The best teammates in the NBA

Chapter 120 Durant: Am I the Second Master? (6000 word chapter)
Rick Carlisle, perhaps the league's favorite coach to use smaller guards, the Dallas Mavericks currently have a very interesting backcourt combination, 36-year-old Kidd and 25-year-old Badia.

One old and one young, one tall and one short, Li Ze felt that the Mavericks' backcourt combination might still be able to play offensively, but the defensive end was a pure colander for him.

On the Thunder's first attack, Li Ze came out to cover and received a pass from Guigui. He broke through with the ball in his right hand, crossed back and pulled back, and changed direction with his left hand. With a simple change of rhythm, he broke through Kidd's defense.

Dampier's defensive position at this time is a bit awkward, but seeing Li Ze's breakthrough speed, he has no choice but to step forward to help defend. Unfortunately, this is a wrong defensive choice.

Falsely playing the real pass, after jumping, Li Ze easily found Kostic under the basket, fed the latter to eat, and succeeded in a one-armed dunk.

"Oh ah!"

The team successfully scored the first attack, and the Ford Center Arena burst into loud cheers immediately.

After Krstic dunked, he immediately high-fived Li Ze to celebrate.

Why do many players in the locker room like Li Ze, because he can eat cakes, as long as he moves according to the tactics, Li Ze will definitely get the ball when he gets a chance.

No role player just likes to wait in the corner, under the basket or 45 degrees outside the three-point line to catch and shoot. If you want to find an offensive rhythm, running tactics and everyone touching the ball is the correct way to play.

Coach Carlisle naturally knows that Kidd has some problems in defensive lateral movement, but the team currently does not have a better point guard, and Jason Terry on the bench more often acts as a scorer.

On the offensive end, Kidd became a commander, delivering the ball just after half court, and then started yelling for his teammates to move, and he was wandering outside the three-point line.

This made the opposing Li Ze feel uncomfortable, his aggression was too weak, making the badge useless.
Still Barea and Nowitzki’s pick-and-roll, Nowitzki’s big body pick-and-roll quality is still very good, the tortoise squeezed a step slower, Jeff Green took Nowitzki into consideration, and the defense dared not go up Too big.

As a result, after the pick-and-roll outside the three-point line, Barea made a decisive jumper without hesitation.

"Shua" scored a three-pointer.

When serving from the bottom line, Li Ze whispered to Guigui:
"On the defensive end, switch positions. I'll guard Barea, pick and roll, and that's the way I'm best at defending."

Guigui nodded immediately. He was not very good at defending against pick-and-rolls when he was in college, and his good brother came out to share the defense for him, and he was already happy.

On the offensive end, the Thunder started their hand-to-hand tactics from outside. Unlike the previous game, Li Ze acted as the screener of the hand-to-hand.

Pretending to pass the ball to Durant who came out of the cover, Li Ze twisted his body at the moment the two intersected, and quickly released the ball with his left hand, speeding up and breaking through Kidd's defense.

Nowitzki was forced to shrink inside, noticed the opponent's movement, flicked his left wrist, and distributed the ball to Jeff Green, who was open in the corner.

After the latter received the ball, he made a three-point jump shot.

"Shua" made an open three-pointer and made a steady hit.

Jeff Green usually feels hot in the opening stage, but as the game progresses, his shooting percentage begins to decline gradually. It is difficult to keep the feeling of the whole game with the continuous top 4 defense.

"Three-point response from Jeff Green! Kayce's driving drive is brilliant! Kidd's defense moves too slowly."

Home game commentator Te Wen has long been a die-hard fan of Li Ze, bragging about Li Ze whenever he gets the chance.

The upgraded [Bullet Passer] badge allows Li Ze to pass the ball quickly and accurately.

Li Ze's defense against Barea was physical confrontation from the off-ball end. The role of the [Master Marker] badge on small guards is still very obvious.

Barea wanted to play a pick-and-roll with Dampier to get rid of the entanglement, but it was a pity that Li Ze squeezed through the pick-and-roll quickly and quickly, and made two cross-step dribbles, but he still couldn't get rid of Li Ze's defense.

In desperation, he had to hang to Nowitzki in the low post. Facing Jeff Green's defense, he tentatively moved to Jeff Green's defensive center of gravity.

Putting the ball with his right hand, he took a big stride towards the basket, and Krstic was half a beat behind the basket.

"snap" "squeak"

The referee whistled, the thugs fouled, and two free throws were made.

"Shot!"

Jeff Green raised his hand in frustration, indicating that the ball is his problem. This kind of 4th position who can make sudden shots is simply his nemesis.

Nowitzki looked relaxed, stood on the free throw line, simply patted the ball, and made two free throws steadily.

Coach Brooks felt a little helpless. This is the flaw of the Thunder's current lineup. Jeff Green has tried his best, but his physical condition is too different.

The Thunder attacked. This time, Durant made a hand-to-hand screen for Li Ze from the outside. As soon as Li Ze received the ball, Marion instantly switched defenses.

At this time, Li Ze suddenly pulled the ball back with his left hand, pretended to turn around, then used his right foot as the axis, twisted his body, and quickly combined with the ball to make a fake shot.

Marion was shot directly, and Li Ze made a layup with light steps up and down.

"Oh! Kayce's dreamy dance, successfully swaying Marion, this ball will definitely be selected as the top ten balls of the day! I seem to see Olajuwon!"

The narrator Te Wen couldn't help but let out an exclamation, and then started to brag about Li Ze again.

The Chinese media reporters on the sidelines were also dumbfounded. Only by watching the game live can you really feel Li Ze's strength, speed and offensive skills.

Hearing the Oklahoma City fans screaming at the scene because of Li Ze's goal, Su Qun was also a little emotional.

"It's so powerful, it's hard to imagine that Li Ze can make such a technical move!"

The accompanying staff shouted loudly to Su Qun next to him, he has excellent physical fitness and comprehensive skills, and can play from position 1 to position 3. This is a player that China has never had before.

"Nice footwork, dude, unbelievable you're still a rookie."

Taking advantage of Li Ze's return to defense, Marion came to him and praised him with a smile, and immediately left to run tactics after speaking.

Li Ze is not surprised. He has gained a lot from such praise. Only players who have played against you will understand each other's strengths. Many things cannot be perfectly displayed by the statistics after the game.

Dream dance moves past the defense and gets 2 points, and it can also get 2 points for breaking through and making free throws, but the perception of the two is completely different.

Durant couldn't help thinking about Lemon in his heart. He was really not very good at such technical moves. Hearing the deafening cheers at the scene, he felt that his team's status was declining sharply.

"It is necessary to strengthen the means of attack. I came first, and the position of the boss must not be given up!"

In the following game, Barea was somewhat misfired by Li Ze's defense, but Nowitzki and Marion supported the Mavericks' offense, playing low singles, making Jeff Green miserable.

Marion was also organized by Kidd and succeeded in two consecutive air-cut layups. Durant's defensive habits still have some problems. After all, he didn't need to do too many defensive things in the first two years of his career.

The two teams took the lead alternately. With 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the two sides carried out a personnel rotation. Jeff Green, who had committed two fouls, was replaced by Ibaka, and Sefoloza also replaced Li Ze.

The Mavericks also replaced Jason - Terry and Josh - Howard, replaced Barea and two fouls Marion.

At the end of the first quarter, the two sides tied at 24. The Mavericks couldn't defend the Thunder's outside line, and the Thunder's inside line was also blown up by Nowitzki. The two teams were basically in a mutual explosion mode.

Jeff Green, who was sitting on the bench, was very depressed. In the first quarter, Nowitzki made 4 of 3 shots, 4 of 4 free throws, and 10 points in a single quarter. He was unstoppable. If he was in Dallas, he might commit three fouls in one quarter. up.

"Don't be frustrated, Bro, whoever we switch to defend, the effect is the same, you have done a very good job!"

Li Ze briefly comforted Jeff Green. He knew the opponent's troubles. When the Thunder's performance was good, the media would use a magnifying glass to observe the players in the team.

Jeff Green's criticisms continue, and most players are still very concerned about the media's reports. Fortunately, the local fans in Oklahoma City are still very supportive of him.

"Calling the other party is a superstar, it's my mentality that's wrong, thanks, Kayce."

Jeff Green bumped fists with Li Ze. No one likes to complain to each other. Encouragement among teammates is still very important.

During the break during the festival, Coach Brooks also began to tell the rotation players:

"Sean, control the offensive rhythm with Kayce after playing, Ibaka, pay attention to protect yourself, don't accumulate fouls too fast!"

Sean Livingston has recently returned from injury, and the team is in good condition in training. Therefore, in this game, Brooks head coach also added him to the regular rotation.

In the locker room, Livingston belongs to the neutral faction, basically a simple little transparent, but he is very popular in the team, and he still trains hard after a serious injury. This kind of fighting spirit, Respect×3.

Livingston played at position 1, Sefolosha played at position 2, and Li Ze came to position 3. The Thunder's backcourt was all over two meters tall, so when Jason Terry came on the field, the corner of his mouth twitched, for Everything is so high!

The head coach of Carlisle also has a short rotation. Kidd and Terry partnered in the backcourt, Josh Howard and Nowitzki formed the front line, and Drew Gooden topped the center.

At the beginning of the second quarter, after Livingston dribbled halfway, he immediately passed to Li Ze at the top of the arc. Ibaka raised the pick-and-roll and broke through with his left hand. Josh Howard immediately went up the line and squeezed through, sticking close to the defense .

During the march, Li Ze suddenly dribbled the ball behind his back with his left hand, and then changed direction with his right hand to catch another dribble under the crotch.

He could only watch as Li Ze stopped and shot a jumper near the free throw line.

"Shua" ignored Josh Howard's defense on his side and made a steady mid-range hit.

The badge bonus of [Strong Shot Master] + [Hot Zone Hunter] strengthens Li Ze's confidence in shooting near the free throw line.

"Kayce's signature is shaking. He has used his crotch to get rid of the defense in recent games. It seems that after playing more than 20 NBA games, Kayce has found his own offensive rhythm!"

The commentator Twen actually prefers Li Ze's fast-speed and large-scale Crossover in the previous games. Now this kind of crossover relies more on rhythm and body to get rid of the defense, and the visual effect is not explosive enough.

The Mavericks' offense began to score in and out, using Nowitzki's low-post restraint, several times from the inside to the outside, and finally after passing the ball continuously, Jason Terry had a three-pointer opportunity and made a decisive jump shot.

"Bang" hit an iron with anger.

After Ibaka received the defensive rebound, he found Li Ze, accelerated immediately after receiving the ball, and played an offensive and defensive transition. Several players in the Thunder's backcourt rushed across the opponent's half.

In a 3-on-2 situation, Sefoloza ran to the bottom corner to open up space. In the middle was Li Ze and Livingston's 2-on-1. Jason Terry retreated, but had no choice but to attack Li Ze who held the ball first. In the end, he watched Li Ze pass his back in a cool and unrestrained manner.

After Livingston received the ball, he made a one-handed dunk!
"Kang" came back from injury and scored his first score with a dunk.

"Wow!!"

The audience at the Ford Center also gave enthusiastic cheers for the ill-fated player.

Livingston and Li Ze, who succeeded in the dunk, bumped fists and simply expressed their gratitude.

Maybe it's Li Ze's defense, or maybe it's because the Thunder's outside defenders are tall. Josh Howard and Jason Terry had a few chances, but they didn't grasp them.

On the other hand, the Thunder team blossomed more. Driven by Li Ze's strong point, Sefoloza and Ibaka succeeded in eating cakes in a row. After more than three minutes, the Thunder team led by 6 points.

Coach Carlisle saw that something was wrong on the court and immediately requested a timeout.

Coach Brooks is very satisfied with the team's performance, and it is a surprise to be able to widen the point difference.

After this timeout, the Thunder replaced Turtle and Durant. Ibaka and Collison's defensive effect was good, so they continued to stay on the court.

For the rest of the second quarter, the scores of the two sides were stalemate again. The Mavericks kept trying to tie the score, but the Thunder could always respond, especially Durant, who broke out completely and made consecutive shots. Three offended.

The media reporters of the Celestial Dynasty couldn't help sighing after seeing Durant's performance:
"America has too many basketball talents. Durant's height, in China, must have been trained as a center since he was a child. Our youth training must continue to work hard!"

Su Qun didn't speak, but just watched Li Ze's performance quietly, but in his heart he was thinking whether Li Ze could play for the country, which would be a huge improvement for the national team.

Seeing that the team was in trouble, Nowitzki immediately started his offensive mode again, and taught rookie Ibaka a lesson by the way.

Received the ball at the elbow area on the left side of the free throw line. After three threats, he made a realistic shooting fake and almost hit Ibaka directly. Then he quickly released the ball with his right hand and suddenly turned around sharply.

Holding the ball in his left hand, while leaning against Ibaka, he rushed up in three big steps and went straight to the basket.

"啪" "唰"

"squeak"

The ball went into the whistle, the referee whistled Ibaka's thug foul, Nowitzki easily scored 2+1, Ibaka also made two fouls
Nowitzki patted Ibaka with a smile on his face. Thanks to the opponent's inexperience, he was able to get a chance to add a penalty. Standing on the free throw line, he took a deep breath and made the free throw.

The Thunder team attacked, and Turtle noticed that Barea's pick-and-roll offense against him was still off the line. After this opportunity, he immediately shot a jumper from outside the three-point line.

"Shua" three-pointer immediately responded.

"Oh! Russell hit his first three-pointer of the game! Once he finds his touch on the outside, Barea's nightmare will come!"

The commentator text shouted passionately, the Mavericks scored, and the Thunder responded, this game was played hard.

The stalemate between the two sides lasted until the end of the first half, 52 to 46 in the half, and the Thunder temporarily led by 6 points.

During the intermission, head coach Carlisle was a little worried. Although the Mavericks had the absolute strength of Nowitzki, the outside defense was a bit urgent. The old and the short were not able to withstand the impact of the Thunder's trio.

"Josh, you go first in the second half, pay attention to the defense against Lee, rotate faster, add some confrontation, Kidd, try to slow down the pace of the game, and reduce the Thunder's transition offense."

Carlisle put all available players on the court, increasing the height of the lineup, and the Mavericks didn't have many ways to use it. This is the flaw in their lineup.

Coach Brooks didn't say much about the tactical arrangements during the midfield, but simply asked about the foul problem:
"Green, Collison, you all have three fouls, and Ibaka, you also have two fouls. Guys, you must control your defensive movements. I don't want to see you get five fouls in the third quarter."

After the start of the third quarter, the Thunder returned to the starting lineup, and the Mavericks replaced Josh Howard to strengthen the defense. In the first few minutes, the Mavericks defended against the Thunder.

But then they felt the horror of Thunder's three whistles. Li Ze, Guigui, and Durant began to strengthen their impact on the basket.

Especially for Durant, at his home court, the star whistle still has to be given.

By the end of the third quarter, the Thunder withstood the counterattack of the Mavericks, 3 to 78, still leading by 72 points.

During the break during the festival, Durant was panting while drinking water. There are fewer body whistles this year. If he wants to make free throws, he mainly relies on his own breakthrough. Durant consumed a lot of energy in the third quarter.

"Hold on, boys, the first three quarters were great, we controlled the fouls, we still lead by 6 points, keep this offensive rhythm, pay attention to rebound protection!"

Head coach Brooks hurriedly gave the players blood, and it was rare to lead into the fourth quarter, so he had to grasp his lead.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Nowitzki hit a mid-range jumper first, and then scored a three-pointer in the next round. On the Thunder side, Li Ze and Guigui played two irons angrily, and the point difference was only one point in an instant.

Kidd's control of the rhythm of the game is very good. He rarely holds a lot of balls in his hands, but so far in the game, he has quietly sent 8 assists and only one turnover.

Marion can eat cakes happily, thanks to Kidd, an excellent cake maker.
In the next game, the two sides began to take the lead alternately. Coach Brooks was a little anxious. The young Thunder team didn't have much game experience.

Once it enters the last 2 minutes, the balance of victory will slowly lean towards the Mavericks.

There are 2 minutes and 58 seconds left in the game, and the Thunder are still one point behind. Li Ze knows that this goal must be scored, otherwise the game may be cold.

Li Ze turned his back to ask for the ball in the 45-degree area on the right side of the free throw line. The bonus effect of [Slot Master] is not bad. Li Ze was not pushed out of his shooting hot spot by Josh Howard.

After receiving the lob pass from Guigui, Li Ze turned around and faced Josh Howard's defense for two consecutive tentative steps. He put the ball with his right hand and accelerated his breakthrough along the baseline.

Facing Dampier, who came to assist in the defense, he lightly pulled the bar in the air, and successfully dunked with his right hand. He fell to the ground and yelled:
"My bowl!"

"squeak"

The referee's whistle was a little slower, but he still gave him a chance to add a penalty.

"Come on! I didn't touch the ball at all. He fell down because of his unsteady center of gravity!"

Dampier felt wronged and kept complaining to the referee, but unfortunately this is the Thunder's home court, the referee upheld the original verdict.

Li Ze stood on the free throw line, adjusted his breathing, and made the free throw steadily. The Thunder team led by 2 points again.

In the next more than a minute, the Thunder always maintained the lead. With 1 minute and 02 seconds left in the game, Coach Carlisle requested a timeout. Time was running out, and this attack was very critical.

Coach Brooks is also reminding his players:

"Don't foul, guys, we have reached the state of penalty, don't foul Nowitzki, don't let him go to the free throw line easily!"

Nowitzki's free throw percentage is too high, and if he fouls, he will get two points for nothing.
Back from the timeout, after the Mavericks passed the ball several times from the outside, Kidd and the uplifted Dampier played a pick-and-roll, opening up space for Nowitzki in the low post.

Kidd's lob passed steadily to Nowitzki's hands. Facing Jeff Green's defense, the latter first leaned back twice, then hit the ball with his right hand twice and approached the basket, turned over Fadeaway jumper shot.

Patronizing desperately to defend, Jeff Green didn't make much effective interference in the end, and could only watch the ball fly to the basket.

"Bang" iron!
Krstic just wanted to accept the rebound, but Dampier pointed the ball ahead of time and flew to the basket again.

Li Ze stuck Josh Howard behind him, saw the opportunity and jumped up, picked the melon behind his head, and grabbed the rebound behind Nowitzki.

Kidd on the side wanted to come up and cut the ball, but Li Ze desperately protected the ball in his arms, and caused the opponent's rebounding foul.

"squeak"

The referee whistled and Li Ze was sent to the free throw line.

"Kayce protected us on an important backcourt rebound, made both free throws, and we'll lead by 4!"

The commentator Twain also raised his volume excitedly at this time. This goal is indeed critical, and the initiative to score the free throw is in the hands of the Thunder.

Li Ze stood calmly on the free throw line, trying to adjust his breathing, and made the first free throw steadily.

Before Li Ze could complete the free throw, the audience at the Ford Center Arena had already started shouting loudly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!!"

Li Ze was taken aback by the loud shouts of MVP, quickly readjusted his breathing, and made a steady second free throw.

"Ah! Oh!!"

Seeing Li Ze retreating and raising his hands high, the audience once again burst into loud cheers, they are going to win again!

Although Durant was also smiling at this time, a huge sense of crisis had come to his mind:
"I haven't heard the fans call me MVP after playing for two years! Kayce has only been playing for two months, and he has been recognized by the fans."

"I'm really going to become the second master? Didn't I agree that everyone is here to help me!"

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(End of this chapter)