章節 508: Chapter 508: Losing an Ally, Will the Rockets Rise?
The Rockets went on the offensive, with Chris Paul dribbling into the frontcourt and passing the ball to James Harden.
Harden, with his skilled dribbling technique, easily got past Damian Lillard and drove to the basket, intending to draw a defensive foul from Wade Dong.
However, the experienced Dong took a half-step back, avoiding Harden's attempt to draw a foul.
Left with no choice, Harden opted for a layup, but Dong took another half-step back and blocked the ball right off Harden's head.
"You hesitate with every shot, clearly showing you don't know how to play basketball," Dong said casually after the block, further provoking Harden.
"I don't know how to play basketball?" Harden questioned himself.
Dong had already reached the frontcourt, while Harden hadn't returned to defense. Chris Paul stepped up to defend Dong.
Dong dribbled and crossed his legs quickly, executing a scissor move, Paul's signature move. However, compared to Dong's rhythm, it fell short.
After getting past Paul, Dong held the ball with one hand, shook off the defender with a few mid-air moves, and effortlessly put the ball into the basket.
4:0!!!
"Don't panic..." Mike D'Antoni remained calm.
Dong's explosive start was expected, as it was the Suns' strength. However, the Suns had few players left on the bench, giving the Rockets an advantage as the game progressed.
The Rockets went on the offensive.
"Pass more and reduce individual plays!" D'Antoni reminded them. The current lineup on the court indicated that the Suns' defensive system still had significant issues.
As expected, Alize Johnson ran to an open spot and received a pass from Paul beyond the three-point line, taking a three-point shot.
Swish!!!
The ball went straight through the net.
4:3!!!
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
As the Rockets started scoring, the audience's enthusiasm was ignited, but it was lukewarm, as nearly a third of the fans were wearing Suns' #7 jerseys.
Dong had already turned the away game into a home game.
At Madison Square Garden, many fans even called him 'Dad,' showcasing their admiration for Dong.
The Rockets' offensive rhythm improved.
17:21!!!
When the Suns trailed by 4 points, Alvin Gentry called a timeout.
Dong reminded his teammates, "When you get a chance, take the shot boldly. I'll grab the rebounds for you."
"If you only think about passing to me, it's easy for the Rockets to target us. When defending, show the spirit of a desperate warrior. I've always emphasized that offense relies on talent, but defense relies on attitude. Since you've made it to this league, it proves that you're among the best players in the world."
Dong's words were mainly directed at Damian Lillard, P.J. Tucker, and a few others. With the loss of several key players, these players, who usually had limited playing time, had to shoulder the pressure, making them hesitant on the court.
"Listen to Brother Dong!"
Draymond Green added, "If I see anyone slacking on defense, I'll kick their butt!"
Lillard, Spencer Dinwiddie, and D'Angelo Russell looked at each other in confusion.
Vince Carter hesitated for a moment and turned to Gentry, "Coach, just put me in."
"No need," Gentry shook his head, "Everything should follow the team doctor's instructions. You need a few more days of rest."
On the Rockets' side, Mike D'Antoni reiterated the tactics and said, "Everyone's playing well, but James, you need to be more decisive. You've had several open shot opportunities, yet you're still passing the ball."
"I..." Harden touched his beard.
Dong's opening words had affected him, just like Metta World Peace's elbow.
After the timeout, the Rockets double-teamed Stephen Curry.
With Tucker left completely open, Curry passed the ball to him, and Tucker took a mid-range shot.
The ball bounced off the rim.
Dong was sandwiched between Clint Capela and Alize Johnson, but...
Dong fought hard and grabbed the rebound.
Capela and Johnson immediately spread their arms, trapping Dong from both sides, preventing him from taking a shot.
Dong passed the ball to Green beyond the three-point line.
Green's shot missed as well.
This time, after grabbing the rebound, Dong went for a putback and scored.
19:21!!!
Dong's consecutive offensive rebounds and putback narrowed the gap to 2 points.
The Rockets passed the ball around, and it ended up in Harden's hands. Harden attempted a three-pointer, and Tucker collided with him.
Bang!!!
Harden and Tucker fell to the ground.
It was a clear blocking foul, but after Harden managed to get up, fear flashed in his eyes. Tucker was playing extremely aggressively. They almost kissed just now.
Harden seemed dazed after the collision and missed both free throws.
Dong jumped and grabbed another rebound, passing the ball to Curry before running to the frontcourt.
This time, Curry and Dong executed a pick-and-roll.
Dong rarely set picks for his teammates, catching the Rockets' interior defenders off guard. After the pick, Curry passed the ball to Dong, and the two defenders originally under the basket rushed out.
Curry was left completely open under the basket!
Dong casually bounced the ball off the floor, and it went through Capela's legs, reaching Curry.
Swish!!!
Curry received the pass and scored an easy layup.
21:21!!!
The Suns tied the game.
In the next few minutes, the two teams exchanged leads, and with 1 minute and 57 seconds left in the first quarter, Gentry made substitutions.
D'Angelo Russell replaced Curry.
Spencer Dinwiddie replaced Green.
As for Tucker and Lillard, they stayed on the court to fight alongside Dong.
Gentry tried to manage the players' playing time reasonably, ensuring that only Dong would play the entire game.
"Our chance is here..."
A smile appeared on D'Antoni's face. At this moment, Dong was essentially without allies, providing the Rockets with the best opportunity to extend their lead.
A minute earlier, D'Antoni had already subbed out Paul, but Capela and Harden remained on the court.
Capela, a first-year rookie, had risen quickly, largely due to playing alongside Harden and Paul. By comfortably 'eating the cake' next to them, Capela could showcase his worth.
The Rockets went on the offensive.
Capela set a pick for Harden, who got past Lillard, and Capela cut to the basket.
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