At this time, Zhou Quan was breaking through, but Jordan stuck to his right side, and Toni Kukoc, who came to help defend, blocked his left side. The passing angles on both wings were cut off, and he only had two options. Pass the ball to Matt Geiger inside, or pull up and shoot yourself.
"squeak!"
The next moment, he stopped half a step below the free throw line, dribbled the ball with his hips, pulled the ball up from behind with his left hand, turned around and joined the ball to protect it.
Jordan reacted very quickly, stopped and turned around, and blocked Zhou Quan's front right side. This not only continued to block the angle of Zhou Quan's pass to the right, but also blocked the angle of his forward shot.
He was already prepared, because he and Kukoc had already completed the double-team. Zhou Quan would force his way downwards, and there was Wilperdo inside. He would only be double-teamed by three people. Zhou Quan would definitely make an emergency stop jumper.
The next moment, Zhou Quan turned around and made a fadeaway jumper.
"Lean back?"
Jordan and Kukoc jumped to block the shot at the same time, but found that the distance between them and Zhou Quan was instantly widened.
Zhou Quan's mental willpower is at full level. Even if he encounters a double block, his willpower cannot be shaken and his shots are very stable.
"brush!"
The ball flew over Jordan's hand and fell into the basket.
"Oh ho!"
The SuperSonics cheered immediately.
"Beautiful! Turn around and make a fadeaway jumper. Zhou Quan has never used this technique before? Oh, this is a good use!" Zhang Lili said excitedly and surprised.
"There was a fadeaway jumper in front of me, but I really haven't used the turnaround jumper." Xu Jicheng said equally excitedly.
"Iron Fist's back-up skills have also been improved." Larry Bird shook his head in admiration.
"The offensive ability with the ball is stronger, and the ability to break double teams is also stronger." Magic Johnson looked a little surprised.
"This kid's skills are getting more and more mature and comprehensive." On the court, Jordan was surprised by Zhou Quan's turnaround and fadeaway jumper.
By the fourth minute of the third quarter, 60:58, the SuperSonics led by two points.
Matt Geiger went off, Gilliam went off, and the Sonics started all of their starters.
The Bulls still implemented the defensive tactic of double-teaming and Zhou Quan, but Gilliam's mid-range shot made the Bulls pay the price for the double-teaming tactic.
Even though Jordan and Kukoc frequently double-teamed Zhou Quan and cut off the passing angles to the left and right wings, Zhou Quan was still able to pass good balls. Gilliam, who was left open by Kukoc, frequently got open jump shots. Scored 8 points on 4-of-6 shooting in eight minutes.
At the end of the third quarter, 82:76, the SuperSonics led by 6 points.
Zhou Quan did not take any desperate shots when being double-teamed, but he sent 6 assists in a single quarter and 13 assists in three quarters. This is the key reason for the Sonics' lead.
Phil Jackson's scalp was numb, and even double-teaming couldn't lock Zhou Quan's passing key. How could he lock it?
During the break, Zhang Lili said happily: "It turns out that two defenders have no way of blocking the pass of a top point guard, but the Bulls can try and let Pippen double-team Zhou Quan."
Xu Jicheng smiled and said: "It's good if you can guard against it. If you can't guard against it, the Bulls will lose. Schrempf's open three-pointer is very good."
Zhang Lili said: "Jordan made 10 of 18 shots in the first three quarters, and 4 of 6 in the third quarter, with no free throws. A total of 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Zhou Quan had 18 points, 13 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. From a statistical point of view, , Zhou Quan’s performance was even better.”
"So the one in the lead is the Supersonics." Xu Jicheng said with a smile.
On the Bulls bench, Phil Jackson is arranging defensive tactics.
Since the previous double-teaming tactic failed, it will definitely not be used in the final quarter. If he continues to play like this, he will definitely lose. He can only change his tactics.
"Michael, I can only trust your defense." He stared at Jordan and said.
Jordan wanted to hit him with a punch. If I could have guarded against the iron fist, I would not have lost in the second round in 1993. My three consecutive championships would have been achieved long ago.
Seeing Jordan's expressionless face, Phil Jackson sighed secretly.
Two people can limit Iron Fist's offense, but they cannot limit his passing. Iron Fist's passing and offense are also too threatening, and it is not enough to limit one end.
He couldn't think of any other way. The essence of the triangle offense is to create open spaces and singles opportunities for Jordan. This is his trick, to maximize the use of the superstar's singles ability. Now is the time to activate Michael Jordan's singles ability.
"Michael, there is no use in double-teaming. You try to limit him. At the same time, you go all out on the offensive end. We attack hard. I believe your personal offensive ability is still ahead of him." He finally said.
After he finished speaking, he ignored Jordan and asked Pippen and Kukoc to lock down Schrempf and Gilliam with all their strength, which were the Sonics' second and third scoring points.
Restricting them will not only reduce the Sonics' offensive efficiency, but also limit Tekken's passing ability. This is his last resort to deal with Tekken's passing ability.
This is when the last quarter begins.
Sonics offense.
Zhou Quan held the ball to the top of the arc, leaned over and took a tentative step, then suddenly pulled back and shot a three-pointer.
Jordan, who was shaken, was half a beat slow and couldn't keep up with the rhythm.
"boom!"
Unfortunately, I missed.
Toni Kukoc grabs the rebound and the Bulls attack.
Jordan received the ball outside the three-point line on the right wing and began to play singles.
"Oh, one-on-one, Michael finally started to attack with the ball." Magic Johnson immediately became excited.
"Iron Fist, the game starts now."
Stepping back and forth, with his right foot behind, Jordan blocked the front with his left elbow, grabbed the ball with one hand in his right hand, and swept it back.
His eyes were frighteningly bright. Due to tactical reasons, although he took 18 shots in the first three quarters, he had actually been suppressing his desire to attack. Now his desire to attack has exploded.
"bring it on!"
Zhou Quan felt the difference in Jordan and couldn't help but take a deep breath.
At this time, Jordan's right foot suddenly stepped forward to the right. As Zhou Quan moved, he immediately took it back, and then shot up while joining the ball.
"Three points?"
Zhou Quan was stunned. Jordan had never made a three-pointer today, which really paralyzed him.
"Three points!" Magic Johnson shouted.
"brush!"
The water splashed and the basketball shot through the heart.
82:79, the Bulls are still 3 points behind.
Zhou Quan caught the ball on the right wing and advanced quickly. Jordan followed closely and rushed across the three-point line. He made a decelerating ball. When Jordan also stopped suddenly, he suddenly accelerated and flew forward. Get up and complete posture adjustments such as facing the basket in the air.
"not good!"
This time, Jordan did not follow and watched Zhou Quan slide away from him.
"brush!"
While drifting toward the baseline, Zhou Quan took action and the basketball went hollow into the basket.
"Beautiful, a drift shot, another difficult shot." Zhang Lili praised excitedly.
84:79, Bulls attack.
"boom!"
"Beep!"
Jordan faked a shot and hit the basket from the wing, which was a dunk and caused Rodman's fourth foul.
"Be careful, the last quarter has just begun. Rodman's foul must be controlled." Xu Jicheng couldn't help but remind.
At the critical moment, Jordan made two extra free throws, 84:82, and the SuperSonics still led by 2 points.
"It also depends on Jordan's ball-handling offense. It's good. In the two attacks, Iron Fist didn't find a chance to steal." Larry Bird said with a smile.
Magic Johnson said helplessly: "No matter how strong Iron Fist's ball-stealing ability is, he can't steal it once in two defenses. If that happens, he will be invincible and there will be no need to fight at all.
He had a triple-double with three steals. In these three games, he averaged only one steal in nearly eight defensive attempts per game. This is already very amazing, very scary, and a rare state. "
"Ha ha……"
Larry Bird laughed. He had to admit that he really wanted to see Iron Fist steal Jordan eight times out of ten times in a single game. I think that scene would be very interesting, and Jordan's face would be very exciting at that time.
In the final quarter, Jordan went all out to attack with the ball. He had already scored 15 points, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in a single quarter. With one minute left, it was tied at 100:100.
Zhou Quan's shooting touch was slightly worse in the final quarter. He only scored 10 points and 2 assists. He stole Jordan once, but was counterattacked by Jordan once and was blocked once.
Moreover, the shooting touch of Schrempf, Kendall Gill, and Gilliam also declined under the Bulls' desperate defense, and many small open shots were missed.
Seeing that he could not open up the score, George Karl called more timeouts. After being tied, he called the third timeout of this quarter, with one long timeout left in his hand.
The Bulls were always behind in the final quarter, but Phil Jackson held his nerve and only called two timeouts, with two more in hand, one long and one short.
After the timeout, the game started with the Sonics attacking.
Zhou Quan attacked and broke through with the ball before making a jump shot. Despite Jordan's efforts to block the shot, he still hit it and exceeded the score again.
Then the Bulls attacked and Jordan missed a pull-up jumper. However, at the critical moment, Rodman failed to grab the backcourt rebound and was snatched away by Toni Kukoc. Then he scored in the second attack and the two sides tied again.
Tied at 102, the Sonics attacked again, with 29 seconds left on the clock, and George Karl called the last timeout.
He rearranged his tactics. Zhou Quan has been attacking at the top of the arc today. This time, in pursuit of changes, he asked Zhou Quan to start attacking from the left wing.
In addition, he asked Zhou Quan to control the attack time and leave as little time as possible to the Bulls.
After the timeout, Zhou Quan spent some time outside and then moved to attack with the ball on the left wing. Schrempf went to the top of the arc.
Kendall Gill cut inside on the weak side and received Zhou Quan's pass for a layup, but was blocked by Pippen who was high back to defend the basket. The attack failed. Wilperdo grabbed the rebound and passed it to the frontcourt. The Bulls called timeout.
"Ouch, there are only 4 seconds left. The Bulls will not give the Sonics another chance to attack." Zhang Lili said anxiously.
Xu Jicheng wiped his sweat and said: "The last ball must be taken by Jordan."
In front of the Bulls bench, Phil Jackson laid out the tactics for the last ball.
His strategy was to let Jordan draw the defensive attention, then let Toni Kukoc take the ball and attack, with Pippen serving the ball.
Pippen was very annoyed. After all, I was the second in command. If the last shot was not given to Michael, it had to be given to me. Why should I serve and let Kukoc take the shot?
But he didn't dare to say anything because Jordan was right next to him.
The timeout ends and the Bulls serve from the left sideline of the frontcourt.
Jordan was running continuously outside the three-point line, and Toni Kukoc was quietly ambushing in the left corner. At this time, Jordan ran from the top of the arc to the left wing, suddenly changed direction, and cut inward.
Pippen seized the opportunity to pass the ball in time. When Jordan received the ball, Zhou Quan stuck to the right side with a big movement. His defense was not soft at the critical moment. It was impossible for the referee to blow the whistle at this time. Under his confrontation, Jordan suddenly Not moving anymore.
At this time, Rodman, who was guarding Toni Kukoc, suddenly pounced on Jordan and carried out a fierce flank attack.
"not good!"
Zhou Quan faced the left wing and saw Toni Kukoc in the left corner completely empty. He was heartbroken. The next moment, Jordan's pass let him know that something was wrong.
"Bang!"
Jordan put the ball together, and when Rodman rushed to his side, he suddenly hit the ground and passed the ball. The basketball hit Rodman's feet and bounced into Toni Kukoc's hands.
"not good!"
At this moment, Zhang Lili and Xu Jicheng's expressions changed.
The next moment, Toni Kukoc made a three-pointer.
Everyone looked at the orange basketball flying towards the basket, and at this time the lights on the backboard also turned on.
"brush!"
The water splashed and he hit a three-pointer.
"Oh ho!"
At this moment, the whole place was filled with excitement, and 20,000 Bulls fans collectively stood up and cheered.
"Beep!"
The referee's three-pointer was valid and the game was over.
"ah!"
Jordan, who finally delivered a key assist, jumped up excitedly, pumping his fists and roaring.
"What the hell!"
Although the lead was small, it was indeed ahead in the first three quarters, but was defeated in the end. Zhou Quan couldn't help but cursed when he was angry.
He hated this kind of decisive blow the most, as it gave people no chance to come back.
"Iron Fist, you lose!" Jordan proudly said to Zhou Quan.
"The one who wins in the end wins. See you in the next game."
Zhou Quan snorted coldly, glanced at Toni Kukoc who ran towards Jordan excitedly, turned around and left.
Rodman also followed with some frustration. At the critical moment, his double attack failed, but instead gave the Bulls a chance to win.
He doesn't really care about the championship, there are already three championships, but he knows that Tekken and Jordan have a fierce rivalry, and he feels a little sorry for Tekken when he loses this game because of him.
Zhou Quan felt that Rodman was very quiet, which was not in line with his personality. When he looked back and saw Da Chong's dejected look, he couldn't help but comfort him: "It's okay, Dennis, we just lost an away game. Remember, we have to be prepared for the tiebreaker." .”
"good."
Rodman immediately cheered up.
At this time, Larry Bird took the statistics table and read: "Michael Jordan made 15 of 30 shots, 50% shooting, 1 of 2 three-pointers, 7 of 7 free throws, a total of 38 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. 1 block.
Tekken made 11 of 23 shots, 47.8% from the field, 2 of 4 three-pointers, 6 of 6 free throws, 30 points, 5 rebounds, 15 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers and 4 fouls. "
Magic Johnson continued: "Other players from the two teams, Pippen, the Bulls' second leading scorer, scored 24 points, and Jordan scored 62 points together. A total of three people on the team scored in double figures.
For the Sonics, Schrempf had 18 points, Gilliam had 17 points, and Kendall Gill had 10 points. Four people scored in double figures. "
Larry Bird laughed: "Both sides had no obvious advantage, but in the final quarter, Michael Jordan scored 15 points and Iron Fist had 12 points. Iron Fist's shooting percentage in the game was not as good as Michael's. In the end, the Bulls won by three points.
But the Bulls should not underestimate the Sonics. This is the Bulls' home court. Although it is great to win in the end, it is too difficult to win. From this perspective, it is not a good thing. "
Magic nodded and said: "A buzzer-beater is always exciting, but the chances of a buzzer-beater are always rare. Therefore, if the Bulls want to win the championship, they must perform more stably and try to gain a greater advantage.
The next home game is very important. If the Bulls lose it and let the Sonics win an away game, then the Sonics will have three home games next, and the situation is likely to be unfavorable to the Bulls. "
(End of chapter)
