Chapter 184 Can you handle more than 25 shots per game in the series?

On the 14th, the Knicks will challenge the Nets away.

After being eliminated by the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals, He Zhongqiu really wanted to win this regular season game.

When playing against the Cavaliers, Wells sprained his ankle and had to rest for two more days, so he could not play in this game.

In the last game, rookie Josh Howard performed well, mainly scoring by breaking through. He has mid-range and long-range shooting skills, but his accuracy is not good enough.

But he worked very hard on the defensive end, which made Rick Carlisle, Thibodeau, Ewing and other coaches very happy, so he was arranged to start tonight as a reward.

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

Knicks: Mutombo, He Zhongqiu, Josh Howard, Alan Houston, Nash.

Brooklyn Nets: Jason Collins, Kenyon Martin, Richard Jefferson, Corey Kidds, Jason Kidd.

This game was broadcast live nationwide by the Nets, jointly by ABC and ESPN, with commentators Michael Breen and Tom Howard.

Michael Breen said: "The Nets brought in Alonzo Mourning with a 4-year, $2260 million contract. In the first eight games, Alonzo averaged 17 minutes, 8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. His form was not very good. This should be a failed reinforcement."

Tom Howard said: "Mutombo, who was abandoned by the Nets, didn't have many opportunities in the Knicks. He averaged 14 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, which is actually better than Mourning.

He started this game, which was also his first time. This should be because the Knicks value the Nets. After all, they were eliminated by the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals.

I think after entering the playoffs, when facing the Nets, Mutombo should start and use the double towers tactics. Let's try out the lineup and tactics today."

"Yes, I think so too."

Nodding, Michael Breen returned to the original topic and said, "In terms of reinforcement, the Nets' reinforcement was a failure, and their strength was even weakened.

But the Knicks have successfully strengthened the point guard position, making up for their biggest weakness last season.

Although the addition of Nash also resulted in the disadvantage of too weak perimeter defense, and the loss of Kurt Thomas, a defensive stalwart in the low post, the Knicks are really much stronger than last season on the offensive end.

Well, no matter how strong Kidd's defense is, he should not be able to really limit Nash's offense and passing.

As long as Nash can organize the offense and the Knicks have the strong point of Wolverine in the interior, their offense can be played out. "

Tom Howard nodded and said, "So the Nets, who eliminated the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, may not be a match for the Knicks this season."

Michael Breen said: "So far, the Nets have a record of 3 wins and 5 losses, losing to the Raptors, Mavericks, Pistons, Spurs, and Pacers respectively, ranking 11th in the East. In the first eight games last season, they had 6 wins and 2 losses, and the start was not good."

"Dare to lose even to the Pacers?" Tom Howard laughed.

“Don’t underestimate the walkers.”

Michael Breen said: "Larry Bird did not choose to completely rebuild in the end. He only traded Brad Miller and selected the second pick Hinrich. Currently, they are 5 wins and 3 losses, ranking second in the East, second only to the Knicks who have won seven consecutive games."

Tom Howard said: "Larry Bird's coaching ability is indeed strong. His draft vision is also very good. Currently, Carmelo averaging 8 points in 20.25 games. I think the Pacers should choose him."

Michael Breen smiled and said: "Hinrich is also good. In the first eight games, he averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is suitable for the Pacers lineup.

When choosing a player, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the strongest offensive player, but it must be the most suitable one and match the lineup attributes.”

At eight o'clock, the competition begins.

Mutombo and Collins jump ball and the Nets attack.

Michael Brin teased in a playful tone: "Kenyon Martin is good at bullying opponents who are not as strong as him, but when he meets strong power forwards like Garnett and Duncan, he will be abused. Let's see how he performs today?"

"Whether it's a violent showdown or a one-sided crushing victory, I'm looking forward to it," Tom Howard also said.

Kenyon Martin was a little nervous because Wolverine caught up with him.

He first tried to enter the paint area from the low right wing, but was blocked by He Zhongqiu and was outnumbered.

He tried to go around again, but He Zhongqiu moved faster than him and he couldn't make any progress, so he had to give up.

On the left side of the basket, Mutombo did not defend Jason Collins head on, but went around him and defended from the side.

After he was seriously injured, he no longer used that tough defensive style, but instead adopted a more flexible approach to reduce physical exertion.

In a word, defend based on experience.

And what if Jason Collins, a third-rate blue-collar center, was allowed to enter the basket? He was confident that he could strangle Collins without the help of Wolverine.

"Old Mu, do you need help?" He Zhongqiu shouted at this time.

"Wolverine, you can go sit on the bench and watch how I defend two guys at once." Mutombo said in a hoarse voice.

Jason Collins and Kenyon Martin heard the conversation between the two and their faces turned blue with anger.

The Knicks played a three-two zone defense, with rookie Josh Howard guarding the center, Alan Houston on the left wing, and Nash on the right wing.

On the outside, Kidd held the ball and pulled to the right wing, making a pull-away gesture, making it clear that he wanted to single out Nash.

He faced Nash twice in the regular season last season, but failed to defend Nash. In one game, Nash scored 30 points, and in another game, he scored 24 points.

He himself had 22 points and 14 points, and his shooting percentage was not high and was far lower than that of the opponent, which made him a little unhappy, so he hopes to save face today.

Josh Howard in the high position quickly moved to the right wing, preparing for a double-attack.

He is a rookie and has little experience, so he only remembers one thing: strictly follow the defensive tactics and double-team the person with the ball.

Nets shooting guard Corey Kidders moved from the right wing to the top of the key, making room for Kidd while trying to get open.

Josh Howard quickly inserted himself between Kidders and Kidd, cutting off their passing angle while continuing to pounce on Kidd.

Kidders moved to the top of the right arc and quickly changed direction and cut to the right elbow area, so that a passing route appeared between him and Kidd.

This is a typical pass-and-cut tactic of the Nets. As long as he receives the pass in the right elbow area, the ball is secure.

Ki Bugong was double-teamed by two people. He didn't dare to shoot from outside the three-point line and quickly passed the ball to Kidders who ran into an open space.

"Take it!"

But at this moment, He Zhongqiu, who was defending Kenyon Martin at the right waist position, quickly pounced upwards, approached Kidders in the first step, swept past him in the second step, and grabbed Kidd's pass with one claw.

"Wolverine!"

Michael Breen shouted excitedly: "Steal the ball! Beautiful! Wolverine successfully made up for the defense and intercepted Kidd's pass to Kidders."

"He's on the fast break now," Tom Howard yelled.

He Zhongqiu's fast break was fierce and fast, like a tiger sprinting, unstoppable.

When he crossed the center line, Kidd and Kidders were behind him, with no defender in front of him.

Center Mutombo didn't move at all, just stood under the basket and watched the show.

"boom!"

He Zhongqiu jumped up from the free throw line, turned around, and then completed the fast break with a powerful slam dunk.

"Oh ho!"

"Clap clap clap..."

There was warm cheers and applause at the Nets' home court because many of the fans are from New York and this place is so close to New York.

Michael Brin said excitedly: "Wolverine also tried some tricks, spinning 360 degrees, very easily."

"Sooner or later, the Nets' home court will become the Wolverines' home court." Tom Howard said suddenly.

Michael Brin was startled, then burst into laughter, and then said:
"From this defense, I think Wolverine is really suitable for playing the four position on the defensive end. His agile movement ability is enough to allow him to cover the entire half court."

Tom Howard said: "Rick Carlisle may also think so, otherwise why let Mutombo start at center?
Mutombo will be in charge of the paint and guard the restricted area, while the Wolverines will be responsible for sweeping the area outside the restricted area. This can greatly make up for the weakness of the outside defense. "

Michael Breen nodded repeatedly and said, “The main question is how long Mutombo can play and what his condition will be like going into the playoffs.

If he can't play the five position, then the Wolverines will not only have to return to the five position on defense, but also have to take care of the four position, which will put a lot of pressure on defense and make it difficult to take care of the outside defense. "

Tom Howard said: "So Mutombo is very important. He can solve the defensive problem at the fourth position and liberate the Wolverines."

At this time, the Nets' attack failed again. Kidders received the pass from Kidd at the top of the right arc. Josh Howard quickly returned to defense and forced a shot in a small open space, but missed.

Mutombo controlled the backcourt rebound and the Knicks attacked.

In the low post on the right wing, He Zhongqiu carried Kenyon Martin and entered the basket in two steps, standing in front of the right side of the basket, very easily.

"This beast."

The 109-kilogram Kenyon Martin used all his strength, but it felt like he was wrestling with a giant rhino, and he lost without a doubt.

Nash, who controls the ball, moves continuously outside. His speed is definitely faster than Kidd. His skills of integrating man and ball are very good. Kidd can't stop his movement, so he can't stop his pass. He feels too comfortable playing in the Knicks. When the Wolverines attack, he doesn't need to break through at all. He just needs to control the ball outside and then pass it in. It's basically done.

This is very beneficial for him because his physical fitness is not good. If he breaks through with the ball too much, he will not be able to play in the final quarter.

"Pass," Tom Howard yelled.

He Zhongqiu received the ball and was double-teamed by Jason Collins. He didn't delay at all, without any fake moves, dribbling, or any adjustments of his feet, he just turned around and dunked.

Jumping with your back to the basket and completing a 180-degree turn in the air to face the basket requires strong agility, coordination, balance, and flexibility.

"call!"

At this moment, he was really like a tiger. He turned around and jumped so quickly and fiercely that he even created a gust of wind.

Especially in jumping, with the support of the 98-level explosive power, it was as if boosters were installed under his feet, and he rushed into the sky in an instant.

Kenyon Martin, who was stuck behind, jumped up in a hurry to block the shot, but even with his violent and talented jumping ability, he was still half a beat slow.

"How come this guy's bullet speed is so fast?"

As soon as he jumped up, He Zhongqiu was already above his head and completed the turn to face the basket.

Jason Collins, who came over to double-team, didn't even have time to jump and could only reach out.

"boom!"

As the loud sound of the ball bursting into the basket was heard, Kenyon Martin, who had just jumped up, was knocked away. He staggered a few steps and hit the basket frame.

"Di!"

The referee's whistle also sounded, and he pointed at Jason Collins, indicating that it was a foul, the goal was valid, and an additional penalty was awarded.

"Oh ho!"

Knicks fans who came from more than ten kilometers away cheered continuously.

"Wolverine's turnaround dunk is different from Shaq's, but equally terrifying," Michael Breen exclaimed.

Tom Howard nodded and said, "Yes, Shark's turnaround dunk is simply unstoppable. No matter how many defenders are around him, they will be forced aside and knocked away by his powerful tonnage.

As for Wolverine, his strength and explosiveness will also create a huge impact when he turns around, and coupled with his jumping speed, he is also unstoppable under the basket. "

"The Wolverine's dominance under the basket is approaching that of the Shaq," said Michael Breen.

Six minutes into the first quarter, with the score at 6:18, the Knicks were leading by 10 points away from home, and the Nets called the second timeout of the quarter.

He Zhongqiu made 6 of 6 shots in the first half of the quarter. Except for two fast break dunks, the remaining 4 attacks were all under the basket, which blew up the Nets' basket.

Rick Carlisle let Mutombo rest and let Dolyak take his place, defending under the basket, while He Zhongqiu continued to sweep outside to fill in the gaps on the outside.

Of course, this is only on the defensive end. On the offensive end, He Zhongqiu has always played the center position and has always focused on attacking the basket.

Even though his close shooting, that is, his offensive ability outside the reasonable collision zone and within the restricted area, has reached level 86, which is close to the first-class level, he still mainly attacks under the basket, and his level 65 mid-range shot is rarely used.

After arranging the lineup, he squatted in front of He Zhongqiu, looked at him and said, "Wolverine, I have a question I would like to discuss with you."

"You say." He Zhongqiu nodded.

Rick Carlisle asked seriously: "Last season we were eliminated by the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their defense was very strong. If we meet them again in the playoffs this season, what do you need to do when others can't score?"

"Score." He said confidently.

Rick Carlisle nodded and asked again: "So if I ask you to take 30 shots per game in the playoffs and more than 25 shots per game in the series, can you do it?"

"what?"

He Zhongqiu was stunned.

"So many shots?"

In the last three series, his average shots per game were more than in the regular season, but it was still less than fifteen. In the regular season, it was thirteen. Did it double in an instant?
If it increases to more than 25 times and the number of shots is doubled, then the consumption of physical energy may not be doubled, but doubled or tripled. Can his physical strength sustain it?

The answer should be no. Even if his physical fitness is about to be upgraded to level 93, it is impossible for him to last 25 shots.

In his mind, his offense under the basket is the best and most efficient. In such an important game as the series, it would be best if all the offense is under the basket. However, offense under the basket consumes the most physical energy. He will definitely not be able to hold on if he takes 25 shots in a game.

Rick Carlisle didn’t wait for He Zhongqiu’s answer and said directly: “The center’s offense is closest to the basket, but it is also the position that faces the greatest defensive pressure.

Therefore, every attack of his requires more physical energy than outside attack, which limits the number of attacks the center can make.

That is to say, the number of shots a center can digest in each game is limited. Even if O'Neal is invincible in the basket, he still needs Kobe outside because he can't digest too many shots. Only Kobe can digest those shots. "

He Zhongqiu began to scratch his head, unable to follow Rick Carlisle's train of thought.

Rick Carlisle smiled and said, "There's no time. I'll find time to talk to you in detail later."

He Zhongqiu nodded. This question came a little suddenly and he hadn't figured it out yet.

The timeout ends, the game resumes, and the Nets attack.

He Zhongqiu's defensive position is still the fourth position, outside, mainly responsible for defending the strong side, and cutting in from the weak side mainly depends on Doryak.

But in fact, with his defensive speed, he can also return to the basket in time.

However, they still lack defensive experience and awareness, and their tactical ability in assisting and supplementing defense is less than level 70. They are not good at guarding against cuts from the weak side, and sometimes ignore them.

This time, Jason Collins pulled to the left wing and took Doriak away from the basket, while the ball was in Kidd's hands on the right wing, and He Zhongqiu did not notice that the basket was empty.

At this moment, Richard Jefferson on the left wing quickly cut inside and entered the penalty area from the left elbow.

Kidd made a precise surgical pass in time, which went straight to Jefferson's hands. By the time He Zhongqiu returned to defense, he was too late. Jefferson ended the attack with a one-handed slam dunk.

"Dolyac is still not good enough. He is not as useful as veteran Mutombo. He can't guard the basket." Michael Breen said.

"Same thing with Harrington."

Tom Howard said: "The Knicks' two inside backups are not very good, but inside players are hard to find. The Knicks picked up the huge bargain of Wolverine. Other teams only want to dig out their inside players and weaken their inside players. Who dares to trade good inside players to the Knicks?"

"Kurt Thomas is a huge loss to the Knicks' interior, and the cost of trading Nash is not small," said Michael Breen.

"brush!"

At this time, Nash hit a three-pointer.

He Zhongqiu entered the basket and attracted most of the Nets' defensive force. Then Nash got an open space on the right wing with the pick-and-roll of mid-range shooting king Alan Houston.

In the following first quarter, He Zhongqiu focused his main energy on the defensive end, while the back line took over the offensive end.

Of course, he also has tasks on the offensive end. He frequently enters the basket to take position on the offensive end, thereby attracting the Nets' defensive strength, compressing the opponent's defense line, and gaining more shooting space for the outside line.

Under He Zhongqiu's powerful offensive deterrence under the basket, Nash and Alan Houston did get a lot of space on the outside. They had a good touch today and made a lot of shots in small open spaces.

After the first quarter, the Nets not only failed to narrow the gap, but it was widened to 12 points.

The first quarter was also a microcosm of the entire game, 88:105, and the Knicks eventually won by 17 points, achieving eight consecutive away victories.

Because of the full defense, He Zhongqiu interrupted his seven-game streak of scoring 30+ points and only scored 24 points.

He also got 17 rebounds, setting a personal career regular season single-game rebounding record.

Mutombo played for half a quarter each time, for a total of 25 minutes, scoring 7 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. His performance on rebounding and defense was good.

When he is at the basket, he can effectively limit the Nets' low-post offense and fill in the gaps for He Zhongqiu who is responsible for clearing the field.

Rick Carlisle is very satisfied with the condition of veteran Mutombo. Tonight is his playoff preview. If they meet the Nets in the series, he will let this veteran start.

Mid-range shooting king Alan Houston scored 22 points tonight with a shooting percentage of 50.6%.

Facing Kidd's strong defense, Nash scored 27 points, 10 assists and 1 steal tonight, with a shooting percentage of 54.5%.

He once again proved that he could not defend Kidd, but Kidd, a top defender, could not defend his offense and passing.

Kidd also scored 22 points, 9 assists and 3 steals against Nash, but his shooting percentage was only 42.4%, once again proving that his offensive talent is indeed average.

The result of this game made Nets head coach Byron Scott see the crisis.

Nash's presence has made it impossible for the Nets' strong perimeter defense to limit the Knicks' perimeter offense, and at the same time, they are unable to cut off the connection between the Knicks' outside and inside offense.

More importantly, Wolverine has become stronger and has made obvious progress. He is more threatening under the basket. The Nets tried every way but could not stop his attack under the basket.

Once more defensive strength is put into the Wolverine, the Knicks' outside line will become active, just like tonight, when one end is held down, the other end will rise up again.

(End of this chapter)