Coach: Coaching the Grizzlies at the beginning, playing the bantam

At this time, the score was tied at 26:26.

This is an unexpected result, after all, the Lakers' performance has been up and down this season, while the Nets are seen as the favorites to win the championship.

During the intermission, domestic commentators Yang Yi and Wang Meng began to discuss the game.

"Wang Meng, look at this game, the Lakers played really well." Yang Yi spoke first, with a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Yes, I originally thought that the Lakers would have a difficult time in this game, but I didn't expect that they were not behind the Nets after the first quarter. It seems that returning to their home court is still of some help to them." Wang Meng nodded in agreement.

"That's right. The Lakers played more like a team today. In addition to the outbursts of James and Davis, role players Pope and Kuzma also scored points. It can even be said that the Lakers played the best game of the finals so far tonight." Yang Yi continued, his tone full of admiration for the Lakers.

"That's true. The Lakers were able to tie with the Nets at the end of the first quarter thanks to Davis' efforts. He caused Nets starting center Cousins ​​to receive his second foul shortly after the start of the first quarter. If Cousins ​​stayed on the court, the Lakers might have encountered more trouble." Wang Meng said with a smile, and he was full of praise for Davis' performance.

"Yes, Davis' defense is really strong. Not only did he force Cousins ​​to leave the court early, but he also provided great help to the Lakers on the offensive end. It seems that he is ready to do a big job tonight." Yang Yi echoed.

"That's right, but we can't ignore the Nets' performance. They did play well in the first quarter, and Durant and Brunson both played to their best levels. It's just that they still have some shortcomings in overall coordination. With better overall strength, they should have taken the lead. But now it seems that they still need to work harder to adapt to each other," Wang Meng analyzed.

"Yes, the Nets are indeed a very strong team. However, if they want to win this game at the Lakers' home court, they need to play even better in the next few quarters." Yang Yi nodded, agreeing with Wang Meng's opinion.

As the whistle of the first quarter sounded, the Nets players walked back to the bench one after another, with a little fatigue on their faces, but more of perseverance and determination.

Head coach Lu Yong held the tactical board in his hand, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination.

He knew that although the Nets did not take the lead in the first quarter, they had the advantage on the court for most of the time.

"Everyone did a good job, but it didn't meet my expectations." Lu Yong's voice rang out over the bench. His words were a little harsh, but more encouraging. "Cousins' early exit did disrupt our offensive system, but it's not a problem. As long as we stay calm and execute the tactics well, we have a chance to win this game."

The players nodded one after another, they knew that Lu Yong was telling the truth.

Although Cousins' departure has changed the Nets' offensive system, this is not a reason for them to give up.

They need to fight harder for this away victory and to change the final score to 3:0.

Lu Yong looked at the players, his eyes revealing a kind of trust and encouragement. "Although Cousins ​​is in foul trouble, we still have many players who can contribute, including each of you. We are a team, a whole. As long as we are united, nothing can stop us from moving forward."

Assistant coach Atkinson also encouraged the players: "Listen everyone, we are playing away now. This is a challenge for us, but also an opportunity. We can't let the Lakers be arrogant on our turf. We have to let them know that the Nets are a force that cannot be underestimated!"

The players were inspired by the words of Lu Yong and Atkinson, and a light called "fighting spirit" began to flash in their eyes.

They know that this game is not just an ordinary game, but also a contest of honor and dignity.

Lu Yong continued to arrange tactics: "We must be more strict on the defensive end and not give the Lakers any easy scoring opportunities. At the same time, we must be more decisive on the offensive end and seize every opportunity to score. Remember, our goal is not only to win this game, but also to change the finals score to 3:0!"

The players nodded to show that they understood, and they began to listen to Lu Yong's tactical arrangements more attentively.

They know that every detail determines the outcome of the game and they cannot afford to be negligent or careless.

Atkinson also added: "Everyone should remember that basketball games are not only a contest of technology and tactics, but also a contest of psychology and will. We must stay calm and focused and not be affected by any interference on the court. Only in this way can we play to our best level!"

With the encouragement and guidance of Lu Yong and Atkinson, the Nets players began to become more confident and determined.

They know that this game will be a tough contest, but they also believe that as long as they unite as one, they will be able to win this away game!
On the other side, Lakers head coach Vogel was also standing in front of the bench, his eyes revealing an unconcealable satisfaction.

"Everyone did a great job!" Vogel clapped his hands vigorously, and his voice echoed over the bench. "In the first quarter, we tied the Nets 26:26. This is a performance we have never had in the first two games of the Finals! I know that the Nets are a strong team, and they have been suppressing us in the first two games. But today, in our home court, we did not fall behind. This is success!"

The players nodded and smiled.

They know what this game means to them.

This is their first chance in the Finals to keep pace with the Nets, and possibly even overtake them.

Vogel looked at the players with eyes full of trust and expectation.

"In the next game, we have to keep working hard. We have to maintain this aggressive defense and put pressure on the Nets. We have to let them know that the Lakers are not so easy to beat!"

Assistant coach Kidd also echoed: "Yes, everyone should continue to maintain this fighting spirit. Our defense is the key to this game. As long as we can defend the Nets' offense, we have a chance to win this game."

Vogel nodded and continued to lay out tactics to the players. "We have to pay attention to the Nets' Durant and Brunson, who have very strong offensive capabilities. However, we also have James and Davis, who are our scoring machines. As long as we can do a good job of defense and give them enough support, we will definitely win this game!"

The players expressed their understanding and began to listen to Vogel's tactical arrangements more attentively.

Vogel looked at the players and was filled with confidence. "Everyone should remember that basketball games are not only about skills and tactics, but also about psychology and will. We must stay calm and focused, and not be affected by any interference on the court. Only in this way can we play to our best level!"

Kidd also added: "Also, everyone should pay attention to the rhythm. We must control the rhythm of the game and not let the Nets disrupt our deployment. As long as we can play at our own pace, we will definitely win this game!"

With the encouragement and guidance of Vogel and Kidd, the Lakers players began to become more confident.

The break between periods was short, but the Lakers players made full use of this time to adjust their condition and mentality.

When the whistle sounded for the second quarter, the Lakers players walked onto the court full of fighting spirit and confidence.

Both teams made substitutions again. The Nets kept their two main players, Brunson and Cousins, on the court, while on the Lakers, James went off the court to rest and Wall returned to the game. His eyes were like a cheetah, staring at Cousins.

During the timeout, Lakers head coach Vogel encouraged the players to target Cousins ​​as much as possible and try to foul him out early tonight.

There was an unquestionable firmness in Vogel's words. He knew that Cousins ​​was an important scoring point for the Nets. If he could leave the court earlier, the Lakers' chances of winning would be greatly increased.

However, Cousins ​​is not the kind of reckless person who is prone to making mistakes.

He has a very high basketball IQ and can always make the right judgment at critical moments.

It is not easy to make him leave the game with six fouls.

However, Wall still decided to give it a try. He believed in his strength and judgment, and he believed that he had the ability to make Cousins ​​leave the game early.

The Nets began to attack, and Wall continued his active defensive attitude in the first quarter, starting to defend Brunson closely from the backcourt.

His eyes revealed an indomitable fighting spirit, as if to say: "I won't let you get away easily!"

Brunson dribbled all the way across half court. Although he did not make any mistakes, he was still a little uncomfortable with Wall's aggressive defense.

There was a hint of displeasure on his face, but he did not give up. He knew what this game meant to him.

Seeing this, Cousins ​​deliberately slowed down his pace to act as a cover to protect Brunson. His eyes revealed a tacit understanding and trust, as if to say: "Don't worry, I will always be here to protect you!"

Brunson came to the three-point line, passed the ball to Dun Luo, and started running without the ball.

His movement was very flexible and varied, sometimes to the left and sometimes to the right, which made the Lakers' defenders a little confused.

However, Wall clung to Brunson like a piece of gummy bear.

He followed Brunson closely, and intentionally or unintentionally exerted physical confrontation on Brunson when he was off the ball.

Wall's defense was very aggressive, which made Brunson very uncomfortable.

During a screen, Wall took advantage of the situation and almost pulled Brunson to the ground.

Brunson, who was pulled back by Wall, spread his hands with an unhappy look on his face to indicate a foul to the referee, but the referee ignored his complaint.

The Lakers, playing at home, did enjoy the treatment in terms of whistles, which made Brunson feel helpless and frustrated.

In desperation, Brunson had to start running again.

He kept running on the court, looking for opportunities, but the Lakers' defense trapped him like an impenetrable net.

While running, Wall kept talking trash to Brunson, trying to disrupt his mentality and rhythm.

However, Brunson didn't bother to pay attention to him at all. He knew that he couldn't be affected by these words. He had to stay calm and focused.

Seeing that Brunson had no chance to run away, Duncan had to pass the ball to Cousins.

After receiving the ball, Cousins ​​decisively chose to play one-on-one. Facing Davis, he back-stroked twice, and then made a turnaround jump shot from close range!

"Shh!"

This goal allowed the Nets to regain the lead and also made Nets head coach Lu Yong and assistant coach Atkinson on the sidelines smile with satisfaction.

Lakers head coach Vogel frowned after seeing this goal.

Cousins ​​is an important scoring point for the Nets. If his performance cannot be effectively limited, it will be very difficult for the Lakers to win this game.

After Cousins ​​scored over his head, Davis' face was full of helplessness.

As one of the league's top defenders, he has always been known for his iron-blooded defense. No matter what kind of opponent he faces, he can remain calm and focused, using excellent defensive skills and understanding of the game to limit his opponent's performance.

However, today, facing a strong center like Cousins, he felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness.

Cousins' size and skills give him a natural restraint, just like Jokic plays Davis with ease and pleasure.

Each of his attacks seemed so calm, as if everything was under his control.

Davis tried to use his familiar defensive skills to limit Cousins, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop Cousins' offense.

His heart was filled with frustration, a rare feeling in his career.

After seeing how much help Cousins ​​could provide to the Nets on the offensive end, Wall became more determined to take him off the court early.

He knew that only by keeping Cousins ​​off the court could the Lakers have a chance of winning this game.

Therefore, in the next game, he started to defend Cousins ​​frantically.

The Lakers attacked, and after Wall dribbled the ball across half court, he raised his hand and asked for a pick-and-roll.

He used a pick-and-roll to replace the defender in front of him with Cousins. Facing Cousins's mismatched defense, a hint of determination flashed in Wall's eyes.

He accelerated and rushed straight to the basket without any dodging, and went straight towards Cousins, trying to create physical contact.

He had only one thought in his mind, which was to make Cousins ​​foul and leave the court.

Cousins ​​also guessed Wall's intention at this time, so he deliberately stretched his hands straight when defending, without any downward tendency.

He knew Wall wanted to create contact and then call a foul.

However, he will not give Wall this opportunity.

He wants to use his defense to tell Wall that it is not so easy to make him foul.

There was a loud bang, and the two of them collided heavily in the air.

Wall's body fell down, his face showing pain. He threw the ball into the sky and shouted "foul" loudly.

Wall's voice filled the entire stadium, as if to let everyone hear his complaint.

However, what Wall did not expect was that the referee did not blow the whistle.

He acknowledged that it was a very good defensive play and Cousins ​​did not foul.

Wall had an expression of disbelief on his face, and he looked at the referee as if to say, "How is this possible?"

When Cousins ​​saw this, he was too lazy to wait for Wall to complain to the referee. He immediately walked to the baseline, took the ball from the referee, and passed it to Brunson in the frontcourt to launch a counterattack.

Then an interesting scene happened. While Wall was still complaining to the referee, the Nets had already launched a fast break counterattack.

Brunson pushed all the way to the frontcourt, attracted a double-team, and then passed the ball to Duncan who was lurking in the left corner without looking at anyone.

After receiving the ball, Dun Luo made an easy three-pointer!
The score became 31:26, and the Nets continued to expand their lead.

It was not until this time that Wall, who had complained to the referee, slowly ran back to his own half. He looked at Duncan Robinson celebrating with his teammates with an ugly expression.

In the last round, not only did he fail to cause Cousins ​​to foul, but he also allowed the Nets to counterattack, which was simply a fatal blow.

Wall's heart was filled with frustration, which made him look like a clown. (End of this chapter)