One Year Left to Play-Chapter 360 - 111: True Double Kill Against the Bulls!
The Lakers need more variation in their play, mainly because if their strategy is deadlocked, without a player like Jordan with personal skills, it’s very easy to be defended.
Zhang Hao initially intended to take advantage of the anger and determination brought about by his rough foul and go for it, but after a few rounds, he chose to race with Pippen, rather than charge forward head-on.
The score gap was gradually narrowing. By the first possession after the official timeout in the fourth quarter, the Bulls chased the score to 111 to 112, just 1 point behind!
At this point, even the veterans couldn’t think of new strategies; now it’s all about solid strength! Jordan’s continuous solo hits rely solely on raw power!
Over the past 7 minutes, the Lakers scored 16 points, but the Bulls scored 24!
Jordan scored 14 points himself during this period, almost catching up with the whole Lakers team!
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Lakers had been on the back foot, their mindset gradually affected.
At this time, a crucial trait of Zhang Hao played a role: his calm expression and positive attitude kept the team pumped to continue playing hard.
They haven’t lost yet!
As the Lakers took possession, Zhang Hao continued racing with Pippen. However, this time, instead of moving around the baseline for an off-ball screen play, Zhang Hao went straight from the top around the key, coming to the left baseline mid-range position, relying on Pippen for the ball.
Finally, it’s time!
Unbeknownst to everyone, the teammates had already taken Zhang Hao as the anchor; Sibaros and Jason Williams pressed under the basket, Anthony Peeler spread out at the same side 45-degree angle, Exel passed to Zhang Hao and then pulled away to the far 45-degree angle, ensuring smooth rebounding under the basket...
Zhang Hao received the ball back to Pippen!
Shouldered two steps, turned over, and a fadeaway mid-range shot scored!
With his lowered center of gravity, Pippen tried to block, but it was already too late!
This is the moment Zhang Hao has been waiting for!
Patience is something not just the Bulls have; Zhang Hao had been running tirelessly earlier just to tire out Pippen. Going hard against the Bulls is impossible; Rodman’s rough foul made Zhang Hao understand that the opponent won’t easily let them take momentum. Starting solo plays too early might play well due to anger from the foul, but Jordan’s last period soloing made 5 of 6 shots, also drew two fouls resulting in all free throws scoring. So, Zhang Hao chose to stick it out.
Finally, it has dragged into the stage where Pippen’s stamina is declining!
After Zhang Hao scored this ball, his confidence soared.
As the Bulls attacked, Zhang Hao actively went to guard Pippen, Sibaros switched onto Kukoc there; regardless of who defended whom, they both had similar results, the opponents scored 24 points in 7 minutes, an attack comparable to the first quarter.
Pippen was ready to pass to Kukoc for support, but heard a sentence.
"I’m about to score 40 points over you, can you respond? Bulls’ second."
The Bulls’ second!
Although it’s true, Pippen didn’t like being described this way!
Seeing Kukoc already moved beyond the three-point line, Pippen didn’t pass immediately, Zhang Hao knew it worked and quickly said: "Your coach won’t let you shoot crucial shots again?"
Again! 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Pippen waved to Kukoc: "Step aside, I’ll take this shot myself!"
Not waiting for others to react, Pippen charged hard on the right side!
Zhang Hao swiftly stuck close to him.
Confident to guard Pippen?
Zhang Hao wasn’t, even if Pippen’s stamina declined, he still wasn’t confident.
However, it’s the best method he could think of at the moment! Even the veteran team had no solution, only emphasizing details, they had to rely on themselves.
After all, the players’ strength was there.
But, Zhang Hao had always underestimated the advantage brought by his physique! This time, with Pippen’s stamina worn out, he was indeed the most suitable to defend Pippen!
Pippen, during the breakthrough, was tightly pressed by Zhang Hao, dared not to stop and shoot abruptly, but had to forcefully push to the basket.
Rodman made a blocking move, not giving Jason Williams the chance to double team, Pippen strongly started a floater at the right of the three-second area...
Zhang Hao also jumped decisively, completely ignoring if the opponent was faking, stretched his hand out as far as possible...
As Zhang Hao jumped, Pippen regretted it. He should have used a fake move; he thought Zhang Hao would anticipate a fake move, but he realized Zhang Hao would jump at any slight chance!
"Snap"
"Bang"
Zhang Hao slapped Pippen’s floater against the board!
Defended successfully!
In the past 7 minutes, the Bulls attacked 13 times in total. If counting Jordan’s free throws, every two free throws count as one scoring shot, Bulls scored equivalent to 10 shots in total, meaning 13 possessions resulted in scores in 10.
And the Lakers truly defended only once in 3 possessions, with Exel completing a steal from Rodman.
Other times, the Lakers’ poor defense lineup didn’t genuinely stop them, just sometimes the opponent failed to make the shot.
Finally, someone defended successfully on the front line!
Moreover, it was none other than — Zhang Hao!
A stunning block!
After catching the ball upon landing, Zhang Hao quickly released it, fast break... couldn’t launch the counter-attack, almost got intercepted, luckily Exel was quick.
"Must continue to enhance passing accuracy..."
Zhang Hao, slightly regretful, slowed down. His consumption was significant too, just that he’s younger than Pippen, younger than anyone, and possibly the only player hardly affected by back-to-back games.
