Chapter 1961 Now, All We Have to Do Is Look at Ji Feng
The Lakers turned to the offensive in the third quarter, and JK came together to show off their power, wiping out the 5-point gap at halftime. If it hadn't been for Durant's three-pointer from the corner at the last moment, the Lakers would have had a chance to enter the fourth quarter with a lead.
But even if Durant hits this magical three-pointer, the Thunder's advantage is only one point. Considering that there is still a whole quarter of the game, it is equivalent to no lead, so the start of the fourth quarter is particularly important. The key is, whoever can take advantage at the beginning will occupy a favorable position.
Just like Yu Jia said, whoever puts in the final winning weight will win the game.
Of course, most people are optimistic about the Lakers, not only because this is the Lakers' home court and they have a natural advantage, not only because of the brilliant performance of the Lakers' two stars in the third quarter, but more importantly because the Lakers have countless times It proves their ability at critical moments, not to mention the game itself. The pursuer already has a certain psychological advantage when catching up.
The Thunder are looked down upon by many people. Although they played very well tonight, especially Westbrook, who has 21 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds so far, one step away from a triple-double. The mistakes in the last game were criticized. The problem was also controlled to a reasonable number of 4 times. It can be said that the style of play is completely different from the first game.
The direct beneficiary of his reasonable playing is naturally Durant. In this game, Adu ranked second in the regular season scoring list. He scored 26 points in three quarters. The team's highest score was second only to his neighbor who scored 31 points in the season. Peak, and also hit many key goals, and his performance was countless times better than in the first game.
As for Harden, the most neglected player among the three young players, he also scored 10 points tonight, which can exceed the average level of the regular season by visual inspection.
All this stems from changes in Westbrook's play style. It seems that the conversation that almost caused the Thunder's collapse had an unexpected effect.
However, they are still not favored by others. After all, Ji Feng and Kobe Bryant played equally well with the Lakers team next door. Ji Feng had 31 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Kobe had 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. , this kind of performance can be called heroic, coupled with their veteran experience and past experience, it is hard to believe that they will lose to the slightly immature Thunder three.
But things are so strange...
The Lakers did not hold back in the fourth quarter, and went directly to the main force. They were full of momentum at this time, and they really wanted to maintain the good state of the third quarter in the fourth quarter, hoping to regain the score advantage in the first half of the quarter.
The Thunder replaced two substitutes. After all, Westbrook and Ibaka in the post still haven't rested for a long time. Even if Brooks wants them to play again, they have to consider physical issues. If they can't open up the situation and then lose their physical fitness, Then this game will be explained.
But there is also a problem. Without Westbrook, the Thunder will not be so good on the offensive end. The Lakers don't have to worry about strong breakthroughs, and the pressure on the defensive end will suddenly be reduced.
Sure enough, the Lakers easily regained the advantage in the first round. The Thunder attacked and Nick Collison, who replaced Westbrook, was an unknown person, but he was determined to make everyone, especially Thunder fans, remember him as soon as he came on.
Originally a simple pass, he insisted on doing something fancy, but Ji Feng saw through it and stopped it immediately. Although he used a tactical foul to prevent the Lakers from counterattacking on a fast break, he could not prevent the Lakers from scoring.
Ji Feng came out from the baseline to catch the ball, Kobe cut inside, Ji Feng assisted, Kobe made a layup and scored two points, 92-91.
"Good brother." Ji Feng laughed and teased him with trash talk.
Collison dared to be angry but dared not say anything, but then Collison made a contribution. He did not know whether he intentionally or unintentionally exposed a flaw on the offensive end. This attracted Kobe's attention. Kobe flew to steal, this kind of gambling defense. Generally, Kobe rarely does anything, but this time it may be that he was attracted by Collison, an unknown person, which led to him being too aggressive.
It didn't matter that this radical move, Collison actually caused Kobe to hit him when he stole the ball!
"SHIT!" Kobe yelled angrily, but did not trouble the referee. He was really anxious about this ball.
And this is only Kobe's fourth foul of the game. It's already the fourth quarter, so it's not a big problem.
However, the bad thing is that the problem is not big.
Collison was then replaced by Westbrook. At this time, no one knew what impact this seemingly insignificant foul would have on the entire game.
In the next 3 and a half minutes, the Lakers took advantage of the court. Ji Feng and Kobe continued their form. They played vigorously on the offensive end and took advantage of the Thunder's declining shooting percentage to create an 8-2 spurt, leading the Thunder by 5 points. !
Even Barkley said bluntly: "The game is running in the direction of the Lakers winning."
Then Gasol and Perkins each scored a goal, and the point difference remained. Once again, it was the Lakers' turn to attack. Ji Feng attracted the defense from the flanks. Kobe asked for the ball with his back, and Black handed it to Kobe, and the Lakers opened up the singles.
Kobe played this shot very resolutely. He turned his back and took a jump shot. However, the moment he turned around, the referee's whistle sounded.
Kobe thought he had committed a foul, but the referee's gesture made Kobe instantly furious!
"Oh, let's see, the referee called Kobe an offensive foul???" Yu Jia looked incomprehensible. Although the confrontation between Kobe and Sefolosha was fierce, this was normal. Can it be called?
Kobe himself was even more confused and chased the referee: "WHY? I didn't make any extra moves. Why is this a foul? Will you call it?!!!"
The fans at the scene even burst into loud boos, and the scene became chaotic for a time.
"Calm down! They just expect you to be sent off!"
Fortunately, Ji Feng quickly pulled Kobe away with his quick eyes and stopped his teammates from surrounding the referee. At this time, Kobe had already committed 5 fouls. If the referee was forced to call a technical foul again, Kobe would be ejected. That would be completely out of control for the Lakers.
Although Ji Feng is also very angry. This ball was called too deliberately. Basically no referee will call this kind of ball, but at this time, he has to endure it. There is no way. It is unrealistic to expect the referee to change the decision. Now it is Make sure Kobe can still play!
Zen Master replaced Kobe, not only because of the conflict just now, but also because there are nearly 8 minutes left in the game. Kobe has already committed 5 fouls. This is a very dangerous situation. The Thunder will definitely try their best to find Kobe in the hope of Let Kobe leave the field with 6 fouls, and Kobe will definitely be tied up on the defensive end, so for the last few minutes, Jackson can only make substitutions.
"It's not good for the Lakers now. Kobe's foul is too critical. Two consecutive fouls will directly prevent Kobe from playing!" Yu Jia said.
"It's very dangerous now. The Lakers are leading, but the Thunder have a chance. As long as they take advantage of the time when Kobe is not on the court, the Thunder really have a chance to come back. This referee..." Director Zhang shook his head and did not continue, but he understood. You all know, but I don’t know how many fans are angrily cursing the referee on the sidelines or in front of the TV.