Chapter 420 Match Point
The Trail Blazers attacked, Zhao Dong reached the top of the arc with the ball, the Lakers' defense shrank, and Kobe and Harper came in to double-team.
At this time, he suddenly made a breakthrough move. Kobe and Harper quickly closed the door to defend, but he retracted his right foot and jumped up from outside the three-point line.
Facing a double team, his confidence was 100% overwhelming, his technical moves were perfect, and Kobe and Harper were completely shaken off by him.
"Uh-huh!"
The water splashed and he hit a three-pointer.
Barkley praised: "Today Feilong had a murderous look on his body and his shots were so crisp. I seemed to see Feilong who broke 100 points in a single game that day."
"Zhao Dong is so murderous!"
In the CCTV commentary box, Su Qun said excitedly.
"Snapped!"
O'Neal once again got the ball under the basket, but when he dunked, he was blocked by Grant and Marion, who was assisting in defense, and the ball was blocked.
But David Robinson grabbed the ball, made a small one-handed throw near the basket, and hit a goal.
5:4, Trail Blazers attack.
Then Zhao Dong played a fast break from the outside. Kobe and Harper couldn't stop it and dunked successfully.
"boom!"
After being blocked, the Shark worked hard and dunked Grant again to seal the score.
Zhao Dong went on a fast break again, but was held back by Kobe. The Lakers quickly returned to defense and turned into a positional battle.
Bang bang bang, Zhao Dong came to the top of the arc again and was double-teamed by Kobe and Harper. He suddenly started and made a breakthrough move.
Kobe and Harper paid attention this time. The former retreated and the latter defended in place.
But this time Zhao Dong really made a breakthrough. He passed Harper with one step. When he met Kobe who was retreating, he turned around and passed by. Then he passed Kobe and entered the paint area.
The two inside lines of the Trail Blazers were all open. At this time, O'Neal and David Robinson returned to defend the basket at the same time, but they were already behind. As soon as they reached the basket, Zhao Dong was already flying towards the basket, and they could only start from The side jumps to block the shot at the same time.
"boom!"
Zhao Dong was a little faster, grabbing the ball with his left hand and smashing it down between the two blocks.
The water splashed instantly and the basket trembled.
At 9:6, Zhao Dong once again widened the point difference.
"Beep!"
The referee blows the whistle.
O'Neal and David Robinson raised their hands at the same time to indicate a foul.
The referee looked at O'Neal and pointed at David Robinson.
In fact, David Robinson was on the right side and it was impossible for him to hit Zhao Dong's left hand. It was O'Neal's foul. The referee's penalty was also a reflection of the home court advantage.
Zhao Dongjia made a free throw, 10:6, and the Trail Blazers led by two points.
The Lakers attacked and Phil Jackson called a timeout.
In fact, there is no problem with the offensive tactics. The Lakers made all three attacks and the Trail Blazers led by 4 points because there was a three-pointer, a free throw, and one more attack. Phil Jackson called a timeout because of the defense.
"Ron, when you are guarding, stick to him first to create double-team opportunities for Kobe."
"Kobe, when Feilong breaks through Ron, you have to judge Feilong's breakthrough aspect."
"Fox, you are the second line of defense. You have to fill Kobe's loopholes and block the other side of the dragon."
"If he still gets caught, double-team the basket immediately."
"Shaq, David, speed up your defense."
He actually arranged a three-person double team on the outside, a double guard under the basket, and a five-person team under the basket, using all his defensive power on Zhao Dong.
There was nothing we could do about it. Zhao Dong took over the Blazers' first four attacks today, and all four attacks were successful.
Except for one fast break score, he scored all three other times, two of which were breakthroughs. He must limit Zhao Dong's outside breakthroughs.
The timeout ends and the Lakers attack.
The Sharks rested and did not actively seek the ball. Instead, they pulled to the left low post to attract the defense.
Kobe was running without the ball on the right wing, suddenly ran back, dropped Zhao Dong, and cut into the basket.
The Trail Blazers still played the same mixed defense as in the previous game. After Zhao Dong was left behind, he did not pursue the defense. Instead, he immediately moved closer to the free throw line to cover Marion's position. Marion went down to cover the defense.
David Robinson set up a screen for Kobe, blocking Marion, when Harper's ball came in.
It's a scalpel pass, a straight pass through the seam.
"Snapped!"
Zhao Dong happened to be filling Marion's position, stretched out his arm and intercepted the ball.
"Oh, the ball was intercepted, get back on defense!"
The on-site commentator exclaimed and immediately yelled.
Zhao Dong turned around and went down quickly with the ball, but was blocked by Harper at the top of the arc. He passed it to Eddie Jones, and then continued to go down quickly.
The rest of the Lakers fell behind, including Kobe on his cut to the basket, while Eddie Jones and Zhao Dong moved in tandem.
Eddie Jones rushed across the center line with the ball, Harper chased him, and he immediately passed it to Zhao Dong.
Zhao Dong reached the basket with the ball, and Harper chased him again. He passed the ball with his backhand to Eddie Jones, who was cutting in from the left wing.
Jones caught the ball and flew up, completing the defensive counterattack with a dunk.
12:6, the Trail Blazers lead by 6 points, and the Lakers attack.
A timeout was called for the defense, but the offense failed. Phil Jackson's heart was raised and he walked up and down the sidelines.
As long as he plays against Zhao Dong's team, he has no chance to sit quietly on the bench.
"boom!"
It was O'Neal who sealed the score for the Lakers with a heavy dunk under a double team, and also caused a foul on Marion.
With a bang, the Sharks missed the extra free throw. David Robinson grabbed the rebound in the crowd, used a fake stand to shake Grant and Xiao Ou, and then used a small hook near the basket to score a goal.
The Lakers scored four points in a row, and at 12:10, the Trail Blazers only led by two points.
Next, the Lakers relied on the two super centers' advantage under the basket, and Kobe Bryant restrained Zhao Dong from the outside, and started a tug-of-war with the Trail Blazers.
After the first quarter, 30:26, the Trail Blazers led by 4 points.
The Lakers have not made substitutions. O'Neal and Robinson both played 12 minutes. Without the depth of the lineup, they can only rely on the main force.
The Trail Blazers, who had the advantage of a substitute lineup, replaced Grant with Fordson, replaced O'Brien with Davis, and replaced Eddie Jones with Steve Smith. The overall strength did not decline.
Zhao Dong made 9 of 13 shots in the first quarter, with a shooting percentage of nearly 70%. He made 1 of 2 three-pointers and 3 of 3 free throws, scoring 22 points.
After the Lakers stepped up their double-teaming on him, his efficiency declined somewhat.
But under the effect of the blacksmith badge, even if he is double-teamed by multiple people, his hit rate is actually very high.
O'Neal made 7 of 10 shots in the first quarter, 2 of 4 free throws, and scored 16 points. His efficiency was similar to that of Zhao Dong.
Robinson also made 3 of 5 shots, plus 1 of 1 free throw, scoring 7 points very efficiently.
It was the ultra-high efficiency of the two super centers that helped the Lakers hold on to the score. Otherwise, with Zhao Dong's efficiency, how could they only lead by 4 points?
In the second quarter, the elderly David Robinson couldn't hold on anymore and sat off the court, with Cobra Grant taking his place.
The Lakers really wanted to win this home court, so O'Neal worked hard and started the second quarter.
The same goes for the other three starters, no rest.
For the Trail Blazers, Zhao Dong continued to play, Mike Miller replaced Marion, and the other three were in the lineup at the end of the first quarter.
In this quarter, O'Neal was the only one inside, and the Lakers' strength weakened. Zhao Dong still focused on attacking, trying to widen the point difference on the bench.
Fordson held O'Neal to death, but the latter played a whole quarter, his physical fitness declined, and his efficiency was significantly lower than in the first quarter.
Under this situation, the Lakers gradually fell behind in the substitute lineup competition in the second quarter, and the Trail Blazers widened the point difference.
Zhao Dong took more shots in the second quarter, and because the Lakers only had O'Neal inside, they had many breakthroughs, trying to cause O'Neal's damage.
However, O'Neal was not fooled and did not dare to try his best on the defensive end. As long as Zhao Dong could break in and hit every shot accurately, his efficiency would be further improved compared to the first quarter.
David Robinson took a four-minute break before coming on to replace O'Neal.
But during the Blazers' overwhelming offense, O'Neal only sat off the court for two minutes before being beaten up, and the Lakers were forced to resume their main lineup.
Zhao Dong made 11 of 15 shots in the second quarter, with a shooting percentage of 73.3%. With two free throws, he scored 24 points in the single quarter and 46 points in the half.
The Trail Blazers' substitute lineup scored 32 points in the second quarter, which was more than the main lineup in the first quarter.
62:52, the Lakers scored 26 points in the second quarter, trailed by 10 points at halftime, and trailed by 12 points at the end. If O'Neal hadn't played again later, they would have fallen behind even more.
Barkley analyzed during the halftime break: "If the game continues like this, the Lakers are likely to collapse in the final quarter. O'Neal's current tonnage is close to 150 kilograms. It is impossible for him to persist under the basket for such a long time."
Smith laughed: "This is because David Robinson helps him share the defensive pressure. Otherwise, at most 40% of his offense will be at the basket. It is impossible for him to have such a strong physique to keep playing at the basket."
In the third quarter, thanks to the efforts of O'Neal and David Robinson, another tug-of-war entered.
Zhao Dong played two quarters, and in the third quarter he also reduced his breakthroughs and attacks, scoring only 15 points, and scored 61 points in three quarters.
After three quarters, the score was 88:76, a 12-point difference.
"Hoo ho..."
Sitting back on the bench, O'Neal and David Robinson didn't even want to drink water. The sweat was pouring down, their mouths were wide open and they were panting, and their chests were rising and falling violently.
On the Trail Blazers' bench, the situation is much better. Several powerful insiders take turns to play and two super centers to carry on. Although it is very strenuous, after all, they take turns to play. Each player plays for a few minutes, and everyone still has some energy left.
"The last quarter is our chance. O'Neal and David Robinson have declined. They are not physically fit enough. If everyone works hard and wins this game, we will have a big advantage."
Larry Bird clapped his hands to encourage morale.
In the CCTV commentary box, Su Qun smiled excitedly: "The situation is now in favor of the Trail Blazers. As long as the main lineup can withstand it, the substitutes can defeat the Lakers."
Zhang Lili smiled and said: "Actually, whether the Trail Blazers are outside or inside, except for Zhao Dong and Eddie Jones, who are obviously stronger than others, the others are not the main substitutes. They are the main players of the original Trail Blazers and Knicks." players.”
"Yes, Steve Smith, Grant, and Davis were all the main players for the Trail Blazers last season. And Marion and Fordson were also the main players for the Knicks." Su Qun said with a smile.
"When it comes to substitutes, only O'Neal is the only one. He was the real substitute last season, and he was the substitute among the substitutes. This season he has become the absolute main force, haha!" Zhang Lili laughed.
Su Qun said with a smile: "In addition, Feilong scored 61 points in three quarters. The possibility of breaking 100 points is almost non-existent, but it is very possible for him to break Jordan's record of first place in a single playoff game."
Zhang Liji nodded repeatedly and said: "69 points, this is the first time Jordan and Zhao Dong scored in the Eastern Conference Finals. It has been four seasons. It is time to break it."
At the end of the final quarter, the game entered the rhythm of the Trail Blazers.
With their deep lineup, the Trail Blazers were still able to maintain a good state, while the Lakers continued to rely on their main force, and their state was obviously in decline. As the game progressed, the point difference began to widen steadily.
In the sixth minute of the last quarter, the Lakers were already 17 points behind, and the game was over.
At this time, O'Neal could no longer hit the basket and had no physical fitness. He could only take shots from the outside, and his efficiency dropped significantly.
At this time, the Blazers' players on the field can still maintain considerable physical fitness and condition. Zhao Dong has no physical problems and still maintains extremely high efficiency.
Phil Jackson and Jerry West stood on the sidelines with cold hearts.
Old Bass and Paul Allen were sitting in the VIP room and sighed: "Paul, how about I trade the OK combination with you for the flying dragon?"
"Impossible." Paul Allen shook his head immediately.
At the sixth and a half minutes of the final quarter, as Zhao Dong hit a shot, the away fans cheered, because Zhao Dong had scored 71 points, breaking the record for the highest score in a single game in the playoffs.
At the end, 115:95, the Lakers were defeated at home, losing by a full 20 points.
Zhao Dong played 48 minutes and scored 80 points. His efficiency declined in the second half, but the overall shooting rate for the game was still as high as 67%. He is truly the god of efficiency.
After the game, Barkley concluded: "The Trail Blazers won on two points, one, Feilong, and two, lineup depth. The Lakers lost on two points, one, Feilong, and two, lineup depth."
"You're rubbish." Smith immediately complained.
Barkley said with a smile: "Combining these two points, I think the Lakers lost because of their physical fitness."
"Physical fitness?"
"Yes, if O'Neal's physical fitness is the same as that of Feilong, then the Lakers will not lose." Barkley smiled.
"That's impossible. Feilong is at the Ironman level. Even if O'Neal loses weight, his physical fitness cannot keep up with Feilong." Smith shook his head.
After winning the G3 game, Zhao Dong happily accepted the on-site interview.
"Feilong, 80 points, this is the third highest score in a single game in the history of the league, and the highest score in a single game in the playoffs. Today it can be said that you alone defeated the Lakers. What do you want to say most about this?" "The Portland Sports reporter asked excitedly.
"Of course I didn't beat the Lakers alone. I'm not that good."
Zhao Dong first said modestly, and then said: "Actually, I have some regrets today. My condition is very good, very good. I originally wanted to break the 100 mark again..."
"oh!"
Several reporters couldn't help but exclaimed.
Zhao Dong continued: "But in the second half, the Lakers obviously couldn't keep up with the rhythm, so I don't want to score points on them."
"Pfft!"
The people around him burst out laughing when they heard Zhao Dong pretending to be 13.
Several passing Lakers players were so angry that they almost vomited blood when they heard Zhao Dong's words.
"Didn't he come up with that 101?" Kobe asked angrily.
"Maybe it was done by another shameless guy." O'Neal said angrily.
"Obviously his condition dropped in the second half. If he had been in such superb form that he scored 38 points in the last quarter, he would have continued to improve." Ron Harper said angrily.
"That's right." Others agreed.
Zhao Dong watched the Lakers players walk away, and then said to reporters: "It seems that I haven't convinced these guys yet. I need to work harder to convince these tough-talking guys."
The next day, the 26th, the media overwhelmingly believed that the Trail Blazers would win the Western Conference Finals, and the Lakers were likely to be eliminated with a score of 1 to 4.
That night, the Nets lost and the Bulls came back.
On the 27th, the G4 game of the Western Conference Finals begins.
This is a game that the Lakers cannot afford to lose. If they lose, they will fall behind 3-1. The Trail Blazers will get the match point and there is almost no possibility of coming back.
Therefore, the Lakers worked hard and the five main players had almost no time to rest.
In the first three quarters, under the full strength of the Lakers' five main players, the two teams were inseparable.
Zhao Dong scored 53 points in the first three quarters, shooting 61% from the field, slightly lower than the G3 game, but still unable to lead the team.
But in the fourth quarter, the Lakers' physical fitness collapsed again. O'Neal and David Robinson were exhausted and could barely persist on the court. They were no longer in good shape.
Zhao Dong took advantage of the momentum and led the team to launch a wave of offensive in the final quarter, winning the G4 game in one fell swoop, leading by a big score of three to one, and the Lakers were in a deadlock.
After the game, Barkley sighed: "Although David Robinson is old, he is still an All-Star center. With the OK combination, if a strong lineup can actually play like this, you can imagine how strong the Trail Blazers are." ”
Smith said: "Is the Trail Blazers' lineup bad? Marion is one or two levels better than Fox. Eddie Jones mainly plays against Ron Harper, and he is also one or two levels better than the aging Harper. Feilong is mainly Everyone knows how big the gap between the two is when facing off against Kobe. On the entire perimeter, from positions one to three, the Trail Blazers are stronger than the Lakers.
Also, the Trail Blazers, who are already stronger on the outside, also have two strong substitutes. Mike Miller and Steve Smith both have the ability to play as the main force for the Lakers. How do you want the Lakers to play?
The only thing the Trail Blazers are really weaker than the Lakers is the two interior positions. But in these two positions, the Trail Blazers also have enough strong substitutes to even out some of their disadvantages.
Taken together, I think the Trail Blazers' lineup is not weaker than the Lakers at all. The reason why we think the Lakers' lineup is stronger than the Trail Blazers is because our vision is blinded by the strength of the super center combination. "
Barkley looked weird and said: "According to your statement, in other words, the Blazers rely on the lineup to win, not the dragon?"
Smith choked, pushed Barkley, and scolded with a smile: "You guy, do you want Feilong to cause trouble for me? That's not what I meant."
Buckley laughed and said, "Okay, I'm just kidding."
At this point, his expression suddenly changed, and he asked in a deep voice: "Kenny, if the Blazers win the championship this season, do you think the Feilong will win the championship with a single core?"
Kenneth smiled bitterly, thought for a while and said: "With his score accounting for the proportion of the team's score, what is it if it's not a single core?"