Chapter 191 The Unsolvable O’Neal

Author: Feng Yuanhua

Chapter 191 The Unsolvable O’Neal

Except for foul tactics, Paul Westphal has tried every method, but unfortunately, the effect is average.

Paul Westphal still wanted to save face. After much hesitation, he still chose to win.

In the second half of the second quarter, when the main players from both sides returned to the field again, he finally made a decision.

Jelani replaced Horace, on the one hand, to give Horace more rest time, and on the other hand, it was also for the shark-cutting strategy.

The Lakers were on offense. Fisher, the little fish, had just passed halftime after receiving the ball and was preparing to call on his teammates for tactics.

"Beep!"

Who would have thought, before the words were spoken, the referee's whistle had already sounded.

I was a little confused at first, but then, when I saw the referee pointing towards O'Neal, I seemed to understand again.

Shark-killing tactics!

The game was going well, and I was preparing to use a well-arranged strategy, but it suddenly disappeared.

I have to say, this feeling is very uncomfortable.

However, the Lakers have gradually adapted to this situation, although they are still helpless.

Shark also had a confused face and walked to the free throw line in a daze.

"Bang!"

There were no surprises, no need to look at the result, just looking at O'Neal's shot, you knew the ball was gone.

Obviously in the game, when using the small hook hand, you can have a soft feel.

But at this moment, on the free throw line without confrontation, O'Neal's shooting became very stiff.

Stiffness is not the problem, the problem is not making shots.

Fortunately, O'Neal adjusted in time, and with good luck, he successfully hit the second free throw.

One of two free throws was an acceptable result for the Lakers.

After all, even if the attack is successful, it will only result in 2 points, and it may not be successful.

For supersonic speed, it is not unacceptable.

As long as they successfully score in the next attack, they can get the point difference back to 1 point.

By the way, there are only 5 minutes and 16 seconds left in the second quarter, and the score between the two sides is 43:49.

The SuperSonics offense still used a pick-and-roll tactic, O'Neal still stayed in the paint, Gary Payton broke through and scored, and Jelani scored a layup.

This is a bit of a surprise. Originally he only contributed fouls on the field, but I didn't expect that he could also play a role in the offense.

The Lakers took a baseline kick and the referee's whistle sounded again.

Yes, Geelani had already put his arms around O'Neal and loudly reminded the referee that he had committed a foul.

There was no other way, O'Neal had no choice but to go to the free throw line again.

At the same time, the Staples Center once again booed loudly, seemingly mocking the Sonics.

Wang Hao didn't know what other people were thinking, but he didn't care at all.

Winning is not shabby.

What's more, the real reason for the shark-cutting tactics lies not with the Sonics itself, but with O'Neal.

If O'Neal can improve his free throw shooting, will he still be afraid of other teams' shark-cutting tactics?

There is no need to exaggerate, as long as the hit rate is more than 50%, or even 60%, it is enough.

To practice free throws to 80% or even above 90% requires not only hard work, but also talent.

However, if the requirement is only 60%, it doesn’t even have to be that high. It should be said that anyone can do it.

As a professional player, isn't this a given?

Since O'Neal can't do it, then he and his team will be punished.

"Bang, bang..."

Two crisp sounds sounded, and there was a slight surprise. O'Neal missed both free throws.

As expected, O'Neal's free throw shooting percentage in the playoffs was less than 45%.

Naturally, the Sonics will not let go of such an opportunity.

It's still a pick-and-roll, but this time it's Wang Hao setting a pick-and-roll for Gary Payton.

Jaylen Rose couldn't keep up with Gary Payton's speed, so Kobe could only help.

As a result, Wang Hao was freed up, and Gary Payton's pass caught up immediately.

Fisher, the little fish, tried his best to cover up the defense, but unfortunately, Wang Hao's three-pointer still hit the target.

48:49

On the sidelines, after watching the SuperSonics score, Phil Jackson immediately added a timeout and replaced O'Neal.

There is no other way, the Sonics have made up their mind to kill Shark.

At this time, unless O'Neal can punish his opponent with his free throws, otherwise, he is just a burden on the court.

The big shark ended up with a dark face, and that look was simply extremely unhappy.

No wonder, anyone who ends up like this will probably not be in a good mood.

Kobe and Glenn Rice came on the bench as substitutes, which made Kobe very happy. Now he is the first point of attack.

However, facing Wang Hao's defense, Kobe noticed something was wrong and it was a bit difficult to fight!

Regarding Kobe's defense, Wang Hao decisively chose to let one end and one end go, but choke the middle.

The so-called letting go of one's head and one's tail is to let Kobe's three-pointer go, and then allow him to penetrate into the paint.

To shoot a three-pointer is to bet on Kobe's three-point shooting percentage to see if he dares to shoot.

As for the inside, with the help of Horace and Vin Baker, even Kobe can't score every time.

If O'Neal was on the court, Horace and Vinbeck would not dare to cover up the defense unscrupulously.

Even if Kobe is guarded, it is very likely that O'Neal will grab an offensive rebound, which is not worth the gain.

But now, O'Neal is gone.

Look at who the Lakers have on the inside, the aging AC Green, and Robert Holly, who only knows small moves and sure-fire kills.

In front of Horace and Vin Baker, would you like Robert Holly to try some tricks?

What Wang Hao needs to do is block Kobe Bryant from the mid-range position with all his strength.

Outside the three-point line, faced with a wide open space again, Kobe was naturally not polite and just threw it away.

It's a pity that a player who can only score less than one three-pointer per game can't just shoot it casually.

The basketball bounced out of the frame, and Horace beat AC Green to protect the rebound.

Without O'Neal to intimidate the inside, Wen Baker finally showed his performance and hit the ball hard at the basket.

50:49

When O'Neal was taken off the field, the Sonics were finally able to take the lead for the first time in this game.

This is O'Neal, who has unimaginable deterrent power on both offense and defense.

This is also the reason why the SuperSonics insisted on dropping O'Neal out of the paint, otherwise they would not be able to play at all.

Taking advantage of more than 2 minutes when O'Neal was off the court, the SuperSonics tried their best to expand their advantage.

It's a pity that there is no O'Neal, and there is Kobe.

Kobe directly deducted the pass button. Although this approach was extreme, the problem was that he could score.

First, he stepped on the three-point line, hit a long two-pointer against Wang Hao's defense, and then rushed inside to fight for a foul.

In the last two minutes, O'Neal returned to the game and once again showed no solution mode.

56:56

At the end of the half, the two sides were tied at 56.

On the way back to the locker room, Paul Westphal frowned and seemed helpless.

Not just him, but Wang Hao too.

The SuperSonics have performed very well, but it still feels like it's a little bit off, a little short of a breath of fresh air.

Kobe and Glen Rice's defense still limited Gary Payton and Wang Hao.

As for O'Neal, even if he is double-teamed in the paint, he cannot be completely restrained.
Chapter completed!