The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 494 Back to back again

76ers head coach Brett Brown and the players tried their best to explain the tactics, almost dry mouth.

It is not the first time they have been dealt with like this. Their coping methods should be fine, but they should do a better job defensively.

Of course, it would be better if the offensive end can be more connected.

The way they dealt with Zhang Xiaotian in the final quarter was similar to the way the Spurs dealt with Ben Simmons. They wanted to force him in and then help defend inside.

They have Embiid inside, and they feel that tactics are easier to succeed.

In fact, it is not that easy, Zhang Xiaotian's shooting ability is much better than Ben Simmons.

The Spurs had a high screen, Zhang Xiaotian scored consecutive points and instantly changed the situation.

Only then did the 76ers realize their problem. Their lineup has height and projection, but they don't move fast enough.

They didn't delay, and immediately replaced all the main players.

The Spurs still used one big and four small, but they still made some adjustments. Murray came up to match JJ Redick's three-pointer, and appropriately strengthened his personal defense.

The opponent's defense paid more attention to Zhang Xiaotian. He took the opportunity to send an assist. Gerald Green hit two three-pointers, and the Spurs' lead increased by a few points.

The 76ers now have a feeling that the harder they work, the more desperate they become. Their young players are very talented, but they still lack some experience in locking down players of Zhang Xiaotian's level.

When the game entered the last 5 minutes, Ben Simmons attacked with the ball several times, showing his excellent physical fitness and big heart.

His middle distance is much more accurate than before, and he also made Zhang Xiaotian and Aldridge each foul once.

But the Spurs still stuck to the three-point line and didn't let the opponent make a three-pointer.

The 76ers' defense has also adjusted, and the Spurs have no chance outside the three-point line.

It's just that Zhang Xiaotian and Aldridge's pick-and-roll still shredded the 76ers' defense.

In fact, the Spurs didn't use the pick-and-roll very much. Either Zhang Xiaotian and Leonard's pick-and-roll two-person attack, or Dedmon came out to cover high and let him shoot directly.

Aldridge usually pulls out in pick-and-rolls, with him as the main body, playing more with the first position.

But at this time, the two cooperated very well. Aldridge was very comfortable with Zhang Xiaotian's return pass.

The 76ers suddenly had no choice, they were a little messed up.

At 2 minutes and 49 seconds, Zhang Xiaotian assisted Evans to hit a three-pointer, and the Spurs led by 9 points.

At 1 minute and 41 seconds, Zhang Xiaotian made a chasing three-pointer, and the Spurs' lead came to double digits.

Then Embiidella came out and missed a three-pointer, and the 76ers' confidence in the game almost disappeared.

In the first half, they were attacked by young people, and there were twists and turns in the middle, but the Spurs finally won the game.

Half of the Spurs are already a strong team, and other teams in the league can only envy and hate.

Especially James, the situation of the Cavaliers is a bit difficult now.

In the All-Star voting, James also lags behind Antetokounmpo for the time being. Fortunately, the two of them are competing for the top vote in the East. The battle is fierce in the West. Zhang Xiaotian, Curry, Durant, and Harden have little difference in votes .

If Zhang Xiaotian didn't care about the defender's vote champion before, this time it's different.

Fortunately, Zhang Xiaotian is slightly ahead now, and his confidence has also increased greatly, and he thanked the fans.

Yang Feiyu was full of fighting spirit, and was bored during the childbirth period. This time, she organized several fan activities in a row, and generously sponsored part of the funds with Zhang Xiaotian's trumpet.

The Spurs' schedule in January is not easy, and the coaching staff is more worried about the health of the players.

However, after playing back-to-back away games, they can still relax a little bit.

On January 1, they returned to their home court to play against the Suns.

The Suns are no longer competitive now, and they are wholeheartedly cultivating newcomers, and Eric Bledsoe has been traded out.

Facing German Booker who had some ideas, it took the Spurs halftime to deal with them.

It's time to clock out of get off work early again, and it's the rest area after back-to-back.

But the team will play back-to-back away games next, which is quite annoying.

Fatigue is not only physical, but also psychological. The longer you stay in the league, the heavier the mental fatigue will be. If you can't strictly demand yourself, you will drop to the peak early. Many players in the league are like this.

Zhang Xiaotian tried his best to keep himself enthusiastic, and his family and games could help him.

However, he still maintains his original enthusiasm for basketball, but he has become a little disgusted with airplanes.

On January 1, the Spurs challenged the Trail Blazers away.

Lillard was absent, and the Spurs also took the opportunity to rest a few people.

Murray finally started once, but his condition is not very good.

The opponent's main force is still suppressed by the Spurs, and Aldridge feels good.

But today the Blazers' substitute players played very well, especially Harkless.

Almost all the points lost by their main players were recovered by the substitutes.

Popovich is not in a hurry. When there are back-to-backs, there are major rotation breaks, and marginal players who usually don't play much will come out for a walk.

In the Spurs, players are not afraid of not having a chance, it depends on whether they can seize it.

Obviously, not everyone can grasp this kind of opportunity, and the best performer on the bench is Ginobili.

Ginobili looked very old a few years ago, and now he can often surprise him, which is worthy of the name of the demon sword.

The Spurs' defensive targets were mainly CJ McCrum and Nurkic. Not to mention complete restrictions, they did a good job, but they only led by a few points in the first half.

Some players who don't usually play, it is difficult to directly integrate into the team's tactics.

In the third quarter, Shabazz Napier suddenly went crazy and beat Murray to the ground.

Popovich quickly replaced him. The young Murray was completely sleepwalking today, which was unexpected before.

Fortunately, Aldridge was in good condition. He and Zhang Xiaotian played one inside and one outside, and helped the team suppress the accident with good performance, but this quarter still allowed the Blazers to pull the score back.

Without the core on the field, many teams can't play at the same level, but sometimes surprises happen.

Because the opponent's defense is not targeted, some role teams may break out at ordinary times, so that the opponent is not in a hurry to prevent.

This is the case with the Blazers today. If Lillard defended in the Spurs, he would be more targeted.

Of course, the chances of a role player breaking out are not high, but they just ran into trouble. Fortunately, the Spurs have enough background to not be knocked out by a stick.

At the last quarter, it was Zhang Xiaotian's time, he would not allow others to steal the victory away.

CJ McCrum rested for 2 minutes and found that the team could not do without him on the offensive end. The outbreak of role players needs someone to attract defensive attention.

He could only return to the field early, hoping to limit Zhang Xiaotian with offense.

(End of this chapter)