Chapter 230 The strongest inside defense that has never been experienced
On the left wing, Dameng pulled out to a position one step inside the three-point line, about six meters away from the basket and about three meters away from the left waist of the paint area.
His purpose was to pull Wang out of the paint, empty the Suns' basket, and then allow Barkley to attack.
However, Lao Wang was not fooled and let him take two steps. He was about two and a half meters away, just outside the left waist of the paint area, which was less than three meters away from the basket. He was guarding the big dream.
In the middle position of the basket, he can quickly return to defend the basket.
This is considered a big gap. He needs two steps to return to defend Dameng.
Therefore, Kenny Smith did not hesitate. When he saw Wang Tiejun let go of Dream, he made a fake shot and passed the ball. After shaking Kevin Johnson, he passed the ball to Dream.
"squeak!"
The moment the ball was passed, Lao Wang kicked off his back foot, moved forward with his front foot, and pounced on Dameng.
He landed on the ground with his first step, and the ball fell into Dameng's hands. With his second step, Dameng bent his knees and raised the ball above his head with both hands.
The next moment, Dameng jumped up, took a shot, and the ball flew toward the basket.
The moment Dameng's feet left the ground, Wang Tiejun landed on the ground with his second step, jumped up, relaxed his right arm, and grabbed the basketball in the air with his big hand.
"predict!"
The moment he took the ball into his hands, he pinched it with five fingers. The basketball was severely deformed and he caught it with one hand.
"oh!"
Countless fans in the Compaq Center, and even across the United States and the world, screamed in surprise.
"What?"
Da Meng's eyes widened instantly.
"Whoosh!"
Lao Wang threw a one-handed ball, and the ball flew to the top of the arc. Kevin Johnson, who turned around quickly and came down quickly, caught the ball across the center line and entered the frontcourt.
"Beautiful! So beautiful! Old K blocked Dameng's shot, and he directly blocked the super center Dameng! This is incredible!"
In the CCTV live broadcast, this block made Su Qun instantly excited.
"Whoa!"
While Su Qun was talking, Kevin Johnson made a layup and hit a goal.
9:4, the Suns lead by 5 points.
Zhang Lili took up Su Qun's words and shouted excitedly with a smile: "With Dameng's shooting height, he was actually caught. It can be seen that Tie Jun's wingspan talent is indeed very outstanding.
His wingspan reaches 231 centimeters, which is the most recent test data, an increase of one centimeter from two years ago.
Without such an excellent wingspan, good jumping, and moving speed, he would not have been able to block this ball. This ball shows his defensive talent. When he wants to guard you, he can guard you.
"
In the ABC live broadcast booth, Bill Walton shook his head excitedly and praised: "Incredible return block. Old K showed his movement speed in this return defense. He took two big steps away from his dream, but he was still in time."
He returned to Dameng, and his defensive ability was underestimated."
"The energy is limited, probably because he is unwilling to provide more defensive energy in the regular season. He is originally a strong offensive and defensive type of center." John Tanks said.
Bill Walton laughed and said: "Remember the last Finals? It was his explosion on the defensive end at the end of the G6 game that allowed the Suns to successfully win the championship. This shows that once he is committed, he is also on the defensive end.
You can do more."
"Offense depends on talent, defense depends on attitude." John Hanks laughed.
This block hit the Mosaic team's morale, and even the momentum at home was hit. Although Dameng and Barkley tried their best to attack, in the next first quarter of the game, the Suns' morale was high, and they worked hard on both offense and defense.
With a stronger lineup, the Mosaic team is still at a disadvantage.
At the end of the first quarter, at 28:20, the Suns led by 8 points away from home, ending the first quarter.
However, in the second and third quarters, the Mosaic team regained its composure, thanks to the efforts of its two superstars, and with half a step higher offensive and defensive strength, it was able to bring the score back.
At the end of the third quarter, the two teams were tied at 75:75.
Su Qun read out a piece of statistics: "Old K played 31 minutes in three quarters and rested for 5 minutes in total. He made 8 of 15 shots, a shooting percentage of 53.3%, and 6 of 11 free throws. He has scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Data of 1 steal, 4 blocks, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls.
Old K exploded at both ends of the offense and defense. While attacking the basket, he also sent out five assists. It was through his strong attack at the basket that he compressed the Mosaic team's defense and gained open opportunities for his teammates on the outside."
Zhang Lili analyzed: "He mainly focused on the basket today. He took 15 shots and made 2 of 5 shots in the past two points. The remaining 10 attacks were at the basket and he succeeded 6 times. The 60% shooting rate at the basket is not too high. Big Dream
Barkley's defense still limited his performance.
But he also caused a lot of damage at the basket. Dameng has committed four fouls and Barkley committed three. Together with others, he has caused a total of 10 fouls to the opponent and obtained 11 free throw opportunities."
"Director Zhang, Old K averaged 17.5 shots per game in the regular season. Now he has played 15 times, and he attacks too much at the basket. What do you think of his physical condition?" Su Qun asked with some worry.
Zhang Liyi hesitated and said: "His physical reserves this season are definitely better than last season. The team has control over his playing time in the regular season, and the opponents in the first two series are of average strength. I think there will be no problem in the final quarter.
.”
He said this, but it was a morale booster, but in his heart he was wrong, because Wang Tiejun did too many offenses at the basket tonight. Facing the double-teaming of two superstars, it was a real physical battle, which consumed physical energy.
It must be very big.
And although there are only ten attacks under the basket, these are the number of shots counted. There are many more key positions under the basket that are not included in the statistics. Those key positions under the basket also consume a lot of physical energy and require physical combat.
And on the defensive end, Wang Tiejun worked harder tonight than before. Da Meng repeatedly pulled him out, so he had to constantly return to defense. The physical consumption on the defensive end will not be less than that on the offensive end.
On the bench of the Suns, Lao Wang drank two bottles of water in a row, sweat dripping down in lines, and his breathing could be heard clearly even in the audience behind him.
There were many red and purple marks and blood marks on his arms, face and neck, and there were more under the jersey. These were all traces of confrontation left over from the three quarters of the game.
After replenishing water and adding two cups of energy drinks, the feeling of emptiness in the body became a little better.
The physical exertion of three quarters far exceeded the consumption of one game in the regular season, and even reached two games, which was like playing a back-to-back game.
Level 96 physical fitness made him feel very tired.
He originally thought that since he had played in the finals, he should have seen the intensity of the playoffs, but tonight's three quarters made him feel that he had seen less.
The combination of Dameng and Barkley is the strongest interior defense he has ever experienced, far surpassing the Bulls in last season's finals.
That's right, last season's Bulls' weak inside line couldn't be compared with the current Mosaic team. Of course, he couldn't appreciate the current defensive intensity.
"Old K, how are you?" Assistant coach Lewis squatted in front of him and asked.
"No problem." He nodded.
After working hard for a season, now is the time to fight hard. He admitted that the Mosaic team is stronger than the Suns, but it is only half a level. If they fight hard, it is not without a chance.
Even if this is not a series, but a single knockout match, or a best-of-five series, the Suns have a greater chance of being upset.
Next to him, on the bench of the Mosaic team, Barkley was doing better. He was responsible for assisting defense on the weak side and facing off against Lao Wang. Twenty seconds after he sat down, he was still breathing.
In three quarters, he was knocked over by Lao Wang four times under the basket, an average of more than once in one quarter.
Under Lao Wang's crazy attack at the basket, his chest was already aching, every breath seemed to smell of blood, and both rows of ribs seemed to be broken.
Mosaic's strategy tonight is for him to defend Old K to death and Barkley to take charge of the attack.
After three quarters, Barkley had already scored 32 points, and he only had 17 points, but his statistics were not bad, with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 6 blocks. He could have a quadruple-double tonight.
But with such an excellent all-around performance, he and Barkley still only had one tie, which allowed him to see the power of Old K in the paint area.
Now his physical fitness is not bad, because he plays less offense, he is at least better than Lao K. This is also one of their strengths. Two superstars, one offensive and one defensive, while Lao K has to attack on both ends of the offense and defense at the same time.
Only with great strength can we barely maintain the situation.
He believes that entering the final quarter, as Old K's physical fitness problems arise, the Suns will definitely collapse.
And this is not the regular season, this is the playoffs. The entire series is a best-of-seven series. He and Barkley will grind to death. The further games go, the more physical advantage they have.
At this time, the whistle sounded, and the referee called his hand to signal the players to come on.
"Now the final quarter begins, and the Mosaic team attacks." Zhang Liji said.
Bang bang bang...
Backup point guard, the No. 24 pick in the first round of 1993, the future Alien, one of the five ugliest players in the league, Sam Cassell dribbled the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt.
Kevin Johnson retreated and defended, and Cassel advanced steadily. In such an important Western Conference finals, the rookie's panic and timidity could not be seen.
When he arrived in the frontcourt, he did not go to the top of the arc, but came to the left wing.
On the left wing, two meters away from the paint area, is the Mosaic team's substitute forward, 206-centimeter Carl Herrera, who wants to set up a pick-and-roll.
Cassel raised his hand to stop his teammate's pick-and-roll, then turned around, turned his back to Kevin Johnson, and started to play from the outside.
He is 191 centimeters tall, and Kevin Johnson is 185 centimeters tall. He has the advantages of height and vision, and is also heavier. He can crush his opponents and advance to the flank, and he is very stable.
On the sidelines, Tomjanovich kept nodding. This rookie is the person he wants. With this rookie as Kenny Smith's substitute, Mosaic's No. 1 position will not be a first-class point guard, but overall it will not be weaker than
Suns.
At this time, Cassel was grinding down while paying attention to the movement of his teammates on the weak side. He is particularly good at and likes to pass the ball to the weak side.
Because when he holds the ball on the strong side, the defense on the weak side is weak and it is easy for him to get open opportunities.
At this moment, Mosaic shooting guard Vernon Maxwell suddenly got rid of defender Dan Marley and quickly cut into the paint from the right elbow area.
Cassel's eyes lit up, he pulled the ball up from the floor with a pull of his right hand, and with a push of one hand, the ball passed through the paint area, flew from under the free throw line, and flew into the hands of Vernon Maxwell.
Wang Tiejun, who was in the low post on the left wing, quickly returned to defense. Vernon Maxwell made an emergency stop shot and hit the ball.
75:77, at the beginning of the final quarter, the Mosaic team overtook the score.
The Suns attack, and the power forward is Thorpe.
Westphal was also very bold. He withdrew AC Green and arranged for Thorpe, who was better at attacking in the paint, to partner. Lao Wang attracted Dameng's defense on one side, which allowed him to take the opportunity to restore his physical fitness.
Thorpe was low on the right wing, opposite Barkley.
He is 206 centimeters tall, which means he has a height advantage, but his tonnage is a bit lacking. He is only 111 kilograms, which is five kilograms smaller than Barkley.
He is not a star who is good at holding the ball and attacking hard. He is a classic blue-collar and an inside gate. When he was with Dameng, he played this role, and now he is the same with Lao Wang.
Therefore, the ball still has to be given to Wang Tiejun, who will take the ball to attract double teams, and then Thorpe will look for offensive opportunities on the weak side, and the two will cooperate in the low post.
Compared with internal and external cooperation, once the opportunity arises for low-post cooperation, the success rate will of course be higher.
At this time, Wang Tiejun got the ball, not under the basket, but in the low left wing, where he could create an opening for Soprano on the weak side.
Barkley was right under the basket and immediately double-teamed the weak side. Thorpe's mid-to-long-range shooting ability was not as good as AC Green's, so he had no scruples at all.
Wang Tiejun was carrying Da Meng with his left hand and was about to hit the ball. After Barkley double-teamed him, he suddenly stood up and hooked his right hand to the weak side, and the ball flew towards Thorpe.
Dameng's reaction was half a beat too slow, and the ball flew over his head.
Barkley, who came along the baseline to double-team, was even worse. He could only quickly return to defend Thorpe, but it was already too late.
In the low post on the right wing, Thorpe stepped into the paint after receiving the ball, took off from the first step, and with a bang, he dunked with one arm, scoring two points for the Suns.
77 draws, mosaic attack.
Bill Walton smiled and said: "Dameng's performance is very versatile, but Old K is not bad either. This is his 6th assist."
John Hanks said with a smile: "Old K has the highest vision in the game and the best wingspan. His ball speed is also very fast when double-teamed. Double-teaming someone like this is destined to cost a lot."
The Mosaic team is also betting on the price."
Bill Walton said: "Without double-teaming, no one in this league can really guard against Old K. Don't look at the fact that Dameng's single defense caused a mistake by Old K in the first quarter, but after Old K strengthened his attack at the basket
, Dameng cannot defend alone, and being knocked over several times is the proof and result. Therefore, the Mosaic team has no choice but to double-team and gamble on Lao K’s assist ability.”
John Hanks said: "But I think the result of the bet tonight is not very good, the Suns' outside touch is not too bad.
Now that the Suns have replaced AC Green, they have reduced the outside firepower and the ability to spread the lineup, and have switched from inside and outside cooperation to low-post cooperation, which is also intended to strengthen the low-post offense."
Bill Walton nodded and said: "The other purpose is definitely to restore old K's health. He has consumed a lot of energy today.
What I want to say is that taking this opportunity, the Mosaic team should strengthen its offense and strive to gain a score advantage in the first half of the quarter to prepare for the second half."
On the field, mosaic attack.
Dameng pulled out from the paint area to catch the ball. Barkley took the opportunity to cut to the basket from the weak side. The former hoisted the ball over Wang Tiejun's head.
Wang Tiejun quickly returned to defend the basket with all his strength. The lob gave him a chance. Barkley caught the ball and made a layup. He arrived just in time, flew over and slapped him.
"Crack!"
With a bloody big shot, the ball flew directly out of the court.
"Old K, you did a great job!"
Kevin Johnson and others rushed over excitedly.
"Beautiful! That's it. Now we need this kind of bloody hat that can boost our own morale and suppress the opponent's morale." Bill Walton said excitedly.
Half a quarter passed, and in the 7th minute of the last quarter, with 5 minutes left, the score was 87:91. The Suns were 4 points behind in the away game, but they had the ball in hand and called a timeout after serving.
Su Qun read: "Old K is now 9 of 17 shots and 7 of 13 free throws. He has 25 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 5 blocks, 4 turnovers and 4 fouls."
Zhang Lijia smiled and said: "The Tiejun did not attack in the past seven minutes. He and Thorpe's low-post cooperation was still good. The Suns' internal tactical cooperation is richer than before."
In the ABC live broadcast, Bill Walton analyzed: "In the first seven minutes, Old K did not attack hard and took very few shots. He mainly supported the ball and assisted. On the Mosaic team, Barkley, who played three quarters, reduced his offense.
Dameng, who was the main defender in the third quarter, took over the main offense."
John Hanks said: "Mosaic had some advantages in the first half of the quarter, but it was not big. This was achieved when Old K did not attack hard and took very few shots. His performance of three assists in the half quarter was very surprising.
The Mosaic team paid a heavy price for double-teaming him."
Bill Walton said in a questioning tone: "Then we have to ask, the Mosaic team has two superstars in the low post, and they are both good offensive and defensive superstars. Why has it not gained a clear advantage until now?"
John Hanks laughed: "Kevin Johnson has a performance of 209 in the regular season. So far, his performance in the playoffs is 259. His performance is even better than in the regular season. His playoff data is even better than Barkley's.
, this season's lightning has exceeded everyone's expectations, and he has played to a true superstar level.
In comparison, none of the Mosaic team's outsiders can reach this level. Kenny Smith only had 114 numbers in the regular season, and the same was true in the playoffs, and his scoring even dropped.
It can be said that the strength of the Suns on the outside is more stable than that of the Mosaic team, which may be the reason why the Mosaic team did not gain a clear advantage."
Bill Walton nodded and said: "It makes sense. The Lightning has already scored 19 points, 7 assists and 2 steals in this game. His outstanding performance prevented the Mosaic team's defense from being able to put all the pressure on the low-post old K.
He shared a lot of defensive pressure. It is precisely because of his performance that the Suns can still maintain a balanced situation and have not been defeated by their opponents.
So in fact, both teams have two superstar-level stars, but Dameng and Barkley are more efficient in the low post, but taken together, the advantage is not big."
John Hanks nodded and said: "One more thing, the Mosaic team has a certain advantage in rebounding."
Bill Walton nodded and said: "Yes, Thorpe and Green have good rebounding abilities, but they still can't compare with Barkley."