Chapter 167 The Clarion Call for Counterattack

"Please come in quickly, the game is about to start."

A staff member at the ticket checkpoint was maintaining order in the passage. Taylor Swift took her ticket. She didn't quite understand why Blake Lively came to Portland to watch the game.

"Your home is in Los Angeles, and your job is also in Los Angeles. Don't you feel tired traveling back and forth between Portland and Los Angeles?"

Blake Lively took off his sunglasses and said, "Do you feel tired when you go to watch the New York Knicks' games?"

Taylor Swift shook her head and said, "That's different. I have been a fan of the Knicks since I was a child, and you know, the Knicks are not just an NBA team, it's New York."

"The Knicks' home court is no longer just a basketball court, it is more like a show to show the world its charm, so many stars will choose there and become fans there."

As a qualified star, you naturally have to always think about how to increase your influence and popularity. New York and Los Angeles are indeed the best places.

This is also the reason why Blake Lively went to Los Angeles to watch the first playoff series between the Lakers and the Trail Blazers.

"But Taylor, sometimes some things can't all be explained by fame and fortune." Taylor Swift said with some surprise: "What can be used to explain it? Are you a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers?" Blake Lively smiled and said: "I am a fan of Zhang Jun." Moda Center. The game started soon. The Lakers took the initiative as soon as they came up, and Gasol scored a dunk in the paint and a mid-range shot. Facing the roar of Portland fans, all the Lakers players were not affected at all. Luo Yin then took the lead. Facing Kobe's defense, he ended up missing two consecutive singles. "The Trail Blazers' offense is very dependent on the singles of Luo Yin and Zhang Jun. Luo Yin's personal offense has not been able to start throughout the series. This is also the fundamental reason why the Trail Blazers lost two games in a row." Kenny Smith couldn't help but sigh. This is the gap between Luo Yin and Kobe. Maybe Luo Yin is good enough and has been selected as an All-Star in his second year as a rookie, but don't forget that he is still just a rookie. "People are used to Zhang Jun's miraculous performance in his first year as a rookie, so they preconceived that everyone should perform like this. In fact, Luo Yin will face terrible pressure to face Kobe in the playoffs in his second year as a rookie."

"Not every rookie in the league can face Kobe on the court without fear like Zhang Jun in his first year."

Halfway through the first quarter, the Trail Blazers were 4 points behind at 13:17 at home, and the score was still tending to expand.

Nate McMillan couldn't stand it anymore, because he had seen this scene too many times, and the scene was also very familiar.

As long as the Lakers took the lead in the first quarter, no matter how hard the Trail Blazers tried later, the victory in the final game belonged to the Lakers.

So Nate McMillan immediately called a timeout.

"Guys, we can't play like this anymore."

"This is the Lakers' rhythm, the game is still in their rhythm, and we will definitely lose if we play like this."

Monty Williams handed over the tactical board, but was pushed away by Nate McMillan. He knew that any tactics were meaningless at this time.

In the series between the Lakers and the Trail Blazers, both teams are already very familiar with each other's tactics and playing styles.

"Zhang Jun!"

"You have to stand up!"

"You have to carry the team forward!"

"This is your team!"

Nate McMillan's words woke up Zhang Jun and everyone on the Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers have always been a team with three core players, including the players on the Trail Blazers. Everyone is sure that this team is the team of Zhang Jun, Luo Yin, and Aldridge.

But in fact, this team has become Zhang Jun's team from a certain point in time.

The Trail Blazers rely on him to open up space for the team in the first quarter, rely on him to lead the rotation lineup in the second quarter, rely on his and Luo Yin's line bombing in the third quarter, and rely on him to harvest the game in the fourth quarter.

From the beginning to the end, this is a team that relies on Zhang Jun. Without him, the Trail Blazers would never have made it to the Western Conference Finals.

Luo Yin thought about his poor performance in the two games, and thought that Zhang Jun had been trying to pull Kobe's defense away from him, and he suddenly raised his hand and said.

"Brother, we are all willing to follow your leadership. You have to lead us to win."

Aldridge nodded and said, "We will all assist you. Let's beat the Lakers to the ground."

Zhang Jun let out a long breath and clenched his fists.

He knew that the team was in trouble again. This was not the time to be humble and modest. He needed to give himself and his teammates confidence and stand up to stabilize their lost emotions. So he nodded and said.

"Give me the ball and beat them to the ground."

The game started again.

The Trail Blazers had the ball.

Zhang Jun held the ball.

This scene made all the Lakers players on the opposite side frown and look back.

Kobe quickly stared at Luo Yin in front of him more closely.

He knew that Zhang Jun was very smart and had a very good ability to judge the situation on the court. He was also worried about what kind of tricks the opponent would play. It seemed that he wanted to play alone, but in fact he was still helping Luo Yin get the chance to score easily.

But the result was exactly the opposite of what Kobe expected.

Zhang Jun played Odom in singles from the outside.

Odom was nervous.

call!

With the extremely fast first step, Zhang Jun passed Odom in an instant.

Bynum rushed over to help defend, Zhang Jun took off from the free throw line and dunked with his head flat against the frame.

boom! ! !

The shocking dunk directly ignited the passion of the fans at the scene.

In the next round, Zhang Jun reached the basket again. This time Bynum was smart and pulled Zhang Jun down in the air.

Although I got a foul, I managed to prevent the ball.

Uh-huh!

Zhang Jun made two free throws.

Commentary desk.

Kenny Smith said excitedly: "Zhang Jun of the Portland Trail Blazers started attacking in the first quarter. This is the first time since the playoffs."

Barkley said: "Zhang Jun has always been helping his teammates to allow them to have a more comfortable offense. In the first quarter, he will use his containment to help Luo Yin score more easily. In the second quarter, he will lead a group of pitchers to fight. , will connect with Luo Yin and Aldridge in the third quarter, and only in the fourth quarter will he stand up to win the game."

"He was too concerned about the scoring of his teammates that he did not fully utilize his own strength. I think the Trail Blazers have also been exploring the integration of Zhang Jun and the team."

"They used this style of play to achieve good performance in the regular season, but in the playoffs, a stage where individual ability is more important, this style of play didn't work when they met the more powerful Lakers. ”

"Zhang Jun must stand up, stop thinking so much, and use his own abilities to do everything possible to help the team win."

Zhang Jun, who reached the basket again on the court, fouled Bynum. Bynum had to leave the game early for two fouls in the first quarter.

The Lakers were proud of their big lineup and inside frame protection, but they were shattered to pieces when facing Zhang Jun.

At this time, Kobe also reacted, taking the initiative to switch defenses with Odom, and guarding Zhang Jun's scoring arrow, hoping to hold down Zhang Jun's offense.

But at this time Zhang Jun started passing the ball again, and Luo Yin played a more comfortable offense without facing Kobe.

At the end of the first quarter, the Trail Blazers took the lead at 31:30.

"This is the first time in the series that the Trail Blazers have taken the lead in the first quarter. I believe this team has seen the hope of winning."

Barkley immediately said: "But what about the second quarter?"

"Zhang Jun was on full fire in the first quarter, and he also used up a lot of energy. So who will lead the team in the second quarter?"

The Trail Blazers' second lineup frightened many teams in this year's playoffs. The Rockets and Hornets were killed by this lineup one after another. Even the Lakers almost died against the Trail Blazers in the last game. Under the second lineup.

It's just that the Trail Blazers' second lineup seems to be so powerful, but in fact it's entirely because of Zhang Jun. Once this lineup does not have the attacker Zhang Jun, all the shots are just for show.

"Because none of the pitchers in the Trail Blazers have the ability to attack independently. Their shots are all off-ball catch-and-shoot shots, so they need a field engine."

"Before, Zhang Jun was responsible for attracting their defense and delivering shells, but tonight Zhang Jun has already played for a long time in the first quarter and played very hard."

"So who will lead this rotation of the Trail Blazers next is extremely critical."

Under Barkley's curiosity, Zhang Jun made his debut again.

This excited everyone.

Kobe Bryant, who made his comeback, also saw this scene.

He said with some disbelief: "You do have young capital."

The game continues in the second quarter.

Zhang Jun, who fought continuously, was not greatly affected by his physical strength. This time facing Kobe's direct confrontation, he used breakthroughs, mid-range, and dunks to score consecutive points for the team.

During this period, the confrontation between Zhang Jun and Kobe became more and more intense.

In order to prevent Zhang Jun from catching the ball, Kobe pushed people, pushed people, wrapped his arms, and tripped his feet. These top perimeter defensive moves that glove Gary Payton gave to Kobe were used by Kobe.

In the mid-range position at the waist and blocking the defense, Kobe supported his elbow and Zhang Jun knocked down Kobe's elbow with one arm. Kobe moved forward and he circled forward. Kobe pushed behind the opponent and wanted to get a lob, so Zhang Jun used Push back as hard as you can.

The second quarter of the game directly turned into an offensive and defensive battle between Kobe and Zhang Jun.

Buckley couldn't help but say something at this time.

"We have rarely seen such strong defense in the playoffs in recent years. The battle between Zhang Jun and Kobe became a fierce battle."

In the second quarter, the offensive efficiency of both teams was particularly low, with each scoring 20 points. The Trail Blazers still maintained a one-point lead at 51:50.

Zhang Jun was panting from exhaustion at the end of the game. He was already exhausted from the long time on the court and the consumption of Kobe on both ends of the offense and defense.

"That guy Kobe is no better than me."

Second half of the game.

As soon as Zhang Jun came up, he started to attack vigorously. Facing Odom's defense, he continuously attacked and defeated the opponent. Gasol also received two fouls while defending Zhang Jun.

Jackson Phil Jackson was really nervous now. He replaced Odom and brought in Luke Walton.

Although Luke Walton is not as good as Odom in terms of offensive end and personal ability, after all, he is comparable in size to Zhang Jun, and his speed is not slow. The most important thing is that Odom is in the process of defending Zhang Jun. He has suffered a lot, and it's time for someone else to deal with him. Luke Walton just has enough energy.

The result of replacing Luke Walton was that the Lakers replaced someone and was beaten by Zhang Jun.

More importantly, Zhang Jun, who broke into the inside, has cut through the Lakers' defense and beat their inside twin towers to the point where each team is facing a foul crisis. Everyone's attention is on Zhang Jun.

"Zhang Jun started passing the ball again!"

"Luo Yin's three-pointer is here! Aldridge's mid-range shot is here too!"

Zhang Jun's control of the game on the court is simply shocking. He doesn't look like a rookie player at all. He switches between scoring and passing very well.

Nate McMillan off the court was so excited that he almost jumped up.

"Let me just say, this kid is born to pass the ball. It would be a pity that he is not the core player in holding the ball!"

The emotions on Monty Williams' face were mixed. He did not forget to remind: "Although we still maintain the lead thanks to Zhang Jun's hard work, don't forget that his playing time has exceeded the limit."

"Besides, Kobe hasn't exerted his strength at this time!"

Nate McMillan also noticed this situation, and the emotion on his face became more solemn.

He knew that the Lakers were building up their strength for the final fourth quarter, when Kobe and Gasol would definitely lead the team to attack the Trail Blazers. If the Trail Blazers couldn't withstand the pressure, then this They still have to lose the game.

"But we have no other choice. As long as Zhang Jun is taken off the field, even for one minute and one second, the team will fall into a passive situation."

At the end of the third quarter, the Trail Blazers had extended their lead to 5 points. Zhang Jun was so tired that he almost collapsed. As soon as he sat on the bench during the break, he quickly drank a bottle of water.

Monty Williams and Nate McMillan also reminded Zhang Jun: "We will not let you come down to rest for even a second in the fourth quarter. You have to distribute your energy on the court."

Nate McMillan urged: "But we must also keep the team able to stabilize the offense. We have no good defense against the Lakers. We can't guard Gasol inside, and we can't guard Kobe."

"So we can only attack hard, and we can only rely on you."

Zhang Jun took a deep breath. He knew that the coach was powerless. At this time, except that his offense could bring a glimmer of hope to the Trail Blazers, there was really no other better way.

"I'm going to help the team win this game, coach."

This was Zhang Jun's promise. The referee's whistle seemed to sound much faster than before. Zhang Jun took a deep breath and walked back to the court.

The Lakers' Gasol and Kobe Bryant indeed sounded the clarion call for counterattack at this time.