NBA Old Age Star System

Chapter 344 Sweeping the Rockets!Wish you win the championship!
The series moved to the Rockets' home court, which was a challenge for the Lakers and an opportunity for the Rockets to save themselves.

The Rockets have lost two games in a row. The Rockets must win this home game, otherwise, the season will end here again.

Soon the game started, and Capela still worked hard to seize the initiative.

Paul got the ball and advanced to the frontcourt.

Harden didn't say anything and just reached for the ball. Paul thought about what his coach said before the game and gave it to him.

D'Antoni made it clear: "This is James' team, try to satisfy him."

Harden was very happy to see that Paul did not go against his wishes, but then he was not happy anymore.

Harden couldn't beat Su Tian's defense, but today he seemed to be suppressed against Butler.

For several consecutive rounds, Harden failed to score any points in sports games under Butler.

Seeing that the Rockets were about to fall behind by 10 points, D'Antoni called a timeout.

"James, let's change the focus of our offense. Let Paul hold the ball and play a few games first. You cooperate with him first. When you feel better, I will let you play."

Harden didn't say anything and could only nod his head to agree with D'Antoni's arrangement.

Harden is indeed unhappy with Paul, but winning is more important.

Soon, the timeout ended and the two sides returned to the court again.

Harden indeed gave up the ball, allowing Paul to organize the team's offense with the ball.

However, Paul was having mixed feelings at this time.

I was happy because the ball finally fell into my hands, but I was worried because it was Su Tian who was facing him.

Paul was very smart and did not choose to confront Su Tian head-on. Instead, he invited his teammates to cooperate tactically.

After passing the ball continuously, Paul passed the ball to Tucker in the bottom corner.

Tucker had a good chance at this time, so he was ready to shoot a three-pointer directly.

But as soon as Tucker raised the ball, a big hand appeared directly and snatched the ball from Tucker's hand.

"Steal! No, this is robbery!!!"

But the person who stole the ball was not Su Tian, ​​but Paul George!

"No matter what, I averaged 2 steals per game this season, don't underestimate me!" George thought to himself.

After George stole the ball, he directly started the fast break. After being double-teamed by the Rockets, he passed a long pass to Butler who was running in front.

Butler caught the ball and dunked directly.

The Lakers' fast break was like mercury pouring down the ground, and the Rockets couldn't stop it at all.

"Now Harden's offense with the ball is blocked, and Paul's attempts to organize are also intercepted. If the Rockets want to resist, a third person has to step up." Barkley said.

"It can't be such a simple thing. It's rare for the Rockets to create such a lineup. You ask him to pay the luxury tax with the Big Three? Wouldn't that kill him!" Kenny Smith responded.

The changes on the court were just as the two guessed. After Harden and Paul were blocked at the same time, the Rockets did not have a third person to step forward, and the point difference gradually widened.

At the end of the first half, the score difference had reached 16 points.

D'Antoni looked around anxiously, but couldn't think of any useful way.

The only thing he can think of is to take more three-pointers!However, this trick has been proven in the last game to not work!
"Both James and Paul are blocked, who else can step forward? Gordon? Let him try?"

"No matter what, it's better than sitting still and waiting for death."

So, during the halftime break, D'Antoni announced a tactical arrangement in the third quarter to try to let Gordon take the main attack, while Harden and Paul would perform feint attacks.

Harden and Paul frowned. They were already fighting fiercely for the ball, and now there was a third one.

However, neither of them performed well in this scene, and it was difficult to refuse directly, so they had no choice but to nod in agreement.

However, as long as Gordon can't produce results, the two of them will definitely take the ball back again.

As for Gordon, after hearing that he was the main attacker, he was so excited that he wanted to play right away!
As long as you can perform well in this game, you will become famous in one battle!Don’t worry about the big contract for next season!
In Gordon's anticipation, the third quarter finally started.

Both sides still chose the starting lineup to play, and the Lakers didn't think too much, thinking that they were still the two main attackers.

At the beginning of the game, Su Tian first held the ball and assisted George for a layup.

Turning his head, Paul came to the frontcourt with the ball. After using the pick-and-roll to attract the defense, he passed a precise pass to Gordon.

But after Gordon got the ball, he did not pass the ball again, but directly broke through with the ball.

After arriving inside, Gordon used a lever to avoid Nance, who was assisting in defense, and hit a layup.

"Scored! Eric really scored!"

D'Antoni on the sidelines looked surprised, and then came the surprise!

"Calm down, wait and see."

Su Tian didn't think it was a big deal when Gordon hit. Gordon has a certain right to take shots in every game.

The ball possession changed and it was the Lakers' turn to attack. Su Tian came to the frontcourt again with the ball.

This time Su Tian faced Paul and shot a three-pointer directly.

Swah——

A three-pointer hit directly.

Su Tian returned to defense with a calm face, and the point difference was still very stable.

The Rockets attack again, this time with Harden holding the ball.After the breakthrough, he attracted the defense and passed the ball to Gordon on the outside.

Gordon caught the ball and shot a three-pointer directly.

Swah——

Gordon's three-pointer also hit.

Gordon responded in two consecutive rounds, which had to attract Su Tian's attention.

"Brandon, focus! Follow me!"

Ingram nodded quickly when he heard Su Tian's scolding.

In the next few rounds, Gordon took consecutive shots. Although the hit rate was average, this scene was very strange.

"No, no, no, if Harden and Paul are not used, the Rockets want Gordon to be the main attacker?"

Su Tian said that he did not understand or respect the Rockets' actions.

After understanding the Rockets' general idea, Su Tian began to attack fiercely with the ball, and the defensive end also began to pay attention to the help of Gordon.

At the end of the third quarter, the score difference reached 20 points.

At this time, the Rockets bench.

"Coach, Eric tried his best. It turns out that this tactic is not suitable. Let me do it." Harden looked at D'Antoni firmly.

At this time, D'Antoni was also very embarrassed and had to say: "Okay James, come on and play."

So, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Harden and Su Tian came on the court at the same time.

The first ball in the fourth quarter was given to the Rockets, and Harden himself advanced to the frontcourt with the ball.

After arriving in the frontcourt, Harden and Su Tian faced each other directly.

"Su, I know what you want to say, but don't say it yet."

Su Tian was stunned, what's the matter, have you learned to predict?

Just as Harden finished saying this, he stepped back and shot a three-pointer.

Whoops - "James, you've learned so badly that you actually started playing tactics with me."

"Hey, I didn't learn all this from you."

Su Tian smiled and shook his head, turned around to catch the ball and launched an attack.

The ball just now can only be regarded as an exception for Su Tian. After all, Su Tian is in full condition at this time, and Harden is not the one who can hit it.

After Su Tian came to the frontcourt with the ball, he first dribbled the ball from his hips like Harden.

After dribbling continuously, Su Tian rushed forward, then stepped back to the three-point line and shot a three-pointer.

Swah——

Su Tian successfully responded with a "Harden-style" goal.

"Su, it's not good for you to do this. Others will think that I taught you how to play basketball."

"Pull it down, I'll teach you how to do it."

The two bickered and ran to the other side.

Su Tian not only responded to Harden with a goal, but also firmly controlled the situation on the court.

In the next few rounds, Harden continued to attack with the ball, but his shooting rate was controlled by Su Tian within a "safe" range.

Nearly halfway through the fourth quarter, the Rockets called a timeout.

"Paul, you also play, we have no chance. We must find a way to win this game! Otherwise, we will really have no chance in the next game!"

"James, Chris, we have no more chances. This is our last chance. I believe in your ability!"

D'Antoni simply boosted morale and brought in the entire main lineup.

At this time, the point difference is still 16 points, and the Rockets are under great pressure.

After playing again, Paul and Harden really cooperated well for a few rounds, but it was only these few rounds.

After a few rounds, the two returned to fighting on their own.

At this time, D'Antoni on the sidelines thought to himself: "Okay, it seems that this season is over for the Rockets. I have to think about the next step."

The game ended with the Lakers' victory, 119-102. The Lakers beat the Rockets by 17 points.

After the game, Su Tian and Harden briefly hugged.

Although this is only the third game, Harden knows that the Rockets will stop here this season.

After bidding farewell to Su Tian, ​​Harden turned around and saw Chris Paul on the side. The corners of Harden's mouth that had been smiling just now dropped, and he walked away with a dark face.

In the post-game interview, the Rockets became the focus of reporters, while few people paid attention to the Lakers.

After Su Tian simply answered a few questions, the Lakers interview was over.

After the Lakers returned to the hotel, Su Tian was just about to lie down and rest when Walton knocked on the door of the room.

"Coach, what's wrong? Is there something we can't talk about tomorrow?"

"Don't worry Su, just take a look at this report." Walton took out his cell phone. On his phone was the content of the Rockets' post-game interview and the corresponding video clips.

Su Tian looked at the date and found that it was today, so he clicked on it and started looking at the specific content.

As soon as he took a look, Su Tian opened his eyes in surprise.

"Chris Paul left the meeting angrily? This old ball player actually has a day when he can't stand it anymore?"

Then Su Tian continued to read down. After reading it, Su Tian probably understood why.

First of all, reporters kept asking Harden questions, which caused Paul to be given a cold reception. By this time, Paul was already unhappy.

But then Harden's answer was the trigger for a complete explosion.

A reporter asked: "What is the main reason why the team has suffered a losing streak and is on the verge of being eliminated?"

Harden said without thinking: "Of course the Rockets are not as strong as the Lakers in terms of overall strength, but I feel that I have done everything I can do. I am no worse than Su."

The first half of Harden's sentence directly admitted the gap between him and the Lakers, which was also the direct reason for being beaten 3-0 by the Lakers.

Perhaps after saying this, Harden wanted to save face, so he said that he was no worse than Su Tian.

There is nothing wrong with these two sentences alone, but together there is a problem.

Especially with the sensitive Chris Paul sitting next to him.

"Are you about the same as Su? But your overall strength is not as good as others? Then you're just beating around the bush and saying I'm not good!"

Paul's performance on the field is very tough, but in fact Paul is a very sensitive person. Not only that, Paul is even a little bit petty and will retaliate for his anger.

Personally, he and Harden don't get along very well.

Su Tian, ​​who had finished reading the news, looked at Wharton.

"Rocket, it's over."

"Yes, not only is this season over, there will be no threat next season! The light bulb group will definitely disband this offseason!"

Su Tian nodded and said: "That's true, but we still have one game in the series with the Rockets. We can't relax. The next game must quickly widen the point difference so that the Rockets completely lose their will to resist."

Wharton nodded and said, "I understand. Don't worry about this. I will make the specific arrangements."

The next day, Wharton called everyone for training, and sure enough, he arranged a lot of quick tactics.

Walton's purpose was the same as Su Tian's, which was to quickly widen the point difference and make the Rockets' main players, especially Harden and Paul, completely lose their intention to resist.

On May 5, the Lakers once again came to the arena on time.

This time Wharton gained experience and contacted the police in advance to clear the way, and there was no traffic jam again.

After the game started, the Rockets' starting lineup remained unchanged, with Paul and Harden still starting at the same time.

But the cameras at the scene and the reporters on the sidelines kept filming these two.

On the other side, the Lakers, who are about to advance, have no interest.

Su Tian smiled inwardly, it was okay not to receive such attention.

After the opening, the Rockets still had Harden as the main attacker with the ball. Overall, there was not much difference from before.

However, the Lakers' tactics were obviously different from before. They used various fast-break and fast-play tactics, and the score difference quickly widened.

At the end of the first half, the score difference had reached 20 points.

In the third quarter, the Rockets put on all their main lineups and struggled for another half quarter. Seeing that the point difference was not moving, they took the initiative to replace all their main lineups.

In the fourth quarter, in order to prevent the Rockets from counterattacking, Su Tian came on the court and led the team for 3 minutes. Seeing that the Rockets did not make any moves, he also took a rest.

In the end, the game ended and the Lakers easily won the game 122-98.

At this point, the series score between the Lakers and Rockets is 4-0, and the Lakers have completed a sweep of the Rockets.

After the game, Su Tian came to the Rockets bench and hugged Harden.

"James, I'm going to fight your big brother soon. Is there anything you want to say?"

Harden was a little confused at first, but then he realized it was his big brother, Kevin.

"There's nothing to say. He didn't have a good life there. I just hope he can be happier."

After Harden finished speaking, Su Tian stood aside in shock. Su Tian did not expect that Harden's feelings for Durant were so sincere.

"Okay, James, I'm leaving."

"Okay, good luck winning the championship, man."

(End of this chapter)