Slam Dunk: My Study Abroad Career in Northern Hunan

Chapter 695 Insider consumables!

Rudy Tomjanovich.

The legendary coach who led the Houston Rockets to two championships for two consecutive years in the 93-94 and 94-95 seasons when Jordan briefly retired.

The game experience he has is something that many team coaches in the league currently do not have.

Drudi Tomjanovich, who has experienced the finals, knows the rules of the game very well.

This game against the Timberwolves was at the Target Center Arena. For the Rockets, this game was an away game. At the beginning of the game, the Timberwolves were full of momentum, and the emotions of the players in the arena deeply affected everyone in the Timberwolves.

Tomjanovich was smart and did not choose to let his players attack when these Timberwolves players were at their peak.

On the contrary, he is using a lot of "soft" outside shots to wear down the Timberwolves' energy.

This is actually quite understandable.

If at the beginning of the game, Tomjanovich ignores the overwhelming momentum of the Timberwolves, focuses on the inside, and uses powerful and violent attacks to score points, the Timberwolves will inevitably shrink their defense line and the young players are full of enthusiasm. Even if they try their best, they will try every means to suppress their attack.

The "peaceful" alternation of offense and defense will not bring excessive benefits to the Timberwolves. Without a way to further expand the score, the Timberwolves' vigor will slowly be worn away.

At the same time, on the defensive end, there can be more physical confrontation and be sure to consume the opponent's physical energy.

Tomjanovich will use this method to wear down the physical fitness of the Timberwolves' main players. When the game enters the second half, it is time for their Rockets to "recover from the fire."

But adopting a slightly softer outside attack can avoid the period when the Timberwolves are most aggressive.

So after a simmering first quarter, what do the Rockets need to do in the second quarter?

Shrink the defense line and strengthen the team's defense. The offense and defense of each round do not focus on scoring as the first point, but on consuming the physical energy of the opponent's main scorer as the core of this section's tactics.

Trailing by 20 points at halftime, there is still a chance for a comeback. There is still so much game time. Even if the Timberwolves want to relax, it is too early now!

Coach Philip was not able to see the Rockets' intentions. When the players came off the court, he smiled and praised the Timberwolves' players for their good performance in the first quarter, successfully opening up a 4-point gap with the Rockets.

This style of play was summarized by Tomjanovich as "simmering over low heat."

The answer is simple, just continue to simmer over low heat.

But Coach Philip seemed unaware of the risks involved, or he seemed to trust the team's team basketball too much.

Before the start of the second quarter, an adjustment was actually made, so that Garnett, who was not very good in this game, took a rest on the court. Joining Garnett on the bench were two martial arts players.

In addition to fully guarding and grabbing rebounds, Tomjanovich also silently asked Barkley to pass more passes, cut more, play more coordinated balls, and reduce personal offense to avoid angering the Timberwolves' king.

Philip needs to reasonably allocate the physical fitness of these two players. Only in this way, when the team is really in crisis, can the Timberwolves' scorers have the energy to change their offensive tactics according to the game situation.

Is there something wrong with Coach Philip's decision?

The players were quite satisfied with the results obtained in the first quarter. Each player performed well in the first quarter and showed his team style. Although the number of ball rights in Martial Arts has shrunk significantly, Coach Philip feels that their Timberwolves are in the first place. Jie was in complete control of the situation.

These two players can be said to be the Timberwolves' trump cards.

As Tomjanovich expected, when the Timberwolves have a slight advantage, they will not actively change their style of play in order to open up the gap between the two teams.

For this reason, Tomjanovich also replaced Barkley and assigned Barkley to the small forward position, asking him to be responsible for defending the Timberwolves' leading scorer Wu Dao.

The game is only the first quarter, and a four-point deficit is completely insignificant to the Rockets at this stage.

In fact, this is not even close.

If it were in the regular season, there would actually be no problem with his formation changes at all, it was very reasonable.

But Coach Phyllis seems to have forgotten one thing. The game between the Timberwolves and the Rockets is not the regular season, but the playoffs.

What is the difference?
That is when teams play in the playoffs, the players' on-field status is completely different.

There are 82 games in the regular season. With such a long schedule and so many games, the players will be more or less slack.

For example, the Timberwolves, after winning three or four games, the players will more or less show an attitude of "it doesn't matter" whether they win or lose, no matter what kind of opponent they face.

After all, as long as the ranking is good, players like them don't have to risk injuries and crazily suppress their potential.

But the playoffs are different from the regular season. The playoffs are really one less game.

When most teams play in the playoffs, they will choose to use their main players vigorously. Only when the main players can no longer play, will they think of replacing them and resting for a few minutes.

Generally speaking, the main player will be rotated at least three or four times a game, or even more.

This is to allow the team to maintain a certain level of competition and prevent large fluctuations in status, which is also very important for the team.

Moreover, the opponent's desire for victory will far exceed that of the regular season.

In the regular season, if players are not in good condition, they will take a rest. Tantan even once implemented the operation of "if 'you' do not do well, I will stop the game."

But in the playoffs, there will never be such a weak situation. You will see Jordan dragging his sick body for 44 minutes in the playoffs, and you will see Yao Ming kicking the wall in the playoffs, forcibly numbing the pain. Play again.

But with Coach Philip's change now, the Timberwolves' perimeter defense has been weakened for a quarter. Wu Dao and Garnett left the game at the same time, which had a huge impact on the Timberwolves' defense.

His adjustment seems a bit out of tune with the playoffs.

Philip acted a little lazy when facing the Rockets.

The buzzer sounded in the stadium, and the players from both sides returned to the field.

When the Rockets players saw the Timberwolves' Wu Dao and Garnett taking a break, they couldn't help but look stunned and surprised.

Where is this?
The main player was replaced like this?

Isn't Philip afraid that the Timberwolves will suddenly collapse and die suddenly?
While they were doubtful, the Rockets players also felt a little angry. They didn't think it was because Coach Philip lacked playoff experience. They felt that it was because Coach Philip was looking down on their Rockets. .

Look down on their team, the Houston Rockets, who have championship aspirations!
As the referee blew the whistle, the basketball came out from the backcourt. After Matt Maloney took the ball, he quickly recommended it to the frontcourt, and then quickly gave the ball to Barkley as he approached the top of the arc. Barkley's opponent is Tom. Although coach Philip replaced Wu Dao and Garnett, there are still players like Tom, Marbury and Ben Wallace on the court at this time.

Substituting for Budo and Garnett were Roberts and Sam Mitchell. The Timberwolves' lineup is incomparable to the strength of the starting lineup, but it won't be overwhelmed by the Rockets.

At least that's what Coach Phillip thinks.

The basketball started. Barkley quickly dropped the ball and rushed forward. After taking a few steps forward, he encountered a quick interception from Tom. As he was walking, Barkley quickly paused, adjusted his dribbling posture, turned half sideways to the basket, and directly hit the ball. Sitting on Tom's butt.

After the fierce physical confrontation, Barkley turned around and hit the basket. Facing Ben Wallace's defensive defense, Barkley was not afraid at all. He stood up in front of Wallace and collided with Wallace's body in the air. After a short period of time in the air, Barkley adjusted his shot direction. Hook the basketball in your hand toward the basket.

"brush!"

The basketball scraped against the side of the backboard and bounced into the basket with a crisp sound.

The strong score caused thin cheers to ring out from the Timberwolves' home stands.

After all, they were playing away games in the fanatical Minnie. No matter how outstanding the Rockets players performed, the applause and cheers they received were quite limited.

But the Rockets players didn't care at all. After Barkley scored strongly, they quickly retreated to defend.

Ben Wallace's defensive ability is actually very good, but as a young man, he is not Garnett after all. His original physical condition is really so-so. As an inside player, his deterrence is somewhat insufficient.

There wasn't even any psychological pressure when Barkley challenged his defense in the paint.

Facing a historic scorer like Barkley, the young Wallace seemed a little at a loss.

The offense and defense alternated, and the Timberwolves quickly launched a counterattack.

Marbury made many attacks with the ball in the first quarter. He needed to distribute his physical strength well during the continuous battle. Instead of calling a pick-and-roll, Marbury faked a sudden pass and passed the ball to Clyde Dray. Kesler cut to Mitchell in the mid-range.

Sam Mitchell was full of energy, and his continuous counter-running finally gave him a chance to catch the ball. However, even though the basketball fell into his hands, Clyde Drexler quickly circled in front of him. Stayed in front of him.

After glancing at Barkley and Olajuwon under the basket, Mitchell gave up the idea of ​​a strong play, made an emergency stop, and shot a quick mid-range jumper from the side.

Clyde Drexler raised his arms to interfere. Although Mitchell successfully threw the ball, his vision and mentality were affected by Drexler's defense, and his hands were a little shaken when he shot.

"Dang~"

The basketball fell out of the basket and was held by Barkley under the basket.

The Rockets quickly pushed back and counterattacked. Matt Maloney received the ball and quickly advanced towards the frontcourt. Everyone in the Rockets also followed suit.

The Timberwolves have a good speed in returning to defense, but Marbury, who is the fastest, has obvious defensive flaws.

The basketball was quickly passed to Drexler. The latter was not afraid of Marbury's defensive pressure. Instead, he continued to accelerate, using his body to forcefully push Marbury past, and then smoothly get to the basket. , directly pulling up the dunk points.

Um.
When facing the Timberwolves with Garnett helping to defend him, Drexler was a floor player, but now, he seems to have turned into the glider that can be "50-50" with Jordan.

The explosive slam dunk ignited the Rockets fans. At the same time, the Timberwolves' gaffe also made the fans worried. They shouted and encouraged the Timberwolves players loudly.

Amid the calls of the fans, the Timberwolves organized the offense.

This time, Marbury decided to carry the team's offensive banner when Wu Dao was not present!
He reached out and waved towards Tom on the wing, signaling the opponent to pick and roll.

Why not call the two insiders?

The reason is very simple. The role of Roberts and Wallace in the high post pick-and-roll is really too small. Their pick-and-roll is really a pick-and-roll. Not to mention the high-post shooting threat, even the threat down the line is quite limited.

It's better not to use this kind of pick-and-roll and let these two squat inside to guard rebounds. The profit may be a little higher.

Tom's pick-and-roll was very fast, but the Rockets' defensive rotation was even faster. Those who broke through through the pick-and-roll were directly resisted by Barker's body.

Barkley's power was terrifying, and he forcefully stopped Marbury, who was starting to speed up. However, Marbury, who was forced to stop, still had no intention of shooting the ball. He kept his focus and did not choose to find a breakthrough opportunity after changing directions. Instead, he just pulled out his hand.

The basketball flew directly over the head of the unsuspecting Barkley, and then fell steadily into the net under the gaze of everyone.

"oh oh--"

The fans poured into the stadium with cheers. Seeing Marbury's strong response to the ball, Martial Arts on the sidelines couldn't help but applaud.

Although Marbury's light in the Timberwolves is slightly dimmed due to the existence of martial arts, it has to be said that Marbury is worthy of being a "superstar embryo". As long as he is given a stage to perform, he can surprise others.

At critical moments, Marbury is also relatively reliable.

"Guys, get on the pressure!"

"Have you forgotten what I just told you?"

On the side of the court, the elegant and easy-going coach Lao Tang frowned when he saw this scene and shouted loudly to the players on the court.

In fact, he didn't need to remind him, Matt Maloney and others knew what to do.

Although the Rockets' style of play is not as wild as that of the Jazz, will these players who have won championships in the iron-blooded era be good gentlemen?

Even a latecomer like Barkley, what kind of good person would he be?
Anyone who can perform as a superstar in this era is a first-rate strongman, both from a physical and mental perspective.

This group of Rockets are all fierce characters!
The Rockets' offense became more concise, and the basketball was given to Olajuwon. Facing the human shield opponent Roberts, Olajuwon showed his unique skills. Roberts, who was relying on his swaying footsteps, could not find his way, and then lightly moved his body. OK, straight up layup.

After all, he was a center who once dominated the league. Even in the downturn, players like Roberts cannot be defeated.

"Stanley, don't jump up easily, aim at the ball and slice it hard and that's it!"

"Even if you ask him to shoot free throws, don't let him hit it smoothly!"

On the sidelines of the court, Coach Philip gave timely guidance. The Timberwolves did not have many players in other positions, but in order to deal with O'Neal, Tunnel still had a few inside players.

Sometimes players have to use it this way!