Maybe people can officially understand Popovich's intention in doing this through the game.
Popovich put in this lineup of one large and four small, which seemed to be full of firepower on the offensive end, and the defense was also very good.
On the sidelines, D'Antoni frowned. He and Popovich were old rivals and knew each other very well. Therefore, he felt that Popovich's move was definitely a trump card. He had a very bad one.
premonition.
After Jiang Hao advanced to the frontcourt with the ball, he did not continue to control the ball. Instead, he handed the ball to Dejounte Murray. Then he and Danny Green performed a cross-cover run, and then received the ball again.
.
When James Harden immediately rushed to defend, Jiang Hao actually chose to take a forceful shot.
brush!
beep!
The ball went in.
The referee's whistle also sounded.
"Oh, China Jiang hit a three-pointer and also caused a shooting foul on James Harden. It's so interesting for this rookie that he can complete such an offense in front of James Harden."
People were excited.
James Harden is known as the "Son of Jingdezhen", but now he was fouled by Jiang Hao for a shooting foul. You can imagine how incredible this scene is.
"China Jiang has a chance to score 4 points, this is crazy"
When Jiang Hao hit the free throw, many people were excited. From the current point of view, Jiang Hao has become the most active player in the game.
In turn, the Rockets' offense, this time, under the defense of Danny Green, Eric Gordon failed to continue his hot touch, and his three-pointer hit the frame.
After Aldridge grabbed the rebound, he quickly handed it to Jiang Hao, and Jiang Hao's counterattack was particularly quick.
After quickly reaching the top of the arc, he sharply tore apart the Rockets' defense with a scalpel pass that only appears on the football field, and completed an alley-oop with Rudy Gay who jumped from the basket.
.
Bang!
The noisy Toyota Center finally fell silent, and everyone discovered for the first time tonight that this game was not as simple as imagined.
"China Jiang is everywhere. He can not only complete incredible scores, but also mobilize his teammates. When the 31-year-old Rudy Gay also made such a powerful dunk, everyone should understand that this Spurs team tonight can
Not here to make soy sauce”
Blake, the home commentator of the Houston Rockets, said worriedly that he saw something more from the Spurs' crazy and sharp counterattack.
In fact, not only Blake saw something more at this time, but many people also smelled something unusual.
D'Antoni immediately requested a timeout again. Maybe until now he doesn't know what Popovich's purpose is in arranging this lineup, but it is undeniable that the Spurs' No. 35, the Chinese rookie, is currently his biggest trouble.
.
"Trevor, keep an eye on that kid."
D'Antoni finally brought out his ace defensive player-Trevor Ariza.
As a veteran, Trevor Ariza is still one of the top 3D players in the league.
His role on the defensive end is one of the Rockets' biggest supports. In many games, as long as Ariza does a good enough job defending this point, the Rockets can always easily win the game.
Some people feel that Ariza's past is like Andre Iguodala's experience with the Golden State Warriors. Although they are not superstars, they are both indispensable members of their respective teams.
D'Antoni asked Ariza to defend Jiang Hao at this time. It is obvious that he has established Jiang Hao as a very threatening opponent player.
Of course, for Jiang Hao, no matter whose defense he faces, Ta will not flinch at all. Before the start of the playoffs, he has made all preparations and has a learning attitude. This playoffs, he will
There's no pressure.
Just like what Popovich told them before the game, if you win, you will gain blood, if you lose, you will not lose anything.
Therefore, after facing Ariza's defense, Jiang Hao still reached out and asked for the ball. Of course, he would not take a direct shot like he did when facing Harden. Instead, he simply dribbled the ball a few times and used a retreat.
Completed the shot in one step.
Although he missed the hit, he caused Ariza to commit a shooting foul.
When Jiang Hao stepped to the free throw line, the Toyota Center booed one after another. Rockets fans felt very aggrieved. This scene should have been what they saw from Harden, but now? The feeling became
Exclusive rights to China Rookie.
D'Antoni sighed, that's how the game is, there will always be situations like this. Even if he has deployed all his defensive strength, even if he has paid enough attention, he can only continue to score points from the Chinese basketball player.
Fortunately, James Harden is gradually finding his feel on the offensive end, and she is also familiar with Capellad's cooperation, constantly helping the Rockets score.
Soon, the first quarter of the game was over.
31:30!
The Spurs, playing away from home, are 1 point ahead.
Frankly speaking, many people did not expect this scene. Everyone felt that the Rockets should establish a certain lead through the first quarter. They have always been good at widening the gap in the first quarter this season.
But what now?
They are 1 point behind.
Fans couldn't believe this fact.
What everyone couldn't believe was that Spurs No. 35, the Chinese rookie, scored 15 points in the first quarter and performed extremely well.
"Both Jiang and Zhou are from China, why is there such a big gap?"
Some Rockets fans hated the fact that iron could never become steel. They glanced at Zhou Qi, who was sitting at the end of the bench, and his face was very ugly.
"Come on, brother, D'Antoni is a waste. He is about to destroy this team. He will always rotate 8 people and never be defensive. Judging from the situation in the first quarter of the game, if we continue with this momentum, we will lose here.
I won’t be surprised in this series.”
Some fans pointed their guns at D'Antoni.
In fact, even though D'Antoni has led the Rockets to the first place in the Western Conference this season, many people are still questioning his tactical style.
Across the ocean, China just hates D'Antoni's use of rotation players. Everyone feels that D'Antoni doesn't give Zhou Qi a chance at all. Zhou Qi is really unlucky to meet a coach like D'Antoni.
On the Spurs bench, Jiang Hao wiped the sweat from his face vigorously. He scored 15 points in the first quarter and helped the team maintain the lead. This was a very good start, but it also made him very tired. He couldn't do it in a minute.
No rest.
He had never had such an experience before.
"Jiang, take the time to rest. If there are major changes in the situation on the field, you need to return to the field immediately."
Popovich also knew that Jiang Hao was very tired. Therefore, at the beginning of the second quarter, he put Jiang Hao on the bench. Of course, as he said, Jiang Hao was destined not to rest for too long.
Chapter completed!