At this time, Mosaic shooting guard Vernon Maxwell missed a shot. Barkley rushed in and grabbed the offensive rebound on AC Green's head, then turned around, leaned on Green and threw the ball towards the basket.
"Don't even think about it!"
Wang Tiejun, who was on the right side of the basket, moved quickly and appeared from behind Green. His arms were too long and he slapped the ball directly from the air.
"Beautiful!" Su Qun shouted excitedly.
"Get away!"
Barkley and Dameng still wanted to grab the ball. He dunked it with both hands and swept his elbows wide. The two hurriedly retreated and almost got hit by the elbows.
Passed the ball to Kevin Johnson outside, while running forward, he glared at Barkley and cursed: "Come up if you want to get hurt, brother, don't blame me for not reminding you, I can keep you lying down for three months with one elbow
.”
Buckley smacked his lips. Little brother K has changed his mind now. He actually threatens big brother me. Little bastard, I will definitely kill you this time.
"You have to pay attention to rebounding. If you can't keep rebounds in the backcourt, the game won't be played at all. Dameng and Barkley are both rebounding madmen, and the Suns are much weaker in this regard. Tiejun's rebounding ability has improved a bit now, but
It should still be inferior to Dameng and Barkley, and AC Green is even further behind." At this time, Zhang Lili reminded.
"Bang!"
Wang Tiejun dropped the meat shield Riley in the low post on the left wing, received the ball from Kevin Johnson when he cut into the paint, and made another one-handed dunk.
The same play style, twice in a row, both Barkley and Dameng were very surprised.
They were all ready to double-team. As long as Riley, the human shield, held Old K down for half a second, the double-team would be in place.
However, Lao K's moving speed was completely beyond their expectations. They failed to keep up with the rhythm and were half a beat slower.
"Why is the speed faster than in the regular season? Is this guy hiding his speed?" Barkley was not surprised, but shocked.
He is very familiar with Wang Tiejun. Wang Tiejun's speed in the regular season was faster than last season, and now he feels even faster.
The change in movement speed directly slowed down the defensive double team between him and Dameng. This meant that their defensive tactics were useless. Riley, the human shield, could not hold off Old K at all, so he had to re-formulate defensive tactics.
Otherwise, with this kind of offense that consumes very little physical energy, Lao K can score 100 points in one game.
"Oh, it was only two minutes into the game and the Mosaic team called a timeout. It was Barkley who signaled for the timeout." Bill Walton shouted.
"It should be that he thought there was something wrong with the tactics, and it was a defensive tactic. Old K made two identical attacks in a row, and the Mosaic team made no defensive response at all." John Hanks said.
Bill Walton said: "Old K's speed seems to be a little faster, of course it's not obvious, it's just my feeling.
But Riley, the human shield, can't catch him at all. This is for sure. Riley's own athletic qualities are very average, and then he was forced to gain weight, and his mobility has been severely reduced. Such a human shield, after testing this season,
, it is of little use to heavy centers like O’Neal and Lao K who are very destructive.”
John Hanks continued: "In other words, when Old K uses this offensive method, his physical energy consumption will be very little. If the Mosaic team does not change its defensive tactics, he will not be able to play this kind of offense dozens of times in a game.
question."
"Yes, this is why Barkley called a timeout. He is too familiar with Old K. He knows that Riley can't guard Old K and won't buy time for their double team." Bill Walton nodded.
On the Mosaic bench, Tomjanovich was communicating with Barkley.
"Charles, are you sure he's a little faster?" he asked seriously.
As a five-time All-Star in the 1970s, he also felt it, but it was not as obvious as the players on the court, so he needed to confirm it.
Barkley nodded and said: "Yes, in the regular season, when double-teaming under such circumstances, I could keep up with his rhythm, but I couldn't keep up at all these two times. I'm sure his speed is faster.
Although it’s not a big improvement, it’s definitely improved.”
Then he guessed: "Now his speed is very fast for the center position, only weaker than Hakeem and others, including the monster O'Neal. Even an ordinary power forward, he can keep up.
How fast they move."
Tomjanovich's expression became serious, and what was even more serious was Da Meng.
"I'll guard against him." Dameng said seriously.
Tomjanovich glanced at Dameng and asked Dameng to guard against Old K. This meant that the two human shields the team had built would no longer be used. The money was wasted and two positions were taken up.
What's more serious is that these two positions are all centers. In other words, if the human shield tactic is abandoned, he will not have enough substitute insiders available for this game. Once any inside player is injured, it will be in trouble.
The timeout ended and the game restarted, 4:2, mosaic attack.
"Mosaic replaced the human shield Eric Riley? So they gave up the human shield tactic?" Bill Walton said in surprise.
Barkley entered the low post on the right wing, and Dameng was in the low post on the left wing. The substitute was Mario Elie, this season's main small forward, a forward-back swingman who is 196 centimeters and 95 kilograms.
Mario Eli's three-point shooting is a little better than Robert Horry's, and his breakthrough ability is stronger, but his mid-range shooting is worse, and his overall efficiency is lower. He averages 10 per game this season.
The Mosaic team's offense is the same as that of the Suns. It mainly relies on Dameng and Barkley. The outside line is just an assistant. The difference is that there are two superstars in the low post. The Suns only have Wang Tiejun's low post offense. This is why the Suns are not favored.
.
At this time, Dameng was pushed out of the paint area by Lao Wang. Over there, Barkley immediately carried AC Green into the paint area. After receiving the pass, he only arched and immediately turned over to shoot a jumper and hit a goal.
AC Green's defense is still good, but he is still unable to cope with Barkley's magical skills.
Lao Wang tried his best to defend, and even returned to the basket, but Barkley shot two meters from the right side of the basket, and the shot was very fast, and it was too late for him to make up for it.
Zhang Liji shook his head and said: "This is how powerful the two superstars are in the low post. If one can't fight, the other can.
Just now Tiejun pushed Dameng out, but he also left the basket, and then Barkley got a singles opportunity."
"Old K's speed of returning to defense has indeed increased a lot now, and he can return to the basket from outside the paint area." Su Qun said with a smile.
"That's right, if Barkley had just entered the basket to attack, he would have had a chance." Zhang Li said with a smile.
On the court, Barkley also glanced at Pharaoh.
This little brother's speed is really getting faster and faster. That is to say, AC Green's tonnage is too far behind him, so he has a very deep position. He only takes one shot before making a move. If he takes more shots, this guy K will definitely
Can double-team in place.
Sun attack.
Everyone focused their attention to see how the Mosaic team, which had given up on the human shield tactic, would defend.
The Suns' frontcourt was all stretched out. Green and Horry were both stretched to the three-point line, as was Dan Marley.
On the left low position, Wang Tiejun and Dameng faced off.
This is the first time in two seasons that the two have faced off in the playoffs.
Dameng did not use the death-wreath defense he had used before because he was afraid of being injured. Instead, he adopted Mutombo's defensive strategy.
It is to give Lao Wang some space, so that he can prevent breakthroughs, and with his mobility, he can also defend Lao K's nearly two-point shot.
In the past, when he was in this position, he was close to the defense. Old K would often hit him, move his center of gravity and then immediately take off and shoot. This time he changed his tune.
Wang Tiejun stood face up, with his left hand in front of Dameng's chest and his right hand raised high to ask for the ball.
Playing against Dameng in the playoffs for the first time, he felt the suffocating defensive pressure from this season's DPOY winner.
This kind of pressure from the top defender comes from Dameng's highly concentrated concentration, which does not require any defensive actions. Just one gesture and one cold and sharp look made him feel a little nervous.
In last season's playoffs, he faced off against Hollywood actor Divac in the first round, against super center David Robinson in the second round, against Rainman Kemp in the Western Conference Finals, and against Mu Mu in the second round this year.
There are defensive centers of Tombo's level, but I have never felt such great defensive pressure from them.
There is no doubt that this will be the strongest defender he faces, far stronger than the one he encountered in the regular season. This will be a complete version of Hakeem Olajuwon.
"Crack!"
At this time the ball was passed to his hands.
"Come on, kid, it's time for you to see something." Dameng's voice sounded from beside him.
"Ouch!"
He took a short, deep breath.
The next moment, he suddenly turned around.
"Slide to the bottom?"
There was no movement in Dameng's eyes, and he didn't even move his feet, letting Lao K slip away.
The reason is very simple. He firmly believes in his own moving speed. Even if Old K rushes him, he can still keep up with him even if he is half a beat slower.
His plan is very simple, if you want to slide to the bottom, let you slide, and then put you under the basket in the smallest area and then deal with you.
Of course, if Lao K is pretending to be at the bottom, that's just right. His immobility is precisely because of this situation.
"Not retreating?"
Lao Wang was also surprised, but his movements did not stop. While dribbling, he completed the slide, landed with his left foot, supported his foot, and stepped into the paint area with his right foot.
The bear step is reliable and can be switched freely. If Dameng moves, he can directly rely on the attack. If Dameng doesn't move, he will complete the movement of sliding to the bottom and jump out of Dameng.
Just when his supporting foot moved, before he stepped on the floor, Dameng moved.
He took a step forward with his left foot, then followed up with his right foot. One step later, he was close to his side. With a squeeze of his chest, he hit his opponent instantly with huge force.
At this time, Lao Wang's right foot had just stepped on the floor in the paint area, and his center of gravity was not yet stable. Dameng came first and directly launched a strong confrontation against him.
Dameng's power is very strong, only one level behind him. Although his bear step has a low center of gravity and a larger tonnage, it cannot withstand such a confrontation without a stable center of gravity. He just landed.
As soon as his right foot became loose, his center of gravity was lost, and his supporting left foot sprained a bit.
"Oh! Old K is walking!" Su Qun shouted in surprise.
"Ouch!"
There was a bang, and Zhang Lili also slapped the case and sighed.
The referee's whistle sounded and he made a gesture to switch offense and defense.
Wang Tiejun's mind was a little confused, and the pressure in his heart doubled.
Before the start of the playoffs, his speed increased to level 75. He thought he could catch Mosaic off guard, but he didn't expect that in front of Dameng, the speed of this level was useless. How could this old guy move so fast?
He felt that this old guy's speed had reached at least level 85, which was still one level faster than him.
"You are still so strong at the age of thirty?" He was a little shocked.
In two seasons, he played seven games with Dameng in the regular season. He has never encountered such a strong Dameng.
Just this defense made him realize that the big dream in the regular season is really not the most powerful dream, but the big dream in the playoffs is the most powerful dream.
Indeed, he did not make a mistake, because this is a big dream that he can do everything for the championship.
"Boy, I've tolerated you for two seasons, I'm going to teach you a lesson this time." Dameng caught up with Wang Tiejun and spat out trash talk.
"It's just you? I'm an old guy with bare hands, I already have a ring, do you have one?" Lao Wang immediately replied as he was a loser.
"you?"
Dameng was so angry that he almost vomited blood. You are the one who won't pick up the pot, right? I will completely beat you up today.
"Bang!"
Perhaps due to being too excited, Dameng missed a nearly two-point shot under Wang Tiejun's block.
"mine!"
Lao Wang turned around, and the basketball just bounced back. At this time, Barkley rushed over to grab the rebound. He quickly jumped up and grabbed the rebound over Barkley's head.
"pity!"
Barkley secretly sighed. Although he could jump very well, his combined height and wingspan were more than a foot behind Old K. In this situation, he really couldn't beat him if he didn't get stuck first.
The Suns advanced to the frontcourt, and Wang Tiejun did not go to the low post on the left wing this time, but ran directly to the basket.
Since my movement speed is still at a disadvantage, I will just hit the basket and win with strength. If you dare to double-team me, you will be killed.
Seeing Lao Wang go straight to the basket, Dameng did not defend him. His body is very strong, but Lao K's kind of beating is not something that anyone can resist. If you carry it hard, you will suffer losses, so you can only go around and defend.
Moreover, his defensive movements around the front were very slippery and he kept turning his body, making it impossible for Lao Wang to push him away smoothly.
But this was not a problem for Lao Wang. He turned around and leaned against Dameng with his right shoulder and back. He stretched out his arms and stopped his feet. The six forces merged into one. Under the iron mountain, Dameng was no longer slippery.
When used, the center of gravity was shaken and pushed away from the basket.
"Old K!"
With a loud shout, Kevin Johnson lobbed the ball toward the basket.
When the ball flew into the air, the other defenders of the Mosaic team quickly rushed to the basket to help defend, and the lob gave them a chance.
Dameng has turned around and is close to Lao Wang. He wants to contain the latter at the moment the ball comes in and create opportunities for his teammates to double-team.
At this moment, he didn't care about Lao Wang's hitting. He stretched out his left arm and pressed against Lao Wang's throat. He stretched his right hand up to prevent the latter from catching the ball.
At this moment, the intensity of the defense has completely ignored the referee's level of physical combat.
Lao Wang turned his head and looked up at the falling basketball, but his feet suddenly exerted force. Another iron mountain hit him, and he loosened Dameng's personal entanglement. In the next moment, he took off and grabbed the basketball with his right hand.
The moment Da Meng was knocked away, his right hand that was holding Lao Wang's throat grabbed hold of him, trying to pull Lao Wang down as he stood up, but failed to withstand the surging upward force. A giant beast rose into the air from his hand.
.
"Crack!"
The next moment Lao Wang grabbed the basketball with one hand, he twisted his waist, completed a small turn in the air under the basket, and smashed the ball into the basket with a bang.
This alley-oop is actually difficult because he is in front of the basket and is sideways. If he was not physically fit enough in the past and his ability to adjust in the air was limited, he would probably have dunked. But now his quality has improved, such as balance.
Along with coordination, jumping ability, etc., the ability to handle this kind of ball has also been improved.
"Too late!"
Barkley, who had already rushed to the basket, sighed secretly. He even jumped up behind Old K, but he was only half an arm's length away.
If Old K is not an alley-oop this time, but catches the ball and then lands on the ground again, he has absolute confidence to send a block and back the shot to Old K.
"Beep!"
The referee's whistle sounded.
"Beautiful! This alley-oop is great!" Su Qun shouted excitedly.
"An extra free throw is needed. Dameng made a foul."
As Zhang Lili spoke, he moved closer to the screen in front of him, looked at it carefully, and said with an ouch, "Tie Jun is covering his neck. He must have been scratched by Dameng just now."
On the field, Lao Wang let go of his hand. There were two obvious scratches on his throat. The skin and flesh were torn, but there was not much bleeding. He glared at Dameng and cursed: "Old man, scratch my throat again and I'll kick it out."
Do you believe it?"
Dameng's face twitched and he spat back: "You weak K., if you can't stand this defensive intensity, then get out of the NBA."
Hearing the name "Coward K", Lao Wang's face also twitched. I'm really afraid that you can't stand the intensity of my confrontation. Do you think I'm afraid of your little tricks?
This attack allowed him to once again feel how powerful Dameng's defense was.
It was very difficult for him to catch the ball under the basket. If he had been slower just now, Barkley and the others would have been double-teamed. It would be really difficult to win this game.
When the free throw began, he stood on the free throw line, took the ball thrown by the referee, and began to prepare for the free throw.
"Shh!"
At this time, the audience burst into loud boos.
He is no longer a junior brother. He has played in the finals. This scene cannot affect him. He dribbles calmly six times and takes a deep breath...
"Wow, wow, wow..."
When he was about to take a shot, the home fans behind the basket shook the things they had prepared in their hands to interfere with his free throw.
The row of excited cheerleaders behind the media box also danced with their legs raised high, and the two groups of flowers in their hands swayed particularly hard.
"mock up!"
He cursed in his mind and threw the ball.
"brush!"
As the water splashed, countless home fans flashed disappointed looks in their eyes.