4:11, Knicks attack.
Ewing stood up and firmly entered the basket to get the ball.
He knew he had to perform at this time, and Greg Anthony cooperated very well and passed the ball down.
Rodman went around, but was pushed away by Ewing. His backhand was hanging. As long as he caught the ball, the layup was almost 100% successful.
When the ball was lobbed in, Zhou Quan and Joe Dumas pounced in almost at the same time, both losing the man they were guarding.
At the critical moment, the two of them made the same defensive choice at the same time, that is, they would rather let them get open on the outside or even hit a three-pointer than let Ewing score the goal.
With his right hand against Rodman, Ewing caught the ball with his left hand. The next moment, he took off on one foot and made a layup with one hand.
"Snapped!"
But at this moment, Zhou Quan pounced in from behind Ewing. The ball had just left and was still rising. He jumped and slapped the ball.
"Hat back!"
The bearded commentator immediately roared.
"Snapped!"
Joe Dumars happened to catch the ball from Zhou Quan.
On the sidelines, Pat Riley kept shaking his head. Now he suspected that the best defense this season was not the Knicks at all, but the Pistons.
He couldn't help but smile bitterly when he thought that the Pistons had three top defensive players.
The Assassin advanced to the frontcourt and handed the ball to Zhou Quan first.
Zhou Quan held the ball on the left wing, first made a tactical gesture, then passed the ball back to the assassin at the top of the arc, and then ran towards the penalty area.
Sekali, who was pulled out at this time, also quickly turned around and ran into the penalty area. With Ewing, Rodman and Oakley, there were already a lot of people in the penalty area. Zhou Quan and John Starks entered again, six people, and it was full. .
"Tekken's signature skills, his off-the-ball movement in the penalty area, Jordan can't keep up with, haha!" Robert Guida laughed.
Zhou Quan made a circle from the penalty area and ran back to the left wing. By this time, John Starks was already trapped in the crowd in the penalty area.
"brush!"
The Assassin quickly passed the ball, Zhou Quan caught the ball and made a jumper, hitting a mid-range shot.
4:13, Knicks attack.
"boom!"
Ewing didn't hit the basket this time. He shot a jumper from the outside and missed. Rodman grabbed the rebound.
"Ewing has to get in there and score at the rim or the Knicks are going to be very dangerous tonight," Robert Guida said.
"Ewing's mid-range shooting percentage did not exceed 40%. How can such a shooting rate be so high compared to Iron Fist? Iron Fist hit 65% on the field. As the core, Ewing must play an efficient offense to save the team." Lin G Wilson said.
"In terms of offensive efficiency, at least so far in this series, Ewing is not as good as Tekken. This is surprising, isn't it? You must know that Ewing is a center and Tekken is a point guard. In terms of ability at critical moments, he is also not as good as Iron Fist,” said Robert Guida.
"The key is that the Pistons' fast break tactics prevent the Knicks' defensive system from being established. This is the most fatal thing." Ringo Wilson said.
"boom!"
Joe Dumars missed a jump shot over Doc Rivers, Ewing grabbed the rebound and the Knicks attacked.
John Starks, like the Pistons, wanted to play a fast break. When he saw Ewing grabbing the rebound, he immediately turned around and went down quickly, asking for the ball from behind.
Zhou Quan took a step behind and saw the ball flying over. He adjusted his pace and when the basketball was falling downwards, he chased after it with all his strength. Then he flew up and reached out to steal the ball.
He was already a bit faster than John Starks, so it was easy for him to accelerate.
"Steal the ball?"
The bearded John Lowes shouted.
"Snapped!"
The next moment, Zhou Quan grabbed the ball with his right hand and received a pass from Ewing.
"Ha ha!"
The bearded man jumped up excitedly.
"Whoosh!"
After falling to the ground, Zhou Quan threw with one hand, and the basketball quickly flew to Seikali under the free throw line.
Seikali caught the ball and was blocked by Ewing. He turned around and made a strong shot.
At this moment, Rodman rushed past him.
"boom!"
When he missed, the basketball hit the basket and rose up. In the next moment, Rodman jumped up and with a bang, completed a putback dunk with one hand.
"Beautiful! Da Chong completed the tip-in, but did he go for the tip-in? Not necessarily, I think he went for the rebound." Bearded John Lowes laughed.
"Ha ha……"
The commentator's words made many Pistons fans laugh.
"4:15, trailing by 11 points, how can the Knicks hit this ball?" Robert Guida shook his head.
He is worried that if the game continues, the ratings will not go crazy?
On the sidelines, Pat Riley was pulling his hair back, but a lot of hair fell out, but there was nothing he could do.
The Pistons' fast break not only displayed Iron Fist's powerful fast break and attack capabilities, allowing the Pistons to play an extremely efficient fast-paced offense, but also destroyed the Knicks' defensive system. The Knicks' defense is not good at individuals, but in the system. When it is not established, it will not be able to exert its strong defensive capabilities.
However, the Pistons are a team that is good at personal defense. The three top defensive players can destroy the Knicks' offense with their personal defense.
On both ends of the floor, the Knicks were blown away.
"How to do how to do?"
Based on his coaching experience, he couldn't think of any good way to solve the problem at this time.
Many times, tactics cannot solve the problem because the opponent's personal abilities have exceeded the scope that tactics can solve.
In Zhou Quan, he saw another top offensive and defensive Michael Jordan, a younger Michael Jordan.
He called timeout again and replaced him with Anthony Mason.
However, Mason is just a good role player after all. He can provide the Knicks with some low-post offense and rebounds, but his strength cannot reverse the situation.
The Knicks finally lost the G4 game, 89:106, a 17-point defeat, thus losing the match point.
Zhou Quan locked up John Starks, the team's second scoring point. Ewing took a lot of shots, making 15 of 37 shots and a shooting percentage of 40.5%. Plus 4 of 6 free throws, he scored 34 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks. Data of 3 turnovers and 4 fouls.
Mason also took a lot of shots, making 8 of 15 shots, a shooting percentage of 53.3%, 2 of 4 free throws, and scored 18 points and 8 rebounds.
The two teamed up to score 52 points and 19 rebounds, but they could not save the Knicks.
Joe Dumars made 14 of 21 shots. Under the Pistons' fast break tactics, his shooting rate was as high as 66.7%. He made 1 of 3 three-pointers and scored 29 points in 42 minutes.
Zhou Quan made 12 of 17 shots in 42 minutes, with a shooting percentage of 70.6%. He made 2 of 4 three-pointers and 6 of 6 free throws. He scored 32 points, 13 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers and 4 fouls.
"Iron Fist, why can the Pistons play such a sharp fast break against the Knicks, but not against the Bulls?" a TNT reporter asked at the scene.
Zhou Quan replied: "The Knicks' defense is the best in the league, so we must use fast breaks to destroy their defensive system, otherwise once we get into a positional battle, the result may not be too good for us.
In order to increase their defensive strength, the Knicks have three inside players in their main lineup. Oakley plays small forward, and his speed is not that fast. We have three guards, which makes our overall speed faster than theirs. It is also a basis for us to play fast breaks on them.
The Bulls are different. The overall speed of the Bulls is still faster than that of the Knicks. Pippen is faster than Oakley. But when we played against the Bulls, we also played a lot of fast breaks, but not so many.
In addition, it is also related to personal ability. The Knicks do not have Michael Jordan on the outside, so it is easier for us to play defensive counterattacks against the Knicks. "
"But you gave the Bulls ten steals in a single game, and Jordan suffered a lot under your hands." The reporter reminded with a smile.
Zhou Quan laughed and said with great joy: "That is not easy, there is some luck involved."
"Can we win this series in the next away game?" the reporter asked again.
"Hopefully, we will try our best so that we can get more rest and adjustment time." He nodded and said with a smile.
An hour later, the press conference between the two teams began.
Both Ewing and Pat Riley were criticized by the media, mainly the New York media.
"Patrick, facing Rodman who is a head shorter than you, your shooting percentage is only 40%. You have not shown the ability of a super center at all. Why?"
The New York Times reporter's question was like a knife that stabbed Ewing hard, leaving him no mercy.
Ewing's dislike of reporters reached the point of abhorrence. He stopped talking and said with a serious face: "You can go play a game with Rodman and you will know how good his defense is."
"What?"
There was a commotion among the reporters. What are you talking about? We can do it. What else do you need? Who doesn’t want a salary of several million dollars a year?
Pat Riley was very helpless. Patrick was bad at this and his ability to deal with reporters was too poor.
Seeing Ewing push the microphone away, as if he no longer accepted questions, the New York Times reporter pointed the finger at Pat Riley and immediately asked:
"Coach Riley, with a big score of 1 to 3, the chance of a comeback is no more than 5%. The Knicks have reached the edge of the cliff. What are your thoughts now? Are you preparing to fight back or go fishing?"
"Pfft!"
Many reporters laughed.
Pat Riley had a gentlemanly smile on his face and said in a firm tone: "I choose the former, there is no doubt about it. Our team has not lost faith, including Patrick, we will The Pistons attack and will fight to the death on our home court."
His words of faith did not move the New York media. The next reporter to ask the question was the New York Post. He asked: "Impact the Pistons? Coach Riley, from your words, I see that you have already put the Knicks aside." Being in the underdog position, do you really think that the Knicks are not as good as the Pistons?"
"Damn reporters!"
Pat Riley cursed secretly and said with a smile on his face: "Of course not, this just shows my attitude towards the series. After all, the reality is that we are lagging behind."
"Yes, the Knicks are lagging behind. In fact, you are right. The Knicks are indeed not as good as the Pistons. Otherwise, how could they be lagging behind?" the reporter said playfully.
With Pat Riley's self-cultivation, he also wants to curse at this time. That's what you said. Why did I say that the Knicks are not as good as the Pistons?
…
The G5 game of the Eastern Conference Finals is on the 8th. With an extra day of rest, the Pistons will go to New York on the 7th.
The next day, Zhou Quan slept until he woke up naturally. It was already 10 o'clock when he opened his eyes. He woke up from hunger.
The first thing I did after washing was to bring the newspaper in from outside, and then read the newspaper while frying the steak.
His main concern is ESPN's prediction data. This media is very stubborn and has not been optimistic about the Pistons since last season. This time they eliminated ESPN's most promising Bulls in the second round. They finally slapped them in the face. Now With match point at 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, he wanted to see if ESPN would adjust the data again.
"Ha ha……"
Opening the Detroit Worker Daily, sure enough, there is ESPN's latest championship prediction data. It used to be that the Knicks had a 45% chance of advancing to the Finals, and the Pistons had a 55% chance. Now it has changed. The Knicks have a 5% chance, and the Pistons have a 95% chance.
The original probability of winning the championship was as high as 34% for the Suns, 32% for the Knicks, 18% for the Pistons, and 16% for the SuperSonics. Now the Knicks have only 2% left, the Suns have risen to 45%, the SuperSonics have 15%, and the Pistons have risen to 15%. 38%.
"Poor Knicks, there is still a 2% chance. ESPN still seems to be unwilling to give up on them. Do you want them to make a comeback? Do you have to eliminate them to arrange a duck egg?"
From the analysis of this latest prediction data, he further saw the strength of the Suns. Even if Barkley did not perform ideally, he could still win and the media still believed in them. Once the Pistons and Suns meet in the finals, it will definitely You have to go all out without any carelessness.
He looked through other content, and the prediction data of many major media outlets were adjusted in time. TNT TV even increased the Pistons' chance of advancing to the finals to 99%, leaving only a symbolic 1% for the Knicks.
…
In the evening, the G4 game of the Western Conference Finals begins.
101:120. As a result, the Suns were defeated in the away game and tied with the SuperSonics at 2-2. The two sides returned to the starting line.
Barkley made 11 of 20 shots, a good shooting percentage of 55%, and 1 of 5 three-pointers. However, as an inside line, he only made 4 of 5 free throws, which was not lethal enough. He only grabbed 7 rebounds, but made 5 turnovers. and 5 fouls, his performance was not superstar-like.
"Flying Pig, why can't you fly today? Is it because you ate too many hamburgers?"
"Charles, congratulations, you grabbed 7 rebounds. If you grab so many rebounds in the next game, you will have to go home."
"Sir Charles, you really should be traded to the Pistons, so that you can easily get a ring with the Iron Fist on your lap."
After the game, the black-faced Barkley was surrounded by the media. Various questions made him want to spit out some blood and spray these reporters to death.
"These Suns bastards are so mean! Did Charles Barkley eat too much? Oh, Shet!"
After the game, ESPN's NBA editor-in-chief Urnes was about to curse. He adjusted the forecast data overnight last night, and now he has to adjust it again overnight. If this continues, how can we reflect ESPN's professionalism? The company can't fire him?
The next day, ESPN's latest forecast data was released.
The predictions for advancing to the Western Conference Finals are 50% for the Suns and 50% for the SuperSonics.
For championship predictions, the Pistons are first with 40%, the Knicks are still 2%, and the SuperSonics and Suns are 29% each.
The media's view on ESPN's latest forecast data is very unified, that is, ESPN has lost confidence and persistence, and their data has lost its professionalism.
"You bastards! Your predictions are also inaccurate. Do you want to divert attention?"
ESPN's NBA editor-in-chief Urnes cursed angrily after seeing other media's comments on the data.
On the 7th, the Pistons arrived in New York.
At 8 o'clock in the evening, the G5 game of the Eastern Conference Finals begins.
Two hours later, the game ended. The Pistons defeated the Knicks away from home, eliminating their opponents by a score of four to one. After two seasons, they once again reached the Finals.
"Congratulations to Zhou Quan! Congratulations to the Pistons!" Zhang Lili said excitedly.
"It's great. We've reached the finals. I hope Zhou Quan can gain something from his first career finals." Sun Zhenping smiled implicitly.
"Zhou Quan played 45 minutes tonight. He made 10 of 18 shots and a shooting percentage of 55.5%. He made 2 of 4 three-pointers and 3 of 4 free throws. He scored 25 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists, 4 steals, 3 turnovers and 4 fouls. He was very efficient. Still playing top-notch offensive and defensive skills." Zhang Li said with a smile.
Sun Zhenping picked up a piece of paper and said: "In the entire 5 games of the Eastern Conference Finals, the data came out. Zhou Quan averaged 44 minutes per game, made 53 of 91 shots, a shooting percentage of 58.2%, and 7 of 17 three-pointers, a shooting percentage of 58.2%. 41.2%, 44 of 47 free throws, 93.6% shooting, 31 points, 5.6 rebounds, 12 assists, 4.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, 2.8 turnovers and 4 fouls per game."
"This is a truly top offensive and defensive performance, a superstar-level performance." Zhang Lili praised excitedly.
Sun Zhenping smiled and said: "Now it depends on the Western Conference, who can reach the finals. Director Zhang, who do you think is better between the Suns and the SuperSonics?"
Zhang Li thought for a while and said: "Both teams have very deep lineups, with many people who can stand up on the bench, and they are very strong inside. Six or seven people often score in double figures.
During the regular season, the Pistons and the Suns had one win and one loss, and tied, and they lost both games with the SuperSonics. Judging from this data, it would be better to beat the Suns.
But the playoffs are a completely different game. Both ends of the offense and defense will try their best. You see, the Knicks were defeated by the Pistons 1 to 4. They are the first team in the Eastern Conference regular season and the strongest defensive team in the league. Can't guard against the Pistons' fast break.
So it’s hard to say who is better to fight. In my personal opinion, let's play the Sonics. "
Sun Zhenping asked in surprise: "Coach Zhang, the Pistons lost two games in the regular season. Why is it more advantageous to play against the SuperSonics?"
Zhang Liji smiled and said: "In the win against the Suns, there was a conflict on the court and Barkley was sent off, so that game does not count."
Sun Zhenping said: "Doesn't that mean the Pistons can't beat them?"
Zhang Lijia shook his head and said: "As I said just now, the playoffs are completely different from the regular season. Look at Zhou Quan, in the three-round series of the playoffs, his offensive and defensive statistics have improved a lot compared to the regular season. He We don’t have our full strength in the regular season.”
"That's right." Sun Zhenping nodded quickly.
Zhang Lili continued: "I think it is better to play with the SuperSonics because the Suns' lightning Kevin Johnson at the one position is very strong, very strong. He is a top point guard who can compete with Magic.
Although the data has declined this season, it should be the reason why Barkley joined. He still has the strength of a top point guard. Zhou Quan's performance against him should not be as good as against John Starks.
Moreover, Dan Marley, the main shooting guard of the Suns, is also a fierce defensive guy and has a good offense. He and the Lightning teamed up on the back line, which is no worse than Zhou Quan and Joe Dumars. "
Sun Zhenping nodded and said: "The Suns' defense line is indeed very strong."
Zhang Lili added: "On the contrary, Gary Payton, the main point guard of the SuperSonics, has not yet fully grown up, so Zhou Quan will have some advantages against him.
Of course, the Sonics' All-Star swingman Ricky Pierce is also very strong. The Sonics have been the scoring champion in the past two seasons. He and Gary Payton team up to have a good defensive line. Otherwise, he would not have the strength to compete with the Suns. Two draws and two draws.
But relatively speaking, I am still more optimistic about the Pistons playing the SuperSonics, which has a greater chance. But no matter who we play, it won't be easy, and the finals will be a tough battle. "
(End of chapter)
