The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball-Chapter 214 - 135: Hansen Captures Thunders Twice

Grizzlies adjusted their tactics, and both teams exchanged blows, with the score difference never exceeding 5 points.

By the end of the first half, Grizzlies led with a slight advantage of 53 to 51.

Returning for the second half, Grizzlies leveraged the home court advantage and widened the gap to 8 points with Randolph’s performance in the paint.

But then, Westbrook and Durant partnered to unleash a counterattack climax, overtaking the score.

At the crucial moment, Hansen stepped up with two consecutive mid-range shots to stabilize his team, and both sides fell into a stalemate again.

The live audience watched with bated breath.

Is this really just a first-round game? The intensity seems no less than the Western Conference Finals!

But Barkley’s commentary might explain the situation better,

"This is the Wild West!"

Last year, eighth in the West won 50 games. This year, with Nuggets and Jazz trading away their core players, the strength decreased, but this was a matchup between fourth and fifth in the West.

Theoretically, both teams had the capability to reach the division finals, but the format made them clash in the first round.

As the last minute of regular time arrived, the teams were tied at 91, resetting the starting line.

Thunders had just called a timeout, and both teams returned to the court.

At this moment, every player looked exceptionally excited.

Theoretically, after fighting with high intensity for nearly 48 minutes and with extended playing time, they should be physically drained.

But clearly, both teams were exhilarated. This neck-and-neck game was a thrill for the players.

Durant was restrained on the weak side, having been targeted by Allen and Battier all night, draining his energy.

Harden was organizing the attack on the strong side. He seemed about to execute a screen play with Ibaka, but Westbrook cut into the paint from the weak side with lightning speed.

He seemed to have boundless energy, leaving Conley completely unable to follow.

Harden’s bounce pass was timely, and Westbrook, receiving the ball, challenged Little Gasol with a floater.

Little Gasol couldn’t keep up with Westbrook’s speed, fouling him on the wrist.

The referee’s whistle blew, and the ball, hitting the backboard, then dropped into the net after bouncing.

It was an and-one!

Westbrook, seeing the ball go in, roared loudly towards the sideline.

The crowd was buzzing ecstatically.

His passion often got him heated, but at this moment, it was endless motivation.

However, his free throw was a bit stiff, bouncing off the back rim, and Little Gasol secured the rebound.

Grizzlies called a timeout.

The audience anxiously fixated on the game clock.

With 40 seconds left, the Grizzlies’ next offensive play was crucial.

Hollins was setting up a play with a clipboard, designing a tactic for Hansen.

Joerger’s words offered him some relief, though he still resented Hansen for challenging his authority.

Yet, despite the dissatisfaction, winning was equally important to him.

The timeout ended, and the game continued.

"Whoop that trick!"

Cheers for the Grizzlies began to resonate around the arena.

Hansen received the ball outside, and Conley signaled to spread out.

This time Westbrook was defending Hansen.

It wasn’t the best solution Thunders could offer, but it was a suitable choice.

Since Thunders had used up all their regular timeouts, without a dead ball, they couldn’t substitute, so keeping Harden was more beneficial than bringing in Seferosa.

"I won’t be fooled again!" Westbrook chattered relentlessly at Hansen.

It was evident he was still bothered by the foul Hansen had drawn on him earlier.

Hansen ignored him initially, observing the Thunders’ defensive positions.

As his personal ability to finish plays had improved, his biggest weakness was now ball handling and passing.

Although he continuously trained those skills, even lowering his dribbling stance as Grover instructed, his talent limited him from reaching top levels, especially in passing. While he could deliver the ball, the passing quality was mediocre and often led to turnovers.

Thus, if he fell into a trap, his only option left was the tough shot, hardly a guarantee for a good shooting percentage.

Luckily, Hollins had placed Battier at the small forward position during the last moments, preventing Thunders from daring to double-team Hansen early.

"Really?"

After throwing a poignant question at Westbrook, Hansen quickly drove past him.

Westbrook was momentarily caught off guard, but his speed was indeed fast, and he forcefully recovered to the defensive position.

However, at that moment, Hansen chose to stop abruptly for a mid-range jumper.

Or rather, after seeing Thunders defensive setup, he had already made that choice.

Westbrook paid the price for his brief lapse, jumping noticeably late, which with his height disadvantage, forced him to frantically stretch his arms.

But that was far from enough against Hansen.

Hansen completed the shot with ease while airborne.

The basketball, glinting under the flash of cameras, spun towards the basket.

"Swoosh!"

It dropped smoothly.

"That was a sneak attack!" Westbrook complained.

"You should have made that shot," Hansen calmly retorted before retreating to half-court.

Westbrook felt a pang in his heart.

What are the most innocuous words that can hurt the most!

Had he made that free throw earlier, Grizzlies, being down by 3 points, would have only tried for a three-pointer, making it far easier to defend against.