After the game started in the fourth quarter, Brooks asked Westbrook to lead the team, and the overall rhythm did not change much. Although the Rockets were chasing points, their momentum was not strong.
Just when everyone thought the game would continue like this, something went wrong with 10 minutes and 11 seconds left in the game.
Westbrook was tackled by Beverley during a push.
Beverley's hugging movement was very big, and he was not rushing for the ball at all. Westbrook was knocked to the ground without any precautions.
This action made Westbrook feel violated.
After getting up, Westbrook was so angry that he rushed towards Beverley and pushed Beverley down.
Beverly immediately wanted to fight with Westbrook.
The referee quickly intervened and separated the two men.
The starting players on both sides also tried to persuade the two of them.
Seeing the conflict between Beverly and Westbrook, Zhao Chen on the sidelines was very anxious.
Beverley definitely committed a flagrant foul intentionally. In his previous life, this guy had too many conflicts with Westbrook. Because of this guy, Westbrook also suffered serious injuries.
Zhao Chen was anxious but it was of no use. When there was a conflict between players on the court, players off the court could not step on the floor, otherwise they would face suspension.
This is the playoffs, and Zhao Chen will not ignore the overall situation.
Westbrook appeared to be uninjured, which was a blessing.
After the referee took control of the situation, Westbrook and Beverley were ejected at the same time.
Beverley continued to provoke Westbrook after coming off the court.
"Shhh!!!"
"Shhh!!!"
There were boos at the scene.
Zhao Chen went over to greet Westbrook: "Are you okay?"
"It's okay, it's a joke." Westbrook said carelessly.
"Be careful with that guy in the future, he is a mad dog." Zhao Chen warned.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Don't let any accidents happen in tonight's game." Westbrook patted Zhao Chen instead.
Zhao Chen nodded and agreed.
Westbrook walked back to the locker room with his hands in the air and applauded.
Barkley said: "I wonder if this is going to be the turning point tonight?"
Smith said: "This is difficult. The Thunder have Durant and Zhao Chen, and they can control the situation."
Kenny Smith’s thoughts are similar to those of fans and other media.
Westbrook was replaced by Beverley, but the Thunder still had Zhao Chen and Durant.
This game is still leading by 20 points, so it's not a big problem.
On the sidelines, Brooks rotated personnel and sent Durant to lead the second team.
Zhao Chen scored very high in this game and consumed more energy. Brooks did not want to overly consume Zhao Chen when he was so far ahead.
If Durant can handle the game, then Zhao Chen won't even have to play.
Westbrook's dismissal did not disrupt Coach Brooks' rhythm.
Soon, Harden used a single on Lamb's step-back three-pointer to bring the point difference to within 20 points.
Afterwards, the Rockets immediately implemented a high-pressure press against the Thunder.
The Thunder team has been leading for a long time, and there has been a certain degree of relaxation.
Durant's next two consecutive waves of offense failed, and the Rockets chased the point difference to 15 points through consecutive free throws.
Without any hesitation, Brooks replaced Zhao Chen.
Brooks told Zhao Chen to control the rhythm.
Zhao Chen slowed down the rhythm, but the effect was not good.
Zhao Chen also had a series of missed shots. Harden and Howard hit a three-pointer and a dunk to narrow the point difference to 10 points! !
At this time, there are 6 minutes and 22 seconds left, and the score is 102 to 112.
The Rockets are fully capable of continuing to chase points in the remaining time.
Zhao Chen sensed the crisis and immediately dribbled the ball to the frontcourt and stopped the game.
"Don't give up, there is still hope in this game, just play like this." Harden immediately applauded and encouraged the Rockets players after the Thunder was stopped. Now Harden looks more like a leader.
.............
"James Harden and Dwight Howard stepped up in time, and the Rockets gave the Thunder a 17-2 attack wave." Barkley said.
"Westbrook's dismissal disrupted the Thunder's rhythm. Brooks's style of play was too conservative. Now let's see how to adjust." Kenny Smith said.
"Zhao Chen pressed the rhythm too slowly. Before he could control the time, he needed to increase the rhythm to a normal Thunder rhythm," Barkley said.
Zhao Chen also realized the problem Barkley mentioned.
Zhao Chen said to Brooks on the bench: "Coach, I don't think we need to control the rhythm deliberately. We need to score now."
Brooks pondered for a while and said, "What do you think?"
Zhao Chen said: "Try the pick-and-roll between me and KD."
Brooks asked Durant: "What do you think?"
Durant nodded and said, "You can give it a try."
Brooks said: "OK, let's play like this. You two attack in the same way as before. If the pick-and-roll fails, play mismatch and open up one-on-one. Now our first priority is to score, and others will open up the space."
Everyone in Thunder nodded.
The NBA playoffs are like this. There is no absolute certainty. If you are not careful, you will encounter backlash.
Standing on the court, Zhao Chen readjusted and took a deep breath to calm down.
Compared with other super giants, Zhao Chen has less experience in the playoffs, which sometimes leads to his slower tactical responses.
This cannot be easily changed by the system. Zhao Chen needs to experience the twists and turns of the playoffs step by step.
The fans at Chesapeake Energy Arena did not show any panic. They felt very relieved when they saw Zhao Chen and Durant.
The game resumes.
Zhao Chen catches the ball.
The continuous pursuit of points made the Rockets full of motivation.
Harden even wanted to reverse the game and slap the Thunder management in the face.
Harden led the defense against Zhao Chen, who dribbled to the top of the key.
Zhao Chen said hello, and Durant held up his hand.
Zhao Chen started dribbling around Durant.
Zhao Chen and Durant are both top shooters, and the Rockets are difficult to defend.
Zhao Chen returned the ball to Durant. Durant made a feint and strode in.
Parsons and Harden both focused on guarding Zhao Chen and Durant's shots, and Durant easily found the gap.
Howard is ready.
Harden and Parsons chased Durant at the same time.
Durant directly returned the points to Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen was absolutely open at the top of the arc, and the pick-and-roll tactics between the two still required three points. This was something Zhao Chen and Durant had discussed in advance, otherwise Durant would have definitely hit the ball on his own when the three of them flanked him.
Zhao Chen caught the ball and had enough time to adjust before taking action.
Harden's eyes widened when he saw Zhao Chen shooting such an easy ball from the open position, but he couldn't pounce on it.
"Uh-huh!"
The knife falls from the hand! !
102 to 115! !
"When the league's top and second scorers are willing to cooperate, they will have many unsolvable offensive tactics." Yu Jia said.
"Durant's attack tore apart the Rockets' defense, and Zhao Chen's three-pointer stabilized the situation!!" Zhang Weiping shouted.
