Chapter 1109: Chapter 353: Get Up and Tell Me a Cold Joke
But as a sidekick, Stoudemire’s tough big jump shot is no longer a flaw.
Stoudemire has been waiting for this game for a year, he will not disappoint Roger again, he will not let that bastard Tim Duncan leave with a smile!
to 2, Popovich’s expression instantly turned from clear to gloomy.
His defensive strategy couldn’t stop the Warriors; instead, it was the Spurs’ next offensive that hit the wall.
When Tim Duncan singled out Camby in the low post and pushed him away for a hook shot, Amar’e Stoudemire promptly completed a double-team, forcing Duncan to abandon the offense and pass the ball to the Admiral at mid-range.
The Admiral shot without hesitation, but was met with Marcus Camby’s flying block!
Stoudemire and Camby’s mobility on defense was enough to pressure Duncan and simultaneously hold down the Admiral!
Camby’s fingertips successfully deflected the basketball, and eventually Stoudemire grabbed the ball back, giving the Warriors possession.
When Roger advanced, he didn’t recklessly push forward but gestured for a pick and roll with Stoudemire.
The Spurs’ specific strategy was still the same: one inside player would step up to deny Roger the mid-range shot opportunity, and another would retreat to deny Stoudemire the chance to drive to the basket.
However, Stoudemire’s mid-range shot landed steadily once again!
to 2!
Amar’e Stoudemire was like a needle, piercing Popovich’s chest. Not fatal yet, but causing great discomfort.
The game continued with the Spurs firmly sticking to Popovich’s strategy.
They cut off Roger’s connections with others, forced him into difficult mid-range shots, and prevented Stoudemire’s drives to the basket.
Yet Stoudemire relied on his mid-range game to score 12 points in the first quarter!
The Warriors ended the first quarter ahead 24 to 19!
"Amar’e, he can now raise his head to receive the applause from Oakland fans! He found the flaws in the Spurs’ defensive system, or rather, he is no longer the flaw on the Warriors’ offense! Now Amar’e is absolutely a reliable Divine Hand!" Jeff Van Gundy praised Stoudemire enthusiastically, a number four who can shoot mid-range, penetrate and defend, that’s what all teams are craving.
He’s like a defensively weaker but offensively stronger Kevin Garnett, he is the best Knight by the King’s side!
Gregg Popovich remained unconvinced, he didn’t believe Stoudemire’s mid-range shooting touch could last until the second quarter.
So he waved his hand: "We continue with our current defensive strategy!"
In the first half of the second quarter, Roger and Stoudemire rested, allowing the Spurs to seize the opportunity and take a 1-point lead.
But when Roger and Stoudemire returned, the Spurs’ defense again became a mere formality.
Stoudemire increased his personal score to 18 points with three consecutive mid-range shots!
In the fourth attempt, frustrated Payton went to help with Stoudemire’s defense. Stoudemire passed the ball to Roger, who immediately found Allan Houston, left behind by Payton, and Allan hit the Warriors’ first three-pointer tonight, extending the lead to 8 points!
Though it was just the Warriors’ first three-pointer today, Popovich immediately shouted: "Don’t give up a three-point opportunity, what the hell are you doing!? I’ve never seen such a stupid DPOY!"
Payton was left with no dignity, but when he looked up, he saw Roger laughing at him: "Gary, stop humiliating yourself, you and those old wastes like Karl should’ve damn well been out ages ago."
Payton recollected the miserable fate of Karl Malone, feeling that fate pressing on himself.
He could only trust Tim Duncan, the number 21 who had saved the Admiral before.
However, Duncan’s offensive try failed again.
"Marcus committed a foul proactively on Tim, who made one out of two free throws. It’s a very smart tactical foul, turning Tim’s solid 2 points into 1. Last season’s MVP struggles tonight, his offense is stumbling, let’s see if the Warriors can sustain such an offensive posture!"
In Jeff Van Gundy’s exclamation, Roger and Stoudemire resumed their pick and roll machine.
To be honest, Roger never imagined he would be so fond of pick and rolls.
During the Magic period, Shaq was too lazy to come out for pick and rolls.
In the Eagle Period, Big Ben, Kurt Thomas, and others with weak offensive threats made their pick and rolls ineffective.
This was the first time Roger cooperated with an interior player with an outstanding offensive level.
Under these circumstances, a simple pick and roll could accomplish many things.
This time, Duncan didn’t resolutely retreat. He stepped forward a bit early, rushing out as Stoudemire received the ball.
However, Duncan overestimated his mobility; when Stoudemire found Duncan lunging too far forward and accelerated for a breakthrough, the number 21 couldn’t stop Stoudemire promptly.
His athleticism hadn’t completely deteriorated, but it wasn’t as formidable as during his college days.
Stoudemire leaned on Duncan’s side-rear for a hard layup, scoring while Duncan was knocked to the ground.
Jeff Van Gundy chuckled maliciously: "I think perhaps Gregg should go home tonight and watch the game footage honestly."
Duncan hit the floor angrily: "Damn it!"
His emotions were unstable; he couldn’t believe he and the Admiral let a sophomore rookie score 20 points in the first half!
Roger stepped up, reaching out to help the fallen Duncan.
"Get up Tim, get up and tell me a joke. Hey, why are you speechless?"
Duncan glared fiercely at Roger, though he ultimately held Roger’s hand and stood up, he quickly turned and ran away after rising.
Roger watched Duncan run away in frustration, feeling exceptionally delighted.
Why did he trust Stoudemire so much today? Because the Spurs used this strategy in the original timeline.
In 2005 against the Suns, the Spurs tried to limit Nash, prevent the Suns’ three-point shooting, and gave Stoudemire numerous mid-range opportunities.
What was the result?
Stoudemire played the best career average of 37 points!
Of course, that series result was a gentleman sweep of 4 to 1 by the Suns.
But the Warriors’ defensive standard is different from the Suns.
Roger’s single-handed bottoming-out ability isn’t comparable to Steve Nash’s.
Once these conditions changed, it might not be clear who’d be swept in a gentlemanly manner.
Tim Duncan is the only player not ruled by Roger?
Oh no no no, no one can escape the domination.
No one can escape.