At this time, the ABC live commentary booth received the starting lineup, and the national live broadcast officially began.
"Welcome everyone to Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. I am Bill Walton, and this is my partner John Hanks."
"Hey, Bill, don't take away my chance to introduce yourself, okay?"
"Haha, okay, you come."
"Then let's take a look at the starting lineups of the two teams first. To be sure, at average height, the SuperSonics have an absolute advantage, with an average height of 201 centimeters. The Suns, on the other hand, are only 197.8 centimeters. Of course, we use Sir Barkley's height.
The official data is 198 centimeters." John Hanks said.
"Pfft, haha..." Bill Walton laughed.
At the same time, countless fans in front of the TV laughed after hearing John Hanks's ridicule.
"Brother, what does he mean?" Comrade Wang asked in confusion in the home team's locker room.
He was still asking Barkley, who glared at him and said with a black face: "You don't care what he means, he is not a good person. After I retire, I will go to ABC and steal his job."
"Haha..." The locker room burst into laughter.
In the ABC live broadcast booth, the analysis continues.
Bill Walton laughed and said: "Overall, they are a lot shorter, but in terms of individual heights, the Suns still have a height advantage.
Old K is 215 centimeters tall, while the fastest SuperSonic player is Rainman, who is only 208 centimeters. In addition, Old K's wingspan is better than Rainman, but Barkley is much shorter. In terms of height inside, the two teams are balanced.
Controlling rebounds inside, Barkley is a top rebounder. Old K is a little weaker, but he also averaged 11.8 rebounds per game in the second round. The Suns are better than the Sonics in this regard."
John Hanks nodded and said: "Rebounds determine victory or defeat. In the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals yesterday, the Bulls lost on rebounds, a difference of 20 points."
Bill Walton said: "The two teams also have a lot of grudges. In the previous twenty years of history, they eliminated each other in the playoffs many times and even met in the Western Conference Finals.
In this year's Western Conference Finals, I think who will win depends on each other's on-the-spot performance, home court advantage, the coaching staff's tactical arrangements, and the execution and state of the players on the court."
John Hanks continued: "Okay, now the substitutes are on the field. The Suns once again put Danny Ainge in the starting lineup. His task is to stretch the defense for Old K to prevent the SuperSonics.
Quickly flank Lao K."
Bill Walton nodded and said: "Comparing the coaching abilities of the two head coaches, George Karl is undoubtedly better.
Coach Karl has already built a mature tactical system in the SuperSonics, while Westphal has just become the head coach of a team. He is still a rookie, and he is much weaker in terms of experience and ability.
cut.
In the crucial Western Conference Finals, whether Westphal can exert his abilities and level his balance is also an important factor."
John Hanks said: "In terms of lineup, the Suns are undoubtedly more luxurious. At the first position, Kevin Johnson's status has declined slightly this year, but his offensive and organizational abilities are still top-notch, while Payton has not yet
When he truly matures, there is a big gap between him and Johnson."
Bill Walton continued: "The second and third positions are equal. In terms of the inside, the Suns should have an advantage. The Sonics' chances in the inside mainly depend on how destructive Kemp can be in the penalty area. Overall, the strength of the Suns is
They are stronger and have home court advantage, so I am more optimistic about the Suns."
John Hanks laughed and said: "As for the Suns, they will definitely let K. Rainman, Barkley and Perkins. Rainman is called the first generation of Brutalists, and K. is known as the sweeper of the penalty area and is famous for his violence in the league.
With a violent and crushing style of play, the alliance is unstoppable. Tonight when the beasts collide with violence, who will dominate whom? There will be a good show."
After a while, the starting lineup was announced, and then the MVP trophy was awarded.
David Stern had already arrived, and after giving a speech, he delivered the trophy to Barkley.
"Congratulations, Charles."
"..."
Buckley was speechless with excitement and burst into tears.
"Is this the overbearing president of the NBA, Stern?" Lao Wang curiously looked at the little old man on the court.
After the awards were presented, Stern, accompanied by Colangelo, sat on the sidelines and watched the G1 game of the Western Conference Finals.
He also observed Wang Tiejun, a Chinese player known for his violence in the league. As far as he knew, he was not well-known in China, which confused him.
However, things are developing on the bright side. He has just received news from CCTV that if the Suns can advance to the finals, they will purchase the rights to the finals.
This is undoubtedly aimed at Lao K, and it also means that CCTV has set its sights on Lao K. As long as Lao K makes a name for himself in the league, everything will be possible.
At eight o'clock, the game starts.
In the middle circle, Wang Tiejun and Rainman Kemp are preparing to jump the ball.
"This guy must have springs installed under his feet to jump so fast?"
The reactions were similar. He and Rain Man took off almost at the same time, but in an instant he saw that the opponent jumped on him and took the lead in pushing the ball away. Even though he was taller and had longer arms, he missed the ball, which immediately made him feel his talent.
of crushing.
SuperSonics attack, players move continuously.
"Old K really defended Rain Man." Bill Walton said at the ABC live broadcast.
Wang Tiejun kept up with Rainman Camp, but he couldn't keep up. His opponent not only moved faster than him, but also moved frequently. His position was not fixed at a certain position, or even on a certain wing, but inside and outside the paint area, and even
With both wings involved, he was forced to follow.
At this time, Kemp, who had just pulled to the right wing, suddenly turned around and ran back toward the basket. When he turned around to pursue the defense, he was already a step slower.
Kevin Johnson has a very heavy task on the defensive end, because Old K's speed cannot keep up with Rain Man, so he must try to cut off the passing routes between Payton and Rain Man.
In SuperSonics games, Rainman and Payton often played alley-oops. If he was not careful, his own basket might be blown up.
At this time, Payton saw Rainman get a short open space under the basket through reverse running. As long as he could pass it in, it would be an empty pull.
He was about to pass the ball, but unexpectedly, Kevin Johnson suddenly came up and took the ball to him with one hand. He could only protect the ball first. When he found the opportunity to pass the ball again, the Rainman's space was gone.
So he passed the ball to small forward Derek McKay on the left three-point line. This point is the key offensive position of the Sonics today, even prioritizing Rainman Kemp's position.
"McKay made a three-pointer." Bill Walton shouted loudly in the ABC live broadcast booth.
"Bang!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the ball bounced off the basket and Wang Tiejun got the backcourt rebound. He immediately went on to say: "McKay versus Danny Ainge, one is 206 centimeters and the other is 193 centimeters. Plus the difference in wingspan, the difference in height between them."
It's at least 20 centimeters, and the Sonics have an absolute mismatch advantage at the third position."
"So although this shot failed, the Suns should be careful. Your height disadvantage is most obvious at the third position. Danny Ainge is likely to be beaten on both offense and defense." John Hanks
said.
Suns offense.
Barkley is undoubtedly the first choice to attack. Although Perkins has a height advantage, he is nearly ten kilograms smaller than him and cannot withstand his magic kick.
Sure enough, he reached the right line of the paint area, and when Rainman came to double-team him, he turned over and made a jump shot, hitting the first ball.
"Double team faster, faster! Don't let them have a chance to fight alone." Crazy Karl roared on the sidelines with his fist raised.
He is 42 years old this year, and his temper is not as cruel and crazy as before. His cruelty and madness have been transformed into crazy tactics, but in terms of personality, he is still a passionate person, and his roar is a storm line in the Sonics game.
Speaking of his cruelty, when he was with the Warriors, superstar Chris Mullin was so driven that he could only rely on alcohol to vent his depression.
0:2, Supersonics offense.
This time, Payton found an opportunity to pass the ball to Rainman Kemp.
Rainman still pulled out first, and with his better maneuverability, he got rid of Comrade Lao Wang, and then quickly ran back and cut into the basket.
At this time, Barkley was pulled to the right three-point line by Perkins and was unable to return to defense.
As for the other three outsiders, even if they return to defend the basket, they still have no capital to stop the rainman beast.
"Bang!"
After an alley-oop, a flat shot hit the basket, and Rain Man exploded the Suns' basket.
"Ho ho ho ho..."
After succeeding, the excited Rain Man made a series of exaggerated and strange screams to Wang Tiejun.
After scoring an opponent, provoking him in this way is his favorite thing to do. Trash talking is not what he is good at or likes.
2 draws, the Suns attack.
"If the Suns are unable to defend effectively at the third or fifth position today, the game will be difficult to play," John Hanks said.
Bill Walton said: "Old K can put in Rainman appropriately. Although Rainman has a mid-range shot, his shooting rate is average."
The second ball was given to Lao Wang.
He positioned himself in the low post on the left wing. The 105-kg Rainman Kemp knew that he was severely disadvantaged in terms of strength and tonnage, so he relied on his excellent athletic talent to implement a forward defense that cut off the passing route.
He immediately turned around, stuck his feet and stretched out his arms. Instead, he stuck Rain Man outside and faced the basket.
Rain Man Kemp knows that something is wrong. As a defender, he is stuck outside. What should he do?
At this time, Wang Tiejun's advantages in tonnage, strength, and height were revealed, and Rain Man Kemp, who was stuck outside, could not get through at all.
Kevin Johnson passed the ball in.
Lao Wang jumped up, caught the ball with one hand in the air, and smashed forward.
Valley
"Bang!"
When the basket trembled, the whole audience burst into cheers.
"Oh ho ho, old K responded with an alley-oop dunk to Rain Man."
"Peyton is still a little too young. He can't guard against our lightning. Rain Man is like a bean sprout in front of Old K. When Old K stands still, it means everything will be over."
You say something, I say something, the two on-site commentators shouted excitedly.
"Rainman is 18 kilograms lighter than Lao K, and his body is a lot smaller. This difference is a bit big. He has a mobility advantage, but in confrontation, he will be at an absolute disadvantage. In the duel between the two, it depends on who
Whoever performs better will get greater tactical support."
Bill Walton said during the ABC live broadcast.
John Hanks said: "When it comes to tactical support, the SuperSonics play as a team, and Old K should have an advantage. Danny Ainge serves as the starter and risks being beaten at the third position, which is his tactical support.
"
2:4, SuperSonics offense.
McKay entered the left wing, got the ball close to the paint, and hit a mid-range shot over Danny Ainge.
4 draws, the Suns attack.
Wang Tiejun was occupying a low position on the left wing. Rainman Kemp did not dare to go around this time, fearing that he would be stuck outside again, so he took a top defense.
Dan Mulley ran on the right wing, caught the ball and shot a jumper.
Lao Wang followed Rain Man into the basket. At this time, the basketball hit the basket, got a little longer, hit the backboard and bounced, landing right under the basket.
He suddenly made a close-fitting iron mountain support from behind and hit the Rainman in front with his chest. The center of gravity of the Rainman who was about to take off was destroyed and he could not jump up.
He took off with all his strength, pressed Rainman's shoulder with his left hand, grabbed the falling basketball with his right hand, and smashed it forward.
"Bang!"
Rainman was knocked upside down and at the same time, the SuperSonics basket exploded.
"yeah!"
The whole audience suddenly cheered.
"Beautiful! In the second attack, Old K dunked Rain Man Kemp."
"A beautiful cover-up dunk, Lao K showed strong confrontation ability, he knocked over Rain Man."
The two on-site commentators roared with great enthusiasm.
"He pushed me, he pushed me!"
Rainman Kemp got up and yelled at the referee.
The referee gave Yuren a cold look and ignored him.
"You pushed me, you know it yourself." Rain Man yelled at Lao Wang again.
"Idiot, which of your eyes saw me pushing you? Let your teammates tell you whether I pushed you or not." Lao Wang cursed.
At this time, Payton came over and advised: "Okay, Sean, don't be impulsive. He didn't do anything just now. I was watching."
"What?" Yuren was startled.
"Rain Man was complaining to the referee, but Old K didn't commit a foul just now." Bill Walton laughed.
"This is Lao K's unique way of exerting force. He can use hitting methods to engage in strong confrontations without unnecessary movements, but this is not a foul. This is the most normal confrontation." John Hanke
Si said.
4:6, SuperSonics offense.
Payton holds the ball close to the top of the arc. He is 8 centimeters taller than Kevin Johnson. He relies on his height advantage and uses a back-up to crush the latter and continue to push forward.
But at this time, Kevin Johnson suddenly stepped forward and poked his ball, then stole the ball, launched a fast break, and went to the basket for a layup.
4:8, SuperSonics offense.
Bill Walton laughed and said: "Payton is still not very good. He is not as flexible as Lightning, and his speed is not as fast as Lightning. Although the Sonics are good at counterattacks and fast breaks, the Suns are also very fast on the outside."
"The Lightning's defense is not bad, averaging 1.7 steals per game this year. Payton averages 2.2 steals per game this year, but his experience is far less than that of the Lightning, and away games are more difficult," said John Hanks.
Payton made a tactical gesture and decided that this offense should be handed over to the third position with the most mismatch advantage.
On the left wing, McKay was again close to the paint, holding Danny Ainge behind to prepare to catch the ball.
At the same time, Rainman tried to cut towards the basket to attract Lao Wang to prevent him from double-teaming McKay.
But he couldn't get through by forcing his way in, so he had to go around Lao Wang.
Just as he was going around, Payton's ball passed to McKay, and at this time Wang Tiejun also started to take action. Instead of following him, he pounced upward towards McKay.
"here!"
As he continued to move toward the basket, he waved and shouted to McKay, signaling his teammates to pass the ball.
But McKay had no chance to pass the ball. His position was too close to the low post. Wang Tiejun took one big step and one small step and reached his left side, forming a double-team on him. He had no choice but to pass the ball to the basket.
It rains people.
"Crack!"
When McKay's ball was raised, Lao Wang slapped the ball away. Danny Ainge quickly grabbed the ball and completed the steal.
"Return to defense! Come back to defense quickly!"
An angry George Karl roared loudly on the sidelines.
He was so dissatisfied. The Sonics' defensive tactics were all about fierce double-teaming, but the Suns actually had a good double-teaming effect at the beginning, but he didn't do it, which made him angry.
The Suns failed to make a fast break and steadily advanced to the frontcourt.
Spread the tactic, with two people on each side and one at the top of the arc, allowing Barkley to hit Perkins in the low post on the right wing.
This time, SuperSonics launched a fast and fierce pincer attack.
The double-team was not Ricky Pierce, who did not dare to leave Dan Marley, who had a three-point range, but Rainman, who was on the weak side, and Comrade Wang was temporarily left open.
Barkley had already anticipated this and had simulated the Sonics' flanking tactics during the tactical drill in the afternoon. At this time, he immediately passed the ball across the field and lobbed it behind Rain Man from high altitude.
Wang Tiejun followed Rainman, but stopped at the basket. At this time, SuperSonics small forward McKay quickly changed defense and pounced on him.
But can the 93-kg McKay guard him at the basket? The conclusion is no.
"Bang!"
With the strong sound of the basket exploding, the American West Arena was once again filled with excitement.
McKay shook his head helplessly. With his strength and height, there was no possibility of matchup. He couldn't do anything to Old K at all. Small moves were useless. It was really a small move that shook the tree. He could only watch the opponent get up to catch the ball and attack the basket.
"Beautiful! Another alley-oop dunk, this time it was the cooperation of Old K and the flying pig." An on-site commentator roared excitedly.
In the ABC live broadcast booth, Bill Walton said: "At 4:10, the Suns lead by 6 points, and now the SuperSonics have called a timeout."
John Hanks said: "The Suns played very well both defensively and offensively in the opening game. Especially Lao K, who dunked three times, including a back-up dunk in a second offense, all of which were successful, and also sent a steal.
After scoring an offensive rebound, he is currently the best player on the Suns."
Bill Walton reminded: "As for the SuperSonics, small forward McKay should not be too close to the paint area. Although it is closer to the basket, it is also closer to the interior defensive area. If it is further away, you do not have no shooting range."
John Hanks laughed and said: "Yes, it's news that Old K stole the ball. What he is worst at is stealing."
Bill Walton reminded: "The SuperSonics are famous for their unlimited defense changes, but we must also note that once Old K cuts to the basket, no matter who switches to the basket, they will be beaten by Old K, and the same goes for Rain Man.
In this league, there is no way to defend the paint sweeper at the basket unless you have a 150-kilogram meat shield."
"Rain Man can't guard Old K at the basket? His bounce can completely block Old K." John Hanks said.
Bill Walton shook his head and said: "Rain Man can indeed jump very high and fast, but why is Mr. K called the restricted area sweeper?
That's because his style of play under the basket is to sweep away all the defenders before attacking the basket, so it's useless for Rainman to jump. Before Old K got up, he was already lying at Old K's feet.
Already."
John Hanks couldn't help but nodded.
"Damn it, cheer up and concentrate. Shawn Kemp, your double team is too slow. Go faster and don't let Barkley pass the ball over your head. Perkins, you
How do you defend Barkley? Do you use your weakness? You have to create opportunities for your teammates to attack. Payton, where is your defense? Where is your ball protection? McKay, you let me down so much. You were actually
A wooden stake broke the ball? Wouldn't you stay away from him? If you stand on the three-point line, he can't fly to you even if he puts on his wings."
At this time, on the SuperSonics bench, Crazy Karl's roars continued to sound, and every player was sprayed with blood. No one dared to resist him.
When the timeout ended, the Sonics players, whose faces were washed with saliva, came on the court in disgrace.
On the other side, the five members of the Suns team were in high spirits and walked onto the court with their heads held high.