rpbooks Chapter 560 For
Chapter 560 For
Chapter 560 For
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter of the game.
After more than ten minutes of rest, players from both sides returned to the field again.At this time, the Thunder still maintained the lead on the scene.But that was only a tiny lead.
63:65, the visiting team is in front and the home team is behind.
Such a situation did not make everyone feel gratified. On the contrary, many people had some concerns about the Thunder's match against the Warriors in the playoffs.No one will think that the Thunder can't make the playoffs, and of course the Warriors are the same.In the eyes of most people, in this year's Western Conference playoffs, these two teams are bound to face off again.Since Cousins joined the Warriors, they have been in the lead in the lineup.But there are still many people who support the Thunder think that this will not affect anything.But right now, the full Thunder are on par with the Cousins-less Warriors.And in the 2 points leading, Adams has an absolute advantage at the basket.Whether it's scoring or protecting the rebound, Damian Jones is the side that is suppressed.But the Warriors are still not at a disadvantage. If Cousins returns from injury, it will be fine!
Of course, for the protagonists of this game, Cousins and Damian Jones don't seem to be any different.The Thunder don't rely on Adams to win, and the Warriors don't count on Cousins either.
At the beginning of the third quarter, Donovan emphasized the team's defense, especially the perimeter defense.Judging from the observation of the two quarters, it is obviously not a wise way to let the Warriors attack outside.He decided to adopt the defensive strategy in the playoffs, emptying Green, freeing Robertson, and cooperating with Westbrook, An Luo and Paul George on the outside to double-team Curry, Thompson and Durant.Four excellent defensive players defend the opponent's three scoring points, and in any case they must limit the opponent's offense.On the offensive end, Westbrook started targeting Curry.Now that Curry has 2 fouls, as long as 2 more fouls are added, the Warriors' offensive strategy will change accordingly.This is also to reduce the pressure on the Thunder's defense.
In fact, it was not Donovan's whimsy to be fouled by Curry.Curry has never been a defenseless player, and he once won the league's steals leader.Even if he always becomes the protagonist of the opponent's infinite singles, it is only a case of misplacement.Curry's defensive style is very aggressive.Curry, who is not outstanding in stature, is always winning opportunities for the team to switch offenses by repeatedly scrambling to the ground and intercepting the ball.But aggressive defense will also bring some factors that are not conducive to the game.There isn't a single superstar that hasn't been studied over and over by professionals from various teams.Same goes for Curry.People are well aware of Curry's easy-to-reach and willing-to-reach characteristics on the defensive end, and often make a fuss around it.
According to statistics, Curry has averaged 2.7 fouls per game so far in his career.This is obviously too much for a leading point guard.From time to time during the game, Kerr had to replace Curry, who had three early fouls.You know, the violent-tempered, easy-going Green has been sent off the court for six fouls 10 times in his career.And Curry, who seems harmless to humans and animals, is even on par with Green in this statistic, which shows that he has not done a good job in controlling the number of fouls.
Donovan got a taste of it in last season's Western Conference Finals, so he's happy to give it another go.And he also wants to see if Curry has improved in this regard this season.
Sure enough, after the Thunder changed their defensive strategy, the Warriors were a little uncomfortable.
Under the double-teaming of An Luo and Robertson, Thompson once again exposed his not-so-good ball-handling ability.In a panic, he passed the ball directly into Adams' arms, and Green, who was standing alone at the top of the arc, yelled in anger.Of course, this ball has to be attributed to Robertson.After all, the ability of the players of the best defensive team should not be underestimated.With his cooperation, the two blocked almost all of Thompson's ball routes.
Next came Thunder's signature fast-break counterattack.After Westbrook received a pass from Adams from beyond the three-point line, he buried his head and ran wildly. Paul George and An Luo followed closely behind.Of course, the Warriors are not slow to retreat, but they are ultimately the passive side.
Westbrook jumped high on Green's body and flipped the ball to the backboard.He originally wanted to build a two plus one, so he specially found a little physical confrontation.But the referee didn't blow his whistle.Fortunately, there are brothers behind him!An Luo, who followed closely behind, rushed to the free throw line when Westbrook made a layup.After seeing the ball touch the edge of the rim, he jumped up randomly and made contact with the ball before Green jumped again.However, instead of snatching the ball, he held the basketball and threw it upwards towards the free throw line.He saw Paul George!
In the middle of the flash, Paul George flew up, his raised right hand caught the basketball thrown by An Luo in the air, took advantage of the trend, and pressed it into the basket hard.
Boom!
Nice dunk, nice lob!
The Warriors' outside offense was greatly challenged, but they were still able to bite the score.But then Curry's foul put them in a great predicament.Although he expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee on the spot, Cole cautiously replaced Curry.After that, the Warriors' offense was taken over by Durant.
The Thunder seized the time when Curry was not on the court and launched a very strong offense.An Luo's three-pointer, Paul George's sudden shot from inside and outside, and the damage caused by Westbrook's sudden jump to the basket, were like waves, hitting the Warriors wave after wave.Although Durant can still score, only Durant can score.Thompson and Cook have played very well without making mistakes under the double-team of the Thunder.
Cole replaced Curry again in the last 2 minutes.But Donovan was determined to target him.The Thunder's offense immediately focused on Curry.Although Curry noticed his own problem, he was not fouled by the opponent.But this also makes Curry useless on the defensive end.After the Thunder discovered this situation, they immediately changed their offensive strategy.Both An Luo and Paul George began to use the pick-and-roll of their teammates to match up with Curry.
In the last 7 minutes of the third quarter, the Thunder played a 26:15 offensive climax.On this basis, the Thunder entered the final quarter with a 15-point lead.
(End of this chapter)