............
A large number of singles can easily stagnate the offensive rhythm.
The Thunder had too many singles in the second quarter. As soon as the touch of the Thunder's Big Three dropped slightly, they fell into this situation.
Of course, the most critical thing is that while the Warriors are increasing their intensity, they are also shooting three-pointers.
This is also the root cause of the Thunder's lagging behind.
Zhao Chen contributed 30 points and 7 assists in the first half. Zhao Chen's offensive support is the biggest hope of Thunder fans.
Except for Zhao Chen, the other players felt incredibly sluggish in the away game.
Durant made 1 of 9, Westbrook made 2 of 10, and Lamb made 2 of 6.
After coming to the away game, they also became uncomfortable.
In the locker room passage, the Thunder's atmosphere was solemn.
Zhao Chen was also in a bad mood.
His numbers were good, but he didn't give the team a lead, which was of little use to him.
In the locker room, Brooks yelled at Zhao Chen: "You distribute the ball so much, so what are you going to do with singles tactics?"
"The ball needs to be in your hands."
Brooks repeatedly emphasized to Zhao Chen.
In today's game, Brooks didn't want the tactics to be the same as before. Zhao Chen played well at the beginning, but later on, he played too ugly and split the ball between the two sides.
Zhao Chen did a great job with the ball, but others couldn't make the shot.
Brooks was unhappy when he failed to make a shot and was counterattacked. He fell behind by 16 points at halftime.
"Don't pass the ball even if you're double-teamed. Isn't your dribbling good? If not, let Russell hit him." Brooks said fiercely.
Brooks is very aware of Zhao Chen's personal abilities. Zhao Chen will limit himself when he plays reasonable ball. Now he is needed to play unreasonable offense.
"Well, I know, I will find a way to get the ball in." Zhao Chen nodded.
Zhao Chen occasionally shows his rookie side.
It's just that sometimes he doesn't know how powerful he is.
Seeing that Zhao Chen understood what he meant, Brooks stopped emphasizing.
Zhao Chen looked at his teammates.
Durant didn't say a word. This game was originally Durant's resting place, and his playing time was cut into pieces. It's strange that Durant can be in good shape like this.
Westbrook was busy with his own business in front of the closet.
Westbrook's condition is also not good. This is also because he often gives up opportunities to Zhao Chen, and he doesn't have much chance to adjust.
After looking at his teammates for a while, Zhao Chen took the initiative to stand up and boost morale.
"It's not time to give up in this game yet, our goal is to beat them!"
"I will strengthen my offense in the second half of the game. If I am defensive, we have to work together!"
"Give me cover, I'm going to kill them."
Zhao Chen began to talk eloquently.
Zhao Chen rarely did this, but his teammates still screamed out of respect.
"Rookie, it's up to you, come on."
"Zhao, if we score another 70 points tonight, we will have a chance."
"Come on!!!"
The Thunder players also cooperated with Zhao Chen tacitly.
Brooks looked at Zhao Chen with relief in his eyes.
If Zhao Chen stays for a few more seasons, he will be a great team leader.
Trailing by 16 points, if Zhao Chen no longer fights, this game will be really dangerous.
No one in G4 can guarantee how the injured Durant and Ibaka will return.
So it’s impossible to give up tonight!
After motivating his teammates, Zhao Chen came out of the locker room a little early.
"Zhao, come on, I always believe in you."
"You are the best."
At the entrance of the players' tunnel, Thunder fans were shouting at Zhao Chen.
These are die-hard Thunder fans who came from Oklahoma City to support the Thunder.
Zhao Chen also nodded towards them after hearing these cheering sounds.
On the other side, Curry also came out early, and he was ready to practice three-pointers again.
Green also came out behind Curry. Green said: "Stephen, don't be so cautious, this ball is won."
Curry replied: "The game is forty-eight minutes."
This is the playoffs, is a 16-point lead a lot?
It's just a matter of five three-pointers. Five three-pointers is not difficult for Zhao Chen.
.........
The second half of the game started quickly.
Thunder starting lineup: Zhao Chen, Westbrook, Sefolosha, Robertson, Adams.
Zhao Chen was moved to the point guard position, mainly controlling the ball, while Westbrook played a defensive role.
Westbrook's mid-range shooting percentage this season is okay, and the Warriors don't dare to let him go completely.
On the Warriors side, Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Iguodala, Green.
They used Death Five.
The Warriors pursue speed and transition, and they got the benefit of the doubt in the second quarter. They wanted to take the opportunity to kill the Thunder.
The Warriors kicked off the third quarter.
Curry brought the ball across half court and across the frontcourt.
Curry passed the ball to Thompson who ran out.
Thompson simply made a three-pointer against Zhao Chen's defense.
Much ahead, Thompson also hit a strong pitch. Thompson wanted to get one in front of Zhao Chen.
"frame!!"
"Shua!!"
53 to 72.
The basketball hit the rim and still fell in.
With a 19-point difference, the Warriors had their largest lead in the opening game.
Cheers erupted from the scene, and the momentum of Warriors fans reached its climax.
Thompson also nodded towards Zhao Chen: "You couldn't guard me, I made the shot."
Thompson vented his frustration at being beaten in various ways by Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen did not answer, but took the serve with a serious face.
After getting the ball, Zhao Chen directly accelerated and Thompson defended Zhao Chen on the spot.
Zhao Chen used a change of direction to pass Thompson at high speed.
Iguodala and Green's double attack.
Zhao Chen accelerated a second time and rushed through the attack between the two men.
Iguodala hit Zhao Chen hard, and Zhao Chen lost his balance and threw the ball.
"Beep!"
"Uh-huh!"
Two plus one! ! !
55 to 72.
Zhao Chen's response was also very decisive, and the momentum at the scene was contained.
Zhao Chen stood up and took a free throw!
"Uh-huh!"
The extra penalty is a sure hit!
56 to 72.
"Zhao Chen really gritted his teeth and rushed forward."
"This ball is so beautiful!!"
"The Warriors' defense is really unstoppable. Zhao Chen is one against three."
"A ball like this can go in, it's too horizontal."
Zhao Chen's off-balance shot proved his ability to combine man and ball and his soft touch.
"Well done!!" Brooks applauded from the sidelines. He just wanted to see Zhao Chen attack like this.
Zhao Chen high-fived his teammates on the court and then began to set up defense.
The Thunder's defensive look is different from the first half. Every player is pressing the defender.
This is the change brought about by Zhao Chen's response goal.
The pressing defense soon had an effect. Curry passed the ball to Iguodala, and when Iguodala passed it to Thompson, Thompson dribbled down first and committed a walking violation.
Thompson's poor dribbling side shows up under high-pressure defense.
He is not suitable for dribbling.