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

Cousins' score at the basket was like a hammer, helping the Nets temporarily stabilize the situation.

Every shot he made seemed so steady and powerful, as if announcing to the world that he was still the dominant behemoth in the paint.

However, good times never last long, just like a shooting star across the night sky, beautiful but short-lived.

When James passed the half court with the ball, he made an unexpected move.

He did not choose to break through or pass the ball as usual, but stopped two steps outside the three-point line.

This distance is not a regular offensive option for James.

There was a hint of determination in his eyes, as if he had foreseen everything that was to come.

Porzingis did not appear in front of James in time to interfere.

He was still fantasizing that James would miss the shot, but reality gave him a loud slap in the face.

James' offensive touch today was scorching, like the scorching sun in summer, burning the hearts of every defender.

With a swish, the basketball drew a rainbow-like arc and went into the net.

James' ultra-long-range three-pointer helped the Lakers narrow the score again.

This ball was like a heavy artillery, bombarding the hearts of the Nets players.

Durant, Brunson and other main players were getting restless. They turned to look at head coach Lu Yong to see if he had any intention of making substitutions.

There was a hint of determination in Lu Yong's eyes. He knew that at this moment, he needed to make a decision.

He decisively reached out to prepare for a substitution, wanting Durant to return to the court.

He knew that Durant's physical fitness and strength were the key to whether the Nets could win the game.

After a dead ball, both sides replaced all their main players.

There were more than 7 minutes left before the end of the game, and the life-and-death battle began ahead of schedule.

The effect of the few minutes that Lu Yong allowed Durant to rest more was obvious.

When Durant returned to the court, his physical condition was almost in full swing.

There was a desire in his eyes, a desire for victory.

In the first round, Durant faced James' defense, but he was not in a hurry to shoot.

Durant used a tentative step to confuse James, and then suddenly crossed over to complete the pass.

Durant's movements were smooth and quick, like a gust of wind, blowing through James' defense.

Then, Durant broke into the basket and saw Davis coming up to defend, but he was not afraid.

He stepped back and made a mid-range jump shot.

This ball was like a heavy hammer, once again destroying the Nets' advantage.

"Durant, he's back!" commentator Yang Yi shouted excitedly, "His physical strength seems to have fully recovered. These few minutes of rest are so important to him!"

"Yes, look at his movements, how smooth and fast." Wang Meng also praised, "Facing James' defense, he was not afraid at all. He just used a crossover step to pass him, and then stepped back to make a jump shot. This is Durant's strength!"

The fans at the scene also cheered for Durant's return.

They know that Durant's return means more possibilities for the Nets.

Every move he made seemed to announce to the world that he was still the unstoppable god of death.

It is worth mentioning that in the previous round, James was easily passed by Durant in just one step.

This scene shocked everyone present.

James, the leader of the Lakers, has always been known for his breakthroughs and defense, but at this moment, he seemed so powerless in front of Durant.

James, who was following behind Durant, obviously wanted to perform what he is best at, the chase-down block.

However, during Durant's breakthrough, James couldn't even jump.

This had not happened in the previous few games.

James, no matter how great he is, he is still a human being, not a god.

After playing more than three quarters at a high intensity, he was obviously a little tired.

However, now James cannot go off the court to rest, and even has to step up and take over the game.

This is where the Lakers are most desperate.

Their leader, their core, is in such a predicament at the moment.

After the offense and defense switched, the Lakers attacked.

James held the ball at the top of the arc again. The previous consecutive three-pointers seemed to give James a lot of confidence.

Coupled with the physical consumption, James' desire to break through has become very low.

Therefore, after making several fake moves at the top of the arc, James forced another three-pointer.

This time, however, Porzingis reacted.

He jumped up to interfere immediately, and with a bang, James' three-point jump shot missed.

The basketball hit the back edge of the basket and bounced high.

Cousins ​​grabbed the rebound and immediately passed it to Brunson after landing, launching a counterattack immediately.

"Look, James is tired and his three-point jump shots are starting to miss," said commentator Yang Yi.

"Yes, look at Porzingis, how quickly he reacted this time. He successfully disrupted James' shot." Wang Meng responded.

During the fast break, Brunson accelerated and shook off Wall's close defense.

Then, he passed the ball without looking at anyone, to Durant who was on a fast break on the other side.

After Durant received the ball, without any fancy moves, he suddenly accelerated and easily got rid of James.

"Durant, he is so strong!" Yang Yi exclaimed, "Look at him, he easily got rid of James, he seems to be an unstoppable offensive machine."

"Yeah, look at James, he can't even catch up." Wang Meng also sighed, "Durant's speed and breakthrough ability are really unbelievable."

After shaking off James, Durant rushed straight to the basket with the ball.

He jumped up with both feet and was about to complete a dunk.

However, at the critical moment, Kuzma came out.

He raised his arms high and blocked Durant's dunk.

When the Lakers fans saw this scene, they all cheered.

They thought that this time, the Lakers finally succeeded in defending Durant's attack.

However, before they could be happy for too long, Mitchell suddenly appeared like a ghost. Mitchell jumped high and grabbed the rebound.

Pope was shocked when he saw this scene. He immediately rushed towards Mitchell, but it was obviously too late.

After Mitchell grabbed the rebound at the basket, he did not choose to force a layup against the big player.

Instead, he took the initiative to dribble back a step, and then increased the defensive distance between himself and the Lakers players.

Near the three-second zone, he turned over and shot a jump shot.

With a swish, the basketball went into the net.

Mitchell's shot was like a heavy hammer, which once again brought down the Lakers' morale.

The Nets expanded their lead again, as if they saw the dawn of victory again.

"Mitchell, he was so crucial!" Yang Yi shouted excitedly, "Look at him, after grabbing the rebound, he didn't panic. Instead, he dribbled back calmly, created distance and shot. His shot was so important!"

"Look at the expressions of the Lakers players," Wang Meng also said. "They are all very frustrated. Mitchell's shot seemed to pour a bucket of cold water on them. They are really in trouble now."

The Lakers fans at the scene were also silent.

They know that this game is too important for the Lakers.

However, now they are in such a predicament.

James was tired, and other players were unable to step up and take over the game.

They really don't know how to play the next game.

On the sidelines, Lakers head coach Vogel frowned, his eyes revealing a deep worry.

Of course, he also realized that the players' physical fitness had already become a problem, especially the team's leader James.

In this game, James hardly had any rest and he kept trying his best on the court.

Vogel watched James running, breaking through, and shooting on the court, and every movement he made seemed so difficult.

But he knew that James had done well enough.

In such a fierce game, Vogel even felt that if a top scorer like Durant was put at James' level today, he would not do better than him.

However, even so, Vogel did not dare to let James rest.

The current situation on the field is still quite unfavorable for the Lakers.

If James goes off the court to rest, the Lakers will be affected on both offense and defense, especially on the offensive end.

James is the core of the Lakers and his presence is crucial to the team.

Thinking of this, Vogel can only follow the example of coach Tyronn Lue back then.

He decided to call a timeout and let James rest for one minute.

This isn't a long-term solution, but it will at least allow James to recover a little.

When Vogel called a timeout, Nets assistant coach Atkinson said to head coach Lu Yong with a smile on his face on the bench: "Lu, look at Vogel's operation, does it look familiar? When the Cavaliers led by Tyronn Lue fought against you, it seemed to be always like this. James can only rest during the timeout."

Lu Yong smiled and said, "Vogel has no other choice. He certainly doesn't dare to let James go off the court to rest. In the last two rounds, James' steps have obviously become heavier. But it doesn't matter. During a timeout, James can only recover a little bit of his physical strength at most, and he is still not in his best condition."

Atkinson nodded and smiled, "Yeah, Lu. Look at James, he's obviously tired. But Vogel really has no choice but to let James stay on the court for a while longer. After all, James is the core of the Lakers. If he leaves the court, the Lakers' offense and defense will be affected."

Lu Yong also laughed and said, "Yes, Vogel must be having a headache now. He knows James is tired, but he also knows that he can't let James go off the court to rest. This is the helplessness of a coach. Sometimes, you know that the player is tired, but you still have to let him continue to fight on the court."

Atkinson sighed: "Yeah, Lu. This is the cruelty of professional basketball. Players must always be in the best condition, otherwise they will be defeated by their opponents. Vogel must be thinking now, how nice it would be if James could rest for a while."

Lu Yong shook his head and said, "It's impossible. In professional basketball, no coach would let his core players sit out at a critical moment in the game. Vogel can only make the best use of the timeouts to let James recover his physical strength, and then hope that he can continue to perform well in the next game."

.........

On the other side, Lakers head coach Vogel quickly walked up to James.

He gently patted James on the shoulder and asked with concern: "How is it? LeBron, can you still hold on?"

At this time, James was already breathing heavily, and the sweat on his forehead kept dripping down like raindrops.

His eyes revealed a kind of fatigue, but more of firmness and determination.

Facing Vogel's question, James could only bite the bullet and say, "It doesn't matter, I can still hold on."

He knew that this game was crucial for the Lakers and he couldn't fall down at this time.

He has to keep going and win for the team.

Vogel looked at James, his heart filled with helplessness and worry.

James has tried his best and his physical strength has reached its limit.

However, at this time Vogel really didn't dare to let James go off the court to rest.

If James leaves the court, the Lakers' offense and defense will be seriously affected.

Vogel turned around and began to rearrange the tactics on both offense and defense for the other players.

He redeployed the Nets' fast break counterattacks and shooting during this period, and repeatedly emphasized the importance of defense.

He told the players that, although time was running out, the Nets' lead was not that big.

As long as everyone works harder, we may be able to win the game at home.

"LeBron has fought so hard," Vogel said, pointing at the sweaty James. "You should also work harder and live up to LeBron's efforts. We are a team, and everyone must contribute to victory."

As soon as Vogel finished speaking, assistant coach Kidd also stood up to encourage the players: "Listen everyone, the game is not over yet. We still have a chance to win this game. As long as we unite as one and try our best, nothing is impossible. Remember, victory belongs to those who persevere to the end."

Kidd's words lifted the spirits of the players.

They know what this game means to the Lakers.

They also know that James has given too much to the team.

Now, it's time to step up and share some of the pressure with him.

On the Lakers bench, players began to talk.

They discussed how to better execute Vogel's tactical arrangements and how to better defend the Nets' fast breaks and shooting.

This game is a huge challenge for the Lakers, but they also believe that as long as everyone unites as one, they can create a miracle.

"We have to win this game," Davis said firmly, "for LeBron, for the Lakers, and for ourselves."

"That's right," Wall also echoed, "We have fought to this point, we can't just give up. We have to let the Nets know that the Lakers are not so easy to beat."

The timeout passed quickly and the Lakers players returned to the court.

Their eyes revealed a kind of firmness and determination, as if they were ready to meet all challenges. (End of this chapter)