One Year Left to Play-Chapter 250 - 88: Such Defense from Behind

Although the Blazers also encountered intense defense, the overall pace for the Blazers was normal. The Heat had already reached an abnormal level.

Finally, Koels wasted 14 seconds, when there were only 10 seconds left on the shot clock, Moning entered the three-second zone, leaned on Zhang Hao, and Koels lobbed the ball to Moning who was leaning on Zhang Hao at the basket.

Moning felt somewhat surprised by the confrontation he experienced while leaning against Zhang Hao; it wasn't the type that seemed easy to knock away. PJ Brown doubled on Moning the moment he received the ball.

Facing a double team, Moning didn't pass the ball. Just before PJ Brown and Zhang Hao formed a double team, he seized the time difference and his opponent's footwork, gripped the ball tightly, spun horizontally between the two, raised the ball, and hooked...

The resistance from Moning's spin forced Zhang Hao and PJ Brown to exert their strength in defense, preventing them from jumping, and Moning didn't jump either, just stood on his tiptoes to hook the ball. However, Moning's 229 cm wingspan gave him a significant advantage!

The hook shot is good!

Both the choice of shooting technique and the fundamental skills of spin plus hook were very impressive.

Also, this playing style consumes little energy, relying on wingspan and static strength without deliberately using explosiveness.

"Is there a chance to learn from the Center, or should I look for Moning?"

Zhang Hao thought about it quickly and set the idea aside, sprinting forward to the frontcourt. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

PJ Brown's inbound pass and Kenny Anderson's reception were also fast.

Zhang Hao, Graham, and Kenny Anderson launched a fast break, attempting to catch the Heat off guard.

However, as soon as Kenny Anderson crossed midcourt, he faced a pressing defense.

The opponent completely ignored Graham's shooting ability, with Kevin Willis retreating to the basket, leaving Graham helpless.

On the other side, Zhang Hao entered the three-point line and was fronted by Moning, and after entering the paint, Moning immediately released Zhang Hao while Owens disrupted Zhang Hao's receiving path.

And again it was filled with confrontation!

Inside the three-point line, it felt like elbows were flying everywhere.

The Heat's well-coordinated defense disrupted the Brooklyn Nets' connective strategy. It's clear how crazy Pat Riley's training is. Upon arriving at the Heat, he adjusted the team's entire defense.

Kenny Anderson opted for a solo play this time, but he was tightly guarded on the three-point line, faced additional defenders in the mid-range, and Moning returned to protect the basket...

"Little brother, I'm sorry!"

Seeing that Zhang Hao couldn't break free for a shot, with Almon Gilliam and Graham anxious on long-range attempts, Kenny Anderson had no choice but to pass off the responsibility...

Zhang Hao was bumped by Owens chasing him from behind when he received the ball. Owens' defensive awareness was indeed good, right at the delicate timing between a reasonable confrontation and a collision foul. But it's the Heat's home court, and the referee didn't whistle!

As Zhang Hao stabilized his body after getting hit, he lost the opportunity to immediately step out for a turnaround fadeaway. He could only forcefully attempt a turnaround fadeaway... The rhythm was off, and the shot was crooked!

The possession changed, and the Heat advanced on offense, continuing to slow the pace.

Zhang Hao signaled PJ Brown to clear out, wanting to defend himself. The latter didn't refuse, knowing Zhang Hao wanted to try fronting.

Koels advanced past half-court, slowing the pace, continued past the center line to outside the three-point line, still slowing the pace. Upon reaching beyond the three-point line, Moning entered the three-second zone seeking the ball from Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao pressed tightly, ready to interfere with Moning by fronting at any moment.

Fronting defense isn't straightforward, requiring keen judgment regarding ball movement and not overwhelmingly large disparities in defensive strength.

Moning experienced from the previous play that Zhang Hao differed from typical thinly built interior players. Although Moning had a strong power advantage, it wasn't a massively overwhelming strength difference. Normal positioning for receiving the ball is highly likely to be stolen; the opponent possesses sufficient strength to contest the fronting.

Feeling the direction of force from behind, Moning raised his hand to turn actively, pulling to the baseline for a close shot. Koels quickly lobbed the ball to Moning, and Moning attempted a short-range jump shot from outside the left side of the three-second zone...

Defense failed!

Luckily, it didn't go in! Zhang Hao quickly grabbed the defensive rebound.

Moning pressed forward immediately upon his shot attempt, quickly reacting to feeling off on his rushed turn-and-shoot. Initially aiming to crash for the rebound, but Zhang Hao responded promptly, Moning's press turned into blocking Zhang Hao's pass to Kenny Anderson after grabbing the rebound to quickly transition.

The Heat's full-court pressure slowed the pace!

The Heat did not attempt to steal; they weren't going for fast breaks but tried using pressure to force turnovers. Stealing isn't the optimal defensive solution; applying pressure yields more stability and potential turnovers.

Finally, in this possession, after Zhang Hao ran the baseline and PJ Brown timely blocked the pursuing Kevin Willis, and as Moning anticipated Zhang Hao having a chance to receive the ball followed out, Almon Gilliam had the courage to attempt a solo play, receiving the ball to strong drive the paint leaning on Kevin Willis causing a foul, making both free throws.

But such opportunities are clearly rare!

The slow-paced confrontation tug-of-war has already begun.

Heat's offense involved iso plays. After Moning soloed for two possessions, it was Owens' turn. If met with a double team having a pass opportunity, he would dish out; otherwise, iso play continued. Without an initial pass, the iso player would consume time until only a few seconds remained for a shot. Having an initial pass enabled offensive coordination.

The pace was astonishingly slow.

Brooklyn Nets were forced into a slow pace on offense, with limited chances for successful fast breaks, falling into half-court play, playing even harder, Zhang Hao became the scapegoat, having five shots over half a quarter time.