Basketball's No. 1 Anti-Fan

Chapter 246: Farewell Gift from the Greatest No. 21

In Game 3 of the series, the Spurs and Grizzlies moved to Memphis to continue their competition.

The Spurs made major tactical adjustments and focused the game on the defensive end.

After Game 2, Popovich said at the press conference with a serious face, "We will never make so many mistakes again." Now it seems that he realized that the Grizzlies have recovered and took the initiative to give up the team play.

This approach seems to be counterproductive, after all, their success this season depends on the new style of play.

But once the game really started, it proved to be the right choice.

[Hammer tactics] is just the icing on the cake. The core reason why the Spurs are strong is still defense.

Green and Leonard, plus Duncan in the interior, this personnel configuration is already top-notch in the league, not to mention that the Spurs also have a mature defensive system.

The purpose of focusing on defense is to launch defensive counterattacks and also to exploit the weaknesses of the Grizzlies' twin tower lineup.

One thing that is easily overlooked is that Parker in GDP is much younger than Ginobili and Duncan. He is only 32 years old and his personal strength is still at its peak.

His ability to launch defensive counterattacks is top-notch in the league.

Moreover, Popovich implemented a resolute double-teaming defensive strategy against Hansen. Leonard's top defense combined with Green's assist defense also limited Hansen's performance.

Of course, on the other hand, the Grizzlies continued their defensive intensity from the previous game, and the Spurs' positional offense was greatly restricted.

For most of the game, both sides were competing in defensive counterattacks.

The game will be decided in the final quarter.

Hansen entered the aggressive mode in the final quarter. He accelerated his offensive rhythm and completed the attack before Green's help defense arrived.

The key is that he can make the shot facing Leonard.

Throughout the fourth quarter, Hansen scored 15 points, fully demonstrating his qualities as a "Spurs killer."

The Grizzlies also relied on a 26-19 performance in the final quarter and eventually defeated the Spurs 97-90 to win the final victory.

After winning Game 3, the Grizzlies won two games in a row and changed the score to 2-1.

The Spurs' revenge?
The Grizzlies said they would have to wait.

"We all know VC can score, but a lot of people underestimate his defensive ability."

After Game 3, Hansen took the initiative to mention Carter.

After the last game, Hansen mentioned Gay's sacrifice, but this time he mentioned Carter's defense.

Because he was ordered to start in an emergency, what Carter needs to do well is defense.

Under his defense, Green, who performed well in G1, was limited to single-digit points in both games.

Talent determines the upper limit of defense. Carter's physical talent is unquestionable. Even though his dynamic talent is not as good as his peak period after being blocked three times by Bowen, his static talent will not change.

After two days of rest, G4 of the Spurs and Grizzlies series continued in Memphis.

The Spurs showed even stronger defense in this game than in Game 3. They were trailing 1-2. If they lost again, 1-3 would be a desperate situation.

Popovich made another adjustment during the game. He changed Hansen's defender from Leonard to Green.

After Carter started, Hansen and Leonard were facing each other on the court.

This kind of adjustment in details has a very good effect. Because of his average dynamic talent, Leonard is prone to lose his position when defending Hansen.

But if Leonard is asked to assist in defense, his long arms and big hands will put more defensive pressure on Hansen than head defense.

Leonard in particular is also growing. His improvement in defensive experience and skills has earned him selection to the second team of defense this season.

Hansen's performance in this game was the most mediocre in the series, as he had to pass the ball many times.

But the good news is that Carter's outside play is very stable.

He made 5 three-pointers in the game, including the final buzzer-beating three-pointer.

Ginobili made a difficult layup with 6 seconds left in the game, giving the Spurs a 2-point lead in the final moments.

In the last round of defense, Popovich still resolutely double-teamed Hansen, because that was Hansen. Even if he didn't perform well tonight, he would still be able to make the shot if you gave him a chance to win.

Hansen passed the ball to Carter in the corner during a double-team, and the latter scored the winning shot against Duncan who was assisting in defense.

Just like the "last shot" in 1998, the Jazz didn't double-team Jordan at the last moment. It wasn't because Sloan was stupid, but it was a defensive choice. If he really double-teamed Jordan, it might have been Kerr or Kukoc who made the buzzer beater.

"Han mentioned VC's defense after the last game. That was to make Popovich forget about VC's three-pointers." Barkley sighed at the last moment.

Carter is the one with the best three-point talent among the [Four Great Shooting Guards] and is the most accurate and stable in shooting, with a percentage of over 35% all year round, and even over 40% from time to time.

The most classic of these was the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals against the 76ers led by Allen Iverson, when he hit eight three-pointers in a single game and scored 8 points to lead the team to victory.

A dunker who can’t shoot three-pointers is not a good dunker!
Excellent defense, coupled with stable three-point shooting, is why Carter was able to play for so long in "history". His later style has gradually become 3D.

3 to 1, the Grizzlies got the match point and the Spurs were forced into a desperate situation.

It was at this time that Popovich once again chose team basketball.

And this time his adjustments finally won him the game.

The Spurs once again delivered as many as 25 assists throughout the game, and with five players scoring in double digits, they defeated the Grizzlies 5-117 to pull one back.

When Hansen said he was leaving, it was like giving the Grizzlies players a shot of stimulant, but after almost a week, the Grizzlies' defensive intensity naturally declined.

Although the extent was not actually that great, the strength that the Spurs burst out in desperation allowed them to seize that slight change.

Or, in other words, this is a showdown between top teams, and a slight change can make the outcome of the game completely different.

This result also allowed Barkley to make the ultimate prediction:

"Whether the Spurs or the Grizzlies win, they will be the champions this year."

This statement did not take the Heat seriously, but it was unanimously recognized by O'Neal and Kenny Smith.

Because compared to the Heat, these two teams are both offensive and defensive teams, and their room for error is much larger than that of the Heat.

While the Grizzlies and Spurs were still fighting fiercely, the game in the Eastern Conference had already decided.

A day later, the Heat eliminated the Pacers 4-1.

This is very different from the scene of last year's Game 7, and the main reason for this change in the gap is the [vertical jump rule].

Hibbert must be mentioned here.

When Hibbert debuted, he was called "Black Yao Ming" because of his height and soft touch.

However, his performance in the first two years can only be considered lukewarm, because he does not have the offensive skills of Yao Ming, and on the defensive end he is often targeted by opponents because he moves too slowly.

It wasn't until the 10-11 season, when Vogel became the head coach of the Pacers, that a suggestion from him transformed Hibbert.

He asked Hibbert to imitate Howard's defensive style, facing the breakthrough of outside players, he would jump first and then use his height and wingspan to defend.

Yes, you read that right. Thanks to his explosive physical fitness, Howard is the one who invented defense after jumping.

The reason why Hibbert can use this move to its full potential is because of his size.

With a height of 2 meters and a wingspan of 18 meters, his jumping ability is not very strong but it is enough. It is a nightmare for such a behemoth to jump in front of the breaking players.

With this move, he quickly became one of the league's top centers.

It’s a pity that after the new rules were introduced this season, he became the one who was weakened the most in this version.

It wasn't so obvious in the regular season, but in the playoffs, opponents began to target him. In addition, the frequency of his three-point shooting was increasing, and his slow movement speed was infinitely magnified.

The Pacers' inside defense was destroyed, so it's no surprise that they were swept by the Heat.

The Eastern Conference has already had its results, and now it depends on whether the Spurs or the Grizzlies in the Western Conference can ultimately break out of the siege.

Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the two teams will start in Memphis.

The fans' emotions at FedEx Center were at an all-time high that day.

The Grizzlies have had their ups and downs this season. After Gasol was injured, they were once thought to be out of the top half of the Western Conference and even the playoffs. But now, they are only one step away from a dynasty.

Especially after losing G1, the team won three games in a row and got the match point first, which reminded people that this is a team that won two consecutive championships.

During the pre-match warm-up, the camera frequently focused on players from both teams, and the emotions on both sides were quite serious.

For the Spurs, this is a do-or-die situation, but the Grizzlies don't have much room to maneuver.

Because if they lose Game 6 and play Game 7 in San Antonio, it will be exponentially more difficult for them to win.

Neither side adjusted their starting lineups, and the Grizzlies still let Carter start as shooting guard.

As soon as the game started, Duncan was the first to take action.

He first showed his good touch on the offensive end with a mid-range rebound after a pick-and-roll, and then made a great save on the defensive end to successfully disrupt Carter's three-point shot.

Then, he made a wonderful pass to Green in the corner on the offensive end. The latter also showed strong psychological quality, shaking off Carter and then making a three-pointer.

The 38-year-old Duncan put on an ultimate performance of "Is Lian Po old enough to still eat?"

With his performance, the Spurs started the game with a 5-0 lead over the Grizzlies.

But soon, the Grizzlies responded on the offensive end.

The one who responded was Han Sen.

Leonard's assist defense was just like Payton's defense against Jordan. Although he couldn't really defend Hansen, it did bring him a lot of pressure.

However, after two consecutive games, Han Sen has gradually adapted.

Just like before, just score before the help defense.

Green is not as easy to shake off as Leonard, so he just shoots the ball against the defense.

Green is good at everything, but his physical fitness is very average, which is why he fell to the end of the second round despite being the captain of North Carolina.

And Han Sen also began to exert his strength on the defensive end.

When Duncan passed the ball to Leonard during a double-team, he first forced Leonard to give up a three-pointer, and then directly confiscated the ball in the air after Leonard shot.

This domineering defensive style instantly made the stadium boil.

The Grizzlies also took advantage of the situation and launched a 7-0 counterattack.

However, soon, Duncan was facing Randolph in the low post. Although he did not shake off, he managed to score the ball by using his arm span to overcome Randolph's defense with a duck jump.

Because of Duncan's floor-flow playing style, many people subconsciously ignore Duncan's physical talents.

With a height of 2 meters and a wingspan of 11 meters, as long as his touch is good, the impact of defense on him can be ignored.

Or, you can tell from his expression his firm will to play.

No matter how great a player is, it is difficult for him to maintain an excellent competitive form after the age of 38. Even someone as strong as Jordan would fall from the god of basketball to an ordinary All-Star player.

Of course, the style of play that gives up defense to maintain data is not among the great players.

So for Duncan, he also knew that this was his last chance to win the championship.

He has been trying his best since G4.

But Hansen did the same tonight. After Duncan scored, he immediately responded with a back-to-the-basket, turning around and shooting.

His teammates had done what they could, and the rest was up to him.

The situation shown at the beginning continued until the end.

Under the leadership of Duncan and Hansen respectively, the two teams fought fiercely until the final decisive moment.

With one minute left in the game, Hansen, facing a double-team from Green and Leonard, made a difficult fadeaway shot, helping the Grizzlies take a crucial 107-point lead at 105-2.

After the Spurs advanced to the frontcourt, they passed the ball to Duncan in the low post for a one-on-one shot.

G1邓肯得到27分7板3助攻，今晚邓肯更是已经轰下24分10板2助攻4抢断1盖帽的豪华数据！
Duncan vs. Randolph, another showdown between two of the top power forwards of the past.

Post-up, turn and shake, turn around and hook shot.

Although Duncan's pace slowed down, his movements were very solid, just like a machine.

He successfully shook off Randolph and was determined to score from close range.

but!

The ball hit the front of the basket and bounced out.

The 38-year-old Duncan tried his best, but he could not resist the physical deterioration brought about by the years.

He had tried too hard before, so he couldn't hit the shot at the last moment.

But he grabbed the frontcourt rebound with his strong awareness!

This is Duncan!
Duncan tipped in another shot, but Gasol Jr. had already retreated to the basket. He successfully interfered with Duncan's tip-in and grabbed the defensive rebound!

A stone Buddha cannot stop the black and white heroes!

Gasol grabbed the rebound and quickly passed it to Hansen.

The Grizzlies did not call a timeout.

Jorgel saw Hansen's eye signal.

Duncan showed a rare expression of frustration. After retreating to his own free throw line, he bent down and slapped the floor with both hands.

Because he was sure to score that kind of ball before, and as long as he scored it or even made a tip-in, the two sides would be tied again.

But now with 30 seconds left in the game, they can only defend the Grizzlies' offense to have a last chance, which is a completely different situation.

Han Sen quickly pushed the ball to the front court.

Because there was no timeout, the Spurs' defense chose to follow their instincts at this time.

Carter's buzzer-beater in Game 4 prevented the Spurs from choosing to double-team Hansen right away.

Han Sen saw the opportunity and broke through Green with a forward change of direction.

Leonard came to assist at this time, but it was obviously too late.

Han Sen took the ball with both hands, broke through and dodged with the Phantom Step, then rushed directly to the inside.

Duncan anticipated the situation and retreated to the basket.

He didn't jump, but raised his hands high towards Hansen.

The 2-meter wingspan is the biggest barrier in the Spurs' restricted area.

However, Hansen jumped up after seeing Duncan, and jumped up like a spring, and pulled the ball over Duncan's head with his right hand.

This scene caused the entire place to fall into great commotion.

Carter on the court also widened his eyes, because he seemed to see himself at his peak.

Pulling onions from dry land, falling from the sky!

"Oh!"

Han Sen slammed the ball into the basket over Duncan!
A new world famous painting is Han Sen’s farewell gift to the greatest legend No. 21!
The huge impact force caused Hansen's arm muscles to bulge, and also pushed Duncan directly out of the baseline.

The scene was instantly filled with the cheers of fans.

"It's over!" Barkley yelled from the commentary booth.

With 10 seconds left in the game, the Grizzlies took a 4-point lead.

There is no suspense in the game anymore!

(End of this chapter)