"If the Nets still haven't improved in this game tonight, then this series may be here." On May 10, 2004, the Nets sat at home and ushered in the third matchup of the Eastern Conference semifinals with the Pacers. After losing two away games, tonight's game is undoubtedly a very crucial game for the Nets, and they have no way out. However, as long as they can keep this home court today, then the Nets can still retain a glimmer of hope of qualifying, if they even lose this home game tonight, then the Nets should really think about where to fish this summer, after all, in the history of the NBA, there has never been a series that turned the tables from 0-3 down.

"The Nets' performance in this series has been so disappointing, especially Kenyon Martin, who seems to have lost all his sharpness after the setback in the first game, and in the second game of the series, he was timid, not an All-Star at all." Obviously, Magic Johnson is now very disappointed in Kenyon Martin, you must know that Magic Johnson was very expecting Kenyon Martin to overcome setbacks and pressure, go further, and become a quasi-superstar, Kenyon Martin has this talent and potential, but judging from Kenyon Martin's performance in the second game, this guy is afraid to disappoint Magic Johnson.

"Oh, Elwin, what do you see me?" Just when Magic Johnson was still chatting with Michaels about the current situation of the Nets, Michaels, who had already obtained the starting lineups of both sides in this game, pushed Magic Johnson's arm several times in a row as if he had discovered a new continent.

"This is? Three inside lineups! Magic Johnson, who took over the starting list from Michaels, just glanced at it and found the clue. Jason Collins, Kenyon Martin, Lorenten White, Lawrence Frank actually sent a three-inside starting lineup today, it seems that Jermaine O'Neal's excellent play in the first two games made Lawrence Frank very jealous, and even in order to offset the advantage of Jermaine O'Neal and Mutombo on the inside, he directly sent three inside, but in this way, the Nets' defense on the outside is bound to be much looser, and the Pacers have a large group of three-point shooters.

"The Nets' tactics today are very clear, and the three-interior strategy is certainly very effective in limiting Jermaine O'Neal's play under the basket and the Pacers' breakthrough, but for the Nets' two guards, today's game is a very big test, after all, whether it is Jason Kidd or Robert Pike, the height of the two of them is not enough in the face of Meng Xu and Reggie Miller."

"Al, there is no such thing as the best of both worlds, and since Lawrence Frank has chosen to strengthen his interior defense and offense, the outside defense will inevitably be weakened." After these few minutes of observation and consideration, Magic Johnson also probably guessed Lawrence Frank's intentions, Lawrence Frank's tactics and arrangements today are actually gambling, three inside lines under the basket, and two point guards on the outside, which is clearly telling the Pacers that if you have the ability, you will shoot me outside. For Lawrence Frank's death-defying behavior, regardless of the outcome, first of all, Magic Johnson still has some appreciation for Lawrence Frank's daring to fight against the water.

"I hope they don't let me down." Lawrence Frank is also very aware of the consequences of his arrangement, but in addition to doing so, Lawrence Frank can't find any way now, in terms of on-the-spot command and tactical attainments, Lawrence Frank is not even as good as his predecessor Byron Scott, so now except for a gamble, Lawrence Frank can't think of any other way. is basically the same as Magic Johnson's guess, in today's game, Lawrence Frank is going to let Meng Xu shoot on the outside, after all, no matter how high your outside shooting percentage is, it can't be compared with the blue line's shooting percentage, and the outside shooting is basically not lethal compared to the offense under the basket.

With the whistle of the referee on duty, Lawrence Frank collected his thoughts and put all his attention on the center of the court. There, the referee on duty had already tossed the basketball in his hand into the air, and as the whistle blew, Jermaine O'Neal and Kenyon Martin jumped at the same time, and just like in the previous game, Jermaine O'Neal defeated Kenyon Martin very easily, stealing the ball for the Pacers' first offensive wave. Although it was not surprising to lose the jump ball, to Lawrence Frank's relief, Kenyon Martin was significantly better today, and it seemed that his conversation with him two days ago was paying off.

After getting the ball this time, Meng Xu quickly arrived at the front court with the basketball, but the Nets, who had been prepared, did not give Meng Xu the opportunity to launch a fast attack, and the Nets also changed the defensive strategy against Meng Xu in the first two games, allowing Robert Pike, a 35-year-old veteran, to defend Meng Xu alone.

Due to intermittent injuries and increasing age, Robert Pike has long been out of his prime, but Robert Pike is also a very versatile playmaker, and even played 18+8+5 in his peak season, although his body is no longer at his peak, but his defensive awareness is still there.

So when Meng Xu dribbled to near the top of the arc, Robert Pike was pasted up, compared to Richard Jefferson's defense, Robert Pike is obviously much older, and Robert Pike secretly has a lot of small actions, but Robert Pike's shortcomings are also obvious, that is, he is less than 1.9 meters tall, this height to defend Meng Xu alone, is undoubtedly very disadvantageous.

After observing the defensive position of the Nets, Meng Xu jumped up directly under the defense of Robert Pike, since you give me a chance, then you are welcome.

"Beautiful pull-up jumper, Robert Pike is just too short for height." With the sound of brushing, when Meng Xu pulled out a three-point shot, the Continental Airlines Arena, which was booing the earth just now, instantly quieted down.

"It's an interesting game today." After Meng Xu's three-point shot, Magic Johnson on the sidelines showed an elusive smile, Meng Xu's hand looks good today, and the Nets are now deliberately letting him shoot, it looks like Meng Xu is going to get a high score today, if he can refresh the playoff scoring record, it will be even more interesting.

"Hmm." Michaels on the side also nodded after hearing the words of the magic, compared to Meng Xu, who was 40+, 50+ at every turn, and even scored 82 points in Madison Square Garden last season, Meng Xu is a little too low-key this season, especially after entering the playoffs, in the 6 games that have ended, Meng Xu has only scored more than 30 points.