The Way of the Center

An Jie sat in front of his cabinet in disbelief. Since winning the double MVP and the championship, this was the first time that An Jie was so embarrassed by a guy. Moreover, the guy who pushed himself into such a situation was his best brother.

He originally thought that as long as he did as usual, the Blazers would keep winning. The Dynasty Bulls' 72 wins, in Anjie's view, this record is not impossible to break. Last season, the Trail Blazers were only a few games away from breaking this record, but this season, An Jie believes that their strength is even stronger!

But today, the appearance of Morris reminded An Jie. This alliance is not something that can be controlled by oneself.

If Anjie and Aldridge are the most offensive inside combination in the league, then Ibaka and Morris, the combination of these two guys, may be the most defensive inside combination in the entire league.

How to break through the strict defense of these two defensive madmen has become a problem that Ricard must solve during the half-time break.

Trailing by 11 points at halftime, this is a problem the Trail Blazers haven't encountered for a long time. If it were an ordinary person, they would definitely choose to increase their offensive firepower in the second half and try to equalize the score as soon as possible.

But after thinking about it, Riccard made a decision that surprised even Divac.

"In the second half of the game, our main task is to defend." Ricard's words made everyone focus on this guy who was the best coach last season.

"Why did the Thunder beat us like this today? Because the Thunder led by Brooks are more aggressive than the Thunder led by Van Gundy! Don't think that Brooks will stop in the second half. This guy will definitely continue to strengthen his offense and try to break us in one fell swoop. !So, if we want to get closer to the score, we have to defend to the end in the second half of the game!" After Ricard finished speaking, he began to draw tactics on the tactical board.

An Jie raised his head again, that's right, in the first half of the game, he and his teammates had already fallen into the rhythm of attacking the Thunder.

The fast-paced confrontation between the two sides is the favorite rhythm of the Thunder team led by Brooks. Playing at the opponent's preferred rhythm will definitely be at a disadvantage.

Now, Ricard's intention is to make the Thunder play uncomfortable. Once the Blazers' defense comes up, the Thunder will lose their rhythm.

An Jie carefully watched Ricard's tactical arrangement. First of all, he had to strangle the offense that the Thunder team was proud of. After that, he had to start planning how to kill the opponent!

In order to enhance the defensive effect, Ricard let Robin Lopez take the starting four position in the second half.

In this regard, Aldridge has no objection. This guy will always obey the arrangement of the head coach. As long as the team can win, Aldridge is willing to make any sacrifices for the team.

So when Brooks saw the Blazers' lineup at the start of the third quarter, he couldn't help but feel tight. Because of the intermission that just passed, he almost emphasized offense. It's good now, the Trail Blazers' posture is just waiting for you to hit it yourself!

An Jie stepped into the field again, and he closed his eyes suddenly. At this time, the cheers of the fans in the Moda Center became louder in his ears.

He gathered his team, all the guys in the white Blazers home jerseys in a circle.

An Jie was in the middle and began to motivate his teammates. An Jie alone cannot defeat Lei Ting alone.

Last year, he beat the Heat's Big Three on this field. Today, he will never allow himself to fail in front of his good brother!

The champion is coming, the audience is silent!

Westbrook confidently handled the ball over the three-point line, and Lillard's defense in the first half of the game was simply vulnerable to Westbrook. But this time, when Westbrook was about to break through again, he found that Lillard gritted his teeth and was stunned to withstand the impact!

"As expected of a guy who can partner with An in the No. 1 position." Westbrook smiled. People say that the current Lillard is the Westbrook when Anjie was in the Thunder. Now it seems that at least the ruthlessness in Lillard's heart is really similar to himself.

But I'm sorry, basketball doesn't rely on momentum to win!

Westbrook did not hesitate, and immediately launched a second attack on the basket!

Seeing this scene, Jeff Van Gundy in the commentary area covered his forehead and shook his head. Westbrook's old habit of being restless has happened again. When he was still coaching the Thunder, the biggest headache was Westbrook's hot-headed go it alone. It's good that he can score in his desperate breakthrough. If he fails, it will waste other people's opportunities.

Before Van Gundy finished thinking, the basketball in Westbrook's hand suddenly fell out.

There is no doubt that Lillard's quick hands took out the basketball. Once again, Westbrook paid the price for his recklessness.

"Damian Lillard's defense is very brave. There is an Anjie difference between him and Westbrook. But this time, the No. 0 guard who played at home still defeated the No. 0 guard who played away!" Jeff Van Gundy didn't expect that he would be excited by the opponent's steal. No, you shouldn't use the word opponent. In this game, you have no enemies.

Lillard immediately took control of the ball after the steal and pushed forward with all his strength. Westbrook's reaction is not slow, his speed is as fast as Lillard, but the level of physical confrontation between the two is too different.

Lillard was about to take three steps, but was slammed by Westbrook, and he lost his focus for an instant.

Lillard threw the ball to the basket the moment he fell to the ground, and then he rolled out of the baseline in embarrassment. But Lillard used his peripheral vision to see another No. 0 player soaring into the air.

The basketball thrown by Lillard hit the backboard and bounced back abruptly. Everyone thought it was Lillard's layup error under high-intensity confrontation. But An Jie rushed into the penalty area and leaped high. Through Durant who was stuck in the basket, and even with his long arms, he pressed the basketball into the basket in front of Durant!

Brooks was so surprised that he stood up from the bench. If such a center stays in the Thunder team, what's the matter with the Heat's Big Three in the NBA now! ?

Anjie patted Durant's butt after landing. "I'm coming to KD, get ready to die!"

"Calm down, we're still in the lead, calm down!" Brooks yelled into the field immediately, and Westbrook knew that the coach was calling for himself. But losing to Lillard, a skinny guy, still made Westbrook very unwilling.

In the second round of the Thunder's offense, Westbrook was not as reckless as before. But Brooks could see that this guy still didn't intend to pass.

He beckoned Ibaka to pick and roll first. Although Ibaka is a muscular man, in fact, this guy's shooting range is wider than that of An Jie.

Robin Lopez didn't give Ibaka and Westbrook a chance. Not only did he lock up Ibaka's shooting space, but he also greatly hindered Westbrook's breakthrough speed.

Robin Lopez doesn't care if you are a superstar or not, as long as you are in his hands, there will definitely be no good fruit to eat.

Westbrook gritted his teeth and carried Robin Lopez's defense to the basket. When he finally passed Lopez, the guard who had just returned from injury realized that An Jie had been lying in front of him. !

With no choice, Westbrook slammed his right foot and tried to force a layup.

Brooks shook his head in disappointment. Sure enough, the referee's harsh whistle sounded in the next second. Westbrook dribbled the ball, made an offensive foul, and exchanged possession.

Too anxious, when the Trail Blazers were so far behind, Anjie was still calmly coping. Westbrook, who occupies the leading position, is too impatient.

Westbrook's problem is no longer a day or two, which is why Brooks often staggers Durant and Westbrook.

When Westbrook gets edgy, even Durant can't catch the basketball. And Yimei's single-handed fight may allow the Thunder to defeat some weaker opponents. But Tuo Zhe is the defending champion.

After the solid defense successfully contained the Thunder's momentum, Anjie scored another two points with a hook shot in the paint before the double-team was completed.

The Blazers' offense is not gorgeous, but their defense is chillingly stable.

Van Gundy admired Ricard's approach very much. If he was in command on the field, he would make the same choice.

Using a solid defense to bring offensive opportunities is the right way for a strong team to equalize. Blame Brooks' lack of experience. Although he brought more firepower to the Thunder, he couldn't make the Thunder as stable as before.

Under the joint defense of Angie and Robin Lopez, the Thunder's offensive efficiency was greatly reduced. Fortunately, Durant can still rely on his personal ability to hit mid-range and long-range shots. Therefore, when the third quarter ended, the Thunder still held a 4-point lead.

But both Van Gundy and Mike Breen can see that the Thunder's weak lead is already precarious.

In the last 12 minutes, the Blazers' defense and the Thunder's offense. Whether the spear was broken first or the shield was pierced first, every time An Jie faced off with his old team, it was not that simple.