Basketball boy, starting to shine from the slam dunk

"It's 4:0, as I expected. The Jazz are no match for the Lakers, as we saw from the first game."

"I also knew that the Jazz were no match for the Lakers, but I didn't expect that they couldn't win a single game, and the Lakers would be the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs."

"Zhuang is too strong."

"Yes, Zhuang is too strong, leaving the Jazz completely helpless. As long as they can't defend Zhuang, it will be difficult to beat the Lakers..."

The series is over and fans are still discussing it.

Some people lamented the strength of the Lakers, some felt sorry for the Jazz, and some... In short, the Lakers vs. Jazz series is over.

At the same time, several other playoff matchups are also ongoing.

The very next day, the fourth game of the series between the Warriors and the Grizzlies ended. The Warriors swept the Grizzlies 4-0 and advanced to the next round.

The series score between the Spurs and Thunder is 3:1, with the Spurs taking the match point first. The game between the Rockets and the Clippers is tied at 2:2, and the two teams are back on the same starting line. It is still unknown who will advance.

As for the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers swept the Pacers 4-0, the Celtics and the Bulls tied 2-2, the Wizards and the Hawks also tied 2-2, and the Raptors and the Bucks also tied 2-2. This is getting very interesting, with all three duels tied 2-2, it's hard to say who will have the last laugh.

......

Los Angeles, Staples Center.

A group of Lakers players have returned to Los Angeles. The advantage of sweeping their opponents 4:0 is that they can rest for a few more days.

A group of players came to the training hall and discussed the playoffs while training.

"Looking at this situation, the Spurs will most likely advance in the end."

"The Thunder are no match for the Spurs. Whether it's the lineup, the performance, or the style of play, they are all suppressed by the Spurs. It's not easy to win the next game. But I hope the Thunder can win two more games, preferably to a Game 7."

"Haha, if the Spurs and Thunder can play to a seventh game, we can have a few more days of rest."

Everyone was laughing and talking.

What they are paying attention to is naturally the series between the Spurs and the Thunder, because as the third in the Western Conference, the Lakers' next opponent will be between the Spurs and the Thunder. Whoever wins the series between these two teams will become the Lakers' next opponent.

But judging from the current situation, it is most likely the Spurs.

In fact, the coaching staff has already begun preparations.

Several coaches gathered together to study the game video of the Spurs vs. Thunder.

Last season, the Lakers met the Spurs in the playoffs, and the Lakers won in the end, but last season was last season, and this season is this season.

The Lakers had Kobe last season, but not this season.

Last season, the Spurs had a troika of Leonard and Aldridge, but the "troika" was already old.

Duncan retired this season, and only Parker and Ginobili are left in the "Troika". In fact, the two are no longer the core of the Spurs.

Now the core of the Spurs is Leonard + Aldridge + Pau Gasol.

Although Parker and Ginobili are not as good as they used to be, the lineup of Leonard + Aldridge + Gasol + Parker + Ginobili is still terrifying.

The foundation is too strong.

"If we play against the Spurs, we might suffer in the paint."

"It's hard for Brook to compete with the combination of Aldridge and Gasol alone, and we play with one big and four small players. Whether it's offense, defense or rebounding, our inside players will be at a disadvantage."

"The forward line will also suffer, Leonard is still very strong."

"Our only advantage is our defense line, and it's a huge advantage because we have Zhuang."

Several teaching assistants spoke up one after another, their expressions all very serious.

The Lakers are at a disadvantage against the Spurs in terms of lineup. Only Zhuang Yu has an advantage, while other positions have no advantages.

In the previous match against the Jazz, Zhuang Yu and Lopez were both advantages, making it difficult for the Jazz to defend, but the situation was different against the Spurs.

Not only will Lopez not be able to gain an advantage, he may even be at a disadvantage because the opponent has two All-Star level inside players.

Coach Scott frowned and drummed his fingers on the table, lost in thought.

Although the Spurs had Aldridge last season, Duncan could no longer provide enough help to the team, so Lopez played very well, and with Zhuang Yu on the outside and Kobe's excellent performance, they successfully defeated the Spurs.

This time there are some troubles.

"Coach." Assistant coach Madsen shouted.

"Oh." Coach Scott came back to his senses, glanced at the three assistant coaches, and said, "The Spurs are indeed difficult to deal with, but there is one thing we have an absolute advantage in, and that is Zhuang. In addition, Clarkson can also be used."

The three teaching assistants raised their eyebrows and looked at him in unison.

Coach Scott took a breath, his eyes bright, and explained: "Last season, Zhuang played very well, but Leonard was also very good. Zhuang didn't have much advantage against Leonard. But this season, Zhuang has become stronger, stronger than Leonard. If we face each other again, I believe Zhuang will definitely have the upper hand."

"And, compared to Leonard, Zhuang is more comprehensive."

"Zhuang has reduced his investment in organization this season, but this does not mean that his organizational ability is not good. Leonard is excellent in both offense and defense, but his organization and passing are not as good as Zhuang. It will definitely be more difficult for the opponent to limit Zhuang than they think."

"And then there's Clarkson..."

"Ginobili is old. He averaged only 7.5 points per game this season, which is the lowest point in his career. He can't compete with young people like Clarkson. Once upon a time, Ginobili, the sixth man, was the Spurs' surprise weapon, and now Clarkson will become our surprise weapon against the Spurs."

The two teaching assistants nodded in unison, somewhat excited.

At this time, assistant coach Madsen suddenly said: "Coach Scott, do you mean that we still have to rely on offense?"

This question hits the nail on the head!

Coach Scott nodded and said, "Yes, just like last season, we still have to rely on offense. Our defense is good now, but the Spurs prefer to play defensive games and are better at it. Moreover, we have a 'one big and four small' lineup, so the inside line is really at a disadvantage."

"To beat the Spurs, we still have to rely on offense."

"Especially Zhuang and Clarkson, as long as they can play well, we can beat the Spurs."

The three teaching assistants' eyes lit up and they all agreed that it was correct.

Afterwards, several assistant coaches began to discuss this foundation, specifically how to play...

......

Soon, the Spurs vs. Thunder series came to an end.

In the end, the Thunder couldn't hold on to the end and were swept 4:1 by the Spurs. That means the Spurs will face the Lakers in the next round.

As for the other group in the Western Conference, the series between the Rockets and the Clippers is still ongoing, and the Rockets are currently leading 3:2.

But for the Lakers, it doesn’t matter who wins between the Rockets and the Clippers.

"It's the Spurs indeed."

"We beat the Spurs last season and we can beat them this time too."

The Lakers players are talking.

The result of this matchup was not unexpected. They had been mentally prepared and were confident that they could defeat the Spurs.

"coach."

"coach."

The players shouted.

The coaching staff arrived and called the players together.

Coach Scott did not make any mobilization, because there was no need. The eyes of every Lakers player were filled with excitement and fighting spirit, without any fear.

He said in a deep voice: "The current Spurs team has changed a bit from last season. Our lineup and playing style have also changed a bit. For the upcoming Western Conference semifinals, I have discussed with several assistant coaches and developed some strategies to deal with it."

Then he repeated his response strategy.

The main emphasis is on offense, especially Zhuang Yu and Clarkson.

Zhuang Yu was fine, but Clarkson was a little surprised. He didn't expect that he would become a key figure, and the coaching staff even developed some tactics specifically for him.

Finally, Coach Scott called Clarkson over and said to him, "You will be very crucial in this series. As long as Zhuang is not on the court, even if Deron or Lopez are on the court, you can fire without limit."

Clarkson was shocked. Unlimited firing rights. The coach actually gave him unlimited firing rights.

You know, usually only the team's star player or ace player has unlimited firing rights, and he is just a "sixth man".

This made Clarkson excited, but he also felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. He nodded heavily: "Coach, don't worry, I will do my best and will not let you down."

Coach Scott smiled and said, “Come on.”

Meanwhile, the Spurs are also making preparations.

A group of players gathered together and were discussing how to deal with the Lakers.

Danny Green frowned and said: "Although Kobe is gone, the Lakers are still very strong. Zhuang and Lopez are stronger than last season. This series will definitely not be easy to play. We must be mentally prepared."

"Well, the Lakers are indeed very strong."

"Zhuang is fine, after all, he is still young. I didn't expect Lopez to develop a three-point shot this season."

Other players started to speak up.

Zhuang Yu is improving, and Lopez is also improving, so even without Kobe, they still dare not underestimate the Lakers.

But they are not afraid. After all, in terms of lineup alone, their lineup is actually more luxurious than the Lakers.

Jonathan Simmons said: "When the time comes, let Kawhi defend Zhuang. With his one-on-one defense ability, plus we have Aldridge and Gasol to help defend in the interior, it will not be easy for Zhuang to score like he did in the regular season."

Mills also said: "We have an advantage in the interior. Aldridge alone is enough to suppress Lopez, not to mention we also have Gasol."

Everyone nodded, full of confidence.

Popovich is also discussing this with several assistant coaches. They have analyzed the Lakers' game videos, but they are not as optimistic as the players...