When the Clippers attacked, the Raptors players adjusted their defensive formation under the leadership of Olajuwon.
He was caught off guard in the first few rounds, but now Olajuwon has clearly seen the playing style of the opposing lineup.
It's not a particularly advanced or exquisite tactical coordination, it's the simplest 'double gun' style of play, Bibby + Jordan, coupled with Li Ao who is in charge of the transfer, the inside is mainly responsible for covering and eating.
The Raptors' starting lineup defended 4 to 1. When Olajuwon was in good health, their defense was top-notch. Carter defended very seriously and hard tonight. Under Olajuwon's leadership, their defensive performance in this round was top-notch. All levels belong to the upper level.
Maurice Peterson went to guard Jordan, and Carter continued to fight with Li Ao.
It was difficult for Carter to stand up to Jordan, and Maurice Peterson was even more difficult to stand up. However, he had a strong ability to switch defenses. After Jordan was passed behind him, he actively made up for the bottom line and blocked Matt Halprin from cutting into the attacking frame.
Alvin Williams' offense is average, but his defense is top-notch, and he can't match Bibby's off-ball movement.
Jordan rushed deep and was flanked by Olajuwon and Antonio Davis. Fortunately, O'Neal went to the wing to help Li Ao block Carter. Li Ao cut in to catch the ball from close range, but still could not get rid of the defense. Antonio Davis Si stood in front of him.
His teammates didn't have good chances to catch the ball and shoot. Li Ao chose to take a fadeaway jumper against Antonio Davis!
The sultry gesture made the fans at the scene scream in surprise, but unfortunately they didn't get in.
Li Ao almost fell to the ground again, and quickly retreated after standing firm.
This backward shooting posture should be from mid-to-long range. It is too difficult to find the feeling at close range. It is better to use the hook shot from close range.
Li Ao caught up with Carter, who was running forward, and the two continued to pinch each other. Faced with each other's little moves, neither of them evaded. Instead, they competed with each other to pinch harder and in a more tricky and painful position. The kindergarten and elementary schools were stunned. I used my experience when I was having trouble with my deskmate.
When he reached the three-point line, Li Ao immediately let go of Carter and stayed inside the line. Just as he thought, Carter did not receive the serve and advance, so he must be ready to hold the ball and attack.
Olajuwon directed his teammates to pull away. When he served, he told Antonio Davis to find a rushing position but not to rush in, to maintain the threat and leave room for Alvin Williams to cut in.
Carter waited for his teammates to get into position and then rushed straight to the basket, facing O'Neal's defensive pull-up layup...missed!
Although I didn't score, the chance was already good, it was just a matter of touch.
Although Olajuwon is old, as a top player in history, he did his best to help Carter create conditions for attacking the frame by directing his teammates to position and move, making up for Carter's lack of commanding ability.
Carter started to attack fiercely, and Jordan also started to attack fiercely. The two flying men started a wonderful... blacksmith duel.
Li Ao handed over all the offense to Jordan and Bibby, running and supporting on the offensive end, and devoted his energy to defense. The Clippers' three major outside stars have a clear division of labor.
Halfway through the first quarter, the Raptors clung to the score... 11 to 8, the Clippers led the Raptors by 3 points and entered the official timeout!
This score was eye-catching for the fans in front of the TV, but the fans at the scene were very excited to watch it.
Li Ao and Carter struggled hand-to-hand throughout, Carter's breakthrough and Jordan's back-to-back confrontation, Bibby's distribution of ball rights and Olajuwon's on-court command...many things can only be experienced in person.
Of course, in such a game, although the players play with enthusiasm, they are also uncomfortable.
Returning to the bench, Li Ao complained: "Do the Eastern Conference teams have their own iron-blooded talents? The opponents are even more intense than us. We beat the Suns and Trail Blazers first... It's all Michael's fault!"
Jordan (╬￣Van￣): "Please tell me clearly, how can you blame me?"
"At that time, the teams in the Eastern Conference were trying their best to find ways to guard you, and they formed a habit."
Jordan: (**||)
It seems so!
Is this being praised? But why does he feel so awkward? It felt worse than being scolded, but I couldn't refute it.
He could only sit back and sulk, trying to think of a way to play better when he came back on the court after a break.
The teammates, who had been fighting so hard, smiled when they saw this scene, and the excessive pressure caused by the iron-blooded battle was reduced a lot.
…
The Clippers sent a combination of Bibby, Big Q, Li Ao, Odom, and O'Neal Jr.
The Raptors fielded a combination of Chris Childs, Carter, Darius Miles, Antonio Davis, and Olajuwon.
Wilkens's original rotation plan was to send two big pitchers, Dell Curry and Tracy Murray, to the second team to strengthen the offense. However, at their current age, these two have reached the stage of negative defensive effects. Can continue to play defense.
Not only that, he didn't even dare to let Olajuwon rest. If he kept Oakley, who averaged 9.6 points and 9.5 rebounds last season... He cursed the Raptors management again in his heart. If McGrady, Oakley, and Mark Jackson all... If he stays, he is absolutely confident of breaking through the Eastern Conference.
As long as they are paid, they can steadily form a championship lineup, and the salary is in line with the market price, and there is no need to pay a premium contract. This kind of good thing is impossible for any team to let go, but their team is different.
After the timeout, the Clippers have the ball.
Bibby + Odom + Li Ao, the Clippers sent this core combination to the second team. Wilkens, who is in his 29th year as coach, expected it and made defensive arrangements.
But Bibby's choice after receiving the serve surprised the Raptors players who were ready to defend. He passed the ball to Li Ao, who was close to the three-point line at a 45-degree angle on the left!
Li Ao leaned sideways on Darius Miles to protect the ball. After Bibby reached the weak side corner, he hoisted the ball to the left side of the three-second zone. O'Neal Jr. received the ball with his back in the low post and singled out Olajuwon!
O'Neal didn't play with his steps, he just went hard, and the confrontation came as big as possible.
Olajuwon lowered his center of gravity to withstand the impact of O'Neal. O'Neal turned around and stepped away from the three-second zone, took off, and shot from close range...Olajuwon was experienced and seized the opportunity to pounce on him, successfully interfering with O'Neal in place. The close-range shot hit the edge of the basket, but with good luck, it bumped and went in!
13 to 8, the Clippers took a 5-point lead!
The defensive prediction made a mistake, and Olajuwon, the legendary superstar, was hit hard. Looking at the expressions of his teammates, Carter could feel that their mentality was affected, and he decided to retaliate!
After switching offense and defense, Carter continued to play singles. Li Ao found that the opponent's eyes had changed, and he became very... middle two!
Carter broke through in singles, passed Li Ao and then dived into the inside without changing direction, reaching the fastest speed!
As soon as Little O'Neal moved into position, Carter had already jumped up to meet him, but he was not afraid, and stood still with his hands on his crotch... "Pa"...
Carter dunked through O'Neal Jr., but was slapped away by Li Ao who was chasing behind him!
The ball hit the neck of the basket and bounced out of bounds!
Li Ao turned around and raised his right hand in the direction of no one, waved the index finger, and said loudly:
"Warning! Angel City air traffic control, no takeoff allowed!"
(End of chapter)
