novelODS Chapter 70: Ford Center's sharpshooter makes his debut; Zeng Zhen's incredible marksmanshi
Chapter 70: Ford Center's sharpshooter makes his debut; Zeng Zhen's incredible marksmanshi
6:15.
"Ron, go defend Zeng and limit his ball movement," Adelman shouted from the sidelines. After the substitution, the Thunder seemed like a completely different team, scoring repeatedly on offense.
This greatly displeased Adelman.
"OK!" Artest nodded, his eyes fixed fiercely on Zeng Zhen.
During the Rockets' pre-game tactical discussion, Yao Ming strongly suggested placing Zeng Zhenfang in the same tactical role as Durant to counter him.
As a teammate on the national team, Yao Ming knew very well that if he let Zeng Zhen off the hook, the Rockets would learn a lesson.
"The Thunder are on a roll. Let's see if they can stop them."
"Alston dribbles up the court, it would be more logical to pass the ball to Yao Ming at this point, okay, pass it to Artest."
"Artest, here it is, hey, it's in."
"Yao Ming backed down Wilcox in the low post, bumped him once, and then hooked him with a hook shot."
"I've got it! This is the right way to play!"
6:17.
"That's how the Rockets should play: slow down the pace and get the ball to Yao Ming."
"We have an advantage in the paint."
Zhang Heli was giving an excited explanation.
Wilcox on the field was panting heavily.
Wilcox is 2.08 meters tall and weighs 107 kilograms. He plays power forward/center and is a typical representative of the beastly big men in the NBA in the 2000s. He is physically strong but technically rough. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points and 7 rebounds per game.
Wilcox struggled to defend Yao Ming one-on-one.
Westbrook dribbles the ball up the court.
"Play the game, Russell, don't be impulsive," PJ Carlesimo kept reminding the young players on the sidelines, and he even whistled.
Westbrook wanted to drive to the basket himself, but seeing Yao Ming in the paint and McGrady and Artest on the wings, he hesitated. He wasn't sure he could break through their encirclement.
Durant continued to box out McGrady at the free-throw line, trying to find an opening, while Zeng Zhen kept moving around the left corner and the 45-degree position. Artest continued to put pressure on Zeng Zhen. Artest's defense was very experienced, and it was difficult for Zeng Zhen to get a direct open shot through his off-ball movement.
Westbrook passed the ball to Durant. Durant's dribbling was still a bit clumsy, and he was also a bit thin. When McGrady made contact with him, he easily lost his position. Durant couldn't shake off McGrady with his dribbling. Zeng Zhen called for a screen from Wilcox. Wilcox covered his groin and moved sideways. Zeng Zhen ran over and used the beast's body to make another back cut to the right corner.
"KD, over here!!"
Zeng Zhen was about to open up, and Durant happened to see the angle and immediately smashed the pass over.
The Rockets should have switched to defend Scola at this point, but Scola's defense couldn't close the gap.
Zeng Zhen received the basketball at the three-point line while running.
Catch and shoot!
The shooter's signature catch-and-shoot three-pointer!
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
"Whoosh!!"
Three point hit! !
9:17.
The Ford Center erupted in cheers.
"Waaaaah!!"
"Well done."
"That combination of running and shooting is really cool."
The fans on the sidelines were buzzing with discussion, and the female fans were screaming and celebrating.
Zeng Zhen made a bow and arrow celebration gesture on the sidelines, marking his first three-pointer in his NBA career.
"Hehehe, Durant's pass was very reasonable, and Zeng Zhen's three-pointer was also beautiful. Zeng Zhen has made a great contribution during this period of time since he came on," Zhang Weiping said with a smile.
On the court, after Yao Ming received the ball in the paint, Westbrook came over to help defend and double-team him. Yao Ming tried to dodge the attack, but ended up elbowing Collison in the chin.
"Bang!!"
"Beep beep!!"
Collison covered his mouth and fell to the ground. The referee promptly called an offensive foul, and possession of the ball changed hands.
Artest began to half-front Zeng Zhen in the backcourt, preventing Zeng Zhen from receiving the ball, which Westbrook then received and dribbled over.
Westbrook dribbled to the top of the key, and Durant continued to stand and call for the ball.
Westbrook ignored Durant's gesture and signaled Zeng Zhen to run into position. Westbrook knew perfectly well that Zeng Zhen's three-pointers were accurate from the start; Durant was nothing compared to him...
Zeng Zhen could only run with Artest, still calling for off-ball screens, and this time Zeng Zhen took the initiative to cut into the paint.
Wilcox and Collison simultaneously provided cover for Zeng Zhen, blocking Artest.
Zeng Zhen arrived at the left 45-degree position outside the three-point line. Yao Ming should have switched out to defend him at this point, but unfortunately, Yao Ming couldn't keep up.
So, Westbrook immediately passed the ball over!
Catch and shoot!
A three-point jump shot with a slight drift was launched.
"Whoosh!!"
Zeng Zhen hits another three-pointer!
12:17.
"Pause!!" Adelman finally couldn't hold back any longer.
Another three-pointer!!
Two hits in quick succession.
It's really unbearable.
Zeng Zhen patted the turtle's buttocks and said, "Good brother, that's a great gift."
"Haha, your positioning was also great." The Turtle nudged Zeng Zhen's chest and returned a friendly compliment.
Durant, who was standing next to Zeng Zhen, had just extended his right hand to give him a high-five, but when he saw Zeng Zhen touch Westbrook's butt, he could only reluctantly pull his hand back.
"Two consecutive three-pointers, those two offensive plays were quite reasonable, and the Thunder quickly closed the gap. The Rockets can't be careless. Adelman needs to find a way to limit Zeng Zhen," Zhang Heli said cheerfully.
In Coach Zhang's view, it doesn't matter who wins or loses today, the main thing is that Yao Ming and Zeng Zhen play well, score high, and have solid statistics.
"Our fourth pick plays very calmly, and the eighth pick shoots very accurately."
"Yeah, this year's draft was worth it."
Two fans wearing number 35 jerseys in the second row were having a heated discussion.
Carlesimo nodded as he watched Westbrook and Zeng Zhen work together; he was prepared to keep the two of them on the bench as a long-term pair.
Although the Thunder are currently rebuilding, Carlesimo still has ambitions; he wants to win.
Pause back.
Yao Ming secured the ball in the paint, Artest cut inside, Yao Ming passed the ball to Artest, Artest received the ball after a contest with Collison, and made a layup.
The Thunder launched another attack, with Westbrook dribbling the ball upcourt and passing it to Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen received the ball and faked a shot beyond the three-point line. The convincing fake move caused Artest to lose his balance. Normally, guards can't use this to break through, but Zeng Zhen is no ordinary guard.
"Whoosh!!"
Zeng Zhen burst past Artest in one step, and Yao Ming helped defend in the paint. Zeng Zhen then passed the ball to Wilcox who was following up.
Wilcox's best offensive move is scoring easy baskets!
Facing an open shot, Wilcox gripped the basketball firmly with both hands and took off, unleashing a powerful dunk.
"box!!!"
"ah!!!"
Wilcox slammed the ball into the basket.
Zeng Zhen adds another assist.
Thunder fans clearly felt that with Westbrook and Zeng Zhen on the court, the Thunder had the strength to compete with the Rockets, and were no longer dominating as they had been at the beginning of the game.
In the subsequent game, Zeng Zhen and Durant scored consecutively, helping the Thunder catch up, while Westbrook also had some brilliant performances from time to time.
This ensured that the game remained suspenseful even when the Thunder's interior defense was completely overwhelmed.
At the end of the first half, the score was 51-46, with the Thunder trailing by only 5 points.
Zeng Zhen recorded a well-rounded stat line of 12 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals.