The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 147 The League's Strongest Defense

"Bang!"

The Jazz double-teamed Tang Bei, who was off the ball, creating an open shot on the Heat's perimeter. Glen Rice received a pass from Avery Johnson and attempted a three-pointer, but missed.

"Snapped!"

Grant Lang grabbed the offensive rebound as he drove to the basket, but his layup attempt was blocked by Felton Spencer, who was back on defense.

Tang Bei rushed into the paint, jumped the highest, and grabbed the ball.

Karl Malone and Felton Spencer simultaneously surrounded the basket, but Tang Bei suddenly executed a Tai Chi spin, instantly knocking the Mailman over, and then burst into the air.

"boom!"

Amidst the violent thud of the basket, Felton Spencer was knocked back and then crashed to the ground, slammed to the floor.

"WOW!"

At that moment, cheers erupted from the entire stadium like a volcano.

"After the Tornado knocked down the Mailman, he dunked over Jazz center Spencer! Beautiful! Spencer got dunked on!" Michael Breen shouted excitedly.

Tom Tolbert said, "The Heat fought hard for offensive rebounds. When they took shots from the outside, Grant Long quickly moved to the basket to grab the offensive rebound."

Michael Breen said, "Grant Lang was able to secure his starting position at the Heat's power forward position because of his rebounding ability."

Last season, he averaged 6.5 rebounds per game, with 2.95 offensive rebounds, accounting for 45.4% of his total rebounds, demonstrating his high level of aggressiveness in fighting for offensive rebounds.

"Bang!"

The postman got another chance, but this time he missed delivering the mail.

Tang Bei grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Heat launched an attack.

“Grant Lang isn’t tall enough, and he’s not as strong as the Mailman. He tries his best, but he can’t defend,” Michael Brin said.

The Jazz double-teamed Tang Bei again, and Tang Bei pulled out to receive the ball. At this moment, Glen Rice ran out of space again, cut to the three-point line, received a pass from Tang Bei, and shot, hitting an open three-pointer.

With the score at 2-8, the Jazz called a timeout.

Head coach Jerry Sloan adjusted the defensive tactics, switching to a 3-2 zone defense, primarily to guard the Heat's two outside shooters, with small forward Brian Russell guarding the middle.

In addition, he abandoned the early double-teaming of Tang Bei, but emphasized Spencer's top defense and the Mailman's weak-side support defense.

"brush!"

After the timeout, the Jazz attacked, and John Stockton assisted Jeff Malone, who scored a two-pointer.

4:8, Heat on offense.

"Hey, the Jazz have changed their tactics, a 3-2 zone defense?" Michael Breen said.

On the court, as soon as Tang Bei saw that they weren't double-teaming him in advance, he immediately drove straight to the basket without hesitation, and Felton Spencer wouldn't give way.

But he quickly circled around and called for the ball two meters to the left of the basket, about one meter inside the left waist position.

Avery Johnson calmly used his right elbow to shield the constantly making small movements of John Stockton, controlled the ball with his left hand, quickly pulled two steps to the left wing, pulled the ball up, and passed it down.

In the right midfield position, as soon as the ball was passed down, Karl Malone quickly moved to the weak side to help defend, double-teaming Tang Bei on the upper side.

Tang Bei kept an eye on the movement on the weak side while observing the positioning of his teammates on the perimeter. He was also adapting to his new role and new playing style.

The new role and playing style require him to not only consider his own offense as he did last season, but also the offense of his teammates.

At that moment, the ball came into his hands, and the mailman's bag came to his side.

Glen Rice also managed to get past Jeff Malone with a quick back-run and create an open space to receive the ball.

"Whoosh!"

He quickly threw the ball with both hands, and it flew towards Glen Rice.

Glen Rice received the ball at the left wing, about 40 degrees, a step inside the three-point line, and took the shot before Jeff Malone could catch up.

"brush!"

Water splashes, two points hit.

"Beautiful! Tang assists Glen Rice again, who takes a wide-open shot and makes the mid-range jumper!" Tom Tolbert commented.

Michael Breen said, "Since the start of the new season, Tang's average assists have increased from 1.1 per game last season to 4.3 per game, which is a huge improvement."

Tom Tolbert said, "It's clear that his role has changed from an offensive finisher to an offensive initiator."

Michael Breen said, "Pass the ball down first, get it past Tang's hands, draw a double team, and then pass it out. That will give the Heat's perimeter players more space."

Tom Tolbert nodded and said, "Passing in and then passing out, that's the real way to connect the inside and outside."

Michael Breen said, "If this style of play can really be executed, then the Heat will have a hard time defending it. They will need to double-team Tang inside, and there are two shooters on the outside, so they can't leave him open."

Tom Tolbert nodded and said, "Yes, this makes full use of Tang's ability to draw double teams in the low post, while also freeing up the outside shooting ability. Even if the outside doesn't have top-notch ball-handling offensive ability, this lineup is strong enough."

Jerry Sloan was racking his brains trying to figure out how to cover open shots on the perimeter while double-teaming Tang, using a rotational defensive system.

But even the best defensive system needs people to execute it, and the Jazz only have John Stockton as a decent defender on the perimeter. Jeff Malone is a defensive liability, and Brian Russell is still a rookie who can't deliver high-intensity rotation and positioning defense.

The Jazz couldn't fill the open spaces on the perimeter, and double-teaming in the paint couldn't really limit Tang Bei's offense. Plus, it was an away game, and Glen Rice and Steve Smith were shooting well tonight, so ultimately, the Jazz lost the game.

比赛结束后，迈克尔·布林说道：“唐全场18投11中，命中率61.1%，14罚10中，命中率71.4%，轰下32分13篮板8助攻2抢断4盖帽5失误2犯规的数据。”

Tom Tolbert said, "He broke his personal assist record, but he also made a lot of passing errors, with an assist ratio of 1.6, which is a drawback of having more possession of the ball."

Michael Brin said, "A center's assist ratio of 0.6-1.2 is normal, and above 1.5 is excellent. Tang reached 1.6, which is already very good, considering that he just changed his role."

At this point, he changed the subject again, saying, "But if Tang's playing style becomes fixed, he still has to reduce his mistakes."

Because a typical assist-to-team center should have an assist ratio of around 2, and top-tier assist centers need an assist ratio of 3 to be considered excellent.

With a 4-1 record, the Heat have surpassed the Jazz's 4-2 record, leading by half a game and temporarily ranking third in the Eastern Conference.

On the 19th, the Heat defeated the Hawks at home, achieving their fourth consecutive victory.

That night, the team traveled to Washington for the Heat's third back-to-back game.

This time, the Heat lost. Several of the team's outside shooters were out of form, missing many open shots, and Tang Bei only got 3 assists.

With a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, the Heat flew to New York the following day.

On the 21st, the league announced the Player of the Week for the second week, and Tang Bei won the honor.

到目前为止，唐北场均32.9分14.1篮板3.5助攻1.1抢断3.9盖帽3.1失误2.6犯规。

In terms of scoring, he currently ranks first in the league, followed by Jordan with 32.2 points and David Robinson with 29.2 points.

Following Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Second Round last season, the Heat once again appeared at Madison Square Garden, with the two arch-rivals meeting again.

The Knicks had just lost to the Jazz, bringing their record to 7 wins and 2 losses, but they still held the top spot in the Eastern Conference, ahead of the Bulls who also had a 7-2 record and had just lost. Their morale was high.

At 7:30, both sides announced their starting lineups.

Miami Heat: Tang Bei, Grant Lang, Glen Rice, Kevin Edwards, Avery Johnson

Knicks: Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason Jr., John Starks, Doc Rivers

CCTV broadcast the game live. Xu Jicheng said, "The Knicks' starting small forward Charles Smith from last season is seriously injured and will be out for at least two months."

This Knicks team, despite missing key players, is still managing to achieve the best record in the Eastern Conference, which is truly impressive, even stronger than last season.

Sun Zhenping said, "Currently, the Knicks have the fewest points allowed in the entire league, and their defense has surpassed that of the Bulls."

Han Qiaosheng nodded and said, "All five starters today, including the injured Charles Smith, are very good defenders."

Xu Jicheng said, "There's also backup point guard Greg Anthony, who averages 1.4 defensive plays per game."

Sun Zhenping said, "This is Pat Riley's third season as head coach, and the Knicks' defensive system has become more mature."

The atmosphere in the players' tunnel was as stiff as a rock.

A team of 12 security personnel watched the ten starters like they were thieves, with Pat Riley also keeping an eye on them, in case a conflict broke out.

Oakley, Ewing, and Mason stared at Tang Bei, their eyes filled with rage.

Tang Bei looked indifferent, touched his face, and asked in confusion, "I'm not filming a movie, why are you all staring at me?"

"Humph!"

The three men snorted angrily.

Mason urged Oakley on, whispering from behind, "Boss, we can't let this go unpunished. It's up to you now."

Oakley touched his mouth; his chin had been stitched up with dozens of stitches, and the scar was still there. Although the few teeth that had been knocked out had been replaced, it still hurt a bit.

"Boss?"

Mason shoved Oakley from behind, causing Oakley to take a step forward, then quickly stop, turning around and yelling, "Anthony, what are you trying to do, you idiot?"

“Boss?” Little Mason ignored Oakley and stood behind Ewing, stretching out his little hand.

"Don't mess around."

Ewing reacted quickly and swatted away that wicked little hand.

"Why don't you do it?"

Tang Bei stared at Little Mason, a strange smile appearing on his face.

He remembered that this was the same guy who tried to humiliate him last time, and he hadn't really gotten his revenge yet. He should get back at this kid when he gets the chance.

Looking at Tang Bei's smile, Mason shivered and hid behind Ewing without saying a word.

"Coach Riley, hello."

Tang Bei went over and shook hands with Pat Riley.

"Don, you've increased your passing this season, making you even harder to defend," Pat Riley said with a smile.

"The Knicks are the best defensive team right now," Tang Bei complimented with a smile.

Next, he met many Hollywood stars.

Some celebrities took the initiative to greet him, and he responded politely to each of them, but that was about it; he didn't seem to have any intention of having any further interaction with them.

At eight o'clock, the competition begins.

After the jump ball, the Heat went on offense.

The Knicks retreated on defense, setting up a 2-1-2 zone defense, with small forward Anthony Mason Jr. guarding the middle, positioned below the free-throw line.

"It's a pity Avery Johnson doesn't have a three-point shot," Xu Jicheng said after seeing the 2-1-2 zone defense.

At this moment, Avery Johnson dribbled towards the left side of the free throw line, and Mason and Ewing below quickly double-teamed the ball handler.

At the same time, Tang Bei, positioned on the left wing, cut towards the basket.

Avery Johnson saw Tang Bei's movement, and Oakley on the right front side of the basket also saw it. One player lobbed the ball, and the other helped defend Tang Bei.

Tang Bei received the ball on the left side of the basket, and Oakley blocked him. At this moment, Ewing and Mason quickly surrounded him, forming a three-team.

Given his current position, his first option when double-teamed is to pass the ball to a teammate who has an open space, so he passed the ball to Grant Long on the other side.

"Snapped!"

But just as the pass was being made, and the ball was exposed, Oakley made a vicious steal, sending the ball flying.

"Oh dear, Tang Bei made a mistake, Mason got the ball!" Xu Jicheng said anxiously.

Han Qiaosheng said, "I think it was a bit inappropriate for the point guard to drive in. He also brought the defender in, creating a three-on-one situation."

Xu Jicheng nodded and said, "If Tang Bei is under the basket, he can also drive in like this. Once Tang Bei receives the ball, he can attack directly without passing it."

"The Knicks' defense is clearly stronger than last season. Last season they allowed an average of 95.4 points per game, and now it's 91.6 points," Sun Zhenping said, looking at the data.

These data were collected by reporters who were on the front lines in Tangbei.

Xu Jicheng said, "The rotation and help defense on the perimeter are faster, which is not good for the Heat because they can't get wide-open shots."

After the offensive and defensive transition, the Knicks failed to launch a fast break and instead engaged in half-court offense.

Ewing called for the ball in the low post on the left wing, but didn't call for it in the deep post.

Doug Rivers passed to Mason Jr., who then passed to Ewing. Immediately afterward, Mason Jr. quickly bypassed Glen Rice and cut into the penalty area.

Ewing passed the ball to Mason Jr., who received it and charged into the penalty area. Tang Bei quickly turned around, and Mason Jr., who is good at assisting, immediately passed the ball back to Ewing.

"brush!"

Ewing caught the ball, quickly got up, and made a floater over Tang Bei, which went in.

Xu Jicheng cautioned, "The Heat are playing man-to-man defense. Glen Rice needs to work harder on defense. He's too easy to get past. Relying solely on interior help defense makes it easy for the Knicks to get open shots."

0:2, Heat on offense.

Tang Bei positioned himself deep on the left wing in the low post, but Avery Johnson, learning from his previous experience, did not drive directly in. Instead, he drove to the left elbow area, drawing Mason's defense before passing the ball in.

As a result, Tang Bei faced significantly less defensive pressure, no longer being surrounded by an impenetrable three-man encirclement.

On the left wing, Avery Johnson ran towards Glen Rice, and Glen Rice also ran towards Avery Johnson.

The two set a screen on the wing, with Avery Johnson screening John Starks and Glen Rice getting an open shot.

In the low post, just inside the paint, Tang Bei saw Mason coming over again, and Oakley on the weak side was also nearby. With a push of both hands, the basketball he had just obtained flew towards Glen Rice.

"A huge open space!" Han Qiaosheng shouted excitedly.

"brush!"

Glen Rice received the ball at a 50-degree angle on the left wing, two steps inside the three-point line, and made a precise two-pointer.

2-2, Knicks on offense.

"The Heat's offense feels more rational than last season," Han Qiaosheng said.

Xu Jicheng said, "This means that Tang Bei's role has changed. It is no longer a simple point of attack, but a point of attack initiation."

This change fully utilizes his ability to attract double teams, as well as his vision, passing, and playmaking abilities.

This gave outside shooters like Glen Rice more room to operate, and the offense became more rational.

Sun Zhenping added, "His passing can largely break down the opponent's double-team tactics. Once the outside shooting gets going, it can also reduce the intensity of Tang Bei being double-teamed."

“Yes,” the other two echoed.

Han Qiaosheng wasn't very good at basketball commentary, so he asked, "Do you think the Heat have any hope of making it to the Finals this season?"

Xu Jicheng said, "The Heat's main opponents in the playoffs are the Knicks and the Bulls, both of which are very strong defensive teams."

I think it's bigger than last season, especially now that Tang Bei's role has changed, his offensive tactics are more rational, and he's harder to defend.

Sun Zhenping said, "The Knicks are stronger now, and so are the Bulls. This season should be another fierce battle."

At Madison Square Garden, the score went back and forth between the two teams, with neither able to pull away.

However, in the 8th minute of the second quarter, Ewing was injured and had to leave the game without any physical contact with Tang Bei, and the game turned in the hands of the Heat.

However, John Starks stepped up at this moment, making 7 of 10 three-pointers and outshooting Kevin Edwards and substitute Steve Smith. He made 11 of 17 shots in total and scored 37 points.

However, without Ewing, Tang Bei delivered a phenomenal performance in the low post, scoring 42 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, and delivering 6 blocks.

However, due to the increased emphasis on individual offense, there were fewer passes, only two assists, and a corresponding decrease in turnovers, with only one turnover.

The Heat ultimately won the game, bringing their record to 6 wins and 2 losses.

With a record of 7 wins and 3 losses, the Knicks relinquished their top spot in the East, allowing the Bulls, who had no games tonight, to rise to the top.

The Heat defeated the Knicks, surpassing them to move into second place in the Eastern Conference.

On November 24th, the Heat hosted the Warriors at home.

The Warriors acquired number one draft pick Chris Webber through a trade and, in their ecstasy, offered him a massive 15-year, $7400 million contract, averaging nearly $500 million per year.

Tang Bei's average annual salary is only 362 million, so this rookie contract is obviously very high. Pippen must be envious.

What's even more astonishing is that Chris Webber secured a player option in his second season.

The Warriors' record is not much better than last season. The team acquired the number one draft pick and is still in the process of gelling. With a record of 3 wins and 6 losses, they are ranked 11th in the Western Conference.

This game was still worth watching, with a lot of media commentary focusing on the matchup between Tang Bei and number one draft pick Chris Webber.

However, after the game started, everyone discovered that Chris Webber was not playing center, but power forward.

Moreover, they were not very proactive in providing support on the weak side, clearly trying to avoid confrontation with Tangbei.

In this game, the Heat easily won at home, 93-110.

唐北只打了35分钟，轰下30分13篮板5助攻2抢断5盖帽3失误3犯规的数据。

Glen Rice was the second-leading scorer, racking up 20 points.

As the team's sixth man, Stephen Curry scored 23 points today, shooting 9-for-13 from the field, 3-for-5 from three-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.

With a record of 7 wins and 2 losses, the Heat continued their road trip, arriving in Boston on the second day.

The Celtics are currently 7-4, and after losing Reggie Lewis, the team can only rebuild again, with no end in sight.

After defeating the Celtics, the Heat achieved a three-game winning streak, with a record of 8 wins and 2 losses, maintaining their second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls have a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, and are ranked first in the Eastern Conference.

After the Knicks lost to the Heat at home, they haven't played any games in the past few days, and their record is still 7 wins and 3 losses.

(End of this chapter)