147 114:103

Buckley took a deep breath.

"The Rockets were able to defeat the Trail Blazers in the last game by relying on the lead established before halftime."

"Now it's a tie at halftime. Both Yao Ming and McGrady were exhausted in the first half. It's really worrying what kind of performance they can perform in the second half."

"What's more important is that this Trail Blazers team is a youth army!"

"They are younger and more energetic, and have more physical strength. Moreover, the Trail Blazers have a ten-man rotation, while the Rockets have been using a nine-man rotation and have played three games."

"Can the Rockets really maintain their momentum in this series?"

Listening to Barkley's analysis, Kenny Smith gradually understood why the Trail Blazers put Zhang Jun into offensive mode early in the first quarter.

Although it is just a simple change of the first offensive point, it actually has a great impact on the Rockets' entire defensive rotation and substitution arrangements.

It will also have a very big impact on the upcoming second half of the game.

Kenny Smith couldn't help but remind him: "Chuck Hayes was fouled four times by Zhang Jun in a single quarter. He is the best defender of Zhang Jun in the Rockets, but now he is in deep foul crisis."

"In other words, Zhang Jun will explode in the second half."

The referee's whistle blows and the game continues.

The Trail Blazers used their entire starting lineup, as did the Rockets.

Compared with Luo Yin's main offense in the first quarter, Zhang Jun and Luo Yin will jointly carry out offense with the ball in this quarter.

The two have played this quarter many times throughout the regular season. They know how to reasonably allocate the ball during this period, and they also know how to attack the opponent with the ball to make the game more comfortable.

Jarrett Jack held the ball past half-court and immediately passed the ball to Zhang Jun at the top of the arc. Luo Yin quickly ran without the ball at a 45° angle on the right side.

Inside Aldridge's corner position, there was no ball pick-and-roll, Luo Yin cut to the other side and took inside Luis Scola out of the penalty area, while also clearing the right side.

Zhang Jun lowered his center of gravity and started playing singles. Battier opened his hands and concentrated on it.

This is already the fourth series between the Rockets and Trail Blazers. Compared with the two teams that only met for two games in the regular season, the current four consecutive games have given Battier a deeper understanding of this year's No. 1 pick. .

The first step is extremely fast, by no means weaker than McGrady at his peak. The range of changes in direction during movement is huge, a bit like Allen Iverson of the Nuggets. Although there is still a clear gap between mid-range singles and the likes of Kobe Bryant, But he is definitely among the best in the league. The most important thing is that his change of direction during the breakthrough process does not slow down. This is the only one in the league.

Battier clearly realizes that the offensive ability of the rookie he is facing may already be among the league's top stars. The opponent is well-deserved to become the league's scoring leader this season.

Snapped!

Zhang Jun's first step is still very fast, and no one on the entire Rockets team has been able to keep up with him so far.

Battier used the defensive strategy of teammate Chuck Hayes, letting Zhang Jun pass in the first step. You can't keep up with him anyway, but when the opponent breaks through, you immediately get up and increase the confrontation.

While using confrontation to slow down Zhang Jun's breakthrough speed, he also shouted to remind his teammates to help defend inside.

"Yao!"

Shane's shouts were loud.

Yao Ming was brought up quickly. This is also a defensive strategy that has been used throughout the league since the Spurs Popovich used a big man to defend Zhang Jun.

The big man lifted up to prevent Zhang Jun from continuing to break through the basket.

Snap!

With a very deft back-turn, Zhang Jun quickly pulled the ball to the other side where Yao Ming was assisting in defense.

McGrady had to throw away his opponent Aldridge and quickly stepped forward to help defend again. Zhang Jun attracted the defense of three players in one round.

call!

"Zhang Jun passed the ball, was it to Aldridge at the waist?"

"No! The ball passes!"

"The basketball was passed to the bottom corner, and in the hands of Braden Royce, Aldridge simultaneously lifted up and blocked the path with his huge body."

"Maddie wanted to rush over, but couldn't! Luis Scola was also blocked. This turned out to be an offensive tactic! A pass from Zhang Jun."

"This is also a shooting opportunity that is as empty as it gets!"

The Rockets players on the field have completely given up defense for this round, and everyone is standing still.

Luo Yin took a deep breath, took aim at the frame, and then shot the ball as easily as he was taking a shooting training class. He didn't even take off completely.

Uh-huh!

!

The clear sound of the basketball hitting the net resounded throughout the Toyota Center Arena.

"The ball is in!"

"Pass from Zhang Jun!"

"The Trail Blazers struck on the first possession of the second half and led the Rockets by three points."

Luo Yin raised his finger and pointed to Zhang Jun for a good pass.

After all, from the regular season to the present, Zhang Jun's passes are almost all opportunistic passes. He only passes the ball when his teammates are completely empty.

But the ball just now was a tactical pass. Luo Yin was originally defended by Luis Scola, but Zhang Jun's pass mobilized the defense and allowed McGrady and Luis Scola to play at the same time. Blocked by Aldridge.

Therefore, although Aldridge did not get any data for this pass, his importance is self-evident.

"The ball passed people, very beautiful offensive tactics."

"Except for the Suns, Mavericks and Hornets, I have rarely seen other teams play such exquisite offensive tactics."

Kenny Smith said with bright eyes.

Barkley said: "Those three teams can play such offensive tactics regardless of who is on their team, and this tactic is obviously not the regular tactic of the Trail Blazers. It should be played by the players themselves on the court. ”

“It can be considered a flash in the pan, but it’s already pretty good.”

"This ball made me really start to believe that Zhang Jun might really be able to practice his passing in the future."

"I heard that the Trail Blazers management asked Steve Francis to coach Zhang Jun's passing. To be honest, I think this is a very bad decision. There is not much he can teach Zhang Jun."

On the court.

The Rockets responded with color. McGrady and Yao Ming played a pick-and-roll and scored a two-pointer to stabilize the situation.

But the Blazers' offensive firepower was too strong, especially when Zhang Jun and Luo Yin were attacking on the court at the same time, which made the Rockets not know who to guard.

In the next round, Luo Yin used Aldridge to pass the ball in a pick-and-roll, and Zhang Jun rushed into the middle to catch the ball.

boom!

Another riding dunk, also from Yao Ming.

The efficient cooperation between the two helped the Trail Blazers directly lead the Rockets by 6 points in this quarter.

The fourth quarter of the game.

McGrady and Yao Ming's touch was completely affected by their physical strength. One made 1 of 3 shots and the other made 1 of 4 shots.

The low offensive efficiency not only failed to help the Rockets keep up with the Trail Blazers' offense, but also allowed Zhang Jun and Luo Yin to play consecutive defensive counterattacks.

"Our strategy is complete!"

Monty Williams couldn't help but say excitedly.

The tactical changes arranged by the Trail Blazers in the first quarter were to consume Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady's energy too much. The Rockets' continuous use of 9-man rotation has already been clearly seen by the Trail Blazers.

In addition, the Rockets do not have a third ball-holding point, and almost all offenses are launched from Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. As long as the two people's physical strength is consumed and it is difficult for them to maintain efficiency on the offensive end, then the Rockets will never Will be the Blazers' opponent.

"It is indeed done."

"Zhang Jun is a guy who sees things clearly. You tell me why I couldn't think of further draining Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady's energy."

"This guy doesn't like to play offensive tactics, but he really understands the ball."

Nate McMillan couldn't help but smile.

On the court.

Zhang Jun once again used the pick-and-roll list to hit Yao Ming on the outside.

Aldridge moved down the pick-and-roll. The Rockets did not have Chuck Hayes at this time. Because they were afraid of Zhang Jun's breakthrough and Aldridge's mid-range, Yao Ming could only switch defenses.

Zhang Jun lowered his center of gravity.

Yao Ming took a deep breath and stared at Zhang Jun dribbling, and then quickly took a step back. Zhang Jun continued to dribble on the spot. Yao Ming felt something was wrong and took a step back.

This all retreated directly to the free throw line.

Zhang Jun did not hesitate, facing the defensive space that was already more than 3 meters away in front of him, he shot directly from outside the three-point line.

Uh-huh!

The basketball passed a perfect angle in the sky and then hit the basket steadily.

"The ball is in!"

"This is Zhang Jun's third three-point shot in this series. He currently maintains a 66% three-point shooting rate."

"You really can't let Zhang Jun shoot three-pointers like this. After all, he also shot 33% of three-pointers in the regular season, but he shot less. Compared with his breakthrough threat and lethality, it is smaller, but it is not inaccurate."

Although Kenny Smith did not recommend that the Rockets release Zhang Jun's three-pointer, no one present felt there was anything wrong with Yao Ming's defensive choice.

Yao Ming really can't prevent Zhang Jun's breakthrough. Instead of letting the opponent penetrate the inside and cause damage, it is better to let Zhang Jun make a three-point shot that he is not good at.

It's just unfortunate that Zhang Jun made the shot, and the latter is not a three-pointer.

Yao Ming clasped his knees and closed his eyes tightly, then raised his head and took a deep breath. McGrady also clasped his knees and took a big breath on the court.

The two of them turned their heads and glanced at each other at the same time, then stood up and walked towards the front court at the same time.

Yao Ming knew very well that after losing this game, the score would become 1:3, but if he won this game, the two teams would return to the same starting point, tied at 2:2.

This is the cruelty of the playoffs.

One game, one victory or defeat is enough to plunge a team into an abyss.

McGrady also knows what it means to lose this game, so he and Yao Ming must win this game for the Rockets, even if they are exhausted, even if they have no energy to score points for the team. , they must also stand up and push forward.

Because only the two of them on the Rockets can attack with the ball at this time.

At this time, the fourth quarter is already halfway through, and the Trail Blazers have established a double-digit lead.

McGrady and Yao Ming once again picked and rolled on the outside, and then the latter hit the ground and passed the ball inside. Yao Ming received the ball and immediately encountered a double team from Aldridge and Joel Przybilla.

Yao Ming pushed the ball hard into the inside. Yao Ming, who had completely overwhelmed any inside player of the Trail Blazers, actually couldn't hit the ball.

Yao Ming can only make small hook throws from the waist position.

This shooting action stunned everyone present.

Yao Ming's hook shot has always been comparable to the sky-hook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His hook shooting percentage is extremely high and extremely threatening. Compared with his predecessor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the shooting distance is slightly different.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's hook range is any corner near the basket, while Yao Ming's hook range is any corner in the paint area.

Therefore, Yao Ming's hook also gained the reputation of ground hook.

But at this moment, Yao Ming's hook distance is already comparable to that of his predecessor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also close to the mid-range half-shot.

This is also because he can't stand up to the Trail Blazers' two insiders and can't get into the penalty area, so he can only take such shots.

Uh-huh!

The basketball was hoisted into the basket at a perfect angle. This goal directly shocked Kenny Smith and Barkley on the scene to stand up.

"Nice goal!"

"This goal is worth thousands of dollars. It is the best response to the Trail Blazers and Zhang Jun."

"It's really rare. I haven't seen such a long hook shot in a long time."

McGrady came forward excitedly, raising his hands and high-fiving Yao Ming excitedly.

"Play tough bro."

"It's my duty, brother."

However, the two were not happy for a long time. Zhang Jun suddenly accelerated with the ball from the outside and rushed to the basket like a bag of explosives. He withstood the defense of Yao Ming and Luis Scola and scored a layup.

"This layup angle is really tricky."

"It's incredible to advance from under Yao Ming's arms."

"The pressure is now back on the Rockets."

"They have to reduce the score as soon as possible, otherwise they won't have enough time."

The Rockets attack.

McGrady took a deep breath and wanted to continue to throw Yao Ming, but after seeing that the opponent couldn't even handle Joel Przybilla in the inside position, he clearly realized that his old partner had reached his limit.

"go!"

Maddie waved her hand vigorously.

The tacit understanding between the two also allows Yao Ming to know how the other party wants him to fight.

Yao Mingti went to the free throw line, and McGrady used the pick-and-roll to change defense.

In this round, Zhang Jun took the initiative to defend Tracy McGrady and handed Battier to Luo Yin like he did in the first game. He squeezed through one step ahead and used Chuck Hayes' defensive method to restrict the opponent.

Chuck Hayes was a little surprised when he saw this scene off the court. He was surprised by Zhang Jun's learning ability. It took him only three games to completely learn his defensive details and methods.

"His timing was very good in squeezing through in advance."

call!

McGrady moved!

His speed is not fast, and at this time he also knows that it will be difficult for him to get rid of Zhang Jun's defense with his speed.

But he has experience and rhythm.

McGrady dribbled the ball and squeezed past Zhang Jun to reach the waist, and then started to hit from behind.

A library!

Like Yao Ming, he had no strength to resist Zhang Jun.

McGrady can only turn his back and walk sideways. Zhang Jun has long been accustomed to McGrady's singles moves and quickly keeps up without giving McGrady a chance to fall back.

But at this moment, McGrady immediately turned forward and used his experience to pass Zhang Jun by half.

"That's a good shot!"

"But McGrady doesn't have many options, and the shooting angle is not good."

"He still voted!"

"Wait, what kind of pitch is this?"

McGrady smashed the basketball onto the backboard from bottom to top, and at the same time, his body quickly caught up with him. The basketball bounced and McGrady soared into the air.

boom!

"Throw yourself and grab yourself! Throw yourself and buckle!"

"Tracy McGrady scored two points for the Rockets."

After scoring the goal, McGrady took a long breath and swallowed, and then saw Zhang Jun quickly pick up the basketball and quickly come to the baseline to serve.

"Fight back!"

Zhang Jun shouted, and Luo Yin quickly got off.

Just like McGrady threw himself and grabbed the ball so that no one could react, Zhang Jun's sudden half-court long pass also caught everyone by surprise.

call!

Luo Yin caught the ball and the front court was empty.

Uh-huh!

He made a light layup.

Before they could return to defense, Yao Ming and McGrady looked at each other again, and both sighed helplessly.

Compared with them trying their best to score 2 points, the Blazers' offense was too easy.

All! All!

The referee's midfield whistle sounded, and the Trail Blazers won the game 114:103.