The edge of basketball is compelling

Chapter 529 529 Wall of suffocation, fantasy spin!
"Relax, boys!

Now the outside world is optimistic and even pushing us to sweep our opponents, but don't take it too seriously.

We can go at our own pace.

Remember, this is not a place for us to work hard, and save our state for the Western Conference Finals or even the Finals! "

Before the game, Coach Stotts was doing pre-match mobilization in the locker room.

Unlike the Rockets who had to fight to the death and fight to the death, Coach Stotts continued to decompress the players.

In the team, there are always some players who will have unexpected opinions. He must do a good job in the ideological work of his teammates and let them know what he is going to do.

"Why not if you can sweep?"

Nick Young asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"Snapped!"

Leonard slapped Nick Young hard on the shoulder.

"The coach didn't say no to sweep, but just told us not to fight too hard and cause injuries."

Looking at Nick Yang's bewildered state, Leonard said with hatred:
"Sweeping opponents easily, understand?"

Nick Yang smiled on his face at this time and nodded.

Wouldn't it be over if I said that earlier?
So...don't overestimate everyone's IQ!
……

When the Blazers players file out and take part in the warm-up shooting, the hosts or basketball commentators participating in the live broadcast around the world are also analyzing the trend of today's game and even this round of the series.

The two teams have played against each other 4 times in the regular season this season, and the Blazers have won all four games, with a clear advantage.

It is worth mentioning that in these four matches, although the Blazers won by more than 10 points twice, they also had two points within [-] points.

Therefore, although the Blazers have obvious advantages, the Rockets are not completely without hope of winning.

During the confrontational playoffs, it is very important for the team to rest more, but the long period of no game may also make the team lose its state.

Before this round of G1, the Blazers rested for up to 7 days, while the Rockets only rested for 1 day. Facing the first game of the two extremes, it is very important who can adjust better!
Lillard vs. Harden will be the most confrontational matchup in this round.

For the Trail Blazers, Lillard's performance in the first round was very impressive, averaging 26.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, and 3.9 three-pointers per game. Controlled the Blazers' offense.

Harden led the team just to defeat the Clippers in the tiebreaker. In the first round, Harden, who had just experienced seven "baptisms" with Paul, surrendered an almost perfect average of 33.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The data.

The offensive battle between the two will be the biggest highlight of this round of the series.

At the same time, in the first round of the game, due to the ups and downs of the Clippers, when Harden feels bad, the Rockets can rely on the substitute to beat the Clippers.

But when you are facing the Trail Blazers, without Harden's stable output, it is almost impossible for the Rockets to win.

So Harden's state is crucial.

This is the case with a single-core team. If you win, you will be praised to the heavens, and if you lose, you will be scolded!

……

When the commentators tried their best to explain and analyze the situation on the field for the fans, the opening ceremony ended and the starting lineups of both sides were displayed on the big screen.

For the Trail Blazers, the regular lineup is still playing. After a long rest, Pierce, who has recovered well, returned to the starting lineup.

Whenever he thinks of McGrady, who was on the bench casually last season, Pierce is a little jealous.

As a starter, he has to take into account both defense and offense, instead of just teaching young people to be human like McGrady.

So, don't always compare yourself with others.

Sometimes, without contrast, there is no harm.

On the Rockets side, Harden and Lawson are on the outside, Tucker and Bosh are on the front line, and Capela is the center.

Zhou Si easily defeated the "little monster" Capela, gave the Blazers a chance to attack first, and opened the curtain for this round of the conference semifinals.

Howard's departure completely confirmed Harden's leadership position in the Rockets, and it also benefited Capela a lot!
This pie-eating center with rough skills ushered in a leap in statistics under Harden's feeding, from 7 points and 6 rebounds last season to 13 points and 8 rebounds this season!
Although Capela is still far behind Howard on the defensive end, on the offensive end, Capela, who is active in pick-and-rolls and full of energy, has filled the vacancy left by Howard.

Lillard dribbled the ball for halftime, and the Blazers made the first attack of the game.

After observing the positioning of his teammates, Lillard turned to Jokic's organization at the top of the arc in the middle. Compared with the first game, the Blazers are also adjusting and slowly picking up their tactics.

Jokic gave it to Zhou Si at the free throw line. Zhou Si held the ball with one hand, and then divided Jokic in an air cut. Jokic caught the ball and directly attacked the frame.

"boom!"

The Blazers' collision with the wall was very clever and completely missed the opportunity, but Capela worked hard and interfered with Jokic's layup.

The basketball bounced out of the hoop.

Bosh used his height to protect the backboard and directly transferred it to Harden for a quick push!
After rushing to the free throw line, Harden singled out Lillard with a pick-and-roll.

Boom, boom, boom!

After consecutive changes of direction, grabbing the gap of Lillard's center of gravity shift, Harden pulled the ball and broke through to the basket!

Aiming at Zhou Si, who was helping to defend from the side, Harden threw the ball directly to Bosh who was open.

Try Zhou Si's defensive ability?
Harden is not so sharp.

"Snapped!"

Harden was concerned about Zhou Si, and the pass was not only concealed, but also fast and high, but Zhou Si was still thrown into the basket!
Demon god, that's how overbearing!
Defensive counterattack from the Blazers!

The Rockets retreated quickly and defended very inside. After thinking about it for a while, Zhou Si suddenly scored to Pierce who was open at the top of the arc on the left.

"boom!"

The basketball swished out.

There were sighs at the scene.

Even Barkley patted the table and said,
"This is an empty basket!"

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni stroked his moustache.

'It seems that the long truce has affected the state of the Blazers. '

His judgment does not seem to be wrong. You must know that this kind of rapid conversion, the Blazers rarely failed to score before.

Fast breaks and three-pointers are also the Blazers' deadliest weapons!

It's just that today, it seems a little bit unreliable.

Capela protected the rebound and gave Harden a push!
After killing beyond the three-point line, Harden took a step back and made a three-pointer directly against Oladipo to stop and chase him.

"boom!"

Also missed!

The two sides seemed to have hit a wall of suffocation, no matter how much they shot, they couldn't make it!

"Let's see how the Blazers handle this offense."

The defensive battle that I thought was fought like this is beyond everyone's expectations!
For the Blazers, Zhou Si took the initiative to ask for the ball from the outside.

The tough guy Tucker posted it directly.

Although the autonomous offensive ability is not as good as that of Josh, but with his stable three-pointers and candy-like defense, Tucker has proved that he is a more suitable teammate for Harden!
It's the outside gate of the Rockets!
Boom, boom, boom!

Outside the three-point line, facing Tucker's tight defense, Zhou Si continued to slam his crotch and then suddenly broke through with his left hand.

Tucker slid to block the forward route, Zhou Si suddenly pulled back, after Tucker jumped forward, Zhou Si then changed direction, Tucker was shaken and turned in circles!

There was an exclamation at the scene!
Zhous totally played Tucker!

However, this is not the end!
After opening up the space, Zhou Si didn't shoot, but continued to break through!

Tucker wanted to continue defending, but his center of gravity had been completely swayed, so he could only turn around on the spot and watch Zhou Si break into the penalty area!
……

(End of this chapter)