Chapter 825 - 258: Finding the Right Approach Is Crucial

points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal; this was Zhang Hao’s performance at the end of the first quarter.

points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; this was Grant Hill’s performance at the end of the first quarter.

Zhang Hao engineered defensive adjustments with his teammates, which were very effective, as Grant Hill scored 7 points in the first half of the first quarter and only 2 points in the latter half. Moreover, because of great help defense on Grant Hill as the first passing option, Grant Hill only had 1 assist in the first quarter, obtained in the first half of the quarter.

This defensive strategy had no objections from Del Harris; a usually effective strategy in defense is to force the opponent to pass the ball more, which increases the chances of turnovers. However, except for Ratliff, the other four players on the Pistons are all decent passers, so the effect was not as expected, but this doesn’t mean the defense was bad.

Additionally, thanks to Barkley’s 12 points in a single quarter, the Lakers kept the score close. If it weren’t for Lynch Hunt’s buzzer-beater three-pointer, the Lakers would have been leading at the end of the first quarter.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Zhang Hao continued to play, accompanied by Fisher, Brian Shaw, Magician, and Jerome Kersey.

On the Pistons’ side, Grant Hill continued as well, along with Junkyard Dog Jerome Williams, Michael Curry, Grant Lang, and Terry Mills.

The height of this Pistons lineup is outstanding; except for Michael Curry at 196 cm, the other four players range from 203 to 206 cm.

After the Bad Boys era, the Pistons struggled for a few years but accumulated a lot, which is the reason for their rapid rise after Grant Hill reached superstar level. They truly built up a talented lineup of role players, now just needing a scorer other than Grant Hill.

Early in the second quarter, Grant Hill made good use of the Lakers’ defensive focus on him, coordinating the offense with Terry Mills, not as fierce as the starting lineup, but sufficient.

Conversely, it was a tough fight for the Lakers. Zhang Hao encountered Jerome Williams’ defense, which was really troublesome; this guy was willing to use his face to butt against O’Neal’s arm, employing shameless defense strategies and constant minor fouls...

Indeed, the Pistons currently hold the advantage. During the rotation phase, Barkley and Kenny Anderson both went off, and the Lakers fell behind once more.

In terms of leading a team with individual ability, Zhang Hao is still not on par with Grant Hill; his strength remains as a pure scorer, yet the Pistons defense is also strong.

By 5:11 in the second quarter, the Pistons were leading the Lakers by 6 points, 40 to 34.

On the Lakers’ offense, Zhang Hao received the ball from Magician at the left baseline mid-range, using a strong spin move to push Jerome Williams away, but the opponent stuck close, leaving no room for step-back or turnaround shot opportunities. He had no choice but to spin to break through, only to be blocked by Grant Hill in time!

The Pistons had defended Zhang Hao’s post-up well; after being blocked, Zhang Hao raised the ball, and with the Pistons rotating quickly in defense, he spotted Fisher cutting inside and had to pass it over.

Fisher got the ball and didn’t shoot, instead driving directly to the basket, confronting Terry Mills and making a tough off-the-glass floater... It went in! Plus, he drew a foul from Terry Mills!

This crucial moment, when not scoring could lead to the opponent extending the lead further, rookie Fisher once again displayed his greatest attribute—ice in his veins, making the most rational choices, daring to shoot but not recklessly!

Zhang Hao was very pleased, excitedly going up to high five Fisher—so long as you don’t enter my home, you’re a good teammate.

Fisher felt awkward when high-fiving Zhang Hao... Zhang Hao had no expression at all!

By making the free throw for a 2+1, Fisher kept the Lakers tightly in the game.

Things were tough, but the Lakers had gotten used to it this season. Keeping it close against a rising strong team, despite being the second to last, was already pretty good.

By the end of the second quarter, thanks to a three-pointer from Kenny Anderson who came on as a rotation player, the Lakers cut the lead to 53-55, trailing by two points going into halftime.

On the Pistons’ side, Grant Hill was still the highest scorer at halftime, adding 6 more points in the second quarter. Double-teaming wasn’t always effective, but the Lakers managed to limit Grant Hill’s assists very well; he finished the half with only two assists, recording 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

The Lakers’ top scorer at halftime was Barkley with 18 points, also the highest in the game. Starting from the latter half of the second quarter, Kenny Anderson was freed up, contributing 12 points in the half. Together, they scored a combined 30 points, keeping the Lakers close in the game.

Zhang Hao played the entire half with 4 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block... though he had 3 turnovers, those were minor. The block was against Lynch Hunt on a fast break; Zhang Hao didn’t dwell on it, nor on his peculiar stats. What’s important to him now is winning.

Zhang Hao’s improvement in playmaking was mainly due to adding a new way of facilitating, which was a headache for the Pistons.

Sometimes finding a facilitation method that suits oneself better can bring bigger changes than learning from people who are just great at facilitating.

Zhang Hao had previously learned facilitation skills from Alvan Adams, Magician, Kenny Anderson, Barkley... and others, honing passing techniques and mindset... Of course, what he learned was useful, laying the foundation for passing. However, as for facilitation ability, it remained average.