The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 49 Fighting Guy
Both the Spurs and the Grizzlies focus on defense. The two teams are not as smooth as the offensive team. The two teams are biting the score. This game is destined to be a protracted game from the beginning.

In the first quarter, the Spurs trailed the opponent by 21 point at 22:1, and Zhang Xiaotian was also replaced to rest.

It's just a matter of rotation. The situation of the Spurs is not very good. Except for Manu Ginobili who played early, the others, like Zhang Xiaotian, played six away games, two of which were back to back.

Their adaptability is stronger than Zhang Xiaotian, but they have not yet returned to their best condition.

Ginobili's hand feeling under the key care is also average. Seeing that the Spurs were about to be opened by the Grizzlies' low-minded role players, they chose to make substitutions.

The main reason is that the time is up. Duncan started to play hard after he came on the court, and he completely let go of the game. Although the Grizzlies are strong inside, they are helpless in the face of Duncan who is about to go berserk. Gasol was forced to foul twice.

Zhang Xiaotian secretly said that Duncan's physical strength has declined due to his age, and his methods are not comparable to that of ordinary stars.

The team showed its strength inside, and Zhang Xiaotian also seized the opportunity to hit a three-pointer from the outside.

He took the opportunity to spray Rudy Gay, "Well, you just have a strong mouth. I haven't exerted my strength yet, and your defense can't keep up."

Rudy Gay was a little speechless. He was just attracted by other Spurs players. He then tried a three-pointer and continued to make a mid-range shot after missing.

Unlike Zhang Xiaotian's previous encounters with those trash-talking guys, Rudy Gay was not very emotional during the trash-talking process, as if he just regarded trash-talking as a skill.

Zhang Xiaotian is not disappointed either. After all, trash talking is just an outside trick, and his main method is to fight against consumption. Even if the effect is not visible now, as long as it is possible to have an effect at the last critical moment, it is worth it.

Duncan scored 15 points in a single quarter, leading the team to chase all the points behind during the rotation period.

He was also exhausted enough, and he took time to recover during the intermission.

When Popovich appealed to the league, he made it clear that the rest of the team was for the more important game against the Grizzlies. The three big men and Danny Green also played extra hard.

It's just that Danny Green doesn't have the means of a few big shots. His punctual shots were too hard and not beautiful.

In this game, the two teams are evenly divided, and it is normal for the styles of the two teams to have this situation.

It's just that I didn't expect the variable to appear in the third quarter. Even if I missed a game, Duncan's age is still where it is. The sequelae caused by the second quarter is the decline in physical strength in the second half.

Gasol Jr. took the opportunity to show off his power and stirred up a storm in the interior.

The Spurs lacked support on the inside, and the outside line became more difficult. Only Parker made a few breakthroughs.

Zhang Xiaotian didn't give in either. He took three outside shots but was interfered by Rudy Gay and only hit one.

Gasol scored 12 points alone, and the Spurs fell behind by 13 points in one quarter.

All the players felt uncomfortable. If they lost this game, they would be slapped in the face. The four of them took turns to fight against the Grizzlies, who lacked a main force, and they couldn't beat them.

"Coach, my hand feeling has come out, I'm in a good state today."

After the third quarter, Zhang Xiaotian ventured to speak again.

In terms of mental state, he is indeed better than the previous few games, and others can see it.

The final quarter was full of energy, and Rudy Gay didn't stare at him as he said, so he definitely had a chance.

Popovich didn't say no, and still let him rest on the bench now.

Fortunately, the Spurs' substitute players also came to feel that Gary Neal and Mills hit three-pointers one after another, which did not allow the opponent to continue to expand the score.

When Rudy Gay was resting, Popovich replaced Zhang Xiaotian.

The Grizzlies' backup striker is Darrell Arthur. Although he is tall, he has average physical fitness and has no ability to attack with the ball.

Compared with Rudy Gay, this is a primary school student. Zhang Xiaotian made a breakthrough after playing, and then hit a three-pointer to help the team chase 5 points in a row.

Popovich squeezed his chin, thinking that Zhang Xiaotian is still suitable to play as a substitute. As long as he doesn't face those ruthless characters, this player's offensive power is quite good.

Because the Spurs are chasing points, the Grizzlies can only rest Rudy Gay for 2 minutes.

At this time, the Grizzlies' lead has been reduced to 7 points.

"Actually, it's useless for you to come back. I'm starting to exert my strength now and no one can stop me."

"Besides, you are also a supporting role in the team. You can lead because of the inside line, and it has nothing to do with you."

Rudy Gay's face changed slightly, but he immediately smiled and said, "Is that so, I'll tell you what a supporting role is."

The Grizzlies' three-point ability is very average, so after Gasol showed off his power, the Spurs shrank their defense. At this time, they must move quickly to fight inside.

With Rudy Gay coming up, the Grizzlies naturally hope that he can lead the team on the offensive end.

Mike Conley handed him the ball directly, and Rudy Gay was a little careless. Now the league defines Zhang Xiaotian as an ordinary player with a big heart. At most, he is a starter for a weak team. That night is probably the pinnacle of his career So Rudy Gay isn't worried about flipping.

With this level of opponents, he can hang them at will.

He motioned his teammates to distance himself, moved the ball to the side by himself, and then didn't even bother to make fake moves, just pulled up and shot.

Only this time when he took the shot, a figure jumped up at the same time as him and blocked his shooting line.

How is it possible, Zhang Xiaotian is so likely to block his shooting line after having tried so many times before.

Rudy Gay's shot selection is too simple, so if he can't interfere, Zhang Xiaotian doesn't have to play anymore, it's better to go back to the amateur league game honestly.

Rudy Gay forcibly changed the angle of the shot, and the result was that the basketball hit the rim with a bang.

The Spurs grabbed the rebound and launched a counterattack directly. Because the substitutes performed well and the main players hadn't all been replaced, Zhang Xiaotian received a pass from his teammates.

After catching the ball, he crossed past Rudy Gay with a cross step. The opponent was still in shock, but subconsciously reached out and gave up the defense. Zhang Xiaotian made a layup.

This buddy is not particular about it. Even if he was passed just now, with Rudy Gay's speed, he could actually stick it from behind, but he didn't do it.

It can also be seen from his previous performance that his desire to win the game is not particularly strong.

"Why, you are more delicious than I imagined." Zhang Xiaotian turned around and stimulated the other party by the way.

He was actually slapped in the face, and Rudy Gay's eyes suddenly showed a murderous look. He was about to reach out for the ball after halftime, and then greeted Zhang Xiaotian and shot a three-pointer.

Zhang Xiaotian jumped up high, with a smile on his face.

(End of this chapter)