I’m Really Playing Basketball

On May 21, the tiebreaker between the Bobcats and Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals ended, and on May 22, G2 between the Warriors and Spurs continued in San Antonio.

After the G1 game, the Warriors and Spurs actually had nothing to adjust, because the two teams' performance in G1 was perfect.

If there is any shortcoming, it is that the two teams were extremely focused at the beginning. As a result, when they took free throws, a slight relaxation affected their free throw shooting percentage.

There's really nothing you can do to adjust this.

Therefore, when G2 started, the two teams made almost no adjustments in tactics and personnel. This made the audience and experts feel that this game was simply a continuation of G1.

As soon as the first quarter of the game started, the two teams were in excellent offensive condition, scoring a big score of 34 to 33 in a single quarter.

In a single quarter of the game, the Spurs made 13 of 22, 4 of 6 three-pointers, and 4 of 4 free throws. Such efficiency is terrifying. The field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage are both almost 60%, and the free throw percentage is 100%. %.

Considering that the game does not have many rounds, this kind of offensive efficiency is terrifying. If an ordinary team really encounters the Spurs like this, it will definitely collapse as soon as they come up.

But the Warriors on the opposite side not only did not collapse, but also tenaciously withstood the Spurs' attack.

In the first quarter of the game, the Warriors made 12 of 20 in a single quarter, 7 of 11 three-pointers, and 2 of 2 free throws. They were even more terrifying than the Spurs in terms of efficiency.

That is to say, the Warriors made two more mistakes in the first quarter, resulting in fewer offensive rounds than the Spurs.

Therefore, whether you are a professional or an ordinary fan, after watching the first quarter of the G2 game between the Spurs and the Warriors, it can be described as a needle-point confrontation.

The two sides are still unable to block each other's offense, but the defense of the two teams is not weak, it is still very strong, and they are trying to create as much interference as possible for the opponent. However, the offensive efficiency displayed by the offensive players of the two teams is amazing. I find it unbelievable.

In the second quarter, the offensive efficiency of the two teams dropped slightly. The Spurs made 11 of 20 shots in the third quarter and 2 of 3 three-pointers, which was a decrease, but the decrease was almost negligible.

As for the Warriors, they dropped quite a bit, shooting 11 of 23 in a single quarter, 2 of 8 three-pointers, and not a single free throw.

Because the Warriors were shooting hot three-pointers in the first quarter, and in the second quarter, the Warriors were still strengthening their three-point shooting, but no one can say that they can definitely hit the three-pointer, not even Chen Xiao and Rea For shooters like Len, Curry, and Klay, it’s hard to say that you have greater confidence in making a shot.

The cold feel and too many outside shots in the second quarter caused the Warriors to lose to the Spurs by 6 points 24-30 in a single quarter.

At halftime, the Spurs led the Warriors by 7 points 64 to 57.

For the Spurs and Warriors, this point difference is not big, it is only a matter of three rounds at most.

But considering the state of the two teams, this point difference is not small, because if you hit, the Spurs will probably hit too.

Perhaps the only good thing for the Warriors is that although they are all undefendable offenses, the Warriors are indeed a more three-point team.

As for the Spurs, although they also have three-pointers, they do attack more inside.

With the same hits, the Warriors may score more points.

Therefore, falling behind like this in the first half is almost equivalent to telling the Warriors that if the Spurs still feel hot at the beginning of the second half, then they can only rely more on and gamble on three-pointers.

In the third quarter, did the Spurs feel hot?

Very hot!

Especially Duncan!

In this game, Duncan scored 6 points in the first quarter, 4 of 4 in the second quarter, and 8 points. In the third quarter, Duncan still shot 4 of 5 in the quarter, scoring 8 points in the quarter. point.

After three quarters, Duncan had scored 22 points, and that was 22 points without a single free throw!

More importantly, because the Spurs had the advantage in the first half, Popovich decisively slowed down the Spurs' pace in the third quarter and put more of the ball in Duncan's hands.

The inside combination of Jokic and Big Eyebrow is indeed able to hit people, and can also block shots and help defend.

It seems perfect.

However, looking at it separately, Jokic can beat people, but cannot help defend.

The thick eyebrows can help defend, but cannot support others.

It is difficult for ordinary players to find the weaknesses and loopholes in the connection between Jokic and Big Eyebrow.

But Duncan, who has become more experienced, found the weakness in the joint between the two in this game and fought hard.

The Spurs are using Duncan to deliberately suppress the rhythm. Every time they suppress the rhythm, Duncan can still score most of the goals. This makes people feel angry and helpless.

In the third quarter, the Warriors' shooting percentage was actually acceptable, 9 of 18, 4 of 8 three-pointers, and 1 of 2 free throws. They scored 23 points very efficiently in a single quarter, which is very good.

But because the number of rounds was overwhelmed by the Spurs, Duncan and Popovich, the Warriors simply couldn't build up the momentum.

Although the Warriors' three-pointer is an artifact that starts the momentum, it also requires the cooperation of the opponent. If the opponent can always hit it, it will be difficult for you to build up the momentum.

When your opponent hits a hit, shouldn't you be too aggressive? Do you also need to hit the success rate? Do you also need to have good coordination? Do you also need to increase the time required for each round?

If this is the case, how can you still gain momentum?

It can only be said that Popovich has really studied the starting and ending of the offensive and defensive transitions in the game extremely thoroughly.

It can be said that in this game, when the two teams scored 30 to 24 in the second quarter, Popovich and the Spurs took the absolute initiative. Popovich also tried to use this advantage to defeat the Warriors. Suffocated to death.

In the end, Popovich and the Spurs did achieve their goal of suffocating the Warriors.

In the fourth quarter, although the Warriors desperately chased points and no longer required every round to be an absolute opportunity to throw three-pointers, in the end, they were still only 30-28, leading the Spurs by 2 points in a single quarter.

In the end, the Warriors lost to the Spurs 110-116 on the road in G2.

In this game, the Spurs were able to implement Popovich's strategy of suffocating the Warriors. The most critical player was Duncan. In this game, Duncan made 14 of 19 shots and had no free throws in the game. He scored 28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 assists. Stealed 2 blocks and played 44 minutes.

With such playing time and such data, you say he is a 39-year-old player?

It can only be said that Duncan is indeed an epic player, and at the same time, Duncan really fought for his life in this game.

In addition, Luo Ge scored 23 points on 9 of 16 shots, and Maizi scored 18 points. In this game, Diaw of the Spurs surprisingly scored 12 points. In this game, Diaw had two The squirming singles with thick eyebrows are very depressing for thick eyebrows.

However, this also tells Nongmei that on the NBA court, talent will indeed give him an advantage, but talent has never determined everything in the game. Rhythm, experience, technology, and many things can make players stand out. different.

Diaw can't run that fast now, and he can't jump high anymore, but whether on the offensive or defensive end, he makes people feel so unique and different.

Two words, transparent!

Now Dior feels like he has thoroughly studied NBA games and basketball games.

In this game, the Warriors' highest scorer was Chen Xiao's 32 points.

Clay and Big Eyebrow scored 20 points respectively, Bill and Jokic scored 15 points and 10 points respectively. They were the only five players in the team to reach double figures, and the performance of the others was average.

Especially Dragic and Ibaka, who were throwing three-pointers like crazy during the rotation in the second quarter. It is not an exaggeration to say that they were the war criminals who the Spurs caught the Warriors in the second quarter.

However, when Cole faced reporters' questions after the game, he still took the responsibility on himself as usual.

"Do Ibaka and Dragic take too many shots? I don't think so. This is their characteristic and this is our style. There is no problem with what they do. This is our tactics. Maybe the only thing The problem is, they didn't make the shot.

But it's not their fault, it's God's fault. "

It can only be said that a head coach like Cole is really too friendly to role players.

Although Cole said at the post-game press conference that losing this game was just bad luck, there are still problems exposed in this game.

The thick eyebrows can help defend but not Duncan. Jokic can defend Duncan, but cannot help defend Duncan's shots.

Now Duncan has found the pain point between the two of them. Not only does he do it himself, but he also instructs Dior to do thick eyebrows too.

In the last game, Duncan and Diaw scored 40 points together, which is hard to accept.

Therefore, in G3, when the Warriors returned to their home court, Cole made a decisive change and moved Chen Xiao to the power forward position. Chen Xiao can be both top and defensive, and does not suffer from Diaw's rhythm. It can be said to be the perfect choice.

In last year's playoffs, Thick Eyebrow did not suffer a disadvantage against Leonard, and he was even able to use his long hands and feet to take advantage.

Cole felt that there must be no problem with his change of formation.

but……

Duncan and Diaw were strangled in this game. Duncan only scored 15 points, and Diaw only scored 4 points.

The inside line between Jokic and Chen Xiao is quite perfect.

However, the Warriors' No. 3 position, with thick eyebrows, collapsed!

Thick Eyebrow has gained weight this season, and Thick Eyebrow's athletic ability this season is worse than last season.

And more importantly, Leonard's dribbling ability has been enhanced this season, and his personal singles ability has been enhanced!

This increase and decrease gave the thick eyebrows a disadvantage in terms of rhythm when they met Leonard!

Anyone who knows Brother Luo and his school knows that their school relies on the rhythm of luck to beat people!

In this game, it can be said that Leonard used his rhythm to beat the thick eyebrows to death!

In the whole game, Leonard made 13 of 18 shots, 3 of 5 three-pointers, and 3 of 3 free throws. He scored a career playoff-high 32 points, plus 3 steals and 2 blocks.

What's more important is that when Leonard got this data, he only played 29 minutes!

Because this game entered garbage time in the third quarter.

After Cole changed his lineup, the Warriors lost 100-120 at home by 20 points. This was something no one expected.

This game can be said to be a typical one with thick eyebrows leading the Warriors to collapse.

In this game, Leonard was beaten on the defensive end, and on the offensive end, Leonard made crazy steals and blocks. Leonard was simply defeated by Leonard, and even got worse.

So much so that Barkley lamented at the end of the third quarter: "When Leonard stood in front of God, I just thought he was a good role player, but when the player in front of him changed from God to thick eyebrows, I just discovered that he is more than just a role player, he is simply a superstar!"

Yes, in this game, Leonard defeated the All-Star starting starter in three quarters, which made him famous in one game and finally came out of the shadow of his matchup with Chen Xiao.

He seemed to be just a stronger role player with high-quality 3D before. That was because when he faced Chen Xiao, most of his energy was spent on defense.

When he faces thick eyebrows and can devote most of his energy to offense, he is a superstar!

Historically, Leonard won the FMVP last season. This season, he was extremely efficient in the playoffs, averaging 20+ per game, and received the maximum salary at the end of his rookie contract.

Historically, the next season, Leonard would play one defense, start the All-Star game, and be second in MVP.

In this time and space, as Luo Ge's apprentice and often studying with Chen Xiao, Leonard now actually has the strength next season in history.

Chen Xiao has never underestimated him. In fact, the system shows that he is now an A+ player.

However, Thick Eyebrow is also an A+ player in terms of system.

Therefore, when Cole asked Nongmei to face Leonard, he felt that Nongmei would not suffer a disadvantage. Chen Xiao just reminded Nongmei to be careful.

However, it is obvious that as a chosen son who has entered the All-Star since his rookie season and has never missed an All-Star in his career, he will be recognized as the number one power forward in the NBA with thick eyebrows. He will really think highly of him because of Chen Xiao's reminder. Do you still think of Leonard as a player now?

Thick Eyebrow and Leonard are similar in strength. He was defeated by Leonard in this game because he underestimated his opponent. After being blocked by Leonard, his mentality collapsed.

After Nongmei's mentality collapsed, the Warriors lost the G3 home court again and fell behind 1-2. This made the current Warriors somewhat passive.

This makes the Warriors' G4 extremely critical.

In G4, Cole did not change the formation and continued to let the thick eyebrows face Leonard. This was a decision that Cole could only grit his teeth and make.

Nongmei needs to regain his confidence. Nongmei is the second in charge of the team. He is very important to the team and must not collapse like this.

However, in this game, the thick eyebrows still allowed Leonard to make 10 of 19 shots and efficiently score 26 points.

What's even more dangerous is that in this game, Duncan made 8 of 13 shots and scored 22 points and 14 rebounds equally efficiently.

This crucial game is equally important to the Spurs. As long as they win, it will lay the foundation for promotion.

In such a crucial game, veterans like the Spurs exploded one after another.

In addition to Duncan, Luo Ge scored 20 points on 8 of 15 shots. Wheat, Parker, and Ginobili also all scored 15 points.

In this game, 6 Spurs players scored in double figures.

As for the Warriors, in addition to 17 of 31, 6 of 12 three-pointers, and 10 of 10 free throws, Chen Xiao scored 50 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Of the remaining four players in the starting lineup, only Jokic, who scored 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting, scored in double figures.

The thick eyebrows were pulled, which directly brought Clay and Bill with them, because the thick eyebrows were pulled, which doubled their defensive pressure.

The Spurs' three outsiders are Maizi, Luo Ge and Leonard!

Three long-armed monsters, all three of them are very strong defensively. In this game, Leonard didn't even face Big Eyebrow, but directly faced Klay.

Leave thick eyebrows to Maizi, which is also very effective in preventing thick eyebrows.

In this case, logically speaking, the Warriors should lose.

But the fact is...

The Warriors ended up winning.

125 to 120!

In this game, Ibaka, Dragic, Lopez, and Livingston on the bench all broke out.

Especially Ibaka, Ibaka made 11 of 11 in the game and scored 26 points with a 100% shooting rate!

With 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the two sides were originally tied at 120. Chen Xiao, who was playing the final attack of the Warriors, was double-teamed. Ibaka received Chen Xiao's pass and hit a shot from beyond the three-point line, making the game a success. When the most critical winning goal came, Spurs head coach Popovich was stunned on the sidelines.

In fact, the entire NBA was stunned by Ibaka's horrific performance in this game.

Such a fierce and suffocating game.

In this game, the Warriors were forced to use their last trump card, Chen Xiao's crazy throwing style.

But because of the stretch of the Warriors' other starters, Chen Xiao couldn't throw it back even if he threw it randomly.

But who would have thought that in the fourth quarter, Ibaka, by Chen Xiao's side, would make 5 of 5 in a single quarter and score 12 points in a single quarter!

Not only did it share Chen Xiao's offensive pressure, but he was also able to hit the final winning goal!

If the person who became famous in the last game was Leonard.

So in this game, the one who became famous in one battle was definitely Ibaka!

Of course, the most embarrassing thing at this time must be the thick eyebrows.

Because Leonard is his opponent.

And Ibaka is his substitute on the same team.

The two became famous after two battles, where would he put his face?