Chapter 51 Crazy counterattack, the heart of the championship!
Immediately afterwards, Kobe began his personal performance.
He first used the pick-and-roll to get rid of Tony Allen's defense, rushed to the free throw line, and succeeded in a pull-up jump shot.
35:27!
Then Kobe had to successfully complete the steal on defense, advance to the frontcourt, chase for a three-pointer and then hit the ball.
35:30!
At this time, Rockets coach Mark Jackson was already feeling a little uneasy, but the team still held a considerable advantage, so no timeout was called yet.
Who knows, Kobe's performance will never end.
After Griffin hit the basket and scored two points for the Rockets, Kobe once again chose to post up Tony Allen.
Although the latter tried his best to defend, he still couldn't stop Kobe from completing a very difficult fadeaway jumper.
37:32!
After scoring three goals in a row, the Lakers' momentum was boosted.
Odom defended Griffin alone under the basket.
Seeing that the point difference was narrowed, Griffin was anxious and immediately launched an attack.
But he couldn't eat hot tofu in a hurry. Odom, who was guarding him, caught Griffin's flaw and used his quick eyes and hands to cut off the basketball from the latter's hand.
The Lakers took advantage of the situation and launched a counterattack!
The Rockets' young players retreated quickly.
However, their attention was naturally attracted by Kobe's hot touch, and their bodies moved closer to him unconsciously.
At this moment, Odom, who had completed the steal, cut in at high speed from the center and received a pass from Steve Blake.
Facing Blake Griffin's defense, Odom showed his style as a "left-handed magician".
As he was walking, he leaned on Griffin with his right hand, suddenly turned around, passed him, and then reached the basket and easily hit the layup.
37:34, the Lakers are only 3 points behind!
Mark Jackson finally couldn't stand it anymore and called a timeout from the sidelines.
At this time, the Staples Arena was filled with people.
One of the characteristics of the Purple and Gold Army in the past two years is that it digs holes at the beginning, then equalizes and takes the lead in one wave, and directly takes away the opponent.
Fans love and hate this kind of game and gradually become accustomed to it.
The way today's game unfolded was a typical Lakers game.
The host of CCTV also expressed a lot of emotion about the competition during this period.
"The Lakers produced a 9:2 shock wave during this period."
"So, never underestimate the heart of a champion!"
"Especially when you have Kobe on this team!"
Yu Jia sighed.
"Griffin's dunk was extremely exciting, but it also raised the fighting spirit of the defending champion."
"I think Mark Jackson should quickly replace him in the starting lineup, or at least replace Tracy McGrady."
Yang Yi analyzed.
............
Rockets bench.
"Tony, you defended very well just now! The next person who defends Kobe must continue to maintain this intensity. Even if he is an iron man, he will get tired sometimes. Do you understand?"
Mark Jackson said to a panting Tony Allen.
Obviously, defending Kobe Bryant also consumes a lot of the latter.
It's a pity that even if Tony Allen defends so well, he can't stop the Black Mamba.
"In addition, we need to strengthen the conduction on the offensive end. Griffin has a strong singles ability, but we cannot just pass the ball to him."
"The timeout will end in a moment. Kyle, you and Tracy go on the court together and stabilize the rhythm. We still have an advantage."
Mark Jackson arranged.
After that, he took out his tactical whiteboard and drew a few tactics.
At the same time, the Lakers are here.
As the defending champions and playing at home, they originally thought that this opening game would be an easy game.
Who would have thought that from the very beginning of the game, they fell into a passive position and were always on the lagging side.
Only now is there a little momentum to counterattack.
"Keep the intensity and bring the game back."
Kobe said calmly with a serious face.
All the Lakers generals nodded their heads upon hearing this.
"They may have to change their main force in a while. Next, I will attack Tracy McGrady more fiercely. If I get passed, remember to help me defend behind me."
Kobe continued.
The Lakers generals were slightly surprised to hear the team boss asking for help, but then nodded with more certainty.
Kobe’s competitive spirit is well known to the world.
But this does not mean that he is a blindly confident person.
On the contrary, in order to win the game, Kobe is willing to adopt various methods.
From several confrontations with McGrady in the first quarter, Kobe could clearly feel that his old rival's physical function had returned to a very good state.
In the past three years, Kobe has reached the finals every year, and the injuries from top to bottom have taken a toll on him.
He knew that it would be difficult to limit McGrady's performance by relying solely on his own defense, so he generously asked for help from his teammates.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson on the side saw Kobe's change and nodded with relief.
He is well aware of Kobe's knee injury and knows that it is now difficult for the latter to defend the opponent's arrowhead for a long time.
However, from beginning to end, Phil Jackson didn't say much. He liked to let the players solve their own problems.
............
The timeout ends and the game continues.
As soon as McGrady walked onto the court, Kobe was already close to him, actively seeking physical contact, looking menacing.
t-mac was very aware of the other party's style of dealing with things and smiled slightly without any discomfort.
While the two were fighting, the Rockets had already served.
Lowry held the ball at the top of the arc and began to organize the offense.
McGrady used the screen and ran all over the court, trying to get rid of Kobe's defense.
But the Black Mamba was like a dog-skin plaster, clinging to T-Mac's back, refusing to give an inch.
Moreover, other Lakers players also caused delays during McGrady's running, helping the team boss complete the defense.
However, this also gave other Rockets players a chance.
Kevin Martin, who had been very quiet since coming on as a substitute, finally found a chance.
He took advantage of the opponent's distraction and reached outside the three-point line.
Lowry sees all six directions and sees the ball coming.
After Martin caught the ball, he set up his crooked machine gun and took action immediately.
Although his movements are weird, the arc of his shot is very good!
The basketball left his fingertips and spun at high speed, drawing a beautiful arc in the air...
"Shua~"
Hollow into the net!
40:34!
This three-pointer was like a shot in the arm, making the Rockets players feel a lot more relaxed.
Switching offense and defense, the Lakers made a comeback.
After Kobe attracted a double team, he passed the ball to the opposite corner.
Odom, who was lurking in the corner, took action immediately after catching the ball.
nothing.(Hollow into the net)!
At 40:37, the Lakers continued to hold on to the score.
In the next few minutes, the two sides launched an offensive battle, and the score increased alternately.
When the game entered the second quarter with 5 minutes left, the two teams were tied at 50.
Kobe fouled on defense and sent McGrady to the free throw line.
At this time, Phil Jackson on the sidelines waved his hand and replaced Kobe with Ci Shiping.
Commentator Yang Yi saw this and commented: "Kobe can finally take a break. A 32-year-old veteran only rested for two minutes in one and a half games. It's too hard!"
Rockets coach Mark Jackson also replaced Kevin Martin with Paul George and replaced Griffin with P.J. Tucker.
"I feel...the most difficult moment for the Lakers in this game has come."
"For the Rockets, Tracy McGrady and George are still very physically fit and will definitely exert their strength next."
"Can the Lakers without Kobe Bryant survive this period of time?"