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Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The pre-match press conference before the start of G4.
Compared to the pre-match press conference of the previous game.
Thunder coach Donovan was obviously in a much happier mood.
1 to 2 and 0 to 3 are completely different attitudes.
Donovan said: "We need to admit that they still have an advantage over us. We still face a very difficult situation in this series. Of course, I also need to tell my players that we can beat them."
Lakers head coach Scott said: "We were too careless. This situation will not happen again tonight. Coach Donovan taught me a lesson. I think it is time to apply this lesson."
Westbrook faced reporters and said: "Do you think beating them once is happy enough? I would rather beat them in the series."
Durant also said: "They will fight back, and they will not give us the victory easily."
Both Westbrook and Durant know Zhao Chen's character.
Zhao Chen has the kind of personality that he will work hard to get back after he has been taught a lesson.
Zhao Chen said to reporters: "It is my responsibility to lose the last game. Tonight, we will take back everything we lost."
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After the interview, everything went smoothly.
This game puts a lot of pressure on the Lakers.
The last game was the Lakers' first loss in the playoffs this year, which made them understand that they are not invincible and need to be prepared at all times.
If this game is won again by the Thunder, they will go back to play Tianwangshan at home with a score of 2-2. This is a situation that no one wants to see.
Everyone in the Lakers felt the cruelty of the playoffs.
After losing a game, everyone's mentality also quietly changed.
The overall atmosphere was tense.
"Hey guys, don't be too nervous. It's just a game. We will lose sooner or later. No one can achieve 16 wins and 0 losses. All we need to do is focus on the game every night. Believe me, we will get there. Finally." Seeing that the atmosphere in the locker room was a bit solemn, Kobe took the initiative to come out and tell everyone.
"Our strength is better than theirs. We only need to use the game on the field to answer the doubts from the outside world." Zhao Chen also said.
"Do your own thing and don't think too much," Rose said.
The Lakers veterans came out to express their opinions one after another, and the overall atmosphere changed slightly.
Normally, losing a game wouldn't be like this. It's just because the Lakers have lost so few games that they can't afford to lose.
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TNT commentators also came to the scene to explain the game.
"Zhao is under a lot of pressure tonight. Let's see if he can get his form back. His performance is crucial to the Lakers."
"Zhao's performance has been stable throughout the season, but he is occasionally in poor condition. I believe he can adjust quickly."
"Zhao has passed the stage of proving himself. All he needs to do is think about how to help the team keep winning."
Now every move of the Lakers and Zhao Chen is recorded by countless cameras. Many times, losing a playoff game is not a big deal, but many media and fans like to magnify it all.
Especially the 75-win Lakers and the invincible Zhao Chen, many people hope to pull them down and watch them embarrass themselves.
Zhao Chen is facing great pressure from public opinion.
G4 also started after a while.
The Lakers made adjustments, Tucker was moved to the bench, and Ah Lian was promoted to the starting lineup.
Jump ball between Jokic and Ibaka.
Jokic held back his energy this time and passed the ball to Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen took the ball and passed halftime.
Jokic's screen, Ibaka and Westbrook pressed the defense at the same time.
Zhao Chen chose to retreat and adjust after continuous dribbling.
A quick three-point shot.
"frame!"
The basketball hit the rim and bounced high.
Zhao Chen's touch seemed to have continued from the previous game. This shot was within Zhao Chen's rhythm, but he still didn't make the shot.
"Zhao Chen is still very determined in his attack. It can be seen that he has not been affected too much."
Thunder home fans stood up and cheered, cheering loudly for the Thunder.
"OKC!"
"OKC!"
"OKC!"
The cheers from the Thunder fans seemed to shake the entire arena.
However, Durant failed to score a jump shot after facing Zhao Chen's continuous changes of direction.
The pressure is not just felt by the Lakers, but also by the Thunder.
The Thunder players also looked like they couldn't afford to lose.
As long as they lose this game, they know that the Lakers will take away the game at home.
So their hope is to hold on to this home court tonight, otherwise the situation will become somewhat salvageable.
Players from both teams changed from the high-efficiency offensive mode of the first three games and started various attacks...
Both teams are frantically increasing their defensive intensity.
The referee's whistle did not dare to be too obvious today. He did not blow the high-intensity physical confrontation and let the game return to the players.
Durant hits the iron from the mid-range!
Zhao Chen hit a three-pointer from far away.
Westbrook's layup was blocked by Jokic.
Jokic violated the rule while dribbling.
...
Both sides made a lot of defensive mistakes, which also caused the score to rise very slowly.
The more defensive the two sides get, the more energetic they become, and the referee also competes with the players. Aren't you talking about body hair whistles? Don’t blow it today! !
Brutal blacksmithing battle.
At the end of the first half, the score was 44-44.
This was the lowest halftime score of the series between the two teams.
If you take it and say it is the scores of the two teams in a single quarter, a lot of people will not believe it.
In the second half, the game changed sides and played again.
Durant rested off the court, and Westbrook led the team alone.
The Lakers have an all-main lineup, trying to open up the score.
Zhao Chen's touch began to return.
Facing Robertson, Westbrook, and Ibaka!
Zhao Chen succeeded with consecutive three-pointers.
A 9-0 run slightly widened the gap between the two teams.
At this time, Donovan also realized that the Thunder was in trouble.
After four minutes of play, the score between the two sides reached 58-48, and the Lakers' lead reached 10 points.
Donovan requested a timeout.
At this time the cameras were focused on Durant.
Thunder fans at home also chanted.
"KD!"
"KD!"
"We need KD!"
Thunder fans all felt that the situation was not good.
The MVP touch is back, and the Thunder need Durant to step up immediately.
Zhao Chen's offensive power impresses the entire league. If he finds his rhythm, the consequence for the Thunder will be a loss!
"After the start of the third quarter, Zhao Chen's touch returned in time. Under his leadership, the Lakers easily suppressed the Thunder. The Thunder cannot expect Zhao Chen to have a bad touch all the time. As long as Zhao Chen opens up, it also means the Thunder's big Trouble is coming," Barkley said during a timeout.
The situation on the court became unfavorable to the Thunder.
