Chapter 220 Advance to the Finals

The timeout ends, the game continues, and the Knicks attack.

Next, both sides entered into a fierce defensive battle.

"In terms of defense, except for Nash, the defense of the Knicks' other four main players is no worse than that of the Pistons," said Michael Breen.

"Josh Howard and Charlie Ward on the bench are also good. If they fight on defense, the Knicks may not lose." Tom Howard said.

Bill Walton said: "The Pistons' defense should still be stronger, but their offense is not as good as the Knicks, and their shooting percentage is now just over 30%.

But the Knicks didn’t have any home whistles today, so let’s just go with our strength.”

"What about attacking?"

Michael Bubby said thoughtfully: “After the timeout, the Wolverines have taken three consecutive shots, scored one goal, missed one goal, caused a foul, and made 2 of 2 free throws.

His shots have obviously increased, and the Knicks' hit rate has also increased. Who in the Pistons can compete with him offensively? "

Bill Walton and Tom Howard looked at each other and shook their heads.

At the end of the second quarter, with four minutes left, He Zhongqiu made 4 of 2 shots and 3 of 2 free throws, scoring 6 points.

He had 5 offensive attempts with the ball, 4 of which were mid-range shots, two of which he made, and only one attack under the basket, in which he was fouled and made a free throw.

Nash also took one shot and missed.

The Pistons had a total of five offensive opportunities and scored two goals with a hit rate of 5%, which was slightly higher than before.

At the end of the first half, the Knicks led by 36 points, 38:2.

贺中秋一个人13投8中，命中率61.5%，12罚10中，得到了26分。

In the second half, both sides continued.

He Zhongqiu continued to shoot frantically under the Pistons' crazy double-team, with mid-range and close shots accounting for the vast majority, and his hit rate began to slowly drop.

But strangely, as his efficiency declined, the Knicks slowly widened the gap.

From 2 points to 3 points, and then to 5 points, increasing by one point and two points. At the end of the third quarter, the Knicks led by 6 points.

In the third quarter, he shot crazily, making 7 of 3 mid-range shots with a hit rate of 42.9%, 5 of 2 close shots, and 1 of 1 shot in the basket, a total of 13 of 6 shots, with an overall hit rate of only 46.2%. In addition, he made 3 of 3 free throws and scored 15 points in a single quarter.

The others only scored 4 points in total, and the Knicks scored 19 points in the whole quarter.

However, under the Knicks' desperate defense, the Pistons only scored a total of 15 points in the entire quarter.

"Wolverine took more shots in the third quarter than in the first half. He carried the Knicks' offense by himself," said Michael Breen.

"He's efficient, and it's his scoring that puts the Knicks ahead," said Tom Howard.

比尔沃顿说道：“金刚狼三节26投14，命中率降到了53.8%，15罚13中，他已经轰下了41分。”

Michael Breen said: "If he still has the energy to shoot, the Knicks will win."

Bill Walton thought for a moment and said, “There were only two basket attacks in the third quarter, and I think he should have some energy left.

Even if the hit rate continues to decline, as long as it can reach 40%, the Pistons will not be able to turn things around."

"Unless someone from the Pistons can stand up and keep carrying the team forward with scoring," said Tom Howard.

Michael Breen nodded and said, "If the Pistons lose the Eastern Conference Finals, the biggest problem is that they don't have a superstar who can stand up at the critical moment."

On the Pistons bench, Larry Brown's head was buzzing, as if a string inside him was about to break.

He has been sticking to his tactics, but the team is 6 points behind. Can a real zone defense not defend the Knicks? How can we defend the Knicks?

"Coach Brown, Wolverine has already scored 41 points. We must tighten the double-team on him, otherwise we will lose to him alone." An assistant coach reminded carefully.

"I know."

Larry Brown's forehead was covered in sweat, and the evaporation of the sweat blurred the lenses. He took them off and wiped them directly with his hand.

"His mind is in turmoil."

Joe Dumas saw this and couldn't help but sigh.

Larry Brown never cleaned his lenses with his hands; he always carried a handkerchief with him.

He looked next door and saw Rick Carlisle squatting in front of Wolverine, arranging tactics. He was much calmer than Larry Brown.

At this time, he couldn't help but feel regretful that he should have given Carlisle one more season.

Rick Carlisle said from the Knicks bench: "I thought the Pistons would shrink their defense in the third quarter, but there was no change, they still insisted on double-teaming the ball handler.

But I believe they will change in the final quarter, and the defensive strength will tilt towards the Wolverines, so the others need to be ready to shoot, run more, and create space. "

At this point, he said to He Zhongqiu: "Wolverine, pay attention to the running positions of your teammates and pass the ball in time."

"Okay." He Zhongqiu nodded.

The fourth quarter begins and the Knicks attack.

Both sides used all their main forces, and at the critical moment, both chose to focus on their main forces.

Nash's advancing speed was not fast, but he would speed up and change direction from time to time to get rid of Billups to avoid being pressed by him.

He played for 26 minutes in the first three quarters and had fewer offenses, so he still had enough physical strength to hold on.

Approaching the top of the arc, he immediately noticed that the Pistons' defensive tactics had changed.

The defense contracted and he was close to the top of the arc. They definitely double-teamed him before, but now no one was doubling him.

Wolverine is in the low post on the left wing, and Prince is in a lower position on the left wing. Is he ready to double-team Wolverine at any time?

The next moment, he immediately began to break through.

In his opinion, the reason why the Pistons' defense is so strong is that their defensive system is so strong. The five Pistons are all first-class defenders who can assist in defense and switch defense.

In terms of individuals, none of the five Pistons is a top defender. Even Ben Wallace, who won DPOY several times, cannot be considered a top defender.

Billups' defense is strong, but only average. It does not reach the level of a top defender. He also has weaknesses, which is that people cannot keep up with his speed and one person cannot defend him.

"Breaking in." Yang Jian shouted.

Nash broke down from the top of the left arc and when he crossed the free throw line, Rasheed Wallace, who was defending He Zhongqiu, finally couldn't help but come over to assist in defense, and he immediately passed the ball to He Zhongqiu.

He Zhongqiu received the ball, Ben Wallace under the basket rushed over to defend, and at the same time Prince also rushed down from above to double-team him.

He could shoot at this time, but he threw it with one hand, and the basketball flew like a meteor to Battier at the 50-degree position on the left wing three-point line.

"Big empty space!"

Zhang Heli shouted loudly.

Battier caught the ball, exhaled, and then made a three-point jump shot.

The basketball drew an arc in the air, and then with a swish, it dived into the basket.

"Oh ho!"

A huge roar rang out from Madison Square Garden.

"Beautiful!" Zhang Heli shouted excitedly.

"It's in! 51:60, the Knicks are leading by 9 points." Yang Jian said with a smile.

"Battier's first three-pointer tonight, assisted by Zhongqiu." Xu Jicheng said with a smile.

Then, as Nash was relaxed, he became active. After four minutes, the Knicks led by 11 points, and the difference was climbing up at a slow but steady pace.

"No, no, we shouldn't fight like this..."

Larry Brown looked at the field, his mind in a mess.

He had just changed the defensive tactics as his assistant coach reminded him, shrinking the zone defense formation and preparing to double-team Wolverine at any time.

But the Knicks told him that besides Wolverine, others can score.

He suddenly shouted angrily at the assistant coach: "This is useless. We have already proved that double-teaming Wolverine will not beat the Knicks."

The assistant coach was stunned. "Fuck you, I just made suggestions. You are the head coach. You decided the tactics. Now that something went wrong, you blame me? Are you trying to pass on the blame?"

He snorted angrily, waved his hand and walked aside.

Larry Brown's mind was in a mess and he didn't know how to defend.

Double-teaming Wolverine doesn't work, double-teaming Nash doesn't work, double-teaming the ball handler still doesn't work, how to play? How to play?
With this confused thinking, the Pistons' defensive tactics changed frequently in the last few minutes, leaving the players on the field at a loss and playing even worse.

The Knicks, on the other hand, responded to all kinds of changes by remaining unchanged, taking advantage of He Zhongqiu's strength that the Pistons could never defend against, and wore down the Pistons bit by bit.

“Beep, beep!”

As the buzzer sounded, Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals ended.

"Oh ho!"

Madison Square Garden was filled with jubilation, with all the home team fans standing up and cheering and jumping non-stop.

"66:81, the Knicks won by 15 points, defeated the Pistons, eliminated their opponents with a total score of four to one, and advanced to the finals. Congratulations to the Knicks!" Zhang Heli said excitedly.

Yang Jian said excitedly: "Congratulations Zhongqiu! You made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in your first season, won the scoring title and regular season MVP in your second season, and led your team to the finals. Your career will surely be extremely successful!"

徐计成兴奋地笑着道：“中秋四节31投16，命中率降到了51.6%，17罚14中，命中率82.4%，轰下46分15篮板5助攻3抢断4盖帽4失误3犯规的豪华数据。”

Zhang Heli said with a smile: "The Pistons fell into chaos in the final quarter, and others had opportunities, so Zhongqiu's shots decreased. Otherwise, he would have scored his first 50+ today."

Xu Jicheng nodded and said, "Yeah, 50+, it's a bit of a shame. But there are still the finals to come, so we should save some energy if we can."

Yang Jian calculated and laughed, "Zhongqiu's points accounted for 56.8% of the team's total, and his shots accounted for only 40.2%. This is why the Knicks won."

"It's the finals!"

Zhang Heli said with emotion, "The Pistons are a thing of the past. The next opponent the Knicks will face is most likely the Lakers with the Big Four.

Although the Timberwolves pulled back a game at home, I think the Lakers should make it to the finals."

"Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals is the Lakers' home court, and the Lakers have a greater chance." Xu Jicheng nodded.

Zhang Heli said excitedly: "So Zhongqiu will also face the strongest center opponent next, Shaquille O'Neal."

"big shark?"

Hearing this name, Xu Jicheng and Yang Jian couldn't help but be excited.

A few days ago, a not-so-fierce media war broke out between the New York media and the Los Angeles media, with the topic being the battle for the top active player.

When they thought about He Zhongqiu becoming one of the Chinese people in this topic, they couldn't help but feel very excited and proud.

At this time, ABC TV station was interviewing He Zhongqiu.

The reporter asked: "Wolverine, you eliminated the Pistons in the second round last year and eliminated them again in the Eastern Conference Finals this time. What do you think of this Pistons team?"

"Oh……"

He thought for a moment and said, "Their defense is really good, but their offense is not so good. Overall, they are a first-class strong team. If it weren't for us, they would be qualified to compete for the championship."

The reporter asked: "Wolverine, you have developed the Chaos Step and mid-range jump shot this season. You have improved very quickly and even have the ability to compete for the top player in active service. What aspects do you plan to strengthen next?"

He said without hesitation: "Defense, my defense is not good enough, I hope my defense can reach the level of Dream Team, I hope to be selected to the best defensive team.

In this Eastern Conference Finals, our opponent, the Pistons, had a very average offense. If their offense was stronger, we might have lost, so we must strengthen our defense."

The reporter asked, "Do you want to be a superstar who can play both offense and defense?"

"Yeah, you're right." He nodded.

"Do you want to face the Lakers or the Timberwolves in the finals?" the reporter asked.

"Whatever." He blurted out.

"Why?" the reporter asked in surprise.

He Zhongqiu explained confidently: "From the situation in the regular season, I think the Lakers this season are not very strong.

I don't care about the Big Four. The Mailman, the Glove, and the Big Shark are all old. There is only Kobe left, and his energy is focused on the lawsuit. He is not threatening. "

The reporter's mouth opened wide. Wolverine, do you know that you have a problem with your big mouth?

"Wolverine, how dare you ignore me?"

In O'Neal's mansion in Los Angeles, he got angry when he heard this.

"I'll bite you to death and then flush you down the drain."

He immediately turned his anger into appetite, finished half of the beef burger in one bite, and then began to chew fiercely, as if what he was chewing in his mouth was not a burger, but Wolverine.

"Wolverine, you're going to regret saying that."

Inside Kobe's mansion, a murderous look suddenly appeared in his eyes.

"Wolverine, if I were ten years younger, I would smash your head off."

At the postman's home, he was also very angry, but he was really old and injured, and he no longer had the money to confront Wolverine. He could only curse helplessly to vent his dissatisfaction and depression.

Payton stared at the TV, in no mood to talk trash.

In fact, he thinks Wolverine is right. The Lakers this season are really mediocre, with internal strife and constant injuries.

There are infighting within the Buss family, infighting within the OK combination, infighting within the management, infighting between the head coach and the management, etc. The entire Lakers are torn apart from top to bottom, and there are too many internal problems.

O'Neal rested for 15 games, Kobe for 17 games, and the Mailman for 40 games. Only this old man did not rest a single game.

At Madison Square Garden, He Zhongqiu ignored the reporters and said to himself: "As for the Timberwolves, Garnett is just a wolf cub. I don't care about that guy who likes to beat up his teammates."

"Fuck! Wolverine, you've ruined my reputation and I'm going to sue you." Garnett cursed in a hotel in Los Angeles.

At Madison Square Garden, He Zhongqiu came to the CCTV commentary booth and was interviewed by Zhang Heli and others.

"Hello, thank you for watching my game."

He first greeted the camera, the live broadcast had not ended yet.

"During the Mid-Autumn Festival, didn't you feel a little regretful for not getting 50+?" Yang Jian asked.

He shook his head and said, "No, the best result is to make it to the finals. A hundred 50+ points is not as powerful as a championship. The championship is the killer move. Other honors are actually irrelevant."

"Why do you say that?" Xu Jicheng asked curiously.

He Zhongqiu said: "Because Michael Jordan often talks about his six championships in front of me."

"Haha..." Several people burst into laughter.

(End of this chapter)