The referee tried to save the Spurs, but angered Wei Guo.
A block and a fast break extended Weiguo's lead to 4 points, prompting Popovich to call a timeout as he needed to adjust his tactics.
Wei Guo had already guessed his thoughts.
You could see it from that last play. When Wei Guo gave up on Duncan, Duncan had a great scoring opportunity under the basket. But the pace of the game is lightning fast, and Parker didn't have much time to think. He just followed his own rhythm and tried to score with a floater after breaking through.
As a result... Wei Guo delivered a huge block to Parker!
Gentry said to give the ball to Wei, and Wei did just that, giving the Suns control of the game with two offensive plays and one defensive play.
......
At halftime, the Suns led by 9 points.
Therefore, the Suns were still two points behind the Spurs in the second quarter, because they had an 11-point lead in the first quarter.
Back in the locker room...
D'Antoni analyzed the game for the players, mainly focusing on the Spurs' Parker and Ginobili. The defensive tactics also need some adjustments. With Wei Guo protecting the rim, the interior defense is basically not a problem. Moreover, the Suns are not bad in terms of height, and Stoudemire is also a center.
Therefore, Marion will have to take on the responsibility of perimeter defense.
D'Antoni was outlining his tactics, spitting as he spoke... while Gentry huddled in a corner of the locker room like a sick little chicken, not even bothering to cook soup.
Popovich was constantly analyzing the game. During halftime, he was also making tactical arrangements and trying to figure out Gentry's tactical plans.
......
During the second half, an exhausted Gentry fell asleep in the locker room.
The Suns took the initiative on offense.
Wei Guo made a reverse run around the baseline, using Stoudemire's screen to create shooting space, and the ball ended up in Wei Guo's hands.
Nash's passing was just that magical...
Wei Guo has partnered with many excellent guards. In his first year, it was Iverson, in his second year, it was Francis, and in his third year, it was Stockton. Of these three, Stockton had the strongest passing ability, but he was already at the end of his career when he partnered with Wei Guo. If it weren't for Wei Guo's invitation, Stockton might have retired after the season before last.
Therefore, he will never win a championship.
The first passing maestro to be at his peak among Nash's defensive partners.
It can be said that...
Nash's pass made it easier for Wei Guo to score; he received the pass and took a jump shot.
"Whoosh!!!"
The basketball went into the net.
67:56!!
At the start of the third quarter, the Suns extended their lead to double digits.
Popovich wasn't in a hurry; he had another trick up his sleeve to deal with the Suns. Five minutes into the third quarter, he substituted defensive stalwart Bowen with a 6'3" guard, Barry.
Brent Barry entered the league in 1995. In the early part of his career, he played an equal number of games as a substitute and as a starter. In the first few seasons with the SuperSonics, he started more games, and even played all 81 games in one season, starting every single one. He was Popovich's secret weapon against the Suns.
Popovich fielded a three-guard lineup consisting of Parker, Ginobili, and Barry.
Barry's only task when he's on the court is to shoot three-pointers!
This player can be described as a three-point specialist. He has had several seasons with a three-point shooting percentage of over 45%, and last season his three-point shooting percentage was very close to that of Wei Guo. He also takes a lot of three-point shots.
As expected...
After Barry came on, he started hitting three-pointers!
In seven minutes, Barry made 5 of 6 three-point attempts, helping the Spurs close the gap to just one point.
81:80!!
After three quarters, the Suns held only a one-point lead.
......
In summary, the Spurs led the Suns in the second and third quarters, except for the first quarter when they were behind.
Popovich looked curiously at the Suns' bench.
For some reason, Gentry didn't appear on the Suns' bench in the second half. If the Suns lose this game and their winning streak ends, Gentry will have to take the blame.
at this time...
Gentry was frowning in his sleep. He dreamt that the Suns beat the Spurs, and then his teammates dragged him out for drinks to celebrate, getting him drunk once again.
Except for the first few minutes of the second quarter, neither Duncan nor Parker rested, and they probably won't rest in the fourth quarter either. This is the Spurs' revenge trip... They hate Wei Guo to the core. It was because of Wei Guo's guidance that the Rockets defeated the Spurs with a last-second shot. The Spurs' current record is first in the East, but only third in the West.
D'Antoni didn't ask Wei Guo. After two months of getting to know him, he had gradually come to understand Wei Guo. When the score was close, Wei Guo would not sit on the sidelines.
......
The fourth quarter begins.
The Spurs substituted their reserves... Only Duncan remained among the starters, with the other four being Barry, who had a stellar performance in the third quarter, Horry, who has a large bottom, Udrih, and Massenberg.
For the Suns, Barbosa replaced Nash, Richardson replaced Johnson, while Weiguo, Stoudemire, and Marion remained on the court.
Spurs on offense!
Duncan drove hard against Wei Guo and hit a fadeaway jumper off the backboard!
81:82!!
"Tim! Tim! Tim!"
The Spurs' bench players waved towels vigorously, and they finally took the lead.
At the crucial moment...
We still have to look to Duncan!
This goal, scored despite Wei Guo's defense, will further boost the team's morale.
For the Suns, Wei Guo dribbled the ball up the court, broke through and passed it to Stoudemire, then slipped to the three-point corner. If Stoudemire was smart enough, he should have known to pass the ball back to Wei Guo at this point.
"Quickly pass the ball to Weiguo!"
D'Antoni was also shouting anxiously.
Stoudemire had already taken a big step and driven to the basket, but instead of dunking over Duncan, he passed the ball to Wei Guo in the corner.
Wei Guo receives the ball and shoots a three-pointer!
"Whoosh!!!"
The basketball was immediately surrounded by people.
He sank a three-pointer, but there was nothing to celebrate. Wei Guo simply put his left hand to his ear and faced the stands.
"mVp!"
"mVp!"
"mVp!"
The audience immediately responded to Wei Guo.
The DJ's voice echoed throughout the stadium, "Three~~~"
......
For the Spurs, Massenberg passed the ball to Barry, who was on fire.
Wei Guo had already explained...
As soon as Barry received the ball, Barbosa rushed up to press him, and under Barbosa's mad dog-like defense, Barry's three-point shot missed.
Wei Guo grabbed the defensive rebound, and Horry reached out to slap the ball away from Wei Guo's hands. The slap landed directly on Wei Guo's hand, turning the back of his hand red. Wei Guo wasn't about to let Horry off the hook, so he raised his elbow and hit Horry in the chin.
"Ouch~"
Horry collapsed to the ground instantly, screaming in pain, "Wei Guo is hitting people!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com