Solo fights were sparse and common in the Rookie Challenge, and the audience didn't feel there was any problem.
"The intensity of the game gradually increased, and the defenses of both sides began to confront each other." Smith explained:
"That's what young people are like. They all want to express themselves. At first it was Li Yan and Chris Paul, and now Brandon Roy and Deron Williams are also competing."
As the game progressed, both sides also completed the rotation of personnel.
The strength of the sophomore team shows through as they are loaded with talent on the back line.
In addition to Paul and Deron, they also have Felton.
As for the first graders, except for Li Yan, there is no serious point guard.
The most important thing is that without Li Yan, Chris Paul's smart IQ finally occupied the high ground.
He threaded the needle, took control of the overall situation, and organized the second-year team's offense in an orderly manner.
Only then did Paul realize that he had fallen into a misunderstanding. There was no need for him to compete alone with Li Yan.
As a point guard, making the team better is the right path, and he wants to lead the second-year team to victory.
"It's not good!" Barkley explained: "As soon as the first-year team Li Yan came off the field, he was even more unorganized and the score was widened."
"Haha, Charles, I'm ready." Smith teased.
"You are stepping on the horse..." Barkley yelled angrily: "Can a first-year coach do it? Let's replace Li Yan!"
Perhaps moved by Barkley's sincerity, Li Yan was quickly replaced.
As soon as he came on the field, Li Yan completed a wonderful NO-lOOk-paSS on the offensive end!
He European-stepped into the paint and faked a turn for a layup.
Li Yan's turn and footwork were very smooth and realistic, and he deceived the entire inside line of the second-grade team.
Both Bogut and Hyde rushed over, but——
Li Yan sent the ball behind him, and the basketball appeared in Roy's hands like magic.
The moment Roy caught the basketball, he was shocked.
He didn't know how Li Yan saw him. Li Yan didn't look back at all just now.
The most important thing is that Roy thought Li Yan would not pass the ball to him. After all, he had been playing alone in the previous games.
Roy didn't waste this opportunity. He quickly cut inside and easily completed the layup.
Next round.
Chris Paul and Bogut completed the pick-and-roll. He broke into the paint and the basket was within easy reach.
However, Li Yan, who was well prepared, attacked from the side and slapped the basketball away.
Aldridge got the basketball and passed it to Brandon Roy.
The first grade team’s fight back.
In a 3-on-2 frontcourt, Roy, who had escaped the pursuit, passed the basketball to Li Yan.
Li Yan started catching the ball, leaped high, and easily put the ball into the basket.
Roy ran to Li Yan: "Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to find you, it's just that you are in a better position."
"Hey!" Li Yan looked at Roy, who was serious. This guy was quite arrogant.
In the sophomore round, Granger singled out Rudy Gay and hit a turnaround jumper.
Looking back, Li Yan sent Rudy Gay a beautiful long pass, allowing Rudy Gay to complete a powerful chop.
The first-grade team gradually stabilized its position, and the spectators on the sidelines saw the change in the situation.
Li Yan revitalized a disorganized team, and his teammates began to trust him unconditionally.
After getting the ball, they all began to consciously look for Li Yan.
"Wow!" Kevin Garnett on the sidelines exclaimed: "AI, your little brother is not simple. Brandon Roy lowered his head and Lee took control of the situation."
Kobe corrected: "KG, it wasn't Brandon Roy who lowered his head, it was him who realized that Lee was right. If they want to win, they must give the ball to Lee."
"AI, Li is very strong. I like him more and more." Kobe said with a smile: "I feel like he is a good match for me."
"Go away! Go away! Go away!" Iverson laughed and cursed: "What a beautiful idea."
Iverson looked at Li Yan with pride on his face.
…………
Li Yan and Millsap completed the pick-and-roll, and then turned around and passed David Lee who was defending.
After attracting Bogut's attention, Li Yan gave the ball to Aldridge, who was left open.
Ade took off and dunked, easily scoring two points.
After landing, Ade and Li Yan high-fived to celebrate.
As the first-year team determined Li Yan's core position, the ball came into Li Yan's hands.
Li Yan improved the rhythm of the game, and the advantage gradually came to the first-year team.
Shortly after the start of the second half, the two teams were tied.
Chris Paul used the pick-and-roll to start, facing Bargnani who was changing defense.
Playing small against big players is Paul's specialty. He skillfully uses changes of direction to destroy the center of gravity of the opposing big man.
After gaining space to shoot, Paul confidently made the move, and "Wha!" the basketball went hollow into the net.
The game continues.
The two teams refused to give in to each other. The first-year team was more mobile, while the second-year team had the advantage in the positional battle.
Chris Paul and Deron Williams took turns running the offense through the pick-and-roll, and they didn't want to lose to a first-year kid.
The second graders came hard, but the first graders held on to the score.
Li Yan controls the rhythm, Rudy Gay thrives in fast breaks, and Brandon Roy and Aldridge are incredibly efficient.
The battle between the two sides was fierce. Smith and Barkley also said that this was the most intense rookie game, and it was still full of suspense about who would win.
With 4 minutes left in the game, Li Yan's assists had reached 24, and he set a new record for assists in the rookie game.
The big screen in the venue showed that Li Yan had broken the record, and there were warm cheers.
Chris Paul was very dissatisfied. He said to Li Yan: "Don't think you have won. Look at your appalling shooting percentage. You can only pass the ball."
Yes, compared to the astonishing 24 assists, Li Yan only scored 8 points today.
4 out of 10 shots, it seems that Li Yan's touch is not good.
"Well, just wait." Li Yan smiled contemptuously.
"The hardest thing about you is your mouth." Paul learned and put it into practice.
"DUang!"
The basketball hit the basket again, but Li Yan showed a smile, everything was under control.
"Ding!" The system prompt sounded: "Strike the iron 6 times in a row to trigger the Mamba Mentality!"
Poor Cannon, I'm waiting for skills, what are you waiting for?
