One Year Left to Play-Chapter 227 - 77: Charge! Charge! Charge!

Returning to the locker room to calm down and think, Zhang Hao realized that the opponent underestimated him and their defense against him wasn't good.

But that's his advantage; his face and age are so deceptive.

This half of the game, Brooklyn Nets players were all thrilled, they could see hope! At the start of training camp, the team's future seemed bleak, they didn't have any aspirations, but now it's different!

For them, it feels as if their destiny has been changed.

The coaching staff feels the same way.

Randy Whitman deeply felt the changes in the team during this time.

Tonight again there were changes; in the second quarter they fell into a slump, and when Zhang Hao was just put on, nothing changed significantly, but after a few plays, Zhang Hao began directing his teammates on defense.

He has the feeling of a coach on the court!

Zhang Hao directing his teammates was merely an awareness, without a clear plan.

But this is the most commendable; no matter how hard you try, without that sudden spark of talent, it's futile.

Power forward's height and wingspan + small forward's athletic capability + shooting guard's shooting touch + point guard's brain... His rim protection ability can also be observed. Such a rookie, Randy Whitman found it very peculiar.

But they just had a rookie with such peculiar characteristics.

Thinking about it makes one a bit excited.

A working strategy is good, as a coach, he could see more clearly the influence Zhang Hao directing the guard teammates brought, and utilize it to improve, which is also why Brooklyn Nets played better in the second half of the second quarter.

Seeing the momentum increase, the third quarter is time to make a push! 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

...

Returning from halftime, Zhang Hao and his teammates were once again met with the fierce booing of the live fans.

In the first game of the new season, the Pistons' fans felt threatened!

Their Grant Hill, with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal at halftime, couldn't have performed better.

But that rookie opposite actually shot 9 for 12!

"Shout, shout, the louder you shout, the more excited I get!" Almon Gilliam bragged.

Kenny Anderson used to really dislike Almon Gilliam's extroverted personality, but mainly in the past few years, regardless of team performance, internally it was a mess, teammates didn't get along.

Now things have greatly changed, Kenny Anderson didn't feel particularly annoyed with Almon Gilliam's arrogance.

Instead, he felt assured having a passionate teammate like Almon Gilliam on the court.

He's the team's strongest at one-on-one plays.

Edwards, who performed well in the first half with 6 points and 3 assists, is going to play more time tonight, as he goes on court with Chales, Zhang Hao, Almon Gilliam, Jason Williams.

The second half of the game is about to start, Zhang Hao is very excited.

Just 1 more point to get a game with 20+ points and earn 15 days of life, currently his scoring is the highest on the court...

Seeing the opposing five of Joe Dumars, Alan Houston, Michael Curry, Don Reed, Terry Mills on the court, Zhang Hao took a deep breath to calm himself down.

Longevity, Medal, victory…Already an adult, he wants them all!

At such times, it's even more important to remain calm.

Jason Williams acutely sensed Zhang Hao's emotional shift, feeling a little envious.

Playing so well in his career's first game, yet still able to control emotions and adjust mindset, that's definitely talent.

From any angle, Jason Williams thought Zhang Hao was a genius.

Starting position can't be competed for…

But he must find a way to get this kid to pay back!

Soon, the second half of the game started.

The Pistons wanted Joe Dumars and Alan Houston to hold the game for a bit, waiting for Grant Hill to get a full rest and then play the remaining time.

A city's team relying on a star, this star giving back, this is a very beautiful line in the NBA.

Pistons are the same, putting all their hopes on Grant Hill, who has the ability to give back.

But Brooklyn Nets want to ensure this doesn't happen.

Almon Gilliam launched a full-fledged attack at the start of the second half, just as the coaching staff demanded.

He doesn't need to pace his physical effort like Grant Hill, nor to care about what happens when he wears out; his role is simple and pure: attack the hoop for scores.

With Ratliff not on, Grant Hill not on, even Edith Soper not on the court, Almon Gilliam, possessing an average of 20 points, is the fiercest spearhead on the court.

With Zhang Hao, Chales, and Edwards posing enough threat, all three had made mid and long-range shots in the first half, giving Almon Gilliam space to perform perfectly.

Jason Williams, for rebounding, is indubitably the strongest on the court; if the team is bad enough to let him farm rebounds, he could possibly become a rebound king, as long as Terry Mills goes to double-team Almon Gilliam, he is ready to grab offensive rebounds.

And Almon Gilliam, once double-teamed by two inside players, would force a shot, giving Jason Williams a chance to fight for the rebound.

This is the cooperation method they are familiar with in the past two years, and at this moment, the effect is very good.

On the defensive end, Brooklyn Nets did quite well, except for the lack of PJ Brown meaning not enough help defense against Alan Houston's mid-range, other aspects of defense were good.