Super Evolution of Basketball

Chapter 436
In charge of commentary tonight is Mark Jackson and Van Gundy.

Mark Jackson, a staunch supporter of the Lakers, picked up the roster and looked it over.

Then asked Van Gundy: "Do you think it is appropriate for the Lakers to let Paul George play the small forward position?"

Van Gundy replied: "I think this arrangement is very good. At present, there are many capable players in the small forward position in the league. The Lakers' reinforcements are very timely this time. Paul George is a top defender."

Mark Jackson asked again: "Is the top defender at the third position? If the Lakers want to rush out of the West, the Golden State Warriors must cross the threshold. Do you think Paul George is enough to deal with Kevin Durant?"

This question is of a high standard. Judging from the current situation in the West, the Western Conference playoffs are nothing more than a stage for a few teams, the Warriors, Rockets, Spurs, Thunder and Lakers.

Just look at the position of the small forward, the Houston Rockets have the defensive champion Trevor Ariza, and the Thunder have the potential rookie Ingram, both of which are above-average configurations.

As for the Spurs and Warriors, let alone, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are the top six super giants in the league.

No matter which team the Lakers meet in the playoffs, they need a player who can do it at the small forward position at the third position.

Barnes, who was signed in the summer, is more or less lacking in skill, especially when encountering monsters like Durant, Leonard and LeBron James, the whole game is at a disadvantage.

As Mark Jackson said, if the Lakers want to rush out of the West, they must pass the Golden State Warriors.

If you want to pass the Golden State Warriors, it is definitely not enough to rely on Yuan Qingshan to deal with Curry. Someone needs to stand up to restrain Durant, at least to make each other explode.

Well now, Paul George is the ideal candidate. Don't forget, he is a man who fights LeBron James for [-] rounds every year in the Eastern Conference!

Van Gundy thought about it and answered Mark Jackson's question: "To be honest, if Kevin Durant hits high, no one can limit him, even LeBron James, but Paul George can interfere with Durant as much as possible and affect his performance."

Paul George's pressure on the ball holder is very strong, and his prediction of the passing line is also very accurate. There are always sudden interceptions, making opponents hard to guard against.

Mark Jackson said: "This is Paul's second game with the Lakers. Let's see how he deals with Wiggins tonight."

On the field.

Russell wanted to break through the middle lane, but was seen through by Yuan Qingshan, who stopped him fiercely.

No way, Russell had to pass the ball to Wiggins at the top of the arc.

Paul George posted it immediately. He is about the same size as Wiggins. It is wishful thinking that Wiggins wants to use his physical talent to break George's defense.

Paul George looked focused, and Wiggins began to sweat on his forehead. He made two tentative steps to no avail.

Paul George didn't block the shot. Although he knew that the ball was going off a lot under his own interference, he still waved his fist in frustration.

Clang, hit the iron.

Downs grabbed the rebound and threw it to Yuan Qingshan.

The Lakers launched a fast break, and Paul George showed 120% enthusiasm and rushed to the forefront.

Yuan Qingshan checked the direction and speed with his eyes, the quarterback sent a long pass, and Paul George received it smoothly, without saying a word, he dunked.

This is the first goal Paul George scored at the Staples Center, and it was a domineering dunk. How could the fans not be excited?

"PG-11, PG-11!"

Fans cheered throughout the arena.

Paul George is elated. The feeling of scoring in Los Angeles is different from that in Indiana. He vaguely feels that there are more cameras and attention gathered on him.

The Timberwolves handled the first ball very poorly, and Thibodeau frowned. In fact, Wiggins could have run over to delay Paul George just now, even if it was a foul. How could it be so easy for the opponent to play aggressively?
If things go on like this, the game will not be easy to play.

The ball was handed over to the Timberwolves again. Russell faced Yuan Qingshan, just like two years ago, he couldn't take advantage of it at all. Whether it was offense or organization, it was restricted by Yuan Qingshan.

There is no way, the Timberwolves had to let LaVine lead the offense instead. In Thibodeau's eyes, Murray is better than Yuan Qingshan.

Thibodeau's arrangement worked. The Timberwolves' offense improved. LaVine took up the offensive task and succeeded in consecutive singles, scoring 7 points.

It's a pity that the continuity of firepower was insufficient. After the Lakers reflected it, Yuan Qingshan put some pressure on LaVine, and LaVine's shooting percentage dropped. At the end of the first quarter, the Timberwolves trailed by 8 points.

During the intermission, Paul George tentatively asked Wharton: "Coach, I feel that Wiggins' desire to attack is not very strong. Can I devote some energy to the offensive end?"

Wharton shook his head: "I know that guy Wiggins is more Buddha-like now, but even an honest dog can bark, we can't be that unlucky person."

"Okay." Paul George accepted Wharton's reason, sorted out his shoes, and prepared to play again. This time he wanted to lock Wiggins completely.

Wiggins, a Buddhist boy, gently wiped his forehead with a towel, moved his hands and feet, and walked slowly into the venue.

Thibodeau looked at his back and felt an indescribable feeling in his heart. Now is the time for the Timberwolves to produce results. Unfortunately, these talented young people have no ruthlessness at all. Under the influence of this team culture and atmosphere, it is difficult to achieve good results.

He couldn't help but miss those disciples who were in the Bulls, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, all tough guys with strong bones.

This Timberwolves team would be great with them, Thibodeau imagined.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Wharton sent a substitute lineup. Only Yuan Qingshan was still in the starting lineup, but he moved to the second position and partnered with Beverly in the backcourt.

The problem of the Lakers' backup shooting guard has not yet been resolved, so Yuan Qingshan or Paul George can only play cameos during this period.

The Timberwolves also replaced LaVine and Russell, and sent Dunn and Rubio.

Dunn and Rubio's sense of position is not so strong, so Yuan Qingshan also has a chance to play against Rubio.

When the picture was shown to these two people, the hearts of the female fans at the Staples Center were drunk: the face-to-face confrontation can also make people excited.

After the substitute lineup came on the field, the Timberwolves' offensive firepower continued to increase, and the score was further widened.

In fact, Thibodeau has no idea about this situation. The Lakers are no longer the team that can't even make the playoffs. In the past two years, their offensive talent has blown out, and their defensive ability has also strengthened.

At the end of the half, the Timberwolves only scored 36 points. Seeing that there was no way to recover, Wharton simply took Yuan Qingshan off the court for a rest in the second half and replaced it with a pure substitute lineup.

(End of this chapter)