Chapter 313: Killing the King in the Air

At this time, at the United Center in Chicago, the first half of the Eastern Conference Finals G3 game had ended. At 44:49, the Knicks were 5 points behind on the road.

In this game, Nelson, who had tasted the sweetness of playing on the court, sent Da Zhi to cooperate with Zhao Dong in the low post, which was similar to the twin tower tactics.

But the Bulls' defensive tactics were very good. This tactic failed to work out and fell behind by 7 points in the first quarter. Then Zhao Dong led the bench to come on and regain two points in the second quarter.

After playing for 10 minutes, he only got two open opportunities, and they were still small open opportunities. Rasheed Wallace stared at him very hard today. He made a total of 2 of 5 shots, 3 of 3 free throws, and scored 7 points. However, being able to perform this performance under the surveillance of Roaring Heavenly Lord is still passable, but the efficiency is far less than the previous game.

In the second half, Nelson adjusted his offensive tactics and sent Ben and Fordson inside, letting Fordson pull out and Zhao Dong into the low post.

But the Bulls completely released Fordson, who was pulled out, and double-teamed Zhao Dong. Zhao Dong's low-post efficiency was limited.

Fordson's offensive ability is really limited. Although he got a few passes from Zhao Dong, his efficiency was not as good as Zhao Dong's strong shooting in multi-person double teams, so this offensive tactic failed.

In the end, the Knicks lost the G3 game 93:101.

Zhao Dong had the ball a total of 38 times in the game, and was double-teamed 19 times, triple-teamed 9 times, and quadruple-teamed 3 times. Only 7 were single defenses, and these 7 times were all fast breaks or outside breakthroughs, not If you don't double-team, you won't have time to double-team.

He played 48 minutes, made 16 of 30 shots, 53% from the field, and 13 of 14 free throws. He scored 45 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks, 4 turnovers and 5 fouls. He scored the highest score in the game and became famous. In fact, the king of empty cuts.

At the end of the game, the United Center was filled with excitement.

Jordan was interviewed at the scene. He was very tired, but looked high-spirited and said: "We played a beautiful offensive and defensive battle tonight. We successfully limited Feilong's efficiency and limited his shooting percentage to 53%. At the same time, We also successfully limited the Knicks' low-post offense, which was a success and we saw hope of winning the Eastern Conference Finals."

In the visiting team's locker room, Nelson was summarizing.

"I'm sorry, we were not tactically prepared for this game. This is my fault. I will take responsibility." From the beginning, he took his responsibility.

“We didn’t play the low post game we did in the last game.

Giving the Bulls a lot of opportunities to double-team the Flying Dragons was a tactical failure on our part. "

"At the same time, on the defensive end, the Bulls blossomed more. They hit 9 three-pointers in this game. Their outside touch was overwhelming, and our outside defense completely collapsed."

"This is a irony for our defensive tactics. We need to adjust our defensive tactics. We need to know that their low post offense is not better than ours. We have the best interior defense. Why can they still do it when they do not have enough containment in the interior? Breaking down our perimeter defense is a problem that the coaching staff needs to consider carefully."

Xiao Fan nodded at this time and said: "I will take responsibility. The Bulls moved the ball frequently on the outside today, which directly broke our outside defense. Our defensive tactics were not adjusted in time."

Zhao Dong sat on the sidelines. He was quite disappointed with tonight's game.

After two consecutive wins in the Eastern Conference Finals, the team became careless against the Bulls, thinking that the next victory would be within easy reach. But it was not true. The Bulls were definitely not much weaker than the Knicks. If they were careless, they would come back.

This is his responsibility. He failed to adjust the mentality of the locker room and allowed the team to play the G3 game with an inflated mentality.

Half an hour after the summary, the Knicks held a post-game press conference.

"Feilong, what do you think is the main reason for this failure?" Thomas, the team reporter, asked.

"We were careless. We thought we were sure to beat the Bulls, but it wasn't." Zhao Dong said.

"Is this the main reason?"

"Yes, a person's attitude determines everything."

"So what's the tactical reason?"

"It's an issue with the coaching staff and I think they're going to fix it and get us back on the winning track."

"Coach Nelson, what do you think is wrong with today's tactics?" Zhang asked when it was his turn to ask questions.

Old Nelson smiled and said: "We did not use tactics to open up the double-teaming force around Feilong, allowing the Bulls to double-team him unscrupulously. Moreover, the outside touch was not very good today, and at the same time, the outside running was not active. In addition, we were There were also some problems in personnel arrangements. The players who were pulled out were left empty, and then the defensive force was concentrated on Feilong.”

"Do you think the G4 game can change the situation tonight?"

"Of course we will make changes."

On May 31, the media analyzed the G3 game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

"The myth of the efficiency god has been shattered, Jordan has obtained the key to victory." Chicago Sports News.

"The shooting percentage of 53% is still good, but it is no longer enough to lead the Knicks to the Finals. Defending the dynasty is even more of a luxury."

A large number of media turned around and began to look down on the Knicks and Zhao Dong.

On this day, like Phil Jackson, Nelson and the coaching staff were constantly discussing the tactics of the G4 game.

The main core issue is what tactics to use to open up defense for Zhao Dong.

Discussions took place throughout the day and several issues were established.

First, Zhao Dong's position cannot be fixed on the outside or inside. He must make full use of his versatility to suppress the Bulls' defensive tactics.

Second, when Zhao Dong is on the outside, there must be an offensive inside line under the basket to attract the Bulls' defense, and a rebounding inside line to ensure rebounds.

Third, when Zhao Dong is in the low post, an offensive inside line must be arranged on the strong side, and there must also be one responsible for grabbing rebounds.

Fourth, the outside running must be active, and the Bulls' outside defense must be mobilized to prevent them from having the opportunity to sink and double-team Zhao Dong.

Fifth, sixth...

"Barkley, Kevin Willis, Wang, this is our offensive interior."

"Ben Wallace, Fordson, that's our rebounding and defensive interior."

It was almost dinner time, and Xiao Fan said: "Tang, which two should we choose?"

Old Nelson stared at these five names, pondered for a long time and then said: "Barkley, He Wang."

"What?" Xiao Fan and Thibodeau were surprised.

Nelson explained: "Although Barkley is old and has a lot of injuries, he has been recuperating in the Knicks. We haven't used him much. Now it's his time to contribute. He has rebounds, defense, and offense. Don’t forget, he is the template for Fei Long.”

Xiao Fan and Thibodeau couldn't help but nodded. The former said worriedly: "I just don't know how long he can play. As the main force, at least thirty minutes."

Old Nelson said: "Let him explode, play through the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals, and then let him rest for another season next season."

"Pfft!"

Xiao Fan and the two burst into laughter.

Old Nelson said: "Barkley and Wang start the game. With Feilong's passing ability and assist ability, it is impossible for the Bulls to let them go. In this way, Feilong will face much less defensive pressure.

In particular, Wang's performance yesterday was average. The Bulls would not have guessed that we would continue to use him in the starting lineup. We could catch them off guard. "

"Not bad." Xiao Fan said.

Old Nelson added: "The two of them, plus Feilong, all three of them can pass the ball. I want to add a lot of low-post cooperation and high-low cooperation in the G4 game."

Low-post coordination is not strange, but high-low coordination?

Xiao Fan asked: "Who is at the top and who is at the bottom?"

Old Nelson said: "Feilong is on top, Barkley and Wang are on the bottom. Feilong has the most mobility. Once Barkley and Wang attract defense in the low post, the Bulls will not have enough defensive power to double-team Feilong in the high post. Then Feilong has to make a sudden shot. , there are a lot of choices.”

In fact, when choosing a starting inside line, he will definitely prefer an offensive inside line because he is an offensive coach himself.

In the evening, Zhao Dong and others gathered in a room to watch the G3 game of the Western Conference Finals.

Back at home, the Lakers' momentum was very high. As soon as the game started, Kobe and O'Neal came for alley-oops. The latter dunked with both hands, directly sinking the Spurs' basket, and received full applause.

"Boss, will there be a sweep in the Western Conference Finals?" Fordson asked.

In the last life, the Spurs swept the Lakers with a score of 4 to 0. In this life?

"It shouldn't be possible. The Spurs don't have the strength to crush the Lakers." Zhao Dong shook his head.

Kobe's strength has grown rapidly, and is obviously stronger than in his previous life. As the Lakers' perimeter strength increases, they can effectively contain the Spurs' defensive strength. With Glen Rice and two perimeter players active, they can open up the defense for O'Neal. Strength, all internal and external lines are mobilized, and there will be a chance to win.

This is just like the Knicks. In the G3 game, the Knicks' perimeter failed to open up the defense for themselves, putting all the defensive pressure on themselves, and the result was a loss.

However, the Spurs should still be stronger than the Lakers. The Spurs in the Twin Towers are even stronger than the later GPS Spurs.

The current general Robinson still has the strength of a first-class center on both ends of the offense and defense, and can play for at least two seasons. After these two seasons, the Spurs' strength will drop by a notch until Ginobili and Parker grow up.

In the last life, the Spurs would win the championship this season, but Duncan would be seriously injured next season, and then the dynasty of the OK combination would usher in.

In this life, if the Spurs want to win the championship in these seasons, the most likely way is to win the championship this season just like in the previous life.

In the following seasons, excluding the Knicks, after Robinson retired, Duncan alone could not compete with the OK team.

And this season, if this Spurs reaches the finals, whether it is against their own Knicks or Jordan's Bulls, the chance of winning is smaller than in the previous life.

In the last generation, the Spurs defeated the Knicks by a score of four to one in the Finals to win the championship. The Spurs in this generation will never have that chance.

In the end, in G3 of the Western Conference Finals, Kobe Bryant scored 27 points and Glen Rice scored 25 points. Their outside firepower liberated O'Neal, who scored 32 points. With the violent performance of the three, the Lakers pulled back. Returning to one game preserved the suspense of the series.

"The Lakers' internal and external cores destroyed the Spurs twin towers!" New York Times.

"The power of OK combination is beginning to show!" New York Sportswear.

The New York Times was very positive and praised O'Neal and Kobe.

"These shameful New York media, are they afraid that our Lakers will not be in chaos?" Jerry West said helplessly after seeing these reports.

He could imagine what Glenn Rice would think when he saw these reports from the most influential New York media.

"Damn it, I also scored 25 points and the media didn't even mention it?"

At Glen Rice's house, he angrily tore several newspapers into pieces.

June 1st is the day of G4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Knicks: Da Zhi, Barkley, Zhao Dong, Latrell Sprewell, Billups

Bulls: Oakley, Rasheed Wallace, Tracy McGrady, Jordan, Kidd.

In the ABC live broadcast booth, commentators Hubie Brown and Cook got the starting list and immediately began analysis.

"There is no doubt that the Knicks have strengthened their interior offense. They will definitely conduct more low-post and interior offense in the upcoming G4 game."

As an old coach, Hubie Brown is very sure and authentic.

Cook laughed: "The Bulls' starting lineup remains the same."

Hubie Brown complained: "They have not changed. Oakley, Rasheed Wallace, Jordan, plus Kidd and Tracy McGrady, the salary of the five starters has reached 70 million US dollars, which is much higher than the Knicks. Without the support of Nike, the Bulls cannot spend more money to pay the luxury tax and build a better substitute lineup. Of course, their substitutes are also good, with Mobley on the outside and Kurt Thomas on the inside. Insider.”

"Nike now only supports the Knicks, not the Bulls."

Cook said with a smile: "So Feilong said that if the Bulls cannot win the championship this season, the Bulls will definitely collapse. I believe his view."

"Me too."

Nodding, Hubie Brown added: "But Feilong played his lowest efficiency in the three Eastern Conference Finals. If other Knicks players continue to be cold in this game, I think the Bulls may not be able to win consecutive home victories."

Cook said: "I played for tactical reasons. There were problems on offense and defense. Nelson should make adjustments this time."

In the CCTV live broadcast, although Zhang Lili was very happy to see Da Zhi enter the starting lineup for the third time in the Eastern Conference Finals, he was a little worried about his performance. At the same time, he was also very surprised by Nelson's boldness.

He lamented: "I really didn't expect that in such a crucial Eastern Conference finals, in a series about the defense of the dynasty, Nelson would dare to give up the pair of Big Ben and Fordson. The Knicks have already trained two The starting interior combination this season, he really deserves to be a tactical inventor."

"Coach Zhang, please analyze, how will Nelson play today?" Sun Zhenping asked.

Zhang Liji smiled and said: "The main attack is inside."

"Mainly attacking inside?"

Nodding, Zhang Liyi said: "Yes, Barkley and Da Zhi are both inside players who can attack. Plus Zhao Dong, what are we going to do if we don't play inside?

But Billups is still there, and he must be focused on organization. The Knicks have never paid attention to his scoring ability, but have been limiting his scoring. Therefore, Zhao Dong should still focus on off the ball in this game.

In this way, with Da Zhi and Barkley in the low post, Zhao Dong's position can no longer be fixed in the low post. He should still be a small forward, connecting the inside, and his position is more flexible than in the low post. "

At 8:10, the starting lineup begins.

"Feilong, we will definitely win this game." Jordan said confidently.

"What conspiracy have you arranged for this time?" Zhao Dong asked curiously.

"What conspiracy? That's called tactics, you idiot!" Jordan said angrily.

"Jordan, prepare to get fifty points this time."

Zhao Dong smiled and suddenly said something that Jordan couldn't understand.

"What do you want to do?" Jordan asked alertly.

"You want to go by yourself, you idiot, do you still want me to tell you?" Zhao Dong said this and led the team out.

Fifteen minutes later, the game started.

Big jump ball to Rasheed Wallace.

"Coward, I won't let you score in double figures today." While preparing, Roaring Heavenly Lord started talking trash.

His eyes moved so much that he was a softie, which was his nickname in the Bulls.

He didn't reply. He's not good at trash talk.

At this time, the referee threw the ball up, jumped up, and consciously made physical contact with Rasheed Wallace in the air.

His weight is 115 kilograms, while the latter is over 100 kilograms, at least ten kilograms lighter. After two or three years of confrontation training, he has developed considerable confrontation ability. This contact immediately bounced Rashid away. Touch the ball first.

The Knicks attacked and the ball was handed to Billups. Instead of going to the top of the arc, he pulled it outside the left three-point line.

The low left wing is Da Zhi, and the left wing between him and Billups is Zhao Dong.

Zhao Dong's position is under the dotted line of the free throw line and is not restricted by Article 136 of the Feilong Law.

The Madman pulled to the right three-point line, and below him in the right low post was Barkley.

The Bulls still played the defensive tactics of the previous game, two-one-two zone defense + man-to-man marking, which is the so-called mixed defense.

That is, on the basis of a two-one-two zone defense, let Tracy McGrady defend Zhao Dong alone.

Hubby Brown said: "Jordan guards the top of the paint to the high post. He can help defend the outside line from the outside, the basket from the bottom, and the wings from the left and right. He has a heavy defensive task. With his 36-year-old age, the Bulls have His usage is overloaded, and like Tyson, he can also be called an Iron Michael."

Cook added: "Iron Michael? He and Tyson are enemies and share the same nickname, just like they share Givens? This is not good."

"Haha..." Hubi Brown burst into laughter.

"These two bastards!"

With a furious roar, there was a bang, and the TV on the table was kicked over.

New York, Tyson's home, after kicking the TV, he walked around the living room like a beast in trouble, looking like he was going crazy.

His defeat to a basketball player like Zhao Dong was a huge blow to his reputation. Now almost no boxers are willing to box with him. His career and economy are in trouble. Now two damn commentators The players even revealed his scars. These basketball bastards are nothing.