On the court, the Bulls had already completed the serve. After receiving the ball, Jordan played a fast break. Joe Dumars was not careless and followed him closely.
Jordan rushed to the right wing of the frontcourt with the ball, and Joe Dumars was already on his left side.
"squeak!"
But this was nothing to him. After two steps into the three-point line, he suddenly braked and made an emergency stop. At the same time, he quietly sent his left elbow forward to use his strength to complete the emergency stop. Joe Dumars rushed over. Almost fell to the floor.
The next moment, he took off calmly.
"brush!"
The water splashed and he hit a two-pointer.
"Beautiful mid-range shot!"
Behind the Pistons bench, Magic Johnson shouted excitedly.
"Damn guy!"
“Why did management let this bastard in?”
"You shouldn't give him a free ticket."
Pistons fans were all around, and they all glared at Magic.
The assassin in front was also startled, but Stern was not far away and could only grit his teeth and endure it. However, he still got up and changed his position to the water dispenser.
"This shot is too easy. With such a pull-up jump shot ability, no one can guard Michael Jordan."
In the TNT commentary box, Robert Guida praised.
Ringo Wilson nodded and said: "Michael just didn't feel that good in the last game, so he lost a home court, but for him, a good state is normal, a poor state is just an accident. On the contrary, Tekken's excellent state is definitely just an accident. Yes, so if the home court factor is taken into account and there is a high probability that Iron Fist will not be able to perform in such a good state, then the Bulls are more likely to win this game as an away game."
Robert Guida said noncommittally: "It wasn't that Michael's performance in the last game was bad. It was not bad, but the offensive efficiency was not that high. The Bulls lost because they did not defend well and did not limit the performance of Iron Fist."
"Yep."
Ringo Wilson quickly echoed.
Robert Guida suddenly laughed a few times, pointed at the screen and said: "Look, the assassin avoided the magician, haha, he went to guard the water fountain."
"It's a pity that they used to be good friends." Ringo Wilson joked.
At this time, the Pistons had advanced to the frontcourt, and Zhou Quan still came to the right wing to find Joe Dumars for a pick-and-roll.
He had no intention of challenging Michael Jordan alone. In such a crucial Eastern Conference finals, that kind of behavior was too childish.
Moreover, his current offense is only level 81, including level 85 in back-up play and level 77 facing the basket, which are not top-notch, and he does not have the confidence to challenge Jordan alone. That is asking for humiliation.
"In the pick-and-roll, the Bulls still switch defenses."
shouted the bearded John Lowes.
Zhou Quan made another run down the right wing, with John Parks again on his left.
Joe Dumars did not stay in place after being separated, but continued to run on the three-point line to contain Jordan and prevent Jordan from double-teaming Zhou Quan.
This time, Zhou Quan did not intend to hit Paxson from behind.
Since his offensive skills are average, he must use passing as his ultimate goal. This is his strongest ability.
If he hits from behind, he will lose his vision behind him, which is actually very detrimental to him. If Grant rushed out to double-team him on the last ball instead of causing him a foul, he would not be able to see it at the first time.
Therefore, after taking it apart, he immediately used his left elbow to push John Paxson on the left, began to accelerate the breakthrough with the ball, and advanced towards the paint area. After two steps, the speed began to increase.
Seeing his opponent charging forward, Paxson became anxious and wanted to go around to block the opponent, but there was no chance. Zhou Quan's left arm thrust outward, and he fell behind.
Breaking past the defender, Zhou Quan used all his strength with his feet, increased his speed, and reached the right waist in one step, forcing Cartwright and Grant to come out of the basket at the same time and block the front right side of the basket.
He held the ball in front of the Bulls' two big men, then stopped suddenly, pulled the ball up high, put his left hand together in virtual worship, and made a motion to get up, and then the two big men on the opposite side flew up.
"Bang!"
The next moment, his right hand pushed towards the feet of the two men, and the basketball bounced off the ground and disappeared behind them.
This ball, he passed to John Salley on the left side of the basket.
Rodman was on the left side of the basket. He was worried that this guy would get an offensive rebound and didn't give it to him.
"not good!"
"Shet!"
After Grant and Cartwright jumped up, they found that Zhou Quan had not jumped up, and they realized that they had been fooled.
Paxson, who was behind him, was also fooled. When he jumped up and wanted to block one from behind, he found that the iron fist in front of him was still on the floor.
At this time, Rodman, who was on the right side of the basket, saw the ball bounce up, but unfortunately it was a meter away from him. He fished it with both hands, but missed it, and then it fell into the hands of John Salley.
"boom!"
The next moment, John Salley dunked with the ball in both hands, and the Bulls' basket roared.
"Nice fake! Cartwright and Grant and John Paxson, the three of them jumped like fools, haha!"
roared the bearded John Rowes excitedly.
The bespectacled man Longger Lance was equally excited: "Tekken is too calm, that's not from the outside. He actually dared to do that kind of fake move two meters away from the basket."
2:4, the Pistons took the lead at home, the Bulls attacked, and Phil Jackson called a timeout.
Normally he doesn't call a timeout, but now that John Paxson's defense has a problem, he has to.
After the player came down, he said to Paxson seriously: "John, you have to stand in front of him, what's the use of sticking to his left side, you can't hold him up.
Don't worry, in the half-court offense and defense, without continuous acceleration, he won't be able to break your ribs again, I can guarantee that. "
John Paxson's face twitched. Am I worried about my ribs? Am I worried about his chance of getting an open jumper after knocking me over.
"Okay, I'll stand in front."
But Phil Jackson asked him so, so he had no choice but to agree, otherwise he would definitely be replaced. He didn't want to lose his main position. BJ had been competing with him.
Phil Jackson said to Grant again: "Horace, you build a second line of defense on the right waist. Don't let the iron fist break in."
"Yes." Grant responded briefly.
"Scotty, when Grant is filling in for Iron Fist, you go into the basket and fill his position." Phil Jackson said again.
"OK." Pippen nodded.
"Michael, when Scottie made a tip-in, Ulrich was free. You have to pay attention to Iron Fist passing the ball to him." Phil Jackson said again.
Jordan nodded and said nothing.
Phil Jackson thought for a moment and then added: "Everyone should be careful. Iron Fist's passing is very weird. He passes the ball from the strong side to the weak side. Many times he does not pass it from above, but from the crowd. , and even with the help of your body, there are many refracted balls, which are difficult to guard against."
Jordan nodded again, but still had nothing to say.
Phil Jackson was a little happy. The silent Jordan made him most at ease, because silence is power. Such Jordan can often play explosive states.
Then he said to Jordan: "Michael, after the defense change, Joe Dumars will stay outside the three-point line on the right to contain you, but you have to remember that Iron Fist does not pass enough passes to the teammates behind him, so you can wait for an opportunity to double-team him."
Jordan's eyes lit up and he nodded quickly.
The timeout ends and the Bulls attack.
Pippen attacked with the ball on the left wing. After breaking out of Ulrich, he attracted the Pistons' defense to the left wing and then passed to Jordan on the weak side.
He makes sudden jump passes, passes with both hands, passes in a straight line, and the ball speed is very fast. He does not give the Pistons a chance to double-team Jordan or steal the ball.
When Pippen made a jump pass, Zhou Quan was on the left end of the free throw line. He reacted too quickly and immediately turned around and pounced on Jordan.
Jordan caught the ball two steps away from the paint on the right wing, singled out Joe Dumars, arched his back only once, and then immediately turned around and shot a fadeaway jumper.
After he took the shot, Zhou Quan rushed over and blocked the shot without even touching a hair, and the double-teaming speed was half a beat slower.
"brush!"
Zhou Quan landed and turned around to see a basketball falling from the basket.
"Boy, we will definitely win tonight."
Evening the score, Jordan, who made two of two shots, finally started spewing trash talk.
"Old boy, you haven't thanked me for helping you save half a million dollars? You're so rude." Zhou Quan smiled.
Instantly injured internally, Jordan retreated with a groan.
Zhou Quan entered the frontcourt with the ball, still on the right wing.
Jordan took the time to look back at Phil Jackson, which meant asking, Phil, do you really think John Paxson is a better defender than me?
Phil Jackson is very determined. He believes that as long as he doesn't let Zhou Quan go in with the ball and force him to make jump shots outside the paint area, he will be able to prevent the Pistons' offense.
He also has confidence in Grant's defense. With Cobra's height, wingspan, and defensive skills, he should be able to stop Zhou Quan from advancing.
This time, after changing defense, John Paxson finally stood in front of Zhou Quan.
The next moment, Zhou Quan made a slight downward change, and while dribbling, he immediately stepped over with 91-level acceleration and started to break through with the ball from the right side.
John Paxson moved downwards, and with a bang, the two men's left shoulders came into contact, and their upper body was knocked backwards.
Fortunately, Zhou Quan had just started to break through. There was no acceleration and the initial speed was not fast. The sheer tonnage and strength of the confrontation was not enough to knock him over.
But with a stagger, he still lost his defense.
The next moment, Zhou Quan used his strength again, accelerated and surpassed Paxson in one step.
Grant was already standing on the right waist, leaning over and squatting slightly, like a cobra staring at Zhou Quan who was coming with the ball.
At this time, Pippen on the left wing rushed to the basket and began to defend.
Ulrich was free, but with Cartwright, John Salley, and Rodman under the basket, plus Pippen who came in, it was full of people and there was no room to cut inside. He could only ask for the ball from the outside and hit the shot. , fearing that Zhou Quan would not see him, he raised his right hand.
After dismantling, Joe Dumars did not move behind Zhou Quan, but moved to the top of the arc, exposing himself to Zhou Quan's vision.
This time, Jordan lost the opportunity to double-team Zhou Quan from behind, and he was also exposed to Zhou Quan's vision.
Under the basket, Rodman noticed Pippen coming in, which meant that his space under the basket was about to be gone, so he immediately moved towards Grant, pushing against the opponent's lower side with one step, making a move for Zhou Quan. Pick and roll.
After Zhou Quan got past Paxson, he reached Grant in two steps. Just in time to see Rodman's offensive screen, he quickly turned downwards to pass, and then drove into the paint along the baseline.
"not good!"
Phil Jackson on the sidelines and Jordan on the court were both heartbroken at the same time.
The next moment, Zhou Quan jumped up, holding the ball in his right hand and jumping towards Pippen and Cartwright who were returning to the basket.
Pippen and Cartwright jumped up to block the shot at the same time, and their four big hands blocked all the space on the right side of the basket.
"Force dunk!"
Bearded John Rowell roared.
Everything was premeditated. The next moment, Zhou Quan jumped up and moved the five fingers of his right hand upwards, and the ball was thrown high.
"Toss."
Granlans, the male dragon with glasses, roared excitedly.
"no!"
The bearded John Rowell drank violently again.
At this moment, the basketball passed the four big hands of Pippen and Cartwright, then crossed the basket behind them, flew to the left side of the basket, and flew accurately to John Salley there.
On the left side of the basket, John Salley rose up, caught the ball with both hands in the air, and smashed it downwards.
"boom!"
Instantly, a violent explosion sounded.
"Oh ho!"
At the Palace of Auburn Hills, countless home fans stood up in an instant, cheering and shouting.
"Pass! It's a pass! Iron Fist's pass is like passing the food directly to Seli's mouth. Seli doesn't need to do anything. He only needs to open his mouth and he will be full."
roared the bearded John Rowes excitedly.
"Beautiful alley-oop dunk! This was another pass that attracted the defense. Iron Fist broke through the ball with the ball one after another and sent out two assists. It's great!"
The bespectacled man Longger Lance smiled.
Bulls offense.
Pippen broke through with the ball on the left wing, and then passed the ball across the ball to Jordan on the weak side. Jordan held the ball and singled out Joe Dumars.
At this time, Jordan, Grant, who was one step inside the right corner, and Cartwright, who was under the basket, formed a triangle position. Jordan could attack by himself or pass the ball to the two of them.
Grant took one step into the right corner, and Rodman took two steps low on the right side of the paint. Upon seeing this, Rodman immediately came up to help defend Jordan.
Grant saw the opportunity to cut inside and immediately started, cutting inside along the baseline.
Jordan reacted quickly and passed the ball down quickly. Grant received the ball and rushed into the paint.
At this time, Joe Dumars quickly turned around and caught up with Grant.
At the same time, John Salley in the low post on the left wing also defended the basket with all his teeth.
Grant jumped up two steps later, attracting both John Salley and Joe Dumars into the air, but instead threw the ball upwards and passed the ball.
When Joe Dumars changed defense, Jordan immediately followed up, received Grant's pass, and flew towards the basket.
"boom!"
The explosive sound of the basket exploded, and two thousand Bulls fans cheered instantly.
"Shh!"
Huge boos immediately sounded, completely wiping out the cheers without leaving a splash.
"This combination is so good! It completely mobilized the opponent's defense." Ringo Wilson praised in the TNT commentary box.
Robert Guida laughed: "The Cobra cut inside, Michael passed the ball, and then the Cobra attracted the defense and passed the ball, which finally led to Michael's open dunk. It was really a good collaboration."
"Now the two sides are tied at six, and the first three attacks have all been scored. They are all in pretty good condition."
When Ringo Wilson said this, he changed the subject and continued: "But this also shows that the defenses of both sides have lost their effect. It's not that their defense is not good, but that these attacks have been too good.
So the current situation is that whoever can break the balance of offense and defense and be the first to defend against the opponent's attack will have the advantage. "
Robert Guida nodded and said: "The Pistons and Bulls are the best defensive teams in the league. I think they will increase their defensive intensity soon."
Pistons offense.
"Defense! Increase your defensive intensity." Chuck Daly shouted from the sidelines.
If they can't guard against the Bulls' offense, the Pistons, whose offensive strength is not as good as the Bulls, will most likely lose in the end. When Jordan wants to score, no one can stop him. He knows this very well.
"puff……"
On the other end, Phil Jackson inserted his little finger into his mouth and blew hard, but there was no sound. He quickly shouted like a trumpet: "Michael, don't switch defenses."
Jordan heard it and nodded.
He also felt that switching defenses was unreliable, and John Paxson couldn't guard Iron Fist at all.
After three consecutive hits on the right wing, Zhou Quan came to the right wing again this time.
It's still a pick-and-roll. Since it works, keep playing until it doesn't work. Sometimes the tactics are so simple. One trick can be used everywhere.
But this time, it failed.
In the pick-and-roll, Zhou Quan was about to bypass Joe Dumars. Jordan in front of him suddenly got close to him, delaying him for a moment. After he bypassed Joe Dumas, he was blocked by John Paxson again, and then Jordan stood up again. In front of him, the pick-and-roll failed and he was double-teamed.
"Snapped!"
Jordan had quick hands and poked the ball away.
"Oh, Iron Fist made a mistake, Jordan knocked the ball away, Paxson grabbed the ball, and the Bulls started to counterattack." Ringo Wilson suddenly shouted.
Zhou Quan struggled to catch up with Paxson who was holding the ball, but Paxson immediately passed it to Michael Jordan, who had already rushed one step ahead.
"boom!"
Joe Dumars did not catch up with Jordan. When Jordan reached the free throw line, he stepped on the free throw line and took off directly, strolling in the air continuously, and then detonated the Pistons basket with a one-handed tomahawk dunk. basket.
"Shh!"
The Palace of Auburn Hills reacted immediately, with explosive boos for Michael Jordan, and at the same time silenced the cheers of the visiting fans.
"Oh, now it's Michael Jordan's personal performance moment." Ringo Wilson shouted excitedly.
"Haha, Michael Jordan excitedly pumped his fists continuously in celebration, which shows how excited he is. Adrenaline has started roaring in his body." Robert Guida laughed.
"In a successful pick-and-roll defense, the Bulls first use defense to make a difference, and then we'll see how the Pistons play." Ringo Wilson said.
8:6, Pistons attack.
Ulrich missed a jump shot and the Bulls attacked.
In the backcourt, Zhou Quan stared at John Paxson with fierce eyes. While exerting mental pressure, he used a slow retreat rhythm to suppress the opponent's advancement speed. At the same time, he also used constant harassing actions to disrupt his ball control rhythm.
(End of chapter)
