This match didn’t feel exhausting, but Zhang Hao has become accustomed to timing the use of the "Little Flying Hero’s Physical Pool" and gradually considering the added stamina as his own.
Rather than draining himself completely and then using it, it’s definitely better to employ it before performance declines due to fatigue, as maintaining consistency is more crucial.
For players with this off-ball style, stamina demands are higher!
Regarding the usage of the "Little Flying Hero’s Physical Pool," Zhang Hao’s primary objective is to develop a habit of dividing stamina into two phases and distributing it thoughtfully according to the opponent’s strength, combining it with "new stamina."
Although it’s quite troublesome, it becomes easier once accustomed.
Acquiring the habit is much better than eagerly waiting for his energy to deplete before using it.
That’s how Zhang Hao sees it.
Just like he knows, O’Neal played loosely during the first 23 minutes, and in the fourth quarter, it’s difficult for him to play tightly.
Eventually, once O’Neal gets used to coasting through the regular season, scoring 20-odd points, grabbing about 10 rebounds, two or three assists, and a couple of blocks per game, then saving his effort for the playoffs, it’ll be tough to make him strive hard during the regular games.
With his personal abilities, Medal bonuses, and more, he’s integrating those elements into his gameplay.
Just like the bonus from the turnaround fadeaway or the counterattack bonus, he’s already merged them into his playing style.
If they deliberately let O’Neal coast through the regular season, then they must assume responsibility.
The pressure is immense!
Currently, they’re still leading by 5 points, but the situation doesn’t look very promising.
In the second half, the Lakers were caught up by the score, not only because the Pistons played extremely well, but also due to another reason—the Lakers were playing carelessly.
Noble disease!
This is an issue that can’t be solved, not even in 20 years.
It’s best not to agonize over unsolvable things, just face the cruelty directly.
And there are tasks, foremost among them is to definitely win the game.
At present, Grant Hill’s three main stats total 28, while Mr. Zhang’s is 36.
However, Grant Hill has only scored 9 points, indicating he hasn’t really exerted himself in personal offense.
After instructing his teammates to block Grant Hill thoroughly, Grant Hill swiftly adjusted his style, prioritizing passing, and despite playing for 32 minutes, he could still launch strong attacks in the final quarter without any problem.
And Mr. Zhang has been defended very closely, with the opponent’s defense on him noticeably strengthening in the third quarter...
...
Interval break ends, players from both teams take the court.
The Lakers field Zhang Hao, James Robinson, Brian Shaw, Magician, and Jason Williams.
The Pistons field Lynch Hunt, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Jerome Williams, and Terry Mills.
Lakers attack first, Brian Shaw gets the ball in the frontcourt and immediately goes for a three-pointer... it misses!
This play was too casual, evidently, the noble disease persists.
Grant Hill vigorously closes off the charging Zhang Hao, Terry Mills tightly guards his younger teammate Jason Williams, and Jerome Williams seizes the defensive rebound.
Transitioning from defense to offense, Lynch Hunt advances to the frontcourt but doesn’t pass to Grant Hill, opting to pass to Joe Dumars.
Facing James Robinson’s defense, Joe Dumars fakes a move to break through, steps back and shoots a three-pointer—it’s good!
This is relying on personal skill, scoring in just a one-on-one play!
Del Harris, during the interval break, stressed continuing to lock down Grant Hill, a decision clearly justified; it’s crucial to defend against the opponent’s strongest player in critical moments.
But the previous FMVP with an iron nerve shrinks the gap for the Pistons to just two points right at the start of the fourth quarter!
to 91, the Lakers’ lead shrinks to just two points!
Lakers on offense, Zhang Hao actively runs to receive the ball, but Jerome Williams defends well, Magician struggles to pass, handing it off to Brian Shaw, who penetrates the inside, faces Grant Hill’s help defense, and dishes off...
Mistake! Taking it too much for granted, Zhang Hao is open now, but they’re almost hindered by three people, leaving themselves open to Lynch Hunt’s steal!
Pistons go for a counterattack, drawing defensive attention from the Lakers’ defenders now focused on Joe Dumars, who just scored a three-pointer, and Grant Hill whose speed challenges many guards, leading to Terry Mills—a towering 208 cm giant—catching up, receiving the ball and hitting a three-pointer... Netting it!
With an average of 2.1 three-pointers made and a forty-four percent three-point shooting rate, Terry Mills, last season forced into being a substitute, opening up space around mid-range, inadvertently embarking on a new path, transforming from a rebounding-type swingman inside during his career’s initial years averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds, into now becoming a space-creating forward.
After the Pistons score off this shot, Brian Shaw rushes back urging Zhang Hao to pick up the ball for a throw-in, only to see Zhang Hao signaling the referee, who whistles, signaling Zhang Hao’s call for a timeout!
Only 1 minute into the fourth quarter, and the Lakers call a timeout.
The crowd erupts into enthusiastic cheers, with the Pistons overtaking in score, forcing the Lakers into a pause!
Del Harris, seeing Zhang Hao call for a timeout, just accepts it!
Brian Shaw, puzzled, turns towards the bench, initially looking at the scoreboard at the tech panel... F...! They’re actually overtaken!
He thought he might be seeing things!
Zhang Hao originally planned to say a few words, but seeing Brian Shaw’s stunned expression as he stares at the scoreboard... Could these teammates possibly not know they lost 9 points in the third quarter!
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