Basketball boy, starting to shine from the slam dunk

When Harden saw Zhuang Yu coming towards him, he couldn't help but frown.

They had played against each other in the regular season. Zhuang Yu made it difficult for Harden to defend. Zhuang Yu had the upper hand in the confrontation between the two sides, and Harden had to avoid Zhuang Yu at one point.

But this is the Western Conference Finals, and he is the Rockets' ace player and the only core on the court, not to mention the competition for the "regular season MVP".

So he couldn't hide, at least not at the beginning.

Harden just made a gesture, signaling his teammates to move away, and he wanted to play against Zhuang Yu alone.

"Oh, you're getting more confident." Zhuang Yu grinned and deliberately mocked Harden, "I didn't see you so brave during the regular season."

Harden's already dark face didn't look any darker, but he narrowed his eyes, stared at Zhuang Yu with an unfriendly look, and snorted coldly.

The next moment, Harden took action.

He first made a tentative step, but Zhuang Yu remained unmoved. Harden then broke through and Zhuang Yu retreated. Harden quickly changed direction and switched the ball to his left hand.

"I expected that." Zhuang Yu sneered and quickly adjusted his center of gravity.

Harden is a left-handed player and he likes to go to the left side the most, so when he broke through to the right side just now, Zhuang Yu was already prepared and blocked the position in advance.

However, Harden was well prepared. He had already experienced Zhuang Yu's defense, so he naturally did not expect to pass Zhuang Yu with a simple change of direction under his crotch.

That's not realistic.

So after changing direction, seeing Zhuang Yu blocking his breakthrough route, he first took a step forward and found a physical confrontation, causing Zhuang Yu to stagger, while Harden used the force to retreat. He was very afraid of Zhuang Yu's defense, so he was not at ease after finding two physical confrontations and retreating, and he also used a double step back.

Of course, the double step-back itself is Harden's signature move, and he uses it with ease and mastery.

Swish!

There was a soft sound and the ball was scored.

Zhuang Yu had already rushed forward, but it was too late.

Firstly, after being hit by Harden, he had to release his strength before he could rush forward again, while Harden used the rebound force to retreat, so the speed was naturally different.

Secondly, Harden's double step back was too far, and he retreated outside the three-point line. Even if Zhuang Yu had anticipated it and knew that Harden might do a double step back, he was too late to stop him.

Of course, it is also because Harden is strong enough and has delicate techniques. He first looks for physical confrontation, then takes a double step back, using all his skills.

"nice shot."

“This ball is really cool.”

The home fans cheered excitedly and applauded Harden.

This was a direct one-on-one play, and he shot the ball in against Zhuang Yu's defense. It was a face-to-face conversation between two regular season MVP contenders, and Harden scored the first goal.

Some Lakers fans shouted at the court, asking Zhuang Yu to return the favor.

......

Come to the frontcourt.

Several Lakers players looked at Zhuang Yu. Zhuang Yu waved his hand, signaling them to move away, and Harden also took the initiative to come forward and stand in front of Zhuang Yu.

Harden is at a disadvantage in defending Zhuang Yu with his height, and Harden is not a player who is good at defense, so when the two sides met in the regular season, other people were responsible for defending Zhuang Yu.

The Rockets also had Eric Gordon on the court at this time.

But this game also involves the competition for the "Regular Season MVP". Harden cannot lose his momentum. Since Zhuang Yu chooses to defend him actively, he must also fight back.

Seeing Harden rushing over, Zhuang Yu smiled secretly in his heart.

"I'm not sure I can defend you, but if I can beat you one-on-one..."

The next moment, Zhuang Yu suddenly started, dribbled the ball between his legs, then changed direction and accelerated, breaking through to the left, and Harden quickly adjusted his steps. Immediately afterwards, Zhuang Yu changed direction in front of his body, switched the ball to his right hand, and the change of direction was very large, creating a distance between him and Harden. At the same time, he lowered his center of gravity, lowered his right shoulder, and pretended to accelerate.

Harden's defensive steps were a little messy at this time, and he subconsciously retreated. However, Zhuang Yu did not break through. Instead, he retreated and went back to the three-point line to shoot.

Swish!

Also enter.

With Zhuang Yu's current three-point shooting level, it is difficult for anyone who is not as tall as him to defend against him.

The home fans were very unhappy and burst into loud boos. Damn, Zhuang Yu actually made a three-pointer.

......

Tens of seconds later.

Harden once again singled out Zhuang Yu, and after getting the ball, he still broke through. He was not as tall as Zhuang Yu, and Zhuang Yu had excellent jumping ability, so shooting towards Zhuang Yu was not a good choice. Harden played very smartly, first breaking through and actively looking for physical confrontation.

This time, Zhuang Yu retreated forward and backward, but Harden was not panicked. He knew that Zhuang Yu was good at defense and was mentally prepared. He suddenly changed direction and accelerated, not taking a step back jump shot, but attacking the basket directly.

Zhuang Yu quickly turned sideways, preparing to catch up.

At this time, the two were already near the free throw line, and at this distance Zhuang Yu no longer needed to stay directly in front of Harden all the time.

Even if he is sideways, Zhuang Yu can still maintain defensive deterrence with the advantage of height and wingspan. Even if Harden dares to go for a layup directly, he will have a chance to block Harden's shot.

However, as soon as Zhuang Yu turned around, he bumped into a wall of people. It was Nene Hilario.

Obviously, Harden was well prepared.

With the help of Nene's pick-and-roll, the Lakers got rid of Zhuang Yu. The inside player was Nance Jr., and although he jumped up, he still couldn't block the shot and was scored by Harden with a layup.

"Shh!"

Harden scored two more points.

Zhuang Yu smiled and said, "This guy, didn't we agree to a one-on-one duel? He's still hiding." He instructed Nance, "Switch defense faster later. Also, if Nene goes to the free throw line for a pick-and-roll, you have to remind me."

Little Nance quickly agreed.

Since Zhuang Yu was in a defensive position just now, he couldn't see Nene behind him, but Nance Jr. could see him. He should have reminded Zhuang Yu so that Zhuang Yu could be mentally prepared.

This is why communication between teammates is very important in basketball games, especially in team defense. Your teammates may not be able to see, but you have a better field of vision, so you need to remind your teammates and inform them of the movements of the offensive players and your own movements.

Turn around.

Zhuang Yu came to the frontcourt and still directly challenged Harden.

After his three-point shooting ability improved to a higher level, Zhuang Yu really became a bit "invincible". In the previous series against the Warriors, he did not lose to Durant.

I am naturally not afraid of facing Harden at this time. You want to compete with me, right? Then I will accompany you to the end.

"Pull away."

Zhuang Yu made a gesture, and then suddenly accelerated. Harden subconsciously retreated, while Zhuang Yu suddenly paused and made a "worshiping Buddha" gesture. Harden didn't have time to think about it, and he was shorter than Zhuang Yu, so when he saw Zhuang Yu's action, he immediately raised his hand.

Everyone who has played basketball knows that when the offensive player is about to shoot, you have to raise your hands first. If you keep your hands at your sides, it will be too late to raise your hands when the offensive player jumps up.

Unable to interfere enough with the opponent's shooting.

You have to judge that the other party is going to shoot, so you have to raise your hand first.

If the opponent wants to break through, you have to put your hands on your sides. Firstly, it will expand the defensive area, and secondly, it will make your body's center of gravity more coordinated, making it easier to move sideways.

Although Harden didn't jump up in a hurry, the fact that he raised his hand was enough for Zhuang Yu to pass him...