In the live broadcast room, Yu Jia and Yang Yi were sitting in front of the commentary desk in suits and ties.
The two have been discussing this game for half an hour, giving a comprehensive introduction to the recent results, head-to-head records, and star performances of both sides.
"Last question, Teacher Yang Yi, what do you think is the key to victory for both sides in this game?"
Yu Jia brought up the topic.
"The key to victory is that I am really well prepared."
Yang Yi said with a smile.
"Let's talk about the Rockets first. There are three points in total. Harden performed normally, and the outside shooters were not inaccurate. They limited Deron Williams and Lopez's scoring to less than 40 points, and at the same time cut off the connection between Deron and Joe Johnson. .”
Yang Yiyan said firmly.
"What about the Nets?"
Yu Jiacheng connects the previous and the following.
"It is very difficult for the Nets to win. After all, the Rockets have been in great shape recently. In fact, it can be summed up in three points. Deron Williams, Lopez and Joe Johnson all performed well. Yes. If Harden is effectively restricted, not to mention how many points he can score by guarding Harden, he must at least limit his shooting percentage to less than 40% to have a chance. Thirdly, expect the Rockets shooters to be inaccurate."
After saying that, Yang Yi laughed himself.
In his opinion, it is almost certain that the Rockets will win this game.
As soon as the camera turned, the players on both sides were ready, and all the starting players appeared on the field.
Harden accelerated and ran towards the basket on his side, bumped into it and bounced back. He was very satisfied with the pre-game action he designed and never tired of it.
"The starting lineups for both sides have been released, and there have been changes on the Rockets' side."
Yu Jia was a little surprised and continued:
"Jeremy Lin did not start, replaced by Ariza. The five starting players on the team are point guard Harden, shooting guard Butler, small forward Ariza, power forward Garnett and center Asik. These are the registrations of five people. Location.
The Nets have also made adjustments. Chris Humphries, the power forward who had been starting before, was put on the bench today. He was replaced by Reggie Evans. The team's starting five are, in order, point guard. Guard Deron Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson, small forward Gerald Wallace, power forward Reggie Evans and center Brook Lopez. "
Yu Jia introduced the starting lineups of both sides in one breath.
"Interestingly, both teams have made personnel adjustments to their starting lineups. It seems that the head coaches of both teams attach great importance to this game. The game has begun before the game starts."
Xu Xin sat behind the home team's bench and turned to look at Nets head coach, PJ Carlesimo.
This head coach is little-known. He was the team's assistant coach at the beginning of the season. However, the team's start was poor. At the end of last year, the Nets management terminated the contract of the then head coach, Junior General Johnson, and Carlesimo became Became the team's interim head coach.
Now it seems that this unknown coach also has something.
Humphries, a white power forward, has certain low-post offensive skills, but his defense is average. He is a typical inside man who is more offensive than defensive.
Reggie Evans is just the opposite. He is more defensive than offensive. He has almost no independent offensive ability, but he is active in fighting and has an excellent sense of rebounds. He averages 11 rebounds per game, including more than 3 offensive rebounds.
At the same time, Reggie Evans spared no effort on the defensive end, and his excellent upper body strength allowed him to not suffer any disadvantage in top defense.
Carlesimo's personnel adjustment was aimed at Garnett. Not only that, with Evans on the court, the Nets are bound to do their best to fight for offensive rebounds.
Although the Rockets' defensive rebounding is not weak, it is not among the top ten.
Xu Xin couldn't help but feel a little worried about this.
"I'm a little curious now about how the two sides match up."
Yang Yi smiled.
"Harden will definitely not go against Deron. Both of them are the team's top players, and wearing each other out is something neither head coach wants to see.
The Nets will most likely let Gerald Wallace limit Harden.
As for who will defend Deron on the Rockets' side, it's unclear. Should Butler defend Deron or Ariza? "
Yang Yi analyzed it for a long time and then threw the question back to the audience.
"Okay, let's start the game and everything will be revealed soon."
Yu Jia said.
In the center of the field, the referee threw the basketball high, and Lopez was even better. With a wave of his long arm, he passed the basketball to Deron in his own half.
Deron caught the ball and came to the frontcourt unhurriedly.
Butler took a step forward, shot out a single arrow, and waited for Deron to enter his defensive range.
"It's Butler. Let's take a look. The matchup inside is clear. Asik and Los Angeles are fighting hand-to-hand, and Garnett and Evans are on the side. On the outside, Ariza is facing Joe Johnson, and Harden is facing Jayson. Ladd Wallace, Butler guarding Deron alone."
Yu Jia introduced.
"McHale is hiding Harden and allowing him to save energy as much as possible on the defensive end."
Yang Yi said.
Deron dribbled the ball to the top of the arc without rushing to attack. As the core point guard of the team, he is used to helping his teammates find the touch first.
Evans constantly used back screens to create opportunities for Joe Johnson, but Ariza defended him very hard, running quickly and chasing after him, preventing Joe Johnson from having a chance to catch the ball.
Joe Johnson tried his best, struggled with it, and finally got a chance with 5 seconds left in the attack time, getting rid of Ariza and cutting to the basket.
But Harden retracted in time to block his receiving route.
Deron's pass was about to be released, and when Harden recovered it, he temporarily changed his route and passed it to Gerald Wallace outside the three-point line in the bottom corner.
That is to say, Deron's passing skills are excellent. If he were an ordinary point guard, the ball would most likely be passed to the bench.
Wallace caught the ball and took a decisive shot when faced with a wide open opportunity.
"Bang!"
The trajectory of the ball was crooked, and the basketball bounced out of the frame. Asik and Garnett were firmly stuck on the backboard, and Harden took the opportunity to protect the backboard.
"Harden's contraction is critical. If he hadn't filled that position, Joe Johnson would have caught the ball and gone straight to the basket."
Yang Yi paused and continued:
"But Gerald Wallace was really inaccurate. There was no one three meters away, so he couldn't make the shot."
Yang Yi smiled.
"That's why McHale chose to play Harden against Wallace."
Yu Jia echoed.
On the court, Harden dribbled slowly to the frontcourt. On the defensive end, he guarded the opponent's small forward. On the offensive end, he acted as a point guard to sort out the team's offense.
"The Nets' matchup style is also very interesting. They fight each other inside, just like the Rockets. On the outside, Deron plays against Ariza, Joe Johnson plays against Butler, and Wallace personally defends Harden."
Yu Jia said.
