vncnus Chapter 716 The Knicks' Ultimate Firepower Mode! Utter Collapse
Chapter 716 The Knicks' Ultimate Firepower Mode! Utter Collapse
In the fourth quarter, D'Antoni, who prefers to use starters and dislikes substitutes, opted to rest Martin and Jones, two starters, and brought on Thomas and Barbosa.
Of course, the five starters plus Thomas and Barbosa make up the Suns' current regular rotation players.
For example, so far in the game, although they have fielded a total of 9 players, apart from these 7, the remaining 2 players have not played for more than 5 minutes.
It's a classic case of overusing the main players plus a 7-man rotation.
D'Antoni's strategy is based on the gamble that his starting lineup will have enough stamina to defeat the opponent.
But tonight, their opponent is the Knicks. Can they still do that?
In the first offensive possession of the fourth quarter, the Suns had possession. Nash had just set up in the backcourt when he saw Lin Tian running towards him at high speed. Lin Tian actually smiled, then pointed at Barbosa at Marion who was inbounding the ball, and then turned and ran.
"I knew you guys would play like this! I knew you'd put me under full-court pressure!" Nash said smugly to Lin Tian, "But you're wasting your energy! What can you do to me if I don't have the ball?"
"What am I going to do with you?" Lin Tian looked at Nash, realizing for the first time that even a top point guard could have moments of irrationality. "I don't need to do anything with you. I'd like to ask you, what will your team do if you don't have the ball?"
"You don't have some special off-ball playmaking skills up your sleeve, do you? That would be amazing!"
"Off-ball playmaking?" Nash paused for a moment, then watched as Barbosa, head down, drove straight into the paint with the ball.
Even though the Knicks' interior defense is usually negligible, they still manage to get a few blocks every now and then.
For example, this time.
"Snapped!"
Stoudemire occasionally manages to block those direct, hard-hitting attacks, giving everyone a chance to celebrate. He slapped Barbosa's layup away, then Hill grabbed it, and then, glancing at Lin Tian's fast break, immediately threw the ball over.
This veteran's passing awareness is truly impressive!
Lin Tian sprinted down the court, grabbed the basketball, dribbled it once, and then jumped up, completely ignoring Nash who was right next to him, and slammed the ball into the basket with one arm!
"How about it, Steve? Was I right?" After scoring, Lin Tian immediately pressed Nash, sticking to him tightly and not giving him any chance to receive the ball: "If you don't have the ball, how can your offense work?"
"You can't stop Leandro every possession." Nash was quite panicked inside, but on the surface he tried his best to remain calm, saying, "Our team won't collapse just because any one of us can't get the ball!"
"I really hope your lies at least fool yourself." Lin Tian curled his lip, indicating that he didn't believe a single word of his nonsense!
If the Suns can maintain their offensive firepower even when you don't have the ball, then what was the point of your MVP award last year?
You're not going to take the ball, huh? Come on! Let's see who gives up first!
In the following rounds, Lin Tian was fully focused on defense, giving it his all, and he kept a close eye on Nash, not giving him any chance to receive the ball. As soon as the Knicks' offense ended, Lin Tian would immediately stick close to Nash and use his advantages in height, strength, weight, and speed to bully him.
In the first few possessions, Nash was indeed able to remain calm and not receive the ball or actively participate in the offense.
His idea was simple: if you just focus on me on defense and don't care about the game, then it becomes a four-on-four situation, right? In an NBA-level four-on-four situation, scoring will be a piece of cake.
Not to mention your Knicks team, you're not exactly a strong defensive team, your defense is even worse than ours!
I don't believe you, Lin Tian, can stay calm and not participate in the team's overall defense!
Lin Tian: No need!
Whether I'm there or not, we don't play defense. Whether it's five-on-five or four-on-four at halftime, it makes no difference to a team that doesn't play defense, since they're not going to defend anyway.
More importantly, Barbosa may not be a lone wolf type of player. Although his playing style is aggressive and he uses breakthroughs as his main offensive method, he is not a good playmaker. He does not have any noteworthy passing or playmaking abilities.
This guy is the finish line!
And the rest of the Suns...
Whether it's Martin, Marion, Thomas, or Jones, these guys are all exactly the same; they have absolutely no ability to organize an offense. They are only good at pick-and-roll, running, catching the ball, shooting, or attacking the basket.
The whole team consists of role players, making it quite pure.
The only one with any organization and passing ability is Pierce, but his organization ability is only so-so, maybe better than Barbosa or Marion.
Do you expect him to mobilize and organize the team's offense and tactics?
That would be putting people in a difficult position.
In short, during the few minutes when Nash didn't receive the ball and was almost completely uninvolved in the offense, the Suns were completely reduced to playing one-on-one.
Barbosa and Pierce almost took turns playing one-on-one, while the other two barely touched the basketball.
Their attack was completely cut off and brought to a standstill.
"One-on-four! This is definitely a one-on-four play!" Payton, a defensive specialist, shouted. "Lin is marking Nash single-handedly, while the other four..."
"You idiot, the remaining four are still man-to-man, you're still man-to-man." Miller said disdainfully, "At best, it's... it's... a combination of one good defender and four people who can't defend at all in man-to-man tactics."
"Do you want to listen to the bullshit you're spouting?" Payton spat. "The Knicks' defensive tactics are clearly... whatever! Who the hell cares what that is? It's perfectly normal for a 'mad scientist' to come up with something new!"
"But whatever it is, it worked wonders! The Knicks actually changed the course of the game against the Suns with their defense, with a sudden change in their defensive strategy in the fourth quarter, and gained an advantage from it!"
"Unexpected! Just when we were all wondering if either side would come up with some brand-new offensive tactics to change the pace and situation of the game, Old Nelson actually pulled out a completely new defensive strategy!" Miller immediately showered him with praise: "Absolutely amazing!"
If Old Nelson and Lin Tian heard these two guys spouting nonsense, they would definitely curse with disdain and then give each other the middle finger in contempt.
What the hell is this new stuff, new tactics, new system?
If Old Nelson and Lin Tian hadn't known what was going on, they probably would have been intimidated by these two.
This is the simplest, most basic, and most basic defensive tactic: man-to-man marking.
What's the difference between this and a regular person keeping an eye on someone?
Knicks' Lin Tian has the ability to be the best defensive player, and the other four teammates, except for Barnes, are all strong contenders for the "Worst Defensive Player of the Year" team.
One god leading three pitfalls!
The only difference between this and watching someone as an ordinary person is this.
But this one difference almost caused Nash to collapse.
Four minutes into the fourth quarter, he has 0 points and 0 assists. He can barely get the ball. Lin Tian's tenacious defense is making him extremely uncomfortable!
If in the first 2-3 minutes Nash himself wasn't running around like crazy and wasn't trying to fight for possession of the ball...
So, three minutes into the fourth quarter, after the Knicks went on a run and took a 5-point lead (108-113), Nash was really getting anxious.
The teammates' efficiency in scoring through pure one-on-one play is simply too low!
If he can't receive the ball, the team's offensive system won't function, and fast breaks and counter-attacks won't be able to get going either.
Nash could sense that if he didn't proactively seek changes, the game would be over!
But in the minute that followed, Nash still couldn't get the ball!
As if sensing that Nash was about to start running and positioning himself to find opportunities to receive the ball, Lin Tian incredibly increased his defensive intensity and pressure once again.
Nash ran faster, relied more on screens, constantly made back runs, and used various skills to find opportunities to receive the ball.
no problem!
I, Lin Da Guanren, am faster, I can maneuver around cover even faster, and I'm chasing you even more closely!
Still can't get the ball!
Nash was shocked to discover that even getting the ball had become a luxury for him!
Five minutes into the fourth quarter, when Anthony hit another mid-range shot, extending the lead to 10 points, Nash finally couldn't hold back any longer.
As he ran, he pushed hard against Lin Tian's chest, finally creating some space for himself to attack. He quickly turned around, grabbed the basketball, and was about to dribble forward when Lin Tian appeared in front of him once again.
"Steve, you can't handle this little thing!" Lin Tian sneered. "It's just a small trick. When I warm up with my dog, I go much further!"
"But I got the ball, didn't I!" Nash dribbled the ball once. He had spent too much effort and energy getting rid of the ball, so he needed to catch his breath before he could continue advancing.
Lin Tian lowered his center of gravity again, using his peripheral vision to observe whether anyone was coming to set screens or provide cover, while continuing to press Nash.
In the fourth quarter of today's game, Lin Tian hardly put any effort into the offensive end. He almost completely handed over the shooting opportunities to his teammates, while he himself was focused on targeting Nash!
In a sense, the two of the league's top point guards went head-to-head in the fourth quarter!
The result of this back-and-forth battle was that the Knicks gradually gained the upper hand.
It wasn't just because the rest of the Knicks players were stronger; the biggest reason was that after Lin Tian had targeted Nash on the defensive end, he still had the energy to organize and orchestrate the offense.
After Nash was completely shut down on offense by Lin Tian, he was also virtually invisible on defense.
Well, in a sense, the Suns' biggest joy and expectation is that Nash has no presence on the defensive end. No presence means he hasn't been blown out and that his opponents haven't targeted him.
Great news!
This time, Lin Tian unleashed his full power once again!
He put in 120% focus, dedicating himself entirely to defending Nash's drives!
Despite his all-out defense, even with Marion and Martin both coming up to help screen, Lin Tian was able to anticipate his moves and either go around or squeeze past him, always keeping himself in front of Nash and blocking his advance!
The speed and propulsion ability that the "Child of the Wind" was so proud of have been completely sealed!
"Beep beep! Eight-second violation!"
Just as Nash was trying his best to get past Lin Tian, the referee's whistle suddenly blew.
He didn't even cross the halfway line!
A full 8 seconds!
For a full eight seconds, he was locked in Lin Tian's own half of the court!
"I saw Steve!" Lin Tian roared excitedly, "You and I are worlds apart!"
After saying this, Lin Tian pounded his chest a few times to show his excitement and confidence.
Then, the guy quickly turned around, his back to Nash, and started taking deep breaths to get himself in the zone as he walked toward the sideline to prepare for the game.
Although it was only for 8 seconds, Lin Tian didn't even catch his breath. He completely held his breath and focused intently on Nash, trying to block all of his attempts to advance. He fought against Nash with all his might in an almost anaerobic state.
This not only caused Nash to make a mistake before crossing half-court, but also greatly exhausted Lin Tian himself!
At the same time, although Lin Tian appeared incredibly reckless, he knew very well that this defensive tactic couldn't be used repeatedly.
This kind of relentless, anaerobic defense is far more taxing on Lin Tian than it was on Nash!
Even if Lin Tian's physical strength was enough to overwhelm Nash and gain an absolute advantage, Lin Tian would never dare to continue defending like this.
If they continue to defend like this, the first team to give out won't be the Suns or Nash, but Lin Tian himself.
He would definitely feel dizzy and weak all over due to lack of oxygen first.
"No wonder it's Nash! You have to play like that to get an 8-second violation." Standing on the sideline, Lin Tian caught his breath and couldn't help but praise Nash in his heart.
A guy with such mediocre physical attributes, not particularly fast speed, and negligible jumping ability can put so much pressure on Lin Tian just by relying on his talent for rhythm and dribbling, as well as his top-notch vision and awareness.
"Child of the Wind" truly lives up to its name!
But it didn't work!
They're all doomed when they meet me, Master Lin!
However, even though he knew that he couldn't use that kind of defense more often, Lin Tian was determined to try a few more times!
Because he could tell that Nash hadn't broken down yet!
If we don't break him down and don't let him lose confidence in this game, then the Suns still have a chance to turn things around!
We must completely shatter all their chances of a comeback!
We must defeat them today!
The first game of the finals symbolized the morale and confidence of both sides. Lin Tian not only wanted to win, but he also wanted to win thoroughly and beautifully!
So, after passing the ball to Barnes on the sideline, Lin Tian quickly moved toward him and then made a handoff pass with Barnes. He caught the basketball, bypassed Barnes, and accelerated directly, reaching his maximum speed in the blink of an eye, and charged toward the Suns' interior!
Then, Lin Tian once again ignored Marion's help defense, grabbed the ball with both hands in mid-air with overwhelming power, and slammed it hard towards the basket!
"boom!"
With a loud bang, Lin Tian completed another dunk!
110: 122!
The Knicks' lead has increased to 12 points!
"Come on, Steve! Again!" After scoring, Lin Tian immediately turned around and stuck close to Nash again, ready to continue his defense.
"You can't scare my Lin! We all know defense is much more tiring than offense, especially the kind of defense you just used." Nash, at least outwardly, remained calm: "You think you can defend me like that for the whole game? Do you think you're Superman?"
"Of course I'm not Superman, and I can't keep defending like that forever." Dealing with a seasoned veteran like Nash, Lin Tian didn't mince words, saying directly, "But do you want to guess how long I can hold out?"
"Do you think you'll break down first, or will my energy run out first?"
Nash was not afraid of Lin Tian's provocation and murderous gaze.
As a white man with poor physical fitness, he played basketball in the United States and grew up under such almost discriminatory gazes. From childhood to adulthood, he had seen at least 500 looks similar to Lin Tian's, or even more fierce and unfriendly looks.
What are you afraid of?
Just take him down!
Nash once again used his shoulder to push Lin Tian aside, resolutely taking the basketball. Then, facing the charging Lin Tian, Nash firmly gestured for everyone to pull them apart.
He wants to have a one-on-one fight with Lin Tian!
Nobody can make me commit an 8-second violation for two consecutive rounds!
This time, Nash gave it his all, constantly using subtle changes of direction and rhythm to compress Lin Tian's defensive space and keep pushing forward.
This time, Nash could still feel the suffocating defensive pressure and terrifying focus on Lin Tian!
At that moment, Nash's first thought was: Kidd's defense is not worthy of shining Lin Tian's shoes!
His second thought was, no matter how good you are, I still managed to get past the halfway point.
Do you really want to make me commit an 8-second violation for two consecutive rounds?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Just as Nash successfully crossed half-court and breathed a slight sigh of relief, Lin Tian's defense suddenly intensified once again!
Lin Tian's sudden outburst felt to Nash like a wild beast that had just been lying down had suddenly sprung up and pounced on him.
Lin Tian's imposing force, combined with Nash's physical confrontation and fierce, ruthless aura, forced Nash to make a step-back dribble and take a step back.
This is the instinct of living beings to seek advantage and avoid harm, and it was also Nash's first subconscious reaction.
But just as he retreated, Lin Tian's defensive intensity suddenly disappeared, and everything returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.
The only difference was that the referee blew his whistle and made a gesture.
"Backcourt violation, possession changes."
Nash was completely stunned; he couldn't believe it.
Outrageous!
I'm the MVP, yet this guy forced me into making basic mistakes in two consecutive rounds. I can't even organize an attack, let alone get close to the frontcourt.
impossible!
Nash stared blankly at Lin Tian, as if he was realizing for the first time how far away he was from Lin Tian, how much he was lacking!
"What are you daydreaming about, Steve?" Lin Tian walked past Nash with ease at that moment, teasing, "Recalling the times your father whipped you with a belt when you were a kid? I must say, it does seem quite similar."
After saying this, Lin Tian quickly left, walking to a place where Nash couldn't see him.
He also had to regulate his breathing and calm his rapidly beating, frantic heart.
He really gave it his all in those two rounds.
After all, he was last year's MVP and the second-best point guard in the league!
Lin Tian single-handedly drove Nash to this point, and the price he paid was definitely much higher than it appeared on the surface.
Fortunately, the results were outstanding!
You could tell from Nash's blank expression that he had broken down!
Next... it's time to hunt! (End of Chapter)