On the evening of November 19th, fans arrived early at Staples Center, one of the league’s pilgrimage sites, waiting for this high-profile Lake Fire game.
The former Lake Fire Battle is definitely one of the most classic programs, especially in the hearts of Chinese fans.
Now, time has passed, the Lakers are getting older, and the Rockets have completed their upgrading, and the showdown between the two teams has lost the flavor of many years.
But the level of attention has not diminished. Before the game, all the major media were discussing. Among them, the remarks of "Big Mouth" Barkley were the most interesting:
"I am optimistic about the Lakers. Although the Lakers had a bad start, they have improved significantly after the coaching change.
I'm not saying this is Mike Brown's problem. Maybe if the Lakers management has some patience and doesn't change coaches, the Lakers' results will get better.
After all, the team's starting point guard and center are both newcomers, and both of them have their own systems. It is not easy to integrate into the Lakers' system. It takes time. "
"The Lakers have gradually gotten back on track in the last four games, achieving 3 wins and 1 loss.
On the other hand, the Rockets suffered two consecutive defeats after six consecutive victories. Although they beat the Trail Blazers on the road in the last game, the game was not valuable enough. The team's inside height was seriously lacking. There was no orthodox power forward in the starting lineup and no orthodox center on the bench. .
How can this lineup compete with the Lakers with Warcraft and Gasol? "
"I'll leave it at that. If the Rockets can beat the Lakers in this game, find the most stubborn donkey and I will kiss its ass hard!"
As soon as this statement came out, it attracted a lot of attention, and fans also talked about it.
"The Rockets' record is obviously better than that of the Lakers. How dare Barkley? I think he's a donkey who doesn't kiss enough!"
"I think his analysis is reasonable. When the Rockets won these games, the opponent's inside strength was not too strong. The Trail Blazers should be the strongest inside, but it's a pity that their outside strength is too weak."
"Have you ever thought about it, this game is the Lakers' home court. If the two teams are in a stalemate, the penalty will definitely be in the Lakers' favor."
"People upstairs understand, the Rockets have no stars. Without stars, there is no star whistle. In 9 games, the Rockets have only made more free throws than their opponents in 2 games!"
"It's boring to talk about referees. It's not like our Lakers have never lost at home. Don't make excuses if you can't beat us."
. . .
The fans were already noisy before the game started, which invisibly added a bit of color to the game.
China Live Broadcasting Platform will broadcast this game live.
Half an hour before the start of the game, the two commentators had already begun to analyze.
"Hello, viewers, I am the commentator Yu Jia. Today we have invited the famous basketball commentator Yang Yi to watch the game with us."
"Hello everyone, my name is Yang Yi."
"Teacher Yang Yi, do you have anything to share with everyone about today's competition?"
“In today’s game, the Lakers have a better chance of winning, but as for the Rockets, I can only say they have a chance.
Before the start of the season, everyone was talking about the Lakers' F4, and they found out that they were not as powerful as the outside world boasted. However, in the past few games, the Lakers are on the right track.
As for the Rockets, they have won six consecutive games since the start of the season and have a good momentum, but our young manager Xu actually chose to make a deal at this point.
The two starting strikers were sold, and the backup power forward was also sold. The Rockets' already poor reserve of interior personnel became even worse. I don't understand why Manager Xu did this. "
Yang Yi analyzed enthusiastically.
"Okay, the director has prepared a short video to show us what the Lakers and Rockets have experienced in the past nine games."
. . .
"It can be seen that the Lakers superstars are constantly improving in their coordination skills.
For the Rockets, although they beat the Trail Blazers in their last game, they still allowed Ade to score a season high of 36 points. It can be said that the Rockets' internal problems have not been solved. "
Yu Jia concluded and asked again.
"Teacher Yang Yi, what is the key to victory for both sides in this game?"
"The key to victory for the Lakers, I think, is to attack the inside more, reduce turnovers, and not give the Rockets fast break opportunities.
The Rockets should not mention this season. Their fast break counterattack score is second only to the Miami Heat, ranking second in the league. This team's counterattack is quite terrifying, and there are many ways to finish. Not only counterattacks and rushing to the frame, but also many chasing three-pointers and mid-range shots. , it is really difficult to prevent. "
Yang Yi gave his own opinion.
"Where is the Rockets' key to victory?"
In terms of commentary, Yu Jia is a very good supporter.
"If the Rockets want to win, they must protect the basket as much as possible on the defensive end and let the Lakers shoot more three-pointers. On the offensive end, they have to shoot their own three-pointers. This is not enough. Harden and Jeremy Lin must each score at least 30 points. ball."
Yang Yi spoke eloquently.
The two people analyzed it together, followed by a few short videos and advertisements. Half an hour passed in a flash, and the game was about to begin.
"The starting lineups of both sides have been determined. For the Lakers, Kobe, Nash, Gasol, Huo Moode and Ci Shiping are the same. The Rockets are the same as the last game, Harden, Jeremy Lin, Parsons, Ariza, Ashe gram."
Yu Jia introduced the starting lineups of both sides.
At Staples Center, the Rockets trio, Harden, Jeremy Lin, and Parsons formed a circle in front of the technical stage, clasped their hands and bowed slightly. This year, the storm of youth, this moment, the unity of thoughts.
Kobe's eyes were deep, he was praying to himself, and then he raised his hand to the sky to kick off the game.
Players from both sides came to the center circle and made final preparations before the game.
Asik and Warcraft stood in the middle and jumped the ball. As the referee blew the whistle, Warcraft jumped high and passed the ball to Nash. This much-anticipated game began.
The Lakers took the lead in attacking. Warcraft got stuck in the paint and asked for the ball with his back. This was his favorite offensive method in the Magic in the past few years.
Nash handed over the ball, and Warcraft received the ball and pushed forward with his back. However, facing Asik, a white center who was both tall and weight-free, Warcraft's actions had no effect and just stayed in place.
Seeing that the back was about to last for more than 5 seconds, Warcraft turned around and chose a hook. The hook was too stiff and the basketball hit the neck of the basket and bounced out. Asik protected the defensive rebound and gave it to Jeremy Lin who was ready to go. .
After Jeremy Lin received the ball, he rushed towards the Lakers' defensive half like a hot wheel. Nash couldn't keep up with Hao's speed and was getting farther and farther behind. Seeing that Jeremy Lin was about to complete a layup, Kobe Bryant came from the side to catch up. Arriving, leaping high, trying to block the shot.
But Jeremy Lin was well prepared. He drew his abdomen in the air and used a lever to avoid Kobe's block. In desperation, Kobe hit Jeremy Lin's arm.
