The Thunder did not slow down the pace as expected to compete with the Lakers, but ended the offense with a very fast offensive rhythm.
This offensive rhythm is different from the regular season. It is obviously a targeted change. Under such a running situation, Durant's talent advantage is brought to the extreme. It is impossible for Covington to guard Durant one-on-one. .
Lakers offense.
The Lakers' pace is also very fast, but their speed is not that of running and gunning.
The Lakers' speed lies in the moment when their opponent makes a mistake and when the opponent misses a long shot!
Zhao Chen's explosive power will detonate instantly at that time.
"attack!"
"attack!"
"Kill them!"
"Kick their ass."
The fans in Los Angeles were very vocal.
Lakers fans are very picky, and they are not satisfied with watching the game against the Rockets. They hope to see the Thunder cause some trouble for the Lakers, and it is best to play more home games.
Watching two games in one round is really too little.
Zhao Chen takes the ball and advances, and his good psychological quality makes Zhao Chen look very calm.
Westbrook came over to fight with Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen gave the ball to Kobe first.
Kobe gave the ball to Jokic again.
Zhao Chen inserted it diagonally from a 45-degree position on the right, and then used Tucker's cover to circle to the left to catch the ball.
The Lakers' tactics in the playoffs are very clear, which is to beat Zhao Chen.
The Thunder used unlimited switching to defend Zhao Chen, and it was Robertson who followed Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen's receiving position is to step on the three-point line to receive the ball.
Facing this former teammate, Zhao Chen made a three-threat move with the ball behind his back.
Seeing Zhao Chen holding the ball, the fans at the scene jumped and cheered.
Lakers fans love to watch MVP play.
Robertson's defense has grown to the top level this season, and he was selected to the All-Defensive First Team.
It can be seen that his defensive ability has been officially recognized.
This position was not suitable for a back attack, so Zhao Chen immediately leaned over and turned around to attack from behind.
Robertson applauded Zhao Chen and shouted: "Zhao, come and attack, I won't let you score easily like before."
Robertson's confidence in being selected for the All-Defensive Team has been greatly increased. This selection also means that he is one of the most likely candidates in the league to guard Zhao Chen.
Of course, it's just possible...
Robertson raised his hands confidently and puffed out his chest to confront Zhao Chen.
"boom!"
Zhao Chen did not rush to release the ball, but gave Robertson a confrontation.
Now against the small forward, Zhao Chen also has a clear advantage in physical confrontation.
Robertson felt a little pain, he didn't expect Zhao Chen's muscles to be so strong.
Covington's inward cut was blocked, Jokic was stuck by Adams, and Kobe and Tucker were not in good positions.
Zhao Chen no longer hesitated and came by himself.
"boom!"
Zhao Chen took the initiative to give Robertson a counterattack, and then quickly started to open up the dribbling space.
Robertson was not knocked out of the way and he pounced quickly.
Zhao Chen dribbled with his back and changed direction to the left. Robertson judged that Zhao Chen would rush to the left and quickly changed his center of gravity.
Zhao Chen smiled, then quickly swatted the ball from the left to the right, followed by a step back.
With two simple dribbles, Robertson was knocked away!
A step-back three-point shot!
The basketball draws a wonderful arc.
"Uh-huh!"
The basketball goes through the heart and into the net.
2 to 3.
After scoring the goal, Zhao Chen opened his hands and raised them high, and then said to Robertson: "Andre, you still need to work hard."
Robertson was very depressed. The ball was completely passed by Zhao Chen.
When Zhao Chen has the advantage in physical confrontation, his technical advantage can be maximized, which makes Robertson's defense very passive.
"Don't worry about the gains and losses of individual shots, keep your confidence." Westbrook came over and patted Robertson's butt to comfort him.
It is easy to lose confidence when defending Zhao Chen.
"I know." Robertson nodded, quickly adjusting his rhythm and calming down.
He didn't want to give in easily.
Thunder offense.
Westbrook continues to advance at a brisk pace.
"They're too fast." Jokic muttered, not liking the running-around offense.
The Lakers' players got into position very quickly, and there was no gap like just now.
The Thunder's tactics are very different from before. There are a lot more cuts inside. Robertson and Ibaka are cutting inside from the baseline. Then Durant doesn't stand to catch the ball, but runs to catch the ball. .
Zhao Chen constantly stepped forward to interfere with Westbrook's organization.
Ibaka's sudden move blocked Zhao Chen, Westbrook burst past Zhao Chen in one step, and Tucker quickly assisted in defense.
Covington's attention was also attracted to Westbrook.
There is a small gap in the bottom corner on Durant's left side.
"Oops!"
Zhao Chen knew Covington was in trouble as soon as he saw Covington's position.
Sure enough, Westbrook threw the ball in Durant's direction.
Durant caught the ball without any hesitation and took a decisive shot from the corner three-pointer.
It was too late for Zhao Chen to pounce again.
The basketball draws an arc.
"Uh-huh!"
Drilling the frame successfully!
5 to 3.
Durant's long-range shot shows its power.
After passing the first round, Durant is obviously more confident.
Now Covington can't guard against Durant like this.
Scott off the court also discovered this, and Covington was about to be blown away by Durant.
Durant and Covington would not stop and play, but move and play like this.
This kind of attack is even more unpredictable!
Covington felt tremendous pressure, Zhao Chen went over and patted him on the shoulder, briefly comforting him.
Lakers offense.
Zhao Chen dribbled the ball past half court.
Arriving in the frontcourt, Zhao Chen gave the ball to Jokic first.
Zhao Chen continued to run around the screen.
Jokic did not find the best opportunity for Zhao Chen. Jokic was let go by Adams from outside the three-point line.
Jokic himself made a three-pointer from the top of the arc.
This was an open shot, but unfortunately, Jokic's shot hit the back frame and missed.
The rebound was obtained by Adams.
Adams passes the ball to Westbrook
Westbrook advanced to the frontcourt at high speed and continued to feed the running Durant.
This time Covington's defense was in place, but Durant ignored Covington and shot a three-pointer after catching the ball!
Facial cumshot!
Covington raised his hand to interfere.
but!
"Uh-huh!"
Durant's three-pointer soared ruthlessly!
8 to 3.
Staples Center is quiet.
Durant scored 8 points in a row at the beginning.
"pause!!"
Scott immediately called a halt to the game.
The Lakers' overall defensive performance was not good, and Zhao Chen did not receive the ball in every round, which allowed the Thunder to show momentum at the start.
"It can be seen from the opening situation that the Lakers are still in the rhythm of competing with the Rockets, while the Thunder are obviously different from the Rockets. They are stronger."
"Covington can't guard the current Durant. Durant has already found a way to deal with him."
"Westbrook's performance was very calm and created a good offensive opportunity for Durant."
Zhang Weiping pointed out the key points on the court.
On the sidelines, Scott made substitutions during the timeout.
Rose was sent to play point guard, and Zhao Chen was placed at the small forward position to directly confront Durant.
