Start coaching the Thunder, starting with Westbrook

Chapter 167
Although Duncan has not won the best defensive player, as some fans said, this is not his shame, but the shame of the best defensive player selection, especially considering that there are brushes like Camby among the best defensive players, the subjective will of the voters is too serious.

But this is good, at least when Duncan is facing poor defense from the outside, no one will say that he is the best defensive player and should be able to defend five positions.

Of course, Antetokounmpo is not a pure outside play, and his current personal offense must increase the proportion of pick-and-rolls, and then it depends on the Spurs' response.

Popovich has led the team so far, and has already had a "self-centered" grandmaster style, which means that no matter how the opponent plays, he will play his own, and it is necessary to deal with things that are in the playoffs. There is no need for this in the regular season.

However, he is also very curious about how Li Sheng, the original tactical assistant, has changed the former singles-based Thunder team.

After a pre-match warm-up, the game was finally about to officially start. Li Sheng and Udoka first went to the sidelines to chat with Popovich and the others. Popovich also patted the two on the shoulder to congratulate them. After all, he was very satisfied to see his "disciple" peaches and plums all over the world.

People at this age value their reputation very much, and this kind of good reputation as a teacher is what they pursue.

After exchanging greetings, salute first and then soldiers.

"Radis Endergan is boring, welcome to-"

"OKC!"

"OKC!!"

"OKC!!!"

At the Thunder's home court, the louder shouts made the whole scene noisy and harsh, but it also made people's blood boil inexplicably. The rookies were most affected, and their faces flushed red, which was excited.

This opponent, this home court, and their record are all exciting enough.

"Okay, the game officially started. We saw Ibaka jumping the ball from the Thunder side. He jumped up like a spring and put the ball into Ennis' hands. Ennis advanced with the ball and then handed the ball to Antetokounmpo. Let's see how Antetokounmpo handles this first offense..."

As long as you watch a few Thunder games this season, you will be familiar with the routine of Antetokounmpo and Ibaka evacuating the inside, and then Robertson and Ennis continue to use screens to cut air.

The Thunder actually drew a fixed tactical movement, as long as the players are familiar with it.

Of course, the opponent will actually be familiar with it, but the tactical changes are not static. As a passive defender, there will definitely be omissions.

In fact, being able to do this has something to do with Antetokounmpo and Ibaka's certain deterrence on the outside. They can pull out to cover their teammates and at the same time find opportunities on the outside.

"Ennis ran out and received the pass from Antetokounmpo, and shot it directly. No—this is not a shot, but a pass. After Antetokounmpo made the ball, he quickly used the cover to cut to the basket. The basket on the Spurs side was completely empty. He took off and slammed the ball directly, and there it is!"

"A good goal, we can see from this ball, the Thunder team cooperated very well, and this kind of goal is reasonable, because it found a good opportunity, and the Thunder played very well."

Popovich stood on the sidelines, looked back at Li Sheng, thoughtful.

Although he didn't make any special arrangements for the Thunder and wanted to play first before watching, he must have watched the Thunder play this season.

However, from the video, it is still not as exciting as what you saw in the game, because they will habitually look for loopholes, but in the game, what you see is more of their spirituality in running positions.

Just like the ball just now, Ennis usually chooses to shoot directly from that position, but the Thunder has an extra choice. Ennis actually attracted enough defensive attention for Antetokounmpo at that moment.

Of course, this also has something to do with the Thunder's offensive strategy from the very beginning, unless the Spurs are huddled inside and can't go out, but Antetokounmpo and Ibaka are both capable of three-pointers.

Of course, what Popovich wants to see more now is the Thunder's defense.

Tony Parker pushed forward with the ball. Leonard's growth in the past two seasons has been surprising, but in fact, the team's outside offensive firepower is mainly in Parker's hands.

French sports car can be regarded as a core point guard who has always been underestimated. He and Billups are both champion point guards and both have won FMVP once, but in terms of comprehensive career and peak heights, he is obviously above Billups, and also above many star point guards in everyone's impression, such as Lillard, Irving and others.

He has won the second team, won many championships and made many All-Stars. His honor and strength are good, but in the Spurs team, everyone pays attention to Duncan, Popovich, and maybe even his marriage with his wife.

In the peak period of playing with the small top, the offensive efficiency in the penalty area is higher than that in the inside, which is incredible for a point guard who is not tall and thin.

Immediately, Parker turned around and played with Brother Antetokounmpo with his signature. For this kind of rookie, old players like to say "Welcome to the NBA" to them.

Ibaka is sensible and knows to come to make up for the defense, but Parker, who has not been affected by the injury, is frighteningly fast. Otherwise, how can he be called a "sports car"? It can't be said that he is fast.

"Parker's top turn is his signature move. Antetokounmpo feels that he will be unable to catch up if he is one step behind. This is also the tuition fee that rookies must pay. He will face different opponents and must adapt to different offensive methods. There are many he can only sigh."

Director Zhang said with a smile: "Parker's ability is entirely personal. He didn't play very well, but he was able to make it."

"The Thunder are attacking, this time Durant came out to catch the ball and faced Leonard..."

Popovich did know about the Thunder, so Green was assigned to guard Ennis, and Parker could only follow Robertson.

And Leonard and Durant have been fighting against each other for so long in the San Antonio training camp before, and the two are very familiar with each other, so Durant can't find a good opportunity in singles.

But now it's a game, not a private one-on-one. Durant called a pick-and-roll, Antetokounmpo brought Duncan out, the Spurs chose to switch defenses, Leonard followed Antetokounmpo, and Durant faced Duncan.

Due to a misplacement opportunity, he chose to break through directly. Duncan moved laterally slowly, making him turn around and wipe the past.

Robertson was very excited today. Sometimes this is a good thing for young players. This time, the three-pointer was raised with a knife and landed in the bag with a swipe. It was clean and crisp. Robertson immediately clenched his fist and slapped his chest in celebration. Normally, he would have retreated blankly.

"The Thunder came up aggressively. These few times they were all based on passing opportunities, and there were both inside and outside lines. The Spurs' defense was easily torn apart by them!"

The voice of Sun Zhengping's guidance also seemed a little excited, "Maybe it's because Li Sheng was also very excited when facing the 'mentor', shouting passionately from the sidelines."

In fact, Li Sheng just paid more attention to the winning streak. He had a premonition that if he could really break the winning streak in team history, he would definitely trigger the hidden mission, and there would be rewards at that time.

If it can break the league's highest winning streak record, let alone, but this possibility is too small, and the Warriors with 73 wins have not done it.

(End of this chapter)