The Way of the Center

The Trail Blazers' locker room was silent. This may be the quietest time in the home team's locker room in the Rose Garden so far in the playoffs.

Everyone bowed their heads, panting and wiping sweat. No one would make a joke at this time. After all, the Spurs are very behind at halftime, which is not something to be thankful for.

"Tap." Just when the players were almost suffocated by the quiet atmosphere, the door of the locker room was pushed open. Ricard and Divac came in, both guys had been stalked by reporters, so they were late.

"It was a tough half, what's the matter, do you want to admit defeat?" Rickard stood in front of the tactical whiteboard with ease, as if the Spurs were currently 10 points behind.

"Ann, why don't you talk anymore." Ricard called An Jie's name.

"I was just thinking about how to defeat the opponent!" An Jie's expression was determined. As expected, this guy never knew what it meant to give up.

"How did the Spurs get such a big lead?" Ricard said as he took out a marker pen. Everyone knew that this guy was about to start planning tactics!

"Three-pointers." Wesley Matthews replied ashamedly. As the shooter of the Trail Blazers' five tigers, Matthews' three-point shooting percentage today is not good. Moreover, he was shot into a sieve by the outside line of the Spurs.

"The three-pointer is just one aspect of Wesley. The real strength of the Spurs is not the three-pointer, but their tight coordination! Our biggest problem now is that we are all alone on the defensive end, and there is no one on the offensive end. Can respond to Anjie's pass!" Ricard poked the whiteboard heavily with a marker pen, which was more like poking the hearts of the Trail Blazers players.

"In order for you to respond to Ann, I want you to run without any spare effort! If you can't get rid of it, just set up an off-ball pick-and-roll! Defensively, pick-and-roll and immediately change! If Matt Bonner is on the court, the fourth position will go up Defense. An, you never stay away from the penalty area!" Rickard began to draw complex tactics on the tactical board, and the days of winning the game relying on Anjie's deterrence in the past are over. This is the Western Conference Finals, and Ricard must let the players know that basketball is not won by mVp alone.

Having said all that,

Before play resumed, Riccard looked at Iguodala. This guy who was the star of the 76ers last season, his data plummeted after he came to the Trail Blazers this season. Although Ricard knows that this is more due to the existence of Anjie and Aldridge, but Iguodala himself is becoming more and more satisfied with the identity of a role player.

Although Iguodala, who played the Grizzlies in possession of the ball and organized the team's offense in the last round, had a small flash, this guy quickly calmed down again. There is no problem with his strength, but he only likes to support the real star in his heart.

Ricard must activate this guy, only in this way can the Blazers' perimeter defense improve. Only in this way can Anjie's pressure on the offensive end be relieved.

But Rickard didn't talk to Iguodala directly. He knew that if he said this to Iguodala in front of everyone, the effect might not be very good. So he found An Jie, the real leader in the locker room.

"Later, I want you to find a way to mobilize Andre's enthusiasm." Before the start of the second half, Ricard whispered to Anjie in the player tunnel.

"Andre? Is this guy very active?" An Jie couldn't figure out why Ricard would say such a thing because Iguodala's performance was good enough.

"Trust me, Ann, this guy can do far more than that." Ricard patted An Jie's waist. Some words are better discussed between players.

"The Spurs are notoriously stable, and it is not easy to recover points from the Spurs!"

"The Blazers' offensive firepower is not a joke. I think they just didn't react. In the second half, Ahn can definitely lead the team to fight back!"

Before the game even started, the commentators started arguing endlessly. Although the Spurs are now 10 points ahead, there are still many people who are optimistic about the prospects of the Blazers. They just felt that the Blazers played a little awkwardly, but they couldn't tell where the awkwardness was.

Except for An Jie, the low enthusiasm and confidence of the others is not so easy to see. Even An Jie himself did not feel the subtle changes in his teammates. Fortunately, the Blazers have Ricard reminded, but now the key to the success of the team lies between Anjie and Iguodala.

As soon as the third quarter came up, both sides once again deployed their full lineups. Looking at the fierce opponent and the ten point difference, An Jie couldn't help but think of the reminder that Ricard gave himself. But until the Spurs hit the baseline, he didn't know what to say to Iguodala.

Tony Parker directly passed the ball to Leonard, who felt hot, and Leonard played very confidently in front of Iguodala. After all, in the first half, he had already scored too many goals in front of this experienced guy.

Leonard saw that Iguodala was not far away from him, so he hung the ball inside and hit Duncan.

Duncan confronted Anjie again, and before the fans had time to cheer, the old guy passed the ball again.

At the moment Duncan passed the ball, Leonard suddenly ran. Iguodala couldn't react in time, but followed immediately. Little did he know that he was only halfway through the run when he encountered an off-ball pick-and-roll set by Split.

Leonard sprints out of the three-point line with all his strength, Tony Parker passes the ball again, and Leonard rushes over. Only this time, there is no Iguodala in front of him!

"Didn't I say to switch defenses!?" Ricard cursed, and Leonard's three-pointer also hit the net again. 13 points, the gap became 13 points. This must be a huge blow to the Blazers.

An Jie looked at Ricard, and Ricard responded with stern eyes. An Jie knew that he couldn't wait any longer. No matter what he said, he would try it.

Iguodala didn't know what happened to him today. He always felt that he had done everything he should do, but the team was still in trouble. Just when he was confused, Anjie patted Iguodala on the shoulder from behind.

"What's the matter? Ann."

"Andre...I..."

"Are you uncomfortable? You were injured just now!?" Iguodala suddenly became nervous.

"No, no, it's just... Andre, we're in big trouble! With my own strength, I'm afraid I can't handle all of this! I need you! I need you to stand up now!" Ann Jie finally chose the most direct way and said everything. Between men and men, there should be no hesitating and concealing.

"I need you to stand up!" Iguodala's mind went blank, and at that moment, he seemed to be back in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, everyone wants him to stand up, although he only wants to be a role player. But people's will is still so strong.

But Iguodala's character makes him want nothing on the court. All he thinks about is how to pass the ball quickly, help his teammates score, or deliberately miss a few free throws to tempt him. The opponent uses foul tactics. Sometimes I accidentally become a big open, and I can only shoot a three-pointer helplessly, because I really can't pretend anymore.

He had had enough of standing up in Philly, so he was so thankful when he knew he was being traded to the Blazers. Because in the Trail Blazers, he can finally be the role player he likes with peace of mind.

But even for role players, the primary purpose is to help the team win. Even if Iguodala's playing style is so desireless, everything he does is for the final victory. He doesn't like the limelight, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like winning.

Now, the team is at stake. The victory is about to miss him, and even the team leader needs to stand up for himself. Iguodala knew he had to do something.

Iguodala did everything he should do today, but that was judged by the mark of a role player. Now, Iguodala has decided to change his identity. He is no longer a role player, but an indispensable left and right arm around Anjie! He is now the key to whether the Trail Blazers can win!

"I know Ann, I will not give up. Championship, that is also my dream!" Iguodala nodded firmly at Anjie, after that, Iguodala's actions surprised all the commentators on the scene .

"The Trail Blazers' offense, we saw... we saw Iguodala open his hands for the ball!" Yu Jia looked at the field in disbelief, he was not dazzled, Iguodala did Asking Lillard for the ball.

Lillard was not greedy for credit, and immediately sent the ball to Iguodala. Iguodala faced Leonard with the ball. He didn't let go of the ball as quickly as before, but started a three-threat pace.

"What's the matter?" Popovich seemed to sense something was wrong, he immediately stood up from the bench, and watched the court more closely.

Seeing this situation, An Jie immediately left his preferred position to pick and roll. Iguodala saw the opportunity and had to admit that Leonard's defense was really good. As soon as Iguodala moved, he moved laterally. It's a pity that Anjie's tough pick-and-roll is better than Leonard's reaction!

Seeing that Leonard was blocked, Duncan immediately blocked Iguodala. Although Iguodala's offensive desire is not strong, this does not mean that you can ignore him.

Iguodala continued to break through, and Duncan had to confront this strong No. 9 one-on-one. Just when Iguodala broke through to the mid-range position, he suddenly leaned against Duncan to grab space for himself. After that, Iguodala took two steps to take off, ready to throw!

Duncan did not slack off, he immediately took off to block. But Duncan, who has only a mineral water bottle to take off, can't reach Iguodala's high-throwing basketball.

"Huh?" Duncan was very puzzled. Looking at it from this angle, Iguodala's throw couldn't even touch the frame! He certainly has guts, but Iguodala has also lost his edge after so long in Portland.

"Boom!" However, in the next second, Duncan heard the painful "groan" from the basketball hoop.

Ainger hangs above the rim, surrounded by cheering Blazers fans. Just after Iguodala successfully broke through, Anjie was actively going down. Iguodala, who attracted the defense, did not hesitate, and immediately sent a good ball to Anjie.

After the goal, Anjie and Iguodala clapped cordially. Rickard smiled in satisfaction, although there is still 11 points left, but in a short while, Anjie and the others will be able to catch up!

On the defensive end, Iguodala showed greater enthusiasm. In the past, he only treated himself as a role player. If he was broken, there was still An Jie.

But now, Iguodala has raised the bar for himself. He needs to lock the player with the best touch on the Spurs today, and he does it alone without the help of others!

Leonard started running again, but he found that Iguodala was sticking to himself like crazy.

Through Splitter's pick-and-roll, Leonard got his wish and got the shooting space. He is still the same as before, catch and shoot. But just when he was about to release the ball, Iguodala hit him like a "missile".

"God!" Bill Wharton couldn't help but yelled when he saw Iguodala rushing desperately.

The ferocious Iguodala prevented Leonard's three-pointer from continuing, and he rushed too hard, "throwing" himself directly into the audience and smashing into the crowd.

"Brave swoop! Oh my god, this is Andre Iguodala!"

Anjie and Aldridge immediately rushed to the auditorium and pulled Iguodala out of the crowd. However, this guy who was almost 30 years old didn't even frown, and immediately threw himself into the attack again.

Another offense, Anjie singles Duncan with the ball inside to attract the attention of the defense. At the same time, Iguodala's sudden and active start to move caught Leonard unexpectedly.

Iguodala slid across the baseline, and in the chaotic penalty area, Anjie and Iguodala completed a hand-to-hand cooperation secretly. At the same time, An Jie turned sideways immediately, blocking Leonard's way.

Seeing this situation, Duncan immediately abandoned An Jie and chased after him, but how could the speed of the old stone Buddha compare with Iguodala, a guy with extremely strong athletic ability?

After Iguodala slipped out of the baseline, he turned around and shot. Duncan took off half a beat slower, which did not affect Iguodala's rhythm at all.

Anjie stuck Splitter and Leonard, even if the goal is not scored, without Duncan, Anjie can still easily complete the second attack!

However, Iguodala didn't give Aing a chance to shine. The three-pointer he shot crossed a perfect arc and fell straight into the net!

"Andre~~~ Iguodala! Three!" As the dJ shouted at the scene, Iguodala raised his right hand and raised three fingers. At this moment, he is no longer a role player, but the "Pippen" beside Anjie!

Popovich frowned and yelled, he was very dissatisfied with Leonard's defense. And the Spurs' lead, with only the last 8 points left, returned to single digits!

The freed Iguodala played better and better, and Anjie received more and more support.

Iguodala blocked the outside line, and Anjie blocked the inside line. On the offensive end, the activeness of the two also drove the whole team.

"Iguodala broke through and scored, Wesley Matthews made a three-pointer! Beautiful! Hit, five points! The gap is only five points!"

"Lillard misses the pass, he throws the ball too big to Ann! It's Andre Iguodala, he flies to the save! This guy goes headfirst into the press box, but the ball comes back to Ann, and the jump shot !? Yes! Ann did not disappoint Iguodala, he scored a very difficult goal on Duncan! Three points!"

"Iguodala came out of nowhere, he stole the pass from Parker, and Andre drove the ball himself! Layup? No, Iguodala just threw the basketball on the backboard! Ann! Catch the ball Just dunk, an insulting alley-oop! Look, Ahn and Iguodala are putting on a show! One point, the Spurs' advantage is only one point!"

Helpless, the Spurs were stopped by the strong momentum of the Blazers. A few minutes of frenzy left Popovich hoarse. But even so, Ye Ren still couldn't stop the crazy Anjie, and the "desireless" Iguodala.

There is not much time left in the third quarter, and the Spurs have only a one-point lead left. Can the Spurs stabilize the situation? Can Anjie and Iguodala complete the reversal?

Countless fans are looking forward to the answer, and all of this will become clear after this pause.

An Jie and Iguodala slammed into each other's chests. The scary thing about the Trail Blazers was that everyone was recruited for An Jie!

Now, it's Iguodala's turn to show value.

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