Chapter 116 How to prevent tank breakthrough? (5500 words chapter)

The Cavaliers are currently on a trip to the Western Conference. From December 8th to December 13th, they will play a total of 4 games. The Grizzlies and Rockets faced back-to-back games, and the Cavaliers unfortunately lost both times.

However, in the last game against the Trail Blazers, LeBron James efficiently scored 37 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists on 14-for-24 shooting, leading the team to victory and ending a two-game losing streak.

Tonight's game against the Thunder is the last game of the Western Conference tour. The Cavaliers' morale has been greatly boosted. It will be broadcast live across the United States and they will go home after the game. These two conditions make the players particularly excited.

LeBron James, as a facade player with Jordan's playbook and strong support from the league, also performed very appropriately in the pre-game interview:

"The Thunder are No. 1 in the Western Conference. They have very good talent. Kevin, Kayce, and Russell have played so well this season. They will definitely succeed in the future!"

"Of course, I will go all out tonight to win this game and return to Cleveland with a victory!"

Li Ze felt that no matter what LeBron James might say behind his back, at least he would be a qualified superficial brother.

Py transactions and commercial exchanges, LeBron James' talent surpasses Durant and Turtle in this regard. These two really can quarrel with reporters sometimes, and the Thunder's press officer has reminded them several times.

ESPN's on-site commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson also discussed the recent records of both sides before the game.

"I admit that there were some mistakes in my previous views. I underestimated the young people of the Thunder. 18 wins and 3 losses, this is an amazing record!"

"Moreover, after watching their last game against the Grizzlies, I don't think Kayce should be regarded as a rookie anymore. The Grizzlies' perimeter can't limit him at all."

Van Gundy Jr. directly admitted that his previous views were wrong, and he did not want to be @ frequently @ on Twitter by some Thunder fans.

"Okay, man, let's talk about this game again. Do you think the Cavaliers will win? The combination of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal performed very well in the last game."

Mark Jackson raised the topic again to warm up the game.

"It depends on the performance of LeBron James. When he can score efficiently and drive his teammates, the Cavaliers will become unstoppable. I am optimistic that the Cavaliers will win because no one can limit James."

Van Gundy Jr. gave his prediction before the game.

"You think Kevin, Kayce, Jeff Green can't stop LeBron James?"

"I have a different view on this. I think the Cavaliers' outside line cannot withstand the attack of the Thunder's trio, and the Thunder will win the game in the end!"

Mark Jackson began to sing a counter-argument, and the audience did not buy it with his one-sided prediction.

"Then let's wait and see! The starting list we got before the game, the two teams are still in regular rotation."

"The Cavaliers' backcourt is Maurice Williams and Anthony Parker, the forwards are LeBron James and JJ Hixon, and the center is Shaquille O'Neal."

"The Thunder team has Russell Westbrook and Kayce Li partnering in the backcourt, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are still on the forward line, and Thabo Krstic is the center."

"Actually, the No. 4 position in this game is also a highlight. Jeff Green's low post defense is very difficult, but on the offensive end, he can effectively open up the space. I believe this will be a very interesting matchup."

Van Gundy Jr. once again brought up an interesting point, a duel between different types of power forwards.

"As Jeff said, this will indeed be an exciting game! Both teams have already shown up! The Oklahoma City fans are so enthusiastic!"

The on-site DJ at the Ford Center was yelling and introducing the home team.

When Li Ze, Turtle, and Durant appeared on the stage, the atmosphere became even more heated, and Oklahoma City fans gave a huge cheer for their star.

However, Li Ze noticed something very interesting. When LeBron James of the Cavaliers came on the court, there were scattered cheers.

"As expected of the future face of the alliance, its popularity is indeed too high!"

As soon as the singing session ended, head coach Brooks quickly pulled the players to give his final instructions:

"Rebound, protect the rebound. I don't want to see the Cavaliers' second offense. On the offensive end, use more pick-and-rolls at the 5th position. Get moving, guys, and move the ball."

The game started immediately. After the players from both sides briefly greeted each other, Kostic and O'Neal came to the center circle to jump the ball.

"Wow, O'Neal jumped to the ball for the Cavaliers. It seems that he is in good shape in this game!"

Mark Jackson couldn't help but exclaimed when he saw O'Neal beating Krstic.

In this game, Li Ze will face veteran Anthony Parker, who averaged 10.7 points per game for the Toronto Raptors last game and shot 39% from three-point range.

He just transferred to the Cavaliers this season and became the knife-carrying guard next to the little emperor.

The Cavaliers attacked. After Mo Williams passed half court, he immediately handed the ball to LeBron James to organize the offense.

Facing Durant's defense, after three threats, he suddenly changed direction while holding the ball in his left hand, carrying Durant and began to accelerate the breakthrough.

After breaking into the penalty area, he faked a real pass and passed it to O'Neal under the basket. Facing Kostic's defense, the latter leaned forward and put the basket with his left hand.

"Durant should pay attention to his defense. Once LeBron James breaks into the penalty area, the Cavaliers will score easily!"

Van Gundy Jr. briefly talked about Durant's defensive issues.

Ever since he entered the NBA and faced off against LeBron James, Durant has been very depressed. He knew that the opponent was going to break through him, but he couldn't stop him.

LeBron James simply changed direction in front of his body and took a small step away from Durant, and then relied on his physical strength to keep Durant at his side.

He failed to defend the first attack, and Durant clapped his hands in frustration.

"Kevin, it's okay, stick to our defensive strategy!"

When serving, Li Ze comforted Durant. Naturally, the Thunder's coaching staff knew that they could not guard LeBron James alone.

Therefore, the defensive strategy in this game is to play singles and cut off the connection between James and his teammates.

During the Thunder's offensive round, Turtle quickly moved across the half court and immediately discovered that the Cavaliers' perimeter defense was all on the three-point line, and they were very aggressive in attacking hand-to-hand passes.

Head coach Mike Brown and his coaching staff naturally studied the Thunder's tactics and used targeted defense at the beginning.

Especially LeBron James' defense against Durant, covering without the ball, pushing Durant outwards and not giving him a chance to catch the ball at the waist.

Li Ze noticed that the team's tactics did not run out, so he went directly to the three-point line to receive the ball, and at the same time motioned for Kostic to come over for a pick-and-roll.

Holding the ball in his left hand, he accelerated the breakthrough and got rid of Anthony Parker's defense. He noticed that O'Neal chose to squat, took two big steps, and stopped near the free throw line to make a jump shot.

"Shua" hit steadily from mid-range.

Li Ze, who returned to defense, noticed that LeBron James was constantly communicating with Anthony Parker, probably asking the opponent to speed up the screen. After all, the old shark really couldn't get out.

After Mo Williams quickly dribbled the ball past half court, JJ Hickson immediately moved up the pick-and-roll, which also gave O'Neal inside room for a single.

After JJ Hickson was selected by the Cavaliers with the 19th overall pick in the first round of 2008, he still plays the role of a baggage boy in the team and is a pure tool on the offensive end.

Mo Williams got rid of the Turtles' defense through the pick-and-roll, and immediately passed the ball to O'Neal, who was successful in the low post.

Facing Kostic's defense, the latter took the ball with his right hand and took a big step forward, then immediately turned around and joined the ball. After using his body to get rid of the defense, the rhythm changed and he easily scored the ball.

After scoring, O'Neal made a funny expression towards the camera under the basket, and then began to retreat slowly.

"Shhh!!"

This somewhat provocative move caused the audience at the Ford Center to immediately burst into loud boos.

"Wow! The energetic Shark still has huge destructive power at the basket. The Thunder's interior defense must be careful."

Mark Jackson saw O'Neal's wonderful performance and immediately sang praises for the old Shark.

"Russell, play more No. 5 tactics!"

When Guigui dribbled the ball past half court, Li Ze'a made tactical gestures to his teammates, and then loudly reminded Guigui that it was time to increase his aggressiveness.

It was still a pick-and-roll at position 5. Krstic moved up, Turtle raised his center of gravity and broke through on the left side. Mo Williams deftly squeezed through the pick-and-roll.

But during the march, Guigui suddenly changed direction in front of his body, and then stopped mid-range from the free throw line to make a jump shot.

"Shua" shot was a little stiff, but still hit the target steadily.

After Li Ze's [Playmaker] badge was upgraded to silver, Guigui's recent mid-range shooting has become more stable. Therefore, Li Ze thought he could start with Guigui and gradually speed up the pace of the game.

"Mo Williams' defense must also be more vigilant. Russell has the ability to shoot from mid-range!"

Van Gundy Jr. thinks the Cavaliers have problems defending pick-and-rolls.

LeBron James felt the Thunder's defensive strategy when attacking, which was all one-on-one defense, and the Thunder defended pick-and-rolls from the outside, with almost infinite defense changes.

After two consecutive pick-and-rolls, it was switched to Jeff Green to defend, with about 10 seconds left in the attack time.

After LeBron James dribbled the ball from his hip outside the three-point line, his left hand changed direction in front of his body.

Carrying Jeff Green's defense, he held the ball in his right hand, accelerated in a straight line, broke into the penalty area, and then with a flick of his wrist, he picked up the basket with his right hand and scored the ball.

Although the dribbling movement looks a bit stiff, at the final moment of the layup, the fingers and wrists are very soft.

"Wonderful breakthrough, LeBron easily scored the ball under Jeff Green's defensive interference!"

Mark Jackson loudly praised LeBron James for his breakthrough.

Li Ze looked on with envy. This was the tank breakthrough he had always longed for. It didn't require too much shaking. As long as the first step of the breakthrough blocked half of the opponent's body, he could run directly to the basket.

"This physical quality is really cheating. The breakthrough is like a locomotive. It rushes in with a whine, but the finishing touch feels extremely soft."

Li Ze complained in his heart while encouraging Jeff Green.

"This is the defensive effect we want, Green, there is no problem with your defense! You must take decisive action when there is an opportunity on the outside!"

"Man, have you noticed? Every time the Thunder attack, Kayce makes tactical gestures. On the court, he is the one who frequently speaks out. This is a very interesting phenomenon. The rookie controls the team."

Van Gundy Jr. began to interpret the details on the starting court.

"Actually, Kayce and LeBron's playing styles are very similar. They can both drive their teammates better, but LeBron's physical talent is better! Oh! Take a look at this ball first, a wonderful cross over!"

Mark Jackson suddenly let out an exclamation in the middle of his words.

In this attack, Li Ze received Durant's breakthrough pass. After the triple threat, he released the ball with his left hand. After adjusting his steps, he changed the direction of his hips, held the ball with his right hand, pretended to break through, and quickly pulled back.
To be continued...