponents, as long as they are a little slower, it will be difficult to interfere.

Zhang Xiaotian immediately reminded himself that he had to concentrate more, leaving half a step away from the opponent, and keeping in front of Evans was the correct defensive posture.

It was the Cavaliers' turn to attack, and Zhang Xiaotian was hit directly after receiving the ball.

Evans' strength is not bad, but facing Zhang Xiaotian who has activated his skills, he still can't stand it.

When the Pelicans players came to help defend, Zhang Xiaotian threw the ball out and Irving made a two-pointer.

Now on the Cavaliers side, both Zhang Xiaotian and James can play like this. If the Pelicans don't help defend, they can shoot directly when they get closer.

When the three defenders are in defense, they have to accept such a test.

With a four-forward lineup like the Cavaliers, there is almost no need to be so fancy in offense, just play directly.

Of course, this is because of the abilities of the Cavaliers. If the attack power is insufficient, strength and physique alone are useless.

Evans felt the difference in defense when he thought about Zhang Xiaotian again. He wasted more than ten seconds and could only pass to Zhu Holiday, who made a hasty shot and hit the iron.

At 39 seconds, Zhang Xiaotian hit another 2 points.

The Cavaliers lead by 5 points, and the Pelicans have already stood on the edge of the cliff.

Next, Evans missed a strong three-pointer. After the Pelicans chose to foul, Irving made two free throws.

With a lead of 7 points and less than 24 seconds, the real overall situation has been decided.

119:112, the Cavaliers won ten consecutive victories, Zhang Xiaotian scored 17 points and 7 rebounds, and his performance at critical moments continued to shine.

Pelicans coach Monty Williams sighed after the game, "They are too strong. More than one or two of their players are above the level line. Anthony's injury is a turning point."

Next, the Cavaliers can rest for two days. After playing two back-to-back games, they also need to adjust.

Eddie's company sent a young man to help with the matter. Zhang Xiaotian also hired a nutritionist to help him with diet. Now he only needs to put all his energy on cultivation.

Of course, I still have to report to my wife every day, after all, I am no longer single.

When the schedule is tight, he will also feel a little tired, but he has fully adapted to the rhythm of the professional league, and he doesn't need to consume victory points to recover his energy.

He now reserves most of the victory points, but also uses some to improve his overall strength.

In fact, the impact of basketball stats on strength is not just a single one. Improvement in some aspects will make him better in other aspects. Zhang Xiaotian thinks that he should change from a distinctive role player to a star player.

He not only wants to be a star player, but also intends to be the kind who can lead the team and has all-round strength.

Although it is still just ambition, Zhang Xiaotian intends to lay the foundation.

As a teammate with James, you can't just hold your thighs. The strongest third position must study hard.

This is an opportunity. Only players who keep learning and improving can get better and better in the league.

Back at home, on December 12th, the Cavaliers ushered in the challenge of the Hornets.

Compared with the previous away games, the physical condition of the players feels much better.

(End of this chapter)