Bulldozer of the NBA’s Restricted Area

The existence of Spike Lee was just an episode in the first quarter, which could be regarded as a dramatic expansion beyond the battle of the finals, but when it comes to the game... the two sides still kept the score very tight in the first quarter, and did not create any surprises for Spike. It had too big an impact on the Jazz.

Here with the Jazz, Malone's poor touch was reflected from the beginning. The always weak outside line did not have much offensive performance. On the contrary, the double insurance on the inside line took effect. Malone was unable to do it, and Li Shengli took the lead...

In the first quarter, he made 8 of 10 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 18 points in a single quarter!

Whether it's free throws, mid-range shots or attacking the basket, Li Shengli's stability is frightening. What's even more frightening is that Malone is willing to serve as a gun butt for Li Shengli, just like Li Shengli used to be his blue-collar partner before, and his statistics are rare. There was a phenomenon of 4+7 and more rebounds than points.

Four points in a single quarter is very unsatisfactory, but seven rebounds in a single quarter is still quite impressive. After all, he only averaged 11.2 rebounds per game.

From this point of view, with Li Shengli's selfless proofing, Malone has also adapted to this role change, making the Jazz's internal toughness stronger... Either two blooms, allowing the opponent to explode on the spot; or one attack and one assist, offensive efficiency maximize.

…

With a score of 28:27, the Jazz entered the second quarter trailing by 1 point.

At the Madison Garden Arena at this time, the irritable fans led by Spike had basically died down. Even if there were occasional boos, they were no longer as extreme as in the first quarter. Instead, it was Pat Riley who booed in this quarter. ...In a rare move, Ewing, the core of the Knicks, was replaced, and Ewing was replaced by Herb Williams!

Off Ewing?

What does it mean?

Li Shengli was a little unclear about the Knicks' intentions, but still entered the second quarter of the game. Although every game in the finals is important, with a big score of 2:0, if the Jazz also won the G3 game If they win the match point, the psychological pressure on the Knicks will be very great.

…

The Knicks attack first.

Herb Williams served as a substitute. To be honest...his offense and defense could not pose a threat to Li Shengli. This time the offense was launched from the inside out. Starks, the current main scorer of the Knicks, scored a three-pointer. Score the ball.

Offense and defense change sides!

Li Shengli screened Crotty from the high post, turned around and went to the basket to catch the ball. However, Williams, with a livid face and tense muscles, stuck Li Shengli, leaving the task of guarding Crotty to his teammates.

In just such a moment, the opportunity to take action appeared.

Crotty has never been a player who is afraid of hitting the ball. Williams ignored him and took a decisive shot without the defenders in place. Although the ball was hit, the ball was not shot by Li Shengli, so Li Shengli He took off and grabbed the offensive rebound not far from the basket.

In this position, it is too easy to hit the second offense. However, just when Li Shengli landed and wanted to take off for the second time, Pat Riley on the sidelines yelled regardless, causing Williams to swing his arm and directly He rushed up and fouled, but the ball missed, allowing Li Shengli to go to the free throw line.

Want to rely on foul pressure?

Nothing is so easy!

Even amidst the boos from the home fans, Li Shengli still made 2 free throws.

…

In the next game, everyone could see Pat Riley's intentions.

Judging from the Jazz's performance in the first quarter, Li Shengli's offensive efficiency of 8 out of 10 was terrible, but the efficiency of others was not good enough. Therefore, Pat Riley's arrangement was naturally aimed at Li Shengli, and the best way to do so was It's high-pressure confrontation and tactical fouls.

Although fouling is not economical for a player with a hot touch, fouls will inevitably occur in high-pressure confrontations, so the purpose of replacing Ewing...on the one hand is to retain his relatively precious number of fouls, and on the other hand, he also wants to make a little more time. Stagger his and Li Shengli's playing time to maximize the ratio of time and efficiency!

As a result, the entire second quarter was driven by the Knicks' rhythm.

Whenever Li Shengli catches the ball, Herb Williams will fight with his life, regardless of fouls, his defensive skills will be stronger than Ewing, and even Oakley has slightly relaxed his defense against Malone. Assist Williams.

Pat Riley's arrangement was effective. Li Shengli made 5 of 8 shots in the second quarter.

Although on the surface, both the number of shots and the number of hits are on a downward trend, in fact, Li Shengli plays the leading role in the Jazz's offense, which is even crazier than in the first quarter. The reason why there are 8 shots is because he still has 5 shots resulting in fouls will not be counted in the shot data, only free throws.

Shot, 5 out of 8!

Free throws, 8 out of 10!

Li Shengli scored another 18 points in the second quarter. Counting the first quarter, he scored 36 points at halftime. And because the Knicks targeted Li Shengli, the pressure on other Jazz positions was greatly reduced. The offense became smoother and smoother, and they fell behind at the beginning of the second quarter. 1 point turned into an 11-point lead!

…

The atmosphere in the Jazz locker room at halftime was quite relaxed, especially that of head coach Jerry Sloan.

To be honest, coaching a third-rate team without superstars, no matter how strong Sloan is, it will be the end of a clever woman who can't make a living without rice. But coaching the Jazz... He once felt that he was the easiest head coach in the league, no one. , even the weak outside line can't stop their progress. It is the inside combination of Li Shengli + Malone that carries everyone!

"Shit, why do you feel that the finals are not as difficult as the previous rounds!" Ma Long complained while feeling secretly happy.

"What, brother, do you still want them to make it more difficult?" Benoit teased, "If Li hadn't felt so good today, this game wouldn't have been easy!"

"Yes, but as long as Li maintains this touch, the opponent will have no way to deal with it. We still win this game!" Crotty also said.

"Okay, stop bragging about me, finish the last two quarters well and get the match point!" Li Shengli's tense nerves have not relaxed yet. Even if he doesn't want to make himself too important, in fact, the outcome of this game is It still depends on his performance. "Work harder. If we really get the match point, the Knicks will have no hope of a comeback. In the next few games, I will guard it for you. You can play whatever you want. Play." Be happy!"

Li Shengli's words made everyone excited except Ma Long!

After all, in the finals, if Li Shengli can be fed into a data-fat man on the battlefield of the finals, even if it is fed, it will be the highlight of a lifetime. And if you think about Li Shengli carefully, this is really the case...

Throughout the history of the NBA, no team has been able to come back from a 0:3 deficit, because under the best-of-seven game format, a comeback means that the trailing team has to win 4 games in a row.

But what is the concept of winning 4 games in a row? In the meantime, you have to bear the psychological pressure of getting out after losing one game. No one can imagine the despair, so this finals... the outcome of G3 is particularly important. As Li Shengli said, the Knicks lose Losing G3 means losing the finals!

…

What the Jazz can see, the Knicks can also see, and the atmosphere in their locker room is terrifyingly solemn, with everyone's faces showing reluctance and resentment, especially...

"We must not lose this game, we must!"

"It seems like it still depends on me? I really hope they can withstand it, otherwise..."

“I’ve been frustrated until now, and it’s finally time for us to perform!”

"That's right, if we don't fight once, we won't have a chance!"