The Trail Blazers started out with a really beautiful start!

Nash is still only very solid in basic skills, has a good sense of organizational offensive and is not mature enough, but with Rashid Wallace, a power forward who is very suitable for him, and Sabonis's high-level support... he played as a first-class organizational offensive point guard!

Such a point guard is a truly useful point guard for the Trail Blazers. Compared to November led by Robert Parker, the Trail Blazers are now significantly stronger.

Del Harris made personnel adjustments after returning from the timeout, and the combination of Kenny Anderson, Doug Christie, Zhang Hao, Barkley, and Jason Williams came on the court.

The Trail Blazers also had a rotation, with Nash, Rashid Wallace and Sabonis continuing to play, and the shooting guard replaced their shooting guard Aaron McGee last season, and the small forward replaced Stacey Ogmon.

Even Trail Blazers coach P-J Calesimo was surprised by his defensive success rate at the beginning. Since that is the case, we will continue to strengthen our defense and make up for the two positions of Nash and Rashid Wallace.

P-J-Calesimo's adjustment this time played a very important role, and the Lakers indeed began to attack.

Kenny Anderson, Zhang Hao, and Doug Christie, whoever encounters Nash's defense will be singles. When Nash defends a player for several rounds in a row, the player has been consumed after several rounds in a row and has suffered some consumption. If others do not meet Nash in a singles, they will also have to singles when they look for pick-and-roll.

There was Sabonis's franchise guard, Aaron McGee and Stacey Ogmon's mid- and close defense, and without O'Neal, Barkley played twice at the beginning of the game and did not perform well at the basket, so the Lakers made every effort to make mid- and long shots, allowing Barkley and Jason Williams to rush.

In the last 7 minutes after the first quarter, the Lakers scored 18 points. Fortunately, the Trail Blazers coach adjusted in time, otherwise Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson, and Doug Christie would have taken off directly during the stage of naming Nash.

However, the focus is on the Trail Blazers' own offense.

After returning from that timeout, Nash continued to encounter Zhang Hao's defense. He was not greedy for me, was difficult to shoot, and was difficult to play at the basket. He gave the ball early to Sabonis, and was organized by Sabonis.

Although the Trail Blazers did not play as irritably in the last 7 minutes, they also scored 16 points.

After the first quarter, the Trail Blazers led the Lakers 28-24 and entered the break with 4 points.

...

With 4 points and 3 assists, Nash played very well in the first quarter tonight, which played a very good role in space and was also very strong in the attack in the beginning.

Zhang Hao looked at his 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 block, and his score was very high, with the highest score in the first quarter, 1 point more than Rashid Wallace's 7 points.

But assists...

I'd better think about how to win the game first. Losingly, the old Foxes adjusted in the second half of the first quarter. Otherwise, with the Trail Blazers' outstanding state in the middle of the season, the Lakers might be widened in the first quarter.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Zhang Hao was not sent.

The score difference was not widened and stabilized, and Del Harris was not so anxious. Many situations such as games were impossible to deal with, and they needed patience to be the first quarter.

The Lakers sent a combination of James Robinson, Brian Shaw, George Lynch, Magic and Jason Williams to start the second quarter.

The Trail Blazers sent Robert Pike, a combination of rookies Marcus Brown, Isaiah Leder, Gary Trent and Chris Dudley, who averaged 1.1 three-pointers and 39% three-point shooting percentage per game.

Zhang Hao has an impression of the substitution of the Trail Blazers. He has seen it in the scout report and is called "the strongest chaotic outside line".

Marcus Brown has accurate open three-pointers, while Robert Parker and Isaiah Ledell are both singles first in scoring.

Originally, this singles combination was the opening stage of the Trail Blazers season, and now it is in the rotation lineup... It's really amazing!

Brian Shaw and George Lynch both had excellent single defenses, but they were hit hard against these two people, and they couldn't defend themselves from singles one after another.

However, the Magic and Brian Shaw performed quite well in the offensive combination of the organization, including James Robinson's three-pointer, George Lynch's cutting, Jason Williams's rushing and pick-and-roll ability under the command of the two.

Patience plays a good role. Even if Zhang Hao continues to play on the court, he may not be able to really overtake the score. At this stage, he will be a very good choice for the Lakers.

During the rotation, the two teams also had minor personnel adjustments. The Lakers replaced Byron Scott and replaced George Lynch. They couldn't help but strengthen the offense.

In the first half of the second quarter, the Lakers scored 13 points. Although they were scored 14 points by the Trail Blazers, they could still keep the score tight when the two opponents' outside singles were very effective, which was already very good.

37-42, relying on the Magic's cut-in hit, the Lakers narrowed the gap to 5 points again. The Trail Blazers called a timeout and entered the official timeout in the second quarter.

Kenny Anderson and Zhang Hao made a comeback after resting for half a quarter, Barkley and Doug Christie were also replaced, and Jason Williams stayed on the court to continue playing.

The Trail Blazers also sent Nash, Rashid Wallace and Sabonis' trio again, and the forward line sent Aaron McGee and Stacey Ogmon.

Half a season has passed, Zhang Hao has played very freely in the small forward position, mainly due to the improvement of the defensive end. Although his middle-range assisted defense is not as good as George Lynch and Brian Xiao, at least he will not be the one who drags his legs when he reaches the middle distance. The single-defense shooting guard is average and has a very good defense sports forward line. The strongest one is still...

The official timeout came back, the Trail Blazers attacked, Nash advanced to the frontcourt, and when he encountered Zhang Hao's defense, he felt his scalp exploded... For more than 7 minutes after the first quarter, he had almost no shooting opportunities or assists against Zhang Hao. Of course, if the team's offense was good, for example, he attracted Zhang Hao to defend him now, the Lakers' inside defense needs to shrink, and other players of the Trail Blazers have more opportunities to play in the middle distance singles and catch shots, and the offense was very good. He didn't care about the data, but Zhang Hao's size similar to Rashid Wallace can actually put such a big limit on him. It's incredible that he really felt what a genius is!

If it passes, it must be passed, otherwise it is very likely that Zhang Hao will be blocked at close range. Not to mention shooting, the passing angle will be blocked at that position, but Nash did not pass the ball immediately, but instead made a single first and broke through with speed, pulling Zhang Hao to the right side of the three-second zone close to the bottom line, and then pass back to Rashid Wallace, who leaned against Barkley.

Rashid Wallace immediately received the ball and made a single, and made a mid-range shot with a fake move... hit!

Rashid Wallace, who came back after half a quarter, continued his excellent shooting in the first quarter and increased his score to 9 points!

Offensive and defensive conversion, Lakers attack.

Zhang Hao slipped through the baseline and borrowed Jason Williams from the basket to pick-and-roll. Kenny Anderson forced Nash to attack Nash and was shot by Rashid Wallace and passed the ball to Zhang Hao.

When Zhang Hao received the ball, Sabonis and Stacey Ogmon were already blocked. He had the opportunity to shoot, but the opportunity was not good... he would also shoot if he had a bad chance.

But this time he did not shoot, but before the opponents crossed and closed, Doug Christie, who cut in the baseline, received the ball, and used Jason Williams to block the contracting Rashid Wallace and made a layup!

Rashid Wallace had already taken back the ball after Kenny Anderson passed the ball and prepared to grab the rebound. Zhang Hao had a high probability of not making a shot. Judging from Rashid Wallace's experience in playing games for more than a season, Zhang Hao would shoot as long as he made a chance. This time he actually chose to support the pass, which really surprised him.

After scoring the goal, the Lakers players quickly retreated. After Zhang Hao retreated to the backcourt, he called his teammates to give him a few instructions before the opponent advanced. The teammates did not hesitate and immediately made adjustments.

When Nash advanced to the frontcourt, he was surprised to find that the one who defended him became Doug Christie, Kenny Anderson went to defend Aaron McGee, Barkley went to defend Stacey Ogmon, and Zhang Hao went to defend power forward Rashid Wallace!

Although Doug Christie's defense is the best in the Lakers team, its functionality is not as strong as Zhang Hao. The defensive and speed-proof players are just as good as they defend. At this time, looking for Rashid Wallace to pick-and-roll is equivalent to taking the initiative to send himself to Zhang Hao's hands to knead him. Since that's the case, Nash decisively launched an attack with a single breakthrough.

Doug Christie defended against breakouts but not against shooters. Nash easily got a chance to step down in a breakthrough. He made a two-pointer shot with an emergency stop...

The opportunity was very good, but unfortunately I didn't make it. I spent so long by Zhang Hao in the first quarter and rested for half a quarter in the second quarter. I didn't make it in the first shot when I played again, but the rhythm was very good.

Jason Williams protected the rebound, Kenny Anderson advanced to the frontcourt, this time he encountered Aaron McGee's defense, but this time Kenny Anderson did not wait for Doug Christie to come out to catch the ball, Zhang Hao went around the sideline and Doug Christie to pick-and-roll, and then took apart, rushed to the top arc, Kenny Anderson threw the ball out and cut into the inside. When Zhang Hao ran into the three-point line, he happened to receive the ball, took a step, left the three-point line, and turned over...

Aaron McGee, who defended Kenny Anderson, rushed forward and saved Zhang Hao with Nash.

Sabonis at the basket has turned around and got stuck. In their inherent impression, Zhang Hao will definitely turn over and jump into a three-pointer.

But Zhang Hao didn't shoot again! Instead, he turned over and jumped up to pass the ball!

Zhang Hao passed back to Kenny Anderson. Kenny Anderson received the ball from close range and hit the ball with a high throw behind Sabonis!

41 to 44, the Lakers narrowed the gap to 3 points!

This really surprised the Trail Blazers. In the past round, the Lakers played different things, whether it was offense or defense.

It's the Trail Blazers' offense again. Nash's skills are really excellent. He didn't make a shot in the last round. This time he was more prepared. Facing Doug Christie's defense, he used his speed to get an advantage in his position. Although he didn't make a breakthrough, he had a shooting opportunity and made a mid-range shot with a horse and archery!

46 to 41, the Trail Blazers continued to maintain a 5-point lead.

It was the Lakers' turn to attack, and Zhang Hao continued to use the cover without the ball, taking advantage of the advantage that the opponent could not attack him without the ball, but could only switch defense or the advantage, and once again came to the three-point line to receive the ball.

Kenny Anderson continued to cut in, and Aaron McGee chose to make up for the defense of Zhang Hao. Nash's pursuit was very tight, but if Zhang Hao turned over and jumped, Nash had no way to hit Zhang Hao's crotch.

Sabonis did not focus on getting in the position this time, but chose to make up for Kenny Anderson.

Sure enough, Zhang Hao passed the ball, but it was not Kenny Anderson who received the ball, but Barkley who received the ball!

Jason Williams expanded to block Rashid Wallace, who was defending Barkley. Barkley received a long pass from Zhang Hao to the basket from the left side of the three-second zone!

Sabonis was prepared this time, not only blocking Kenny Anderson's cut-in shot, but also moving to the reasonable collision zone line as soon as possible, without taking off, covering the space for Barkley to shoot directly.

But is Buckley so easy to make up for defense?

After receiving the ball, Barkley jumped out and just avoided the retracted Sabonis and made a backhand layup on the right side of the three-second zone!

Sabonis blocked and knocked over Barkley. The referee whistle sounded, and Barkley scored a goal and had to be punished more!

After hitting a layup, he fell down. A small problem. After falling down, Barkley immediately jumped up and rushed to the outside line to slap Zhang Hao... Zhang Hao didn't see it, and had already walked to the left side of the three-second zone to prepare for rebounding... Fortunately, Barkley reacted quickly and had experience. After Zhang Hao passed by his world, he stopped at the free throw line, spread his hands, stroked his bullet from forehead to back of his head, and turned around to prepare for the free throw.

With Barkley's extra free throw, the Lakers narrowed the gap to two points 44-46! The Trail Blazers called a timeout!

The Lakers' three-match strikes made the Trail Blazers a little confused and the defensive end suddenly collapsed! They were completely unpredictable!

The change is that Zhang Hao started to catch the ball and shoot as a threat!

This change is very sudden. The Trail Blazers have studied the Lakers a lot. They will definitely be able to make the playoffs this season. They are currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference. It is very likely that the playoffs will still be in this ranking at the beginning of the playoffs. They have a relatively big advantage in the competition with the Rockets, which are in a state-recovered manner.

Since it is possible that the Western Conference will enter the playoffs in the first four, the goal will definitely be more than just entering the playoffs, and they will definitely want to play further.

The season goals of each team will definitely be adjusted according to actual conditions. At the beginning of the season, the goal of the Trail Blazers players is only to enter the playoffs.

But now, their goal is getting higher and they want to compete with the Lakers in the second round!

P-J-Calesimo expressed this goal to the players without any concealment.

They have two top talented players, Nash, Rashid Wallace, and Sabonis, a powerful and experienced veteran. Microsoft boss Paul Allen is basically their boss. Now, Paul Allen is waiting for Paul Allen to make time to discuss buying the Rose Garden Arena with Portland City Hall... They have the capital to build a championship team. Judging from the current situation, if you want to compete for the championship, you will be in the West and will not be able to avoid the Lakers in the next few years. Kenny Anderson, O'Neal, and Zhang Hao, the oldest Kenny Anderson is only 26 years old.

Since we are going to attack the Lakers, it is definitely not about attacking when we have the ability to compete for the championship, but we have to start trying to defeat the Lakers early. Even if we have a slim chance of winning the Lakers in the playoffs, we have to try our best to lay a solid foundation for the belief in winning the championship.

Therefore, the Trail Blazers have done a good job of studying the Lakers and Zhang Hao.

But Zhang Hao's playing style is not available in the Trail Blazers' database!

It’s not that Zhang Hao has never played with the threat of receiving and shooting, but that this is not Zhang Hao’s conventional play. Zhang Hao has such a pass, but only occasionally!

That is, Zhang Hao made a temporary adjustment to their Trail Blazers' defense... No! P-J Caresimo looked at Rashid Wallace. Isn't this the way of playing when Rashid Wallace and Nash cut into the pick-and-roll and received the ball?

"That 20-year-old superstar is learning from Rashid to support the attack!"

This really shocked P-J-Calesimo!

Zhang Hao is very talented and started to compete for the scoring champion in the second grade. This has surprised P-J-Calesimo, but it can still be seen that Zhang Hao has many shortcomings.

In terms of passing, Zhang Hao is okay, but he can't say he is good at it. He can hold the ball and organize the offense, but he relies on shooting threats and can support him, but he basically supports him from behind and passes the ball from the inside.

Zhang Hao does not have as comprehensive basic skills as Rashid Wallace, and cannot be competent for the various scoring and organizational offensive methods of an inside line like Rashid Wallace. Zhang Hao's characteristic is that his strong points are particularly outstanding, and his cutting and central shooting are so strong that a 20-year-old player should not have.

Zhang Hao's original performance has already made P-J Calesimo disbelief. This time, P-J Calesimo was frightened!
To be continued...