noffsinger 395. Rose's performance!
395. Rose's performance!
The referee made a gesture on the court, indicating that the Clippers had the opportunity for two free throws and possession.
This sent the entire audience into a frenzy, with cheers and shouts rising and falling, as if they were about to lift the entire stadium upside down.
Su Hao, however, appeared remarkably calm. He took a deep breath and slowly walked to the free-throw line.
Su Hao gently gripped the basketball with both hands, adjusted his breathing, and then steadily released the ball.
The first free throw saw the basketball trace a beautiful arc through the air and fall perfectly into the basket.
Then, without hesitation, he took another shot and made the second free throw as well.
Su Hao's two successful free throws sent the entire audience into a frenzy, with many standing up to applaud and cheer for him.
After making the free throw, Su Hao glanced at the Bulls' bench, his eyes revealing determination and confidence.
He knew that this game was crucial for the team, and every point could affect the final outcome.
As the game progressed, the Bulls lost their key interior player, Noah, making their defense even more difficult. With one minute left in the second quarter, Rose dribbled the ball and isolated Curry, successfully breaking through the defense with his excellent individual skills and scoring a layup.
However, the Clippers launched a counterattack the instant Rose scored.
Gordon dribbled the ball up the court and saw that Su Hao had already established a foothold under the basket, so he decisively passed the ball to him.
After Noah left the field, Boozer returned to the center forward position.
He frowned as he looked at Su Hao, who was holding the ball in one hand and standing in front of him.
Facing Su Hao, who was tall, had long arms, and excellent physical attributes, he had no way to stop the opponent from scoring recklessly over his head.
Using his physical strength, Su Hao forcefully pushed Boozer aside and then dunked the ball into the basket with one hand.
This seemingly ordinary attack method left Boozer with no way to deal with it.
The Bulls called a timeout, and Thibodeau used tactics to strategize while encouraging his players.
At this point, only thirty seconds remained in the second quarter.
Both sides should each have one more chance to attack.
"This attack will be led by Rose. As for defense, you need to double-team Su Hao, regardless of whether he has the ball or not!" Thibodeau shouted to his players.
He knew perfectly well that double-teaming Su Hao was a tactic that wouldn't work, but he still chose to demand that of his players.
Thibodeau truly has no idea how to deal with Su Hao on the court.
The timeout has ended, and the game has resumed. It's the Bulls' offensive possession now.
Bogans was in charge of serving, and he passed the ball to the team's key player, Rose.
After receiving the ball, Rose immediately faced Gordon's one-on-one defense outside the three-point line.
He made a series of changes of direction and feints, successfully shaking off Gordon who was closely following him.
He then moved to a position two meters from the free-throw line, jumped without hesitation, and completed a beautiful drift shot.
The ball traced a beautiful arc in the air and landed perfectly in the basket.
They earned two points for the team.
The Clippers did not slow down their offense despite the points they conceded; they quickly launched a counterattack.
David Lee picked up the basketball and quickly inbounded it from the baseline, making a long pass to Rasul Butler, who had already run to the center circle.
After receiving the ball, Butler dribbled quickly to the top of the arc and passed it straight to Su Hao under the basket.
However, the Bulls were already prepared and strictly implemented the double-team tactics set up by Coach Thibodeau.
As soon as Su Hao got the ball, two Bulls players quickly surrounded him, trying to stop him from scoring.
But Su Hao did not panic. He calmly observed the situation on the field, used a feint to deceive his opponent, and then quickly passed the ball out.
The ball came into Curry's hands.
After receiving the ball, Curry was completely open, presenting an excellent open shot opportunity.
Without hesitation, he jumped and threw the ball steadily.
The ball traced a beautiful arc in the air and fell perfectly into the basket.
Curry's shot greatly boosted his offensive confidence.
Clearly, Su Hao did not choose to force his way to the basket for a strong attack in this offensive play.
Instead, he made full use of his wide field of vision on the field.
He cleverly used feints to deceive his opponents, and then, trusting his teammates, accurately passed the ball to Curry, helping the team score easily.
This team spirit and selfless dedication made the Clippers' offense more efficient and fluid.
This helped them secure two points.
After this attack, the Bulls were given five seconds to attack.
Thibodeau called their last timeout of the quarter.
Judging from the situation, he is trying to devise a more secure offensive tactic.
They want to score two points or three points in this final offensive possession.
"Rose!" Thibodeau called out to Rose, gesturing for him to come over.
Rose walked over to Thibodeau, bent down slightly, and listened to the coach's instructions.
“Rose, you need to pay attention to the timing and pace. We need a two-pointer or a three-pointer to end the first half. You can choose to drive to the basket or find an open teammate to pass to. Remember, we have five seconds left, so make the most of the opportunity,” Thibodeau said quickly.
Rose nodded, indicating that he understood the coach's intention.
"Boozer, you need to protect the rebounds in the paint. If Rose misses a shot, you need to grab the rebound and score on the second-chance opportunity," Thibodeau continued to tell Noah.
Boozer clenched his fists and assured the coach, "No problem, I'll do my best to grab the rebound."
"The rest of you also need to be careful on defense and not let the opponent steal the ball easily. We must stay focused and seize this opportunity," Thibodeau encouraged his players.
The team members nodded in agreement, ready to face the challenges ahead.
"Alright, guys, let's give it our all and fight for victory!" Thibodeau shouted.
The team members were in high spirits, encouraging each other and preparing to return to the field for a great performance.
The timeout ends and the game continues.
After receiving the ball, Rose quickly dribbled forward.
His gaze was resolute, determined to score points for the team in the final moments.
The Clippers' defense was incredibly tight, and Rose moved left and right, looking for a way to break through.
With time running out, Rose suddenly accelerated, rushing towards the basket like a whirlwind.
The defenders were hot on his heels, but Rose skillfully changed direction, fooling his opponents, and leaped high to throw the ball out.
The ball flew through the air, and everyone's eyes were focused on it, hoping it would fall into the basket.
However, fate seemed to like playing tricks; the ball hit the front of the rim and bounced out.