Facing defensive expert Iguodala again, Butler played proactively and confidently.
Mid-range pull-up jump shots, small throws around the basket, sudden fouls, and gains for three consecutive rounds.
"It seems that Harden's whisper just now has an effect."
Xu Xin smiled.
"This kid is so malleable."
The glider admired sincerely.
However, the Lakers did not make too much concessions. Gasol hit a mid-range shot, Meeks also scored a three-pointer, and Iguodala made an air cut.
The offensive efficiency of both sides suddenly improved.
As Gasol's singles caused Garnett to foul, Harden replaced Jeremy Lin during the dead ball period and returned to the game.
Gasol made two free throws, 104:102, and the decisive battle in the last 5 minutes officially began.
"It wouldn't be appropriate for Tucker to face McGee at the center position."
Olajuwon touched his chin, questioning.
"It's still in the experimental stage. Five open on the offensive end and unlimited defense changes on the defensive end are the team's secret weapons.
McHale and I agree that Tucker has experience in defending when faced with inside players who have no shooting ability. During this period, Tucker's three-pointers from the bottom corner were very accurate, and this lineup was more threatening on the offensive end. "
Xu Xin explained.
Just as he was talking, Harden hit Meeks in a single and hit a step-back three-pointer.
107:102.
"Huo! When Harden comes up, he pulls, and when he pulls, he goes in! It feels so good."
Yang Yi sighed.
When the Lakers attack, Iguodala plays the role of point guard and dribbles the ball to Kobe across half court.
Kobe caught the ball with his back in the high post, shook his shoulders continuously, then turned around and shot jumpers in return.
107:104.
"Kobe also made a fadeaway jumper, one point short of 40 points."
Yu Jia said.
Harden advanced on his own, faced Meeks again, stepped back again with his hips, jumped up, shot, and hit!
110:104.
"Wow, Harden hit two consecutive step-back three-pointers, and the score reached 30. Meeks' defense was useless in front of Harden!"
Yu Jia said, this game is so enjoyable to watch.
Kobe glanced at Harden who was running into the backcourt. He had never been afraid of anyone when he was going strong.
In this attack, Kobe once again chose to play a high post, quickly turned to the baseline, got rid of Ariza in one step, and succeeded in a layup before Tucker's defense interfered.
110:106.
"I'll guard Harden."
During the retreat, Kobe tapped Meeks on the shoulder and motioned for Meeks to face Ariza.
"It's coming, it's coming, the much-anticipated matchup between Kobe and Harden is finally happening."
Yang Yi said excitedly.
With a serious expression on his face, Harden lowered his center of gravity and continued to move his hips in one direction to find rhythm. He started digging and broke through from the left to kill the basket.
Kobe stayed close to the defense without losing his defensive position. Harden once again used his usual arm clamp and completed the throw after the second confrontation.
"ha!"
Kobe roared, stood up from the ground, and slapped the ball away.
After landing, he shook his fingers at the audience.
The audience burst into boos. Do you think this is Staples?
"you are too naive."
Kobe turned to look at Harden and smiled.
When it comes to the level of trash talk, Kobe is not inferior to Jordan.
"You just committed a foul, but the referee didn't call it."
Harden said unconvinced.
"A truly capable person will not rely on referees to win. The only way to win is to be able to score by yourself."
Kobe said with a shrug.
Tucker sent a sideline ball, and Kobe was constantly guarding. The two stared at each other, and Harden had no chance to catch the ball.
Tucker executes Plan B and passes to Butler.
There were 5 seconds left in the attack time. Butler tried to break through and was blocked by Iguodala. In desperation, he jumped high and barely made a jump shot despite Iguodala's blockage.
"Bang!"
Hitting the edge of the basket, McGee protected the rebound.
"The Lakers attack, this score will reduce the point difference to one round."
Yu Jia explained.
Kobe played singles at the top of the arc, breaking through to attract the flank defense, and Harden tightened up inside to prepare for a swipe. Kobe looked six ways and passed the ball to Iguodala on the wing.
Harden slid back and Iguodala faked a shot. Harden was deceived into lifting his center of gravity and took a small step forward.
Iguodala seized the opportunity to break through smoothly, took a big step past Harden, jumped to the basket with both feet, remained balanced in the air after confronting Tucker who came to defend him, and hit a layup while hovering in the air.
110:108.
"With Tucker playing center, it's okay to defend, but assisting in defense is really not possible."
Olajuwon said that this was his concern just now.
"Faced with a striker with strong physical fitness like Iguodala, even if Asik and O'Neal protect the frame, they may not be able to defend him."
Drexler said.
"Right."
This time Olajuwon didn't argue with his old friend.
The Rockets attack and Harden faces Kobe again. It has to be said that when Kobe wants to defend, he is one of the best gatekeepers in the league.
Harden continued to change directions to no avail and passed the ball to Butler.
As his physical strength was exhausted, Butler also had few options. After a strong breakthrough, he had no room to shoot and passed the ball to Tucker in the bottom corner.
After the latter caught the ball, there were 2 seconds left on the clock. Facing McGee's flying dive, Tucker turned up the arc and shot a three-pointer, but missed.
Iguodala jumped high to grab the rebound and signaled his teammates to slow down. This attack was crucial and must be scored.
Coming to the frontcourt, it's still up to Kobe.
Ariza stood ready and opened his arms. Kobe was not in a hurry to get the ball off, and the three-threat prodded Bu Qiang to the basket. After the confrontation, he made a hovering layup and scored.
"Good shot! Kobe scored 6 of the past 8 points to help the Lakers tie the score. With 2 minutes left in the game, the two sides returned to the same starting line again."
Yu Jia said.
The Rockets attack, Harden holds the ball at the top of the key.
"You can't score this goal, I'm telling you."
Kobe opened the battle and continued to interfere with Harden verbally.
Harden's triple threat got space to shoot, and he shot a pull-up jumper. Kobe struggled to interfere, completely stretching his body, and slightly swept the basketball with two fingers, changing the trajectory of the ball without touching it.
But Tucker was like a cheetah. He waited near the basket for a long time, quickly controlled the ball with quick eyes and hands, turned around and made a shooting fake, fired up McGee, beat the time difference, and succeeded in a layup.
A crucial offensive rebound, a crucial two points!
112:110.
When the Lakers attacked, McHale shouted something from the sidelines, and the Rockets generals understood instantly. Ariza's arrow was in front, and the other four people stood in the box, staring at the quartet to come back.
Kobe smiled slightly. He suffered a loss last time, but he was prepared this time.
Kobe played singles at the top of the arc and broke through to attract the flank defense.
Kobe looked six ways and passed the ball to Iguodala on the wing.
Iguodala faked a shot and tapped Harden, who was back in position. He seized the opportunity to break through and passed Harden in one step. He jumped to the basket and took off with both feet. He once again faced Tucker's defense and raised his arms. The basket exploded and he completed a dunk. Tucker's body was shaken by the dunk, and he landed unsteadily and fell to the side.
