Chapter 931 The Suns’ Biggest Weakness

The next day, May 12, the G3 game between the Lakers and the Suns began.

The Suns are leading 2-0. As long as they win the G3 game and lead 3-0, they can basically advance to the Western Conference Finals. Therefore, the atmosphere at American West Arena was particularly high that night.

Both sides announced their starting lineup before the game.

Lakers: Yao Min, Duncan, Artest, Kobe, Parker.

Suns: Li Ba, Marion, Battier, Ginobili, Rondo.

Rondo's performance in the last game was unsatisfactory, but his passing ability is still better than Tony Allen and his speed is faster. This game he is still the starter.

As soon as the game started, it entered a very intense state.

This game is a life and death battle against the Lakers. If you win, everything is possible. If you lose, 99% of you will be eliminated, so we fight hard.

Tactically, the most extreme crowd tactic was used to limit Li Ba's performance on both offense and defense, and then rely on the powerful offensive capabilities of the Big Three to score points.

Kobe attacked from the beginning of this game, starting from the first ball.

In half a quarter, he made 4 of 6 shots, 2 of 4 three-pointers, and 3 of 3 free throws, scoring 13 points. His performance was extremely efficient. Even if the Suns triple-teamed him, they still took action and played very well. Cold-blooded.

Led by Kobe Bryant, the Lakers led by 4 points at 18:14.

The Suns attacked and called for a timeout.

Barkley analyzed: "Kobe scored 13 points in 6 shots. This efficiency is too high!"

Kenny Smith said: "The Hammers made 1 of 2 shots in the half, 1 of 2 free throws, scored 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block and 1 turnover. He was limited, and the Suns also lost the advantage in the number of shots.

Without his defense, the Lakers' rebounds, shots and offense are guaranteed. "

Barkley said: "The Lakers took 12 shots, the Suns took 11, and the Suns missed one. This proves that this ultimate paint zone tactic is the best tactic to limit the Suns and Hammers."

"Yes, other teams can breathe a sigh of relief now. According to the Lakers' tactics, you also have a chance to defeat the Suns." Kenny Smith smiled.

In the CCTV live broadcast, Zhang Lili complained: "Let Kobe attack alone, and the two top insiders are treated as coolies. Only Phil Jackson dares to do this."

Yu Jia said: "The Suns can only solve the problem by playing the suffocating defense like the last game."

"Look, it will come out sooner or later." Zhang Lili said with certainty.

"In this half of the quarter, the Hammers were double-teamed and blocked. They couldn't grab a few rebounds and couldn't shoot outside. It was very frustrating." Yu Jia sighed.

The timeout ended, the game started, and the Suns replaced Payton.

"The Lakers' defensive tactics have not changed. They still let Rondo go and double-team the Hammers in advance. Once the Suns take action, all Lakers players will immediately go in and fight for rebounds." Yu Jia shouted.

Zhang Lili said: "Let Payton play, he should strengthen his passing to the basket, and cooperate with the Hammer inside and outside. Rondo is still a bit too good, and his passing time is not very good.

When the Hammers are double-teamed, the space they run out of is only for a moment. If you can't pass it in at this time, the chance is gone. Rondo is not good at passing this kind of ball. "

After the others pulled away, Li Ba positioned himself low on the left wing, facing the top of the arc. Yao was on the inside on the left and Artest was on the outside on the right. At this time, he reached for the ball at the top of the arc.

Artest immediately went around and blocked the front, cutting off his line of receiving the ball.

At this moment, Li Ba suddenly turned down and dived into the paint area.

"Pass the ball!"

At this moment, Yu Jia shouted loudly.

Payton was Payton. When Li Ba reached for the ball, he was ready, used a fake move to divert Parker's attention, and then passed the ball in.

Li Ba took a step into the paint area and then caught the ball. He took a step forward and smashed the ball into the basket with one hand.

18:16, the Suns trailed by 2 points.

"Beautiful! This ball is passed beautifully! If you pass the ball later, Artest will catch up, and then Yao will double-team in place, and the other Lakers players will immediately pounce on him." Zhang Liang said excitedly.

Offense and defense transition, the Lakers attack.

Li Ba did not turn around, but stood directly in front of the baseline, staring at Artest who was about to serve, and shouted without looking back:

"Brothers, keep an eye on them and press them all over the place."

"Yes, boss." The Sun generals shouted in unison.

Even a super veteran like Payton called him "boss". You can imagine how high Li Ba's status is in the Suns locker room.

Li Ba gave the order, and the Lakers players' hearts skipped a beat.

"Defend! Defend! Defend..."

At this time, the American West Arena erupted with earth-shaking, tsunami-like shouts.

Phil Jackson, who was sitting on the bench, stood up immediately, but he said nothing because no matter what he said at this time, it was impossible to hear it on the court.

Artest held the ball and looked at Li Ba in front of him. His fierce eyes made him feel like he was being targeted by a beast.

At this time, Duncan stood on Li Ba's left side, covering Artest's serve.

Dayao connected at the center line of the right wing, and Battier stared at him.

Kobe and Parker ran up and down to catch the ball. The former was double-teamed and pursued by Ginobili and Marion, and the latter was stared at by Payton.

As soon as Duncan came down, Li Ba gave up the baseline interception and turned around and rushed towards the frontcourt.

At this time Parker shook off Payton Sr. and caught the ball.

At this time, Li Ba passed the center, turned back and pointed at Parker, and shouted to Marion: "Sean, double-team the ball carrier!"

Marion has good mobility and can defend multiple positions. He is the team's dedicated helper. He immediately threw Kobe and began to double-team Parker who was advancing.

When Parker saw the double-team coming, he did not have the confidence to face the double-team of Payton and Marion. At this time, Yao ran away from Battier and asked him for the ball. He immediately passed the ball.

As soon as the ball was released, Li Ba immediately pounced on Dayao.

Dayao moved one step and caught the ball, but was immediately stopped by Battier. At this time, Li Ba's defense was in place and he was double-teamed.

He immediately raised his hands holding the ball upwards. Unexpectedly, Li Ba suddenly rose up, waved his right arm, and slapped the ball with great accuracy, and the ball was knocked away.

Battier immediately bypassed Yao and got the ball before it went out of the sideline.

"What the hell! This bandit!" Dayao was almost depressed to death.

With Duncan and Artest behind, the Lakers returned to defense, the Suns turned to a positional battle, and Li Ba positioned himself low on the left wing.

The same action, first ask for the ball in the low post on the left wing. This is Li Ba's signal to Payton, letting you prepare to pass the ball.

This time, Dayao and Artest were fully focused, with four big hands on Li Ba's body.

Even Artest didn't even look at the top of the arc, just blocking it and facing Li Ba's defense.

"The biggest weakness of the Suns, from the main point guard to the substitutes, are guys who are weak in offense and defense and are left out. If Marbury had been here, he would have defeated the Lakers."

Zhang Lili complained.