One Year Left to Play-Chapter 327 - 105: Just Focus on Offense
The extensive warm-up two hours before the game paid off in terms of physical sensation and shooting touch, Zhang Hao made his second shot tonight, score!
Sibaros is known for his rebounding prowess, and Jason Williams left a deep impression on the Pistons with his offensive rebounds the last time they played. Both provided Zhang Hao with excellent opportunities for mid-range shots after cutting along the baseline.
Van Exel is also happy to pass, just a bit too reckless. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
Grant Hill clearly noticed Zhang Hao’s changes, just like in their first matchup, Zhang Hao manages to improve visibly during the game!
Shifting from uncertainty about his role in the team to solidifying his approach, and doing it so swiftly, Grant Hill really appreciates that.
Feeling a bit troubled, the Pistons initially aimed to capitalize on the Lakers’ short window of adjusting their lineup, hoping to gain an early lead and then snowball to victory. But now, it’s clearly not going to be that simple.
Transitioning to offense, the Pistons attack.
During the Pistons’ offensive, they didn’t substitute anyone during the last timeout. Grant Hill continued with the frontline pick-and-roll, and after Jason Williams switched to defend Grant Hill, he was very aggressive in blocking mid-range shots. Grant Hill decisively drove to the basket!
Zhang Hao’s rim protection always impresses, and compared to his terribly weak perimeter defense, his shot-blocking ability stands out. However, Grant Hill is brilliant too; even with Zhang Hao getting into position and interfering, Hill managed to switch hands and with a hook-like motion, flick the ball into the basket!
When it was the Lakers’ turn to attack, previously, Zhang Hao always thought about how to coordinate at high post and play a role similar to Divac, focusing more on playmaking than scoring. He understands that the Lakers are much stronger than the Brooklyn Nets at that time. But he never thought deeply about why they were stronger until now; it’s that often he doesn’t need to think too much—focusing on one thing at a time works best.
Zhang Hao now focuses on finding scoring opportunities. After crossing the half-court, he noticed the opponent’s defense shifting downwards, clearly targeting his mid-range shots from the baseline and the double penetration from the wings.
As Van Exel advanced the ball to the frontcourt, Zhang Hao didn’t ask for the ball in the post or move around to get open; instead, he went to screen for Van Exel against Dumas.
After the pick-and-roll, Van Exel took a long two-point shot... score!
The offense unified, making good use of threats, and the Lakers’ offense suddenly became fluid.
to 8, the Pistons still lead by 5 points, but Grant Hill felt a lot more pressure.
After several consecutive plays, Grant Hill passed the ball to Dumas. Dumas couldn’t drive anymore but had excellent vision. After Don Reed screened Alan Houston to cut into the basket, the Lakers thought it was for Don Reed to take the ball and attack the basket, so Sibaros and Anthony Peeler both collapsed the defense, but Dumas passed to Alan Houston!
This pass tore apart the Lakers’ defense, and Alan Houston nailed the long two-pointer precisely!
Fast yet steady, with incredible rhythm control, especially the rhythm part—appearing more stable than when Grant Hill was dribbling.
Seeing it from the Lakers’ viewpoint, it’s unbelievable. The opposing coach Doug Collins is quite bold, shifting Dumas to play the primary point guard role, doing a fairly good job at it.
Can’t defend? Attack under!
Van Exel pushed the ball to the frontcourt and actively sought a pick from Zhang Hao.
Despite Van Exel not being too satisfied with Zhang Hao’s movement after the pick-and-roll, the screen was solid, sturdier than it appeared.
Taking advantage of the pick, Van Exel was chased by Dumas over the top and trapped by Edith Soper’s switch defense, leaving Zhang Hao open at the top of the arc beyond the three-point line!
Van Exel passes!
Zhang Hao receives the ball, ignoring Dumars’ well-controlled defensive recovery. This time, he’s decisive, having already planned to attempt a three-pointer, he takes a shot with a pushing motion...
No good!
The Lakers quickly retreat on defense.
Up next, a long open two-point shot by Grant Hill also missed.
Back at the other end, Zhang Hao received the ball again at the top of the arc after a pick-and-roll; when he received the ball, the Pistons players were already boxing out under the basket. Zhang Hao delivered a straight pass to the closely guarded Sibaros, who turned and scored with a high off-the-glass shot!
to 15, the Lakers tightly bit the score.
The Pistons’ offense, with Grant Hill having rested for two possessions, gets the ball back, recognizing the shift in the game’s momentum and the need to stabilize their current advantage.
Hill didn’t even use a pick and made a large crossover move, causing Sibaros to fall to the ground. Grant Hill accelerated swiftly and drove to short range, scoring with a floater!
Fast!
Fierce!
That play felt like a towering surge, extremely razor-sharp to Zhang Hao at the basket.
Back to the Lakers’ offense, sticking with the previous two plays’ strategy, Zhang Hao went to the high post to receive the ball.
After getting the ball, Zhang Hao quickly decided whether to shoot or pass...but no!
Seeing the opportunity, after a pick-and-pass, Zhang Hao decisively drove down the middle with the ball!
This choice was unexpected to everyone on the court; even the Lakers weren’t prepared. Zhang Hao charged within the free-throw line before Grant Hill realized.
When Grant Hill bypassed Sibaros to try and catch up, Zhang Hao was already outside the restricted area!
With Grant Hill closing in on him, Zhang Hao shielded the ball with his left hand and raised the ball with his right hand, forcefully jumping!
Grant Hill bypassed Sibaros to close in but couldn’t withstand Zhang Hao’s impact. Zhang Hao squeezed past Hill, jumped, and slammed the ball into the hoop!
