One Year Left to Play

But solid basic skills make a huge difference, just like Zhang Hao’s shot. Without strong shooting fundamentals, a solid turnaround fadeaway, and practiced pivot techniques, he wouldn’t have been able to complete the shot in a tense moment.

After scoring, Zhang Hao retreated in defense as if nothing happened. Others who scored such a lucky shot would show some expression change, but Zhang Hao’s calm demeanor easily led people to believe he had mastered this move.

For example, Ewing genuinely thought Zhang Hao had learned this trick from him because he nearly teamed up with Jordan. They had dinner together in New York, chatting about how Zhang Hao learned the turnaround fadeaway just from watching once.

As the game shifted, the Lakers quickly retreated in defense, but the Knicks’ pace was much slower than the previous possession. Chales took six full seconds to dribble past half-court, while Ewing pulled to mid-range, leading Zhang Hao away.

Does Ewing not know that reducing weight greatly diminished his low-post threat?

Of course not. Besides easing the burden on his legs, another reason was they acquired a low-post beast—Auntie Larry Johnson!

Larry Johnson in the low post leaned against George Lynch. Despite being much shorter than George Lynch, Larry Johnson outweighed him by over 10 kilograms and had explosive power, easily securing a comfortable position. The Lakers could only watch Larry Johnson secure the ball, unable to help, lest it be a violation. As Larry Johnson received the ball and Zhang Hao shrunk back, Larry Johnson promptly pushed George Lynch away by one step and scored a quick layup.

Zhang Hao trapped before Larry Johnson could start his move, potentially allowing Ewing to receive the ball for a shot. Once Larry Johnson began his move, George Lynch stood no chance.

Playing small forward, Larry Johnson resembles O’Neal at the small forward position.

It was time for the Lakers to attack.

Kenny Anderson advanced to the frontcourt. Within two possessions, he calmed down and focused on the game. Once his teammates settled, Kenny Anderson beckoned Zhang Hao and then pointed to a spot inside the three-point line on the right top arc.

A pick and roll? Big guy, can you do it?

Despite the doubt, Zhang Hao moved into position. When Zhang Hao arrived, Chales, though puzzled, readied to bypass the pick-and-roll defense and coordinate with Charles Oakley for a pick-and-roll defense, while Kenny Anderson broke through the left!

Seeing this, Zhang Hao realized that his role in this offense was a decoy!

Chales hurriedly chased Kenny Anderson, when suddenly Zhang Hao saw Charles Oakley retract, as Barkley stretched to the right of the key! Kenny Anderson utilized a beautiful stop-and-fake in the key’s left side, fooling Chales into pouncing forward. As Barkley moved, Larry Johnson was forced to help Kenny Anderson, and Charles Oakley had to close in to block Barkley, otherwise, Barkley would break run and receive a pass, posing a difficult defense for Ewing.

Comparatively, Zhang Hao’s threat from a step inside the top arc was less significant.

Thus, Zhang Hao stood in his assigned spot, unguarded, receiving the ball...

Zhang Hao even stepped forward and securely sunk a mid-range shot from a step outside the free-throw line!

Unlike the Magician who relied on pure intellect and passing accuracy for offensive organization, or the passing and cutting space Zhang Hao had to independently find and create with Van Exel while drawing double teams.

With Kenny Anderson organizing the offense, it truly utilized his threat, the team’s threat, and imagined the first shot point’s organizational attack!

Zhang Hao was comfortable with this play! Kenny Anderson also enjoyed it, feeling great about having such a good team that he momentarily thought it was awesome to be the leader.

However, real difficulty was yet to come...

Back to the Knicks’ offense, and compared to the previous possession, the Knicks’ pace had slowed again, with Chales just crossing the midline on the edge of an 8-second violation.

Slow down, take your time, starting with Larry Johnson slowly pounding one after another, and with a high success rate!

George Lynch couldn’t contain him, then calling on Barkley for defense, Barkley’s defense was alright but not significantly better than George Lynch. Although Barkley was heavier, effectiveness might not be overwhelmingly better than George Lynch.

Without O’Neal, Barkley represented the strongest isolation point; stamina couldn’t be wasted on inconsequential matters.

This time, George Lynch glued tightly to Larry Johnson, yet one step from Larry Johnson nudged George Lynch, as Zhang Hao closed in to block the basket, Larry Johnson made a close-range turnaround fadeaway and scored.

Zhang Hao sighed, genuinely a successor to Barkley! Larry Johnson’s comprehensive skills didn’t fall short of future offensive polymath Pierce!

To Lakers’ offense, Kenny Anderson tried the same trick again, but found the opponent’s position switched!

Clearly, the opponent adjusted.

This offensive possession ended unsuccessfully for the Lakers; Barkley received the ball but had no chance to shoot, passing it to Zhang Hao, who missed a turnaround fadeaway against Charles Oakley’s defense.

Several rounds passed, and the Lakers’ offensive success was average.

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