NBA: Starting with Jokic template

Chapter 175 Shave your head, brother (6k)

Seeing that Durant was in a stalemate, Lin Chuan stepped forward and whispered a few words while he was shooting free throws.

Then Durant smiled and nodded.

In the next round, after Parsons of the Rockets made a mid-range shot, the Thunder pushed forward the offense.

Lin Chuan still seemed to be unaware of what was happening and passed the ball to Durant as he did in the previous rounds.

Even Brooks on the sidelines seemed a little anxious and wanted to ask Lin Chuan not to pass the ball to Durant, but seeing that they were still leading by 3 points, he restrained himself.

Lin Chuan played very smartly on the court. He must know that Durant was somewhat uncomfortable with the Rockets' adjusted defensive strategy, but since he still wanted to play like this, it meant that he must have some ideas of his own.

On the court, Durant was still stuck by Parsons and forced to move inside. Asik rushed up again to restrict Durant.

But this time, Durant did not choose to force a shot under the basket. Instead, after two steps and about to travel, he suddenly passed the basketball!

"boom!"

The next moment, Lin Chuan appeared under the basket.
He put both hands on the frame and dunked the ball hard.

"Fake!"

Seeing this scene, McHale couldn't help but curse.

I was just thinking about limiting Durant.

It was indeed effective to let Asik provide backup defense, as he held down the devastating Durant.

But he forgot that there is another player named Lin Chuan in the inside who is no less skilled than Durant!

Lin Chuan had almost no shots in the first half, so the Rockets ignored him when formulating tactics. It was only when he suddenly received the ball and scored that McHale remembered him.

The Thunder still has this guy!

On the court, with Lin Chuan sharing the firepower, Asik, who had been unscrupulously assisting Durant in defending, no longer dared to attack rashly.

If he goes out to defend, he will be attacked by Lin Chuan. If he doesn't go out, he will have to watch Durant take the shot.

The dilemma made the Rockets' only inside player feel paralyzed.

Seeing the score quickly widening, McHale had no choice but to call a timeout and continue to adjust the tactical arrangements.

Let Asik just defend Linchuan honestly.

He is not a defensive gate, and defending two people at the same time is a very difficult task for him.

However, defensive adjustments could not stop these two brothers from getting into the groove.

At the end of the second quarter, the Rockets had fallen behind the Thunder by 8 points from a close score.

51: 43.

Sitting in the locker room, McHale sighed helplessly.

The game was not easy to play.

Now that Durant has returned, the Thunder have an extra offensive powerhouse.

This is even more difficult to fight.

Not to mention, there was almost an internal conflict within the team.

McHale felt helpless as he watched Beverly and Parsons sitting at opposite ends of the court, ignoring each other.

"Guys, if we continue to play like this in the second half, we will definitely be defeated."

“We can’t let them sweep us across Texas.”

Just as the locker room fell into silence, Harden's sudden words broke the calm atmosphere.

Seeing the leader he considered unqualified suddenly speak, McHale looked up at him in surprise.

"I hope everyone can unite as one, and I will lead by example so that we can defeat the Thunder and drag the game into a fifth game!"

Seeing Harden's determined eyes, McHale slowly nodded.

Inspired by Harden, the others also regained their fighting spirit.

McHale also quickly found a huge whiteboard and began to formulate tactical play.

The second half begins.

The Rockets' entire starting lineup appeared on the court.

It's a fight to the death, and they have no right to sit on the bench and rest.

The Thunder were on offense, and Martin ran out to an open space, received the ball, and was about to shoot when Harden cut it off from his chest.

After moving the ball to the frontcourt, Harden took a three-pointer without any reason.

"Shh!"

The ball goes in!

In the next round, it was Harden again. During the Thunder's passing and cutting process, he predicted the passing route in advance, intercepted the ball and made another layup.

After being beaten, Harden scored 5 points in two consecutive defensive counterattacks and fast breaks, and Brook immediately called a timeout.

In just one minute of the third quarter, all of the Thunder's starters appeared on the court.

Durant stretched his body, stared at the scoreboard, and decided to widen the score again.

In Game 4, a sweep was a possibility, so we couldn't leave the Rockets any chance.

Durant holds the ball on the wing.

Facing Parsons' defense.

Durant chose to pull up directly!

But this time!
Parsons predicted Durant's attack and successfully interfered with his shot!
The shot missed, and Asik grabbed the rebound and passed it to Parsons who made the contribution.

He dribbled the ball all the way forward, and just when Durant thought he was going to shoot a three-pointer like in the previous game, he immediately passed the ball to an open player on the wing.

And standing there was Beverly!

Beverly held the basketball steadily with both hands and stood still. There was no defender in front of him and Reggie behind him was two meters away from him.

"Shh!"

51: 51!

Beverly made an unguarded three-pointer in transition, tying the score in the second minute of the third quarter!
After scoring the goal, he also ran over and celebrated the goal by high-fiving Parsons who passed the ball.

"nice shot!"

“You spread it well!”

Durant was a little surprised. He didn't expect that the two people who had a quarrel in the first half would now play a small cooperation.

"Hey, what's that look?"

Seeing Durant staring at him, Parsons pointed to the Rockets logo on his chest.

"After all, we are teammates. Winning the game is more important than anything else."

What he said made sense, but Durant couldn't help but feel it was a bit outrageous to see the two people who were still sulking and arguing in the first half cooperating in the second half.

"It seems that Harden spoke in the locker room."

Lin Chuan ran to Durant's side and trotted across half court with him.
“The leader set an example and inspired them.”

As they were talking, Lin Chuan was about to get into position. The moment Reggie passed the basketball to him, Asik suddenly became much more active. He pounced and almost cut the ball with his hand.

Fortunately, he reacted in time and passed the ball high to Martin, thus avoiding the consequence of being intercepted.

Martin broke through to the basket and made a layup to end the offensive round. Lin Chuan ran to Durant.
"I'm right, I'm more proactive."

Durant nodded, looked at the Rockets players on the other side, and saw the high morale in their eyes. He smacked his lips.
"It looks like this game is going to be difficult."

This is true.

Harden organized the attack, and Asik immediately came up to provide a screen. During the breakthrough, Harden decisively passed the ball to Asik who cut inside.

Asik received the ball and made a layup.

Even Lin Chuan didn't expect that Asik would be the one to attack this ball. All his attention was on Harden who broke into the inside, and Asik stole the ball instead.

"Tsk."

Lin Chuan couldn't help but smacking his lips. It seemed that Harden really motivated them, and now everyone dared to fight.

Even Asik, who was beaten by him three times in a row, dared to take the initiative to attack.

"come on! Come on!"

On the sidelines, seeing the home team's players fighting so hard, the audience continued to cheer and encourage the Rockets players.

In this situation, the Rockets even successfully reversed the score at the end of the third quarter.

73: 77.

Yao Ming looked at the situation on the court in some surprise, and McGrady beside him couldn't help but tease him,

"I didn't expect the Rockets to be so resilient now. They beat the Thunder team you support to this extent."

"Indeed not. I thought that with Durant's return, the Rockets would be completely powerless to fight back."

Yao Ming shook his head and couldn't help but admire.

"The fourth quarter will definitely be exciting."

On the Rockets bench, everyone took their seats one after another.

Looking at the score on the scoreboard, everyone seemed very excited.

Only Harden and McHale had the same expression as before.

McHale has been in the NBA for many years and knows the situation of the game too well. A mere 4-point advantage is not enough.

Harden also knows this, and as a former teammate, he knows the strengths of Lin Chuan and Durant better than anyone else.

If these two people explode, it will be really difficult to beat them.

Whether the game can be won depends on these last 12 minutes.

The fourth quarter begins.

On the Thunder team side, Lin Chuan came on the court.

With only 12 minutes left, the outcome of the series would be decided. There was no reason for him to sit on the sidelines and rest.

Durant, as he had just returned from the game, was protected on the sidelines. Brooks ignored his complaints and decided to send him back on the court later.

Seeing that the opponent was becoming more aggressive, Lin Chuan couldn't help but get excited about fighting.

Since Durant is sitting on the sidelines resting, let Lin Chuan lead the team to compete against the Rockets. Let's see who can lead the team to win the game!

The Rockets attack.

Harden once again held the ball and organized the advance.

Asik pulls up for a screen.

Harden saw the opportunity and broke through again, while Asik cut inside again.

Seeing Lin Chuan staring at him menacingly, Harden knew that Lin Chuan still thought he was more of a threat.

When Harden was about to reach the restricted area, he wanted to pass the ball to Asik again for an open basket.

"Snapped!"

But this time, Lin Chuan saw through it!

"Don't expect a trick that worked once to work a second time!"

Under Harden's wide-eyed gaze, Lin Chuan intercepted the ball and then passed it to Reggie, while at the same time he ran towards the frontcourt.

At the top of the arc, Lin Chuan received the ball and shot a three-pointer!

"Shh!"

The ball goes into the net!

"Sorry, brother, I want to shave your heads today."

Hearing Lin Chuan's words, Harden's face turned cold.

"It's not that easy to sweep us away."

Lin Chuan burst out laughing.

It is precisely because it is difficult that he wants to do it.

On the Rockets side, Jeremy Lin had a chance and made a mid-range shot.

The Thunder quickly served the ball and switched offense. Reggie Jackson passed the ball directly to Lin Chuan at the top of the arc across half court.

"He's going to shoot a three-pointer, be careful!"

McHale's eyes widened and he yelled to the field.

Parsons reacted first, decisively letting go of Collison on his opposite number and rushed to Lin Chuan to block the shot.

Looking at Parsons flying towards him, Lin Chuan shot directly without changing his expression. The next moment, the backup defense arrived late and missed the basketball.

"Shh!"

Come in again!

The score is tied again!

"Fake!"

McHale couldn't help but curse. Lin Chuan was too difficult to defend.

Compared to Durant, although he is also a scoring machine and an offensive kaleidoscope, he is ultimately a small forward, and the defenders will not be too slow, so there is a high probability that he will not be beaten.

But Lin Chuan, as a center who is better at shooting than the guards, was so slow in defending Asik that he couldn't be pulled out at all.

Asik could only stand in the paint area and helplessly watch his teammates go to make up for the defense and then return in vain.

"Lets go! Lets go!"

"Guard against them!"

After scoring the goal, Lin Chuan quickly returned to defense and called on his teammates to concentrate as well.

As long as they can reverse the score in this wave, it will be difficult for the Rockets to beat them later!

They also have a killer weapon sitting on the sidelines waiting to go on the court and win the game!

Harden took the ball and started to move forward slowly.

Now they have gone from leading by 4 points to being tied again.

Now, it all depends on how capable each team is in scoring key goals.

At this moment, it is a test of whether he has the level to play superstar ball as a superstar!
Harden was outside the three-point line, facing Martin's defense. This time, he did not change his rhythm, but instead made a direct breakthrough!

This time, Harden chose to go to the right side because on this side.

The defender is not Lin Chuan, but Ibaka!
Choose to challenge me? Look down on me?
When Ibaka saw Harden rushing in, he couldn't help but feel a little angry and took two steps forward.

He was ready to block the shot, but this time, Harden didn't choose to force it!

Harden rushed towards Ibaka without hesitation.

Just as Ibaka was ready to jump up to block the shot, Harden came in front of him and passed the ball!
right!
左！
With two consecutive steps, Harden went directly past Ibaka!

This ball is a European step!

Finished!

Ibaka was shocked and turned around to defend.

But this time, it was too late for him.

One hand pressed on the backboard.

The basketball has already rolled into the net.

"MVP!!!"

Suddenly, cheers broke out in the Toyota Center.

Facing such top-level inside defense, Harden was still able to find opportunities to shoot in the gaps and score. This ability to score key balls ignited the passion of the fans.

"Harden is so strong in key shots now?!"

On the sidelines, Yao Ming couldn't help but exclaim.

Maddie shook his head helplessly.

"You haven't watched enough games. This season, Harden has evolved into a different player from when he was in the Thunder. So far this season, he is a well-deserved top star."

If a goal is scored, we naturally have to respond with a goal.

Lin Chuan held the ball in a high position, and then facing Asik's defense, he directly dribbled the ball, passed the basketball behind him, caught the ball with his other hand, turned around and made a fadeaway jump shot!
"Shh!"

The shot was too high, and only Yao Ming and Nate Robinson's height could block it.

And Asik is clearly not that kind of player.

He could only watch the ball and sigh.

Harden held the ball at the top of the arc, and his eyes didn't even look at Martin who was defending, but looked further away.

Fuck, you are underestimated.

When he saw Harden's eyes, he knew that his defense was completely ignored. Harden was watching the situation in the interior and waiting for him to break through the restricted area so that he could make adjustments.

I was also the boss in the Rockets, and I was no worse than him!

Martin held his breath and vowed to teach Harden a lesson.

Harden got the ball, changed the rhythm, and suddenly started a breakthrough!

But this time, he was directly blocked by Martin who was holding his breath.

Harden himself was surprised. He didn't expect that he would be suddenly defended by this typical player who is strong on offense but weak on defense.

He also stopped the ball one step in front of the three-point line, completely eliminating his chance of breaking through.

Seeing that Martin was about to steal the ball from him, Harden hurriedly passed the ball to Parsons not far away.

And this time, Collison moved quickly and almost intercepted the basketball.

Parsons could only shoot hastily, and the result was naturally a loud bang.

Ibaka grabbed the rebound and passed it to Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan slowly advanced with the ball, and when he stopped outside the three-point line, Asik was instinctively pulled out to defend.

At this time, Lin Chuan hit the ground accurately and passed the ball to Martin who broke through from the baseline.

"Boom!!!"

Martin completed a slam dunk at home to overtake the score!

"Thanks Lin!"

Martin did not celebrate immediately after landing, but instead punched Lin Chuan who passed the ball.

"All buddies."

Lin Chuan waved his hand.

In fact, it was simply because Martin was standing in a place where he could easily score.

At this anxious moment, who else can I give it to if not him?

Of course, it would be even better if he could satisfy his inner desire to slap his old boss in the face.

Seeing Martin still celebrating after scoring a goal, the whole audience booed.

Seeing their old team playing so excitedly and celebrating even happier than the other players on the Thunder, the Rockets fans immediately felt a lot of resentment.

"Go away! How can you be so ungrateful!"

"Fuck him!!!"

Despite the fans' curses, Martin remained calm.

In his mind, the Rockets, who wanted to trade him away, didn't carry any weight at all.

To him, the Rockets were just a place where he stopped by for two years.

Listening to the boos from the fans made him hate this place even more.

When it was the Thunder's turn for the next attack, he took the initiative to ask Lin Chuan for the basketball, and then shot directly from outside the three-point line.

Durant left the court. Before Lin Chuan had time to explode, Martin exploded again.

McHale was so angry that he slammed the bench next to him and called a timeout.

"You guard him later, Beverly."

McHale gave the responsibility of defending Kevin Martin to Beverley.

"Don't worry, I will definitely lock him up."

Beverly patted his chest confidently.

It took less than a minute for the bold statement to come out.

He was slapped hard in the face.

Garcia just missed the shot, and Lin Chuan grabbed the rebound and passed it to Martin.

This time he completely forgot that he was an off-ball scorer.

Facing Beverly's defense, he broke through to the basket directly, withstood the defense and moved his wrist to shoot the basketball into the basket.

At the same time, the referee blew the whistle, calling a foul on Beverly who was slapping Martin's hand from behind.

"Fake!"

McHale was so angry that he wanted to kick Beverley on his lame leg.

He was so confident that he could defend it just now, but he was hit with 2+1 right away. What a joke!
During the free throw period, Durant also came on the court, saving a timeout.

But Durant, who had just come on the court, did not get a chance to attack for a while.

Because Kevin Martin is in good form.

They scored three goals in four consecutive attacks, not only did the score exceed 20, but the score difference was quickly widened to 8 points.

McHale was about to stand up and call a timeout, but Harden quickly made a three-pointer to stop the bleeding and forced him to sit back down.

"That's great, Harden, but we have three super scorers, how do you deal with that?"

Lin Chuan ran to Harden and couldn't help but speak.

After hearing Lin Chuan's words, Harden, who was returning to defense, almost stumbled and fell.

Fuck, that's true.

As he was speaking, Lin Chuan received a pass from Reggie and quickly passed it to Durant who was eager to try outside the three-point line.

After receiving the ball, Durant ignored Parsons in front of him and shot a three-pointer.

"Shh!"

Another goal! The score difference was extended to double digits!

Although the Thunder's offensive firepower increased again with Durant's appearance, the Rockets also showed great resilience in this game.

Just 13 seconds later, Harden also made a three-pointer despite Martin's defense.

In the next round, after Durant missed a layup, Beverly converted a three-pointer to close the gap again.

Rockets fans rekindled their hope, and the cheers at the Toyota Center, which had originally quieted down, gradually became louder.

"Steady!"

On the sidelines, Brooks also became serious.

He stood up and gave instructions to everyone.

The defense was too lax to allow the team to score at such a critical moment.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chuan immediately slowed down his pace.

Looking at the timer, Lin Chuan only started when there were only 6 seconds left!
After backing up Asik, Lin Chuan went straight into the paint area, then took a jump step to one and a half steps inside the free throw line and made a direct hook shot that beat the buzzer.

On the Rockets side, Harden performed a double step back, but this time, he obviously didn't have enough physical strength, and the basketball went straight to the basket and was caught by Lin Chuan under the basket.

The Thunder quickly switched to a fast break, and Durant scored another three-pointer.

Harden wanted to fight back, but this attack still ended in failure.

On the Thunder side, Durant broke through Kevin Martin on the outside and made another mid-range shot.

Watching the basketball go into the net, Harden was a little helpless. He gasped and took over Parsons' baseline serve again.

…………

There is only half a minute left.

Harden doesn't have enough physical strength, and the other players' offensive abilities are not enough to compete with the Thunder.

Durant, Lin Chuan and Martin can score goals continuously.

The score gap is getting wider and wider, and now the score is 12 points behind.

But they are still trying to commit fouls and find opportunities to score goals.

As Lin Chuan made two more free throws, the Rockets started quickly and Harden forced a shot from outside the three-point line against the defense.

"clang!"

This shot was still a miss.

Lin Chuan grabbed the rebound and the Rockets completely gave up fouling.

He dribbled slowly to the center circle and stood in the front court with one hand holding the basketball under his elbow.

Seeing Harden's frustrated face, Lin Chuan passed the ball to Reggie and walked up to him and patted him.

"I still swept you all, but don't be sad, there is still a long future ahead."

"We are not strong enough. Let's fight again next year."

Afterwards, Durant also came forward and talked to Harden for a few words.

On the sidelines, McGrady held his forehead with some regret.

"Alas, I was still swept away."

Yao Ming put his hand on his chin, calculated and said,

"That's a difference of 14 points in just over half a minute. Even if you can score 35 seconds and 13 minutes, you still can't catch up."

"Yeah... The Rockets' playoff journey is over this year. But they did their best and persevered until the very end. They are a group of brave guys."

(End of this chapter)