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Chapter 295 - 146.Beat LA (8000 words)_2

Chapter 295: 146.Beat LA (8000 words)_2

As James Worthy had anticipated, Magic was simply no match for that genius scorer who should have been on their team...

Zhang Yang dribbled through Magic’s legs, mocking him, then pulled up for a jump shot at the right side of the free-throw line and hit it!

After playing another two rounds, Magic also developed the thought, "Who’s going to help me?" during defense.

Furthermore, after playing for three rounds, Zhang Yang didn’t continue his attack; he pulled out to the 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line, while Bird moved to the right elbow area inside the three-second zone...

At this point, the Lakers’ players finally understood what the opposition was doing—players No. 33 and No. 34 were challenging their entire team!

The key was that these two were indeed exchanging blows with them!

There were two spectators on the sidelines with completely different emotions.

Jordan: So you can play like that! Basketball could actually be played like this! If I had known we could play like this, why would I be afraid of the Celtics?

Doug Collins: Isn’t this the tactic I thought of after not sleeping following the Celtics game? Was it when I got drunk that I accidentally told someone from the Celtics about it?

...

Zhang Yang had forgotten one thing, the rule that limited Jordan hadn’t come out yet, there was no anti-isolation rule!

The anti-isolation rule, also known as the ’Anti-Jordan Rule.’

This rule was introduced by Stern during the offseason of 1988, to limit Michael Jordan who had just exhibited his most efficient season in 87-88.

In the 87-88 season, Doug Collins had unveiled a tactic allowing Jordan to play one-on-one on the right side, while everyone else concentrated on the left.

This tactic was based on the ’no illegal defense’ rule.

Using this tactic, Jordan exhibited the most terrifying performance of his career during the 87-88 season—with an average of 35 points a game. Although not the highest of his career, his 53.5% shooting percentage was a 5% increase from the previous season when he averaged 37 points a game.

In the first round of the playoffs against the Knight, he produced the most invincible individual performance in NBA history—with a shooting percentage of 55.9% he averaged 45.2 points a game! Even Jordan himself couldn’t break this record afterward.

Because after the 87-88 season ended, Stern banned this method of play by stipulating the offensive team must have at least two offensive players on one side, and it was not allowed to isolate a defender.

So, in the 88-89 season, while Jordan’s personal skills continued to improve, his average score fell sharply to 32.5 points, and his efficiency was not as good as the previous season. The Chicago Bulls’ record also slipped from a 50-win level to a 45-win level, with the ’Anti-Jordan Rule’ having a clear effect.

In the first round of the playoffs, facing the Knight again, his average score plummeted to 39.8 points, and his shooting percentage also sharply decreased to 51.8%...

Turning our attention back to the second game of the finals between the Celtics and the Lakers, the Lakers found themselves on the back foot.

Halfway through the first quarter, Bird had scored 8 points, Zhang Yang 6 points, Ainge 2 points, and McHale 4 points, leading the Celtics to a 20-17 score!

A star is a star because, in most cases, their shooting, even against defenders, is more accurate than role players’ open shots.

The Celtics’ three main scorers, Zhang Yang and Bird, took turns playing one-on-one.

After trying it out initially, Bird consulted with Zhang Yang and decided to take turns attacking, each for no fewer than 3 rounds and no more than 4 rounds, to maintain continuity in offense and not to exhaust themselves with continuous attacks or affect the other’s shooting rhythm. No matter how well they were shooting, they would switch out to ensure sustainability throughout the game.

Out of the three scorers, McHale was not responsible for solo play. He was quite formidable in one-on-one situations, especially in the low post, but compared to Zhang Yang and Bird, he was more likely to be limited. His solo play was mainly centered on the low post.

When his two teammates played one-on-one, McHale was in charge of creating space up high, setting screens for Ainge, and after a teammate took a shot, he would crash the boards for offensive rebounds. The energy he saved was then invested on the defensive end, striving to protect the rim.

The tactic was provided by Bird, and the specific roles were defined by the silent deliberation of Coach Red Auerbach.

Auerbach, worthy of being the greatest coach in history, even though he internally disagreed with the strategic policies, knew they had to be implemented. He did it well, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure for his three scorers as much as possible, ensuring that all three could stay on the court together.

Auerbach’s optimization of tactical details was very effective. After playing half a quarter, the three leading scorers, who combined for a point more than the entire opposing team and accumulated 18 points, did not feel fatigued but became increasingly excited!

With 6 minutes and 11 seconds left, the Lakers called a timeout!

There was no problem with their offense; it was just as strong as the last game, with a solid 120+ points.

But the opposition was scoring even more fiercely!

Pat Riley told his players to keep calm.

As a tyrant on the court, Pat Riley’s words were very effective, calming down the rattled and anxious players.

That’s when Magic came out, with his trademark smile, and said, "If they want to compete on offense, then let’s compete with them. Don’t be afraid—we’re the ones who are going to win, It’s Showtime!"

Riley’s cool coaching style calmed down the players, while Magic’s gentle but confident words reinvigorated them!

That’s right, they are the Showtime Lakers!

After the timeout, the Lakers focused on offense, matching the Celtics shot for shot!

On the Celtics’ side, the ’isolation tactic’ was effective, and they played more firmly and boldly.

At the end of the first quarter, thanks to a three-pointer from Byron Scott at the last moment, the Lakers managed to tie the game at 38-38, with both sides achieving a new high in scoring for this finals series.

In the second and third quarters, both teams continued their fierce attacks. As fatigue set in, their shooting percentages both dropped. The Celtics scored 34 points in the second quarter to the Lakers’ 31, and in the third quarter, the Lakers scored 32 points to the Celtics’ 28...