Chapter 675 [Lazy to rule the perimeter, practice hard or strike iron]
In the first round of the Western Conference, the biggest gimmick is the Suns vs. Lakers.
Because Guo Xu's career started with the Lakers, the Lakers did not renew his contract because there was Kobe on the outside. In addition, Jordan once commented that Kobe is a better player than Guo Xu, and every time the two of them meet, they can attract the attention of fans.
Most fans think that the Suns will sweep the ball to advance, and only a few Kemi think that the Lakers will create the Black Eight Miracle in an upset manner. The tickets for Phoenix's first game were quickly sold out.
The NBA playoffs allowed to report a 13-man roster, but the solar energy only played 12 people, all of which were on the roster, and everyone was happy.
Previously, some media predicted that one of the "little bully" Stadameer and Marion would return in the playoffs, but the result was not. Team doctor Carter advised them not to do this and to take a career risk. Moreover, the Suns' first record in the regular season has proved their strength, and the current lineup is not impossible to compete for the championship.
The Lakers also played in the best team, with no casualties. They have done well this season and won many strong teams in the second half.
In an interview before the game, "Zen Master" Phil Jackson was very low-key. He said: "The Suns are stronger, and Jason Guo should be serious in the playoffs. It is difficult to defeat them in this situation, so we can only try hard."
When scoring the goal hall, Guo Xu, who was wearing a suit, also accepted an interview with reporter Audrey Jones.
Jones asked him to predict the game's victory. Guo Xu said: "Sweeping, that's that simple. I won't let Parker take a easy move in the playoffs, and I won't take a walk on the defensive end. We are all ready to win."
Audrey asked: "What are your goals for this season?"
"Of course it's the championship. We injured three generals this year, but it doesn't hurt to have a bigger goal."
After entering the locker room, D'Antoni said a few words to boost morale, and then arranged tactics to let Guo Xu break through and pass the ball.
"Jason, I hope you will help your teammates play confidence in the first round and reduce the number of personal shots. They lack the experience in the playoffs. They can be used as training in the first round. Even if you lose one or two games, it is acceptable. It will be beneficial to the next game."
Guo Xu smiled and said, "I understand, but I don't think I will lose. As long as you are not nervous, you can perform well. What's the point of being nervous? I don't defend well in the regular season, you can make up for the defensive gap. In the playoffs, you can win by handing the ball to me on the premise of solid defense. We are very strong."
Guo Xu paused and said loudly: "I promise I won't be lazy on the defensive end anymore. Everyone is cheering up. My nickname is 'Guo Bugu'. If you let the opponent score more points than the point guard, don't blame me if the media criticizes you."
The players burst into laughter and their mentality was relaxed.
Because they all know that there is a kind of player called "Serious Jason Guo", and they often see it during training. Guo Xu and Payton are the same defense, and their physical fitness is super good. How can they be poor in defense? His only weakness is that they are short and difficult to interfere with shooting. The opponent cannot easily pass him. They can defend against the frame and fight against the back.
Guo Xu really helped his teammates build confidence by releasing the waters of the regular season. He is lazy in the Suns' defense. If he is serious, his opponent can score high scores against the Suns? Moreover, when entering the playoffs, the coaching staff will reduce David Lee's playing time and strengthen defense.
In the visiting team's locker room, when "Zen Master" Jackson arranged the tactics, he also told Kobe to pass more balls, run the ball, and bloom more points are the key to winning.
According to the analysis of data from the Lakers coaching staff, he believes that the Suns can still achieve the best record this season, which is due to Guo Xu's super personal ability and overall offensive efficiency.
On the surface, the Suns are a group of unfamous people sharing their playing time, only Guo Xu and Howard average more than 30 minutes per game. However, under the leadership of Guo Xu, the Suns players have a high shooting percentage of the receiving and shooting. The data they scored in a limited time are enough to match the stars.
Jackson hopes that Kobe can play like Guo Xu, attract double-teams to pass the ball, and improve his teammates' shooting percentage. This is the only way for the Lakers to win. Kobe's data is beautiful, his shooting percentage is not good, and his efficiency is not as good as the Suns' two No. 2 positions combined, because the Suns' scoring method is to throw three points at the 2nd position, which is very accurate.
Jackson instructed Kobe. "You must motivate your teammates, don't make a shot and compete with Jason. That doesn't make sense. If the Lakers create the Black Eight Miracle, even if he averages 40 points per game in the series, you will be the one who gets high praise."
Kobe moved his mouth and thought to himself that the premise was that we could win, but he was afraid that that guy averaged 40 points per game and the Suns swept the Lakers.
Guo Xu is Smarsh Parker and Monta Ellis can deal with it? This position is not easy to do.
Kobe was in a bad mood before the game started and he had no confidence to win.
Many times, experts can tell whether they can win by looking at the lineup. Strong teams cannot have obvious defensive weaknesses. Stars have always performed very strongly, and it is necessary to boost morale, although sometimes they are just stubborn.
Kobe knew that Guo Xu did not try his best to defend in the regular season. He often performed outrageously on the defensive end, and dared to admit that he was unwilling to defend and deliberately was lazy. Kobe also knew Guo Xu's true defensive level, and he could fight him one-on-one in the rookie season, but it was difficult to interfere with the shooting.
When the player appeared, Guo Xu received the warmest applause, and Kobe received a lot of applause.
This is the second time Kobe's career averaged 30+ per game in a single season. Players who can do this are not simple. He is already a super scorer who can leave a name in NBA history. The home audience is looking forward to him and Guo Xu in a scoring battle.
Unfortunately, Kobe failed to score the scoring champion even though he was 30+ twice.
During the warm-up, Guo Xu practiced shooting in the middle circle, made a shooting line without leaving the team, and made 3 of 5 shots.
Barkley noticed this on this TNT radio live broadcast and smiled and said, "Jason is preparing to score a three-pointer in the midfield again. He was practicing this when he was warming up. Smarsh Parker didn't look here. If he saw it, he would definitely feel nervous."
Smith said: "The super three-point ability makes Jason the hardest defender in the NBA. His shooting range is too long, and he has a very fast speed and sharp breakthrough. Iverson admits that Jason is faster than him and can be seen during the game."
Barkley smiled and said: "When he was a rookie season, many people said that Jason was an ordinary person playing NBA and a floor streamer. He almost always said that when he was in the Lakers, until he got the dunk king. This is really funny."
Smith said: "I think he was not so good at the beginning. He was training hard when he was in the Lakers. He started to be lazy after he practiced. It would be better if he didn't practice, but he couldn't survive if he practiced. O'Neal was able to dominate the penalty area without training back then, but now Jason is dominating the outside."
Barkley said: "The shooting feel is also a talent. Some media reports that Kobe has been working hard to make three-pointers and has been soft. Last summer, videos of him training were leaked, but his shooting percentage is still very low."
Sun: Guo Xu, Bell, Howard, Haslem, Valaijo.
By looking at the lineup, you will know that the Suns have to defend seriously, and they have not played double guards and David Lee. David Lee is a defensive black hole. Even if they try hard to defend, their figure will not be compensated.
Like Sir Jr., David Li is not good at the penalty area. His height and wingspan are not as good as Sir. If the Lakers give Bogut a low ball, he can't stand it. The two teams are fighting for attacking at a fast pace. David Li is the time for playing.
Lakers: Parker, Kobe, Butler, Odom, Bogut.
Jackson did not reserve and sent the team's best team.
Chapter completed!