One Year Left to Play

Chapter 522 - 158: Deeper Than You Think

Del Harris didn’t arrange detailed tactics, so it was up to them to play instinctively based on their previous fast-paced lineup.

"Although his personality isn’t great, our coach is quite sharp and daring..." thought Zhang Hao.

But on the other hand, Del Harris felt aggrieved and angry—"This darn kid actually thought of a strategy that’s completely different from what I previously thought, and I even arranged it voluntarily! If the strategy doesn’t work, when we play the Magic, I’ll have him defend O’Neal!"

Despite feeling aggrieved, Del Harris began to ponder what effect this arrangement could have. His previous arrangement was completely opposite to the safe lineup rotation he initially wanted...

...

Intermission break is over, and the second quarter starts.

The Rockets deployed Cassell, backup shooting guard Mario Elie who averages 1.4 three-pointers per game with an average score of 11.1, Sam Mark with an average of 10.8 points and a 40% three-point shooting rate scoring 1.7 threes, Mark Bryant, and Olajuwon.

Two spot-up shooters whose running positions are not very outstanding, an athletic inside swingman, this lineup clearly has been set up for Olajuwon.

Although Cassell is a point guard, this lineup supports Olajuwon in organizing the offense.

Del Harris, the Lakers coach, had long anticipated the Rockets’ lineup rotation.

But the Lakers’ lineup, from the Rockets’ coaching staff to the players, no one expected...

Olajuwon was on the court, and Cassell was there too, yet the Lakers didn’t bring any big center on to limit Olajuwon!

Moreover, the Lakers’ first attack in the second quarter was very swift. Van Exel advanced to the front court and immediately initiated the offense. Cassell’s individual defense wasn’t good but very steady, staying close. Van Exel rushed to a close range, attracting Olajuwon’s help defense, passed the ball... Zhang Hao bypassed the baseline with Jason Williams blocking Mark Bryant, caught the ball at the right sideline of the three-second zone, turned around and immediately made a floating shot, banking it in before Olajuwon could recover!

seconds! It took the Lakers only 9 seconds from inbounding to complete the attack, and the Rockets felt that if Olajuwon hadn’t left the paint for a moment, Van Exel would’ve shot regardless of whether he broke free from defense or not, and just wanted to play fast.

Initially, the Lakers’ strategy caught the Rockets off guard, scoring with layups for an 8 to 2 run, while the Rockets missed twice, and the Lakers scored on all 4 attempts, leading the Rockets 39 to 31 by 8 points.

But soon, the Rockets adjusted well under Olajuwon’s lead, patiently playing positional warfare, and on defense chose to cut off Van Exel’s connection with others.

Indeed, Van Exel struggled under such circumstances to shoulder the team’s offensive organization. The Lakers’ hard-earned 8-point lead was quickly caught up and even surpassed by the Rockets.

However, just when the Rockets turned the score to 49 to 45 and were about to take advantage at this stage, Van Exel pulled up and threw a three-pointer that went in!

Following Olajuwon’s miss from long two, Van Exel returned with a feel for the shot, Fan the Madman attacked! Another three-pointer hit!

to 49, the Lakers flipped the score again! The second quarter reached 6 minutes and 26 seconds, and the Rockets were forced to call a timeout!

Stopping the Rockets, Van Exel was extremely excited!

At the same time, he felt more grateful towards Zhang Hao.

Previously, the Lakers were hit hard by the Rockets with an 18 to 6 run, during which Van Exel’s connection with teammates was cut off, and he consecutively missed shots.

Just when he was about to break down, Zhang Hao said to him, "Shoot it, I believe in you."

That feeling of trust, Van Exel was very moved; subsequently, he indeed made two consecutive three-pointers!

Seeing Zhang Hao step out of the three-point line, Van Exel sought to high-five... but froze.

Zhang Hao passed right by Van Exel’s world...

At that moment, Zhang Hao’s attention was completely focused on how to play next—"Luckily, the old fox didn’t call a timeout, and Van the Madman just shot the rhythm back out... Will the Great Dream take a rest next? Likely saving the energy for the second half, given how much effort he put into cutting off the passing lanes and defending hard against our speed... All thanks to the old fox’s trust and Van the Madman’s two threes..."

Zhang Hao initially thought his plan was going to unravel, but Van the Madman saved the plan that was on the verge of breaking.

Little did he know, Del Harris was bewildered by the Rockets’ sudden 18-6 run led by Olajuwon...

It’s not uncommon, even those top coaches with a reputation, wouldn’t have few such experiences, even during their team’s peak, they’re bound to encounter such things.

Indeed Olajuwon played exceptionally well during that period.

Zhang Hao returned to the bench, and Del Harris began to arrange: "Sedale, Doug, George, Alden... Aix, are you staying on?"

Saying this, Del Harris glanced at Zhang Hao and, seeing Zhang Hao nodding, Del Harris continued arranging positional warfare tactics.

The game’s development was already different from what Del Harris originally thought; just now he asked Zhang Hao about staying on, he was actually inquiring if such a rotation was feasible... only Zhang Hao didn’t catch on.

After completing the tactical arrangements, Del Harris was more grieved: "Since when do I need to ask him how to do things? Hopefully, we can use defense in the upcoming time to create an advantage!"

Using speed to counteract the Rockets’ excellent offense and defense led by Olajuwon during the first half of the second quarter, and to exhaust Olajuwon; if Olajuwon doesn’t play in the second half of the second quarter, then the Lakers will have a chance to create a leading advantage—this is Del Harris’s understanding of Zhang Hao’s proposed rotation strategy.

Though the process had surprises, Del Harris felt Zhang Hao’s idea was sound, as long as the result was good, it’s fine.

This was the reason Del Harris favored Zhang Hao in this particular timeout.

"Just temporarily cooperate with him!" Del Harris remained stubborn.

But Zhang Hao had a different thought—"Can we force the Great Dream to come out and exhaust himself one more time before the half ends?"