One Year Left to Play-Chapter 185 - 60: Directions for Technological Expansion
Without telling anyone his thoughts, Jordan called for the ball for another isolation play upon reaching the frontcourt. This time, no pick-and-roll was needed as Zhang Hao directly defended Jordan.
No one would question Jordan’s decision to go one-on-one; he’s the best iso player in NBA history. If he wants the ball, his teammates have to give it to him.
When Jordan received the ball, Graham was already in position on defense. This time, Jordan was prepared and, as he shook off the double-team, PJ Brown indeed came to help immediately. Facing a triple-team, Jordan took the shot again...
This time, it was still off by a little, slightly rushed, hitting the inner side of the rim, but Pippen, who understood the Brooklyn Nets’ intention after being left unguarded, rushed in to make a putback and scored two points.
Jason Williams was the second best player on the court, but facing Rodman, Pippen, and Langley inside, he felt a tragic one against three.
This score didn’t go to him, and Jordan pouted; he really wanted to go all out. One against three is indeed challenging. Zhang Hao’s physique actually restrains him quite a bit, but Zhang Hao’s defensive fundamentals are poor. PJ Brown, Jordan figured, was probably the only Brooklyn Nets player he truly respected before the game; he wishes to have such an inside teammate with the ability to help defensively.
With rough-handed Graham below, attempting to intercept, Jordan had to admit the opponent had a well-prepared plan to gang up on him; Brooklyn Nets indeed used their top three players with the strongest double-team capabilities.
When it was the Brooklyn Nets’ turn to attack, and the game settled into a half-court battle, Jordan stuck to Zhang Hao right after taking his shot and landing, giving no chance for Zhang Hao to quickly launch a counterattack.
Jason Williams, Graham, and PJ Brown all set screens for Zhang Hao, while Kenny Anderson had actually found a better opportunity but opted not to shoot, instead waiting for Zhang Hao to get to the baseline before passing the ball to Zhang Hao, who had a slight opening, and Zhang Hao from the baseline finally made it!
An off-ball shooter can capitalize on this point—cannot be double-teamed before he receives the ball, and he made good use of it! The opponent defended tightly and switched quickly, yet there’s always a moment to find a shooting opportunity.
While Zhang Hao was making that baseline mid-range shot, Jason Williams and Graham had already started to confront Jordan, denying him the chance for a fast break.
Upon seeing this, Jordan finally confirmed that it was all the idea of that rookie on the opposite side!
A bit surprising too, Jordan also knew about that Kenny Anderson. Although not an opponent he valued greatly, he was at least a fringe All-Star player, much stronger than Zhang Hao, yet he was willing to do so much for Zhang Hao... None of that mattered now; Jordan began to enjoy the opportunity to challenge the entire other team on his own.
The ensuing match turned into Jordan fighting against at least three defenders in isolation plays—it was tough. Occasionally, Kenny Anderson would sneak up to attempt a steal successfully, but under such circumstances, Jordan’s isolation success rate was gradually increasing!
This unsettled the players on Brooklyn Nets’ side a bit; if it wasn’t for that frightening Rodman on the opposing team, they might have resorted to physical play. These occasional reckless confrontations were instead exploited by Jordan, though it’s worth noting that their own main scoring point’s success rate was also on the rise!
Zhang Hao’s receiving and shooting success rate in Bulls’ excellent team defense was also increasing!
In any case, they were desperately finding ways to score!
Though it still seemed rather bleak, it was evident he was getting better at finding opportunities to shoot!
This invigorated the other players on Brooklyn Nets greatly; they hadn’t really intended to strive for victory—it was too difficult for them and beyond their capability. Failing after giving their all would hurt their pride more, but with Zhang Hao in such circumstances going head-to-head with Jordan in scoring, they had a chance to win! Moreover, Zhang Hao was indeed maintaining the lead!
In terms of team score, the Brooklyn Nets quickly fell behind, but even after the official timeout, Jordan still didn’t take a rest; he continued to compete against Zhang Hao.
Jordan was truly surprised by Zhang Hao’s performance this time. Clearly, Zhang Hao wasn’t just recklessly throwing up shots without care, but was looking for opportunities and genuinely becoming more adapted to their Bulls team defense as the game progressed. Although his shooting success rate wasn’t high and the opportunities found were few, considering the defensive intensity, Zhang Hao’s shots were indeed precise; some were made purely by personal ability!
There was also Zhang Hao’s physical contest: at the game’s beginning, while switching defensive assignments, Jordan realized Zhang Hao’s physical opposition was much stronger than what his physique might suggest, and now it was confirmed again.
Truly talented, excellent athleticism, sharp in counterattacks; shooting skills overly impressive—Jordan reflected on his own entrance to the NBA, recalling his mid-range shot wasn’t as good as Zhang Hao’s back then... It took him several years to reach Zhang Hao’s level; high basketball IQ, which is crucial—this aspect of the rookie left a significant impression on him.
As for weaknesses, there were significant ones: poor defense, not utilizing his height, wingspan, or flexibility and speed well on the defensive end, completely reliant on the passer in offense, luckily having Kenny Anderson and Chales on the Brooklyn Nets.
At 11 minutes and 47 seconds into the third quarter, Jordan unexpectedly faked a move and stepped back for a three-pointer and made it!
to 14, Jordan scored 15 points in a single quarter, surpassing Zhang Hao by one point!
With 6 of 15 shooting, Jordan managed to bring his shooting percentage up to 40% in such a situation!
The Bulls were already leading the Brooklyn Nets by 22 points with a 77 to 55 score!
