NBA: This Center Is So Stable

The game was a success, and the game was a success.

Chapter 285 O’Neal’s Calculation

When the whistle sounded at the end of the first half, the huge score difference on the scoreboard made the Zen Master completely sober.

56:43!

The Knicks, who came to the away game, not only did not fall into a disadvantageous situation, but instead achieved a 13-point lead at the end of the half.

This situation has never appeared even in Madison Garden before.

After coming to Los Angeles, the Knicks not only did not suffer an away defeat, but became more and more courageous.

They showed the vitality of the emerging team vividly.

For most teams, away games are often a sign of defeat, which once made the playoffs a legendary round-based game.

Whoever is at home will have more advantages. Whether it is the support of the venue or the fans, or the adaptation to the local climate, the home team is always the one with the advantage.

This is also an important reason why the Game 7 has happened repeatedly over the years!

But today’s Knicks obviously took an unusual attitude. Not only did they not feel the pressure in the Staples Center, but they also revealed their hidden cards for a long time.

Wang Song, who started firing in the second quarter of the first half, made 3 of 4 three-pointers and has become the Knicks’ undiscounted musketeer.

Especially after the three-point shooting ability was opened, the data obtained with his center position was very exaggerated.

In the first half, he alone contributed 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 4 assists.

This kind of data is not to mention the half-time, even if it is put in the whole game, it is the All-Star center level. Facing O’Neal, he can show such a performance, which is worthy of the qualification of the All-Star Game MVP.

Originally, according to Wang Song’s regular style of play and the Lakers’ trap in the penalty area, Wang Song’s scoring ability was slightly lacking.

But now, the development of three-point shooting ability has perfectly solved all the problems.

And the most important thing is that Wang Song’s three-point shooting ability helps the Knicks far more than his own performance.

It is more of a restraining force!

With Wang Song, a center with Nash’s accuracy, his threat outside the three-point line is far beyond the fans’ imagination.

Especially the restraint of O’Neal, it can be said to be amazing.

As long as he stands outside the three-point line, even if O’Neal, who is guarding him, does not follow him, his mind must be on Wang Song.

Because no one knows whether Wang Song will shoot decisively after the next ball is passed to him.

Once Wang Song opens fire, the terrifying hit rate is there, which gives the Lakers a headache.

The Zen Master originally wanted to try gambling-style defense, and appropriately let Wang Song’s three-pointer go to enhance O’Neal’s ability to protect the restricted area.

After all, in his eyes, even if Wang Song developed this “secret weapon”, the hit rate still needs to be examined. According to common sense, the accuracy cannot be too outrageous.

In this era, there are only a few big men who can shoot three-pointers, not none at all.

Players with huge bodies are destined to have a soft touch. As the position with the lowest free throw rate in the league, the Zen Master does not believe that Wang Song, who is a center, has such an accurate accuracy.

But reality often hits the Zen Master head-on!

Just when Wang Song missed a shot and Phil Jackson thought the opponent’s luck was gone, Wang Song received a pass from his teammate and immediately made the third three-pointer.

The hit rate of 3 out of 4 made the Zen Master realize that the Lakers must pay attention to the threat of this Asian boy outside the three-point line.

Especially Wang Song has the aura of the highest three-point shooting rate in the Knicks team, which makes the Zen Master dare not be careless at all, and can only send O’Neal to guard him all the time!

But for O’Neal, in this situation, he is destined to make a choice about the Lakers’ restricted area defense.

The current Shark is not as fast as he was in the past. He has the first gear speed among the big men and can complete the defense from the three-point line to the restricted area in the shortest time.

The 300-pound O’Neal is still a human being after all, not a god.

Since he chose to put all his talents in strength, his agility and speed are naturally affected.

It has to be said that O’Neal’s full-time defense still has a good effect.

But as the stabilizing force in the Lakers’ restricted area, his defense against Wang Song is destined to have gains and losses.

After losing O’Neal’s position, the Lakers’ restricted area relies more on personal defense.

Especially after Wang Song’s pick-and-roll, Wang Song’s figure running out will attract a lot of attention.

The Lakers’ defense is paying attention.

Whether the Lakers choose to switch defense or go around the pick-and-roll, they will always create enough offensive opportunities for the Knicks.

Either going around the pick-and-roll will lose the first defensive position, or switching defense will create an opportunity for big to small or small to big.

This luxurious space battleship began to frequently expose problems in this situation!

The gathering of many stars is a gimmick for the Lakers, and the star players have become a defensive burden for the Lakers.

Like Karl Malone, Fisher and others, they have been in the NBA for most of their careers. As the core of the team, they have focused on the offensive end most of the time.

Now the Lakers are in a defensive crisis, and it is difficult for them to stand up and solve problems for the team.

The high salaries paid for signing these people have also become the key reason for the Lakers’ lack of blue-collar wingers.

The Lakers used to rely on a passionate and passionate offense to open up the situation. As for the small problems on the defensive end, most of them were covered up and worthless in the face of victory.

But now that they have encountered the New York Knicks, who have similar firepower… or even stronger, the Lakers are in a dilemma.

Lakers locker room.

In this game, the Zen Master finally chose the most reliable method for the team, which is to arrange OK to play at the same time and rearrange the division of labor.

“Shaq, I need you to stand up in the second half!”

Phil Jackson looked serious, and his tone revealed a hint of unrejection: “You know, you have made great contributions to the team in the first half, but you also saw that the Asian kid has completed the transformation. I need you to change your tactical position.”

In short, the Zen Master’s words revealed a meaning.

O’Neal’s unlimited firing rights in the second half were deprived, and Kobe, who was silent for nearly half a game, would take over the game.

As for O’Neal, it was his only responsibility to keep an eye on the Asian kid.

The struggle on O’Neal’s face flashed by.

As for the victory or defeat of the game, he cared more about his personal victory or defeat.

This is not only clear to Zen Master, but also to himself.

If the Lakers lose this game, no one will forget Wang Song, who shined with his three-point shot.

Of course, they will not forget Shaquille O’Neal, who defended him!

The Lakers’ belief in winning and the competition between him and Wang Song became the only two reasons for O’Neal to compromise.

He had already shown his dominance in the first half, and it was not impossible to save his energy for Kobe in the second half.

The Lakers fans at the scene will not forget him, the absolute hero who made great achievements in the first half. If they lose, Kobe will be the one who silently takes the blame.

(End of this chapter)