Basketball boy, starting to shine from the slam dunk

On May 5, the seventh game of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Celtics and the Wizards kicked off.

After 48 minutes of fierce fighting, the Celtics finally defeated the Wizards 115:105, winning 4:3 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In this game, Bradley Beal of the Wizards scored 38 points, but the team's other star John Wall made 23 of 8 shots and only scored 18 points.

The Celtics' Thomas scored 29 points and 12 assists. In addition, Al Horford and Jae Crowder also performed well.

Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart from the bench became surprise players. Olynyk made 14 of 10 shots and contributed 26 points efficiently. Smart made 7 of 4 shots and contributed 13 points. The two substitutes scored a total of 39 points, while the Wizards' bench lineup only scored 5 points in total.

After this game, the Eastern Conference Finals matchups were announced - Cavaliers vs. Celtics.

Soon, the Western Conference Finals began.

......

Oracle Arena.

This is the Warriors' home court. The first game of the Western Conference Finals has not yet begun, but the stadium is already bustling and noisy.

There are many fans coming to the scene today.

Because last season's Western Conference Finals was between the Lakers and the Warriors, and the two sides had a grudge last season, it was naturally very interesting to see them face off again this season, attracting the attention of countless fans.

“I wonder which side will win this time?”

"It's definitely the Warriors, they are so strong."

"Yes, the Warriors are too strong and their lineup is too scary. Last season, the Warriors were already a championship-level team, and now with Durant, they are simply invincible."

Some fans were discussing, and most of them were optimistic about the Warriors.

It's not just because this is the Warriors' home court, but also because the Warriors' strength this season is indeed terrifyingly strong.

In the 14-15 season, the Warriors also had players such as Curry, Thompson, and Green, and at that time they won the championship and became a championship team.

Now Curry, Thompson and Green are still there, the core lineup of the team has not changed, only Barnes is missing, but at the same time there is also a stronger Durant.

There is no doubt that compared to last season, the Warriors' lineup has been upgraded and their strength has also improved.

From the regular season to the playoffs, the games were very easy all the way. Even when facing strong teams such as the Cavaliers, Lakers, and Spurs in the regular season, we won more than we lost.

So most fans are more optimistic about the Warriors.

......

Players from both sides came out.

For a moment, boos and cheers sounded alternately, the entire stadium was plunged into noise, and the sound did not subside for a long time.

It was not until the players from both teams finished warming up that the audience gradually quieted down, and the fans all stared at the field - the game was about to begin.

Courtside.

A group of Warriors players gathered around Coach Kerr. Coach Kerr did not do much pre-game mobilization because it was not necessary.

Last season, the Warriors won 73 games. At the end of the regular season, many players felt that the championship was within their grasp. However, they lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. It was like a slap in the face, and they lost face in front of fans all over the world.

From the myth of 73 wins to becoming a laughing stock in the end, this is the pain in the hearts of the Warriors players and a shame they can never forget.

So there is no need for mobilization at all.

This is not just a battle for the Western Conference championship, but also a battle of revenge!

"I want to emphasize one point, defend Lopez well, defend in front and limit him from receiving the ball." Coach Kerr said: "If he gets the ball, other players must immediately go up to assist and not give him the opportunity to play one-on-one in the low post. Also, Deron and Gerald Green must not be left alone, defend them well."

"As for Zhuang..."

He paused and said to Thompson, "Klay, I'll leave the game to you. The main thing is to defend his outside shooting, understand?"

Thompson complied.

Before the game, Coach Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff carefully studied the Lakers' two rounds of playoff games, especially the series against the Spurs.

The Spurs' defensive strategy against the Lakers in Game 2 of the series inspired Coach Kerr.

Obviously, the most difficult player to defend for the Lakers is Zhuang Yu.

With Zhuang Yu's strength, plus his ability to break through, pass and shoot, and his comprehensive skills, it is very difficult to defend him, almost impossible. It would be good enough if we can reduce his offensive efficiency.

Therefore, Coach Kerr chose to focus on defending Lopez and limit the scoring of Lopez, Deron and Gerald Green. As for Zhuang Yu, Thompson would defend him alone and try to prevent his outside shooting as much as possible, forcing him to break through. Then, he would rely on help defense to create difficulties for him and reduce his offensive efficiency... As for Anderson, it's okay to let him shoot.

Coach Kerr then made some arrangements for the offense.

This is relatively simple and there is nothing to arrange because the Warriors' offense is so strong that Coach Kerr is not worried at all.

......

The Lakers here.

A group of players gathered together, and Coach Scott was also making pre-match arrangements.

He said with a serious expression: "On defense, we focus on defending the opponent's three-pointer. The opponent has many players who can handle the ball, and their playing style is also very varied, with a lot of screens and pick-and-rolls. So our switching defense must be fast and we can't miss anyone, especially on the three-point line."

“I know it’s not easy.”

"Curry, Thompson, and Durant are all strong scorers, so we need to make some choices and focus on defending these three. As for Green, you can let him shoot, not just three-pointers, but also two-pointers. Lopez, you just stay inside and don't go out, do a good job of backup defense, and protect the rebounds."

"We have to slow down the offense..."

After some arrangements, Coach Scott waved his hand and signaled the players to go on the court.

After watching several players walk onto the court, Coach Scott turned his head to look at the Warriors with a wry smile on his face.

In the previous game against the Spurs, they wanted to go as fast as possible.

But now, when facing the Warriors, they can only slow down as much as possible and fight a positional battle. The speed advantage over the Spurs turned into a disadvantage when facing the Warriors. How can people not be depressed?

......

Players from both sides come to the field.

The Warriors' starting lineup is Pachulia, Draymond Green, Durant, Thompson, and Curry.

The Lakers also have their regular starters, including Lopez, Anderson, Gerald Green, Zhuang Yu and Deron.

First there was a jump ball, the Lakers got the offensive ball and launched the first attack.

After arriving at the frontcourt, Deron glanced at the positions of the Warriors' defensive players. Pachulia was facing Lopez, Draymond Green was facing Anderson, Durant was facing Gerald Green, Thompson was facing Zhuang Yu, and Curry was facing him.

Both sides have a "one big and four small" lineup, and there is no mismatch in the position.

Immediately, Deron made a gesture: "Pick and roll."

Lopez set up a pick-and-roll, Deron moved to the left, Pachulia came up to delay, and Deron passed the ball back to Lopez.

Lopez passed the ball to Zhuang Yu again and provided a screen for him. He used the screen to get rid of Thompson, then took a step forward and shot directly.