NBA: I am the card dealer

Chapter 257 Tactical adjustment!

Cavaliers locker room.

Blatt was frothing at the mouth: "We don't have much time. I need you to shoot decisively. As soon as you have the opportunity, shoot without hesitation. At the same time, everyone is ready to grab rebounds. This is a real big game." Decisive battle, I believe you should know what situation we are in now."

Everyone gathered together had gloomy faces.

The first half played like this. I can't say it was bad, but it was definitely not good.

The Heat were missing a giant, and they failed to take the lead. This was not what they expected.

And this lead not only refers to scoring, but also performance on both offense and defense, momentum and psychological advantages.

It's like... they tried their best and gave everything they had, only to find that they were still lagging behind.

On the contrary, the Heat seemed to be playing easily and suppressing them all the time.

Make them unable to stand up.

Ok……

That's probably what it feels like.

Extremely powerless and depressed.

Among them, James's face was quite ugly.

No one understands the team's situation better than him, no...it should be his own situation.

With a big score of 3:0, if he is beaten for four consecutive games, he will fall directly from the altar and be nailed to the pillar of shame.

This is thousands of times more serious than four kills in the regular season.

It will become an indelible stain on his career, and it will be a devastating blow to his image and status.

and……

He has no excuses.

Gasol, one of the Big Three, is absent and they still can't win, so what excuse does he have?

To sum it up in one sentence: He cannot afford such a failure.

and so……

He must win.

At least deep down, he is extremely eager to win.

Blatter's speech continued: "Continue on the defensive end and increase some intensity when necessary. On the offensive end, I hope more people will stand up. I want to see your blood and I want to see your fighting spirit. I want to see that you have a winning heart.”

The last words were almost shouted.

Shocking...

The spirit of the crowd instantly improved a lot, and they shouted loudly: "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The momentum died down.

James took a deep breath and finally spoke, "We have no retreat, not at all. I think you know better than me what the consequences of losing will be. Next, we can only keep moving forward, only move forward, and win the game." Victory, that’s what I want.”

The words fell.

There was more fighting spirit in the locker room.

But at the same time, they just felt like there was a big mountain weighing on their hearts.

in contrast.

The atmosphere in the Heat's locker room is relatively relaxed.

Spoelstra was lecturing: "Although we have gained some leads, the game is far from over. We have no reason to neglect. Next, I hope to continue this game rhythm and the determination to block James must be firm enough."

Spoelstra finished, and then Haslem said.

After Haslem finished speaking, Wade said two more words.

Basically words of encouragement and motivation.

At last.

Everyone's eyes fell on Xue Liancheng.

Xue Liancheng is the core of the team and their reassurance. They have completed two decisive comebacks in the playoffs, so they are naturally looking forward to Xue Liancheng coming out to say a few words.

Xue Liancheng calmed down for a moment and then said, "You can shoot all the balls that have a chance. Don't have any psychological burden. It doesn't matter if you don't make the shot. Dwayne and I will take care of everything."

This sentence is equivalent to giving them support.

As the name suggests, even if they lose in the end, the responsibility lies with him and Wade to let them vote with confidence.

Everyone was refreshed physically and mentally, and nodded repeatedly, "Xue, don't worry, we won't let you down."

The second half started quickly.

Heat offense.

As soon as he came up, Shumpert's defense became much more fierce. While pressing up to increase body collisions, he also reached out to interfere.

After Xue Liancheng dodged the ball behind his back, he subconsciously glanced at the referee.

The referee didn't say anything.

This means that such physical strength is allowed.

He also pressed forward with the ball and blocked with his hands to exert force.

Shumpert backed away for a moment.

But the referee didn't say anything.

Xue Liancheng felt happy.

He is not afraid of physical confrontation, especially fierce collisions. When he first entered the league, his favorite offensive mode was bulldozing, which was one of intense physical confrontation.

Rush to near the top of the arc.

Xue Liancheng saw the Cavaliers players on both sides slowly approaching, obviously wanting to double-team him.

Instead of forcing a breakthrough, he gave the ball to Wade and began to lead Shumpert to slip away for a half arc.

Then it came back.

Set up a pick-and-roll for Wade.

The two have a good rapport.

Wade seemed to know that Xue Liancheng was going to sneak back, so he dribbled the ball back and forth at the top of the arc after receiving the ball.

When Xue Liancheng pulled up to block someone, he immediately started.

After bypassing Xue Liancheng, he accelerated towards the basket.

Shumpert didn't dare delay.

Wade rushed to the penalty area in a desperate move.

Irving can only follow Wade and eat dust.

And watched helplessly as Wade drove to the basket and faced Love for a layup.

scored!

The whistle blows.

There are also additional penalties.

Basically in the first half, the Heat followed this offensive rhythm. Xue Liancheng and Wade's pick-and-rolls were very fierce.

At present, the Cavaliers still don't seem to have found a way to crack it.

Look back.

It's still James holding the ball.

He just watched his teammates move at the top of the arc. After Mozgov came up, he suddenly accelerated and went in.

The Cavaliers' overall three-point shooting in the first half was not good, so the Heat's attack became more determined and turbulent.

Ibaka lost Mozgov and challenged James for a delay.

And Batum treated Love at the bottom line as a spectator and directly defended James.

This is equivalent to James being trapped in a circle, with people in front, on the sides, and behind him.

With such defensive intensity, James can even take two steps, which shows how strong James' physical fitness is.

but.

I don’t know if it was because of too much force in the first half. When Batum took action, he was obviously weak.

The ball didn't even hit the edge of the basket, it just scraped through the net.

Ok……

Three non-sticks...

The ball went out of bounds.

Off-site attack and defense.

This time.

Xue Liancheng finally attacked on his own.

After running the pick-and-roll with Wade, there was a sudden change of hands.

Then rush in suddenly.

The Cavaliers players were like frightened beasts, coming from all directions to encircle and suppress Xue Liancheng.

The positions of the four teammates were clearly displayed in his mind.

PJ Tucker and Wade once again became the targets of being released, and they were absolutely vacant.

This kind of situation can be seen everywhere in the first half. They are betting that the three-pointers of the two people are inaccurate, or unstable.

PJ-Tucker had one three-pointer in this series, which was very unstable.

As for Wade, he is unstable all year round.

If the two of them had made two more three-pointers in the first half, yes, just two, and there is no need to ask for more, then the situation would have been completely different.

pity.

If you can't make a shot, you can't make a shot. There aren't that many reasons to explain.

Xue Liancheng finally chose to pass the ball back to Wade, because Wade has the ability to attack and handle the ball, and if PJ Tucker catches the ball, he will definitely shoot.

result.

Wade didn't know what to think, so he raised his hand and shot.

In the first half, he shot 3-for-0 from three-point range, but he shot without even thinking about it.

I have to say, brave enough.

And never expected...

It actually went in.

Wade was so excited that he punched and roared.

Xue Liancheng's eyes couldn't help but light up.

If Wade missed the shot, it would be terrible.

Then their offensive space will be infinitely enlarged, and he can penetrate freely and exert greater power.

This is absolutely great news.

of course.

In addition, what makes him happy is that the score is completely open.

They led by 7 points at halftime, and Wade scored 6 points in a row in the second half. In other words, the difference between the two sides had reached 13 points.

This is considered a relatively safe point difference range, and the balance of victory is officially tilted towards them.

Look back.

James once again made a strong breakthrough with the ball.

This time it stuck to the frame.

But he used too much force and the ball hit the frame and bounced very high.

Blatter's eyes narrowed to a slit on the sidelines.

The team leader missed two consecutive rounds, which hurt morale too much.

The most important thing is that the score difference has widened to 13 points. If the bleeding cannot be stopped under this situation, it will be a huge disaster.

<divclass="contentadv">If the hole is dug too deep, you won’t be able to climb out even if you want to in the fourth quarter.

And these thoughts have just arisen.

PJ Tucker grabbed another rebound in the crowd, and Blatt was so angry that his whole face was distorted.

When he was in the locker room at halftime, he just said that he would work hard to grab rebounds.

result.

Facing a group of dwarves like the Heat, they failed to take advantage of their height advantage at all, and couldn't even protect the most basic rebounds. It's simply unacceptable.

The Heat are already pushing fast breaks at this time.

Because Xue Liancheng and Wade always guard the outside line, they are the fastest to rush forward.

The Cavaliers' Irving and Shumpert are actually not slow in returning to defense.

But when Xue Liancheng and Wade pushed forward crosswise, they couldn't stop them at all.

In the end, with the assist of Xue Liancheng, Wade scored easily.

15 points difference.

The fans at the scene were excited.

The balance of victory has increased again, and they seem to have seen the finals waving to them.

After being three games behind, chasing four games in a row, this feat is enough to be written into history.

But they couldn't help but be excited...

Blatter immediately called a timeout.

After the Cavaliers came off the court, Blatt scolded him: "Look what you did on the court? You can't defend, you can't attack, you can't get rebounds, you just don't know what it means."

James, who was breathing heavily with his hands on his hips, heard this, his eyelids jumped wildly, and his old face instantly turned pale.

This is so...

Where is his ID card?

Blatt didn't care whether James' expression changed or not, and continued coldly: "I asked you to use more tactics and pick-and-rolls. Did they turn a deaf ear to my words?"

This time.

James's face changed suddenly.

Saying this is really embarrassing him!

But he didn't refute, let alone get angry on the spot.

At this point, James is still relatively calm.

If Iverson had such an unruly character, he would probably have fallen out with him a long time ago.

Blatt exhaled and softened his tone: "LeBron, Kyrie, you two play more pick-and-rolls. You must rush in and break through their defense. Others are waiting to catch the ball. Shoot as soon as the ball arrives. Don't hesitate." .”

After a pause, he continued: "JR, you come on and replace Mozgov. What we need now is offense and firepower. I hope you can unleash it."

Everyone was stunned for a moment. They removed the starting lineup and replaced the big frame-protecting man. Does this mean they no longer need to defend at all?

But they soon felt relieved.

We are already 15 points behind, what else do we need to worry about?

No more.

Giving it a try is their only way out and the only thing they can do.

the end.

Blatt suddenly remembered something and looked at Shumpert, "Shmpert, on the offensive end, try to squat on the baseline."

James and others were stunned again, but they immediately understood Bratt's intention.

That is to keep Xue Liancheng at the bottom line and prevent the Heat's defensive counterattack.

This arrangement is relatively in-depth.

Although it may not be able to stop the Heat's fast break, it at least has a chance to prevent it.

Obviously.

Blatter has already seen that the soul of the Heat's fast break is Xue Liancheng.

If Xue Liancheng is not allowed to participate in the fast break immediately, then their defense is mostly successful.

Come back again.

This time.

James finally stopped dominating the ball. As soon as he received the ball, he passed it to Irving.

Then he ran away.

seem……

Indeed, Blatter's words fell on deaf ears.

of course.

It can also be seen as a declaration to Blatter: Can you do it without me?

result.

It really works.

After Irving broke in, he saw J.R. Smith sliding down the court and making a through pass.

The latter made a layup.

Next.

Irving took over James' stick and became the Cavaliers' main attacker, while James seemed to be frustrated to the end and played the role of receiving the ball.

Occasionally cut in, slide around the baseline, shoot three-pointers, and help block and screen.

There are not many offensive scenes, except for pushing fast breaks.

It doesn't seem to be much different from Xue Liancheng's positioning.

But the effects presented are really two extremes!

Sometimes James seems to have roots under his feet. He doesn't move and just watches his teammates playing there.

Even when he moved, he seemed to be outside the tactical system and had no feeling of being integrated into it at all.

Apart from deterrence, it provides no help at all.

As for receiving the ball and then passing it out to the running teammates to complete the finish?

absolutely not.

Or it can't be done at all.

of course.

The speed of the fast break is really a flying one hundred meters, and the sprint is so fast.

The tomahawk made a clanging sound.

but.

James, who plays this way, is definitely not without merit.

Because James' deterrence is his greatest contribution.

When he runs, no one dares to let him go, and he attracts a lot of defensive attention.

result.

It was such a tactical arrangement that unexpectedly brought the Cavaliers to life.

Although Irving mostly holds the ball and mainly attacks, he has not yet reached the point of dominating the ball, which allows everyone in the Cavaliers to play with the ball.

Instead, the ball started moving, and everyone's condition also improved.

End of the third quarter.

They chased the 15-point difference to 9 points, which is quite good.

And James did not stretch his hips, but performed very well. He took 6 shots, hit 3 of them, and scored 6 points.

Two of the shots were made before the timeout, and the other shot was a three-point attempt.

Of the three goals scored, two came on fast breaks, and the tomahawk dunks really made a clanging sound.

The remaining goal was made by taking advantage of the gap in the Heat's defense, receiving a pass and cutting in, and it was a flying dunk.

The three goals were all slam dunks, completely in line with James' playing style.

Everyone else has performed well, and their condition has obviously improved.

Ok……

Without James leading the offense, the Cavaliers produced a different effect and began to gain momentum.

But James didn't show the slightest embarrassment, and looked calm.

To describe it in one sentence: As long as you are not embarrassed, others will be embarrassed.

On the Heat's side, it's still an old problem.

Couldn't make a three-point shot.

PJ Tucker, Wade, Batum, and Ibaka made 8 three-pointers in the entire third quarter.

result……

Only hit 1 ball.

That's right.

It was the three-pointer that Wade made.

Ok……

Let them vote with confidence, and they really feel reassured.

This resulted in the Cavaliers shrinking their defense line unscrupulously, making the entire inside line bloated, and it became more difficult for Xue Liancheng to cut in and get rid of.

He only sent 4 assists in the third quarter.

The series effect is still obvious, but it is by no means as big as the first half.

Breaking the assist record seems to be a bit of a stretch.

In the third quarter, the Heat remained anxious with the resurgent Cavaliers. The biggest contributor was actually Wade. With 15 points in a single quarter, his superstar style reappeared.

Even if the Cavaliers' defense has shrunk like this, he can still rush in and out and score points repeatedly.

But this won't work.

The Cavaliers have the momentum of awakening. Once the feeling really explodes, this 9-point difference is simply not enough.

The Heat, on the other hand, are struggling.

The overall feel is not good. No matter how good Xue Liancheng is in reading the game, he can't play a big role.

Spoelstra also discovered this problem, and readjusted his tactics during the break, letting Ibaka and Xue Liancheng run the pick-and-roll, while the others participated in blocking and covering when Xue Liancheng moved.

Listen, listen...

Xue Liancheng was shocked.

Ok……

Are you treating him like Curry?

After Curry exploded with a three-pointer, all teams knew that they must guard Curry closely, and even prevented Curry from receiving the ball. As soon as Curry received the ball, they immediately double-teamed.

In the end, the Warriors Cole formulated tactics, which basically revolved around allowing Curry to move comfortably and catch the ball comfortably.

and so.

Slowly Curry changed from a ball handler to a running shooter.

The tactics Spoelstra is formulating now are so similar to the tactics Cole will devise to cover Curry in the future!

This...can it work?

He's not Curry. He doesn't have the three-pointers that Curry does!

but.

In this game, he made 7 of 4 three-pointers, which is still very good. Basically, he made open shots.

If you add in his two 6% hitting skills, the minimum is three-pointers.

Looking at it this way, it seems... not bad.

Spoelstra uses him as Curry, and it seems that he can barely give it a try.

After all, in addition to his 100% hit skills, his ability to predict can enhance his sense of whether he can make a shot.

This gave him at least some confidence.