Alpacas race through Shark's mind.
He now had a similar thought to Afro--how many games has this little spider watched of mine?
Seeing how proud Li Ao was after falling so miserably, O'Neal, who was originally furious, suddenly felt less angry. He stepped forward, picked up Li Ao with both hands, and put him down to steady him.
Li Ao: o_O? ? ?
Li Ao, who was originally sullen, suddenly had 10,000 words of "f*ck" in his heart.
He used to carry others.
I didn’t expect that a big guy like him would be picked up one day!
Resisting the urge to curse, Li Ao went to the top arc and continued to defend.
As long as you pretend nothing happened, no one will notice this scene.
Won't!
The game continues with 3.7 seconds left.
Ron Harper received the ball and broke through directly, made an emergency stop, and sent a shot...
As soon as Ron Harper raised the ball, he was slapped down by Li Ao. As the ball hit the floor, the whistle sounded at the end of the first quarter.
Ron Harper: Don’t you just bully old insiders?
The outsiders are also here to bully! unacceptable!
After the first quarter, O'Neal scored 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks with 6 of 11 shots and 2 of 4 free throws. The Lakers maintained a slim lead of 36 to 34.
Li Ao played the entire first quarter for the first time, making 5 of 8 shots, plus 1 of 2 free throws, and scored 11 points and 2 assists.
However, he now feels more relaxed than playing seven or eight minutes in the first quarter of the previous three games.
In the next eight minutes or so, on the defensive end, in addition to rushing in to interfere with the opponent's inside attack, most of the time he stood half a step outside the free throw line, covering Fox at the top of the arc.
On the offensive end, after he scored 6 points in a row, he immediately switched to focusing on counterattack and support, taking over the blame when necessary.
This way of playing is really easy and very practical in certain situations.
For example, without Kobe now, the Lakers can only use unlimited defense against him, one-on-one pursuit, and a group of old men can't keep up. He can play like this.
There is no such thing as a bad play, just a bad user and timing.
But there is another necessary condition for this style of play to be successful - Odom made 4 of 5 shots in the first quarter, including 1 of 1 three-pointers, and scored 9 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
In the second quarter, Li Ao rested for three minutes before playing again. In the first half of the quarter, the Clippers scored 14-9. After the official timeout, O'Neal came on the court, and the Lakers dominated the Clippers on both offense and defense.
Odom's shooting percentage began to decline at this time, the Clippers' internal containment declined, and their outside offense was also affected.
The Lakers launched an 18-10 half-quarter counterattack.
At the end of the half, the Lakers regained a 5-point lead at 63-58 to end the first half.
O'Neal blasted 11 points in the first half! With 25 points in the half, he regained his position as the highest individual scorer in the game.
Li Ao played 9 minutes in the second quarter and scored 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal. Odom played 10 minutes and scored 5 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
The two tried their best, but their most trustworthy teammate in the past two games, O'Neal, failed tonight.
The offense couldn't be hit, and the mid-range and short-range shots that were not good enough were almost impossible to make after the confrontation with O'Neal. They could only guarantee a certain rush and containment, and his performance was not as good as Chris Mihm.
The 213cm, 120kg white center Chris Mihm had an unexpected effect tonight. Of course he couldn't guard him most of the time, but at the end of each quarter, he was quite effective in guarding O'Neal.
When it comes to training O'Neal, Gentry is placed third. The first is the rookie Little Spider and the second is the second-year Zuo Mo. Both of them are younger and stronger.
So those two played well tonight, and Gentry naturally rotated the lineup around those two. Chris Mihm played 13 minutes in the first half, and O'Neal only had 11 minutes.
But what makes the Clippers strange is that O'Neal was replaced only after the official timeout in the second quarter...
During halftime, Gentry made detailed adjustments to the play style that worked well in the first half.
Although 5 points behind, this is the best they can do.
The Lakers, even if Kobe is absent, are still capable of at least 50 wins. They are much better than them. It is very rare to find a style of play that can compete.
Li Ao's on-the-spot response was even better than Gentry thought. Such an unconventional style of play was as if he had fought before, and by drawing inferences from one example, the energy-saving effect was much better than he expected.
…
After the break, the Clippers sent out a lineup of McGinnis, Li Ao, Maggette, Sean Lukes, and O'Neal Jr.
The Lakers sent a combination of Tyronn Lue, Brian Shaw, Horry, Horace Grant, and O'Neal.
Seeing that the opponent was facing another lineup that could play an invincible offense and top defense if Kobe was there, Li Ao felt that it was not unreasonable for the Lakers to be invincible in the 2001 playoffs.
Although the personal abilities of the Lakers are not outstanding, if they switch to another team, their overall evaluation may drop a lot, but they are suitable for the triangle offense and each has their own strengths. With O'Neal here, they can play a beautiful combination and start with 50 wins. With his level of strength, O'Neal brings not only unparalleled containment on the offensive end, but also teammates who can rest assured that they can switch defenses on the outside to defend against flanking attacks.
With such a lower limit of strength and the addition of Kobe, the Bulls' second dynasty may not be able to beat this year's Lakers. No wonder the league has to use three seconds of defense to kill O'Neal.
In addition, since the 1998-99 season with the "mid-level exception", the Lakers have used the mid-level exception every year, as well as the mid-level players returned from trade. In the summer of 2001, the Lakers fell into the "middle-class trap", and both transactions and signings were blocked. It's so difficult to win the championship in the 2001-02 season.
In the two free markets of 2002 and 2003, the Lakers were even worse. If Payton hadn't come to invest in the mid-level in the summer of 2003, Malone joined with a minimum salary, and O'Neal's defense was cut off. The Lakers would have never been able to make it to the 2004 Finals. Mid-level veteran.
After the start of the second half, Li Ao was much more proactive offensively than in the first half.
Actively cooperate with McGinnis and Maggette's movements in taking turns in singles.
Odom rested, and they had no choice but to fight.
However, the Clippers players, who were prepared to never give up even if they were beaten, were surprised to find that they were playing back and forth with each other!
On the defensive end, O'Neal was stuck under the basket, and on the offensive end, O'Neal was not as active in position isolations as he was in the first half.
After playing for more than 3 minutes, the two teams played a wave of 8 to 8!
The Clippers players themselves couldn't believe it, they actually sealed the score!
When the Lakers attacked, O'Neal caught the ball in the low post and played singles. He wanted to bite the bullet and boost his morale, but when he saw Li Ao rushing in, he chose to turn around and face the frame. O'Neal seized the opportunity to cut the ball and made it!
The ball was shot by O'Neal Jr. to O'Neal's feet and bounced out of bounds.
Li Ao looked at O'Neal, whose movements were obviously not as quick as the first half... He thought that O'Neal was replaced only after the official timeout, and he suddenly understood.
Overload of weight!
A dozen shots were taken in the first quarter!
Plus the current performance...
Li Ao wanted to remind Gentry, but heard the sound of substitution.
Boykins, who is good at shooting from close range, replaces McGinnis, who is good at breaking through and making pull-up jumpers.
Gentry has something!
Li Ao dared to make a bold conclusion because he had a system. Their coach actually dared to be so bold and determined that O'Neal had a physical crisis!
In fact, Gentry didn't think about O'Neal's decline. He no longer had any illusions about the 60+23 game in March this year and O'Neal's 25 points in the first half tonight.
He just saw an opportunity at close range and switched to Boykins to give it a try, thinking it was better than McGinnis playing in the mid-range.
Although the starting point was different, the choice was made correctly.
After the substitution, Boykins and Maggette took turns rushing inside. Maggette held the ball and rushed towards O'Neal like a bag of explosives. Boykins took a smart path and circled around at close range. Circle cast.
In the first half, the two were looking for shots, but at this time, the success rate was good!
Later, O'Neal simply stood at the basket and only stared at Maggette. The Lakers were forced to lower their defense. The one who benefited the most was Li Ao!
In the middle of the third quarter, Li Ao continuously ran back from the baseline to the high post, making 3 of 5 shots, plus 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 8 points in 4 minutes!
The game lasted until 7 minutes and 44 seconds, and Odom, who had rested long enough, came on.
The Lakers could still rely on team offense to maintain the situation, scoring 18 points in nearly 8 minutes, and did not let the Clippers, who scored 22 points, take the lead.
With Boykins and Maggette on the court, the Clippers' defense is hard to guarantee. Boykins can't guard anyone, and Maggette is only good at guarding strong breakout players.
But Odom came on the field, bringing Greg Anthony and Big Q with him. Chris Mihm replaced O'Neal at the center. With Li Ao, the Clippers' defense improved significantly!
In the following time, the Clippers beat the Lakers 12-6.
With 4 seconds left in the third quarter, Medvedenko, who replaced O'Neal, received the ball in the paint and jumped to dunk. He saw Li Ao rushing in and was so frightened that he almost let go of the ball. He quickly grabbed it and raised it for a layup... ...Gives Li Ao a chance to make up for his defense.
As Li Ao once again bullied the rookie, the big hat fanned the ball away. After three quarters, the Clippers led the Lakers by 5 points, 92-87!
O'Neal looked dumb again on the sidelines, holding the collar of his jersey in his mouth, but the difference was that he was pulling the jersey with both hands, gritting his teeth, and looking unhappy.
Fortunately, the jersey hasn't changed sponsors yet, otherwise this wouldn't be a complete mess.
That little spider only bullies the old, weak, sick and disabled! He has more shot blocks than him!
He played 27 minutes in three quarters and blocked 4 shots.
That little spider has blocked 5 shots! He was only capped once, and the rest were either rookies or veterans with over 30 caps.
It’s just showing off!
Moreover, the little spider even pulled his eyelids at him and stuck out his tongue and said, "You come out and blame me." It makes me so angry just thinking about it!
He kind of wants to recuperate at home with his afro.
If that guy is here, he won't be so tired in the first quarter, the opponent's singles players won't be left unguarded, and he won't have to be so tired on defense.
He usually plays an average of 40 minutes per game and does not have physical problems. This is because he does not play so many singles. Most of the time he wants the ball under the basket to contain the opponent's defense.
He just needs to show his teeth and claws to get the ball under the basket, and someone will come to attack him before he can catch the ball.
The defense also has a first-defense explosive head in the top arc area. He only needs to pay attention to cutting in from the side.
Another one felt that he was a little fat. Well, he should eat more at night, otherwise he would not have the energy to lose weight during competitions.
Fortunately, he paddled in the third quarter and recovered a lot of strength. Now he is not too far behind and wants to win the game!
Damn Li Ao, O'Neal no longer thinks about this matter.
When faced with the inside line, the little spider was obedient and kept shooting from the outside. When he counterattacked and faced the defender, he punched hard and dunked whenever he could. It was just showing off!
But don't mention it, he appreciates this calm style of play after working with Afro for a long time.
Soon, the fourth quarter began.
After O'Neal came on the court, he succeeded in two consecutive singles, raising his personal score to 33 points. He also worked hard again on the defensive end.
However, the young team is showing momentum, and even the Sharks without K can't stop it!
Odom first fed Mim a cake, and then Li Ao caught the ball at a 45-degree angle on the right and hit a three-pointer.
O'Neal succeeded in two singles, and the point difference was widened by one point!
In the following time, under the leadership of O'Neal, the Lakers resumed their strong offensive performance in the first quarter and the second half of the second quarter.
From a situation perspective, the Lakers are overwhelming the Clippers.
But whenever someone needs to step up and score in isolation, the Lakers fall asleep.
The reliever in the bottom corner also pulled. Whether it is Horry or Fox, they are better at the three-point line within the 45-degree angle on both sides, where they are covered by Li Ao!
As for the Clippers, when they need to stand up from the outside and rely on their personal ability to score, Odom and Li Ao continue to connect!
Although the Lakers played so well in their regular offense in the final quarter, the Clippers continued to maintain a slim lead.
At 11 minutes and 14 seconds of the last quarter, the Lakers scored 32-28 in this quarter. They are currently 1 point behind the Clippers 119-120, but the ball is on the opposite side.
When the Clippers attack, Odom holds the ball at the top of the arc. The Lakers focus on the Clippers' mid-range shots and leave the basket to O'Neal. It's so reassuring.
Something unexpected happened to the Lakers players.
Li Ao made a circle from the high post and then cut inside. The Lakers players thought he was going to sneak past the baseline and were ready for unlimited defense.
As a result, after Li Ao entered the three-second zone, he suddenly ran back to the sideline of the three-second zone and blocked Fox behind him.
Odom hit the ball in time, Li Ao caught the ball and turned to face the baseline. O'Neal realized something was wrong and quickly pressed forward. In desperation, adrenaline burst out. He moved very quickly, but it was still too late!
The biggest advantage of Li Ao's hook is that he moves quickly!
You don’t even need to jump like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did!
When O'Neal's double attack was in place, the ball had already flown into the air. O'Neal struggled to take off, but the arc of the ball was very high and he could not touch it. He could only watch the ball fly through the air and fall into the frame!
122 to 119, the Clippers lead by 3 points!
The Zen master finally called a timeout and made key ball arrangements.
Gentry also made personnel adjustments, and the combination of Quentin Richardson, Li Ao, Odom, O'Neal Jr. and Chris Mihm came on the field.
At the end of the timeout, the Lakers served from the frontcourt without pressing the rhythm and started attacking directly.
Gentry's arrangement was to defend the opponent's three-pointer, but Li Ao felt something was wrong when he took the ball from the opposite side and ran directly.
He makes his own defensive adjustments...
At the top of the arc, Ron Harper rushed forward in a pick-and-roll. After Horry opened the ball, he did not pull outside the three-point line as usual, but blocked it and cut directly to the center.
At this time, O'Neal struggled to squeeze away from Chris Mihm, and O'Neal, who was chasing Horry in, was attracted by O'Neal without the ball. Ron Harper passed the ball, and Horry caught the ball and flew for a layup...
"Snapped"
"Bang"
Spider-Man bullies the old man again!
Li Ao pressed the ball just thrown by Horry onto the backboard with one palm, grabbed the ball with his big hand, and took it directly.
Grab the cover!
The Zen masters on the sidelines opened their mouths in surprise.
He saw more than the players on the field. When Ron Harper burst in, the little spider released Fox at a 45-degree angle on the left and went straight inside!
His tactical purpose of quickly attacking to score two points was seen through!
At this time, Huo Li, who was hating, hugged Li Ao in panic... The Zen master sat down.
The O'Neal who was about to hug little O'Neal was numb.
Here is a guy with a free throw percentage of over 60 who never commits a crime. Are you going to commit a crime against a top mid-range shooter?
Is it because Little Spider is only 19 years old and wants to test people's psychological quality?
O'Neal has no sympathy at all for Horry being bullied by Li Ao.
The foul count came early, and when Li Ao was hugged, the referee immediately blew the whistle.
Li Ao came to the opposite side and walked to the free throw line. This time, there were boos and cheers.
Although he likes to cheer, when playing away games, he still wants to play until the opponent fans boo him.
step by step!
Li Ao made two free throws steadily, 123 to 118, and the Clippers took a 5-point lead!
With 24 seconds left and 5 points behind, Master Zen didn't call a timeout and let the players play on their own.
Not surprisingly, Horry hit Odom with a three-point shot.
With Fox and Horry, two veteran pitchers who never miss a beat at critical moments, someone has to be singles to attract doubles and feed the ball.
In the last round, the offensive Zen Master did not use a three-point tactic but chose to attack. This is the reason.
After O'Neal grabbed the defensive rebound, the Lakers did not foul again.
Odom received the call and drove it to the frontcourt, throwing the ball into the air with 3 seconds left.
As if a cup was broken, the players and coaches on the sidelines of the Clippers poured into the court, and everyone celebrated crazily. On the sidelines, those who didn't know thought Li Ao had won another NCAA championship.
O'Neal looked at the other side celebrating, but he didn't have too many negative emotions.
He tried his best, played 39 minutes, made 16 of 30 shots, and 9 of 16 free throws. He scored 41 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocks. What else should he do?
And it was just a regular season game. To be honest, he played quite well, but...
Fans, what does it mean when you wear our jersey and cheer for that little spider?
However, Li Ao made 12 of 26 shots tonight, including 1 of 5 three-pointers, plus 7 of 7 free throws, scoring 32 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 7 blocks...
I really dare to throw it!
Especially in the first three quarters, he made 0 of 4 three-pointers. In the fourth quarter, when he got the opportunity, he made a decisive shot and scored. O'Neal seemed to see that familiar afro.
But it was different later on. There was not a single three-point shot in the next 11 minutes. Instead, they used the threat of the just-made three-pointer to find scoring opportunities inside.
And Odom, who scored 33 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals and 1 block tonight, also surprised O'Neal.
These two fought so well that they didn't lose unjustly.
But otherwise he is the best partner. O'Neal has another idea at the moment - give me an explosive head. Even if the little spider and Zuo Mo explode together, I can hammer them to death!
(End of chapter)
