In order to limit Qin Yue from using mismatch advantages to exert his explosive creativity on teammates, the Supersonics adopted the sa defensive strategy as the previous Knights.
However, facing the Supersonics’ setup of man marking combined with a zone defense, Warriors head coach Mike Malone did not underestimate their "kids’ tactics."
First offensive play.
From positioning to forcing the Supersonics to change their defense when Qin Yue received the ball at the top of the arc, the Warriors spent nearly thirteen seconds on the offensive.
This is precisely the main reason why Malone does not underestimate the Supersonics’ man marking with zone defense.
In the process of obstructing Qin Yue from receiving the ball, Garnett, the veteran, through positioning and direct interception, made Davis have to approach Qin Yue actively and use a more conservative passing route to pass the ball to Qin Yue.
With just one encounter, Malone saw the difference between the Supersonic’s man marking with zone defense and the Knights’.
Although Qin Yue’s ability to break through zone defenses is well-known, as long as the Supersonics can slow down the Warriors’ offensive pace through their defense, they’ve accomplished a successful defense.
This is also Rick Carlisle’s distinct approach compared to other NBA coaches.
Rather than winning through tactical adjustnts in certain rounds, Carlisle always prefers strategic gas to win the match.
The Supersonics are naturally not a fast-paced team.
Therefore, they must find a way to slow down the Warriors’ rhythm.
Top of the arc.
Tall and long-limbed, with a broad vision, Qin Yue made a powerful one-handed pass to find Brown lurking at the baseline.
This was a forceful pass Qin Yue chose to bypass Garnett’s defensive area.
But when receiving the ball, Brown’s nervousness made him take extra ti to adjust.
As a result, his sluggish finishing was imdiately strongly contested by Yao Ming.
Then, his weak bank shot directly bounced off the board.
A good opportunity wasted by a teammate is frustrating for anyone, but when retreating on defense, Qin Yue still showed his leadership charisma to Brown: "Next ti he challenges you, stick close, you might even get a couple of free throws."
Upon hearing this, Brown replied: "But I’m not good at free throws either."
The next second, Qin Yue, who didn’t intend to get angry, said furiously: "Then let Ande start next ti!"
Back on the Supersonics’ offensive play.
The Supersonics guard Watson signaled to run a pistol play while dribbling past half-court.
Upon seeing this, Qin Yue, who was defending Yao Ming tonight, imdiately gave Brown a look to indicate what to do.
The pistol play is mainly initiated by the point guard and shooting guard, using screens, cuts, or picks to create finishing opportunities.
It’s a common tactic in the NBA, but each team’s pistol play varies, and its follow-up changes are diverse due to the characteristics of the players executing the tactics.
However, the Supersonics’ pistol play usually revolves around Ray Allen.
Like this offensive play, first Garnett sets a screen from a high position, then Watson quickly uses a handoff play to give Ray Allen ti and space to move towards the "wall."
Next, under Garnett’s airtight screen, Ray Allen showcased his exquisite shooting skills.
Swish—!
This was a three-pointer giving the Warriors a headache.
The headache cos from the fact that under the Supersonics’ tactical frawork, Garnett’s offensive abilities will be magnified infinitely.
With Yao Ming inside and Ray Allen outside.
Garnett, no longer burdened with major scoring responsibilities like before, will definitely use his experience, basketball intelligence, and high-quality screens to disrupt the Warriors’ defensive system.
Brown, who received Qin Yue’s signal earlier, followed imdiately, but the more seasoned Garnett had already chosen his position in advance.
In the opening offense and defense, it seed Garnett didn’t record any statistical hits.
But in Qin Yue’s eyes, this superstar power forward was already displaying his edge.
And at the mont Ray Allen made his three-point shot...
The other Supersonic players, who trust this sharpshooter imnsely, didn’t give the Warriors any chance to counterattack.
They forced the Warriors into a half-court battle by retreating in advance.
At the Warriors’ bench, with a grim face, Mike Malone had already taken out the tactical board and was maneuvering the magnets back and forth.
Three minutes into the first quarter, the Warriors requested a tiout first.
The unusually quiet Oracle Arena tonight spoke volus.
Even the Warriors players, who usually look down on Malone, patiently listened to his tactical explanations at this mont.
"Here, is where their zone defense ets. Our movents were too slow earlier, Jason, you need to get to the designated position faster next."
"Since Kevin doesn’t want ssiah getting the ball too early, Ron, you’ll set a screen here for ssiah."
"Barang, you’ll have to take on so organizational work tonight. You can use ssiah’s attraction to play so simpler setups with Jason and Ron."
"Troy, stay ready to get on the court at any ti... Their goal of guarding a zone defense is also to conserve ’Big-Yao’s’ energy. So, I’ll put you in during the latter half of the period."
Admittedly, at this mont, Mike Malone sowhat resembled the image Qin Yue had in his mory.
On the court, after the tiout, it’s the Warriors’ offensive play.
Having noticed Qin Yue intending to use Ah Tai’s screen to receive a quicker pass, Garnett simply asked Posey to interrupt the Warriors’ offense with a tactical foul.
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