What is a leader?
He is a core player who can lead his teammates to become stronger together, instead of blaming his teammates for failure when he loses.
There are many superstars who are core players but cannot be called true leaders.
Durant's statistics and the enjoyment on the court are indeed great, but the teammates around him are not as passionate as when Zhao Chen led him!
Under the leadership of Zhao Chen, other Thunder players are more willing to run and defend rather than stand aside and watch his superstar play in isolation.
In terms of personal ability, Zhao Chen is not as good as Durant, but in terms of leadership charisma, Zhao Chen has surpassed Durant.
Knicks offense.
The Thunder once again blocked the Knicks' offense through the team's defensive efforts.
Robertson, Adams, and Zhao Chen all constantly challenged their defenders.
Under this kind of high-intensity pressure, the Knicks' best way to solve the problem is to move the ball. However, JR is not a defender who is good at organizing.
After a series of dribbles, JR made another mid-range jump shot, and the rebound was caught by Adams.
When Woodson saw this situation, he immediately asked Anthony to get ready.
Woodson doesn't want to lose here to the Thunder, which doesn't even have Westbrook or Durant.
Zhao Chen took the dribble from Adams and pushed the ball forward.
Zhao Chen didn't ask for a cover this time and called on his teammates to pull away.
Zhao Chen's organizational ability is actually not as outstanding as it seems to the outside world. Most of his passing is based on his own deterrence.
Passing with Westbrook is somewhat similar to the same goal.
The assists look good, but they don't help the team as much as expected.
The main reason is that the strength of the Thunder's other substitutes is underestimated, such as Adams and Robertson. Both of them can start in other teams, but they are both substitutes in the Thunder.
Their reputation is not as good as that of Zhao Chen, so there is a gathering effect, and the outside world basically gives Zhao Chen the credit for the Thunder's achievements during this period.
Robertson and Adams don't have the spirit of Irving to resist James. They have a clear positioning of themselves as role players, without the need for flash.
Zhao Chen is the type of player who is suitable for carrying the spotlight, so give everything to him.
When reporters interviewed them, they also took the initiative to give Zhao Chen some compliments.
This is why Zhao Chen often passes the ball to Adams and Robertson on the court. They are also considered a small team.
Facing JR's defense, Zhao Chen was very confident.
"boom!"
"boom!"
"boom!"
Zhao Chen began to skillfully dribble the ball under his crotch.
JR was speechless when he encountered Zhao Chen's crotch dribbling.
Zhao Chen's crotch dribbling is a great challenge to the defender's patience.
On the left, Zhao Chen took a sudden step to the left, and JR made an emergency adjustment to follow him.
Zhao Chen quickly swatted the ball to the right, and JR adjusted to follow.
Zhao Chen took a step forward and then pulled back.
Zhao Chen even pushed JR before taking a step back to ensure that JR could not keep up.
But this time, JR flew directly backwards and slid out of the baseline.
It's not that Zhao Chen's strength is too great, but that JR's inertia back is too great and he can't keep up.
The referee didn't blow the whistle, so Zhao Chen didn't pause his actions. He stepped back to the outside and shot a three-pointer! !
Standard operation, wonderful arc! !
"Shua!!"
Basketball penetrates the heart! !
31 to 39.
"Zhao,,,Chen!!" OKC's home DJ resounded throughout the arena.
The fans also cheered in time with the DJ's shouts.
Zhao Chen did not let them down. When he was on the court, the Thunder was not a weak team.
Zhao Chen is using his skills to help the team.
"Carmelo, you go up and score as much as possible." Woodson patted Anthony on the shoulder and said.
Anthony nodded with a serious face.
This game was far from as easy as he imagined.
Without Kevin Durant and Westbrook, the Thunder are not a weak team that can be easily ravaged.
"JR Smith is a good player, but Zhao Chen is an All-Star player. There is still a big gap between a good player and an All-Star player." Kenny Smith said.
"Zhao did a good job. Not only did he pass the ball, he also used his personal ability to finish. This is exactly what a leader should do." Barkley said.
As the narrator says.
Zhao Chen fully explained the gap between him and JR Smith in the second quarter.
If Anthony's timely appearance had not helped the Knicks stabilize their offense, Zhao Chen might have led the Thunder to defeat the Knicks in the second quarter.
At the end of the second quarter, the score was 50-58.
The Thunder led by 8 points. Zhao Chen scored 20 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds in the first half.
Zhao Chen's outstanding performance ensured that the Thunder firmly suppressed the Knicks at home.
When Anthony and Woodson walked back to the locker room, they knew very well that if Zhao Chen's personal offense and passing were still unable to be prevented in the second half, it would only be a matter of time before the Knicks lost the game.
Zhao Chen did not return to the locker room immediately, but was stopped by reporters.
"Zhao, you and JR faced each other many times in the first half. How do you evaluate him?" asked a beautiful reporter from ESPN.
"The offense is okay, but he needs to work harder on defense." Zhao Chen said old-fashionedly.
The female reporter smiled and asked, "Do you think he is the best sixth man this season?"
Zhao Chen smiled and said, "It shouldn't be him."
The female reporter asked: "Who do you think it is?"
Zhao Chen replied: "Stand in front of you."
Maybe when reporters asked about MVP and scoring champion, Zhao Chen would not have such strong confidence, but he was only the best sixth man, so Zhao Chen was very confident.
Zhao Chen has a very confident and arrogant attitude in his heart.
As long as his personal data and team record improve, these will give him capital.
Now Zhao Chen has full confidence in winning the Knicks.
.....
In the dormitory of Domestic Communication College, Enna looked at Zhao Chen who was being interviewed and laughed.
Zhao Chen is very confident, very sunny, and has a good attitude.
Of course, being handsome is not what matters to her.
In the locker room.
Westbrook and Durant both took the initiative to come over and high-five Zhao Chen to celebrate.
Westbrook's injury is no problem and he can play in the next game.
"Zhao, if you maintain this state, we will dominate the West." Westbrook was confident.
"Yes, between the two of us plus you, no team can guard us." Durant also said excitedly.
Durant is very happy with Zhao Chen's rise.
Now Durant's goal for the NBA is just short of a championship.
Durant, like James back then, has entered the seven-year itch.
His strength is enough, but the team's strength is not enough, which has always troubled him deeply.
If he still can't win a championship during this contract period, Durant doesn't know what crazy things he will do.
He is so eager for the championship! !
"Everyone works hard together." Zhao Chen is as confident as Durant and Westbrook.
As long as there are no injuries, the Thunder are very likely to achieve their goals this season.
But regardless of the subsequent games, Zhao Chen still needs to focus on tonight.
Need to win the game tonight.
