Jim Bass Ambition

Chapter 304 The Fallen Genius

Back in the third quarter, the Lakers really showed a stronger aggressiveness.

As soon as the Rockets sent the baseline ball, Kobe stepped forward to defend closely, but unfortunately he was too tight and got a blocking foul.

Seeing that the star is leading by example, other players are of course unwilling to lag behind. Artest, who was released from the ban and came back, used his prehistoric power to attack McGrady with a biting defense. David West also felt shame and bravely. He was easily scored by Juwan Howard in front of him, and he was called out by the coaching staff at halftime.

Under the sudden increase in the intensity of the Lakers, the Rockets were a little uncomfortable, and David Wesley even made a three-point shot.

In order to pursue the success rate, the Lakers continued to use the deficiencies of Yao Ming, Juwan Howard and David Wesley, which were unfavorable in the pick-and-roll defense. With Kobe as the main attack, the two insiders frequently pulled out to cover. Without coming out, Kobe can always easily come to a comfortable shooting area and score mid-range shots.

Van Gundy had to adjust his strategy and let McGrady defend Kobe alone, but David Wesley will always be a loophole.

Although the Lakers don't need Artest to take on too many offensive tasks, it doesn't mean that Artest can't attack at all.

As Artest crushed Wesley for layups in two consecutive rounds, the Lakers played a wave of 8-0, narrowing the point difference to single digits.

At any time, defending Kobe is not an easy task, especially when McGrady only rested for 1 minute in the first half, the offensive end has to face Artest's crazy strangulation, and the defensive end has to face Kobe. McGrady's The physical fitness declined rapidly, and the shooting also appeared to hit the front basket, but Van Gundy did not dare to replace McGrady, because the small forwards sitting on the bench were only Scott Padgett and Ryan Bowen. I'm afraid that the Rockets will collapse in minutes.

But the Lakers can replace Kobe when he needs to take a break. The team has enough good players to ensure the normal operation of the team system when Kobe is off the court.

Kobe scored 15 points in a single quarter, and Wade, Artest, Billups, David West and Garnett each scored 4 points neatly.

The Lakers made 19 of 14 shots in the third quarter and made all 6 free throws, including Billups' missed three-pointer at the buzzer to lower his shooting percentage.

With the efforts of the whole team, the score caught up to 85 to 91.

In the fourth quarter, McGrady still stayed on the court, with the lineup of Uncle Mu, Uncle Huo, Charlie Ward and Padgett.

Bryant and Garnett rested, Wade and Battier led the way, and Nocioni, Haslem and Varejao were on the court.

As soon as Wade came up, he scored a layup with a lightning-fast layup.

Charlie Ward took the ball from the baseline and tried to pass the marked Wade with a behind-the-back dribble. Unexpectedly, the young Flash had quick eyesight and quick hands, took the ball away and scored an easy layup.

Seeing that the point difference was only two points left, Van Gundy's face was livid with anger.

As the Lakers fought more and more bravely, Stevens resorted to full-court pressing tactics, intending to use the vitality and impact of young people to defeat the Rockets' aging lineup.

Van Gundy is helpless. He is most afraid of the opposing team pushing the rhythm recklessly. If he grinds his position, relying on the experience of Mutombo and other veterans and McGrady's personal ability, he can still stabilize the situation. But once the rhythm is pushed, the Rockets His old arms and legs couldn't withstand the attack of the opponent's youthful storm.

Within 2 minutes, Wade led the team to play a wave of 7 to 2, with only 1 point left.

Van Gundy called a timeout and changed back to the main force.

The Lakers over there also made personnel adjustments, putting Artest at the power forward position, and Billups, Wade, Kobe and Garnett were in their positions.

Momentum is a very mysterious thing. When the momentum is not on your side, you will get stuck between your teeth if you drink cold water. Bob Sura missed a three-pointer. Yao Ming followed up with a tip-up, but was blown because he touched the ball too early. Offensive goaltending.

Conversely, Garnett's high jumper made two laps at the rim, but still fell into it.

With these two attacks that ended in opposite directions, the Rockets completely collapsed and plummeted. They were beaten by the Lakers 30 to 12 in a single quarter, and Billups scored 4 three-pointers alone, which contributed the most.

The four Lakers scored 20 points, Artest 9 points, West 7 points, 115 to 103, ended their two-game losing streak, and also ended the Rockets' three-game winning streak.

Stevens, who was under great pressure, was finally able to relax his clenched fists. During the interview, taking advantage of the unpreparedness, he picked up a towel to wipe off the sweat from his palms.

"Relax, young men, you're the winning side, aren't you? Come on, say something. I've got a handkerchief here if you need it." Craig Sager caught Stevens' little gesture, " Empathetic" said authentically.

Seeing Seger's gentle smile, Stevens calmed down his mood.

"It was a tough win, we trailed by 20-plus points in the first half, and all I could think was, 'It's over, when Mr Bass gets better, my time with this team is over. '..." Stevens laughed, "Of course, the players seem to want me to continue to work for a few more days. They shot 70% in the second half, and their performance on both ends of the offense and defense is impressive. , I want to save the video of this game, and say to my grandson 40 years later: 'Look at your grandpa was still very handsome when he was young.'”

After speaking, Stevens took out the handkerchief from Saiger's breast pocket, pretended to wipe his forehead, and stuffed it back for him.

After the trip to Texas, the Lakers have one day to rest before continuing their away journey. The next opponent is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves are not doing well recently. Eddie Griffin, who was dug out from the Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, was once highly expected to be a powerful supplement to the inside, but this former talented player has obviously run counter to everyone's expectations of him before the draft. The Timberwolves gave him 20 minutes per game, but his return to Flip Sanders was to average 38 points per game on 7% shooting, and he was very keen on rebounding and blocking shots, often losing defensive positions. For the price, forcibly brush blocks or rebounds.

He may have talent, but he doesn't have the mind to match it. After gaining dollars, status and attention prematurely, Griffin failed to overcome his empty heart and chose to use indulgence to cover up his inner confusion.

In the last game, the Timberwolves just sent warmth to the rookie Charlotte Bobcats. In 12 minutes of playing time, Griffin made 8 crazy shots and only hit 2 of them. He scored 10 points and 3 rebounds on 8 shots, completely breaking the team.

The Lakers' coaching staff has highlighted his name.

　Back then, the Rockets traded 3 for 1, trading Eddie Griffin with Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Armstrong...

　　Armstrong's level is not very good, let's not mention it, Collins is considered a good blue-collar, Jefferson's level is still good, if Dawson is now, he will definitely be pulled out by fans every day.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)