Chapter 815 - 255: He’s Actually Learning During the Game!

Even though it’s unclear why the players decided Doug Christie should defend Nash, despite not being skilled at it, we can’t make any rash adjustments now. The players have found their rhythm, and the score is closing up. It’s obviously better than how they played for the first quarter and a half.

At this stage of the season, when facing teams in better form than they are, trusting the players is what a head coach should do.

However, Del Harris emphasized defense and saw four players surrounding Zhang Hao, while Zhang Hao was instructing his teammates... so frustrating!

Just now, the players listened to him speak, but they didn’t listen to Zhang Hao with such seriousness!

Although this is because he started by saying, "We don’t need to make too many adjustments; you continue playing," the players barely paid attention to his subsequent emphasis on focusing on defense. Nonetheless, he ignored this point; ultimately, he’s just annoyed with Zhang Hao!

Returning from the timeout, the Blazers didn’t make any substitutions either.

The game continued, and the Blazers attacked. Nash continued his one-on-one against Doug Christie with a beautiful step-through and jump shot, seamless in execution. Though lacking explosive bounce and hang time, it was gracefully performed, and it scored!

Nash demonstrated another form of picturesque one-on-one play in his own way.

The Blazers’ score continues to steadily rise!

Their offensive performance was decent enough, relieving both the head coach and the players.

Must defend! If they want to maintain this narrow lead into the second half, the defense has to be solid.

The previous two plays of coordination were executed, and now it’s Lakers’ turn to attack. The Lakers continued playing their previous tactical cooperation.

Kenny Anderson grabbed the ball as Zhang Hao came out using an off-ball screen again, ready to pass, but Aaron McKie blocked the passing lane ahead of time! Luckily, Kenny Anderson reacted quickly, spinning outside the three-point line, and regained control of the ball.

P-J Callesimo was surprised by Zhang Hao’s learning ability but didn’t forget to adjust!

However, Zhang Hao reacted quickly, opting not to rush out of the three-point line but rather turning towards the right side of the free-throw line, prompting Kenny Anderson to release the ball quickly.

Rashid Wallace didn’t defend well against other teams largely due to his stamina, which doesn’t allow him to exert himself on both offense and defense; additionally, he lacks defensive conviction. Whether at North Carolina, the Bullets, or now on the Blazers, no one has demanded him to defend well.

But when playing against the Lakers and Zhang Hao, he defends seriously and immediately closed in.

At this moment, Barkley cut in from the right baseline. As Zhang Hao caught the ball, he lifted the ball, prompting Rashid Wallace to quickly retract towards Barkley.

But the moment he pulled away from the tight defense, Rashid Wallace regretted it. He may lack the will to defend but not the awareness; he knew he had been tricked!

As Zhang Hao raised the ball, he immediately jumped during Rashid Wallace’s retreat, and executed a straight-arm jump shot...

This shooting technique was not habitually used, but at this distance from the free-throw line, the touch was decent. Zhang Hao attempted to mimic Rashid Wallace’s straight-arm jump shot, and it scored!

This time, he was prepared to shoot upon receiving the ball — if not, Barkley would go for the rebound. His straight-arm jump shot was still quite different from Rashid Wallace’s. If Rashid Wallace hadn’t pulled away, Zhang Hao couldn’t use his shoulder and wrist like Rashid Wallace; he would still power the shot with his bent arms.

However, it went in, indicating that the style he aimed for continued!

This time, the one who got into the groove was Mr. Zhang!