NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 270 Everyone's in trouble

Reggie Miller said, "Jia Fei is really playing like a team leader right now, like a superstar. With the whole team exhausted from back-to-back games and his teammates not in good form, he steps up to solve the problems."

Webber agreed, saying, "His playing style doesn't hurt the team because his offensive efficiency is the highest."

The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets in the starting lineups, with both sides displaying high offensive efficiency, especially Aldridge and Jia Fei. Aldridge scored 13 points in the first quarter, while Jia Fei contributed 14, their close competition making the game very exciting. The other role players fulfilled their respective roles, some setting screens, others grabbing rebounds.

PS: Lillard: "What? I've become a role player? Who decided that?"

The second-string lineups on both sides are evenly matched, neither able to gain a decisive advantage. This basically indicates that the outcome of this match will largely depend on the starting lineups of both teams.

The first quarter ended with the score tied at 29-29.

The second quarter was similar, except that the offensive efficiency of both sides dropped. At halftime, the score was 55-57, with the visiting Hawks trailing by 2 points.

贾飞半场贡献19分4个篮板2次助攻1个抢断1个盖帽，表现冠绝全队。

Aldridge contributed 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block in the first half, going toe-to-toe with Jia Fei.

Jia Fei certainly didn't underestimate Aldridge. Aldridge's offensive explosiveness is quite good. Some fans always think he's "more stable than explosive," but that's not the case. He is indeed a 20+10 machine, but if you dare to let a power forward with less formidable defense guard him one-on-one, it's not an exaggeration for him to score 40 points in a game.

His weaknesses lie in his offensive reliance on shooting as an inside player, making him less effective at disrupting the opponent's defensive formation compared to superstars. His passing and playmaking abilities are also average. This allows him to go toe-to-toe with Kevin Garnett. Garnett's offense also leans towards jump shots, though his accuracy isn't as good as Aldridge's; their offensive abilities are actually quite similar.

But Wolf King's strength lies in his all-around abilities and defense. He can serve as the core of the organization and the core of the defense, like the Spider King, omnipresent.

But in essence, both are perfect candidates for second-in-command, with Wolf King being the top-tier second-in-command and Adler falling short.

Wolf King was once compared to Duncan, and the two were considered equals at the time, with their respective fans debating who was better.

Clearly, in terms of defense alone, Duncan is more of an inside player, while Garnett is more of an outside player; both can serve as the defensive anchor for their respective teams, possessing great stamina and durability, making them evenly matched. However, offensively, Duncan is obviously stronger. Sometimes, one cannot simply look at the stats or the on-court impression and assume that Garnett is stronger because he can drive, shoot, and dunk explosively.

In fact, once it comes to the playoffs, especially when a real game-winning opportunity is needed, Duncan can create space and force his way to the basket, something Garnett often can't do.

Can you believe that the Wolf King's highest single-game score in the playoffs was only 35 points?

Don't say things like he's too selfless and doesn't shoot. When he was with the Timberwolves, as the team leader, if you didn't shoot, who would you let shoot? He relies too much on jump shots, and the fact that he can't make them is the root of the problem.

The Running Man actor also likes to shift blame, but if you really let him play, he can still play. His highest single-game score in the playoffs is unlikely to be less than 40 points.

The other side of the Wolf King is Nowtian King; if you let him attack, he can actually break through.

Therefore, Nowitzki can be the offensive core, but Wolf King cannot.

Given the choice between an offensive focal point and a defensive focal point, as the team leader, the former is the obvious choice. Basketball, at its core, is about scoring, and the offensive ceiling often determines the ceiling of your team.

One player has top-tier offense but average defense, while the other has excellent offense and top-tier defense. Who would you choose as your core player? The former is Dirk Nowitzki, and the latter is Kevin Garnett. The former could also be Nikola Jokic, and the latter could also be Anthony Davis.

Of course, as the core of the inside game, defense can be average, but that's the bottom line. It can't be terrible, otherwise even the best offense can't stop you from losing blood on the defensive end.

Back to the game.

The third quarter began quickly.

Both teams started the same game, with the Hawks taking the lead.

Teague dribbled over and began to execute his tactics methodically.

The Hawks prioritize running plays, and only give the ball to their star players when those plays fail, unlike some teams where the ball is constantly in the hands of their star players, who have 40-50% of their total UG (Ultimate Game Points) and no one else gets to touch the ball.

Korver missed a three-pointer off a screen; his shooting touch wasn't good in the first half either. Of course, it wasn't entirely his fault; Matthews' defense was indeed excellent.

During this period, Matthews was a really good 3-and-D player. Although he was only 196cm tall, he was very strong and had a sturdy backside comparable to Stephon Marbury and Anthony Davis. This made him very stable in the lower body and very powerful. Most forwards couldn't move him.

The Trail Blazers protected the defensive rebounds very well. Aldridge's 20+10 performance was truly impressive, and he secured the rebounds steadily.

Lillard dribbles over and initiates the offense at the top of the key.

He was a little frustrated; his performance in the first half wasn't good, scoring only 5 points. He has big ambitions; he doesn't want to just be an ordinary All-Star.

Lillard used a screen to pull up the ball and attempt a three-pointer—but it was still just a little short!

Sometimes missing a shot doesn't necessarily mean you're a bad shooter; it could just mean your shooting touch is off tonight. Many sharpshooters have nights like this, including Korver and the Splash Brothers.

Horford secured the defensive rebound, and the Hawks launched their attack.

For the Hawks, Mills' strong drives against Aldridge were ineffective! He was also confused tonight, I don't know if he was interfered with by Aldridge's long arms, but anyway, it was like the rim had a cover.

Lillard didn't force another long-range shot; instead, he passed the ball to Aldridge in the low post.

Aldridge backed down Mills and hit his signature straight-arm turnaround jumper, scoring the first basket of the second half for both teams.

The Hawks are down by 4 points, 55-59!

For the Hawks, Teague missed a jump shot!

The Trail Blazers countered, with Matthews driving hard and drawing a foul from Korver, then making both free throws!

At 55:61, the point difference has reached 6 points!

Reggie Miller said, "The Hawks' offense seems to be having problems. They tried letting everyone except Jia Fei get a feel for the game, but the results weren't very good."

Webber said, "Jia Fei should take charge himself. If he doesn't perform well in this game, the Hawks will have a hard time winning."

Teague dribbled the ball over, and Jia Fei came out to receive it.

Frenchman Pippen was still guarding him. Jia Fei didn't ask for a screen. After a triple threat, he changed direction and drove. While moving, he took a step and faced Joel Freeland under the basket. He jumped to find contact and made a left-handed layup!

"Beep beep beep—" The referee's whistle blew, and Jia Fei's layup went in!