Mountain Peak System: a Path to NBA-Chapter 567 - 188: If he can score 50 points, then I can score 60 points! (Only 1 update today~ Mwah!)
That’s why in the first game, Ma Long followed Qin Yue’s advice to choose a head-to-head approach with the Lakers, ensuring stability during lineup rotations.
However, tonight, under Lowry’s relentless defense, Curry couldn’t maintain his shooting touch from the first game.
Thus, the Lakers basically secured their initiative in the second game.
Final score, 121 to 116.
Although in the final quarter, under Qin Yue’s orchestration, the Warriors’ perimeter shooters almost rallied the team for a comeback, the reigning champions managed to secure the win at Oracle Arena thanks to the lead they established in the first three quarters.
"Even if he hadn’t been injured last year, the championship would’ve been ours." Postgame, Ellis responded to Qin Yue’s comment from the first game, "Kobe is the greatest player on earth!"
Home team’s locker room.
Brown, Wallace, Bell, Curry, who didn’t play well tonight, were prepared to be chastised by Qin Yue.
But to everyone’s surprise, Qin Yue returned to the locker room after interviews, chatting and laughing with Coach Malone....
"Why are all of you looking so glum?" Qin Yue asked puzzled, "It’s just a small loss, no need to dwell on it."
Knowing Qin Yue’s competitive spirit exceeds ordinary people, Brown said, "Why aren’t you angry?"
Qin Yue replied, "Why should I be angry?"
Brown said, "Because we played poorly."
"Everyone has times when they play poorly." Qin Yue shrugged, "I’m no exception."
Even before this Western Conference finals started, Qin Yue was mentally prepared.
He realized clearly, this star-studded Lakers team wasn’t easy opponents.
So, rather than dwelling on the loss...
Qin Yue focused more on how the Warriors should respond to the Lakers’ tactical and lineup changes in the second game after moving to Staples Center.
However...
"You should scold me." Brown suddenly grabbed Qin Yue’s hand and said, "That’d make me feel better."
Upon hearing this, Curry, Wallace, and others nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Qin Yue rolled his eyes.
For this group who seem uncomfortable without being scolded, Qin Yue really had nothing to say.
To put it simply: "Get out! All of you, get out! Don’t disturb Mike and me while we discuss tactics to defeat the enemy!"
"Feel better now."
Chased out of the locker room by Qin Yue, Brown and others said joyfully, "Indeed, hearing sacred teachings is what makes one feel delighted!"
To counter the Lakers’ adjustments in the second game, the shared response of Qin Yue and Malone was—although the Warriors have shown they have a higher ceiling than the Lakers in the first two games, in basketball, a game full of randomness and unpredictability, to avoid being defeated by the Lakers again, the Warriors must raise their lower limit in the game.
"For the third game, I will start with full force." Qin Yue told Malone, "Mike, we need to adjust our game strategy."
Malone nodded, and said, "How do you think we should adjust?"
Qin Yue outlined to Malone the scenario he envisioned.
Then Malone, understanding immediately, quickly drafted a brand new plan in his mind.
Two days later, the Warriors and Lakers’ Western Conference finals third game moved to Staples Center.
That night, the starting lineup the Warriors sent surprised all the experts and fans.
On the court, stood Qin Yue, Murphy, Barnes, Wallace, Curry side by side.
The Warriors unexpectedly changed three starters for the third game, relegating two-time MVP Nash to the bench.
"Are they planning to have Steve Nash lead the bench during rotation phases?" Seeing the Warriors’ starting lineup, Lakers Assistant Coach Xiao was puzzled, "But what is their purpose in changing the other two starting positions?"
On the court, after the jump ball, it’s the Warriors’ possession.
Curry dribbled past half-court, handing the ball to Murphy stationed at the top of the arc to organize.
Then, with Curry’s movements pulling defenders and Barnes, Wallace screening, the repeatedly maneuvered Lakers defense gave Qin Yue an opportunity to go one-on-one on the left side of the court. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
Qin Yue didn’t miss the chance.
In a violent drive past Odom, Qin Yue accelerated into the Lakers’ paint and scored a layup.
to 0.
Back on the Lakers’ offensive possession.
On the wing, faced with a trap, Kobe passed the ball to Odom as in the second game for transition.
In the paint, facing Murphy who switched to guard him, Big Gasol scored with a hook shot.
to 2.
If you only look at the opening offensive and defensive plays, the Warriors, with three starting changes, seemed no different from the second game.
But the truth proved Jackson’s championship rings were well-earned.
At Staples Center, amidst the crowd’s overwhelming boos, as Qin Yue once again solved the challenges for Warriors, Zen Master quickly realized.
Yes, the biggest difference is there is no difference!
On the sideline, watching Qin Yue explode at Staples, Jackson said profoundly, "He might be the most self-reliant superstar in basketball since the sport was invented."
Jackson knew...
As long as the Warriors build a lineup around Qin Yue that lets him unleash his firepower, in the phase when Qin Yue’s stamina is abundant, the Warriors need not worry about failing to execute high-quality offense.
