NBA: Starting with Jokic template

Chapter 169: To make matters worse, Beverly’s mad dog injured people.

Regarding Harden's accusation, Lin Chuan directly stated,

"That's the intensity of the playoffs, and that's how we play after studying it."

"It can only be said that the Rockets themselves failed to hide Harden well on the defensive end and failed to crack the naming tactic."

Lin Chuan waved his hand,

"Maybe the Rockets need to find another inside player or star player to relieve some of the pressure on Harden."

Lin Chuan's words also gave the Rockets management some ideas.

Morey turned on his computer and saw Lin Chuan's interview after the game.

He also expressed his deep agreement.

That's right.

Want to achieve some results in the playoffs.

It is definitely impossible to do it relying on Harden alone.

There are many strong enemies in the West.

Without two All-Star players, the team would have a hard time.

But, what he wanted most was Lin Chuan himself who said these words.

In front of the computer screen, Morey, with the light shining on his face, smiled.

If we can get Lin Chuan, we might be able to win the championship next season!

As for other centers, they should be regarded as backup options.

…………

First round of the playoffs.

Game 2.

Everyone is still playing at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma.

This game may be the last time the Thunder plays here in the first round.

Therefore, there are a lot of people coming to this game.

The stadium can accommodate 19599 people, and more than 19000 people came to this game.

in the audience.

Some fans even chose to stand and watch the game.

The game starts soon.

The players on both sides have also taken their positions.

"Welcome to today's TNT!"

"I, Shaquille O'Neal, will be taking you to watch the second game between the Thunder and the Rockets."

This time, the two people from the previous game are not here.

O'Neal will be the commentator for the game.

And the one sitting next to him.

It was a man who was taller than him.

"The person next to me is our guest of honor! Yao Ming!"

"I wonder what Yao Ming thinks of this game, or which side he hopes will win?"

As an old friend, O'Neal gave a sharp answer right away.

This question caught Yao Ming off guard.

The ball hasn't even started yet and you're asking this question.

He's not ready, okay?
"The Rockets are the team I played for for eight years, and I have a lot of affection for them. If they play against any other team, I will support the Rockets."

"And the Thunder team has my compatriot Lin Chuan. I also support them."

Yao Ming was silent for a moment, but decided to follow his heart.

"As a Chinese, I still choose to support the Thunder. I hope they can win the series and advance to the Western Conference semifinals."

While the two were talking, the Thunder had already successfully jumped the ball and won the first possession.

Lin Chuan was holding the basketball, one step forward from the elbow area, facing Asik's defense.

Looking at the not-so-outstanding defensive level of the person in front of him, Lin Chuan chose to shoot directly at the defense.

"Shh!"

The two-point shot was easily scored despite Asik's defense.

It didn't even cause any interference to Lin Chuan.

"Wow, that's so accurate."

Yao Ming couldn't help but give a compliment.

O'Neill nodded.
"Your mid-range shot was pretty good back then, but this guy is obviously more accurate than you."

Before this, there were inside players who could shoot mid-range and three-pointers accurately.

For example, Nowitzki.

But even he did not reach Lin Chuan's level in shooting.

On the court, Harden took advantage of Parsons' pick-and-roll and walked to the free throw line.

Before Ibaka could pull out, Harden decisively stopped and shot.

The mid-range shot was scored in response to Lin Chuan's goal in the previous round.

The score goes back and forth.

The first quarter ended with the Thunder leading by 4 points.

Current position.

Lin Chuan has not mentioned Harden by name once.

After the last game, McHale and others studied Lin Chuan's calling tactics.

In this game, Harden was well protected by the Rockets on the defensive end.

Once there is a possibility of being switched to Lin Chuan, the Rockets will adjust the position in time to ensure that Harden is always facing the two guards of the Thunder.

This is also why, after the first quarter, the Thunder did not quickly establish an advantage like in the previous game.

But the Thunder have more than one star.

During the time when Lin Chuan is not fighting.

Westbrook is not idle.

The first half of the second quarter.

He continued to play with Martin and the substitutes.

Facing the Rockets' weak bench, Westbrook went all out.

With the ball in hand, he broke through the inside with the help of a screen and made a layup under the basket despite the center's defense.

Hit several balls in a row.

He was firing on all cylinders.

The Rockets missed a three-pointer, Westbrook jumped into the air, grabbed the rebound, then accelerated to a hundred meters, stepped on the accelerator and rushed to the frontcourt.

Then, he did not rush into the basket and dunk as usual.

Instead, he stopped directly outside the three-point line and made a three-pointer!
"Shh!"

The basketball hit the net.

"The rocket is difficult."

Seeing Westbrook make a three-pointer, Yao Ming immediately gave his opinion.

"Indeed, Westbrook can make this kind of three-pointer. I don't know how the Rockets can limit these two stars."

Seeing Westbrook's great performance, he widened the score to more than 10 points in one breath.

Lin Chuan, who was originally preparing to go on stage, sat back down again.

It would be best if you could rest more.

Just when everyone thought the game was going to end and enter the second half.

Something unexpected happened.

There is one last round left.

The Rockets attack.

At this time, Harden and several other starters have returned to the court.

He dribbled the ball slowly, wasting time second by second.

In this attack, Harden wanted to use up as much time as possible and not give the Thunder a chance for a last shot.

Continuous between-the-legs dribbling.

Seeing Lamb in front of him being shaken, Harden immediately dribbled to the inside and made a layup!

"clang!"

The ball was interfered by Perkins and hit the rim.

The basketball falls.

In the penalty area, players from both sides fought for rebounds.

Suddenly, the basketball was hit and flew out.

Flying towards the center line.

Westbrook rushed forward a few steps, trying to grab the basketball and make a fast break.

"careful!"

On the sidelines, Lin Chuan's eyes widened and he yelled at Westbrook.

Just behind him.

Suddenly, a dark figure in a red jersey jumped out.

The goal is basketball.

But he was too fast and hit Westbrook who had just controlled the basketball.

"Fake!"

The basketball lost control and rolled toward the front court.

The timer continues to run.

The first half of the game is over.

But things didn't look good for Westbrook.

He covered his right leg with a look of great pain.

He lay on the ground and could not get up.

Beverley, on the other hand, walked away as if he saw nothing and headed towards his own bench.

Seeing Westbrook's miserable condition, Lin Chuan suddenly had a bad thought in his heart.

"Shit... Did Beverly's scramble for the ball injure my knee like in my last life?!"

(End of this chapter)