One Year Left to Play-Chapter 318 - 104: So Completing Tasks Can Be This Simple
The Lakers, during this period, couldn’t really widen the gap; they just found some ways to deal with the Pacers. The Pacers still defended well, and were getting even better at it.
However, the Pacers’ offense was also average. As long as the Lakers could maintain about a 40% shooting rate, it was enough to compete with the Pacers’ lineup.
Originally, for the Lakers who lost Divac, it was challenging to achieve this without Sibaros, who was very suitable for dealing with the Pacers’ forward rotation, but they actually did it!
This, all thanks to that rookie!
Unknowingly, the fans got absorbed into the game, feeling the aura!
The fans sensed from Zhang Hao what the Magician once described about Anfernee Hardaway — Spirituality.
His anticipation of the opponents’ movement paths and grasp of his teammates’ movements were all reflected in that seemingly simple pass by Zhang Hao.
At 11:03 of the first quarter, the score was tied at 27! In nearly half a quarter, the Lakers had scored 13 to 12.
It seemed that the first quarter would end in a deadlock, which was already a pleasant surprise for Lakers fans. After the official timeout in the first quarter, seeing Zhang Hao continue to play while Sibaros and Campbell were resting, the Lakers fans were already desperate. They had no hope for the rookie who was traded for two near All-Star players.
But Zhang Hao scored 6 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and recorded 1 assist in the past 5 minutes or so!
For this period, the fans’ impression of Zhang Hao greatly improved. Although they still felt their team suffered a huge loss and still had some blame, it was much better now.
However, Zhang Hao and Jason Williams, these two newcomers, didn’t let the first quarter end in such a deadlock!
At 11:31, Anthony Peeler missed a three-pointer from the sideline. Jason Williams grabbed the offensive rebound and seamlessly passed it to the cutting Zhang Hao, who slammed the ball into the basket over Antonio Davis.
At 11:51, Zhang Hao gave a big block to Antonio Davis, who was taking a shot, after George Lynch managed to hold off Antonio Davis’s cut.
Turning back, Van Exel quickly pushed forward, driving all the way into the paint. But Antonio Davis and Ray Miller retreated to the basket in time. George Lynch’s mid-range was pressing, and Anthony Peeler, known for his accuracy, was tightly guarded by Travis Best, leaving Van Exel without space for a forced shot, as Haywood Walker was covering him.
Having no other choice, Van Exel passed the ball to Zhang Hao, who had a passing space after circling to the top arc.
Without stepping inside the three-point line after receiving the ball, Zhang turned to face the basket before Dale Davis could charge him, and he pushed the ball toward the basket as if throwing a shot put...
Not to mention the shot selection, just the shooting motion left the other players on the court stunned. Seeing Zhang Hao’s shooting form, the fans didn’t even know where to start bemoaning.
Zhang Hao previously had 4 shots, all mid-range, making 2 out of 4. The form was impeccable, crisp and clean.
This time, for this three-pointer, they really couldn’t think of a good adjective...
But then! 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶
It went in!
Zhang Hao’s spinning three-point push shot went in!
In the last minute with 5 points and 1 rebound, Zhang Hao single-handedly generated a 5-0 run!
At the end of the first quarter, thanks to Zhang Hao’s 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block, the Lakers led the Pacers by 5 points, 32-27, going into the break!
As long as the three-pointer goes in, there’s no problem. The form might be unique, but sometimes it’s worth trying a new form, as long as it works.
From the overwhelming boos starting from the entrance to the quiet boos during the break; even some cheers emerged, all it took Zhang Hao was one quarter of the game!
...
Returning to the bench, Sibaros approached Zhang Hao excitedly, patting him on the back: "Brother, well done! That block was really nice; you’re quite the rim protector. It seems like you average 2.3 blocks per game, impressive! I didn’t expect you could shoot threes as well..."
Zhang Hao replied: "Just lucky, I’ll leave it to you next. The main lineup of the opponents is harder to deal with than the rotation."
When Zhang Hao walked back to the bench, Del Harris had already told him in a nonchalant tone: "Take a rest first."
"Don’t worry, my main concern was that their rotation defense was too good, widening the gap. Now we’re leading, leave it to me!"
Watching the spirited Sibaros walk over to hear instructions beside Del Harris, the team’s front court charge-oriented forward gained lots of boldness and courage. Very social, yet without that familiar sleazy feeling, Zhang Hao still felt it was a bit strange.
He might get used to it over time, and as they start playing games together, Zhang Hao gradually adapted to this difference.
In terms of strength, even after losing Divac and Eddie Jones, the Lakers were much stronger than the Brooklyn Nets.
With defenders like Anthony Peeler and George Lynch on the perimeter, the Brooklyn Nets did not possess that.
Being more willing to adapt to a new team is based on the new team’s strength, which is very realistic, but that’s how reality is.
During the break, the two commentators from Time Warner Cable Sports were discussing Zhang Hao’s performance in the first quarter.
Zhang Hao playing well wasn’t very surprising. Before joining the Lakers, Zhang Hao already had an average of 21.2 points per game, excluding two 40+ games, he averaged seventeen or eighteen points.
However, they analyzed that when Zhang Hao was with the Brooklyn Nets, he should’ve been the absolute main scoring player, especially after scoring 44 points in the opening game, breaking the historical debut record, it should’ve been that way.
