warrior godfather

Chapter 757 The Most Important Time

Stevens made the right bet this time, and the Warriors' touch really fluctuated.

The game is like this, like the ebb and flow of the tide, no one can win forever, and no one can lose forever, unless one side's lineup can completely crush the other side.

The touch will fluctuate, the physical fitness will decline, the enthusiasm will fade, and the mentality will change... Only a real superstar can always score steadily and stand up when the team needs them to stand up.

Stevens was very lucky. After five away games, the Warriors were at the end of their strength. The role players were allowed for a quarter, and then they were not allowed.

But Stevens does not rely entirely on luck. If he lets Curry shoot for the entire game, Curry can directly kill the Bulls. If Antetokounmpo takes the ball for the entire game, the Bulls' inside Certainly can't keep it.

The lack of stability of role players is the primary reason for Stevens' tactical success.

In the third quarter, except for Wiggins, the Warriors were able to score continuously, and everyone else couldn't make an open three-pointer, and the Bulls reversed the point difference.

Wiggins also reduced his three-point shots. He is also a player who depends on his state. He feels good and is accurate in three-pointers. He can also throw in three-pointers with a step back.

He relied on his physical talent and athletic ability to break through the penalty area and score.

Although the Bulls had a lot of defenders in the penalty area, it was difficult for Wiggins to stop him from rushing up, and he made precise hits on several near-frame throws.

Curry and Antetokounmpo can no longer simply serve as bait when others miss the mark.

They all began to look for scoring opportunities under strict marking. Curry staged a pick-and-roll one-and-two.

It's just that these efforts are a drop in the bucket. The more inaccurate the role players, the harder the Bulls will double-team the two, and it will become more and more difficult for them to score.

If you want to completely solve the problem of offense, you need others to make open three-pointers.

Zhang Yu made several substitutions for this reason. Caruso, Connaughton, Hart, Aminu, and Jerebko were all replaced. They only had one task, to catch the ball and throw open three-pointers.

After constant attempts, Connaughton stood out. He was the player with the best touch on the bench. He scored a three-pointer and gained Zhang Yu's trust. With 9 points, Aminu and Hart each scored a three-pointer, which greatly eased the team's dilemma.

It's just that the presence of a large number of role players has also caused the Warriors' defense to decline a bit, and the Bulls' offensive efficiency has further improved.

But as long as the Warriors can make three-pointers, offense is not a problem, and they can bite the score.

In the end, the Warriors scored 7 three-pointers in a single quarter, among which the Raider Connaughton scored three by himself, Aminu, Hart, Curry, and Wiggins each scored 26 points and trailed the Bulls 75:77 2 points, into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors made only 33.4% of their three-pointers in this quarter, which was far below their average level. The Bulls made 45.7% of their field goal attempts, but they were mainly two-pointers and failed to open the score.

This is the advantage of the three-pointer, and it is also the biggest reason why the Bulls have always lagged behind the Celtics in terms of record despite being so good at key shots.

In the small ball era, three-pointers are king and efficiency is paramount.

Kerr basically reproduced the Warriors' tactics. The Celtics played counterattack + cutting. Irving, Durant, and Leonard can all play fast breaks. There are a bunch of three-point shooters in the formation, and they shoot when they find opportunities. , the tactics can't be played, and there are three major scorers to support the bottom, and the abuse is invincible.

The Bulls are a team that goes against the trend. The Big Three are not good at shooting. Butler, who was born in 3D, also transformed early, focusing on mid-range shots and breakthroughs. His three-point shooting rate has been declining year after year. .

The style of play of the Big Three sets the tone of the team. The Bulls' offense is mainly based on mid-range shots and breakthroughs. The three-pointers rank in the middle of the league, and most of them are shot by role players.

Although the Bulls' offensive success rate is very high, and their field goal percentage and mid-range shooting percentage are among the top in the league, but when other teams are shooting three-pointers frantically, the Bulls' offensive efficiency is not enough.

Even a big team can rely on three-pointers to compete with the Bulls in offensive efficiency, and upsets happen from time to time.

The Bulls suffered from the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger has a bunch of shooters, and Carlisle is good at training the offense. He challenged the Bulls in an away game.

In the fourth quarter, the Lone Ranger's hand fell back, and the Bulls gradually narrowed the point difference by relying on mid-range shots and breakthroughs, but there was not enough time, and finally lost to the Lone Ranger by 113 points 116:3.

The Bulls' explosiveness in scoring is too poor. In many games, other three-point teams can catch up, but the Bulls can't catch up. In some games, other teams can play, but the Bulls will be dragged to the critical moment. decide the outcome.

Fortunately, the Big Three of the Bulls have strong key shots, which is also a strategy.

But in the long regular season, the team with the stronger abuse will always have a better record. The Bulls lack scoring explosiveness and can only be crushed by the Celtics, and even closely pursued by the Raptors behind them.

After the start of the fourth quarter, the Warriors' three-pointer feeling dropped, and the Bulls overtook the score, but they failed to open the score.

The Bulls are on the ground every round, press the rhythm, and get two points and two points. The Warriors only need to shoot 3 open three-pointers and score 1, and they can bite the score.

两对一直纠缠到最后4分48秒，比分来到了89:91，勇士落后2分。

At this time, the game has entered a critical moment, and the two sides have fielded the strongest lineup.

The Bulls are Rose, Wade, Butler, Mirotic, Robin, and the Warriors are Curry, Jaylen Brown, Wiggins, Markanen, Antetokounmpo.

Zhang Yu still chose to trust Jaylen Brown. He is in a mediocre state today. He is not good at three-point shooting. He made 5 of 1 shots and scored fewer points than Connaughton. Given his outstanding performance, Zhang Yu decided to give him another chance.

This is also Zhang Yu's reward for Jaylen Brown. He played against the Celtics. Jaylen Brown performed well against his old club. He started the game for 36 minutes and scored 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. , broke the personal career scoring record and is the best player in the Warriors.

If he plays well, he must have a chance to play, otherwise the enthusiasm of young players will be greatly affected.

And Zhang Yu is also willing to take out a critical moment of a key game to accumulate experience for Jaylen Brown.

He is the future of the second position of the Warriors. To take on heavy responsibilities, he must experience this moment in person in order to truly grow up.

On the court, the Bulls attacked, Rose dribbled the ball to the frontcourt, and played a pick-and-roll with Robin, Antetokounmpo retreated, Rose used the cover to break through to the inside, and made a jump shot. Did Antetokounmpo react quickly? The long arm, the limit interfered with Rose's shooting, the basketball bounced out of the frame, and was snatched by the recycled Markkanen.

The Warriors pushed and counterattacked, and the Bulls returned to defense quickly. They did not give the Warriors a chance to make a fast break, so they had to fall to the ground.

Due to the decline of the role player's touch, Curry did not play a pick-and-roll with Antetokounmpo, but directly singled out Rose. After a double-back move, he stepped back and made a three-pointer. He missed the three-pointer and the rebound was grabbed by Robin.

"Curry's offensive choice this time is not reasonable. After the game entered a critical moment, the offenses of both sides began to become easier." Jeff Van Gundy said.

Looking back, Rose and Robin played a pick-and-roll, and after breaking through, they passed the ball to Butler, who was weak at 45 degrees. The ball was shot, and Jaylen Brown was a step slower in returning to the position, and the three-pointer went into the net, 94:89.

"Yes! With consecutive breakthroughs and points, the Bulls played a signature offense, and the point difference came to 5 points." Mike Breen said.

After the round transition, Curry continued to single out Rose and hit a three-pointer with a step back, 92:94.

"Bang! Curry's unreasonable three-pointer, Jeff, do you think he made a reasonable choice this time?" Mike Breen said.

Jeff Van Gundy spread his hands:
"Okay, I take back what I just said, who made him Stephen Curry?"

In the next round, the Bulls repeatedly broke through and scored, and the basketball came to Wade in the bottom corner again. Jaylen Brown let him go. Wade missed a three-pointer and the rebound bounced into Curry's hands.

The Warriors immediately turned from defense to offense. Curry changed direction and dodged Mirotic's press, and came to the frontcourt. Rose was chasing after him, and Butler also rushed towards Curry.

Curry kept on stepping, carrying Rose all the way to the penalty area, suddenly slowed down, raised his right hand while walking, and made a throw, Rose jumped up to block the block, Curry took the ball back, took the second step, and stopped. Hold, raise your hand for a layup.

Butler flew up again, Curry collected the ball and turned around, before Rose pounced again, he threw it casually, and the basketball hit the backboard into the net, 94:94.

"A one-stop layup from Curry, he swayed Rose and Butler, incredible goal! This is the first time the Warriors have tied the score since the fourth quarter!" Mike Breen said loudly.

The auditorium, which was so noisy just now, suddenly became quiet, and the atmosphere began to become tense.

The equal score also brought the game to the most intense moment. The nerves of the players on both sides were tense and the confrontation was full.

In the next round, the Bulls' repeated breakthroughs were stopped by the Warriors. In the end, Butler singled out Wiggins and made a jump shot. 96:94.

Looking back, Curry passed to Antetokounmpo, and Antetokounmpo rushed directly to the basket without stopping the ball, turned around with a big crotch, and passed Mirotic cleanly.

Mirotic grabbed Antetokounmpo in desperation, and Antetokounmpo stood on the free throw line. Amidst the boos of the Bulls fans, he made two free throws, 96:96.

Mark Jackson applauds:

"Giannis only made 65 percent of his free throws, and he took the free throws at the critical moment, which was not easy."

Afterwards, the two sides each attacked for a round, but they both returned without success under the opponent's tough defense. The game came to the final 49.7 seconds.

There was not much time left, but the score was still tied. The victory and defeat were in an instant. The atmosphere in the United Center became more and more dignified, and the voices of fans cheering and cheering began to tremble.

On the field, the Bulls attacked and continued to play the most commonly used repeated assault tactics.

This is one of the most commonly used tactics by the Bulls. The Big Three need to hold the ball, and they are not good at shooting. This kind of play can maximize the breakthrough advantage of the Big Three.

Rose initiated the first breakthrough from the top of the arc and passed to Wade without a chance.

Wade made a second breakthrough from 45 degrees. The Warriors' defense was still very tight and passed to Butler in the bottom corner.

After Butler received the ball, there were only 6 seconds left in the attack time, and he could not pass the ball. Butler singled out Wiggins, swayed to the right, and then walked left to break through the baseline.

Wiggins followed Butler closely, the two entangled all the way to the basket, Butler raised his hand and pretended to layup, Wiggins subconsciously jumped up to block, Butler received the ball, waited for Wiggins to fly by Reach for the layup before Antetokounmpo's help defense arrives.

But at this moment, Wiggins, who had already flown to the other side, forcibly turned 180 degrees in the air, swept over with his right hand, and slapped the basketball straight out!
Snapped!
The basketball flies 45 degrees to the other side, and Jaylen Brown and Wade are standing in that direction.

Wade bent down to grab it, but his explosive power was not as good as before. The young Jaylen Brown was one step ahead, diving directly, and fell to the ground to catch the ball in his hands.

Wade immediately reached out to grab it, the basketball was out of Jaylen Brown's control, and rolled aside, Curry hurried over, bent down to pick up the ball, protected the ball with both hands, and avoided Rose's struggle.

"Wiggins blocked Butler, the two sides scrambled together, the ball finally went to Curry, the Warriors had the ball! There were 22.4 seconds left in the time, the Warriors seized the opportunity for the final attack, and Curry controlled the rhythm. It seems that he It's going to run out of time and not give the Bulls a chance," Mike Breen said.

Because it took a long time for the two sides to scramble for the ball, the Warriors' attack time was less than 24 seconds. Curry dribbled the ball to the frontcourt and stopped at the top of the arc, dribbling on the spot wasted time.

Zhang Yu stood on the sidelines, did not call a timeout, and made a gesture to signal Curry to make the decision himself.

There are more than 20 seconds left in the time, not the last attack. He called a timeout to send the ball to Curry and let Curry attack by himself. Opportunity for Vince to deploy defensive tactics.

Rose stood in front of Curry, arms outstretched, ready to fight.

Curry looked at the timer, and when there were 7 seconds left in the time, he was ready to start.

But at this moment, Stevens stepped on the sidelines, leaned forward, and shouted:
"gogogo!"

After Butler heard it, he rushed over and flanked Curry!

Stevens flanked Curry for the entire game, how could he give up at the last moment?
Just now Curry singled out Rose and hit a step-back three-pointer, which further strengthened Stevens' thoughts. Curry must not be given a chance to make a shot!

It just so happened that the Warriors still had a bad Jaylen Brown on the field, and Stevens directly gave a signal to let Butler pinch Curry.

Curry took a step back, Rose and Butler pressed hard and started to press. He could only distribute the ball to Wiggins who was emptied.

But just as Butler pounced on Curry, Wade gave up on Jaylen Brown and pounced on Wiggins. When Wiggins received the ball, Wade was in place.

At this time, there were only 3.4 seconds left in the time. Wiggins glanced at the timer, had no time to think, and passed directly to Jaylen Brown, who was emptied in the bottom corner.

As soon as the ball was shot, Wiggins regretted it. Jaylen Brown repeatedly missed shots. How could he pass it!
Mike Breen yelled:
"Wiggins - Jaylen Brown, 2 seconds left..."

Jaylen Brown didn't hesitate, and shot the ball without even making the slightest adjustment.

Swish!
The basketball made a smooth trajectory in the air and fell straight into the net!
99: 96.

"Oh……"

There was a loud sigh from the audience as fans looked at Jaylen Brown in disbelief as they held their heads.

"Di-"

Stevens immediately called a timeout with 0.6 seconds left, and the Bulls still had a theoretical chance to kill.

But everyone knew that the Bulls had already lost, and the players walked off the court silently with ashen faces.

Stevens looked at Jaylen Brown with complicated eyes.

He won many bets today, but this last time, and the most important one, he lost.

On the field, the Warriors players gathered around Jaylen Brown, celebrating wantonly.

Jaylen Brown roared excitedly, venting all his depression, and after hugging his teammates one by one, he kept repeating:

"I'm in, I'm in!"

Finally, he came to Zhang Yu, and the two hugged each other. Jaylen Brown's voice trembled with excitement:
"Boss, thank you, thank you for letting me play, I made it, I made it!"

Zhang Yu patted him on the back and said with a smile:

"Relax, Jaylen, there will be another round later, don't get too excited."

Jaylen Brown nodded vigorously, trying to suppress the excitement and excitement in his heart, and said loudly:

"Yes, boss!"

(End of this chapter)