At such a critical moment when the Lakers were in trouble, Coach D's first substitution was not the team's super sixth man Wade, but Garnett. This really scared the Lakers fans at the scene. That's enough.
The duel between Garnett and Duncan, if it had been ten years ago, would have definitely been a top-notch duel at the NB crowd-pleaser level.
But now, Duncan is still at the tail end of his peak and still has a very strong fighting capacity, but what about Garnett?
Garnett has already reached his peak this season.
Garnett really has many opportunities with the Lakers this season, and Coach D really trusts him.
Coupled with Jokic's suspension, Garnett was even placed at the center position by Coach D with high hopes.
But the rewards and performance Garnett brought to Coach D were not outstanding.
This season with the Lakers, Garnett can average 20 minutes per game. This average playing time is really not low. It can be said that he is half the main force. However, Garnett only averages 6.6 points per game. 6.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals, and the shooting percentage is only an outrageous 40.1%!
In fact, if you look at Garnett's data, it is actually not bad. Just averaging 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game is very good. In this season, in the entire NBA, there are not many players who have both blocks and steals.
Most of them came to the Lakers.
Wade, Garnett, Ebanks, and Antetokounmpo have all achieved this achievement.
If you don't take into account Garnett's appalling shooting percentage, Garnett's performance is actually not that bad.
However, with such a bad hit rate, how could you not watch it?
As an insider, his shooting rate is barely above 40%. This means that the opponent can let it go at will and defend other Lakers players at will.
How much will this hurt the entire team?
The Lakers' offense this season has relied entirely on Seth Curry and Wade. The biggest reason is because the shooting percentages of the veterans, led by Garnett, Pierce and Barkley, are appallingly low.
Garnett and Barkley have just reached 40% shooting rate, while Pierce is even worse, only 35% shooting rate.
All three of them averaged 20 minutes of playing time per game.
The semi-main players of the three teams performed like this, and in the end the Lakers actually reached a record of 72 wins.
Many people say that Coach D this season is amazing, even better than Coach D last season and the season before that.
If any team's three and a half main players perform like this in most games throughout the season, this team will collapse directly.
Therefore, before the start of this game, many neutral fans were calling on Coach D to give up Garnett, Pierce and Barkley.
Otherwise, even if the Spurs let it go on purpose, it would be difficult for the Lakers to win this game.
And now, the Spurs didn't let it go on purpose!
But Coach D is still reusing Garnett. It seems that Coach D is still preparing to reuse the three veterans of the Lakers!
The three veterans of the Lakers have made Lakers fans desperate this season.
If it weren't for the two games against the Celtics, the performance of the three veterans was very good, and Lakers fans would probably have complained.
Because the three veterans performed very well in these two games, Lakers fans said that even if Garnett and the others were undercover for a season this season, they would not be guilty.
Lakers fans, there is indeed no black Garnett and the others this season.
However, when Garnett actually walked onto the court at this time, there were no cheers or applause from the Lakers fans at the scene.
The atmosphere became very quiet for a while.
In response, Garnett, who appeared on the court, just smiled and didn't take it seriously.
He has been in the NBA for so many years, and the level of offense he has produced this season makes him feel crazy.
When he left Boston for the Nets in the trade, he played casually and randomly, averaging at least 45% from the field.
Damn it!
I played so seriously with the Lakers this season, but in the end my shooting percentage was only 40%, almost falling below 40%!
Do you know the difference between a 45% hit rate and a 40% hit rate?
This is the difference between Kobe and Westbrook!
Don't look at it as just 5%, this is really a different grade, and it's not the same grade.
Such a shooting rate really made him lose confidence in his offense.
At this time, the Lakers need to attack.
Coach D chose to fuck him instead.
Thinking of this, Garnett smiled and looked at Coach D, who was looking at him with encouraging eyes.
Before, if he had to face Duncan, he would beat his chest and howl like a ghost.
The momentum must not be lost.
But now, he has no interest in this aspect at all.
This season with the Lakers, he has really lost all his glory.
After being humiliated for a season, being led by the team's young people for a season, and being so trusted by the team's head coach for a season, what right does he have to be proud of?
What qualifications does he have to show off to the young people on the team?
He is humiliated by the so-called neutral fans and Celtics fans pretending to be Lakers fans in every game. Why should he care about the silence of Lakers fans?
In fact, in the face of his performance this season, the silence of Lakers fans is actually very polite.
If it were him, when he was in the Timberwolves, the Celtics, or even the Nets, he had a teammate like this. He would spray him hard every game, and not just once, every game. Just spray hard several times.
As long as the coach still trusts and plays seriously on the court in every game, with less performance and more sincerity, this is good.
After Garnett replaced Antetokounmpo, he smiled, hugged and high-fived his young teammates on the court, and looked at Duncan, an old rival, with his eyes wide open.
The last time the two teams played against each other, Garnett was not so calm.
After all, they had just beaten the Celtics at that time, and Garnett still found some confidence in James.
Therefore, although Garnett was almost trained at that time, he still had not really washed away his glory.
Now, almost two months have passed. During this time, Garnett has grown again.
At this time on the court, Duncan looked at Garnett blankly.
In the commentary box on the sidelines, commentators from various countries were already boiling.
"Coach D replaced Garnett at this time. This was in response to many people's suggestions before the game that Coach D should give up Garnett and other three veterans in the playoffs. Coach D replaced Garnett with deeper connotations at this time, which is even more The Lakers fans at the scene were frightened, even more frightened than losing this game! Coach D is telling the world that even in the playoffs, he will not give up on Garnett and the other three!"
"In this game, Pierce started, and Garnett came on as a substitute before Wade. This is already very obvious. Coach D still trusts the three veterans who the world thinks need to be thrown into the trash!"
Garnett, Pierce, and Barkley were all selected as the top ten players selected by ESPN this season that need to be thrown into the trash can.
And the ranking is pretty high.
What's interesting is that in this ranking, the Lakers have a lot of players selected.
Jokic, ranked second, belongs to the Lakers.
Behind them are Garnett, Pierce and Barkley.
As for the player who beats Jokic as the number one player, of course it is Durant.
Durant has suffered consecutive major injuries to his right foot. This ranking is designed for Durant.
At that time, experts said that Durant's chance of successful surgery was slim. Even if the surgery was successful, it would be impossible for him to return to his peak in the future due to his injuries.
It may even be possible to say goodbye to the NBA completely.
So ESPN created this ranking to disgust Durant.
Who makes Durant always hate ESPN for his idols like Kobe, Tracy McGrady, and Carter?
This time, I finally found an opportunity to get sick and come back.
However, what EAPN didn't expect was that their original intention was to make the ranking list disgusting with Durant. In the end, because too many Lakers players were selected, it became a ranking list that disgusted the Lakers and praised Coach D.
This made ESPN dumbfounded.
Damn it, taking four players who need to be thrown into the trash can to reach the first place in the league, and these four are also semi-main players who average more than 20 minutes per game. This is indeed an achievement worthy of bragging.
So, one group of fans thinks.
"Coach D is deliberately showing off his skills. He knows that the three elders and Jokic are rubbish, but he just wants to use them, and reuse them. He just wants to tell the world that he is the most awesome head coach in the world! But he is the only one in history. The most awesome head coach, a person who others cannot lead, he can not only lead, but also win championships. He did this in the first two seasons, so in just two seasons, Coach D became the No. 1 coach in the NBA. one!"
"Those who know how to swim will be killed by water, and those who play with fire will be killed by fire. Who can walk along the river without getting wet shoes? Coach D, this season, he will eventually be killed by his own pride and arrogance!"
Watching many fans and experts on the Internet making crazy complaints about Coach D at this time, James had a smile on his face.
"Coach D, even if you don't win 73 games, you still have to fight back against those shady remarks. It's okay. It really feels familiar. It's indeed the familiar Coach D!"
"Coach D, I want to see if you can really drive this garbage around this season!"
The game restarted, the Lakers sent a baseline kick, and McAwee advanced with the ball.
Garnett has no privileges with the Lakers.
But at this time, the Lakers encountered difficulties and the coach replaced Garnett. Naturally, he wanted Garnett to change the situation.
Therefore, after Mcaway dribbled the ball across half court, he immediately handed the ball to Garnett.
After Garnett held the ball, he called Pierce to come out for a pick-and-roll. After handing the ball to Pierce, Garnett headed toward the basket.
Take Danny Green to the basket.
This is not a good choice for Garnett.
Because Mcaway was released from the outside, Duncan was still hiding under the basket to guard.
And Danny Green has been following Garnett. This is to prepare for Garnett to catch the ball and immediately cooperate with Duncan to attack Garnett.
"Garnett's inside cut should be a false cut to open up space!"
Seeing the Spurs' defense like this, most people actually think so.
Garnett is feinting.
The main attacker is someone else!
Therefore, Popovich on the sidelines was waving outwards, focusing on Seth Curry!
However!
Coach D on the sidelines actually waved out!
And Pierce on the court almost understood it!
“Oh my God, Pierce passed the ball!!!”
"Coach D asked Pierce to pass the ball to Garnett. Is this asking Garnett to die?!"
Seeing this, Popovich next to him was dumbfounded.
Under the basket, with Duncan in front and Danny Green following him next to him, this is actually no different from dying.
Although Duncan's athletic ability is indeed not that strong now, Duncan's defensive ability, defensive awareness and defensive skills at the basket are still top-notch, making his defensive efficiency at the basket even better than that of Ibaka and other new generations. The internal gates are all strong.
This season, Duncan ranks second in the league in defensive efficiency at the basket, second only to Oden.
After Garnett received the pass from Pierce, he immediately faced Duncan.
Garnett didn't hesitate, because he knew that as long as he dared to dribble, the ball would not belong to him.
Therefore, Garnett received the pass from Pierce and immediately threw it.
Ordinary defensive players will definitely be blindsided by Garnett's sudden attack.
But this man is Duncan.
He knew very well that Garnett had no choice when faced with such a defensive situation, so when Garnett threw the ball, Duncan took a small step to block the shot.
Bang!
Due to Duncan's interference, Garnett's in-situ throw changed its arc and became an iron shot.
Seeing Garnett throwing and hitting, the Lakers fans on the sidelines were numb.
Many Spurs fans in front of the TV laughed.
"Hahahaha, Garnett is going to start his blacksmithing performance again!"
"The toughest Wolf King, the softest Kevin Garnett, hahahaha... Garnett doesn't even dare to fight physically, hahahaha..."
Almost at the same time, Garnett, who was running and throwing, had already circled in front of Duncan and blocked Duncan's position just as Duncan fell from the sky.
The iron-clad Garnett didn't beat his chest, cry, or feel regretful. Instead, he calmly blocked Duncan and grabbed the offensive rebound.
There is almost no unnecessary movement!
"The throw just now was a feint!!!"
The Spurs fans who were laughing in front of the TV just now were completely stunned!
Even Danny Green, who was following Garnett, was dumbfounded.
He thought Duncan was on guard.
Unexpectedly, this is just the beginning! ! !
Garnett grabbed the offensive rebound and took the advantage, but Duncan behind him also did not regret losing the offensive rebound. He very calmly stepped forward and directly covered Garnett.
It's not easy for a normal inside line to even pass the ball when Duncan is so covered, let alone getting up.
Dead end!
At the same time, Duncan was still using his eyes to greet the somewhat dumbfounded Danny Green not to come over and attack.
However, this is the situation, why not attack from a flank?
Danny Green didn't understand Duncan's intentions at all, because normal people would attack from a flank!
Seeing Danny Green rushing over, Howard, who was lying sideways on the hospital bed, immediately thought of last year's All-Star Game, when Olajuwon beat him and Duncan violently under the basket, and how he had done a disservice to Duncan in the past.
Danny Green is not that far away from Duncan and Garnett.
Duncan could only stop him with his eyes, and even spoke slowly.
So, it’s very sad!
At this time, Duncan also thought about being tricked by Olajuwon in last year's All-Star Game.
In fact, he was not fooled, it was his teammates around him who were fooled every time.
KG went to the Lakers, did he get the true legacy of Master Ola?
Danny Green rushed over to flank Duncan, hindering Duncan's movement. Garnett leaned towards Danny Green, and Danny Green was unable to stop Garnett from getting up.
Duncan next to him was unable to extend his arms like Luffy to catch Garnett because of Danny Green's obstruction.
However, Duncan still gave Garnett great defensive interference.
After forcing Garnett to lean back and take off, he then threw with his right hand.
This kind of throw, which almost takes off at a negative angle, is extremely difficult.
According to Garnett's strength this season, he has already consumed so much in the past, and this opportunity to strike is huge.
Garnett at his peak has sufficient physical strength. After such a confrontation, such a difficult throw may be possible.
It's impossible for Garnett to score this season!
So, Popovich immediately started shouting on the sidelines.
"Rebound!!!"
Duncan on the court did immediately get ready to grab rebounds.
However!
A swipe!
The basketball hits the net!
Duncan was stunned.
Garnett himself was stunned.
The Wolf King, who has been driven crazy by Coach D this season, has doubts about his life!
In?
Popovich on the sidelines was dumbfounded.
James in front of the TV was also dumbfounded.
Even the Lakers fans on the sidelines were dumbfounded.
"Fuck! Got in!!!"
In the Penguin live broadcast room, Kefan couldn't help but get rough!
At Staples, after a moment of silence, the entire stadium erupted in huge cheers!
For a time, the Los Angeles Lakers finally found the momentum and feeling of their home court.
“This one-on-two boosts morale so much!!!”
So soon, the Spurs attacked and the Lakers, with their morale up, defended the Spurs and finally had to rely on Leonard to beat Pierce in a low post.
Leonard made two consecutive fake moves without shaking away the essence of the human kaleidoscope, and finally shot the iron over Pierce's head.
The Lakers' offense is not very good this season, but they are able to achieve such results, and their defense is naturally very strong.
The meaning of Garnett playing is actually to directly strangle Duncan's inside advantage. Without Duncan's inside advantage, the Spurs want to score 20 points in half a quarter. How is that possible!
Without Duncan's inside advantage, the Spurs' offense will immediately decline off a cliff.
so!
"Coach D clearly knows this, why doesn't Garnett start?!"
Budenholzer blurted out in confusion.
This is actually a question that many people are asking now.
Casters from all over the world are going crazy talking about it right now.
Coach D lost his head again?
Popovich frowned, also thinking.
A moment later, after Popovich thought of something, the expression on his face changed instantly!
On the court, the new Garnett once again cut to the basket, and this time, after receiving the pass from Pierce, Garnett did not throw up and faced Duncan's defense directly, and went up!
"Tim, as soon as you move, I know what you're going to do!"
What? !
Two familiar old rivals, close in strength, one has full physical strength, the other has residual physical strength!
Bang!
Dunk Duncan!
Looking at Garnett, who was riding on Duncan and hanging on the basket with one hand, Finson behind him was dumbfounded.
The guy under the basket was dumbfounded.
KG, does he still have the physical strength to be so depleted? !
"be cheated!!!!"
"I was deceived by Coach D again!!!"
On the sidelines, Popovich was trembling with excitement!
Budenholzer looked at Bobo who was jumping and was equally dumbfounded!
So, Bobo, was played by Coach D again? !
Looking at the smile on the face of the applauding man not far away, Budenholzer instantly had many terrifying and bad images in his mind!
Therefore, this game is all about coach D and Bobo! ! !
Trembling! ! ! !
(End of chapter)
