............
Looking at the game, the team's 7-point advantage suddenly turned into a 1-point deficit.
This feeling is difficult for McHale.
Harden's eyes were also dull. His two consecutive mistakes created the Thunder's climax.
The two super scorers on the opposite side are too strong, and Harden is very weak.
After the timeout, the game became anxious again.
At the last moment, the pick-and-roll between Zhao Chen and Durant once again showed its power.
After two consecutive pick-and-rolls, the two fired shots from outside the three-point line, which made the fans at the scene despair! !
In the last two minutes, Zhao Chen scored 1 three-pointer and Durant scored 2 three-pointers to take away the game.
The score was settled at 125 to 121.
The Thunder settled the big score at 3-0.
Zhao Chen scored 38 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks tonight.
Durant scored 43 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
In addition to the two, the Thunder's role players also performed their best performance in the series. Their combined score finally reached 40.
After experiencing the first round of the series, Zhao Chen knew what this meant.
This means that for the second consecutive round they are leading 3-0.
It's just that it all seems a bit dreamy.
"This is a win." Westbrook muttered to himself off the court. This was the easiest playoff promotion he had ever experienced.
"Yes, this is a win." Veteran Perkins responded to Westbrook.
The Thunder defeated the Rockets without using all their strength. Even if Westbrook was given up, the Rockets still could not stop the Thunder's offense.
In the next game, Westbrook will come back, giving the Rockets only despair.
Howard wiped the sweat from his forehead, he was very reluctant.
Obviously the Rockets have an advantage inside, but they just can't win.
In this game, the Thunder shot 52% from the field, including 55% from three-point range.
Durant and Zhao Chen pushed the Rockets into the abyss with three-pointers.
Howard has always been unwilling to admit that the era of the inside is gone.
"Go prepare for the next game." Jeremy Lin patted Howard on the back.
This series is too difficult for the Rockets.
Harden covered himself with a towel and walked directly to the locker room.
Harden didn't have much trouble in his heart, and he had nothing to say after losing this game.
After the game, reporters on the sidelines finally stopped Zhao Chen for an interview.
Zhao Chen said excitedly: "Our efforts have paid off. When the situation fell into a passive situation, we did not give up easily. Everyone united together and everyone did their job well... "
Zhao Chen's interviews are now very official. They do not highlight the role of the superstar, but attribute the victory to the entire team.
The reporter asked: "You will complete the sweep of the Rockets, right?"
Zhao Chen nodded and said: "Yes!"
Zhao Chen did not hide his inner desire to sweep the Rockets.
As long as they win one more game, they will be within reach of the Western Conference Finals.
I don’t know if Paul is envious or not.
The reporter asked: "There is news from a source that you will leave the Thunder after this season. Is this true?"
Zhao Chen said: "I don't know where you got the source of the information. I haven't thought about it clearly yet."
The reporter asked: "Do you have any doubts about renewing with the Thunder?"
Zhao Chen said: "No, no, all this will be answered in the summer. Now I am focused on competing for the championship for the team."
As summer approaches, there are more and more news about transactions, signings, etc., and there are more and more rumors surrounding Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen, who only has a one-year contract, is undoubtedly a big fish in the free market. Whether he leaves the team will be enough to affect the pattern of the league.
If a strong team gets Zhao Chen, it is equivalent to becoming a championship contending team, and if a weak team gets Zhao Chen, it is equivalent to getting the cornerstone of the team.
All this is enough to make major general managers crazy.
On the TNT commentary desk, Barkley and Smith were also discussing Zhao Chen's fate.
After the Thunder defeated the Rockets tonight, this series is a foregone conclusion. The result of the series is not as interesting as where Zhao Chen will go.
Smith asked: "Charles, do you think Zhao will leave the Thunder?"
"There's a good chance he's going to leave," Barkley said.
Smith asked, "Why?"
Barkley said: "Didn't you notice that Zhao didn't give any commitment to stay on the team?"
Smith nodded after thinking.
Barkley said: "For Zhao, not giving a commitment to stay on the team means that he is more likely to leave the team. Moreover, the Thunder have other factors that may cause him to leave."
Smith asked, "What factors?"
Barkley said: "The first is salary space. The Thunder can't afford the maximum salary. If they want to provide the maximum salary, the Thunder will probably send Ibaka and several important role players. In the end, the Thunder's Big Three will stay and become the Heat. That way, other than the Big Three, every other position is below league average.”
"Then Westbrook and Durant!"
"oh?"
"Zhao is not a player who wants to be the second and third child. He wants to be the core of the team."
"How did you tell?"
"This guy's personality and eyes are very similar to Kobe's."
"He can play two more seasons with the Thunder and have a chance to build a dynasty."
"I'm afraid he can't wait for two seasons. If he wins the championship this year, leaving is almost inevitable."
"So you are saying that if you want Zhao to stay, then the Thunder will fail to win the championship this year."
"Yes, if he fails to win the championship, Zhao will 100% stay on the team!"
Barkley's analysis of Zhao Chen aroused discussion among fans.
"I hope Zhao Chen stays with the Thunder. If the Thunder retain the Big Three, they will be a championship-level team."
"It's so exciting to watch the playoffs for the first time. Zhao Chen can play his greatest role in the Thunder."
"Zhao Chen stays in Thunder!"
"Zhao Chen stays in Thunder!"
Most fans support Zhao Chen staying in the Thunder.
Today's fans have a natural affinity for the Thunder, and the Thunder are their home team.
Interview at the post-match press conference.
Brooks also praised Durant and Zhao Chen.
"We have two of the top five players in the league, and they lead us to wins, and of course, it's not just them, everyone played great."
Brooks' excitement can be seen on his face. A 3-0 lead means half a foot in advance to the Western Conference Finals!
As long as they win one more round, they will be back in the finals.
Since the regrettable loss in 2012, Coach Brooks has dreamed of returning to that stage. He believes that the Thunder deserve a championship!
Durant also told reporters: "We will sweep, we will enter the Western Conference Finals, we will enter the Finals, and finally win the championship!!"
Durant felt that the pick-and-roll tactics between him and Zhao Chen worked, and he was closer to the bath water.
Westbrook wore a red suit for an interview today: "I know you all want to say that I won by lying down. You are right, I won by lying down. I enjoy the result very much."
