"Zhao Chen's offense affected the Rockets' defense, causing Capela to be very passive when Jokic received the ball." Smith said.
"Yes, there is no way. After Beverley was passed by Zhao Chen for the first time, the Rockets' defense was in chaos. Zhao Chen and Jokic are both very smart players. They can use the least effort to pass the ball. Get it to the basket," Barkley said.
Coach Scott on the sidelines was relieved to see the cooperation between Zhao Chen and Jokic.
The Lakers are still the same Lakers in the regular season, and the Rockets' interior defense has not become tighter just because they entered the playoffs.
The heights of Howard and Capela are indeed intimidating, but there are still a lot of gaps inside.
Howard is too slow and his movements are a bit sluggish, while Capela, although talented, lacks defensive experience.
The two teams started off in good offensive shape, and both teams were very anxious at the beginning.
Harden soon opened up, constantly hitting breakthroughs and stepbacks.
Zhao Chen would also respond when Harden hit, and neither team could open the score.
Scott and McHale also continue to rotate personnel.
The coaching staff on both sides also tried their best to interpret the opponent's tactics.
Jokic left the game after playing for about 5 minutes. He was fouled twice by Harden.
The replacement Harrell was unable to limit the alternating attacks of Howard and Capela, and the Rockets continuously grabbed offensive rebounds.
At this time, the Rockets turned the inside line into the main force.
Without Jokic on the Lakers' side, other players will rely more on Zhao Chen's organization and offense.
Fortunately, Zhao Chen's own condition is very stable, he hit two consecutive step-back three-pointers, and he can also hit open shots after attracting a double attack and passing the ball to his teammates.
Zhao Chen came off the field with 3 minutes left in the first quarter, and Booker and Rose became the main attackers.
The two were in good shape, which also ensured that the Lakers had an advantage at the end of the first quarter.
28 to 32, the Lakers lead by 4 points at home.
Zhao Chen scored 14 points and 5 assists in the first quarter, and Kobe Bryant scored 6 points. He was in good condition.
"The offensive rhythm of both teams is very smooth, and both teams have displayed their own characteristics. Of course, the Rockets' overall condition looks better."
"Jokic's premature dismissal caused some trouble for the Lakers inside, otherwise their lead would have been even more points."
"Yes, the Lakers' big men are not as tall as the Rockets' big men. This is also one of the Rockets' advantages. Of course, this advantage will not be obvious."
Howard scored 10 points in a single quarter and Capela scored 8 points in a single quarter. The two scored 18 points in the paint. This also means that the Lakers are under great pressure inside.
"If Dwight and Capela want to dunk, you can pull them down." Scott shouted at Ah Lian and Harrell.
"OK!"
"no problem!"
Scott feels that the Lakers' interior defense is too soft and needs to be aggressive.
McHale continued to emphasize the defense of Zhao Chen. Zhao Chen scored and assisted easily. This is not a good phenomenon.
The game started quickly in the second quarter.
Zhao Chen, Rose, Booker, Alian and Harrell appear.
The Lakers' lineup looks like the second lineup, but it is not much different from the first lineup, and the offensive power is still the same.
The Rockets are still led by Harden and Beverley, with Howard resting and Capela assuming the center position.
The Lakers have a lot of people available, while the Rockets have fewer people available, which can only increase the main players' playing time.
The Lakers' offensive possession.
Rose brought the ball across the frontcourt to Zhao Chen. As soon as Zhao Chen got the ball, he was flanked!
Zhao Chen did not try to break the trap, but quickly gave the ball back to Ross.
The defense that Zhao Chen encountered was indeed strengthened, and Rose was also unmoved.
A change of direction passed Beverley and accelerated in.
Rose's impact immediately shifted the Rockets' defensive attention to him.
Capela interfered a lot in the paint, Rose passed the ball out again, and Zhao Chen got it.
Zhao Chen took the ball and continued to attack, accelerating past Harden in seconds, but Harden couldn't keep up with Zhao Chen's first step.
Zhao Chen passed the ball very easily. After Zhao Chen passed Harden, the defensive attention continued to focus on Zhao Chen.
Motel and Capela were flanked inside, and Zhao Chen hit the ground and passed the ball to the Arab League behind him.
The UAE was completely left open at the free throw line.
After receiving the ball, Ah Lian made a steady jump shot!
After playing with the Lakers for a season, Ah Lian knows what he can do.
Perfect trajectory!
"Uh-huh!"
28 to 34.
"The United Arab Emirates are making greater and greater progress, and they are no longer shaky in the playoffs."
"Haha, the main thing for UAE is self-confidence."
"One word, stable!"
"Emperor Yi is awesome!"
Domestic fans have been tapping the barrage.
This was the UAE's first playoff score, coming from an assist from Zhao Chen.
"Good shot." Zhao Chen turned around and gave Ah Lian a high-five.
Ah Lian also nodded excitedly towards Zhao Chen.
The Rockets' offensive rhythm is not fast, and Harden likes to wait for eight seconds to complete the half.
This is a habit brought in during the regular season.
Zhao Chen was a bit bad and pounced when Harden was about to pass halftime.
Harden dribbled the ball and retreated to avoid Zhao Chen's tackle.
He dodged the tackle, but with this step back, Harden violated the rule eight seconds into the half!
"Fuck, you made me laugh so hard."
"Finally someone came to deal with Harden."
"Zhao Chen is Harden's nemesis. Harden doesn't dare to play tricks with Zhao Chen, and now he is being treated like this again."
The fans burst into laughter.
Zhao Chen was also happy, but he didn't expect it to be successful.
McHale yelled at Harden on the sidelines: "Farke, James, this is the playoffs. Can you, Farke, push faster? Don't push for eight seconds."
Harden's cute expression ignored the coach, and his beard covered up his emotions.
James gave the ball back to the referee and the Lakers had the ball.
Rose received the ball and broke through the perimeter defenses of Beverley and Harden.
Still a sudden score, Rose passed it to Booker, and Booker transferred the ball to Zhao Chen without stopping.
After Zhao Chen got the ball, he immediately attracted the Rockets' attack. Zhao Chen did not continue to rush in, but sent the ball directly to the right side of the basket.
Harrell made an air cut and jumped up to receive Zhao Chen's pass!
At the highest point, he smashed violently with both hands!
"frame!!"
28 to 36.
The fans at Staples Arena were shocked by the alley-oop connection between Zhao Chen and Harrell.
This was a pass that no one expected.
Harrell's inside cut was so subtle that the fans thought Zhao Chen was going to fight it himself.
Lakers fans erupted in screams.
"Alley dunk, Zhao Chen and Harrell connected."
"Zhao Chen's passing awareness and Harrell's cutting awareness are perfectly combined."
"No one could have imagined that Zhao Chen would give the ball to Harrell like this. This ball is so surprising."
Barkley and Smith were shouting too.
On the court, Harrell shouted to Zhao Chen after he pulled the frame with both hands and landed on the ground.
"Everyone thought that Zhao Chen was going to attack, but no one thought that he was still making wedding clothes for his teammates. The ball was passed just right. Zhao Chen showed his strength as the assist king to the entire league."
Zhao Chen also encouraged Harrell.
This kind of alley-oop is Harrell's favorite offensive method.
