Chapter 178: Western Away

What is the difference between a team that pursues the playoffs and a team that pursues a championship, I'm afraid it's not clear in a few words.

Even the fans can say a few words, about the difference in the core players.

After playing again, James, who had not had a high outside shooting percentage before, hit two three-pointers in a row, and the Hawks suddenly had a feeling of doubting life.

But the other party did not surrender on this, they showed great resilience, and Korver's extremely fast shot also hit three points against Zhang Xiaotian.

At the last moment, the confrontation between the two sides reached a fever pitch.

Everyone is like a taut string that can break at the slightest problem.

Whoever can't stand it first, the scales of victory and defeat will tilt in an instant, and the court is very fair and cruel.

The change came as the game approached a minute, with Teague charging in again with the help of cover, and also because of their pick-and-roll tactics, they drew James out.

Zhang Xiaotian has been observing for a long time, because of the position, he did not defend the two players with the ball, but he is quite familiar with the style of play of the two.

When there is only one person left on the Heat's interior line, Teague will definitely have to go on his own.

This situation has occurred more than once, but Zhang Xiaotian's defensive task is Korver, so naturally he can't help defend casually, although Korver is not able to create any offensive opportunities, his ability to shoot when receiving the ball is still very powerful.

And it is enough to change the stalemate situation once in one chance, and that is now.

Zhang Xiaotian, who had been following Korver in a regular manner, actually came to help defend in a gambling manner, and Teague didn't expect that when it really happened, it would be too late for him to pass the ball.

Under Zhang Xiaotian's interference, Teague's layup was completely deformed, and the basketball smashed directly under the rim of the basket.

Zhang Xiaotian's eyes are fast, and he quickly rushes forward when he gets the ball.

The Eagles were a little slower to fall back, and the only people in front of Zhang Xiaotian had time to stop in front of him was Louis Williams, and Millsap was on the flank.

As long as Zhang Xiaotian pauses, the Eagles' defense can keep up.

But he certainly won't give the other side that chance because Louis Williams is simply not tall enough to affect him.

Zhang Xiaotian stood tall in front of Louis Williams and hit a three-point shot.

The pressure all went to the Hawks, and their offense changed, and Millsap, who had previously made a big contribution, pulled out again to shoot a three-pointer.

It's just that James will give him a chance, he is still unhappy about what happened before.

Millsap tried to shoot a cold arrow on the outside again, and James pounced on it.

Millsap was helpless to hit the iron, but the rebound was keenly received by Zhang Xiaotian.

At this time, there were less than 40 seconds left, and Zhang Xiaotian slowed down when he pushed the ball into the half, and it looked like he was going to hand the ball to James to control the time.

Unlike just now, this time the Eagles' retreat was very instantaneous.

But just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Zhang Xiaotian started again, and an accelerated change of direction was wiped in.

The Eagles' players were shocked and subconsciously surrounded him, and the defensive lineup was instantly chaotic.

Zhang Xiaotian didn't mess around at this time, he threw the ball to the side and back like he had eyes on the back of his head, and Ray Allen was standing there.

At this time, according to the tactics, it is necessary to delay a little time, so that the pressure on the eagles will be greater.

But there was no one in front of him, and Ray Allen's marksman instinct still pulled him up.

Three-pointers gave the Heat a six-point lead with 33 seconds to play.

The six-point gap was fatal at this time, and Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer asked for another timeout with a blushing face.

The Eagles also fought hard at the last moment, and the all-attacking lineup was put up.

The Heat's players are very calm, they are experienced in defending the perimeter, and they can defend three-pointers at this time.

The Eagles consumed more than a dozen seconds before they could find a chance, and could only force a shot by Louis Williams.

missed, and the Eagles had no choice but to foul tactics.

James made only one of two free throws, but it was enough, a seven-point advantage.

Then the Hawks made another strong three-point shot, but it still missed, Anderson collected the rebound, and the game was over.

111:104, after the opening winning streak was interrupted, the Heat won eight in a row.

Zhang Xiaotian also has a good personal gain, with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, like the fourth big man of the Heat.

And he's one step closer to completing the proud task of the championship, 7/10.

During the all-star voting, Zhang Xiaotian also reached an agreement with social media on the other side of the ocean.

This contract is not a type of direct money, but a cooperative promotion.

He handed over most of the affairs over there to Yang Feiyu, and he made it clear when he and Eddie changed the second contract, but there would be no conflict.

On the team side, the players with injuries have adjusted well.

However, the coaching staff is still cautious in terms of use, fortunately, the Heat also have confidence, and Wade, who has an impact on the strength of the players, can take a break and don't have to worry too much about the record.

Bosh's condition, and the coaching staff are also very careful to help adjust.

Only Zhang Xiaotian's situation, the coaching staff is also confused, but he is very attentive in training, and the performance at the key moments in the game makes people unable to find fault.

Starting on December 25, they will be on an away trip to the west.

Regardless of the strength of the opponent, it is not easy to deal with just because of the fatigue of traveling.

Their first stop was Los Angeles, and their opponents were the Lakers.

After the Lakers' luxury roster went bankrupt last season, this season's roster has changed beyond recognition.

In the main lineup, the five Tigers are left with only Big Gasol.

Of course, Kobe Bryant and Nash are both injured, and their comeback is still far away.

Now their starting five, with the exception of Pau Gasol, are all base-paid players, and the strong contrast is also a precedent for the league.

However, their record is not very bad, because they don't know some teams and are planted.

On the bench, they also have players like Nick Young who has a base salary but good attacking power.

Under head coach Mike D'Antoni, they've been doing well on the offensive end, if you ignore their miserable performances on the defensive end.

The game started out a little unexpectedly, and it was the Lakers who kept hitting from the outside.

Against a team that is decisive in attack, the slightest negligence can lead them to the ditch.

But after reacting and strengthening vigilance, the Lakers will not be able to play so casually.

Here the Heat players would like to thank Nick Young, Yang Shaoxia's gorgeous iron strike, which allowed the Heat to smoothly overtake the score and control the situation.

The Lakers' formation is also somewhat similar to the Heat, but except for Gasol, there is a gap in strength in other positions, especially in defense, so Zhang Xiaotian is also very happy, and he will be soft when he has a chance to shoot.

Wonderful!