The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 370 The Desperate Rocket

During the intermission, the team emphasized two points. One is rebounding. The Warriors must be at a disadvantage inside, but they must put on a tough stance and fight for rebounds more actively.

Another point is the defense against Harden, the Rockets' tactical system, restricting Harden can solve many problems.

If Klay Thompson wants to consume more energy on the offensive end, let Iguodala consume it.

The Rockets' main star mode depends on whether this James is as hard as the other James.

Originally, the Warriors planned to let Bogut fight inside, and he fought well in the game, but the state of the Australian was not so good this time. Although he is young, Bogut's physical strength is really not good.

The Warriors simply changed their lineup and let Speights play the fifth position, or go directly to the fifth junior.

Since they can't win on rebounds, they still use their most familiar method to oppress the opponent with offense.

Curry's absence doesn't mean that you can't play a small lineup, so let Zhang Xiaotian hold the ball and kill inside, break through and score the ball, just like Cavalier James holds the ball.

Although Zhang Xiaotian can't achieve the effect of James, he can still play a dozen against the Rockets.

The Rockets have controlled this foul very well, and it is useless to cause damage.

The good thing is that Zhang Xiaotian's shots are from Durant's line, and he shoots very well.

Teammates cover him and rush in. If he comes up to help defend, he will split the ball. If he doesn't come up, he will play mid-range. Simple but effective.

After the start of the second half, the Rockets really had nothing to do with Zhang Xiaotian's trick.

The key is that the Warriors look like everyone can shoot, whether to flank or not.

On the Rockets side, Harden's scoring organization still has one hand. Klay Thompson and Iguodala have worked hard to consume their opponents, but they are still close.

After half a quarter, the Warriors gradually began to control the situation.

Harden played on the court without rest, and he was not as brave as before.

The Warriors took the opportunity to chase points, Zhang Xiaotian went down to rest for a while, but changed up again with 5 seconds left.

When they were behind, they played more cautiously, and arranged a tactic at the end of the third quarter.

Zhang Xiaotian didn't let the coach down. After receiving the ball, he speeded up and made a posture to charge, and then stopped at the three-point line to hit the buzzer.

The gap between the two sides was also narrowed to 3 points because of this ball.

Harden didn't rest at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It seems that the Rockets want him to play the second half.

Do you want to kill them with star tactics? The Rockets are very eager to win the home court, but the Warriors are not casual opponents.

Moreover, Harden seems to be able to play, and his scoring method does not require too much physical strength, but after being entangled by Warriors players for so long, it is the shooting rate that is affected.

Three minutes into the final quarter, Harden only got a free throw opportunity, and Harden, who made a very good free throw percentage, only missed two free throws.

At the same time, Zhang Xiaotian scored 4 points and sent an assist.

If you play star tactics, the Warriors are more suitable.

With only 1 point left in the score gap, the Rockets quickly requested a timeout and made the starting lineup ahead of schedule.

The Rockets' starting lineup poses the biggest threat to the Warriors inside. Two big men play inside. No matter what lineup the Warriors use, the Warriors will definitely need to shrink their defense.

Harden finally got his chance and hit a three-pointer from the outside.

But then Zhang Xiaotian scored Iguodala, who also hit a three-pointer.

Iguodala's shooting is metaphysical, but when the team really needs him, it is quite reliable. This is why players with similar statistics to him may not get 500 million, but he is at the tens of millions level.

Then Zhang Xiaotian forced Ariza to make a foul. When the Warriors were about to start, Motiejunas hit a three-pointer from outside the three-point line, and then grabbed an offensive rebound and scored two more points.

As for the Warriors, due to Klay Thompson's poor hand feeling, basically Zhang Xiaotian was the main attacker alone, and he rarely played hard in the final quarter.

Zhang Xiaotian's scoring efficiency in the final quarter was very high. That was when there was a stronger presence to help him attract defensive attention. Now the Rockets put most of their defensive energy on him, and it is not so easy to take over the game.

However, it is even more difficult for the Rockets to steal the victory in front of him.

When there were only 3 minutes left, the Warriors still replaced the fifth player. Green, Iguodala, and Zhang Xiaotian took turns to control the ball without Curry. Barnes played the third and Zhang Xiaotian played the fourth.

The Warriors switched to a small lineup, and the Rockets immediately played inside.

Howard caught the ball inside, and the Warriors chose to foul, but Howard missed both free throws.

Rockets coach Bickerstaff was also excited and replaced Howard on the spot.

They let Beasley play, intending to start a confrontation with the Warriors.

At the critical moment, Bickerstaff obviously felt that offense was more important.

I don't know whether this substitution is appropriate or not, but the Warriors don't need to worry so much about rebounds at the last moment.

Motiejunas is still on the court, but rebounding has never been the dude's strong suit.

Then in the Warriors' offense, Zhang Xiaotian and Draymond Green picked and rolled, the Rockets made a defensive substitution, and Zhang Xiaotian made an easy hit with a small hit. At 94:93, the Warriors finally took the lead.

It was the Rockets' turn to attack, and they handed the ball to Beasley.

Although my buddy had a miserable time in the league, and it was difficult to get a contract despite his ability, but on the offensive end, this guy is indeed a big heart. No matter what defense he faces, he will always shoot with confidence.

This time he successfully fouled Draymond Green and made two free throws to help the Rockets get the score back.

The Warriors still let Zhang Xiaotian attack with the ball and let Draymond Green pick and roll.

This time Ariza rushed over desperately, and the Rockets did not make substitutions.

But before Ariza could stand still, Zhang Xiaotian squeezed a step inside, pulled up at a 45-degree angle and hit directly.

Time entered the last minute, 1:96, and the Warriors took the lead again.

Then Zhang Xiaotian steals Iguodala again, countering and scoring Klay Thompson when he is flanked. Unfortunately, Klay Thompson is really out of shape, and he missed a shot at a point he is very good at.

The Rockets had only one last chance to attack. They simply replaced Motiejunas, and Jason Terry became five outsiders.

Jason Terry was also famous for his big heart back then, but at this time he must be just a cover.

At this time, of course Harden is playing singles with the ball.

Facing Iguodala's defense, Harden turned around and stepped back and hit two points.

Fortunately, the Warriors were leading before, and Harden didn't dare to overwhelm the time, with 4 seconds left.

The Warriors paused to deploy tactics, only 1 point behind, and the Rockets took Howard up again to prevent the Warriors from stealing the basket.

But where the main energy of defense should be put, any fool knows.

Klay Thompson is not in good condition, and the Rockets must guard against death is Zhang Xiaotian, the famous big heart of the league.

(End of this chapter)