Harden's free throws are still very stable, making 2 of 2 free throws, but that's it. Even if the Rockets replaced Howard, Tang Qian didn't care at all. He started to attack vigorously on the offensive end, and the ferocity was evident.
The Rockets' bench players were all a little scared off the court. Howard couldn't stop him, or he didn't want to defend at all, so this further increased Tang Qian's offensive arrogance inside.
Who is going to defend? No one is willing to go. Capela just went over to help defend and wanted to show off. As a result, No. 29 of the Lakers directly hit his head and pushed him in. At the same time, he got an extra penalty. If he hadn't missed the free throw,
, this is another three-pointer.
It's too violent. Is this guy already so brutal in his playing?
I wasn't as good as him when I was at my peak.
But... Howard glanced at Harden, and suddenly smiled evilly in his heart, "You want me to just be a blue-collar coolie and help you block the Lakers' No. 29? Sorry, I'm not in good shape tonight and I'm not feeling well."
Ah. So, you can solve it yourself.
Howard's move made Harden even more uncomfortable, because it was Butler who was guarding him after all. He couldn't just shoot from the outside. A few shots like that would be fine, but too many would be too easy to spot, and the shooting percentage would be poor.
It will decline. Harden has never been a person with a high shooting percentage. He is still at his peak and his career shooting percentage is just over 44%. If he enters the end of his career in the future, I am afraid it will be even more ugly. This
His shooting percentage this season was less than 44%, only a little over 43%. If he hadn't made 10+ free throws, the data would have been even uglier. And he has no mid-range shooting ability, especially in the playoffs, whether it is 2 points from mid-range.
Whether it is a mid-to-long-range 2-pointer, less than 40%, around 38%. If the three-pointer is defended, there is only one way to break through, so he has to miss every key battle in the playoffs.
It's not an accident.
As Butler becomes more and more defensive about his shooting, Harden has no chance from beyond the three-point line. All he can do is either break through or make a mid-range shot. At this time, mid-range shooting is actually the best option.
Okay. Because Butler's defensive focus is on his three-pointers, it is not difficult for him to get past the latter. If he makes a pull-up jump shot, he will not give the latter any chance to pursue the defense.
Harden did the same thing, but unfortunately, after scoring a goal, his offensive deficiencies were exposed.
The mid-range shot is unstable, especially the mid-range and long-range baskets. His career shooting rate is only about 37%. Moreover, Harden's shooting speed is not fast, and the emergency stop mid-range shot skill package is not online. This allows the Lakers to seize the opportunity and play continuously.
Two goals were scored. There was no other way. Harden thought for a while and decided to use his old skills to break the game.
He began to deliberately slow down during the breakthrough process to trick Butler into cutting the ball. As soon as Butler stretched out his hand, it was indeed broken. Harden immediately grabbed the ball and hit Butler's arm. Beep, I wipe, again
He was deceived into a defensive foul opportunity, and Butler was also furious, because it was not even halftime and he had already committed 4 fouls. In this case, under normal circumstances, he would have to take a rest. Harden's free throw line 2
Made 2 free throws. The Rockets recovered 2 points.
In this period, the Rockets want to protect the backcourt rebounds and find opportunities to play defensive counterattacks. It is impossible not to do so because the score is too far behind. At least before entering the locker room, they must bring the score back to within 20 points. Bring it.
Entering the second half in "garbage time", this was a big blow to the team's morale. But the Lakers saw through their plan, and the ball was no longer shot from the outside, but was given to the inside, the low post, and the team's No. 5 position
Come to attack.
As long as the score difference is kept above 20 points, entering the locker room will definitely be a punch. The Rockets are very likely to lose resistance in the second half. After all, Houston is no longer a strong team this season. The season record and winning percentage
It's not even halfway through yet, which is the best proof. If they fall behind too much, the team's resilience won't be enough to support a comeback.
At least it's quite difficult.
Therefore, Harden's goal is within 20 points of the half. If it is delayed until then, it will be a half-time victory. At least it will retain a glimmer of hope for the game. If it cannot be delayed, it will be a dead end. The second half will most likely be ruined.
Because of a lot of "garbage time". But if they want to protect rebounds, they also need to have rebounds. Tang Qian's inside line is too good, and Howard has no desire to defend tonight at all. He spent a lot of "watching the show".
Let the Rockets be completely beaten to the point of "calling daddy".
Anyway, with Howard around, Tang Qian's condition inexplicably got better and better. This made the former feel lucky that he didn't have a hard defense, otherwise it would have been another night of "poster backgrounds". He was completely afraid of Tang Qian.
From being arrogant back then to being passive now. These years are the result of Tang Qian's rapid progress and Howard's own rapid regression.
Even without the so-called metaphysical bonus of "eat, sleep and fight World of Warcraft", Tang Qian is now a K.O opponent without any discussion.
Howard is very self-aware in this regard, and he immediately saw the difference between the two people.
Besides, this is just a regular season game, not a playoff game. If you lose, you will be scolded for a few days at most, and it will be forgotten soon. Howard himself has been a "veteran" for so many years, so he knows better.
The “special experience” of the NBA.
The usual commentary for this game on China Sports Channel is:
It's so awesome. Tang Qian's ball was overwhelming. Howard didn't feel like he had any defensive enthusiasm. It was a meteor shower.
Good shot! Look, this is personal ability. It's really good. Tang Qian is so good now. He is definitely the number one center in the league! He has no trouble beating Howard! It's just like Yao Yao playing Howard back then. This
It's Zhang Weiping.
Harden asked for a high pick-and-roll, but... Howard actually pretended not to see it and didn't pass it at all. This wasted a lot of offensive time. Harden had no choice but to break through by himself, but as soon as he entered, he was already fighting
It consumes a lot of energy. If he has to strengthen at this time, his ability cannot keep up. Josh Smith is also a very strong outside player. In addition, he is taller than Harden, and his wingspan, elasticity and physical fitness are not at a disadvantage in confrontation.
There is absolutely no ambiguity in this regard. It’s just that sometimes he likes to get hot-headed and can’t control his “prehistoric power” which gives Larry Brown a headache. So now Harden can only try to “touch porcelain”.
When Josh Smith saw that Harden was trying to "touch porcelain", he felt very angry. He had seen Butler's "tragic situation" just now. It was simply "killing invisible". It will make you feel aggrieved. A
After hesitating, his defense relaxed, and Harden saw the opportunity and quickly got rid of it as soon as he accelerated.
Layup!
"Josh was still too afraid of Harden's ability to score this ball, otherwise he wouldn't have let him in like this." Lakers on-site commentator Bill McDonald said: "But this is not Josh's fault. The league is now
Only No. 13 of the Rockets can take the initiative to seek fouls to this extent. Speaking of old man, what would you do if you defended him? Stu Lantz was a former NBA player, so he answered: "
If it were the current league rules, then I would have no choice but to end up like Butler."
"What if it was your league rules back then?" MacDonald asked deliberately.
"If it were the league rules back then, I can guarantee that if he played like this, his legs would have been broken long ago, not to mention that he didn't have a whistle. Our era was a dark age, and there was no such thing as a body hair whistle. He went in like this
, think about what those big men who regard the inside as their dignity will do? They will definitely let him lie down after a few balls, and his teeth may not be complete." Stu Lantz said: "In our era, outside players
If you want to get inside to score, it's a huge challenge every time, and you have to take the risk of injury."
"This style of play does not exist. Players throughout the league will target him and make him cry every day."
"Isn't that too exaggerated? Old man."
"No, no, no, it's absolutely not an exaggeration. This style of play can only exist in the league in the 21st century. It was absolutely impossible before."
"Oh~~~This ball is covered~tyrant~hot~~~~~~~~"
"He's really asking for trouble by fighting like this, and Tang won't let him do it."
"That's why I say that Feng is a superstar in any NBA era, but certain players may not be."
When the Lakers attacked, Rockets defensive end Harden said loudly: "Help and defense, be careful not to let it get hot... Holy shit~ How did you defend??? This was all scored? Where's the defense? Is there air???
??????" Harden was also furious. He felt that he had worked very hard in this game, but he did not expect that his teammates were so incompetent. Basketball belongs to five people. No matter how hard he works alone, how can he win?
?Besides, he doesn’t have anyone who can dominate the court to that extent.
"Clint, couldn't you move faster just now? Are you watching a show???" After saying that Capela wasn't satisfied, Harden spat at the team's No. 12 Dwight Howard: "Dwight,
How did you stand up to someone just now? You were beaten by Dongfang Fang so easily? Can you be more serious? Is this how you got 3 consecutive DPOYs???" Howard is not a player of Capela's level.
, after he heard what Harden said, he deliberately asked him: "How do I use you to teach me how to defend? Let me ask some people, have you ever won an honor related to defense? The second defense is both
No, then stop talking and shut up."
Harden's face suddenly turned hot after these words, because Harden is indeed a typical star who "doesn't integrate offense and defense." His choice between offense and defense is more like Tracy McGrady back then.
In other words, in order to maintain the firepower on the offensive end, he selectively gave up his defensive intensity. His defense is actually not that bad. He even defended Kobe Bryant as a top guard in the Thunder. But after he came to the Rockets and became the boss, everything changed. In order to maintain
On the offensive end, his defense began to make a lot of moves.
Even Harden's own fans know this very well.
Howard said this, which made him unable to get off the stage. He said angrily: "Is there any direct connection between my lack of defensive honor and your inability to guard Dongfang Fang tonight? Don't change the subject! Look, you are being taken advantage of by your opponents tonight."
How many points have you scored! How many points have you scored! You were beaten, do you know? Mr. Once the number one center!!!" I thought Howard would be furious, but unexpectedly the latter just smiled suddenly and said to
Looking at Harden, he said: "I really can't beat Dongfang Fang. Since you are so disgusted and don't know the personal ability of Lakers No. 29, why don't you try to defend one later? If you can defend it,
Well, how about I apologize to you right away?"
"I..." Harden originally wanted to refuse, but due to Howard's pressure and face, he forcibly agreed. Anyway, it was just a ball. He didn't believe that he would have no chance if he defended with all his strength. Harden's decision
, which really made him regret tonight. When the Rockets attacked, Harden shouted loudly while holding the ball on the offensive end: "Cheer up! We still have plenty of time, we haven't lost yet! Keep your spirits up!"
"
It boosted the Rockets' energy slightly, but Harden didn't have time to enjoy this feeling. After the ball went in, he collided with Tang Qian. Although it was not blocked, he completely lost his shot rhythm.
, basketball is almost impossible to touch. Howard took advantage of Tang Qian to defend Harden, and directly made a tip-in for this ball. Randall was still far behind in this aspect.
On the defensive end, Tang Qian asked for the ball. As soon as he received the pass, he was a little confused because the person standing behind him was not Howard or even Capela, but James Harden? So, is this the Rockets' position?
If it’s done right, it’s become misaligned? Then what are you waiting for? Just do it.
Harden also wanted to say a few words to show off for himself, but he didn't know that No. 29 on the opposite side didn't give him a chance at all. As soon as he saw that he was defending him, he immediately didn't do anything and just took the ball and charged in.
Harden is a defender after all, and he is not very tall, so he moves laterally very quickly. It seems that he is going to block Tang Qian's footsteps, but before he can be happy for half a second, he seems to see Howard's movement out of the corner of his eyes.
A certain expression.
That's saying...idiot.
Idiot? Me? Didn't you see that I was going to block his way? Just wait... Well, I, I, I'll wipe it!!!
Harden wanted to resist, but he had no chance. After the No. 29 jumped a few times, the man across him jumped up into the air.
This... Harden was dumbfounded. He didn't expect the opponent to be so direct. Besides, even if the ball bounced a few times, it was still a certain distance from the basket, right? Are you going to fly now? Are you afraid...
The black clouds were overwhelming, and Harden had no chance to jump up. Then for 2/1 second, accompanied by the sound of "bang", the boiling sound of the scene, and the shouts of the commentator, he could not contain himself.
It flew out upside down.
There was no chance to stabilize his body shape at all.
Violent flying dunks! A move often used by the "little bully" Stoudemire back then, long chops with one hand, no matter who was in front of him.
Harden was dunked, and then he felt the sound of cameras and flashing lights everywhere around him.
He knows himself and is posted on the poster.
This ball should actually have been a defensive foul, but the referee saw how miserable he was and did not blow the whistle again.
Anyway, the Lakers are leading by so many points. It doesn't matter if there is one more whistle or one less whistle.
Tang Qian didn't talk trash to Harden, because it was clearly a misplaced play to bully others. He should have scored, and there was no surprise. When Harden wanted to get up, he saw a Rockets player coming over and extending his hand.
Pulling him, he subconsciously stretched out his hand to get some help. As soon as he reached out, he realized that the person was Howard.
Howard pulled him up, but at the same time he said in his ear, "How is it? Are you happy? Now you know the power of that Dongfang... Dongfang center?" Harden was immediately furious.
, but what can be done? He was really embarrassed just now, and received a one-handed flying dunk from someone else.
After Harden got up, he was a little messy. I don't know if he was a little angry. A ball was still some distance from the top arc. He pulled it up and shot. A super long-range three-pointer, and then, the iron hit "Dang Dang"
.It’s not the situation after Curry’s shooting.
Not giving up, he missed the next ball again. There was only one step away from the three-point line, so he shot from behind. After the ball was released, it flew high like a basketball or a cruise missile, with a good arc. This is the final result.
Not so good. Duang~ is making iron.
This made the Lakers' on-site commentator Bill McDonald joke: "Did Harden think he was Curry of the Warriors tonight? Playing like this makes me really happy."
The camera turned to the head coach. The head coach of the Rockets looked helpless. He had no good solution. He couldn't direct the whole team or the star players on the court. He could only ask for his own blessings and wait and see. The Lakers
Larry Brown of the team changed from standing to sitting down, which also meant that he thought there was basically no suspense in this game.
The Rockets can't win.
Howard was a little gloating about being substituted. He didn't expect to win this game at all, but it was good to see the Rockets' No. 13 unlucky at the same time.
Are you going to challenge that Oriental guy? Stop talking nonsense, okay? I'm afraid you'll break your own balls.
The Lakers entered the locker room with a 23-point lead at halftime. They didn't play a few minutes in the second half and entered "garbage time."
The Rockets lost to the Lakers again this season, and their streak of consecutive defeats against Angel City improved by one game.
Harden watched the substitute players having fun on the court with empty eyes. He didn't know if he was thinking of some fate and consequences after returning home. But these are not what Tang Qian has to worry about, as long as he wins anyway.
Well, by the way, Taylor also won, which is perfect.
PS: This is a 5k chapter. Xiao Zi had a severe headache last night. It turned out to be a cold + fever when I came here today. It was enough. I finished work and drank fluids when I got home. This chapter also ended with injections.
I coded it out after I got a little better. I just want to say, sorry for yesterday, I don’t know if I can add more updates today~ Try your best~ Anyway, 2 days will not be missing~~~