But now, a stark reality is before them.
Jiang Hao and Leonard's duo were especially uninhabited. Throughout the second quarter, the Oracle Arena was like Shura Field, suffering massacre. And the four giants they were proud of, except Kevin
Except for Durant, everyone else was dumbfounded.
"So, this is the team we've been rooting for? Well, obviously, they're not the championship team they were in their prime a year ago."
Steve Kerr is making adjustments as much as possible, and his focus is on the offensive end. Kerr understands that under the current circumstances, they want to use defense to prevent their opponents from counterattacking, which is obviously very difficult.
.
On the contrary, the best defense is offense. If they regain their form on the offensive end, they may not necessarily continue to be suppressed by the Spurs. Cole has always been full of confidence in his team's ability on the offensive end.
Klay Thompson may be the Warriors' worst starter so far in this game.
As the team's starting shooting guard, Klay Thompson's performance is really hard to compliment. He made 0 of 4 three-pointers and scored a total of 2 points.
After the timeout, when the players from both sides returned to the court, the on-site director gave the camera to Thompson.
Obviously, the director hopes to stimulate Thompson in this way to usher in an explosion.
Relatively speaking, the fans in the stands were not so polite. They cursed Thompson directly because the latter's performance tonight was really disappointing.
"If the Warriors want to win this game, it's obvious that Klay Thompson needs to make a noise. We don't have to doubt Klay's level on the offensive end, but the premise is that he can return to form."
O'Neal gave Thompson great recognition.
In fact, the league has always been controversial about Klay Thompson's positioning in the post-Kobe era.
Some people say that James Harden is the best shooting guard in this century after Kobe and Wade, while others believe that Klay Thompson is more qualified for this position. 37 points in a single quarter is the best explanation. In the Warriors, even with Stephen
Even with Curry here, Thompson's explosive scoring ability cannot be denied.
Of course, Klay Thompson's biggest problem was clearly reflected in this game, which is that his state has always been unstable.
Just as many home fans lamented, if Thompson could stand up just now, the team would not be so passive.
Of course, Cole still trusts Thompson as always. At the same time, he and the fans have the same idea, so this is why he allows Thompson to continue to play.
As for the Spurs, Jiang Hao did not rest. This was his initiative. He hoped that the team could complete the lead at the end of the half.
Of course, Popovich didn't want Jiang Hao to rest in this situation. He also knew very well that the team was able to recover the point difference step by step throughout the second quarter. This was definitely inseparable from Jiang Hao. In this
Under this situation, if Jiang Hao goes to rest, he may collapse again in an instant. The only thing that makes Popovich happy is that Leonard is also in very hot condition at this time.
When the players from both sides returned to the court, the eyes of basketball fans around the world once again focused on the Oracle Arena. Everyone knew that the remainder of the second quarter was likely to have an important impact on the final outcome of the game.
The effects of neglect.
After Stephen Curry advanced to the frontcourt with the ball, facing Danny Green, he used his excellent ball-handling skills to break through Danny Green's defense and hit a layup.
"Stephen finally woke up..."
Some home fans said at this time.
Frankly speaking, this is a commonplace topic. As we all know, Curry's biggest label is the three-pointer. When he feels hot on the three-pointer, he is the most terrifying killer in the league, making countless players bow.
But on the other hand, when his outside touch is not good, his offensive power drops by several levels in an instant.
In this case, Curry's usual approach is to continue shooting three-pointers until he regains his touch. However, how can something as ethereal as the touch be recovered so easily?
Therefore, many Warriors fans suggest that Curry try his best to make some mid-range shots or breakthrough attempts.
Curry is a proud guy. Under normal circumstances, he will never give up his three-pointers.
But tonight he seems to be making an exception. The mid-range shot just now is a strong signal, and this signal undoubtedly makes the fans excited.
Although the fans in the stands were cheering with all their strength, Curry was extremely serious when he was retreating, because he gave up his most trusted partner in order to win. This in itself represents a compromise, and in competitive sports
In this world, compromise means failure, so at this moment, he has no happy thoughts.
Kawhi Leonard maintained his hot state before the timeout. He gained an advantage in the one-on-one with Durant and used a very standard fadeaway jumper to help the Spurs get 2 points.
But in the next few rounds, the protagonist suddenly changed again. It was not Jiang Hao, Durant, or Leonard, but Aldridge.
That's right, it's Aldridge.
Aldridge, who had been frustrated for a long time, took the opportunity to find a rhythm on the offensive end when Draymond Green rested.
Mid-range shot, strong play at the basket.
Aldridge quickly led the Spurs to a 10:2 offensive climax.
Oracle Arena was completely silent.
Those who went from leading by 15 points to trailing by 4 points knew what they had gone through.
The most exciting scene at the scene was that a little boy wearing a Klay Thompson jersey burst into tears in the stands. The little boy looked so helpless.
There is only one minute left before the end of the second quarter.
The Warriors are 4 points behind. For the Warriors, they cannot afford to lose this game tonight. If they lose again, they will fall behind 0-2 with a total score of 0-2. In NBA history, there has never been a 0-2 deficit in the Western Conference finals.
Set a precedent for eventual reversal and advancement.
If you want to win tonight's game, the score difference in the first half cannot be widened anymore, and you should even lead the opponent into the halftime break. Otherwise, the second half of the game will become extremely difficult to win.
"So, guys, the toughest moment for the defending champion has arrived."
And in such a difficult moment, who can save this team? Countless Warriors fans looked up to the sky and sighed, Oracle Arena needs heroes!
Many people focused their attention on Kevin Durant, but he was being guarded by Leonard. When everyone turned their attention to Stephen Curry, the latter was trying to break through the defensive coverage of Spurs No. 35.
so.
Whoosh!
The person who was forgotten and expected finally appeared.
Yes, at such a critical moment, Klay Thompson announced his official return to everyone with a super long shot.
The 1 point difference made the home fans feel much better.
But the next scene showed Spurs No. 35 assist Danny Green also hitting a three-pointer.
The score difference came to 4 points again.
The home fans let out a deep breath, what a hateful Spurs No. 35.
"Kevin faces Kawhi Leonard's defense. He doesn't seem to have a chance. Is he going to force the shot, huh? That position, Klay?"
Whoosh!
The home fans suddenly stood up. Because Klay Thompson hit another three-pointer, and,
beep!
31!
Danny Green's shooting foul.
Extra penalty hit!
55:55!
The point difference is zero! The two sides are now completely back on the same starting line.
"There are only 5 seconds left in the second quarter. For the Spurs who have the ball, they have a chance to continue to lead."
"China Jiang made a mistake. At the midline position, his pass was perfectly predicted by Klay Thompson, so"
Whoosh!
Chasing three points!
beep!
The second quarter is over!
58:55!
The defending champions entered the halftime break with a 3-point lead.
At this time in the Oracle Arena, the previous dull atmosphere had long been swept away, replaced by the roar of mountains and tsunamis.
"God, Klay has stepped up. The man who once scored 37 points in a single quarter is back. This is Klay Thompson."
There is no doubt that at this moment, Klay Thompson has become the most handsome boy in the audience. Many Warriors fans even shed tears of excitement. They have been looking forward to this scene for too long.
In fact, throughout the playoffs, Klay Thompson's state has been tepid, and he rarely performs at his peak.
But now, he is back, and he stood up in the team's most difficult moment. This scene is very similar to their sixth game of the semifinals against the Houston Rockets last season. At that time, Curry was injured and Houston was at its peak.
It can be said that many people thought that the Warriors had no hope. However, it was in that situation that Klay Thompson stood up and used an unreasonable scoring feast to drag the series into a tiebreaker. In the end, Klay Thompson stood up and used an unreasonable scoring feast.
Waiting for Curry's comeback, waiting for the team to advance.
How is that scene similar to the one just now?
Therefore, Buddha appeared in desperate situation!
Tonight's game is destined to go down in history. When the man who scored 37 points in a single quarter officially returns, everything will be a different story.
Steve Kerr could finally breathe a sigh of relief as he walked to the locker room. When Klay Thompson regained his form, he became more and more confident in the second half of the game.
As for the Spurs, Jiang Hao's expression looked very relaxed. He was not too affected by the passing error just now. Just like Popovich told him immediately after the game, the entire second
In the first quarter, we have performed very well. We can reduce the 15-point difference to 3 points. This in itself represents a success. Therefore, please continue to remain confident in yourself. There is great hope for a complete victory in the second half of the game.
Come and overtake.
As for now, what if we just let our opponent lead by 3 points?
Chapter completed!