Howard struggled when he rotated the lineup, but played well at other times.
He scored 20 points and 9 rebounds in the first half, and the Thunder's inside line once again faced a severe challenge.
The advantage of the Thunder is the outside. Whether it is Zhao Chen or Durant, their outside firepower is full, so that the two of them can attract the attention of the Rockets team as soon as they get the ball later.
It's just that the Thunder did a good job sharing the ball today, especially the connection between Zhao Chen and Durant, which made the Rockets' defense miserable.
Zhao Chen and Durant's offensive methods are too comprehensive and they are good at breaking out and shooting. Once their hands are open, they can't hold back.
Zhao Chen scored 24 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in the first half, and Durant scored 28 points and 5 rebounds.
Fortunately for the Rockets, in addition to Howard, Harden also performed well. Harden scored 18 points and 6 assists, which also allowed them to keep up with the Thunder's offensive rhythm.
The tactics of both teams are actually similar, both are singles or pick-and-rolls instigated by super giants.
This kind of offense often depends on the Super Giant's own offensive ability. If the Super Giant's offensive ability is reliable, then the game will become very exciting.
This game was great to watch.
Rockets locker room.
Harden took the initiative and said to McHale: "Coach, we need to change our tactics, otherwise it will be difficult to win this game."
The presence of Zhao Chen and Durant made Harden feel depressed.
That is, no matter how he attacks, these two people can respond to him.
Their offense is not inferior to their own. If it were one player, Harden would still be very confident, but if there were two opponents, it would be very difficult.
McHale did not hesitate to arrange: "As long as KD and Zhao hold the ball, they will attack directly. Increase the intensity and don't make them so comfortable."
McHale has been dissatisfied with the Rockets' defensive intensity.
The Rockets' problem is not that they can't attack, but that they can't defend.
Harden also came out and said: "Yes, we must attack from a double flank. It is best to prevent them from catching the ball."
Harden has been very proactive in this series.
Everyone can see that he just doesn't want to lose to the Thunder.
Thunder hurt him too much.
"There is no problem with KD double-teaming, but if Zhao is double-teamed, he will distribute the ball very quickly." Parsons put forward his own opinion.
"Except for his passing to KD, we don't have to worry about anyone else," McHale said.
Zhao Chen's scoring ability is still greater than his assisting ability, and assists also depend to a large extent on the pie-eating ability of his teammates.
To be honest, except for Zhao Chen and Durant's offense, the Thunder are not afraid of anyone else's offense at all.
The atmosphere in the visiting team's locker room was as serious as it had been in the previous game.
The home team's locker room is very cheerful.
Ibaka was massaging Zhao Chen's shoulders: "Zhao, feed me some cakes too. I'll arrange two girls for you to fly together."
Robertson said: "You just talk every day and never take action. You have no sincerity at all."
Ibaka said: "No way, as long as Zhao opens his mouth, there will be girls willing to get in your car after the game."
Zhao Chen said: "Two are not enough, we need ten or eight."
Ibaka smiled and said, "Can you bear it?"
Robertson said: "Zhao can definitely bear it. Look at him, he didn't blush even during the first half."
....
Zhao Chen didn't make too many jokes with these two people and dismissed them casually.
He played the entire first half and was really tired.
Brooks was very satisfied with the team's performance in the first half, especially Zhao Chen, who perfectly filled Westbrook's role.
Score, assist, and rebound.
Brooks did not rearrange the tactics, just let the team play according to the rhythm of the first half.
In the second half of the game, Brooks did not dare to let Zhao Chen off the court. The Rockets would definitely attack in the second half, and the Thunder needed to withstand it. He could only continue to let Zhao Chen stay on the court.
Zhao Chen, Sefolosha, Durant, Ibaka, Adams, this is the Thunder's lineup in the third quarter.
It's still the Rockets' ball rights.
Harden walked the ball across half court.
Zhao Chen smiled. He could see that Harden wanted to compare his success rate and turn the game into a one-on-one match for him.
If Harden reaches his peak, Zhao Chen thinks he has some hope.
But Brother Deng is not yet at his peak, Durant is at his peak, plus himself.
Zhao Chen is very confident that he can defeat the Rockets.
After Harden asked the people to disperse at the top of the key, Howard came up.
Sefolosha chased Harden around the screen. After Harden was interfered with, he gave the ball to Howard.
Howard wants to beat Ibaka inside.
But unfortunately, Ibaka is now more talented than Howard. When Howard gets the ball, he needs to attack the frame.
Ibaka put his hand on the ball and covered the ball directly.
Ibaka's blocked ball fell into Robertson's hands.
Robertson threw the ball to the frontcourt with great force. The ball was passed very hard. Zhao Chen gritted his teeth and rushed forward to barely catch the ball.
After receiving the ball, the Rockets' defense was in place, and both Parsons and Harden returned to the three-point line.
Before they could react much, Zhao Chen took the ball and bounced it up.
Neither Harden nor Parsons expected Zhao Chen's shooting to be so fast.
Two meters beyond the three-point line?
Not even a little bit lucky!
This ball doesn’t make sense!
However, this ball is just unreasonable.
"frame!"
"Uh-huh!"
58 to 71.
The Thunder continued to widen the point difference.
As soon as the goal was scored, Zhao Chen’s MVP shouts rang out one after another.
Zhao Chen on the court also returned to defense with a celebratory gesture.
Durant excitedly went over to high-five Zhao Chen to celebrate.
Although Westbrook is not here, Durant feels safe and reliable.
Zhao Chen's performance shows at all times that he will be Durant's best helper on his way to winning the championship.
Rockets offense.
Harden didn't give Howard the ball, he chose to trust himself.
Harden broke through with the help of Howard's pick-and-roll.
Harden caused Adams's defensive foul.
Harden stepped to the free throw line and made both free throws.
60 to 71.
Thunder offense.
Zhao Chen took the ball and advanced quickly.
The Rockets wanted to take advantage of their inside advantage, but Zhao Chen didn't want them to do so.
Zhao Chen sent the ball directly to Adams who was downhill at high speed.
Adams completed an alley-oop dunk.
Zhao Chen and Durant attracted too much defense.
60 to 73.
The Thunder continued to suppress the Rockets.
"Zhao Chen's passing is also a huge threat. With his connection, the Thunder's role players can also perform more." Barkley shouted.
McHale was a little frustrated off the court. Although he emphasized defense, the team's defense was still vulnerable.
Zhao Chen can easily find a defensive gap and break through the defense directly.
Zhao Chen high-fived Adams.
After beating the Grizzlies and then fighting the Rockets, it's like the difficulty level has dropped to easy level.
The Grizzlies' defense is engraved in their bones, while the Rockets' defense is just a formality.
It will be very easy to fight like this.
