It's a pity that neither Beverley nor Ariza brought scopes tonight, and they hit three-pointers one after another.
Seeing this, Harden changed his style of play and focused on scoring.
One-on-one singles, digging step to break through and then European step for a layup, breaking through to the inside after the pick-and-roll, facing a small floater from White's defense, suddenly stopping mid-range pull-up while moving, and continuously performing a one-way 012 step back from the crotch Three points.
Harden opened up his arsenal to use, facing the former "four major shooting guards", half-man and half-god Carter, he could get everything he asked for.
A crazy individual show scored 16 points in a row, and the entire Mavericks team did not fall behind.
Carlisle was seen frowning on the sidelines and called a timeout to adjust his defensive methods.
After coming back, he double-teamed Harden decisively and forced him to play the ball. Originally this was a good thing. Doing more and less in certain areas is something role players like the Rockets are very good at.
But the state was not good tonight, and they failed to score several times in a row, which strengthened the Mavericks' determination to attack from a double attack.
The Rockets' offense was at a stalemate, and this time it was McHale's turn to be anxious.
On the Mavericks side, Crowder bulldozed a breakthrough, causing Ariza to foul and go to the free throw line.
McHale took this opportunity to regain the starting lineup. With Butler and Jeremy Lin around, the opponent would not dare to double-team Harden.
The Mavericks are indeed no longer double-teaming Harden, but their Dinghaishenzhen, Nowitzki, has returned with full health, and the two sides have started fighting mode again.
This time, Nowitzki had the upper hand. Faced with Tucker's lower plate defense, Nowitzki became more and more accustomed to it. The Golden Rooster was independent, holding high and hitting a small hook, shooting three-pointers after the pick-and-roll, and facing three threats from the frame. With a mid-range jumper, Nowitzki showed the audience what he had learned throughout his life.
As for Tucker, he can't guard anyone. His height disadvantage is too obvious. Facing such a skilled insider, he can only get beaten.
On the other hand, Harden's consumption in this quarter was indeed too great. After two three-pointers, Harden took advantage of Butler to serve the sideline ball and said:
"Brother, I leave it to you."
Butler nodded and replied:
"Just watch it!"
As a rookie in the class after Harden, Butler is very competitive, but after losing many duels with Harden, he calmly accepted the role of the team's second-in-command.
Xu Xin once talked with him:
"Wade of the Heat is also the second in charge, but his status and historical status in the hearts of Heat fans will not be reduced by half just because he is the second in charge."
Butler agrees with this view, so when he appears on the court at the same time as Harden, he focuses more on the defensive end, but he is also ready to put the team on his shoulders at any time. Now, It’s the best time!
Butler advanced with the ball and looked up at the score. 50:58, the Rockets were already 8 points behind.
With a serious expression on his face, Butler came to the top of the arc and singled out Marion. He dribbled the ball with his right hand and protected the ball with his left hand. Marion tried to steal several times but was well blocked by Butler.
Immediately before Marion's center of gravity had time to adjust, he changed direction with his right hand and broke through. He suddenly stopped and threw the ball in the air.
"Uh-huh!"
The basketball went hollow into the net, 52:58.
"Butler's static talent is obviously not outstanding, so why can't Marion interfere with his shooting?"
On the sidelines, a tall, blonde female fan was very puzzled.
"Because the basketball system itself is based on the principle of favorable offense. Butler takes off first and cooperates with the mid-air jump shot. It is difficult for Marion to block the shot if he takes off in a hurry."
Her boyfriend sat next to her and explained patiently.
Seeing this scene, Xu Xin was filled with envy. He had been single for 24 years, and with the help of the system, he was now a billionaire, but he was still single.
On the court, Mayo was not to be outdone and called on Kaman to quickly serve the baseline ball. Then he rushed forward with lightning speed, preparing to catch the Rockets off guard.
Harden hurriedly followed up. This was his defender. However, as he ran, his speed became slower and slower. He had already played for 10 minutes in this quarter, and only rested for 4 minutes in the entire first half.
Seeing that Mayo was getting closer and closer to his own three-point line, Butler quickly stepped forward to cover the defense. He could see that Mayo was preparing to shoot a chasing three-pointer.
The moment Mayo took off, Butler made a timely save. Although he took off from behind, the bounce speed was amazing and actually interfered with Mayo's shooting.
Mayo changed his moves in the air, changed his shooting to a pass, and found Marion who was left open in the bottom corner.
Marion caught the ball, jumped forward slightly with both feet, and his posture in the air was exactly like a kangaroo. He pushed the ball with both hands and threw the ball. Although the movement was strange, it was very smooth and the speed was jaw-dropping.
"Uh-huh!"
The basketball hit the net at 52:61.
Seeing Marion hit a three-pointer, the fans cheered loudly. This is almost a repertoire at the American Airlines Center. The more fans watched Marion's shot, the more they liked it. Although the action was weird, the shooting rate was really not low. .
Xu Xin couldn't help laughing while sitting on the sidelines. This was also the first time he saw Marion shooting in a game. Watching it live was more interesting than watching it on TV.
I can’t help but think of a saying that was widely circulated among fans back then:
"Marion: When you were still studying how to optimize the shooting action from two-stage to one-stage, as early as ten years ago, it was 0.5-stage."
It is not an exaggeration to say that Marion's shooting philosophy is the originator of Curry.
McHale called another timeout, for no other reason than to replace Harden and take a rest.
Throughout the first half, Harden was already good enough. When his teammates still couldn't find the touch, Harden made 9 of 13 shots and scored 24 points to help the team cling to the score.
In the last round, Harden was obviously unable to do what he wanted on the defensive end. It would be a wiser choice to replace him at this time.
Jeremy Lin organized the attack, and Asik, Tucker and Ariza took the initiative to clear one side and set up a stick for Butler to hit singles.
Butler received the ball and made three consecutive threats. He penetrated the basket from the right and hit the layup before Kaman could cover up the defense.
When the Mavericks attacked, Mayo once again chose to go it alone, and Ariza replaced Harden. He has great experience in guarding against such a defender with strong singles ability.
Stretching out his long arm to cover him completely, Mayo continued to change directions and failed to get rid of it, then took a step back and made a strong shot.
"Bang!"
Without any surprise, the shot missed.
Asik protected the backcourt rebound and handed it to Jeremy Lin.
Jeremy Lin made a precise long pass to find Ariza who was about to leave, and successfully connected. The latter easily dunked the basket with both hands and added two points.
56:61.
This is Mayo's problem. Although he is good, he is far from reaching the super giant level, and is even one step away from the All-Star.
But his confidence on the court is off the charts, and he often likes to shoot some superstar shots. This kind of poor shot selection is often harmful to the team.
"The draft is less than half a year away, and players of this type cannot be selected."
Xu Xin reminded himself.
