The best teammates in the NBA

Chapter 116 How to defend against tank breakthrough? (5500 word chapter)
The Cavaliers are currently on a trip to the West. From December 12th to December 8th, they will play a total of 12 games. The Grizzlies and the Rockets have played back-to-back, and the Cavaliers have regrettably lost.

However, in the last game against the Trail Blazers, LeBron James scored 24 points, 14 rebounds and 37 assists efficiently in 7 of 7, leading the team to victory and ending a two-game losing streak.

Tonight's game against the Thunder was the last game of the Western Conference tour. The Cavaliers' morale was boosted, and it was broadcast live across the United States, and they went home after the game. These two conditions made the players extremely excited.

LeBron James, as a player who holds Jordan's script and is supported by the league, also performed very well in the pre-match interview:
"The Thunder are No. [-] in the Western Conference. They have outstanding talents. Kevin, Kayce, and Russell have played so well this season. They will definitely succeed in the future!"

"Of course, I will go all out tonight, try to win this game, and come back to Cleveland with a victory!"

Li Ze felt that no matter what LeBron James would say behind his back, at least the other party would be a qualified superficial brother.

Py trade, business mutual bragging, in this point LeBron James's talent crushed Durant and Turtle, these two people sometimes really hate reporters, the Thunder's press officer has reminded them several times.
ESPN's live commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson also discussed the recent record of the two sides before the game.

"I admit that there are some mistakes in the previous point of view. I underestimated the young Thunder team, 18 wins and 3 losses. This is an amazing record!"

"Also, after watching their last game against the Grizzlies, I don't think Kayce should be considered a rookie anymore. The Grizzlies' perimeter can't contain him at all."

Little Van Gundy directly admitted that he was wrong before, and he didn't want to be frequently @ on Twitter by some Thunder fans.

"Okay, man, let's talk about this game again. Are you optimistic about the Cavaliers winning? The combination of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal played very well in the last game."

Mark Jackson raised the topic again to warm up the game.

"It depends on LeBron James' performance. When he can score points efficiently and drive his teammates, the Cavaliers will become unstoppable. I am optimistic that the Cavaliers will win because no one can limit James."

Van Gundy Jr. gave his prediction before the game.

"You think Kevin, Kayce, Jeff Green can't stop LeBron James?"

"I have a different opinion on this. I think the outside line of the Cavaliers can't withstand the attack of the Thunder's trio. The Thunder will finally win the game!"

Mark - Jackson began to sing the opposite, one-sided prediction, the audience did not buy it.

"Then let us wait and see! The starting list we got before the game, the two teams are still in regular rotation."

"The Cavaliers have Maurice Williams and Anthony Parker in the backcourt, LeBron James and JJ Hickson up front, and Shaquille O'Neal at center."

"The Thunder have Russell Westbrook and Kayce Li in the backcourt, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green up front, and Thabo Krstic at center."

"In fact, the No. 4 position in this game is also a highlight. Jeff Green's low-post defense is very difficult, but on the offensive end, he can effectively open up space. I believe this will be a very interesting matchup."

Van Gundy Jr. once again throws out a point of view, different types of power forward duels.

"As Jeff said, this will indeed be a wonderful game! The two teams have already played! The fans in Oklahoma City are so enthusiastic!"

The on-site DJ at the Ford Center Arena was yelling and introducing the home team's appearance.

When Li Ze, Guigui, and Durant came on the field, the atmosphere on the scene became even hotter, and Oklahoma City fans cheered for their leading star.

However, Li Ze noticed something very interesting. When LeBron James of the Cavaliers played, there were scattered cheers at the scene.

"As expected of the future face of the alliance, the popularity is indeed too high!"

As soon as the singing session was over, Coach Brooks hurriedly led the players to give the final instructions:

"Rebounds, protect the rebounds, I don't want to see the Cavaliers' second offense, on the offensive end, play more pick-and-rolls at the 5th position, move, guys, do a good job of moving the ball."

The game started immediately, and after a brief greeting from the players on both sides, Kostic and O'Neal came to the middle circle to jump the ball.

"Wow, O'Neal jumped to the ball for the Cavaliers. It seems that he is in good shape for this game!"

Mark Jackson couldn't help but gasp when he saw that O'Neal beat Krstic in the jump.

In this game, Li Ze is facing veteran Anthony Parker, who averaged 10.7 points per game with the Toronto Raptors last game, and has a 39% three-point shooting percentage.

Just transferred to the Cavaliers this season and became the guard with a knife next to the little emperor.

The Cavaliers attacked, and after Mo Williams dribbled through halftime, he immediately handed the ball to LeBron James to organize the offense.

Facing Durant's defense, after three threats, he suddenly changed direction with the ball in his left hand, and began to accelerate the breakthrough with Durant on his shoulders.

After breaking into the penalty area, he made a false pass and passed it to O'Neal at the basket. The latter faced Kostic's defense, and after leaning hard, he put the basket with his left hand and succeeded.

"Durant should pay attention to his defense. Once LeBron James breaks into the penalty area, the Cavaliers will easily score!"

Jr. Van Gundy briefly talked about Durant's defensive problems.

Since entering the NBA and facing LeBron James, Durant has been very depressed. He knew that the opponent was going to break through him, but he just couldn't stop him.

LeBron James just simply changed the direction of his body and shook Durant a small step away, and then relied on his physical strength advantage to always keep Durant at his side.

After failing to defend the first attack in the opening game, Durant clapped his hands angrily.

"Kevin, it's okay, stick to our defensive strategy!"

When serving, Li Ze comforted Durant. The Thunder's coaching staff naturally knew that they couldn't defend against LeBron James alone.

Therefore, the defensive strategy of this game is to play singles and cut off the connection between James and his teammates.

During the Thunder's offensive round, Turtle quickly dribbled across half court, and immediately found that the Cavaliers' outside defense was all on the three-point line, and they were very strong in grabbing hand-off passes.

Coach Mike Brown and his coaching staff have naturally studied the Thunder's tactical play, and used targeted defense at the beginning.

Especially LeBron James' defense against Durant, covering off the ball, pushing Durant out, and not giving him a chance to catch the ball at the waist.

Li Ze noticed that the team's tactics did not run out, and he went directly to the three-point line to receive the ball, and at the same time signaled Krstic to come over for the pick-and-roll.

With the ball in his left hand, he accelerated his breakthrough and got rid of Anthony Parker's defense. After noticing that O'Neal chose to squat in the hole, after taking two big steps, he stopped and shot a jumper near the free throw line.

"唰" made a steady hit in the middle distance.

Li Ze, who was back on defense, noticed that LeBron James was in constant communication with Anthony Parker, probably to let the opponent speed up the speed of squeezing past the screen, after all, the old Shark really couldn't get out.
After Mo Williams quickly dribbled the ball across the half, JJ Hickson immediately raised the pick-and-roll, and at the same time gave O'Neal inside space for singles.

After being selected by the Cavaliers with the 08th overall pick in the first round of 19, JJ-Hickson is currently still playing the role of a bag boy in the team, a pure tool man on the offensive end.

Mo Williams got rid of the turtle's defense through the pick-and-roll, and immediately lobbed the ball to O'Neal who succeeded in the low post.

The latter faced Kostic's defense, took a big step with the ball in his right hand, and immediately turned around to join the ball. After using his body to lift the defense, the rhythm changed and the ball was easily advanced.

After scoring the goal, O'Neal made a funny expression at the camera under the basket, and then began to retreat slowly.

"Shhh!!"

This somewhat provocative action caused the audience in the Ford Center Arena to boo immediately.

"Wow! Sharks with plenty of physical strength still have huge destructive power at the basket. The Thunder should be careful in their interior defense."

Mark Jackson saw O'Neal's wonderful performance, and immediately sang praises for the old Shark.

"Russell, play more No. 5 tactics!"

When Guigui dribbled the ball at halftime, Li Zeah made tactical gestures to his teammates, and then loudly reminded Guigui that it was time to increase his aggressiveness.

It was still the pick-and-roll at position 5, Kostic moved up, Turtle raised his center of gravity, broke through on the left, and Mo Williams nimbly squeezed through the pick-and-roll.

But during the march, Guigui suddenly changed direction in front of him, and then made an emergency stop in the middle of the free throw line to shoot a jumper.

"唰" shot was a bit stiff, but still made a steady hit.

After Li Ze's [Organizational Core] badge was upgraded to silver, Guigui's recent mid-range shooting also stabilized. Therefore, Li Ze felt that he could start with Guigui and gradually speed up the pace of the game.

"Mo Williams' defense should also be more vigilant, Russell has the ability to shoot from the middle distance!"

Van Gundy Jr. thinks the Cavaliers have a problem defending the pick-and-roll.

LeBron James felt the Thunder's defensive strategy during the offense, all of which were single defenses, and the Thunder's outside pick-and-roll defense was almost infinitely changing defenses.

After playing two pick-and-rolls in a row, he switched to Jeff Green to defend, with about 10 seconds left on the offensive clock.

After LeBron James dribbled the ball from the crotch outside the three-point line, the front of his left hand changed direction.

Carrying Jeff Green's defense, holding the ball in his right hand, accelerating in a straight line, breaking through to the penalty area, and then flicking his wrist lightly, he picked up the basket with his right hand and advanced the ball.

Although the dribbling action looked a little stiff, but at the moment of finishing the layup, the fingers and wrists were very soft.

"Wonderful breakthrough, LeBron easily scored the ball under Jeff Green's defensive interference!"

Mark Jackson raved about LeBron James' breakthrough.

Li Ze watched enviously from the sidelines. This is the tank breakthrough he has always yearned for. It doesn't need too much shaking. As long as the first step of the breakthrough is half of the opponent's body, he can directly run over to the basket.

"This physical fitness is really bad. The breakthrough is like a locomotive. It rushes in with a whimper, but the finish feels very soft."

While complaining in his heart, Li Ze encouraged Jeff Green.

"This is the defensive effect we want, Green, there is no problem with your defense! If you have a chance from the outside, you must shoot resolutely!"

"Man, have you noticed? The Thunder's offense, every time Kayce makes tactical gestures. On the court, he is the one who speaks frequently. This is a very interesting phenomenon. The rookie controls the team."

Van Gundy Jr. began to interpret the details on the field.

"Actually, Kayce and LeBron's playing styles are very similar. They can both drive their teammates better, but LeBron's physical talent is better! Oh! Look at this ball first, a wonderful Crossover!"

Mark Jackson suddenly let out an exclamation in the middle of his words.

In this attack, Li Ze received Durant's breakthrough ball. After three threats, he released the ball with his left hand. After adjusting his footsteps, he changed direction with his crotch.

The bonus effect of the silver badge [Ankle Terminator] + [Ball Master] is remarkable, and Anthony Parker was directly knocked down.

At this time, Li Ze held the ball in his left hand and accelerated towards the penalty area. He noticed JJ Hickson's defensive retreat, faked a real pass, jumped in the air, and found Jeff Green in the bottom corner.

After the latter received the ball, he made an open three-point jumper.

"Shua" scored a three-pointer.

"Oh!! Wow!!"

The audience at the scene first exclaimed after seeing Li Zehuang knock down Anthony Parker, and after Jeff Green made a three-pointer, they all screamed, it was wonderful!

"Beautiful dribbling rhythm, wide passing vision, Kayce played with the Cavaliers' defense, today's top ten shots were born!"

Mark Jackson went all out and praised Li Ze loudly.

For the remainder of the first quarter, LeBron James was firing on all cylinders, still in the pick-and-roll, but no matter who was defending him, he was resolute.

Li Ze also experienced the power of a tank's breakthrough. The badges of [Ankle Protector] + [Marking Master] were all invalid. James didn't dribble at all, and his strong body was not afraid of confrontation.

You can crush and break through with your body, and Li Ze's defensive badge is completely useless.

By the end of the first quarter, 29 to 27, the Thunder led by 2 points. Although LeBron James scored 14 points efficiently, he only sent out two assists. The Cavaliers made 3 three-pointers in the first quarter. middle.

During the break during the festival, Li Ze, Durant, and Jeff Green on the Thunder's bench were not in a high mood. In the first quarter, the single defense was overwhelmed by James, and no one would be in a good mood.

"Shet! This guy should go play football, it's useless to let the defense go!"

For matchup reasons, Durant spent most of the first quarter defending James, but naturally he couldn't defend against him. In addition, the offensive end was also restricted by James, so that he rarely caught the ball in his shooting hot spot.

"It's okay, Kevin, we can accept James scoring alone, this is our game strategy."

Li Ze hurriedly comforted Durant. There are still three quarters to play, so he must adjust his mentality at this time.

Jeff Green doesn't want to talk anymore. In the past two years, he really didn't care much about defense. But this year, his performance is good, but he has become a small colander.
"Okay, boys, stick to our defensive strategy and don't be affected by James' personal offense!"

Coach Brooks was very satisfied with the content of the first quarter, and he believed that LeBron James alone could not beat the Thunder.

The Cavaliers' bench, Mike Brown's head coach has discovered that the situation on the field is not good, and the Cavaliers have too few assists.

It was difficult for Mo Williams to organize an effective offense in the face of the Thunder's unlimited defense changes. Most of the Cavaliers' few assists came from the inside.

Faced with this situation, head coach Mike Brown directly used his ultimate tactic, giving the ball to James while increasing James' playing time.

"LeBron, allocate your physical fitness, we need you to play more time, guys, come on, we are tired of logging!"

Head coach Mike Brown first sent out a bowl of thick chicken soup, and then took out the tactical board to compare and draw, but the core tactical idea is to give the ball to James.
In the next game, Li Ze almost doubted his life. Is this LeBron James? Is 1.0 Zhan so scary?

Perhaps it was the Thunder's single-defense strategy that completely irritated the opponent. Leb Long James fired all his firepower and scored 12 points efficiently in the second quarter.

The third quarter was even more terrifying. He made 5 of 4 three-pointers and scored another 15 points. After the third quarter, the two sides tied at 80.

LeBron James scored 41 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in three quarters. James, who cut off the pass key, was terrifying.
Coach Mike Brown was also in agitated mood watching from the sidelines. What is a master tactician?
"Give the ball to the best guy on the field, this tactic is so damn easy to use!"

During the holiday break, Li Ze secretly sighed in his heart while gulping water:

"How did it become Sanying vs. Lu Bu? This script is not right, I feel like I have become a villain!"

The Thunder's trio still maintained their own output, Li Ze 16 points, Durant 18 points, Guigui 16 points, and the trio scored 50 points together, withstood James' terrifying individual performance.

"LeBron James' ultimate individual performance, today he felt hot outside, and successfully resisted the Thunder's trio by himself!"

Mark Jackson has been singing praises for James in this game, and the Thunder has completely become a villain in his mouth
"But LeBron's physicality will be a problem in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers need someone else to step up and share the offensive pressure of James."

Little Van Gundy also started to speak for James, and his perfect personal offensive performance will always be loved by everyone.

In the fourth quarter of the game, some minor changes took place in the lineups of both sides. The Thunder replaced Kostic and took Ibaka. The Cavaliers replaced O’Neal and took Varejao. Inside mobility.

The Cavaliers attacked, LeBron James and Varejao's pick-and-roll, Varejao's roll, was successfully defended by Ibaka, and had no choice but to hand it over to the outside line to reorganize the offense.

In the end, James saw that there was not much time left in the attack, and against Li Ze's defense, he made a three-pointer with a step back.

"Bang" is iron.

Ibaka protected the rebound, and everyone in the Thunder team breathed a sigh of relief. They really couldn't stand it again, and the emotions of the audience at the Ford Center Arena were all overwhelmed by James.
Li Ze felt that the leader of the team had to stand up at this time. Therefore, in the offensive round, after the pick-and-roll, he switched James in front of him, and at the same time signaled his teammates to open up space.

At the top of the arc outside the three-point line, after Li Ze dribbled the ball continuously under the crotch, he suddenly started, the center of gravity dropped, and the left-handed dribble accelerated to break through, directly getting rid of LeBron James' defense.

Facing Varejao's block, he did not dodge, jumped with both feet, bent his body into a big bow, and made an exaggerated one-armed tomahawk heavy dunk!
"Kang" Varejao was knocked into the air.

"OH!!! I THINK THIS WILL BE SUNKER OF THE YEAR!"

Van Gundy Jr. and Mark Jackson exclaimed at the same time when they saw Li Ze's dunk.

"Whoa!!"

After successfully dunking, Li Ze beat his chest and roared angrily, then immediately came to the sidelines, signaling the audience to get angry together.

"Ah! Wow!!"

The Ford Center Arena was completely ignited by this dunk. This kind of exaggerated dunk has always been the favorite of the audience.

After the successful slam dunk, several people on the Thunder team were also extremely excited. Turtle and Durant also jumped up and down to stimulate the emotions of the audience. The atmosphere group on the bench threw several towels away.

In the following games, the Thunder's passion was ignited, and the perimeter defense became more and more oppressive. Most importantly, everyone felt that LeBron James' physical fitness began to decline.

After the tank broke through, it continued to hit the iron. After leading by 6 points, Li Ze let out a sigh of relief:

"You take the data, I keep the victory, the tank breakthrough is really terrible, how to defend against this thing?"

(End of this chapter)