The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 507 Battle Rocket

The Spurs were originally two games behind the Rockets, but the Rockets have lost one game these days, thanks to the Raptors.

The Raptors have been really strong during this time, and they have already shaken off the Celtics and are firmly seated in the Eastern Conference. Of course, this has little to do with the Spurs for the time being.

As long as the Spurs win the Rockets this time, the outcome will be the same for everyone.

Because of the previous win-loss relationship, winning is also second, but they have another game later, so whether they can reach the number one throne in the Western Conference, the opportunity is in their own hands.

As for the Warriors, of course there is still a chance, but only if the Spurs and Rockets have some minor problems.

This season is also rare for three strong teams to grab the first place in the Western Conference. At this time, the regular season is already training for the strong teams. This time, in order to let the other two strong teams fight desperately, they can be regarded as entering the playoffs ahead of schedule. model.

However, there are still seven teams in the West that have also entered the playoffs mode early because the records are too close.

Everyone can't take advantage of it, and fight to the playoffs together.

The Rockets are now playing one big and four small, which are still relatively small.

The Spurs followed suit with a starter of one big and four small ones. In this important game, neither side played the desired offense at the beginning.

The biggest change for the Rockets this season is the defensive end. In addition to the addition of Paul, Capela's growth has also given the team a lot of help.

The most troublesome thing for the Rockets is their double guards. Both Paul and Harden can pass and shoot. In order to limit them, the Spurs took the initiative to slow down the pace of the game.

But they still didn't take advantage of the first half, and Aldridge's performance was not as good as Capela's.

In fact, the first half was how the two teams' outside strengths broke through and strictly defended.

The performance of Zhang Xiaotian and Leonard is similar to that of Paul and Harden.

On the other hand, Gordon, the Rockets' sixth gold medalist, performed mediocre. Relying on the slight advantage of the substitute, the Spurs scored evenly with the Rockets during the halftime break.

Because this game is quite critical, the two teams did not fully fight in the first two quarters.

Probing, tactical confrontation, very stylish duel.

But this is just a prelude, and there are not so many ideas in the real life-and-death duel.

After the halftime test, both sides will definitely increase their moves in the second half.

For the Rockets, the focus of defense must still be outside the three-point line.

The intensity of defense should be gradually increased, especially for their two main ball-holding points.

As for the point of holding the ball during the rotation, ordinary standards are enough. Although the Rockets and the Warriors are both types of explosive points, the two teams are somewhat different. .

Therefore, the defensive Rockets must isolate their strengths from other players. If they can score in singles, even if they play well, the consumption cannot be stopped.

The Spurs have enough defensive masters in the backcourt, they don't need to worry.

Maybe everyone has the same idea. In the first half of the trial, it was almost the same. In the second half, we have to find a breakthrough.

After the Spurs changed their defensive strategy, the Rockets also responded, that is, Harden played singles with the ball.

Harden's playing rhythm is very good, coupled with his strong body, Danny=Green and Murray defended successively, and he made consecutive fouls.

The Rockets still have a little advantage at home. The Spurs' defense blocked Harden's outside three-pointer, but they didn't do well enough to break through.

Zhang Xiaotian has decided that if it comes to the fourth quarter, he can switch to Harden.

After improving his speed, he also wants to fight against some good defenders.

In response on offense, the Spurs added a low post.

Aldridge didn't take advantage of the low position, so he simply pulled away, and Zhang Xiaotian went to the low position.

Ariza's strength is weak, PJ-Tucker's strength is enough but not enough in interference ability, Zhang Xiaotian is sure.

There are stars on both sides, and the efficiency is good, the score still hasn't opened much.

However, the Rockets gained a slight advantage because their substitute players played better in the second half.

Zhang Xiaotian also seized the time to rest for more than three minutes, and played full of energy in the final quarter.

At this time, Zhang Xiaotian's main defense has been replaced by Mbah a Moute. To be honest, the Rockets do have some defensive talents on the front line, which is one of the reasons why the Spurs lost before.

It's just that their offensive and defensive players are not as good as the Spurs, and when Capela goes to rest, their internal defense is very problematic. Zhang Xiaotian is not something that a better defensive player can restrict.

In fact, the Rockets did not intend to completely restrict him, they still put their hopes on the counterattack.

They are satisfied with being able to take the lead before the final quarter. They have a lot of confidence in playing the Spurs this season.

But at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Zhang Xiaotian scored 5 points in a row and assisted his teammate to hit a three-pointer to help the team overtake the score. The Rockets had to make a quick substitution.

After Harden came back, the situation improved a lot. He attracted defensive attention and PJ-Tucker hit a three-pointer.

Zhang Xiaotian also tried to defend Harden before all the main players came back. He was not in a hurry to start, but followed the pace to keep intervening.

I don't know if he didn't have enough rest. In the fourth quarter, Harden always felt that something was missing, and his shots didn't have the decisiveness of the third quarter.

After Zhang Xiaotian got used to it for 2 minutes, his defense became more comfortable, and Harden also reduced more passes in singles.

After Paul came up, he was still strictly guarded. To be honest, defending Paul is easier than Harden. Several guards in the Spurs have done a good job.

It can't be completely restricted, but it is enough to prevent him from playing super performance.

In the second half of the last quarter, Zhang Xiaotian became more and more aggressive on the offensive end, which made the Rockets feel the pressure. After the timeout, Harden also tried to fight Zhang Xiaotian.

But the effect is mediocre, Zhang Xiaotian's defensive awareness and body are too good after the hang.

The effect of the Rockets' pick-and-roll is also mediocre. The Spurs are at the top of the league regardless of their individual defense or team defense. Harden has to bear relatively high pressure no matter who he faces.

At this time, Paul also tried to stand up and hit a three-pointer, but that's all. Paul is not the first core now, and coupled with the height limit, he can't influence the duel of strong teams now.

The Rockets are constantly adjusting their lineup, but on their bench, Gordon is not in a good state, and Joe Johnson's supplement in the latter part of the season has no previous strength. The balance of victory and defeat is gradually tilting towards the Spurs.

Rockets coach D'Antoni requested a timeout again, and he still hopes that Harden can stand up.

Now the Rockets have become a purely small lineup, and Zhang Xiaotian did not continue to defend Harden.

Harden actually wants to help the team very much, but he is really not sure.

Breaking through head-on, then pulling back and taking a step back, Harden made a shot from outside the three-point line, but this time it was lighter.

The Spurs' counterattack was very sharp. Zhang Xiaotian was like a heavy, powerful car, and he went straight into it, increasing the chances of the Spurs winning again.

(End of this chapter)