NBA: I am the card dealer

Chapter 189 Born for Defense

San Antonio Spurs.

A long-lasting top team in the Western Conference, they have been a strong contender for the championship from the late 1990s to the present.

No matter the times, no matter the ebb and flow, even if superstars rise from generation to generation, they can still stand and occupy a playoff spot almost every year.

amount……

In the 99-00 season, the Spurs missed the playoffs once due to Duncan's reimbursement.

After that... I was never absent again.

And in 99, 03, 05, 07, and last season, they all won the championship, which was extremely brilliant.

And this length of time spans a full twenty years. You can imagine what a remarkable thing this is.

And the secret of their long success is that they have Tim Duncan, the greatest power forward in history, Gregg Popovich, one of the most legendary coaches in the league, and the other two in the GDP combination, Gino Billy and Parker.

Their core lineup is extremely stable and only needs minor repairs every year to maintain great competitiveness.

And with the rise of Kawaii, they seem to be ushering in a new round of renaissance.

After defeating the Heat's Big Three last season, Kawhi has begun to show his talents on both offense and defense.

this season.

They continued to work hard and looked ready to defend their title.

But halfway through the season, their record was not ideal, with only 31 wins and 18 losses.

That's right.

In the Western Conference, 31 wins and 18 losses is really not ideal, and can only be ranked sixth.

In front are the Warriors, followed by the Rockets, Grizzlies, Trail Blazers, Clippers, and then the Spurs.

The competition is very fierce.

Behind them is the Dallas Mavericks, with the New Orleans Pelicans hot on their heels.

and so.

Winning this game is still very important for the Spurs.

of course.

For the Heat, defeating the Spurs is equally important.

If they want to continue their winning streak, they must get past the Spurs.

Simultaneously.

Although the Heat's lineup has been transformed, Wade, Haslem and others are still in the lineup, and the head coach is still Spoelstra.

The most important Miami fans are still those people. They are eager to see the team defeat the Spurs and avenge the defeat in the Finals in June.

The game went on as scheduled.

The Heat's starting lineup: point guard Xue Liancheng, shooting guard Batum, small forward PJ Tucker, power forward Ibaka, center Gasol.

Wade continues to be absent and has been off for six consecutive games. The situation is not optimistic.

of course.

Now that he has rested, it is actually acceptable. After all, the Heat's accumulated wealth at this time is still very rich, which can allow Wade to rest and recuperate until the injury is healed.

The biggest fear is that when the playoffs come, Wade's injuries are still recurring, and the damage to the Heat will be too great.

after all.

The playoffs and the regular season are completely different things. Wade is still very important to this Heat, especially when it comes to bayonet time and the team needs someone to step up and open up the situation, then... Wade is the right person.

The Spurs start here: point guard Tony Parker, shooting guard Huang Armadanny Green, small forward Leonard, power forward Duncan, and center Baynes.

This game is broadcast live across the country.

As the whistle blows, the game officially begins.

Gasol succeeded with a jump ball.

The Heat got the first chance to attack.

Xue Liancheng held the ball and was about to push across half court. He looked up and saw Leonard approaching.

I blanch...

Knew it!

Without Wade, he has become the focus of other teams' care.

He once thought that Popovich would let Huang Ama Green try to defend a wave, but in the end...he went straight to Wang Bo.

It can be seen from this that Popovich attaches great importance to him, and what he said in the interview that day was not bragging.

Maybe in Popovich's eyes, he is really on the same level as LeBron James.

Ok……

I don't know whether to be happy or sad.

Xue Liancheng quickly calmed down, pressed up and bumped Leonard tentatively.

Oh open!

The power is really great.

Leonard was almost motionless, but it was him who rebounded back.

He had to sigh that Leonard's chassis strength is indeed stable enough and one of the few in the league.

No wonder I, James, would be very irritable when he met Leonard. With this strength and chassis, if there is no need for pick-and-rolls, there is no way to break through!

And the most important question is more than that.

Leonard's long arms can also effectively interfere with you.

In other words, you need to devote a lot of energy to protecting the ball.

In this case.

His breakthrough will become more difficult, especially his bulldozer breakthrough method, as if he has encountered Tianke.

but.

Fortunately, the last time he met the Cavaliers, when he encountered the defensive blockade of our great James, he realized a block-type breakthrough play, which came in handy.

But he didn't do that.

Instead, press to the top of the arc first.

then.

Bend down.

Dribbling underhand.

A posture that requires a hard break in the debugging rhythm.

And the ball.

In this way, everything is exposed.

That's right.

He's baiting Leonard for a steal.

The strategy is to scare Leonard and let Leonard control his hands. In this way, when he breaks through, he can protect the ball without distracting his energy, making his breakthrough easier.

He still wants to take advantage of this kind of porcelain bonus.

result.

Leonard was not fooled and seemed unimpressed by it.

Xue Liancheng was slightly disappointed and was about to wave for a pick-and-roll.

Leonard suddenly moved, stretched out his long arms, and pounced forward like a cheetah, very fast.

Xue Liancheng was frightened.

If his prediction ability has not evolved and is still stuck at prediction for 0.1 seconds, then he will not be able to react at all.

Even if his precognition ability evolved to 0.3 seconds, he was shocked.

Can be imagined.

How quick Leonard's reflexes are and how long his arms are.

The most important thing is that Leonard saw the moment when he wanted to reach out and make a gesture and pounced on him. His sense of smell to seize the opportunity is very, very sensitive.

The best defensive player is by no means a deserved name.

Xue Liancheng subconsciously stabilized and dribbled the ball eversionally.

At the same time, he caught Leonard's move to grab the ball, instantly connected the ball, held it tightly, and hit it straight.

Leonard's arm was really strong, and when he slapped the back of his hand, a burst of burning pain suddenly hit him.

But Xue Liancheng still caught the ball and took off to shoot.

Beep!

The whistle sounded as promised.

Xue Liancheng's body was completely deformed at this time, so he could only throw the ball casually.

Of course it is unreliable...

But he was still very happy.

Because Pingci was a success.

Let’s see if you dare to stretch out your hand next time?

But at this time, Leonard's face was expressionless, not aware of being touched at all, neither angry, nor the slightest desire to express dissatisfaction, and even... not even a trace of annoyance.

This is really...

First time meeting.

Like an emotionless robot.

Now that the season is over halfway, he has basically met all the teams that should be encountered.

There are definitely not a few people who have been touched by him.

Most of the people who were offended by him would chase the referee for an explanation.

But Leonard didn't.

Some people who are touched by him will feel incredible, show incredible expressions, or jump up and down like an angry bird.

But Leonard still didn't.

And some of the people who were touched by him didn't react that much, but they were annoyed, shook their heads, and were speechless...

But Leonard still didn't, and there was no change in expression on his face.

Leonard was definitely the strangest person he had ever met.

He is really curious about what Leonard is thinking now.

Is it unresponsive?Or emotional transmission indifference?Or is it really emotionless?

He was about to start teasing, but Leonard turned around without hesitation and walked towards the free throw stand.

Ah……

Xue Liancheng was completely speechless.

These were three free throws, and there was no reaction?

What kind of monster is this?

I don't understand.

He simply didn't want to think about it anymore.

Get to the free throw line.

Three free throws were made steadily.

His current free throw shooting rate is as high as 93%, and it is basically difficult to miss free throws.

Look back.

Parker pushed the ball over.

Give it to Leonard who is stuck in a good position.

Facing PJ-Tucker, stabilized, then turned over and shot a jumper.

It doesn't look like he can jump very high, and his movements are a bit stiff.

But it was still a solid hit.

but.

Xue Liancheng is still very envious of Leonard's long arms. It is difficult for ordinary people to block shots with such a straight arm.

Because of the long arms, the shot is higher!

Off-site attack and defense.

After Xue Liancheng received the ball, he wanted to advance quickly.

But Leonard stepped forward directly to press for the ball.

I'm crazy...

Full court press?

is it necessary?

this moment.

Xue Liancheng finally began to realize the seriousness of the problem.

Old man Popovich, I want to kill him.

But don't say it.

This method is indeed effective.

What he can't stand the most is the full-court press.

It doesn't matter if you change someone to defend him, but Leonard's words made him very uncomfortable.

Leonard is taller than him, stronger than him, heavier than him, and has longer arms than him.

If he advances with the ball, he needs to protect the ball while avoiding interference, and he also needs to keep moving forward when encountering physical pressure.

Although with his ball-holding skills, there is no problem in pushing past half court.

But it consumes a lot of money.

If he maintains this kind of concentration for a whole game, and maintains this kind of intense confrontation for a whole game, then he will be exhausted to death.

Not to mention ensuring efficiency and leading the offense at the last critical moment.

In the end, it is estimated that the body is tilted when shooting.

Old man Popovich is really unpretentious, using the simplest and most direct defensive strategies to do effective things.

In this regard, he still admires old man Bobo.

He was actually willing to use the team's ace to consume him. Most head coaches don't have such determination.

Anyway, if Spoelstra asked him to do this, he would be a little emotional.

Are you kidding me?

Let him devote his energy to defense, what about offense?

This is why old man Popovich admires Kobe so much.

Because Kobe is a defensive madman, he is very happy to stalk you and pester you for a whole game.

The two people's basketball concepts can be said to hit it off.

After Duncan was trained, he was also very selfless. He put in no less energy on the defensive end than on offense. Maintaining this offensive and defensive state for ten years is the existence of the Spurs' Optimus Prime. This is also the reason why the Spurs can be so stable.

This……

This may also be the reason why Leonard finally chose to part ways with Pop.

Leonard's team, that is, his uncle, is determined to let Leonard get more scenes on the offensive end.

After all, data is the standard for measuring superstars.

There is no data on defense, so there is no need to invest so much energy.

There are huge problems with the basketball concepts of both sides, and they are irreconcilable.

As for the issue of asking for a maximum salary, it may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Ok……

Anyway, there are many top stars who don't follow Popovich's approach.

For example, I am King James.

If James was asked to devote most of his energy to defense and press the whole game for a whole game, the picture would be so beautiful that it is simply unimaginable.

Like him.

Ok……

He's not that resistant to defense.

However, his defense is not very good in the first place, and he is forced to bite the opponent desperately. The effort and reward are completely out of proportion.

With this energy, if he puts it on the offensive end, he can bring incredible firepower output to the team.

and so.

It would also be a disaster if he fell into the hands of old man Popovich.

Xue Liancheng shook his head to expel these distracting thoughts, and yelled at Batum, "Nicholas..."

Then pass the ball.

Since you want to consume me for half the game, then naturally I can't let you do it.

The Heat's current offensive system will be broken like a meridian without him, so he must retain his physical fitness.

Waited for half time.

Xue Liancheng comes to catch the ball again.

Facing Leonard, he lowered his body again and dribbled close to the ground.

This time.

Leonard really learned his lesson and did not reach out. Instead, he stepped back and stood ready.

Xue Liancheng was satisfied.

If you don’t reach out, then he is coming...

Debug rhythm.

Concentrate.

Increase the swing range.

Shuffle in front of the body.

Step forward.

Pull back.

Stab before changing hands.

Ok……

Leonard actually stood still...

What is the situation?

wrong.

It can't be said that he stood still, his steps moved left and right, and his hands opened and swayed up and down, but Leonard's center of gravity did not tilt at all.

That's right!

It just felt like he was still trying to balance both sides. No matter which way he tried to break through, he felt like he just couldn't get through.

This was a judgment he made based on his ability to foresee.

It's so incredible.

To know.

When ordinary people are defending, because they cannot judge the direction of the offensive player's breakthrough, when the offensive player makes confusing movements, they will make judgments on the spot based on subjective consciousness, and then tilt the center of gravity of the body.

But Leonard didn't...

For a moment, he wondered if Leonard also had precognitive abilities, knowing that he was just feinting and pretending.

Finally gritted his teeth.

He feinted to the right, then swerved to the left, and went straight to the start.

only one step.

It went smoothly.

Xue Liancheng was in a daze for a moment. Is Leonard pretending to be cool for him?

Ah……

Is that all?

But next second.

He didn't think so.

Leonard was very smart and immediately caught up with him and kept pressing him with his shoulders, making it impossible for him to get rid of him completely.

This time.

He finally understood why Leonard's center of gravity had not shifted.

Because no matter which direction you break through, whether left or right, this guy will chase you, then put pressure on you physically and drag you down.

In other words.

Leonard uses confrontation to make it impossible for you to get rid of it.

To crack this trick, it is actually very simple, that is, your breakthrough speed must be fast enough, so fast that Leonard has no time to provide physical confrontation.

But obviously.

Xue Liancheng does not have such a breakthrough ability.

Leonard may have noticed this, so he used this defensive strategy to defend him.

What a genius!

It is simply born for defense.

It caught his weakness in an instant, making his breakthrough extremely uncomfortable.

What amazed him even more was Leonard's ability to adjust.

When guarding his breakthrough, the length of his hand is very good. It will not let you catch him, but also interfere with you.

As the saying goes, one learns from one experience, but many players cannot remember well.

Leonard, however, was able to adjust his reach to interfere just by being touched in the round.

This defensive awareness is simply not very good...

He even feels that if Leonard stays with the Spurs, he will be greatly improved on both offense and defense, and his career achievements may be greater than if he left.

Because Leonard's defensive talent is really great.

After running away, it didn't take long for Leonard's defensive power to be greatly reduced, especially after gaining weight. It's a pity...

And at the moment when the thought turns.

Xue Liancheng also reacted, turned around sharply, and then rushed in from the other side.

Leonard reacted quickly, immediately moved over and put his hand over Xue Liancheng's head.

This was to prevent Xue Liancheng from suddenly taking action.

In fact, the interference effect is not big.

But the terrible thing is that Leonard's hands are too long and too big, which can cause psychological pressure on people.

But for Xue Liancheng, it had no impact at all.

Because the dynamic picture in his mind showed it more clearly, letting him know what kind of situation he was facing.

Xue Liancheng took advantage of Leonard's unsteady closeness and quickly seized the opportunity to block his position.

Then he leaned forward, as if he was going to shoot.

Leonard didn't even jump, maybe he thought Xue Liancheng was feinting.

But in fact.

Xue Liancheng had already charged up, took a step forward, stepped forward, and directly picked the basket.

By the time Leonard reacted, it was already too late.

Because his body was stuck in position and he didn't take off, he couldn't interfere with Xue Liancheng's shot.

After scoring 2 points.

Xue Liancheng looked back to see if Leonard would be depressed.

result……

Still expressionless.

Hey……

interesting……

If you want to say that Leonard has no feelings, then when this guy makes a lore shot, he will also bounce around, and he also knows to go to a big city like Los Angeles to have a good time.

and so.

He thought that this guy might just have facial paralysis.

What expressions you make and what emotions you show are not very obvious.

Not really an emotionless robot.