One Year Left to Play-Chapter 253 - 89: The Later Generation Surpasses the Former
A close turnaround jump shot from the free throw line to the edge of the three-second zone...
If it wasn't for Jason Williams on the other side of the three-second zone, and Almon Gilliam in the middle from the free throw line to the baseline, Owen and Moning holding ground on the other side, would this be a drive from the free throw line to a layup?
The fans at the scene looked at Kurt Thomas's build, similar to Zhang Hao's, but with more pronounced black muscle lines, appearing more aggressive than Zhang Hao. The key was Pat Riley's continual praise of Kurt Thomas's defensive talent during the preseason... and it turned out so soft?
However, just like the previous Brooklyn Nets' successful defensive surprise, Zhang Hao's Barkley and Mark Jackson-style back-down play also stunned everyone.
Feeling the strange gazes from others on the court, Kurt Thomas wanted to explain — it's not that I'm soft, it's just that this guy's strength is ridiculously powerful!
It's not that Zhang Hao's strength is unimaginable. Of course, it's strong enough for Kurt Thomas, but in terms of physique, Zhang Hao's strength is exaggerated.
Seeing Moning pick up the ball and serve, and watching the expressionless retreat of the same-year, same-position high school student after beating him, Kurt Thomas could only run forward to the court... Too miserable! 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
The Heat still slowed the rhythm, Moning's solo play.
Once again, Moning faced a quadruple-team as soon as he received the ball, and this time the Brooklyn Nets were more confident, with Kurt Thomas's receiving route being disturbed despite his mid-range shooting ability.
Wanting to return the pass to Koels, Kenny Anderson tightly trailed using his speed, Keith Askins was a defensive player, Edwards defending Keith Askins was like Rex Chapman defending Graham before, completely ignoring him, making Moning's only teammate he could accurately pass to.
Moning forced a hook shot without complete force...
"Clank"
Brick!
The ball hit the left side of the rim, and Zhang Hao grabbed the defensive rebound!
With this formation, forget about fast breaks, Zhang Hao secured the ball, waiting for Edwards to slide over for a handoff.
As offence turns to defense, after Kenny Anderson pushed to the frontcourt, he saw Zhang Hao again opening space at the left baseline, signaling Zhang Hao to receive the ball.
This position, distance from the free throw line...
Zhang Hao wanted to send a greeting to the boss so badly, roaring in his heart — I am not a Barkley type! No!
His expression showed a hint of helplessness, but his body was honest. Zhang Hao immediately stepped forward and leaned onto Kurt Thomas.
Without allowing premature double-teaming, it's very favorable for the player receiving the ball, creating a better environment for solo play.
Zhang Hao received the ball, using his hips to back-down!
Seeing Kurt Thomas using all his strength yet once again failing to withstand the force, Heat players began their defensive moves. As Kurt Thomas lowered his center of gravity, Zhang Hao had a great view and noticed Moning's tendency to move towards him, so Zhang Hao continued with the back-down.
The thrill of no five-second back-to-basket rule!
As Zhang Hao pressed Kurt Thomas toward the three-second zone, Moning had moved to the left edge of the three-second zone, Zhang Hao stood up... and distributed the ball!
Keith Askins had already collapsed in, and Zhang Hao distributed the ball to Edwards, who was running towards the top arc!
Edwards received the ball without pausing and immediately tossed it towards the right side of the basket, and Jason Williams stepped into the right side of the three-second zone, leapt high, and slammed the ball into the basket with one hand!
15 to 11, Brooklyn Nets lead by 4 points!
Zhang Hao's distribution was impressive, avoiding a risky lob over Moning's long arms and instead seeing Keith Askins' collapse and the Heat's other players taking time to defend Edwards, revealing a high-low pass gap.
"Alvan, did you see it? Aix's understanding of distribution is amazing, also taught well by you. Just so quickly, he has developed the awareness to observe the third point..."
Butch Baird was extremely excited while talking to Alvan Adams, praising Zhang Hao's amazing pass, continuously complimenting this fellow player from the same era.
But what excited Butch Baird more was Zhang Hao's awareness in this aspect, which is pure talent, something unlearnable, otherwise the NBA wouldn't be filled with facilitating experts at every street corner.
On the other side, Pat Riley squatted on the sideline, loudly directing his players, meaning — to play as a team, initiate offense from the outside.
Not afraid of Brooklyn Nets hearing, because as long as solo play starts from the outside, Brooklyn Nets definitely won't collapse the defense.
Koels handed the ball to Owens, then spaced out, leaving Owens to play solo.
But as soon as Owens got the ball, he faced a double-team from Edwards and Almon Gilliam.
Almon Gilliam's defense was mediocre, making it hard to guard Owens. Edwards had made up his mind since he saw the opposing team's shooting guard, defensive player, and big guard Keith Askins, as long as Owens solo played, he'd go up to double-team.
Owens retreated for a long two-pointer and missed!
Moning rushed in, wanting to grab the offensive rebound, but Jason Williams wouldn't give the opponent the chance, steadily guarding the rebound!
Holding onto the ball, no rush, after Moning retreated into defense, Jason Williams handed the ball to Kenny Anderson.
Upon reaching the frontcourt, Zhang Hao consciously leaned on Kurt Thomas for the ball.
It was Kurt Thomas's rookie season's first matchup against a popular rookie. Before the game, he had envisioned many possibilities. The Heat's play style suited him well, and he felt he could make a name for himself here.
