Unfortunately, the Lakers also defeated their opponent, so the two teams are still one win away.
On April 4, the Lakers lost to the Mavericks in an upset.
This gave Clippers fans hope of a reversal, and every one of them became excited.
On the 5th, the Clippers defeated the Pacers and had the same number of wins as the Lakers. However, because the Clippers lost two and won one in direct matches, they were still ranked behind the Lakers.
Subsequently, both teams won their respective opponents. By the 12th, both teams had 68 wins and 13 losses, leaving only the last direct dialogue.
On the 14th, almost all NBA regular season games were played, leaving only the focus game between the Clippers and the Lakers.
This game will determine which team can become first in the Western Conference and first in the league.
When the Lakers players entered the stadium, there were loud cheers because this was their home court and the Lakers were selling the tickets. They deliberately reserved a lot of tickets for Lakers fans.
When the Clippers entered the stadium, Zhang Zhiyuan received some boos.
Those were all sent by Kobe fans. As for Zhang fans among Lakers fans, none of them spoke out at this time.
It is difficult for them to decide whether to prioritize the team or their idols.
"Charles, which team do you think will win today?"
Smith asked.
"It's hard to say, both teams have a chance."
Buckley was a rare moment of caution. What he said was true and it was impossible to judge.
The Lakers' five-star lineup was ridiculed by the outside world when they lost to the Clippers at the beginning of the season. Then they got better and better, and the rest of the outside world was filled with affirmation and praise.
At present, the media generally believes that the Lakers are stronger than the Clippers. After all, their lineup is more luxurious and has more stars.
In the playoffs, the Lakers can go crazy against Zhang Zhiyuan.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are considered to have no weaknesses.
In esnp's prediction, the Lakers have the greatest chance of winning, while the Clippers are only ranked fourth, behind the Cavaliers and Magic.
"I can't believe you didn't lick the clipper again."
Smith pretended to be surprised.
"I didn't call it licking before, I just told the truth."
Buckley said dissatisfied.
Amidst their chatter, the game began.
The Clippers started with Lowry, Zhang Zhiyuan, Maggette, Thornton and Kaman.
The Lakers started Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Gasol and Bynum.
This is the best lineup Phil Jackson tried out in a season, with Gasol playing power forward and Odom and McGrady on the bench.
This lineup is good offensively and defensively, but what's even more terrifying is their bench lineup.
Maddie Odom Ariza, this is no worse than the starters of some bottom worst teams.
Looking at Zhang Zhiyuan in front of him, Kobe touched his heels. He was now very relaxed and confident.
The two teams jumped the ball, and Bynum gave the ball to his own side.
The Lakers attack first.
Fisher controlled the ball for half the game and then handed the ball to Gasol.
Gasol beat Thornton with his back and made a turnaround jumper and scored.
The gap is too big, and it would be difficult for Thornton to let a rookie with mediocre talent compete against the All-Stars.
The Clippers attack, Lowry controls the ball and advances.
When fighting hard battles, Zhang Zhiyuan still prefers to play without the ball.
After all, you are not flexible enough with the ball in your hands. If you are double-teamed, you must distribute the ball.
Without the ball, he has a greater chance of getting out even if he is double-teamed.
Moreover, the Lakers would not double-team a person without the ball. Kobe also wanted to save face.
Kobe followed Zhang Zhiyuan, and the others were man-to-man.
Zhang Zhiyuan ran counterattack, and Maggette helped block and cover.
Just this little delay caused Kobe to lose his reputation.
Lowry passed the ball, Zhang Zhiyuan received the ball and went straight to the basket for a dunk.
His weight is slightly lower than that of James, but his strength is not inferior to that of James. After rushing up, there was no solution. Gasol did not block him head-on, avoiding being dunked or buckled.
"One word, Meng."
Zhang Lili smiled.
This kind of impact is comfortable to look at.
When the Lakers were attacking, Kobe was also running and did not go to fight with Zhang Zhiyuan.
This is a sign of maturity. In order to win, he sacrifices more and more.
It is precisely because of this change that his popularity did not drop much after his data dropped significantly.
Kobe and Artest changed positions, and Zhang Zhiyuan could only stand in front of Artest.
Kobe beat Maggette with his back and then used his classic fadeaway jumper.
The ball goes in.
2 to 4.
When the Clippers attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan didn't want to be too tired, so he didn't try to beat Kobe Bryant, but chose to run.
Then the gap between the two teams became apparent. After Zhang Zhiyuan got rid of Kobe, there was Artest standing in front of him.
Artest's defense is no worse than Kobe's, and he is just right to guard Zhang Zhiyuan.
Zhang Zhiyuan made two fake moves but failed to get through, so he chose to strike.
Artest interfered with his jump and missed the ball.
"The Lakers' defense is too strong. Even if Zhang Zhiyuan can still attack, other teams have to rely on cooperation."
Smith sighed.
"The league has the highest salary and the most stars. It's normal to be like this. There's nothing to praise."
Buckley expressed disdain.
On the court, the Lakers attacked and Bynum hit hard under the basket but was blocked by Kaman.
Bynum has also grown a lot this year and is not at a disadvantage against most centers in the league, including Kaman.
However, Bynum is quite impatient and sometimes makes mistakes if he wants to perform too much.
Lowry picked up the basketball and went straight to the fast break.
He has developed a tacit understanding with the team, and he knows that he does not need to think too much or look back. At this time, Zhang Zhiyuan will definitely rush forward, and he must believe in Zhang Zhiyuan's speed.
Sure enough, when Lowry started, there was only Fisher in front of him.
After advancing a few steps, he saw Zhang Zhiyuan.
Then came passing, dunks, and perfect connections.
4 to 4.
"Follow good people, and keep company with your own people."
Kobe yelled at the others.
Although they are stronger than the Clippers, this does not mean that they can beat the Clippers 100%.
You still have to put in enough attitude and a little bit of luck.
If they dare to let their guard down, Zhang Zhiyuan will make them taste the bitter consequences in minutes.
Kobe is very experienced in this and always reminds his teammates.
"It's necessary to be so serious. If you want to be number one, just say so. In the worst case, I'll let you."
Zhang Zhiyuan joked, but Kobe ignored him.
There is no point in arguing with Zhang Zhiyuan, let alone any benefit.
When the Lakers attacked, Kobe shot the basketball toward the strong side, attracting Zhang Zhiyuan and others to this side, and then passed the ball to Gasol. Gasol had enough space to shoot, and he used a very standard posture to shoot.
The ball goes in.
"Learning well."
Zhang Zhiyuan "praised" that this was a trick he often used in the Clippers.
Kobe continued to remain silent and ignored.
The Clippers attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan ran without the ball, and just got rid of Kobe, Artest stepped in front of him again.
But Maggette was already running towards the basket, Lowry made a pass, and Maggette caught the ball and made a layup.
It is said that the Clippers are Zhang Zhiyuan's team, but this only means that Zhang Zhiyuan plays a big role, and it does not mean that the Clippers are really only him.
Kaman, Lowry, Thornton, these people are definitely better than Zhu Fangyu and Wang Shipeng, and they can also be of great help.
No, as long as the Lakers dare to give a chance, Maggette dares to score.
It's not that easy for the Lakers to beat the Clippers.
The Lakers attacked, but Kobe's shot was interfered by Zhang Zhiyuan and the ball missed.
"I won't boo when I meet the Lakers. This is because Zhang Zhiyuan has not exploded. If he goes berserk, it will not be difficult to defeat the Lakers."
Zhang Lili commented.
"Indeed, the Clippers may not have no chance this year, as long as they get past the Lakers."
Sun Zhengping said.
"If you lead a rebuilt team and win the championship in the first year, you will really make history and be comparable to Jordan."
Zhang Lili.
The two continued to praise Zhang Zhiyuan, and the first quarter of the game reached the sixth minute.
Both sides fought very hard and their physical strength was exhausted a lot.
You can continue to fight, but if you take a rest at this time, you can better distribute your energy and fight longer.
Kobe and Bynum went down, and up were Tracy McGrady and Odom.
The Clippers didn't have this condition, so they just replaced Kaman with DeAndre Jordan.
A center of Kaman's caliber must rest.
When the Clippers were on offense, they were rude to McGrady and Zhang Zhiyuan, asking for the ball directly and charging ahead before the opponent could react.
McGrady took a step back and Zhang Zhiyuan changed direction. McGrady wanted to move sideways to keep up, but his body could no longer make such movements.
Zhang Zhiyuan went to the basket and scored two points again.
16 to 15, the Clippers took the lead by 1 point.
When the Lakers attacked, Odom and Gasol cooperated under the basket. The two passed the ball at close range and played with DeAndre Jordan, almost knocking him out.
The Lakers scored and took the lead.
"If this continues, the Clippers will be in bad shape. Zhang Zhiyuan won't be able to play the entire game, and he won't be able to last that long."
Smith commented.
Although the score on the court is still very anxious, the situation has begun to turn towards the Lakers.
The Clippers attack and the Lakers double-team.
Zhang Zhiyuan scored the ball and Maggette hit the basket.
Odom had already stood up under the basket in advance, and Maggette could only throw up.
The ball missed, Jordan grabbed the offensive rebound, and was fouled by Gasol during the second attack.
Jordan went to the free throw line and missed both free throws in a very embarrassing manner.
"This free throw is worse than Shakur's."
Buckley laughed.
"What should the Lakers do to him at the critical moment? He needs to practice his free throws in the offseason."
Smith commented.
When the Lakers attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan teased Tracy McGrady: "Come and hit me, I won't guard you."
"..."
McGrady's anger level soared, but he still held it back.
He doesn't have a high status in the Lakers team right now, so he can't mess around.
This year is also the year he has the best chance of winning, and he doesn't want to miss this opportunity again.
No matter how angry he is, he can endure it.
McGrady didn't ask for the ball, Artest threw one and missed.
During the transition between offense and defense, Zhang Zhiyuan caught the ball and waited for Artest to come up.
But this time Artest did not choose to double-team, Zhang Zhiyuan decisively broke through.
Driving to the basket caused Odom to foul.
Made both free throws.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, look, this is a free throw. They are all hollow, and the arc is so good that it will go in as soon as the ball is thrown. What is Jordan's throw like? It's either too long or too short."
Sun Zhengping complained.
"There's nothing I can do about it, centers generally don't have the best touch."
Zhang Lili said.
"But Yao Ming's free throws are better than many defenders."
Sun Zhengping said.
"So Yao Ming is a superstar and Jordan is a role player."
Zhang Lili said.
It's not right to expect Jordan to be as good as Yao Ming.
The Lakers attacked and Odom easily scored from the basket.
Although their team currently does not have a player like Zhang Zhiyuan to create opportunities, they have matchup advantages in four points, so it is still easy to create opportunities.
After playing for another two minutes, Zhang Zhiyuan was replaced and rested, preparing to bring a substitute for the next quarter.
The remaining people played the next two minutes.
After the first quarter, 32 to 31, the Clippers even led by 1 point.
Then the second quarter started and Zhang Zhiyuan continued to rest.
On the Lakers side are Farmar, Tracy McGrady, Ariza, Odom, and Mihm.
The Clippers have Dragic, Tony Allen, Powell, Hayes and Kaman.
McGrady can no longer play as the main force, but he can still score consecutively against Dragic and Powell.
When Tony Allen went to lead the defense, the Lakers' offense shifted to Odom's hands.
Odom played like an All-Star against the bench.
The Clippers don't dare to double-team him yet, Ariza is waiting on the outside, and Odom also has the ability to pass the ball.
With the combination of internal and external forces, the Clippers' bench quickly collapsed.
After only playing 3 minutes, the Clippers lost by 6 points.
Then Zhang Zhiyuan was replaced.
Kobe and Gasol also came on the court, and the Lakers still had the advantage.
Without Maggette, the Lakers double-teamed Zhang Zhiyuan recklessly.
Zhang Zhiyuan passed the ball to his teammates. Their ability to seize opportunities could not compare with Maggette. They often wasted opportunities and the Clippers fans wanted to scold them.
Unable to score on the offensive end and unable to defend on the defensive end, the Clippers were in trouble.
Faced with such a situation, Zhang Zhiyuan had nothing to do unless he used props.
But he didn't do that, there was no need.
It's just a regular season game, so it doesn't matter if the Lakers are happy for a few more days.
How happy they are laughing now, how painful it was when they overturned in the Western Conference Finals.
Zhang Zhiyuan no longer wants to fight, and the rest of the Clippers are powerless if they want to fight.
The point difference between the two teams gradually widened. At the end of the first half, the Clippers were already 11 points behind.
In the third quarter, Zhang Zhiyuan only played six minutes and then took a rest.
The Clippers seemed to have given up on this game.
At the end of the third quarter, the Clippers trailed by 20 points.
In the last quarter, the Clippers directly used all substitutes and marginal players.
Francis, Tony Allen, Quinton Ross, Hayes, Milicic.
Upon seeing this, the Lakers immediately removed their main force and replaced them with marginal players.
Kobe and Artest were laughing very happily on the bench.
They met the Clippers four times this season, and they won three times. The advantage seems to be very large.
Except for the Clippers, other teams in the West seem to pose less of a threat. The Lakers' only opponent is the Cavaliers in the East.
They didn't take the Celtics seriously without Garnett.
Against the Cavaliers, they also have a huge advantage.
Thinking of this, they naturally couldn't control their joy.
The camera was on Zhang Zhiyuan, and the media wanted to see Zhang Zhiyuan's embarrassment.
Unfortunately, Zhang Zhiyuan was also laughing and seemed to be telling a joke with his teammates.
