The strongest champion puzzle

Chapter 35 Bold Use
Zhang Xiaotian can always burst out with huge energy at critical moments, not just one or two games, Popovich certainly noticed.

Usually behaves ordinary, but when it comes to critical moments, it is rare, but it is not uncommon. Similar players are called Mr. Big Heart, Mr. Key, and they are also called lucky generals.

Popovich has coached such players before, such as Robert Horry, who holds seven championships.

As a role player, Robert Horry was not at his peak when he came to the Spurs, but he still made great contributions to the Spurs' championship.

However, if Zhang Xiaotian is to play, who will come down?

Although Leonard's performance is mediocre, he is the team's key player, and he needs to grow through this kind of hard work. If Danny Green is replaced, Popovich is worried that Zhang Xiaotian's rough defense will not interfere with his nimble footwork. kobe.

The next insider?Popovich has already made up his mind, but the inside is still at a disadvantage on the court. If he wants to play a big and four small rebounds, it is necessary to know that Manu Ginobili, who is often at the last moment of the game, is not playing now, just because he is worried Defensive and rebounding issues.

Facing opponents in the playoffs and playing inextricably, this is a good opportunity to practice the team, and Popovich must be cautious.

Just when Popovich was hesitating, Kobe and Gasol cooperated twice, the latter hit two mid-range shots, and the Lakers suddenly overtook by 3 points.

He couldn't hesitate anymore, the old stone Buddha couldn't keep up with his sister-in-law.

The Spurs requested a timeout, replaced Zhang Xiaotian, and played a small lineup.

The Lakers, on the contrary, dropped the [-]st guard, let Kobe handle the ball, and put Jamison on, a complete big man lineup.

Although the Lakers have a big lineup, they have a lot of space. Except for Howard who is on the inside, Jamison and Gasol are both close. After Kobe breaks through, he can shoot and divide.

How to put it, the Lakers have no choice, otherwise it may be more suitable for Kobe who is fully fired with two pure three-pointers.

Both teams have their own dissatisfaction, and at this time it depends on the means of the stars.

After Zhang Xiaotian came on the court, the Lakers did not take extra precautions. Zhang Xiaotian played an amazing performance against the Clippers. Many players may not pay attention to it too carefully, but someone in the coaching staff of each team must have analyzed him.

Three-pointers rained like rain that day, but usually his main attack method is not three-pointers, mid-range shots after breakthroughs or attacking the basket are his main methods. With Howard, the Lakers are very relieved.

The Spurs were different. Popovich let Zhang Xiaotian play at this time, definitely not because of his defense.

With Jamison's old arms and old legs, Zhang Xiaotian got the space to shoot with a reverse run. Parker delivered the ball, and Zhang Xiaotian pulled up a three-pointer and made a steady hit.

In fact, even if the skills are activated, Zhang Xiaotian's three-pointer is not very good.

But because of the system, he was particularly confident in the fourth quarter, and he shot decisively and of course had a high hit rate.

And after he made 11 three-pointers that day, he recalled the feeling at that time from time to time during training, and he worked extra hard in shooting training, and his own ability gradually became stronger.

78:78, the two teams tied again.

Bernie Bickerstaff, the temporary coach of the Lakers, realized his mistake. The Spurs risked an inside line and replaced it with a substitute for a purpose.

The Lakers immediately changed their defensive strategy and asked Artest to stare at Zhang Xiaotian. Anyway, Jamison's role outside is as a high fort, just to prevent Danny Green from sniping.

In the Lakers' offense, the ball was passed to Gasol again, allowing him to single Leonard.

The Spurs went up with a pinch attack. Of course they would not let Gasol play alone at this time. Kobe broke through the shrinking defense line, and Gasol also shrunk the defense line when he received the ball. If they split the ball, the defense line would quickly expand.

They only have one inside line now, but the speed of the other four players is not slow. There is no problem at all with speeding up the movement and quick defensive rotation at the last moment.

In fact, Leonard can really guard Gasol, he is just a little inexperienced now.

Gasol passed the ball immediately after being flanked, then turned around and wiped it in, Kobe immediately hung the ball in, Gasol raised his long arm high, and as soon as he was about to put the ball in, Duncan chose to foul.

It has nothing to do with Leonard, Gasol's turn is so wonderful, even if he has an inside line, he is a step slower.

Gasol didn't play much in front of him, but he didn't expect to explode at this time.

During the defense, Artest squeezed towards Zhang Xiaotian with a smile on his face.

"Little guy, the time in the first half was too unsatisfactory, show me your ability."

Zhang Xiaotian is not afraid to confront the opponent physically, but he is very emotional. The 33-year-old Artest can be regarded as a veteran on the professional court, but compared with Jamison, this old guy is too powerful. Bar.

Fighting seems meaningless to Artest, but Zhang Xiaotian will not switch to unfamiliar methods at critical moments. If the opponent doesn't care, then work harder.

Anyway, he doesn't have much playing time, so he just has to do it with a 120% attitude.

The Spurs Duncan held the ball, but there was no chance. Zhang Xiaotian, who was trying his best to confront Artest, suddenly turned around and ran towards Duncan at full speed.

Artest was also impressed. He thought he had figured out Zhang Xiaotian in the first half. Although he just felt that Zhang Xiaotian seemed to be a little stronger, he didn't care too much. He didn't expect Zhang Xiaotian to accelerate so quickly.

When he stopped in front of Zhang Xiaotian again, Zhang Xiaotian had already received Duncan's pass and headed towards the inside to kill.

Just as Artest was about to follow, he was stopped by Duncan, and Zhang Xiaotian had already started.

The Warcraft stared at the inside, as if it wanted to slap the person rushing to death.

Zhang Xiaotian was not afraid, and he would not play basketball if he was afraid. He jumped high in front of Howard, threw the whole person over, and made a dodging movement in the air.

Bang, he seemed to hit a wall, but unfortunately, he was almost able to slap one on Howard's head.

But this time he also got a foul, and Howard looked bitter because this was his fifth foul.

The two free throws were hit steadily. At the beginning, Zhang Xiaotian was not strong enough and liked to hit the inside line. In addition to training a big heart, Zhang Xiaotian also practiced good free throws.

It was tied again, and the time has come to the last minute.

Kobe didn't have the patience to pass the ball anymore. After breaking through Parker, facing the pincer Kobe accelerated laterally and drifted back to throw the ball. This is the strength of a superstar, which is completely unreasonable.

Then both sides had a round without scoring, and the time was running out.

After the Spurs paused, Popovich arranged a tactic for Zhang Xiaotian. It was not the last few seconds, but the tactic was similar to the execution of the last shot.

Parker controlled the tempo from outside the three-point line, and then distributed the ball to Zhang Xiaotian who got the screen and ran towards the three-point line. Zhang Xiaotian made a dribble. Artest and Kobe rushed up at the same time. , rushed towards the opponent's restricted area.

(End of this chapter)