NBA’s aging star system

Ariza's three-pointer made D'Antoni very happy, but Harden was not happy because the team's two successful offenses had nothing to do with him.

All the players he hit with the ball were defended by Su Tian, ​​which made Harden feel very humiliated.

The ball changed and it was the Lakers' turn to attack. Su Tian advanced to the frontcourt with the ball.

After arriving in the frontcourt, Su Tian found that Harden's defensive enthusiasm had increased significantly. He was obviously stimulated by Su Tian just now and wanted to regain some ground.

Su Tian and Harden have a good relationship in private. Seeing Harden suddenly being so serious, Su Tian couldn't help but want to tease Harden.

"James, don't be so nervous. No matter how serious you are, you can't guard against me."

Harden was stunned for a moment when he heard Su Tian talking trash, because Su Tian rarely said harsh words on the court in normal games, but by the time Harden reacted, Su Tian had already started a breakthrough with the ball.

Everything that happened was just like what Su Tian said just now. Harden was like a wooden stake that Su Tian easily broke through.

However, Harden didn't think this was Su Tian's personal ability, but just thought that Su Tian was shameless, a pure old man, and played sneak attacks.

Su Tian broke through Harden's defense and went all the way to the basket, but was assisted by Capela. Su Tian dodged with a pull bar and then hit a layup.

6-5

The scores between the Rockets and Lakers have been rising repeatedly. Logically speaking, they should be playing back and forth.

But in fact, Harden played very frustrated, but speaking of it, which second position in the league now does not feel uncomfortable when playing against Su Tian.

In the first quarter, Harden never performed very well under Su Tian's defense. The Rockets were always supported and led by Paul.

As for the Lakers, Su Tian also tried his best to lead his teammates and rely on his overall strength to fight against the Rockets.

At the end of the first quarter, the score came to 25-23, and the Lakers temporarily led by 2 point.

Although the Lakers were temporarily in the lead, the point difference was not big, and it was not much different from a tie. The second quarter soon started.

In the second quarter, as usual, Walton replaced Su Tian to rest, and Ingram and Randall led the team on the court. On the Rockets' side, Paul rested and Harden led the team.

Having two giant-level players ensures that at least one giant will lead the team on the court. This is a weak period for the Lakers.

Moreover, Harden was suppressed by Su Tian in the first quarter, which was exactly when he needed the ball to vent his frustration.

As soon as Harden came up, he held the ball and beat Pope in singles, and hit a three-pointer with a step back.

Immediately afterwards, Nene interfered with Ingram's layup. Harden held the ball and started a fast break. When he ran to the front basket, he successfully attracted the Lakers' defensive double-team and passed a pass to Gore on the outside. Deng, Gordon took the ball and shot a three-pointer directly, making a steady hit.

The Rockets' defensive counterattacks are equally excellent. Harden is the Rockets' arrow. As long as no one blocks this arrow, the Rockets will lead the way with points and drive the entire Rockets team to defeat the opponent.

Although Ingram and Randall also performed well, they were still easily overtaken by the Rockets. In the next few rounds, the two tried their best to barely control the point difference to 5 points.

About halfway through the second quarter, Walton called a timeout and replaced Su Tian while cooling down the Rockets' feel.

The Rockets' three-pointers are too killer, and they can go haywire if you don't pay attention.

After Su Tian came up, he took the ball directly and began to control the team.

Su Tian came to the frontcourt with the ball, directly called his teammates for a pick-and-roll, and used the pick-and-roll to break through inside. When he reached the free throw line, he suddenly stopped and made a jump shot.

Swah——

Su Tian's pull-up jump shot was still stable, which not only stabilized the score but also stabilized the mentality of the Lakers players.

The ball was transferred, the Rockets attacked, Harden came to the frontcourt to receive the ball, and it was still Su Tian who defended Harden.

The Rockets have already mobilized before the game. As long as they can win this game against the Lakers, the Rockets can overtake the Lakers and return to first place in the Western Conference.

And Harden also knows that if he wants the Rockets to overtake the Lakers, his matchup with Su Tian must be the top priority.

You can't shrink back, you have to face it head on.

Harden's eyes were fixed on Su Tian, ​​but his hand movements were not slow, and he started his signature dribbling forward motion with his hips.

After continuous dribbling at the hip, Harden suddenly broke out and broke through from the left with the ball. Harden is left-handed and is more familiar with walking on the left.

Su Tian stuck close to Harden and walked in with Harden, but at the same time, Su Tian did not dare to make any big moves, because Harden was very good at drawing fouls at this time and could not do it easily.

The two of them came all the way to the basket. Harden saw that the time was almost up and began to use the European step, preparing to shake Su Tian away for a layup.

Su Tian also has some knowledge of the European step, and was able to catch up with Harden's changes in time without being easily shaken off.

However, Su Tian calculated everything, but Harden still figured it out.

The moment Harden took action, Su Tian jumped up to block the shot, but found that Harden's arm was actively leaning on him. At the same time, Harden let out an "Ah!"

"drop--"

As expected, the referee's whistle sounded.

Harden successfully drew a foul!

Su Tian was speechless when he saw that Harden had successfully fouled him. He immediately went to the referee who blew the whistle for a "friendly discussion." Of course, Su Tian stopped at the right time and did not give the referee a chance to continue blowing the penalty. This is a kind of punishment for the referee. The method of exerting pressure was not Su Tianzhen's emotion.

Harden went to the free throw line and made two free throws.

Harden knew that ordinary moves would have little effect against Su Tian, ​​so he could only focus on everything he knew and use up what he had learned to try to defeat Su Tian.

In the next few rounds, Harden and Su Tian used various martial arts skills, but they were unable to completely overwhelm their opponents.

At the end of the second quarter, the score reached 55-54, and the Lakers temporarily led by 1 point.

During the halftime break, in the locker rooms on both sides, Walton and D'Antoni were not idle and began to arrange tactics for each other, but tactics still need people to execute them.

Soon, the intermission ended and the third quarter began.

In the third quarter, Walton still made the starting lineup as usual, and the Rockets also made the entire lineup.

The first possession of the third quarter was given to the Lakers. Ball advanced to the frontcourt with the ball and passed the ball directly to Su Tian.

At this time, it is no longer Harden who is defending in front of Su Tian, ​​but Ariza. This is probably an arrangement made by D'Antoni during the halftime break.

It is relatively easy for Su Tian to beat Ariza. After all, Ariza is older and slower. Su Tian can easily complete the breakthrough by relying on his speed advantage.

But in order to ensure safety, Su Tian still reached out and called his teammates for a pick-and-roll, using the pick-and-roll to break through inside.

Ariza didn't even follow the first step. Su Tian came directly to the basket unimpeded and shot directly for a layup.

Capela wanted to help defend, but was afraid that Lopez would catch the ball and shoot a three-pointer, so he was a step slower, which led to Su Tian's successful layup.

57-54

After Su Tian successfully hit the ball, D'Antoni yelled at Capela on the sidelines. He was obviously dissatisfied with the defensive choice just now. Capela just lowered his head and listened to the coach's scolding, and then turned around. To participate in the team's offense.