Free Web NovelChapter 589: Chapter 181: Frenzied Playoff Debut!
With 1 minute and 53 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Zhang Hao just completed a counterattack layup, turning the score to 74 to 71, with the Lakers maintaining a slight lead.
Before this, both teams had held leads, but the gap never exceeded 8 points.
The first game is critical. In the history of the NBA playoffs’ first round, the team that wins the first game has an advancement probability of eighty-six percent. Even when considering the entire playoffs, the team winning the first game of a series has a two-thirds chance of advancing.
Moreover, ninety-one percent of teams completing an upset in the first round did so by winning the first game.
Originally, an eighth-seeded team beating a first seed in the division had never happened, but after the Nuggets achieved this feat a few years ago, every eighth seed started to believe they could.
Furthermore, it seems this year’s Lakers are potentially weaker than the SuperSonics with their 63 wins two years ago.
A Chinese phrase describing the eighth-seeded team’s mindset after the Nuggets made history could be: "Are lords and generals born differently?"
This game has reached a point where even Lakers players and the fans present can sense one thing—they are playing in the playoffs, which is indeed not as easy as the regular season.
Nonetheless, as the commentator from the American Cable TV Station remarked—the Lakers have a bright future, but what do the Kings have?
Just now, with the Lakers leading by 1 point, the Kings nearly scored a lead-changing shot, but missed it. Zhang Hao dashed down the court after Jason Williams secured the rebound, maintaining efficiency in the fast break despite appearing exhausted, and scored two points.
However, the fans on site watched Zhang Hao jog back slowly, evidently fatigued...
By now, Zhang Hao has played for 27 minutes, exerting himself fully on defense, sprinting down the court after every successful defensive play despite being exhausted. His lack of experience often leads to extra physical exertion during defense, and it’s apparent to everyone how much energy he’s consumed!
The big screen in the venue focused on Zhang Hao.
The live television broadcast also zoomed in on him.
At this moment, everyone watching the game saw Zhang Hao, who initially had no expression, suddenly clench his jersey’s neckline with his mouth, rest his hands on his knees, and look at Richmond advancing.
The camera switched angles to focus on Zhang Hao’s face. Through the large screen at the venue and the televised broadcast, everyone watching the game saw the excitement in Zhang Hao’s eyes!
A man’s thrill is felt in an instant, and seeing this scene, everyone felt their spirits ignite!
After completing the counterattack and returning, the cheering just subsided, but erupted once again with even greater fervor!
The fans on-site felt that despite reaching the point of exhaustion, Zhang Hao was still filled with a yearning for victory and a love for the game. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Indeed, Zhang Hao was exhausted, but the excitement in his eyes came from the caption prompt—
"Little Flying Hero’s Physical Pool (Bronze) activated, Zhang Hao’s physical strength restored to thirty-three percent; judged to revert his stamina to the condition at the start of the second half..."
He felt his heartbeat slow, the bursting sensation in his lungs quickly dissipated...
A correct gamble!
It’s calculated based on playtime!
During halftime, he calculated when to use this medal for maximum effect. In the previous two possessions, he was already devoid of energy but persisted for two more rounds, waited an extra minute, dragged until the second half playtime matched half of the first half, and it paid off!
As for how to more accurately utilize this medal in the future, Zhang Hao put it aside, focusing on defense.
After Adeny advanced the ball, he passed it to Richmond, who saw Zhang Hao guarding the basket. At this moment, Adeny suddenly felt reluctant to drive in.
Already having scored 26 points, Richmond’s performance, heading into the fourth quarter, remained stellar. He’s a superstar capable of competing with Drexler and Spree for the second shooting guard spot.
This one-on-one play, Richmond didn’t fail, facing Doug Christie’s defense, Richmond executed a spin move into a stop-and-jump mid-range shot, scoring!
The movement flowed seamlessly, exceedingly smooth, leaving no room for fouling.
to 74, the Kings still trail by 1 point, and their players quickly retreated on defense.
Before Zhang Hao completed the fast break, the Kings managed something similar, narrowing the gap to 1 point, and blocking, with a chance to surpass the score, though they failed.
This time, they hope to block the Lakers once more, creating such an opportunity.
Zhang Hao judged there was no counterattack opportunity; given the opponent’s retreating speed, even if he rushed to receive the ball, scoring would be tough.
Without deliberately accelerating, Zhang Hao jogged over as during the half-court offense at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Doug Christie pushed the pace, accompanied by Lakers players Magician, Jason Williams, and Anthony Peeler on the field.
The Kings lineup consisted of Adeny, Richmond, Owens, Michael Smith, and Polynice.
Upon reaching the front court, Doug Christie handed the ball to Magician, then moved aside, ready to respond to an isolation play.
Zhang Hao jogged out from beneath the basket, arriving at the left baseline mid-range spot, and the Kings, defending Doug Christie’s off-ball cut on the left side of the lane, promptly switched positions. Richmond teamed up with Polynice and Michael Smith to switch, Michael Smith stretched out to defend Doug Christie, Polynice fell back to the basket, and Richmond switched to cover Zhang Hao.
