123 You Taste It Slowly
Game start.
A midfield jump ball, Marcus Camby jumped high and got the ball.
Nuggets offense.
Anthony Carter quickly marched to half court with the ball, and Iverson suddenly ran back and picked up the ball at a 45° angle on the right side of the top of the arc.
Marcus Camby set up a screen on the right side of the free throw line. Iverson used the pick-and-roll to avoid Rose's defense and faced Joel Przybilla alone.
Iverson dribbled the ball with a low hand, and just this action scared Joel Przybilla to take a step back.
Iverson, a player known for his breakthroughs since entering the league, has been proven in the NBA for 11 years.
Everyone knows that when facing Iverson, it is best to give him a step of space, let alone a big man like Joel Przybilla.
Uh-huh!
Facing the big open space in front of him, Iverson made a steady mid-range jumper.
Trail Blazers offense.
In the first quarter, Brandon Luo Yin was still the main offensive scorer, and Aldridge moved up the pick-and-roll.
Luo Yin used the pick-and-roll to go to the middle, and Aldridge moved down the middle.
The Trail Blazers' pick-and-roll is very different from that of the Nuggets. The opponent's head coach George Karl requires the players to use full blocks when picking and rolling, creating completely misplaced offensive opportunities for Iverson or Anthony.
Nate McMillan doesn't have so many requirements for the Trail Blazers' pick-and-roll. In his tactics, the team plays more opportunistic offenses.
If it is easier for teammates to execute a full block in this round, then the Trail Blazers will use a full block tactic. The ball holder can choose a misplaced single at this time.
If it is easier for teammates to execute a half-block in this round, then the Trail Blazers will use a half-block tactic and must move down both lanes.
The two-lane pass is also the Phoenix Suns' favorite pick-and-roll offense.
Luo Yin didn't dare to pass the ball, because Kenyon Martin's defensive position was very good, and the opponent was always in the passing route of Aldridge and Luo Yin.
Luo Yin didn't dare to lob the ball because Kenyon Martin was very good at jumping.
boom!
Luo Yin chose a mid-range shot, but the oncoming Marcus Camby slapped the ball away.
Damn it!
"Marcus Camby currently averages 3.6 blocks per game and is the league's temporary block leader. What's interesting is that he has been the league's block leader for two consecutive years and is currently a strong contender for the DPOY award for the best defensive player. "
Marcus Camby's protection in the penalty area put a lot of pressure on Luo Yin.
The Nuggets quickly launch a fast break. So far, the Nuggets are the second team in the league in fast break efficiency and rounds. They are a team that is very good at playing fast.
Marcus Camby passed the ball to Iverson as soon as he grabbed the rebound. The latter held the ball across half court at an astonishing speed.
How could Luo Yin, who was executing the offensive round, be able to keep up with him? Iverson originally thought he could score the goal easily, but a figure suddenly appeared in front of him while overtaking in a corner.
"It's you boy."
Iverson couldn't help but smile when he saw Zhang Jun facing him.
Iverson still tried to play fast again, hoping to pass Zhang Jun completely by relying on speed, but what surprised him slightly was that Zhang Jun's footsteps and speed were indeed as fast as rumored, and he did not steal one.
The other players of the Trail Blazers had already retreated. Luo Yin glanced at Zhang Jun and found out that the opponent was staring at Iverson with all his attention. He knew it.
"This guy is addicted to singles. He won't stop until he and Iverson fight to the death."
Marcus Camby wanted to come up for a pick-and-roll, but Iverson raised his hand to stop him.
"Marcus, give me a chance to fight him alone."
"Hey, Kenyon, Cameron, give me a little more space inside. I have to teach this young man a lesson."
Zhang Jun looked at the extremely arrogant Iverson and retorted: "Allen, don't be so arrogant, you haven't become me alone yet."
Iverson looked at Zhang Jun who was still a little unconvinced and smiled, "Can you still succeed if I beat you alone?"
He began to lower his weight.
Zhang Jun's defensive choice is very interesting. He took the initiative to give Iverson a breakthrough space on the left, and then defended the right.
Iverson has faced countless defensive heroes in his career, and they have always been able to limit themselves by adopting Zhang Jun's defensive strategy, which is to give to the left but not to the right.
"But even if you give me the least efficient offensive line, it doesn't mean you can guard me."
call!
Iverson did not intend to use speed to pass Zhang Jun in the first step. He had already discovered that the opponent's speed was not slow, so he chose a large change of direction in front of the body.
Zhang Jun was stunned by this action.
"The extent of Iverson's breakthrough is really exaggerated. It's as if he was seriously trying to break through from the left. But even under such extreme circumstances, he can still pull the ball back to the right and his speed is very fast. It’s so fast that it’s unheard of.”
Zhang Jun believes that Iverson's breakthrough rhythm is the strongest he has ever seen, even a little better than himself.
After Iverson broke through, he went straight to the basket and chose to pick the basket with one hand to end the offensive round.
boom!
A powerful blocking sound suddenly sounded.
Iverson turned around in surprise. Zhang Jun pinned the basketball directly onto the backboard and put it in his arms.
This scene on the court scared several people on the Nuggets team.
"You can still be punished even if you miss one step?"
"His wingspan is too exaggerated. This guy is a real shot-chasing master."
Anthony watched his big brother being ruthlessly crushed by the opponent's talent, and he snorted, feeling very unhappy.
On the first day after Iverson was traded by the team, the opponent told the media: "The Nuggets are Anthony's team, and I am here to assist him in winning the championship."
The 22-year-old Anthony will always remember that day when he was recognized by Iverson. From that day on, the boss in the Nuggets locker room will always be Iverson, and Anthony will only recognize Iverson.
But now, rookie Zhang Jun slapped Iverson's layup away, which made Anthony feel very unhappy.
"If my eldest brother were a few years younger, you would know what a heroic figure he is who can lead a team to the finals with a single core."
The Trail Blazers also went on a fast break.
Compared with the Nuggets' extreme offense, their overall defense is not outstanding. Iverson, Anthony Carter and Anthony are almost all big colanders on the outside.
Iverson and Anthony Carter were better off, but they were limited by their height. George Karl never thought they could defend.
And Anthony's poor defense is entirely a matter of attitude.
George Karl saw with his own eyes that when Anthony was focused on defense, it was difficult for even the league's top scorers to easily beat him alone, but the opponent just wanted to use offense to solve everything and did not like to spend all their energy on defense on the court.
"Because too much energy on the defensive end will lead to a decrease in offensive efficiency. This is why Kobe's offensive shooting percentage is lower than 50% all year round, but almost everyone believes that he is an offensive master and one of the most difficult players to guard on the court."
"Because Kobe almost gave his all on the defensive end. This kind of player who can do everything on both offense and defense is the most terrifying player on the court."
Zhang Jun suddenly accelerated during the game and passed the ball to the ground. Luo Yin from the right immediately cut to the basket and completed the offense with a one-handed dunk.
The round just started was blocked by Marcus Camby, and Luo Yin also felt his face burning.
"This block is for Marcus Camby."
Zhang Jun said to Iverson when he retreated.
Iverson frowned and gave him a displeased look and said, "Go find Marcus Camby for blocking the shot. It's none of my business."
Zhang Jun said seriously: "He doesn't attack, and besides, how can I cover him when he's so tall?"
Iverson said: "So, I'm short?"
Switch offense.
Iverson took the initiative to pass the ball to Anthony and said: "Brother, this kid said I was short, so he covered me."
Anthony held the ball in singles and signaled everyone to pull away, and told Iverson: "I'm taller than him, let him try to cover me."
Anthony hit Zhang Jun in singles at the top of the arc.
The two of them had a normal matchup in this game.
boom!
Anthony's breakthrough speed in the first step was good, but he did not completely get rid of Kai Zhang Jun. His playing style is somewhat similar to Luo Yin.
Both of them are players who will actively seek confrontation during the breakthrough process. Although Anthony is nicknamed Little Melon, he is not sweet at all when he plays, and he is very fierce.
Zhang Jun was hit by Anthony and took a step back. Anthony turned his back with the ball.
boom!
Another one!
Anthony, who was holding his back, once again pushed back Zhang Jun. In the comparison of strength, Zhang Jun was really no match for him.
Anthony's back-turning skills are very good. After pushing Zhang Jun away, he immediately turned forward and went straight to the basket.
boom!
!
Damn it!
!
This time it was the Nuggets' players' turn to be shocked.
After blocking the shot, Zhang Jun shouted angrily: "Die to me!"
Anthony, who turned around for a layup, was also blocked by Zhang Jun, and the basketball hit the basket.
Compared with Iverson, Anthony's second takeoff and bounce speed are very terrifying. Although his shot was blocked by Zhang Jun, he once again grabbed the offensive rebound with his second takeoff.
This time Anthony learned wisely. He didn't jump in a hurry when he got the rebound, but instead made a fake move.
Anthony's whole body was almost full of fake moves, and Zhang Jun was shaken once by the pair of golden spears.
boom!
To everyone's surprise, Zhang Jun, who started first, once again slapped the basketball with a slap in the face, and Anthony was blocked again.
However, the referee in the bottom corner blew the whistle and called Zhang Jun a defensive foul on this ball.
The Portland fans at the scene immediately burst into enthusiastic applause.
"This is Zhang Jun's defense!"
"His shot blocking is absolutely outstanding at the small forward position!"
"Covering Iverson and Anthony, this is definitely the best defense today."
Anthony tugged on his hair tie and walked to the free throw line with a look of displeasure.
Iverson couldn't help but stepped forward and reminded: "This kid has a good sense of blocking shots, but his personal defensive ability is not particularly strong, he just has a good defensive awareness, so we'd better use shooting to hit him."
"You can't defend him after he's stunned."
Anthony nodded. This is another ability of veteran Iverson in addition to his court ability. He is well-informed and can quickly analyze the opponent's defensive capabilities, strengths and weaknesses.
This is also the reason why Anthony's scoring and efficiency can further improve after Iverson's arrival.
At the same time, Zhang Jun also walked up to Luo Yin and said: "Marcus Camby is not as good at defense as you think. His assist defense is indeed top in the league, and his rebounding ability is also top in the league, but his personal defense ability He is not strong, and he even likes to dance very much.”
"Later, you can get to the inside and attract Marcus Camby's defense. Then you can pass the ball to Aldridge or Joel Przybilla, ensuring that every shot is accurate."
Luo Yin gently nodded to indicate that he understood. Marcus Camby's defensive ability indeed put a lot of pressure on him, and the opponent's blocking was a bit too exaggerated.
He will probably try to change his style of play tonight, from an offense that is mainly based on scoring to one that is mainly based on passing.
At the end of the first round.
The Trail Blazers trailed the Nuggets 24:30.
Zhang Jun failed to defend the Nuggets in the next round. After all, the two opponents were both famous offensive kaleidoscopes in the league. They adjusted very quickly under Zhang Jun's defense.
When Zhang Jun came off the court, Iverson didn't forget to mock and said: "Man, you don't dare to attack when you see me coming?"
"That's right. I am the Grandmaster when it comes to breakthroughs. You don't dare to perform those clown tricks in front of me."
Zhang Jun turned around and cursed: "You'd better come on the stage and face me later. I'll let you see what I'm capable of."
Because of this action of turning around and yelling, Zhang Jun was warned by the referee.
The reason given by the other party is also very strange, because tonight is the home game of the Trail Blazers, and Zhang Jun's behavior has the tendency to deliberately arouse the fans' emotions.
Therefore, the referee signaled Zhang Jun not to hinder him from enforcing the law. If he does this next time, it will be a technical offense.
Zhang Jun was very unhappy. If Nate McMillan hadn't held him back, he would have yelled at the referee.
"Blow your game! What nonsense are you dealing with?"
Second quarter of the game.
Zhang Jun led the bench lineup.
Because of Zach Randolph, James Jones was once again pushed to the power forward position.
James Jones almost wanted to cry. His thin body was indeed a bit awkward for the power forward position, but he couldn't help it.
The Nuggets' bench is: point guard Allen Iverson, shooting guard J.R. Smith, small forward Edondo Najera, power forward Linas Kleiza and center Nene Hilario.
Although Anthony is the core of the Nuggets' offense, Iverson averages more playing time than him, averaging 41 minutes per game.
Because Iverson also has good passing skills, he is the Nuggets' assist leader, averaging 7 assists per game.
Although no one thinks Iverson is a point guard with outstanding passing ability, he is indeed the best passer on the Nuggets team.
So Iverson can lead the bench.
"It's just that that's an average of 41 minutes per game. Iverson is already 32 years old. A veteran of this age has to play for such a long time. He has indeed worked hard for the championship and the Nuggets."
Buckley couldn't help but praise.
Kenny Smith nodded in agreement and said: "Although the current defensive problems of this Nuggets team are extremely serious, and they do not look like a team that can become a championship, Iverson is worthy of this Nuggets team."
On the court, Zhang Jun and Iverson finally met again.
Zhang Jun, who had been holding back the whole quarter, could no longer resist the urge to go one-on-one with Iverson.
Also eager to try out is JR Smith of the Nuggets.
JR Smith never thought about starting the team with Anthony and Iverson, and he would definitely not be able to compete with these two for the right to the ball, but when he came to the bench, JR Smith could bombard them at will.
Like Anthony, this guy is also an offensive advocate.
"Man, I've come up to see how you play in this quarter."
Iverson said near the center circle through gritted teeth.
Zhang Jun put his hands on his hips and glanced at the opponent sideways and said: "I will fight tonight's game with all my strength on the court. Do you dare to guard me?"
Iverson secretly thought that this kid was treacherous, but he would not be fooled by this kid. He said: "You are not qualified for me to guard against you. George Karl has prepared two good gifts for you. You can taste it yourself."