Chương 373: Chapter 373: Have You Ever Felt Despair?
Thompson hesitated, "Brother Dong's explanation of the tactic is simple and easy to understand, but it's difficult for us to execute."
In truth, not many people could truly grasp the meaning of the triangle offense, and even Coach Jackson's explanations were somewhat vague.
However, based on the Bulls and Lakers' games, the triangle offense required an exceptionally talented superstar who could both drive to the basket and attract double teams.
As for the two players supporting him, they needed to be adaptable and ready to receive the ball for scoring opportunities. When the superstar drove to the basket, they should help create space for him.
Previously, the players who executed this tactic were Jordan and Kobe. Now, Wade Dong was asking McCollum to fill this role, which was a tall order.
"Just follow Brother Dong's tactic and give it a try."
Coach Gentry was somewhat excited and said to McCollum, "This is the triangle offense. It's your chance to prove yourself."
...
After the timeout, McCollum held the ball just outside the three-point line, and the other players quickly got into position.
...
Hua Xia Live Broadcast Room.
Yu Jia, "The Suns are still using this lineup and haven't brought in their starters."
Zhang, "The Suns' player positioning is interesting. Does it look familiar to you?"
Yu Jia, "The triangle offense? It does look a bit similar... Probably just a coincidence."
...
Coach Stotts didn't understand why Coach Gentry hadn't brought in his starters, but he didn't pay much attention to the Suns' offensive positioning.
The triangle offense?
Coach Stotts didn't even consider this tactic. He thought it was ridiculous to expect these five players to execute the triangle offense.
McCollum had the ball, and Batum was defending him on the right side, forcing McCollum to pass to Thompson at the 45-degree angle.
After receiving the pass, McCollum immediately cut to the basket.
At this moment, according to the triangle offense, the defender should have followed McCollum, and Thompson should have passed the ball to Whiteside for a post-up. Whiteside would then pass the ball back out to Barton on the wing, and Tucker would move from the key to the perimeter. Barton would then pass to Tucker on the perimeter, and Whiteside would move from one low post to the other, forming a sideline triangle with McCollum, who had cut to the other corner.
However...
When McCollum cut to the basket, Batum didn't follow him.
So, Thompson passed the ball directly to McCollum.
The triangle offense was a complex tactic, and Thompson passing to McCollum was also a part of the triangle offense. McCollum only needed to receive the pass and choose to dunk or lay the ball in for a score.
"Whack!"
As McCollum went up for the layup, Gortat, who had rotated for help defense, swatted the shot away.
Coach Gentry turned to Wade Dong and said, "You might as well not have bothered with this tactic. They can't even execute the most basic part of the triangle offense."
"Hmm..."
Wade Dong tapped his forehead, leaving them to figure it out.
If it had been Kobe or Jordan, they would have scored those two points.
If it had been Wade Dong, he might have even drawn a foul for a three-point play.
The Suns inbounded the ball, and Thompson received the pass and took a mid-range jumper.
"Swish!"
The ball swished through the net.
Although Thompson started scoring, it didn't stop the Trail Blazers' momentum.
Coach Gentry stood on the sidelines and shouted, "Defend! Don't let the Trail Blazers score easily..."
Suns 101, Trail Blazers 101!
Five minutes into the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers tied the game, and Coach Stotts glanced at Coach Gentry, who still hadn't made any substitutions.
...
Suns 109, Trail Blazers 103!
Seven minutes into the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers led by 6 points.
Suns 115, Trail Blazers 105!
With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers led by 10 points.
Coach Stotts was secretly delighted, thinking they had the game in the bag. He believed Coach Gentry was being stubborn by not making substitutions, even though they were down by 10 points.
"Swish!"
Lillard hit another mid-range jumper.
Suns 117, Trail Blazers 105!
With 2 minutes and 36 seconds left in the game, the Suns trailed by 12 points.
Coach Gentry smirked at Coach Stotts, muttering, "Have you ever felt despair?"
He then made substitutions, bringing in Wade Dong, Durant, Curry, Green, and Carter.
Wade Dong dribbled up the court, and Durant and the others positioned themselves according to the triangle offense.
Wade Dong passed the ball to Curry at the 45-degree angle, then drove to the basket, with Lillard closely guarding him. Curry passed the ball to Green on the wing, who then passed it to Durant.
"Swish!"
Durant hit the mid-range jumper!
Suns 117, Trail Blazers 107!
The five players who had just been on the court envied their teammates. This was the triangle offense they had wanted to see.
The Trail Blazers were on offense.
Aldridge's mid-range jumper was contested by Durant and hit the rim.
Wade Dong grabbed the defensive rebound and dribbled up the court. He stopped at the three-point line and took a three-pointer!
"Swish!"
The ball swished through the net.
Suns 117, Trail Blazers 110!
With 1 minute and 41 seconds left in the game, the Suns trailed by 7 points.
Coach Stotts became tense.
The Trail Blazers were on offense, but Lillard's pass was intercepted by Wade Dong, and the ball rolled towards the frontcourt. Wade Dong picked up the ball in a diving motion and dribbled up the court.
In the first two steps, Lillard could still touch Wade Dong's jersey, but after crossing half-court, Lillard could only see Wade Dong's taillights.
"Clang!"
Wade Dong took off from just inside the free-throw line and slammed home a dunk!
Suns 117, Trail Blazers 112!
After Wade Dong and the others came in, the Trail Blazers hadn't scored, but the Suns had scored 7 consecutive points, reducing the deficit to just 5 points.
With 1 minute and 32 seconds left in the game, the Trail Blazers were genuinely nervous. If the Suns were to erase a 12-point deficit in the final three minutes, it would be a humiliating defeat.
Lillard began to stall, taking 8 seconds to cross half-court and then dribbling for 5 or 6 seconds beyond the three-point line. The Trail Blazers had three reliable scorers on the court: Lillard, Aldridge, and Gortat.
However, Durant was defending Aldridge, and Wade Dong was positioned to help defend Gortat if he received the pass.
Gortat had said in the locker room that he wouldn't shoot if Wade Dong was defending him.
He was self-aware enough to know he couldn't score against Wade Dong's defense.
Lillard glanced at Batum and Matthews.
With 3 seconds left on the shot clock, Lillard faced Carter's defense, made a crossover move, and then stepped back for a deep three-pointer!
"Gooo..."
The ball hit the front of the rim.
After Lillard's deep three-point attempt, Wade Dong positioned himself under the basket and grabbed the defensive rebound between Aldridge and Gortat.
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