Jim Bass Ambition

Chapter 332 Gambling
The Lakers, with a battalion of injured soldiers, also experienced a decline in record as expected. Although Garnett and Artest tried their best, they failed to help the team prevent the Seattle SuperSonics from capturing the Staples Center.

Jim had to be cautious. This sudden large-scale injury made him feel a lot of pressure.

In traditional basketball, when a star is playing singles, most of the role players have to do is to open up the space, and then the audience will be on the spot. Create more and better shooting opportunities for teammates. Although it is extremely powerful on the offensive end, the consumption has also increased accordingly.

Kobe's request for an early comeback was strictly prohibited, and Garnett and Artest were also intentionally or unintentionally protected. The two played no more than 35 minutes in the remaining games in March. Nocioni, Valle Joe, including Ariza, got a lot of playing time, and even the veteran Divac played a quarter and a half against the Timberwolves, contributing a mini triple-double of 3 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

The only one who had a hard time was Steve Blake. At this time, the Lakers fans felt grateful for the decision to introduce Blake in the middle of the season. As the only seed at the point guard position, Blake played in the absence of Billups Among them, he played more than 4 minutes in 43 consecutive games, averaging 11.5 points and 8.8 assists per game. Except for some cash machines on the defensive end, the overall performance is not bad.Of course, the defense is limited by his ability on the one hand, and on the other hand, Jim is not too demanding. After all, this is the only one who can control the ball and organize, so it is better to save it.

Fortunately, Billups' recovery is good. After he returned from injury, he basically shared the point guard position with Blake 6-4.

After losing to the Timberwolves, the Lakers' record was locked at 50 wins and 20 losses, 3 games behind the Suns, 49 game behind the Spurs, and ranked third in the West, while the fourth-ranked Supersonics got 21 wins and 10 losses. There are [-] games left in April.

In Kobe's first game back from injury, the Lakers faced their old rival, the Spurs.

Prince, entering his third year of career, has shown all the qualities of a qualified defensive wing.Averaged close to 1 steal and block per game. As the team's fourth or fifth scoring option, he averaged 50 points per game with a shooting rate close to 12.3% and a 35% three-point shooting rate per game. Make at least one three-pointer, do not occupy the ball, follow the coach's arrangement, and face the opponent's most powerful outside scorer every night. In most cases, he can lock the opponent and complete the task.

Under the defense of Prince, Kobe, who had just come back, was completely out of shape. He made 19 of 6 shots, scored only 15 points, and made 5 turnovers.

Instead, Artest continued to be the Spurs sufferer. When Kobe and Garnett were under strict defense, he suddenly broke out and scored 27 points, which forced the Lakers to last until the fourth quarter.

With 2 minutes left, the Lakers were 90 point behind 91 to 1.

Billups missed a three-pointer. After Ginobili grabbed the rebound, he made a one-stop layup. Under Artest's pursuit, he still forced a difficult throw. After hitting the board, the ball bounced back to the front basket , flew high and fell into the middle of the basket.

Such a fairy ball makes Jim very helpless, and Popovich on the other side is also very helpless. At this time, the Lakers are the one who needs to fight for time. Such a rash advance is very likely to make mistakes or hit the iron, and give the ball away.

But no matter how unreasonable, scoring is a good goal. This is Ginobili, a guy who everyone loves and hates.

Despite the crazily hitting the iron in front, Kobe got the ball and the Spurs still focused on defense.

Using Nene's cover to force Prince, facing Duncan's supplementary defense, Kobe forced a layup, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Garnett wandering. In the end, reason overcame his impulse and changed his shot to a pass. After receiving the point, Tet made a fake move and flew to Rasheed Wallace, who was defending the defense, and made a layup with a spinning top.

92 to 93, with only 1 minute and 17 seconds left.

Ginobili held the ball and singled out Kobe on the outside.

Duncan came out to pick and roll, but Ginobili didn't go to the right side blocked by Duncan. Instead, after feinting, he stepped back to the left and stepped outside the three-point line, and made a three-point shot!

Kobe didn't expect Ginobili to make a shot like this, and when he reacted and rushed to defend, the ball had already been shot.

The arc is very positive, if this goal is scored, it may kill the game.

Fans at the AT&T Center were all on their feet, hands up, ready to cheer.

The ball smacked twice inside the rim, and finally bounced out. Garnett jumped high and grabbed the rebound.

The raised hands of the Spurs fans took advantage of the trend and changed to hugging their heads, and their cheers changed to sighs.

The players on the field are still trying to defend, Kobe is still holding the ball, and Prince is marking.

Bryant walked in the middle and forced a breakthrough. On the weak side, Artest suddenly got rid of Ginobili's defense and cut to the basket.

Kobe, who attracted three double-teams, gave the ball to Artest, who took off for a layup.

But Duncan's reaction was equally quick. He was helping defend Kobe one second, and returned to the basket the next second, blocking Artest's layup.

For a foul, the Lakers still have 4 seconds to attack.

Glancing at Popovich, who was 10 meters away and directing the players loudly, Jim decided not to call a timeout to prevent the Spurs from having the opportunity to make targeted arrangements. He believed that the players on the field could make the best choice. During training, this scenario has been simulated countless times.

Garnett, Kobe and Billups exchanged a few words briefly. Garnett, who was tall and long, served the baseline ball. Moved near the free throw line.

When everyone's attention was drawn to the two, Garnett passed the ball to Nene.

Rasheed Wallace had no time to fight, and Nene made a mid-range shot.

This trick is not commonly used in the game, but in training, Nene has to practice at least 500 more every day.

With a hollow hit, the Lakers overtook the score, leaving the Spurs with 22.4 seconds left.

Popovich requested a timeout and replaced Rasheed Wallace with Brent Barry.

Parker holds the ball, Duncan covers, Prince, Ginobili, and Barry run. Jim didn't expect Popovich's strange move, and Nene stayed on the court. At this time, the number of fouls has come, so he can only bite the bullet and do this Beat down.

The Spurs didn't rush to make a shot, even though they were on the back foot.

So, after several back runs, Brent Barry finally got the gap he wanted.

Outside the three-point line, Barry opened his bow and arrow.

Nene flew over desperately, he didn't want his quasi-lore to be ruined like this.

But Barry just feinted a shot, and after the point flew inside, he took a small step forward calmly, made a large two-point shot, the ball flew in mid-air, and the game time was up.

The basketball is hollow into the net.The Spurs surrounded Brent Barry, and Duncan extended his claws to the back of Barry's head.

(End of this chapter)