The Timberwolves’ defense is entirely based on Kevin Garnett; he’s the backbone, omnipresent on defense.
anwhile, Sprewell is biting at his forr teammate Allan Houston, while Sam Cassell is closely sticking to Tayshaun Prince, causing psychological damage.
For a ti, the Warriors had no one to cover Roger.
But Roger wasn’t trapped. He continually ran inside, completely attracting Garnett to himself, and just before colliding with Garnett, he passed the ball through KG’s spread legs to the cutting Stoudemire! Stoudemire didn’t opt for a jump shot; he didn’t have KG’s cleanliness obsession but rather did a drive-in slam directly facing the basket after receiving the ball!
Because Jeff Hornacek is well-versed with Salt Lake City’s pick-and-roll, and he brought this tactic to the Warriors, Roger often practices this routine with Stoudemire. Moreover, their tacit understanding deepened as the season progressed. Now, regardless of how opponents block, they can’t prevent Roger from assisting Stoudemire after the pick, as Roger can find various angles to pass the ball to Stoudemire, and Stoudemire knows when to cut in, when to bounce out.
Marv Albert praised this offense: "Roger now can close his eyes and still know how to assist Stoudemire!"
to 0, the Warriors took the initiative.
Roger shouted at KG: "Kevin, where’s the promised ice and fire? Co on, let enjoy this! I didn’t co here today to play an unbearably easy ga!"
The ga continued, and the Timberwolves’ offense still sought KG as he prepared to post-up Stoudemire in the low post.
But the Warriors didn’t give him a chance at all; at the mont Garnett posted up with the ball, Camby imdiately double-tead, forcing Garnett to pass the ball to Olowokandi under the basket.
When Stoudemire and Marcus Camby were on the court simultaneously, Kevin Garnett was entirely restrained.
But when Olowokandi was ready to rise strong under the basket, Marcus Camby was already back in position, delivering a solid block to Olowokandi!
Though Mutombo had lost his starting position, seeing Camby complete the big block made him stand up excitedly and wave the towel.
On the court, Marcus Camby passionately swung his fists, then looked at Mutombo and nodded.
From a nationally-acclaid rising star to two consecutive years of injuries, abandoned by the team, almost giving up... Marcus Camby nearly ruined his career. It was Mutombo and this team that brought him back.
This season is crucial for reversing everything; he must seize every second on the starting lineup!
The Warriors went on the counterattack; Roger didn’t do a pick-and-roll with Stoudemire this ti but dribbled to shake off Trenton Hassell, forcing Garnett to block again.
Roger passed the ball at the perfect ti, and Stoudemire made a mid-range shot.
Though Garnett tried to interfere, he was a step late, and Stoudemire’s jump shot went in steadily!
to 0!
Stoudemire shouted excitedly, his mid-range shot, his defense — all didn’t appear overnight.
The weakness last season prevented him from playing the reliable role next to Roger’s left arm, leading to the Warriors eventually stopping at the second round.
But this year, he will reverse everything; he wants to beco the most reliable support beside his favorite star player!
"The Warriors are dissecting the Wolf King!" Marv Albert shouted.
Indeed, all the Warriors were doing targeted KG.
On defense, Stoudemire and Marcus Camby’s athletic abilities were enough to offset Garnett’s agility advantages.
On offense, Roger and Stoudemire’s increasing rapport left Garnett at a loss.
The Warriors were leaving the Timberwolves’ alpha wolf without a clue in Minneapolis.
Garnett was annoyed. This ti he called for the ball at a very high position, determined to break through the Warriors’ defense.
Garnett, holding the ball against Stoudemire, made several triple threat moves, ultimately accelerating as soon as Stoudemire’s center of gravity shifted!
But as soon as Garnett started one step, he found his ball poked away.
It was Roger!
He had already left Trenton Hassell early to assist KG, completing the steal as soon as Garnett lowered the ball.
Tonight, whether in low or high positions, the Wolf King didn’t have a place to settle.
The Warriors made a series of targeted arrangents, all efforts aiming for one goal — to ensure there wasn’t a team the Warriors couldn’t beat in the league!
Seizing the ball, Roger quickly initiated a counterattack. Garnett pursued relentlessly, showing speed contrary to his build.
As Roger jumped for a layup, Garnett also extended his long arms, propelling himself into the air to block.
His fingertip was about to touch the basketball, but Roger, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, suddenly pulled the ball back, swapped it to the other hand, and completed a layup with a switch!
Roger knows Garnett too well, clearly aware of how fast the Wolf King’s chasedown blocks could be, so Roger never planned to finish with a simple layup from the start.
to 0, the Golden State Warriors showcased extre dominance at the opening phase, holding down the fierce wolf tightly!
It seed the Timberwolves couldn’t make the Warriors get lost in a snow-covered forest.
"Sorry Kevin," Roger turned around after completing a slam, "you know, I can’t go two seasons without a championship. So this year, no matter how satisfied you are with yourselves, prepare to be overwheld by !"
Roger returned to his half after completing the slam, continuing to defend seriously.
Reviews
All reviews (0)