Before the game, experts predicted that the Clippers could defeat the Nuggets 4-3 to advance.

In other words, they are more optimistic about the Clippers, but they unanimously believe that the Nuggets can cause great trouble to the Clippers.

This is not to think too highly of the Nuggets, this year's Nuggets team is indeed impressive.

Easily defeating the Hornets 4-1 is enough to illustrate their strength.

The Clippers started with Lowry, Zhang Zhiyuan, Maggette, Thornton and Kaman.

The Nuggets start with Billups, Dengta Jones, Anthony, Kenyon Martin, and Nenela Sirio.

Except for the No. 2 position, the Nuggets dominate the other positions.

However, the disadvantage of No. 2 is that it is not on the same level.

The Nuggets also know this, but they can't help it.

Their team also has Jr. Smith and Kleiza who are relatively strong, but they must be placed in the substitute lineup to perform well. The defense will not get better if they are placed in the starting lineup, and they have to compete with the main force for the ball.

After comprehensive consideration, George Karl decided to try this regular lineup first.

If that doesn't work, consider changing the lineup.

At the beginning of the game, Zhang Zhiyuan used two attribute chains on Anthony and Billups, and the third one on Lowry.

This choice is cheaper for Lowry, and it is estimated that his value will increase after this series.

The two teams jumped the ball, Nene grabbed the ball, and the Nuggets attacked first.

Billups advanced with the ball, and Lowry stepped forward to harass him, but did not steal it easily.

Billups is a person who has won FMVP. Although he is not as famous as other FMVPs, his strength cannot be underestimated.

After halftime, Billups and Martin started a pick-and-roll.

Lowry and Thornton switched defenses, and Billups broke through Thornton, rushed to the basket and scored a layup.

Billups was not fast, but his rhythm was very good. He rushed in slowly, and everyone who tried to block him was in vain.

The Clippers attacked, and after halftime, the ball was in Zhang Zhiyuan's hands.

Zhang Zhiyuan broke through Deng Tai Jones, and Billups stepped forward to double-team.

He can only step forward. If Anthony double-teams, Maggette will have a chance.

Maggette is the Clippers' second-leading scorer, averaging 20 points per game. This point cannot be missed no matter what.

Martin is far away, and Nene has to guard the basket.

Therefore, Billups is the most suitable person to help.

As for Lowry, he can only let it go.

If Lowry breaks through, Billups can retreat in time, or Nene can make up the defense inside.

If Lowry catches the ball and shoots, then let him shoot.

Lowry's three-point shooting percentage is only 34%, and his two-point shooting percentage is only 40%. It's acceptable, but it's better than letting Zhang Zhiyuan take the shot.

This is the Nuggets' strategy, and Zhang Zhiyuan passed the ball to Lowry without hesitation.

Seeing that his strategy was successful, George Karl excitedly secretly shouted yes.

Lowry caught the ball and shot.

The ball goes in.

2 to 3.

George Karl's smile disappeared instantly.

"Accident, this is just a coincidence, he can't always be so accurate."

George Karl secretly reminded himself that he must not waver in his determination easily. This is a taboo for military strategists.

The Nuggets attacked, Billups and Martin continued to pick and roll, but this time Lowry followed quickly and did not give Billups a chance to make a small impact.

Billups threw the ball to Anthony, who had already seized the position. Anthony made a jump shot and scored.

The Nuggets also have many offensive points. Except for the 2nd position, they can score in other positions.

All they have to do is let the person with the best chance take action.

This has led to their team's offensive efficiency being very high. Their team's field goal percentage is as high as 48%, which is 3.5 percentage points higher than the league average of 44.5%.

If their team's three-point deficit wasn't a factor, their record would have been even better.

When the Clippers attack, they still play like before.

Lowry took a three-point shot but missed.

But no one in the Clippers paid much attention to it. To shoot three-pointers, you have to be prepared to miss consecutively.

During the transition from offense to defense, the Nuggets continued their old routine. This time the Clippers double-teamed Billups, but Martin passed the ball and scored a layup.

With three of three starts, the Nuggets got off to a dream start.

The commentators didn't know whether to praise the Nuggets for their great offense or complain about the Clippers' defense.

If you can't even solve a pick-and-roll, can you go far in the playoffs?

When the Clippers attack, it's Lowry who takes action.

Barkley couldn't help but complain: "Is this the plan to train Lowry to become the new core of the Clippers?"

Smith laughed and said, "Don't worry, the game has just begun. They can't keep playing like this."

Before he finished speaking, Lowry hit the target.

6 to 6.

"Come on, keep playing. If I don't throw myself to death, you will lose."

Lori shouted, but she felt quite uneasy in her heart.

Although Zhang Zhiyuan said that as long as there is an open space, it is not a problem to shoot 30 times in a game. But how dare Lowry take this seriously?

This is Zhang Zhiyuan's team. He, a small role player, made 30 shots. Is this a rebellion?

If the shot is successful, it's okay, but if the hit rate is low, the fans will still hate him.

Lowry tried to scare his opponent so Billups would stop double-teaming him.

Billups is also confused.

If he didn't help, Deng Tai Jones wouldn't be able to defend him at all.

As for helping, Lori seems to have a good touch.

Before he had time to think about it, Billups had already carried the ball past half court.

He observed the situation and then handed the ball to Anthony between Nene and Anthony.

Nene's position is also good, but Anthony is the boss of the team.

When the opportunities were almost there, he chose to give it to Anthony.

Anthony caught the ball and Thornton rushed over to help. Anthony had to take two steps back to avoid the double-team, and then took off and shot a jumper.

What was originally a good position, because he took two steps back, is further away from the basket. His shooting percentage in this position is not very good, only about 40%.

The ball goes in.

Anthony has good luck, but if he keeps playing like this, he will definitely lose today's game.

The ball was scored, the problem was not exposed, and George Karl remained silent.

The game continues.

This time Billups hesitated and failed to double-team in time. As a result, Zhang Zhiyuan passed Deng Tai Jones in one step and went to the basket for a dunk. Nene immediately avoided it when he saw this.

If you can't stop it, there's no need to commit any more fouls.

"Double-team him and be firm."

George Karl yelled dissatisfied off the court. He felt that Billups, the ball monster, did not firmly implement his defensive strategy, and Billups couldn't express his pain.

Lowry has already scored two three-pointers, can this really be missed?

The Nuggets attacked and Anthony missed a mid-range jumper.

Billups was helpless. They obviously had better options, but Anthony was used to playing like this.

Although Anthony can score a lot of points, his shooting percentage is the lowest among the main players.

The Clippers counterattacked, Zhang Zhiyuan broke through and passed the ball to Lowry, and Nene rushed from the inside to cover.

It's a pity that Lowry is not a fixed-point shooter. His breakthrough is better than his shooting.

With the addition of Zhang Zhiyuan's attributes, Lowry was in excellent condition. He started directly, passed by Nene, rushed to the basket and jumped directly for a dunk.

"Good guy, what's going on? Lowry played like an All-Star today. Maggette really isn't worried about the team's status?"

Barkley complained.
To be continued...