Chapter 1218: Chapter 386: The Demolition Team of Human Souls
He wanted Roger to focus all his energy on the offensive end.
In the past, when Roger scored over Shaq, he would definitely use all sorts of clever language to humiliate Shaq.
But today, Roger said nothing, turned around, and walked away, then approached Carter: "You can only win in one kind of competition, and that’s the dunk contest, a non-confrontational juggling show."
Carter said he would jump over Roger in the second round, but Roger wasn’t really angry about that remark. However, as someone who has already reached the peak, Roger had the same attitude towards anyone who tried to snatch the crown: let them die.
In one possession, Carter made a three-pointer. If there is a unique advantage that Carter has compared to the other three of the four great shooting guards, it’s his three-point shooting.
His three-point production and efficiency are significantly higher than the other three.
And he has consistently shown a good level of stability beyond the arc.
Given his relatively mediocre breakthroughs and mid-range, Carter increased his efficiency through excellent three-point shooting.
to 3, Carter spread his hands: "So, your defense is even worse than a dunk contest!"
However, before the Mavericks’ fans could celebrate, the Warriors had already made up the 3-point gap.
This time, after a pick-and-roll, Carter on the weak side came over to double-team Roger with Dirk.
He thought it was impossible for Roger to get the ball to Tayshaun Prince on the weak side at the first opportunity.
But Roger bounced the ball through Carter’s legs to Tayshaun Prince, who successfully responded to the open shot, tying the game at 5 to 5.
Roger’s passing ability has always been evolving, it’s hard to imagine the player who once couldn’t give Pippen a single assist in a whole season can now average 7.5 assists per game.
With balanced use of both hands and an exceptional feel for the ball, Roger can always deliver accurate bounce passes in a stop-and-go situation.
Of course, Roger’s passing ability hasn’t reached the level of Nash and Kidd.
According to an interview with Caron Butler, Nash’s passing is at a level where "not only is it accurate, but he also knows everyone’s shooting habits, and he passes the ball to the height you like, allowing you to shoot comfortably without adjusting, keeping you in perfect rhythm."
Roger clearly hasn’t reached that level, but for a player who is already scoring champion material, his current passing ability is sufficient.
In one possession, Dirk Nowitzki scored with a face-up floater, but Roger countered with a breakthrough, leaning on the Grand Teuton for a successful layup, tying the score again!
In these few possessions, the Dallas Mavericks showed why they are the most terrifying offensive team.
And Roger demonstrated why he is called the strongest offensive player in history.
He possesses top-tier three-point shooting, mid-range, and even at-the-rim finishing abilities. Besides that, his passing can orchestrate his teammates. Moreover, a large portion of his scoring comes from handling the ball himself. That means he doesn’t need a system to thrive; he can create offense on his own. Also, Roger’s stamina has always been strong.
On the offensive end, he has virtually no weaknesses.
You could say he has weaknesses on the defensive end, after all, he’s a guard, and even if he has won DPOY, his height and weight deficiencies on defense cannot be ignored.
But on offense, Roger is practically flawless.
Before the concept of "strongest offensive player in history" was proposed, people never imagined how terrifying Roger’s performance could be. Because for many years, the world was accustomed to his astounding scoring displays.
But now, after Bill Simmons proposed this concept, when people look at Roger’s performance again, they all feel like Mike Breen on the scene: "Damn, why would anyone doubt this? We’re witnessing the greatest offensive performance in history, and I don’t think the NBA will ever see an offensive player as outstanding as Roger again!"
In fact, Steve Nash’s offensive performance is similar to Roger’s.
He can pass, he can shoot jumpers. People know his ability to withstand contact is weak, but they don’t know that Nash’s finishing rate at the rim has long exceeded AI’s.
But Nash’s biggest problem is the low volume of self-created scoring, whereas for Roger, volume has never been an issue.
So, the theme of this game has changed.
It became a showdown between the strongest offensive team and the strongest offensive player in history.
Vince Carter performed exceptionally well today, from three-pointers, assists, to slam dunks, he was almost omnipotent. Yes, indeed, Carter is an excellent passing wing, able to deliver great passes while keeping his turnovers well under control.
His other skills on the basketball court have been overshadowed by his dunks.
Dirk Nowitzki’s jump shot gives Stoudemire a headache.
Shaq and Yao Ming are simply the biggest nemeses for Marcus Camby.
Combined with Terry’s occasional sudden long shots, the Mavericks’ scoring options are very dispersed, making it difficult to solve issues with double-teaming and help defense.
Even in rotation, the Mavericks can ensure at least two strong offensive points are on the floor.
Their offensive firepower is continuous, like a high-speed automatic rifle that never misfires or jams.
But the Mavericks could never pull away, because the Warriors only needed a starter to disintegrate all of the Mavericks’ defense—Roger and Stoudemire’s pick-and-roll.
In the final half of the game, Vince Carter began to take the initiative to defend Roger.
This lowered Roger’s shooting percentage somewhat, but it impacted Carter himself even more.