On the 25th, the game day of G2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Suns arranged a tactical meeting in the morning and recovery and adaptation training and tactical drills in the afternoon.
At eight o'clock, the G2 game begins.
In this game, the Mosaic team learned the reasons for their defeat in the G1 game and made some changes.
The biggest change is that Barkley returned to the three position, which was the position he played with the Suns in the regular season.
The Lakers won three of four regular-season games with him in this position.
The reason why Tomjanovich did this was that the two cores in the low post were too crowded. He placed Barkley at the third position and used his ability to control the outside ball, thus connecting the entire team.
The inside and outside lines are integrated to achieve a balance.
At the same time, Barkley can also make a great defensive contribution to the old K in the low post.
In other words, the Mosaic team resumed their regular season play style and used Eric Riley as a human shield again.
Riley defended Lao Wang alone, Dameng strengthened the weak-side defense, and Barkley frequently doubled up on the strong side. Through such low-post defense, Lao Wang's performance was limited to a certain extent.
In 46 minutes, Lao Wang made 11 of 24 shots, a shooting percentage of 45.8%, and 8 of 14 free throws. He scored 30 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls.
Under the influence of Mosaic's home atmosphere today, the Suns' outside touch was not as good as in the previous game. His distribution effect was not good and he only got two assists. This was also an important reason for the Suns' loss.
Kevin Johnson also scored 28 points and 11 assists, but the two teamed up but failed to lead the team to victory.
At the end, 95:101, the Mosaic team equalized and the two sides were tied.
On the 26th, the Suns return to Phoenix. The format of the conference finals is 22111. They will have two home games.
That night, the Bulls won consecutive games at home, leading the Knicks by a score of 2-0.
The Bulls have not yet lost in the playoffs. Their nine-game winning streak has brought their call for the title to the highest peak. The whole of Chicago is in a state of excitement, and Nike's stock price is rising.
The media even shouted for the championship to be undefeated, which shows that the Bulls' strength in the playoffs has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
This puts great pressure on the Suns and Mosaics. No matter who wins, they will face the terrifying Bulls in the finals.
May 27th, the game day of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
Both sides continued the tactics of the G2 battle, with no major changes.
The Mosaic team has tasted the benefits and has no problem sticking to the style of play.
As for the Suns, they lost the G2 game but still insisted on the tactics of the G2 game. This is very strange.
In fact, head coach Westphal's idea is very simple, and the reason is very good. The Suns' lineup and tactics are like this. With Old K as the core inside, open up and let him play in singles in the low post, or let Kevin Johnson play on the break.
They are divided into tactics, and these two basic tactics require outside shooters to hit open balls.
What he hopes is that the outside game can be more accurate. As long as the outside touch can be restored, it can limit Barkley's double-teaming of the low post on the strong side and make Kevin Johnson's breakout tactics more efficient.
He lost the G2 game not because there was a problem with the tactics, but because the players were in poor condition and couldn't hit open shots from outside, which led to old K being double-teamed frequently. Therefore, he didn't change his tactics in this game and just competed with his opponents on touch.
His idea was realized. In this game, the Suns' outside touch was better than in the G2 game. Dan Malley hit three three-pointers, Horry hit two, and Danny Ainge also hit one.
After three quarters, the team made 6 of 15 three-pointers, with a hit rate of 40%, which is equivalent to a 60% hit rate on two-pointers.
However, the Mosaic team also played quite well. Barkley served as the core outside, and worked with Dameng inside and outside, integrating the energy of the whole team and holding on to the score.
After three quarters, the two teams were actually tied at 84:84.
Zhang Lili analyzed anxiously: "The Suns have such a good outside feel, but they don't have a score advantage. In this case, once the physical fitness declines in the final quarter, the outside feel will definitely decline, which will be very troublesome."
Su Qun was also worried: "Lao K didn't take many shots today. He made 7 of 12 shots, a field goal percentage of 58.3%, and 3 of 6 free throws. He scored 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers, and 3 fouls.
It’s a bit much, and the defensive contribution was not as good as in the first two games.”
Zhang Lili analyzed: "It doesn't matter if he takes few shots. He has a lot of distribution and good assists. He has no problem on the offensive end.
The main problem is that he made many mistakes. There were several problems with passing and receiving the ball when double-teaming, and there were problems with the cooperation of his teammates. Most of these mistakes were attributed to him.
Then the defensive end was not good. He did a good job defending Dameng. Although Dameng scored 20 points, his shooting rate was only 48%. It was just his assist defense that had problems.
The Mosaic team's offense was very average tonight, everyone took shots, and it was difficult for him to provide high-quality help defense. In fact, he can't be blamed for this. The Suns were lucky tonight, but they are also good, and they can stand up to defenders.
Put it in."
When the final quarter started, the problem that Zhang Lili was worried about emerged. The Suns' outside touch was hot in the first three quarters. In the last quarter, as the physical fitness declined, there was a problem with the touch.
In the first five minutes, 1 of 5 shots from outside were made, and the Suns' score was immediately opened up. At 91:96, the Mosaic team led by 5 points.
Of course, this is also related to the fact that Mosaic reduced the tactics of low-post double-teaming against Wang Tiejun in the first five minutes and strengthened the Suns' outside defense.
The Suns called a timeout and changed their offensive tactics. Since the Mosaic team reduced the low-post double-teaming tactics, Wang Tiejun took over the offense in the low post, and Kevin Johnson broke through and scored.
The score difference was evened.
It's a pity that the Mosaic team was in really good shape tonight, continuing the feel of the G2 game. The Suns' own offense was good, but there were problems with the defense and they could not prevent the opponent from scoring. In the end, they failed to come back and lost the G3 game.
With a big score of 1 to 2, the Suns' situation in the Western Conference Finals became somewhat passive.
In this game, Wang Tiejun scored 24 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 5 turnovers and 3 fouls.
The shooting rate reached 52%, and there were only 8 free throws. The damage to the inside was not enough, and the state was obviously not as good as the previous two games.
After three games in the Western Conference Finals, he averaged 29 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 0.7 steals, 3 blocks, 4 turnovers and 3.3 turnovers per game.
This performance is undoubtedly a superstar performance, but the team lost two games in a row after winning the first game. As the core of the team, he has also been questioned by some media.
Especially his defensive performance in the G3 game, these media repeatedly criticized him, thinking that it was his defense that made the Mosaic team's offense too easy.
However, there are not many such media. After all, his performance is also very strong, and the Mosaic team is indeed stronger than the Suns.
At around 9 a.m. on the 28th, Wang Tiejun sat at the dining table at home, flipping through the newspaper while eating breakfast, reading articles that criticized him.
These articles are actually correct, and he himself does not deny that his current defensive ability is indeed not enough.
However, the series has only reached the G3 game, and the result has not yet been determined. The Suns may not lose.
That night, the Bulls defeated the Knicks again at Madison Square Garden, with a score of 3-0, and secured a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In the three-game Eastern Conference Finals series, Jordan averaged 37 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 56.5%. His performance was so dazzling.
This shooting rate is much higher than his previous playoff data. The tactics of stretching inside have greatly improved his offensive efficiency.
In the 1987/88 season, his shooting percentage in the playoffs was as high as 53.1%. At that time, he was at his physical peak, he had not yet gained weight, he was very fast, and he mainly focused on breakthrough play, so his shooting percentage was very high.
And now, the Bulls' new inside tactics have allowed him to create miracles.
It is conceivable that whether the Suns or the Mosaics meet the Bulls in the finals, whether it is Dameng, Barkley, or Wang Tiejun, they will be pulled out by Clifford Robinson and Cobra Grant, and then they will face Jordan and Pippen.
A pervasive breakthrough.
ESPN announced the latest prediction of winning chances, with the Bulls as high as 90%, Mosaic at 25%, the Suns at a symbolic 8%, and the Knicks at the same 8%.
The dazzling Bulls and Jordan continue to exert increasing pressure on the other three teams.
On the 29th, the game day of G4 of the Western Conference Finals.
In the visiting team's locker room, Dameng and Barkley were chatting, but the content was not this game, nor the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Bulls. It can be seen that their attention was completely attracted by the Bulls. The pressure the Bulls put on them, even
All surpassed their current Western Conference Finals opponent, the Suns.
"Charles, how do you think we should deal with the Bulls' interior spacing tactics?" Dameng said worriedly.
Barkley lowered his head and thought for a while and said, "Let the coach use his brain. To be honest, my mind is a little messed up."
Under this pressure, Dameng and Barkley both failed in the G4 game. The former only scored 16 points and made 6 of 18 shots, with a shooting percentage of only 33.3%. The latter also only scored 23 points and hit 33.3% of his shots.
The rate is only a little over 40%.
The Suns' performance was also average. They were also under pressure from the Bulls. In addition, they were lagging behind by a big score, and their condition was not good.
Fortunately, Lao Wang was very good in this game, making 11 of 20 shots, a shooting percentage of 55%, and 11 of 17 free throws, a shooting percentage of 64.7%. He scored 33 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks, 1 turnover and 4 fouls.
He spared no effort tonight and always insisted on attacking the basket, which caused a lot of damage to Da Meng who was assisting in defense. Da Meng, who was somewhat distracted, committed two fouls in the first quarter and four in the first half, which greatly affected the state of the offense and defense.
drop.
Kevin Johnson was also very impressive, scoring 25 points, 13 assists and 4 steals.
The two teamed up to score 58 points, 105:115, and led the team back to one game.
The score was 2-2, and the two teams returned to the starting line.
On May 30, the Suns and Mosaics arrived in Houston one after another.
That night, the Bulls swept the Knicks and entered the finals with an 11-game unbeaten streak. Their momentum frightened the entire league.
The Suns and Mosaics were forced by the strong pressure from the Bulls, and both performed mediocrely in the G5 game on the 31st. In the end, the Mosaics won the game with their home court advantage and secured a point in the Western Conference Finals.
The Suns were in poor shape on the perimeter and missed many shots. As expected, the Mosaic team double-teamed Wang Tiejun crazily, causing his efficiency to drop significantly.
He played hard on both offense and defense, and his physical energy was too much. He played for another 47 minutes and only rested for one minute. When his physical fitness was not enough, he was not strong enough to attack the basket. Most of his attacks were hooks from the outside.
He made 11 of 26 shots from the field, with a shooting percentage of only 42.3%. In addition, he made 4 of 6 free throws and scored 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers and 5 fouls.
On June 1, the two teams returned to Phoenix.
On June 2, the G6 game of the Western Conference Finals begins in Phoenix.
With the advantage of the home court, Kevin Johnson broke out completely, scoring 39 points and 14 assists. Wang Tiejun scored 24 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks. The two teamed up to regain one point again and led the team to score.
A tiebreaker.
Dameng and Barkley were very disappointed after losing the match point. Although they had the advantage of home court in the tiebreaker, their physical energy has been almost exhausted by now in the Western Conference Finals. Even if they finally win against the Suns, how will they cope in the finals?
The crazier bull?
On June 3, the two teams returned to Houston again.
On June 4th, the tiebreaker of the Western Conference Finals begins.
"Beep, beep!"
At 10:10 p.m., as the referee blew his whistle, the tie-break ended.
At 109:115, the Suns lost the tiebreaker and were eliminated with a big score of 3 to 4.
"What the hell!"
The moment the whistle sounded, Wang Tiejun collapsed on the floor, not wanting to move his fingers.
After all, he failed to lead the team to the finals with Kevin Johnson and fell in the tiebreaker.
In this game, he scored 29 points and 17 rebounds. Kevin Johnson scored 21 points and 11 assists. The performance cannot be said to be bad, but he did not perform a superb performance.
But Big Dream was even crazier. He scored 38 points, 20 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals and 9 blocks, a nearly quadruple-double. They were not unjustly defeated. Such a Big Dream, meeting gods and killing gods, was too scary.
At the beginning of the season, he wanted to reach the finals, but unfortunately he was not able to fulfill this wish. After working hard for a season, he finally failed in the Western Conference Finals. He was very disappointed, but fortunately, he was always mentally prepared, so he did not feel bad about himself and himself.
The Suns have lost confidence and he and the team will make a comeback next season.
Lying next to him was Kevin Johnson. In fact, Lightning was more disappointed than him.
The 28-year-old Lightning, who trained extra last offseason and worked hard this season, put a huge strain on his body. He himself feels that his condition will really decline next season.
At least this offseason, he won't practice any more. He really doesn't have the determination, and his body can no longer withstand that kind of exertion. His physical talent cannot compare with Jordan. This offseason will focus on recuperation.
"Kevin, Old K?" Buckley appeared above the two of them and stretched out his hands to pull them up.
"Congratulations, Charles." Kevin Johnson sent a hug and blessing.
"Congratulations, brother, try to defeat the Bulls and win your second championship." Lao Wang said sincerely.
Barkley shook his head and smiled bitterly: "If you let us go, we will lose two games in the Western Conference Finals, and we can still compete with the Bulls. How can we compete with them now?"
"Don't do this, the finals will start on the 8th, and you still have four days to rest. If you lose, don't blame us for the reason for losing. It's just that you can't beat the Bulls and Jordan." Lao Wang laughed.
.
Barkley smiled bitterly and said to Lao Wang: "You don't have to look at Dameng's state. He has played seven games with you. He is already fighting with all his strength. His body is full of injuries from fighting with you. If you replace it with
It's the regular season and he has already retired."
At this time, Dameng also came over. Although he was exhausted, he was smiling.
"Congratulations, Hakim."
"Congratulations, coward dream."
Wang Tiejun and Kevin Johnson sent their blessings, which is a sign of respect for an opponent.
"Thank you, Kevin. Thank you, weakling K." Dameng accepted everything and added his own counterattack against Lao Wang.
Lao Wang's face turned dark. It seems that he can no longer be called Coward Meng. Otherwise, if the three of them become tigers, the nickname Coward K will be in trouble.
Moreover, Da Meng's performance in this series is extraordinary. It has nothing to do with being a coward. It is the courage to confront him that leads to such a performance. Otherwise, it is not certain who will be eliminated.
In the CCTV commentary box, Zhang Lili and Su Qun were very sorry to see the Suns lose the tiebreaker. The former sighed: "Dameng's performance was too strong, and the Suns did not lose unjustly."
Su Qun sighed: "The Suns lost 10 rebounds in this game. If they had grabbed a few more rebounds, they wouldn't have lost this game."
Zhang Liji nodded and said: "Dameng had 20 rebounds, Barkley also had 12, and the entire Suns team only had 39 rebounds.
Dameng had 9 big shots, and his performance in protecting the basket was amazing. Tiejun had 4 big shots by himself. When they hit the back, the Suns could no longer attack.
In fact, the reason for this game was not that the Suns did not play well, but that Dream played superbly and it was not a crime of war."
Su Qun calculated the data in his hand and said: "After seven games in the Western Conference Finals series, Old K averaged 29 points, 14.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.8 blocks, 3.2 turnovers and 3.8 fouls per game. His shooting percentage was 53.4%. His performance has exceeded
In the regular season, this was a truly superstar performance."
Zhang Lianda said: "The playoffs are a stage to test the quality of superstars. Wang Tiejun's performance is still very good. You must know that this is his second season and the first time he has become the core of the team. To be able to perform like this is really impressive.
It’s very good.”
"Tie Jun, come and sit quickly."
"Old K, please sit down, please sit down."
"Brother Zhang, Su Qun, hello. Dear fans and friends in front of the TV, hello too."
At this time, Lao Wang came to their commentary table. Everyone was very familiar with each other, and they were not polite. After sitting down, they immediately started asking questions.
Zhang Lili asked: "Tie Jun, is it a pity?"
"Oh, okay, we tried our best, but the opponent did play too well," he said.
"Old K, when will you return to China next?" Su Qun asked.
"There are still some commercial activities here. Let's take a rest at the end of this month." He said.
"Tie Jun, will you practice more during the offseason? I want to help you speak!" Zhang Lili asked.
"The trainer has made arrangements, but when the time comes, Brother Zhang, if you are free to help, I will say hello to you." He said with a smile.
"OK."
Zhang Lili nodded and sighed: "You look very open-minded, but I feel more regretful than you. After all, we are only one step away from entering the finals."
"Ha ha……"
Lao Wang laughed twice and said: "It's nothing, there will be opportunities in the future."
Nodding, Zhang Liyi still had a look of regret on his face, and said: "It's really difficult to reach the finals. After so many years, this is the first time for the three super centers. David Robinson and Ewing have not
They have touched the floor of the Finals. This is the era of centers called centers, but their experiences illustrate how difficult it is to reach the Finals. And Jordan, such a powerful person, this is also his era, but this is only
Reaching the finals for the third time.”
Lao Wang nodded. Although he had his own confidence, he also knew that the next time he would enter the finals, he didn't know which year it would be.
If the lineup does not cooperate, the coaching team does not match, and if we encounter too strong opponents at the same time, if we are not lucky, or if the team has too many injuries, if there are problems in the locker room, etc., we may end up competing with these super players.
Just like a center, it will be difficult to reach the finals once in his career.
But it is more exciting because it is full of uncertainty.
Last year, he actually had a mediocre feeling about the championship. He didn't even understand Barkley's extreme enthusiasm and pursuit of the championship. He didn't have a strong desire to pursue hard honors.
But after one season, as his strength increased and he became the new core of the team, his feelings and views on professional honors were completely different.
Of course, this is also related to his financial situation. When it is easy to make money, his focus naturally shifts to the pursuit of professional honors.
This is also a pursuit of higher professional status and social status, and everything is a natural result.
