ebookland Chapter 404 Bold Strategy
Chapter 404 Bold Strategy
The Clippers' starting lineup remaining the same as in the regular season wasn't due to Doc Rivers being stubborn; rather, this lineup's defense was indeed very consistent. Offensively, there are definitely flaws, and it's true that only Jia Fei is a truly strong player. However, this lineup was a huge success in the regular season, so it's only natural that it would continue into the playoffs.
The Thunder's starting lineup for the away game was Westbrook, Roberson, Oladipo, Gibson, and Adams.
The Thunder have a twin-tower lineup, which is very strong defensively. The main problem on offense is that the inside players lack the ability to create their own offense, the outside shooting is poor, and the overall lineup has poor offensive spacing.
Both teams' starting lineups are on the field, and the match is about to begin.
The atmosphere at Staples Center was fantastic. Jia Fei had played many games in this arena this season, and he felt that everything else was perfect. The only downside was that the arena was empty, with nothing in the sky. In contrast, when playing away games against the Lakers, the sky above the arena was packed with people.
The Clippers' history is truly pathetic. Forget about championship banners, they don't even have conference championship banners or retired jerseys. It's utterly shabby. This situation must change!
This is a key reason why Jia Fei joined the team; a blank canvas makes it easier to write.
DeAndre Jordan and Aquaman are preparing for the jump ball near center court; the game is about to begin.
The jump ball began, and Aquaman won the jump ball against DeAndre Jordan, giving the Thunder possession of the first ball on offense.
Westbrook dribbles the ball across half-court.
Westbrook's performance this season has been truly explosive. He has achieved a triple-double average, and it's a triple-double average with 30+ points per game. He can be said to be the most versatile man in the league this season.
Beverley was naturally tasked with guarding him.
When Westbrook saw Beverley, a glint of fire flashed in his eyes. Back in the 2012-13 season, when Jia Fei was still with the Thunder, Westbrook was injured by Beverley during a game against the Rockets, ending his season. The Thunder unfortunately lost their chance to compete for the championship that year.
Time flies, but seeing an enemy will naturally bring back memories of the past. It's absolutely true that enemies are always filled with hatred when they meet.
Beverley was the same as always, playing hard on defense, using many dirty tricks, and leading the defense against Westbrook the entire game.
Westbrook used his powerful physique to push past Beverley, making some movements with his arms as well. In terms of sheer explosive physical strength, if Westbrook claims to be second to none at the point guard position in the league today, no one would dare to claim to be first.
The Clippers came up with a standard defense, man-to-man, and the defensive intensity wasn't very high, except for Beverley, of course.
Westbrook used the screen from the overseas player to break through and then passed to the Sean!
Haiwang's shot to the basket was disrupted by Jia Fei, who came over to help defend, and he missed!
DeAndre Jordan grabbed the rebound and passed it to Patrick Beverley.
Beverley dribbled in but was relentlessly guarded by Westbrook, resulting in a turnover...
Westbrook flexed his muscles at the other man and spewed trash talk at him.
The atmosphere at the scene immediately became lively!
Jia Fei couldn't help but laugh. With Westbrook around, you never have to worry about a lack of passion. But for a point guard, passion is certainly a good thing, but too much passion that can't be controlled is also a problem.
On Thunder's offense, Oladipo held the ball against Wesley Johnson, used a screen to drive and shoot, but missed!
DeAndre Jordan grabbed another rebound and passed it to Jia Fei.
Oladipo didn't actually play well during his time with the Thunder; he truly took off with the Pacers. With the Thunder, the ball was mostly in Westbrook's hands, so Oladipo had limited opportunities to handle it. His playing style wasn't primarily 3-and-D; he was the type who needed to find his rhythm with the ball.
Robertson also led the defense against Jia Fei throughout the game. His defense was excellent, his close marking and marking were very effective, he didn't commit fouls easily, and he didn't gamble on steals. He was a very tough opponent.
With the help of DeAndre Jordan's screen, Jia Fei cut in, used his hip to block Roberson, and with a "Qin King circling the pillar" move, scored a layup, giving the home team the first point!
Westbrook brought the ball over, faced Beverley's defense, used a screen to drive hard to the basket, and then passed to Roberson on the weak side.
Jia Fei didn't bother defending Robertson's three-pointer at all, but it would be a real shame not to shoot when the shot was wide open, so he took the shot anyway, and the ball went in!
3-2, Thunder take the lead.
The Clippers were on offense, and Wesley Johnson was left wide open, but he missed the shot!
After grabbing the rebound, Westbrook immediately shifted into gear, much like the "relaxed running style" of American legend Tyson Gay. The name "Gear Shifter" is well-deserved!
Westbrook drove the length of the court, directly attacking the basket and drawing a foul from Harris!
Even Jia Fei had to admit that Westbrook was truly formidable. Perhaps Westbrook wasn't a perfect team leader, but when this guy got going, he was like a train, roaring and charging straight ahead, fearless and unstoppable.
Westbrook made both free throws, giving the Thunder a 5-2 lead!
Beverley dribbled the ball over and passed it to Jia Fei!
Jia Fei dribbled the ball, used a screen to break through on the strong side, attracting the defense of three players, and then passed the ball to Harris at a 45-degree angle on the weak side with one hand.
Gibson, who was guarding Harris, had already retreated to the basket, giving Harris an opportunity.
Harris decisively took a three-pointer—and it went in cleanly!
The score is tied at 5-5, with both sides tied at the start!
Both sides have their own characteristics: the core player drives the scoring and enables other players to score.
A white tycoon on the sidelines was clapping. Those who knew him would know that although he looked ordinary, the US dollars in his pocket were anything but. This man was Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Clippers.
Ballmer has reason to be happy; his team is playing in the playoffs at Staples Center, while the Buss family's team starts preparing for the next season right after the All-Star break. That's the difference.
Ballmer felt that abandoning the 58 Shafen combination and betting on Jia Fei was an absolutely correct investment.
Westbrook got a little annoyed and knocked down his opponent, earning an offensive foul.
On the other hand, Wesley Johnson hit a three-pointer, making it 5-8, and the Clippers took a three-point lead!
Westbrook dribbled over, sat down against Beverley, forced his way in, and turned for a jump shot...
A figure suddenly appeared from the side and delivered a volleyball-style block to him!
Westbrook reacted quickly and immediately chased after the ball!
But this person also gave chase, and the two raced on the court!
The Staples Center erupted in cheers; the game was getting more and more interesting!
Even someone as fast as Westbrook isn't fast enough against Jia Fei. Jia Fei steals the ball, goes up 1-on-0 in the frontcourt, and easily dunks with one hand, sparking a 5-0 run and forcing the first timeout of the game!
Cheers erupted at Staples Center, with shouts of "MVP" echoing throughout!
Thunder head coach Billy Donovan held his clipboard, his expression somewhat serious. Jia Fei's help defense was omnipresent; he was guarding Roberson, whose offense was largely ineffective except at the basket, allowing Jia Fei to help defend without any worries.
This is the Clippers' strategy: their best defender, Jia Fei, doesn't guard Westbrook or Oladipo, but instead guards Roberson, who has the least offensive role, and then fully utilizes his help defense ability. It's a really bold strategy.