112 Zhang Luo Connection

"Tonight you will face the Rockets with the Yao-Mai combination. Do you think the team can win?"

Portland.

Local fans are celebrating their first victory of the new season crazily. In addition to the reason why the Trail Blazers defeated the Lakers, their biggest competitor in the playoffs, there is also Zhang Jun's very eye-catching performance on the court.

"We're going to win the game."

"The Rockets were the fifth-ranked team in the Western Conference in the regular season last season. Their winning rate was as high as 67%, but we will win the game."

"This year's Trail Blazers are stronger, and we also got the top pick Zhang Jun."

"This is the Trail Blazers' season."

Moda Center Arena.

The fans took their seats early, and they couldn't wait to appreciate the players' performance, even if it was just a warm-up.

Zhang Jun was undergoing shooting training. His three-point shooting in the last game was not very good. He had a hunch that the Rockets might continue the Lakers' defensive strategy against him in the last game and try to let him only complete the offense from the outside.

"Hey, Arab League sent me a message saying that he met a nice guy in the NBA and he can also speak Chinese. It's you, right?"

Yao Ming specially walked to Zhang Jun and said hello in Chinese.

McGrady came back and told Yao Ming after watching an NCAA game before that he met a player who looked very Chinese and spoke very fluent Chinese.

Yao Ming didn't believe it at first, but after hearing Yi Jianlian say the same thing, he became very curious.

"I know a little bit, I will definitely have no problem communicating with you."

Zhang Jun also said in Chinese, then handed the basketball in his hand to Yao Ming and said: "Would you like a three-pointer too?"

Yao Ming shrugged and said something not very funny in Yao style humor.

"I have made one three-pointer in my career. If I can make a three-pointer, look at it."

Duang!

Basketball is so eccentric that I almost don't touch it.

Zhang Jun pursed his lips and said: "I didn't score, this goal didn't score, Dayao, did you really score three points in the game?"

Facing Zhang Jun's ridicule, Yao Ming laughed out loud.

McGrady came over and patted Zhang Jun's shoulder very excitedly and said, "I heard you beat up Kobe last night. Man, I'm so happy. How did you knock him down? Can you teach me."

Zhang Jun said angrily: "That guy already scored 45 points. I beat his ass, but he beat me up."

"I'll have to find a way to beat him again next time."

Maddie became even happier after hearing this, and he thought so too.

On the bench, Randolph, who had finished warming up, looked at Zhang Jun, who was chatting happily with the two Rockets superstars, and couldn't help but snorted.

"You really know how to lick. Others are superstars and you are just a rookie. You are licking blindly!"

The starting lineups of the two teams were shown on the big screen.

Regular starter for the Trail Blazers.

Rockets starting lineup: point guard Rafe Alston, shooting guard Tracy McGrady, small forward Sean Battier, power forward Luis Scola and center Yao Ming.

Game start.

Although Yao Ming has excellent height, his jumping ability and bounce speed are not strong, so Randolph took away the offensive ball in the first round during the jump ball.

When the Trail Blazers attacked, coach Nate McMillan still arranged a tactical strategy in the first round for Randolph to attack inside.

Jarrett Jack hit the ground and passed the ball inside, and Randolph hit Yao Ming in singles.

A library!

Didn't move!

Erku!

Still not moving!

Yao Ming has successfully gained weight last season. His current weight has reached 141kg. Randolph, who is 118kg tall and tall, is almost a circle smaller than Yao Ming.

"Randolph, who is good at playing with strength and body, is a bit defeated when he meets a traditional heavy center like Yao Ming."

Kenny Smith commented.

Buckley was very professional and expressed his opinion at this time.

"Yao Ming is most afraid of flexible centers, such as Stoudemire of the Suns and Boozer of the Jazz, Randolph or Howard of the Magic. Meeting Yao Ming is really embarrassing."

"As O'Neal gets older, it is almost difficult for centers in the league to limit Yao Ming. This is also the reason why his scoring data exploded last season."

On the court.

Randolph, who was resisted by Yao Ming, couldn't score. In the end, he could only take a step back and choose a mid-range shot.

Duang!

Interrupted.

Yao Ming grabbed an offensive rebound.

The Rockets attack.

Rafe Alston advanced quickly with the ball. After encountering the double defense of Jarrett Jack and Zhang Jun, he lost the fast break opportunity. He began to stop and wait for his teammates.

McGrady was positioned at a 45° angle at the top of the arc. At this time, Yao Ming returned to the frontcourt and played an outside pick-and-roll with McGrady.

winter!

Yao Ming's pick-and-roll quality is very good, and his big body almost blocked Luo Yin.

Randolph had to switch defense in front of McGrady.

Randolph hit the ball continuously in advance to find rhythm, and suddenly accelerated to the right. Randolph was afraid of McGrady's breakthrough for several consecutive steps, but the latter made an emergency stop at the free throw line.

After the pick-and-roll, Yao Ming followed the trend. How could Luo Yin restrict Yao Ming's movement?

With this smooth move, Yao Ming not only has the opportunity to get the pass to complete the offense, but also can fight for the offensive rebound after McGrady missed the shot.

"Coach Rick Adelman has very solid experience coaching big men."

Uh-huh!

McGrady made a mid-range shot.

Switch offense.

Randolph no longer chose to beat Yao Ming inside, but instead mentioned the free throw line to catch the ball.

Randolph has a certain mid-range shooting ability and should be at an average level, but this shooting rate does not pose a threat on the court.

So when he saw Randolph catching the ball at the free throw line, Yao Ming just took a step forward and did not dive very far forward.

This has also been his defensive habit since childhood. The center should try not to stay too far away from the inside penalty area.

That's why there was a picture of Boozer frequently scoring high points on Yao in the playoffs last season.

Uh-huh!

Randolph hit his first mid-range shot attempt, but failed in the next round.

The Trail Blazers only tied one in three rounds, while the Rockets tied three times and led the Trail Blazers 6:2.

"If the game continues like this, the Rockets will have to expand their score advantage to 8 points. Timeout!"

Nate McMillan called timeout very early tonight. He reorganized the offensive tactics and offensive focus, and Luo Yin led the next offense.

The game resumes after a timeout.

Jarrett Jack borrowed Aldridge's pick-and-roll and passed the ball to Luo Yin, because now there are very few in the league that throw away the three-point line when the opportunity arises.

Therefore, when faced with a large delay in the outside pick-and-roll, most teams choose to defend behind the ball to give the ball carrier a certain three-point shooting opportunity, mainly to prevent the opponent from breaking through to the basket.

This also makes it difficult for the current pick-and-roll play to successfully change positions, and it is even more difficult to achieve a situation where the big one beats the small one or the small one beats the big one.

In addition to the Jazz's excellent high and low pick-and-roll.

Luo Yin is defended by Tracy McGrady, Randolph is at the right midfielder, and Aldridge is on the left side of the free throw line after the pick-and-roll. Both of them have the ability to open up space.

Luo Yin executed a single, suddenly accelerated on the right, and McGrady kept up. Near the basket, Luo Yin made a fake shot to deceive McGrady's defense and then scored a layup.

"This fake move is beautifully done."

Maddie opened her eyes that could never be opened, looked at Luo Yin and said.

Luo Yin smiled confidently. He was still very confident in his singles ability, but he might have misunderstood what McGrady meant.

Next round.

McGrady forced the ball at the top of the arc. Yao Ming wanted to bring it up for a pick-and-roll, but McGrady reached out to stop him.

"This ball is returned to you."

McGrady hit the ground and dribbled the ball three times from the outside. His first step was equally fast. In terms of speed alone, he was no worse than Zhang Jun.

McGrady leaned forward to break through, but Luo Yin retreated violently. The next moment he realized something and regretted it again and again.

Uh-huh!

McGrady made a direct pull-up shot.

Luo Yin, who returned to defense, even extended his hand without disturbing McGrady's eyes.

"With this height and wingspan, Luo Yin still suffers a lot when defending Tracy McGrady."

Buckley couldn't help but say.

Kenny Smith turned over the data and said: "Luo Yin's height is 198cm and his wingspan is 213cm. This is already a very good physical talent among shooting guards."

"But McGrady is 2.0cm tall, and he is out of position against everyone he plays on the court."

Buckley nodded.

While McGrady is taller, he is not as fast, and while he is fast, he is not as tall as him. He also has a good shot, which is really difficult to guard.

Zhang Jun, who has been helping the team's offensive tactics, noticed Luo Yin's embarrassment on the defensive end, and he took the initiative to signal.

"Brandon, I'll guard him next round."

Luo Yin couldn't help but said: "The coach didn't arrange it like that. He..."

Zhang Jun interrupted in advance and said: "In the first quarter, you are the core of the offense. I will help you defend McGrady. You put all your energy on offense."

"As long as we can win, what can the coach say?"

Luo Yin nodded, admiring Zhang Jun's boldness even more.

It has been two years in the Trail Blazers, and Luo Yin has never disobeyed the coach's tactical arrangements. Zhang Jun's arrival...

"call!"

"whatever."

Luo Yin shook his head, got rid of the entangled emotions in his brain, and began to play according to Zhang Jun's instructions.

Luo Yin attacked with the ball, and after picking and rolling with Aldridge, he distributed the ball to the latter for a mid-range jumper.

The Rockets attack.

Yao Ming put up a pick-and-roll, and McGrady attacked with the ball but found the defender Zhang Jun in front of him.

"Hey, the Blazers used a rookie to guard me."

Snapped!

McGrady suddenly accelerated to the right, but Zhang Jun's footsteps were also very fast, and he immediately caught up and blocked McGrady's offensive line.

Yao Ming opened his hand for the ball inside, but Aldridge had already retreated to help defend.

McGrady wanted to pass the ball to Luis Scola, but there were too many players on the other side and Zhang Jun stood in front of him with a confident face. McGrady was furious.

"You really think you can guard against me!"

call!

McGrady made an emergency stop.

Zhang Jun stretched out his hand and leaned forward to jump.

The players on the court discovered an extremely terrifying scene. Zhang Jun was originally half a meter away from McGrady, but when he was defending, his defensive hand was directly in the path of McGrady's shot.

McGrady was also startled. He looked at the big hand that looked like an octopus arm and forcibly retracted it in the air. Then he took a second shot and escaped Zhang Jun's block.

Uh-huh!

The ball went in.

"Can we get in here?"

Zhang Jun looked at McGrady very unhappy.

McGrady, who was relieved, regained consciousness and her sleeping eyes became even more blurred.

"Welcome to the NBA, kid."

Zhang Jun glanced at McGrady unhappily, "You guys can only say this, can you change it to something new?"

Trail Blazers coaching bench.

Monty Williams frowned and said: "Why is Zhang Jun guarding McGrady in this round? That's not how we arranged it."

Nate McMillan was silent for a while and said: "They should have decided to switch defenses themselves."

Monty Williams couldn't help but widen his eyes and said: "Ha! How courageous. Do they know how much impact random tactical adjustments will have on the team?"

"Defending McGrady naturally consumes a lot of energy. What should Zhang Jun do if the team behind him needs him to lead the second team?"

Nate McMillan affirmed: "Luo Yin has never disobeyed the coaching staff's decision. He is not so bold."

Monty Williams frowned and said, "So it's that guy Zhang Jun?"

"Is it possible that he started drifting because he played a good ball in the last game?"

Nate McMillan also had the same idea, and even wanted to walk near the midline and scold him for such an ill-considered move. However, thinking about Zhang Jun's perfect execution of the tactics he wanted, Nate McMillan still Stopped his rush.

He said: "Let them try it. Although McGrady scored in the last round, Zhang Jun's defensive effect is indeed better than Luo Yin."

"Let's see if these young guys can help the team by making decisions like this."

Switch offense.

Luo Yin broke through and hit the backboard. Zhang Jun jumped into the air from behind and completed an alley-oop dunk.

This was the first time that Luo Yin and Zhang Jun had such perfect coordination, and the two began to understand each other well.

McGrady once again faced Zhang Jun in a singles match, but this time he was directly blocked by Zhang Jun. His mid-range pull-up shot was a hit.

This is the first time that McGrady has met a player who is very similar to himself. He has speed, height and wingspan. McGrady is really not very good at beating him.

Rockets head coach Rick Adelman called a timeout in advance and rearranged the offensive focus, allowing Yao Ming to start attacking in the paint.

This is a bit difficult for the Trail Blazers.

When they defend Tracy McGrady on the outside, they still have at least Zhang Jun who can take the lead. When it comes to defending Yao Ming, there is really no player who can match up with him.

The first quarter of the game is over.

Yao Ming's 6-for-6 inside game stunned the Trail Blazers, and the Rockets led 28:23.

Zhang Jun, who had rested for 4 minutes in advance, returned to the field and began to lead the bench.

Still headed by him, Steve Blake, James Jones, Travis Outlaw and Joel Przybilla combination.

The Rockets' bench made a lot of contributions to them last season, including Carl Landry, Aaron Brooks, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Novak and Chuck Hayes. .

The person facing Zhang Jun was not Steve Novak but Chuck Hayes.

The former is a white striker with extremely accurate shooting, but he moves slowly and has poor physical contact. Rick Adelman made a prediction in advance. If he were to defend Zhang Jun, he would probably be beaten to the point where his mother would not recognize him.

So let Chuck Hayes switch defense in advance.

Although the latter is only an undrafted player, he is strong and fast, and has a good sense of position. He can even fight against tall centers with the strength of his lower body.

He just can't score at all, lacks range, and his bounce affects his finishing ability.

But letting him defend Zhang Jun is the best choice.

"Zhang Jun is in trouble. In fact, such a scene will come one day."

"But after every team in the league fully understands Zhang Jun's abilities and characteristics, it will be difficult for him to perform like he did in the last game against the Lakers."

"This is the biggest difference between the NBA and the NCAA."

"There are all types of players in this league. They may not be the core of each team, nor are they the league's superstars, but they can restrict a certain very good player."

On the court.

Chuck Hayes' defensive position indeed gave Zhang Jun a great sense of pressure. This kind of defensive feeling was not something that a player like Luke Walton could show in the last game.

Zhang Jun called a pick-and-roll from the outside.

Joel Przbilla did not pull Chuck Hayes away after the pick-and-roll, because the latter chose to defend behind the ball, giving Zhang Jun a chance to shoot from the outside.

"He's looking for me and wants to fight me hard!"

Zhang Jun raised his hand to signal his teammates to pull away.

Chuck Hayes naturally knew what the opponent was going to do. He lowered his center of gravity and opened his hands with confidence.

Snapped!

Zhang Jun suddenly accelerated and passed half of Chuck Hayes, and then hurriedly felt a strong defense coming towards the left side of his body.

Chuck Hayes took the initiative to use his body against the side to slow down Zhang Jun.

This kind of defense certainly destroyed the offensive player's route and body center of gravity, but the referee did not call a defensive foul.

In this era, such confrontational fouls will not be called.

No foul was called, this is a good defense.

Zhang Jun lost his offensive advantage and immediately made a forward turn and passed Chuck Hayes again. The latter followed up with a huge force confrontation, forcing Zhang Jun to lose the focus of his attack again.

This position is already very close to the basket.

Rockets substitute center Dikembe Mutombo rushed over with a smile on his face to help defend.

Obviously, he and Chuck Hayes have been engaging in such defensive cooperation. Zhang Jun is now being attacked from both sides.

call!

"Zhang Jun still took off. In front of him was Mutombo, the African mountain."

"A lever with a very large arc!"

"Zhang Jun is going for a reverse layup."

All! All!

The referee blows the whistle.

Zhang Jun, who had already found a layup opportunity, was pulled out of the air by Chuck Hayes. He couldn't even throw the ball into the sky and didn't even have a chance to create 2+1.

Chuck Hayes does a good job with the defensive details and has a very strong arm.

Chuck Hayes did not expect that Zhang Jun could even find such a layup angle. He walked towards Mutombo to remind his good partner.

"Next time you have to come ahead and block him a little further forward. This kid has a long stride and a long wingspan. He can find angles that others can't."

Even Mutombo, who has been playing on the court for many years, did not expect the exaggerated reverse basket just now. He nodded and said.

"Even if I can't guard him, I will pull him down."

The two of them did not avoid Zhang Jun at all when they talked, and it was entirely possible that they were talking to Zhang Jun on purpose.

Zhang Jun looked at these two devils and couldn't help but look confused.

"Is it necessary for you to treat a rookie like this?"

Mutombo stretched out his fingers and shook his head in front of Zhang Jun, showing a row of white teeth and said: "Welcome to the NBA."

Hold!

Zhang Jun is annoyed when he hears this sentence.

And the subsequent game was exactly what the two said. As long as Zhang Jun got inside, the two of them would encircle and defend. This defensive intensity could almost directly knock Zhang Jun down.

Zhang Jun was hit almost all over the head, hands, and chest by the two men. Although they committed 7 fouls and scored 10 points on free throws, the Blazers' overall offense failed to pick up steam.

The two of them didn't care at all how many fouls they committed on Zhang Jun. They were originally substitutes.

Halfway through the second quarter, the Rockets and Trail Blazers gradually sent in their starters.

At this time, the score on the court was 40:43, and the Trail Blazers were still 3 points behind.

Zhang Jun took a break.

Nate McMillan reached out and rubbed Zhang Jun's head. Looking at the dissatisfied expression on his face, he said: "If you can help the team not fall behind at this stage, you have completed the task I gave you. "

Zhang Jun still blamed himself and said: "I should have done better and even helped the team tie the score at this stage, but the referee did not call too many fouls."

"Do they really not see how Chuck Hayes and Mutombo are guarding me?"

Nate McMillan smiled and continued: "This is what you have to learn in the NBA."

"These things are not technical, but based on experience. You should observe the referee's call scale in advance to judge the degree of defensive damage of your opponent tonight."

"The most important thing is to think of how to solve this kind of defense."

"Zhang Jun, this is your understanding of the game!"

Zhang Jun nodded. Nate McMillan's words also made him enlightened. He looked at the other party seriously and said.

"Coach, I will do better next time."

Nate McMillan would like to say that you have done a very good job, because this kind of experience learning and understanding of the game is something that only veterans who have played in the NBA for 4 or 5 years will consider.

Some players may not even master these things until they are 30 years old.

This is the role and greatest value of those veterans in the team, always helping young players find the best way to play.

After Zhang Jun came off the field, Luo Yin still defended McGrady.

During this period, McGrady has not yet suffered serious back injuries, so he can still do a lot of moves on the court and is very smart.

If you look at it from a fan's perspective, McGrady's play is really the most elegant among the four shooting guards.

At the end of the half.

The Rockets already lead the Trail Blazers 58:52.

In the third quarter, Zhang Jun came on again to lead the second team.

The same two brothers, Chuck Hayes and Mutombo even looked at Zhang Jun with smiles on their faces.

Zhang Jun glanced at the two of them expressionlessly, then raised his eyebrows and returned a smile.

Chuck Hayes frowned.

"This kid seems to have been fooled by us."

Mutombo didn't think so. He reminded: "His breakthrough is indeed very strong, don't be careless."

Trail Blazers offense.

It was Joel Przbilla's pick-and-roll, and Chuck Hayes still chose to go behind the back and squeeze past the pick-and-roll man Joel Przbilla.

Chuck Hayes was a little surprised, because Zhang Jun's offensive choices did not change much from the second quarter.

"If he wants to cause me to foul, I still have three more to play with him, enough to last until the starting lineup comes on."

"What on earth does he want to do?"

Zhang Jun faced Chuck Hayes again. He lowered his center of gravity and still chose to break through.

The first step is as fast as ever.

Chuck Hayes was increasingly surprised.

"Is this kid just a fool?"

Chuck Hayes habitually used his upper body to collide with Zhang Jun, while secretly adding a lot of force.

Although his defense is good, he must use such tricks if he wants to keep up with Zhang Jun. He is also very good at such tricks.

"Ouch!"

When Chuck Hayes used the secret channel, he suddenly felt a stronger force burst out of his chest. During the breakthrough, Zhang Jun raised his elbow and directly pushed away Chuck Hayes, gaining a full breakthrough position.

empty!

Mutombo didn't react. When he tried to defend again, Zhang Jun was already in the air.

boom!

"The battleaxe crackles!"

"Zhang Jun completed his first dunk with the ball in this game!"

Mutombo looked at Chuck Hayes, who opened his eyes wide and still couldn't believe it: "I was pushed away by him!"

Mutombo quickly signaled to the referee.

"He committed an offensive foul!"

"There's a little movement on the hands."

The bottom line referee held his chin with one hand and said: "You two have done more defensive actions than him. If you want to call a foul, you two have to add at least 3 each. What are you thinking?"

This is the tone of the whistleblowing in this game.

Zhang Jun responded in his own way and also used physical confrontation to help him gain an offensive advantage.

Monty Williams off the court looked shocked.

"Zhang Jun's reaction speed is too fast. Is he really a rookie?"

Nate McMillan smiled and said: "Maybe he was never just a rookie."

"He's really ready to go to the NBA."

Next round.

Zhang Jun broke through again. Facing Mutombo's defense, he pushed Mutombo on for a layup.

Mutombo was even pushed back by Zhang Jun.

"Although this kid is not very powerful, he is fast and has full impact. It is really difficult to guard against him."

Zhang Jun scored three consecutive breakthroughs, and even carried Mutombo and Chuck Hayes to score 2+1 for the last time. He also made more and more small moves on his hands, and even directly let Mutombo Mbo and Chuck Hayes cursed.

"So dirty!"

Zhang Jun walked to the free throw line and stared at the two men.

"That's what I learned from you."

"Also, don't tell me welcome to the NBA again!"

"Labour and management are here!"

The Trail Blazers played a 10:4 offensive spurt, and the Rockets called a timeout.

Rick Adelman brought Tracy McGrady in advance to stabilize the situation.

In the fourth quarter of the game, Zhang Jun started to attack and defend Tracy McGrady at the same time. This scene once made Nate McMillan very worried about Zhang Jun's physical condition.

But the result was that Zhang Jun completed his task brilliantly and also defended Tracy McGrady twice in a row.

The Rockets have entered the stage of Yao Ming's harvest again.

Zhang Jun connected with Luo Yin at the critical moment.

Luo Yin provided Zhang Jun with a fast-break alley-oop that spanned half the court. Zhang Jun broke through and attracted double-team defender Luo Yin to provide a three-point assist.

The tacit cooperation between the two at critical moments helped the Trail Blazers have the last laugh, winning the game with difficulty 106:104.

Two consecutive wins!