Chapter 1447: Chapter 453: Not 20 Points, Not 30 Points, Not 40 Points
Today, Roger is responsible for defending LeBron Jas, and the heavy task of defending Jas falls on the shoulders of Tayshaun Prince.
This matchup change is the key to victory that Roger and Spoelstra discussed after the last ga.
Matching Roger directly with Jas, the Warriors can indeed win, but it’s really dangerous because Roger’s offensive power is dragged down by defensive duties. Don’t be fooled by Jas scoring below 15 points in the last two gas—that’s all thanks to Roger’s tireless and positive defense.
If we want to secure the ga, we must liberate Roger on the offensive end.
In the last ga, Billups already proved that he can barely perform in conference finals-level matches. So using Roger to defend Billups, even without much effort, can produce a decent defensive effect, allowing Roger to save a lot of energy for offense.
As for Jas, although the Little Prince suffers in confrontations, as long as there’s a helper on defense, Jas won’t have it easy either.
In short, this adjustnt in matchups is to lighten Roger’s defensive pressure and allow him to unleash his firepower on the offensive end, freeing the ga from the rhythm of a defensive war.
A defensive war is like a bare-knuckle fight, both sides endure pain and struggle to determine the winner.
But what if one party suddenly gains a long sword as a weapon? The ga might soon co to an end.
Tonight, Roger is that long sword.
In the last ga, Chauncey Billups’ poor shooting percentage put him into a state of helplessness. Until today, he lacks any desire to attack. What defines the powerlessness of a middle-aged man? It’s needing a long ti to recover after a burst of passion to engage in the next intense battle.
So Roger didn’t even get a touch on Billups before passing the ball to the open Number 23.
Jas’ state is the opposite of Billups; he’s particularly excited. Roger no longer defending him ans he can finally score properly.
He’s already decided; today he will take more shots!
Less than 15 points in three consecutive gas? Go to hell!
Does no one play for the stats? Would anyone truly believe this nonsense?
Jas can hardly wait to fill up his scoring stats, convinced tonight will be his mont of greatness.
Since even Kobe said he could freely perform on offense today, there’s no need to hold back.
After holding the ball, Jas didn’t pass or call for a screen. He chose to drive hard. Prince couldn’t handle this real tank; he was already doing his best to resist but it was just impossible.
When LBJ got deep into the paint, Stoudemire imdiately ca to help defend the rim.
But Jas didn’t evade; instead, he jumped and collided with Stoudemire, finishing with a strong shot.
Jas, like Shaq, might have a stiff shooting touch but near the rim, his feel is exceptional; finishing through confrontation is not difficult for him.
Jas made the shot and roared like King Kong: “Afraid now, Roger!? Others can’t stop !”
This is the Jas that Kobe expected, and also the one fans anticipated.
Before this, Jas’ performance was like gilding a dung pan—his ntality completely wasted his talent.
But tonight, Jas starts strong right away, fully displaying his talent.
Number 23 brought his excitent to the defensive end, pressing Roger as soon as he crossed the half-court line, using his strong physique and freakish athleticism to constantly block Roger’s path.
He hasn’t forgotten his promise to freeze Roger.
Roger wasn’t intimidated by Jas’ tight defense; instead, he used it as an opportunity to say: “Good doggy, so desperately protecting your master’s territory.”
“Shut up, Roger! This is my damn territory!”
This is the first ti LeBron Jas publicly expressed his desire.
The recent basket completely ignited his emotions, so he’s now speaking without restraint.
Kobe heard Jas’ shout and was not surprised by Jas’ thoughts.
And just as he said, he only cares about victory now. Who owns the Staples Center? Not important, at least not for the mont.
Facing pressure, Roger didn’t plan to pass; he needed an attack that shook the opposition.
Roger lowered his center of gravity, cross-dribbling to the left, then took a step before switching to the right side with a behind-the-back dribble.
Jas just caught up when Roger made a second behind-the-back dribble, passed by Jas, then drove to the mid-range and stopped for a jump shot.
Roger didn’t even bother to wait for the ball to go through the net, he turned around and glanced at Number 23 behind him: “Maybe you once thought you were the center of the world, but I’ll make you realize you’re just a clown on stage.”
“Swish!”
These sounds simultaneously entered Jas’ ears, yet inside, he felt no disturbance.
He must take down Roger, he must!
After one possession, Jas punished Prince’s strategy of allowing shots but stopping drives with a mid-range shot. The crowd cheered for him, like endless energy pouring into him.
So he continued seriously guarding Roger, continued with the pressure.
Though the ga was only a few possessions in, Reggie Miller already made a conclusion: “Tonight, the Lakers will have the best LeBron!”
Yet before Lakers fans could even savor it, Roger quickly responded.
This ti, Roger dribbled at the three-point line. While everyone thought he was about to drive, he pulled up directly in front of Jas.
Jas raised his hand and lunged forward as quickly as possible, believing he had defended to the utmost.
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