The three non-sticks made all the fans happy. A big brother was sitting in the audience behind the basket, stood up and whistled.
"That's it, baby, one more penalty!"
The angry Kobe didn't say anything, turned back and walked to the backcourt without looking, really without looking.
I don’t know if it was because of the lack of pressure from the boss, but McGee made a free throw on the second goal.
117:115.
Garnett served a sideline ball, and Kobe called on his teammates to prevent Harden from catching the ball. However, McHale was well prepared and took advantage of McGee's free throw just now to replace all the shots that were inaccurate. Except for the serve, McHale was left on the court. Garnett, Harden, Jeremy Lin, Ariza and Butler all have free throw shooting rates of over 80%.
Jeremy Lin received the ball and was fouled. He walked to the frontcourt with a relaxed expression and made two free throws.
119:115.
"McHale's tactic is very novel. It's a bit like a penalty kick in football. Shuhao made both free throws, and the Rockets extended their lead to two rounds. There were 20 seconds left in the game, and the Lakers had no timeouts and could only go backcourt. Serve, even if Kobe is in hot form tonight, the balance of victory has already tilted towards the Rockets."
Yu Jia said.
On the court, Kobe was faced with a pressing defense that was delayed at all times. He had no choice but to pass the ball to Iguodala, who hurriedly took a shot against Harden and missed a three-pointer.
Garnett collected the rebound and was sent to the free throw line.
The Wolf King remained calm and made two free throws.
Kobe tried another super long three-pointer, hitting the front of the basket, and the game ended.
121:115, the Rockets won the game without any danger.
"In this first shooting guard duel, Kobe once again won the game, scoring 48 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Harden won the game, with 32 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds, which was equally outstanding. This battle between the two sides It’s a tie again with no winner. Let’s look forward to the next showdown.”
Yang Yi said.
"Congratulations to the Rockets for their victory. They topped the Western Conference with a record of 23 wins and 8 losses. Next, they will go to the East for 5 consecutive away games. I hope the young Rockets can withstand the pressure and return triumphantly."
Yu Jia is summarizing the game.
On the court, Harden walked over and hugged Kobe in greeting.
"Thank you, Kobe. I learn a lot every time I play against you."
Harden said.
"As I said, the next time we fight, I will be the one who laughs last."
Kobe responded with a smile, and the two chatted for a while, exchanged jerseys and took photos.
"Compared to the previous Kobe, he is much softer now."
Olajuwon said.
"I think it's good now. His relationship with Harden is just like the relationship between Jordan and him back then. They are both teachers and friends. This is a legend."
Drexler said.
At the end of the game, they also got up and left. They were getting older and couldn't play for 40 minutes and still go to the bar to have fun like they did when they were young.
Xu Xin accompanied several Rockets stars to the parking lot, and then drove to the office. This game showed him that the Rockets still had many shortcomings, and he needed to organize his thoughts and take notes.
When we arrived at the Rockets base, there were sounds in the arena, and it seemed like someone was training.
Xu Xin was very surprised. He looked in through the ajar door and found that the trio of Harden, Butler, and Jeremy Lin were practicing again.
"Butler changed Harden."
Xu Xin was very emotional. In those years, the Heat had no superstars except Butler. Butler was able to reach the finals twice in a row with a group of draft picks. He relied not on talent but hard work.
Under the influence of Butler in this life, Harden tore off the title of "Little Prince of Nightclubs", stayed away from the hustle and bustle, and concentrated on practicing. How high will his future achievements be?
Xu Xin is looking forward to it.
"The step back is much smoother, yes, that's it, so you won't be blown away."
The Iron Triangle practiced very hard, and Harden taught Jeremy Lin and Butler how to use step-back shots.
"If you don't get 500 today, you won't go home."
Butler wiped the sweat from his face and said loudly.
Tonight, under Iguodala's strict defense, his offensive efficiency was not as good as usual.
Although he won the game, he was very dissatisfied with his performance. After the coach concluded, he proposed to practice more.
Harden and Jeremy Lin joined in without saying a word, and the friendship between the three of them has been sublimated after spending time together day and night.
"I think you can train with Tucker and Ariza more. Their defensive level is also very high."
Jeremy Lin made suggestions.
"And Beverley, despite his short stature, his defensive level is definitely among the top 20 in the league."
Harden added that the one-on-one match a few days ago left a deep impression on him.
"Okay, I'll practice with them tomorrow."
Butler hit a mid-air shot and said after landing,
Xu Xin watched for a while and then walked to the office. The core of the team worked so hard, he couldn't be left behind.
Sitting in front of the computer and recording his thoughts, although tonight's game was won, some problems were also exposed. Although he is not the coach, his communication with McHale this season is also one of the reasons for the Rockets' rapid progress.
In addition, Xu Xin continued to look for veteran stars that the system was tasked with signing, and he set his target on the ball holder.
Tonight's conversation with Olajuwon and other famous players made him realize that what the Rockets lack most is someone with the ability to hold the ball and make hard tackles.
The system has always been targeted, and Xu Xin felt that there was God's will in the dark.
After several searches, there was still no result. The conditions were really too harsh. There was no retirement, no contract, and he was once a top star in the league.
Xu Xin only felt that his head hurt. There must be a road before the car reaches the mountain. If you can take it one step at a time, take your time.
After a day's rest, all members of the Rockets were ready to start their journey to the East.
First stop, Charlotte.
Facing the Bobcats, who have been rebuilding but have never succeeded in rebuilding, the Rockets easily won without any bloodshed.
Jeremy Lin took the lead in this battle, scoring a season-high 38 points and a double-double with 11 assists.
Harden, Butler and Garnett spent a lot of money in the last game. Except for the fourth quarter this time, they basically just paddled around the court, making shots when there was an open space, and passing the ball when there was no open space.
Even so, it is not comparable to the current Bobcats.
Passing the first level smoothly, the team flew to Cleveland overnight to challenge the Cavaliers back-to-back without any modifications.
The Cavaliers in the post-James era are incomparable with the new-look Rockets, which ranks second in the league and first in the Western Conference.
Not only players and coaches, but even Xu Xin thinks so.
But the alliance is the birthplace of miracles, and there is no absolute underdog.
At the beginning of the game, No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving took the lead and made two consecutive single-screen three-pointers with the ball.
Then he intercepted Harden's cross pass on the defensive end and counterattacked on the fast break to assist Dion Waiters for an alley-oop dunk.
