The reason why a series is a series is that both sides can make adjustments after a game.
The Thunder and Lakers are both teams with strong adjustment capabilities.
........
Thunder locker room.
"Don't think that this is their home court, and if they win, it should be smooth. Look at the Houston Rockets. They forced themselves to the point where they had to win the third game, but they couldn't win. The fourth game ended directly. We There’s no mentality of letting them win at home, we can’t push ourselves into a showdown at our home court,” Donovan shouted.
Donovan knew exactly what kind of dilemma he would face if he allowed the Lakers to take a 2-0 lead back to La Hippo, Ohio.
When the time comes, G3 will really be a fight to the death, and he doesn't want to push the team to that point.
"Must win!!" Westbrook's eyes were full of fighting spirit.
"We're not going to lose," Durant shouted.
Westbrook and Durant have worked well together this season, which is also the source of the Thunder's progress.
Led by Westbrook and Durant, all the Thunder players walked toward the locker room door with encouragement.
"Kevin, we can beat Zhao, right?" Ibaka asked.
Since Zhao Chen moved to the Lakers, the Thunder have had nightmares every time they faced the Lakers.
This made the Thunder players lose half their momentum when they met Zhao Chen.
"Yes, I will definitely beat him." Durant said firmly.
Durant is much more mature than before...
Ibaka felt a little more at peace. After Zhao Chen left, Durant has been the boss of the Thunder, and his words make people feel reliable.
Looking at Ibaka walking out, Durant was a little tired.
Being a boss in the Thunder is not easy.
Could summer be a little more relaxing?
...........
After adjustments, G2 played very anxiously.
Players from both teams know each other well.
Along with Staples's high cheers, the Lakers' offense became more powerful.
In the first quarter of the game, Jokic and Booker played very proactively. They hit many shots and showed off their good touch.
However, Zhao Chen, who had a great touch in the last game, was a little quiet. Zhao Chen encountered what may be the strongest defense in history. Basically, Robertson, Westbrook, and Durant would attack him at any time.
When his teammates are in good condition, Zhao Chen also frequently plays the ball to take advantage of his containment power.
Although Zhao Chen doesn't score much, the Thunder dare not relax their defense against him at all.
On the Thunder side, the twin stars of Westbrook and Durant still shine. Compared with before, the current combination of kings and explosives is more stable, and their scoring methods are also rich and colorful. If Westbrook cannot make a shot, he will make more breakthroughs. Not to mention Durant, an offensive killer.
The Thunder's offensive power is no worse than the Lakers.
Jokic played great in the first half, but was quickly fouled by Westbrook for two consecutive fouls.
The Thunder's overall mental state is that they don't want to lose this game, and everyone is working hard.
Their hard work made this game look less like G2 and more like a tiebreaker.
In the last 2 minutes and 11 seconds of the first quarter, the two sides were tied at 28-28.
Scott took the initiative to stop the game.
The fans at Staples Center were cheering for the Lakers, and the fans could see how difficult the Thunder was.
It will not be easy for the Lakers to win this game.
"Today's Thunder played very tenaciously. The outburst of Westbrook and Durant in the last game was not accidental. They also made targeted adjustments. For example, they knocked down the Lakers' high inside Jokic. Today, about Kich is in great shape, but he is helpless. He was continuously attacked by Westbrook. After Jokic is gone, the Lakers' interior defense problem becomes even greater. Both Ibaka and Adams can provide the Lakers with both offense and defense. Causes huge trouble," Buckley said.
"Yes, Zhao Chen was severely restricted today. Robertson used his body to collide with Zhao Chen many times and stopped Zhao Chen from catching the ball at the cost of a foul," Smith said.
"Fortunately, Booker and Rose played much better today than in the last game. The two of them helped Zhao Chen share the pressure of the game, which also ensured that the Lakers did not fall behind at home. Of course, the Lakers' troubles were not solved. They There are still troubles inside, and neither Tucker, Yi Jianlian, nor Harrell can give the Lakers much support inside. What will happen to them next?" Barkley said with a long mouth.
The Lakers were indeed very passive on the court. If the other Lakers players weren't in good shape, they would have fallen behind in this game.
Scott didn't hesitate and sent Boban on.
Boban has been abandoned for a long time because many NBA teams have caught on to his weaknesses.
He can't play for long, but he can play for a while.
Boban stood up excitedly. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
The Lakers are full of talent, but his playing time is really too little.
During rotation time, Zhao Chen went over to encourage Boban and signaled him to play hard.
Zhao Chen didn't spend much physical energy on the court and could continue to lead the second lineup.
After returning from timeout.
Lakers offense.
Rose carried the ball across half court.
Boban moved to the right side, and the Thunder was forced to move defensively there.
Boban is too tall. If he doesn't defend and Rose gives him the ball, he can dunk directly.
Zhao Chen positioned himself on the left side.
Rose chose to give the ball to Zhao Chen.
The defensive player Zhao Chen relied on was Robertson. As soon as Zhao Chen got the ball, Durant's attack came.
Zhao Chen quickly passed it to Booker on the outside. Booker clicked it, attracting Durant's defense again, and then passed it back to Zhao Chen.
Booker can't beat Durant, but Zhao Chen can beat Robertson, as long as he can't be flanked before dribbling.
This time it was Robertson's one-on-one defense against Zhao Chen.
Durant did not attack again.
Zhao Chen observed the defense and then decisively launched the offense.
"boom!"
"boom!"
"boom!"
Zhao Chen pushed Robertson with a back blow.
Robertson pushed Zhao Chen with his chest, but stepped back step by step.
After Zhao Chen continued to exert force, he suddenly changed his rhythm and unloaded his force. Robertson exerted too much force. Zhao Chen leaned on Robertson and turned around to get rid of Robertson and go to the basket.
Under the basket was Ibaka's defense. Zhao Chen collected the ball and feinted for a layup. With a realistic fake move, Ibaka was fired up. After staggering the rhythm, he jumped into the air and grabbed the ball with one hand for a dunk!
"frame!!"
Although Ibaka has a height advantage, he can only watch Zhao Chen complete dunks when his rhythm is staggered.
Ibaka knew very well that he could not foul. If he fouled, the ball would probably be scored as two plus one by Zhao Chen.
"Zhao Chen's steps under the basket are outstanding."
"This goal is mainly due to the core strength. James can't push Robertson to eat him raw."
"Poor Robertson was beaten by Zhao Chen sitting down."
"Zhao Chen is awesome!"
Zhao Chen's low post attack has become a classic offensive move that many defenders want to learn.
Zhao Chen's footsteps are better than many insiders.
