Chapter 289 Cut Bao tactics, punish the Spurs in the most traditional way
Before the start of G4, countless fans were in front of the TV praying that the game would be faster-paced, but they soon discovered that they were thinking too much.
Popovich relied on this tactic to win G3, how could he change his tactics so easily?
In the first quarter, Parker strictly followed Popovich's tactical deployment and pressed the game's attack time.
After three or five rounds, some fans were already dozing off.
At halftime, the score between the two sides was 39 to 43.
ESPN commentator Mike Breen, who was the commentator tonight, said helplessly: "I thought I was watching my son's high school game."
The Spurs' team's shooting percentage in the first half was only 39%, and the Suns were even worse, only 31%.
It would be no exaggeration to call the entire first half a duel of blacksmiths.
The only thing that makes Suns fans happy is probably that Chen Yan's touch improved tonight.
Chen Yan made 7 of 15 shots in the half, including 3 of 6 three-pointers, and 2 of 3 free throws, scoring a second-half high of 19 points.
In the second half, Popovich once again adjusted his defensive strategy based on the Suns' player status.
Chen Yan discovered that the Spurs double-teamed him from outside the three-point line as soon as the second half started!
Chen Yan was also very tough and scored a logo three-pointer directly through the defense of Bowen and Finley!
"Whoa!"
This goal was scored very crisply!
42 to 43.
The Suns bench players collectively held up three fingers.
Nash and Stoudemire both felt bad tonight, and no one on the bench showed signs of stepping up. The only one they could rely on was Chen Yan.
After the Suns closed the point difference to only 1 point, they did not pursue the victory, but fell into a 4-minute scoring drought.
The Suns players collectively missed their shots, and Chen Yan became impatient, frequently trying to use three-pointers to open up the situation.
Popovich saw through Chen Yan's psychology and double-teamed him in various ways, sometimes double-teamed or even triple-teamed!
It’s so heartbreaking!
Every shot made by Chen Yan was completed at a high level of difficulty.
Even if Chen Yan passes the ball to his teammates, there will be no sound. Basketball is a 5v5 game. When his teammates are unable to open the ball, Chen Yan's side will naturally be affected and restricted even more.
Entering the second half of the third quarter, the Spurs' lead reached 12 points.
Nearly 20,000 fans in the AT&T Arena already gave early cheers of celebration midway through the game.
This is a shame for the sun.
Looking at the gradually opening score, D'Antoni woke up Eric Piakowski at the end of the bench.
Eric Piakowsky averaged 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds per game this season and is a typical water cooler player.
The fans were very surprised that such a player appeared on such a crucial occasion.
Even the official commentator at the Spurs' home court couldn't help but mock: "Is this the Suns' secret weapon? Do you expect this to perform magically?"
However, the official commentator at Spurs' home court soon stopped laughing.
Because Eric Piakkos didn't come here to play at all.
He goes for people...
The first thing Eric Piakkos did when he came on the court was to hug Bowen, the Spurs' defensive stalwart.
Only then did Popovich suddenly realize.
The Suns have resorted to the ‘abao-cutting tactic’!
Bowen's three-point shooting percentage this season reached 41%. Logically speaking, he is just a player who is very good at shooting, but his career free throw shooting percentage is only 57.5%, and it is even lower in the playoffs.
So there is a saying that Bowen's three-pointers are like Nash's free throws, like O'Neal.
Bowen did not disappoint the Suns. He missed both free throws for the first time he stepped to the free throw line, which was equivalent to a mistake that gave the Suns the ball.
After Nash dribbled the ball to the top of the key, Chen Yan started running.
Using the double screen of Stoudemire and Diaw, Chen Yan caught the ball from the free throw line and made a hit!
Chen Yan no longer pursues ultra-long three-point shots, but suddenly increases his mid-range shots.
The Spurs are now prepared for Chen Yan's ultra-long three-pointer, which makes every shot he takes difficult, losing the original significance of the sudden cold arrow.
Spurs serve from the baseline.
Eric Piakows quickly gave Bowen another intimate hug.
This time Bowen performed slightly better.
One of two free throws.
Sun attack round.
Chen Yan held the ball at a 45-degree angle on the left and called Stoudemire for a pick-and-roll.
Chen Yan cuts in an arc close to the screener.
Bowen followed closely, and Chen Yan bent down to dribble, holding Bowen behind him.
At this time, Bowen didn't dare to exert force. If he exerted force, it would be a foul.
Chen Yan blocked Bowen, controlled the rhythm, and suddenly took a step laterally.
Another mid-range shot!
"Whoa!"
Hit again!
The Nets bloom!
The Spurs attack comes again.
Eric Piakowsky once again reached out to Bowen.
"Shet!"
Bowen once again stood on the free throw line after swearing.
"Bang!"
"Whoa!"
One of two free throws was considered a normal performance.
Sun attack round.
Nash asked Chen Yan, who had already scored twice in a row, to play singles.
Chen Yan just shook the ball when he held it.
Chen Yan has already made two consecutive hits. Bowen is very focused this round and is determined to defend him to the death!
Chen Yan suddenly pulled back after a cross-step breakthrough!
Two steps away from the three-point line, there was a gap.
Bowen was very alert. The biggest task Popovich gave him tonight was to limit Chen Yan's outside long shots.
The moment Chen Yan was about to raise his hand, Bowen stepped forward!
However, just the next second.
Chen Yan wiped out Bowen completely with just one prayer!
Bowen was completely fooled this time.
Chen Yan held the ball to a high position at the top of the key and took the shot directly!
"Whoa!"
The Nets made a crisp sound again!
As Kobe said, neither inside nor outside players can make up for this distance.
In front of the camera, Bowen's expression looked very helpless. In these two rounds, he acted like the Spurs' sinner, failing to make free throws and unable to defend on the defensive end.
"Beautiful! That's how you fight!"
In front of the TV, Kobe, who was watching the live broadcast, clenched his fists and shouted.
Chen Yan is playing against the Spurs according to the experience he taught, which makes Kobe feel very involved!
"Hitting three consecutive mid-range shots, Chen is punishing the Spurs in the most traditional way!" ESPN commentator Mike Breen in the commentary box couldn't help shouting!