Chapter 837: Being Chased for Points Isn't Scary (6k)_3

Chapter 837: Chapter 261: Being Chased for Points Isn’t Scary (6k)_3

The SuperSonics are on the attack, it’s still Payton going one-on-one, and it’s Doug Christie on defense, no double-team.

Jose Perkins, with an average of 1.5+ three-pointers per game over the years and over 40% shooting from three, Schramm restored his All-Star level at this age by developing a very stable three-point shot, so when Payton posted up here, the Lakers could only double-team in the paint.

Doug Christie defended diligently, yet Payton still found a comfortable shot opportunity, only this time, Payton missed the shot!

Kemp quickly judged the rebound’s drop point, spun past Payton, and charged toward the basket. Barkley couldn’t stop him, Kemp rushed into the three-second area, jumped high, grabbed the ball in mid-air, and slammed it back toward the basket… “Smack”…

Zhang Hao slapped Kemp’s putback dunk away! Out of bounds!

To think a putback dunk got blocked! Kemp landed and couldn’t keep his balance, sitting down hard on the floor, looking at Zhang Hao calmly returning to defense under the basket, filled with shame and anger.

Moreover, the referee indicated, Kemp touched the ball last, Lakers’ backcourt ball!

The SuperSonics players were not happy, immediately surrounding the referee for an explanation, Kemp got blocked, so why was it the Lakers’ ball?

The call came from the baseline referee. The main referee went to review it, and the big screen replayed the slow-motion of the scene in real-time.

Zhang Hao had initially blocked McIlwai’s receiving space, and after Payton’s miss, Zhang Hao didn’t go for the rebound, as his position wasn’t enough to block Kemp, so Zhang Hao directly lunged at the ball, using his left hand to hit the ball Kemp was pressing down on.

The ball wasn’t actually swatted away by Zhang Hao, Zhang Hao slapped the ball out of Payton’s hand, and when the ball was out of both players’ control, Kemp’s fingertips were the last to touch it. The baseline referee’s keen eye confirmed the call!

This block significantly boosted the Lakers’ morale!

Lakers’ backcourt ball, receiving the pass from Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson bolted down the court as if on adrenaline, and went straight for the drive in the frontcourt.

This straightforward drive was quite reminiscent of Van Exel’s “head-down, just do it” style, Payton was preparing to defend Kenny Anderson’s directional change, but he got bypassed due to a moment of carelessness!

Kenny Anderson’s speed, definitely top five in the league, as Zhang Hao came running, Kemp, who was extending his defense, quickly moved from the free throw line area to assist against Kenny Anderson.

Seeing Kemp’s double-team, Kenny Anderson immediately flung the ball toward the top of the arc.

Zhang Hao received the ball at the top of the arc. Payton quickly followed, but given the height difference, Zhang Hao shot the ball with ease, while Payton’s defense was utterly ineffective, Zhang Hao smoothly hit the top of the arc three-pointer just like in practice!

7 to 2! The Lakers lead by 5 points at the start!

The transition, the SuperSonics on offense.

With consecutive plays in the low post against Doug Christie, who had both the height and weight disadvantage, Payton was also quite exhausted, so he didn’t continue to go low post.

For this reason, Payton is not fond of Jordan: with his height and weight, he enjoys a significant advantage at the shooting guard position, making it easier no matter who he plays against.

After crossing half-court, Payton didn’t pass the ball, Schramm decisively spread out, Kemp harmoniously took Barkley to move towards the perimeter.

Payton and Kemp’s pick-and-roll was rather sharp, as Kemp blocked Doug Christie to create a breakthrough space for Payton, moving toward the inner lane!

Barkley and Doug Christie’s pick-and-roll switch was actually quite effective, the movement was swift, and the timing was well-executed, but Doug Christie indeed couldn’t stop Kemp’s drive. After Barkley tightly closed in on Payton, he didn’t force the drive, lobbed out the ball, and Kemp caught it within one step of the free throw line, opting for no shot, but went straight for the dunk, intending to posterize Zhang Hao!

When Kemp cut in, Zhang Hao decisively left McIlwai open, lunging towards Kemp. Kemp jumped towards Zhang Hao, going for the slam, the two collided just outside the restricted area, and Zhang Hao, visibly at a disadvantage, got knocked aside.

Nonetheless, Zhang Hao’s palm precisely met the ball Kemp was slamming down!

This time it was Zhang Hao who landed hard, sliding back a distance, but once again, Kemp’s dunk was swatted away!

Barkley snatched the ball, and Kenny Anderson dashed down the court instantly. Barkley passed it to Kenny Anderson, who then scored a layup in the fast break! 9 to 2, the Lakers lead by 7, prompting the SuperSonics to call a timeout!

A surprise, quite a surprise, both head coaches Del Harris and George Karl were caught off guard. In their previous two encounters, when O’Neal had just returned, the Lakers secured a victory with the help of O’Neal, a win largely attributed to the SuperSonics’ assumption of internal strife and strategic issues within the Lakers.

In their second meeting, without O’Neal, the Lakers were blown out.

This time, the Lakers started with the same lineup as the previous meeting. Not only did George Karl expect difficulties, but Del Harris was also prepared for the starting lineup to struggle. His strategy was simply to hold on and wait for O’Neal to enter the game.

Yet, at the start, the Lakers went on a 9 to 2 run, forcing the SuperSonics to pause!

In the recent possessions, the SuperSonics’ offense seemed alright, yet Zhang Hao’s successive blocks on Kemp halted them.

However, in reality, there were substantial problems, Kemp played with high energy and courage, no doubt, but his decisions were poor.

When competing for the offensive rebound, he should have secured it and passed to the corner. Jose Perkins would have had a three-point opportunity, as Kenny Anderson was already collapsing inward.