One Year Left to Play

Chapter 523 - 159: Jordan Is About to Get Broken Too!

Del Harris analyzed Zhang Hao’s thinking and the possible effects correctly, but there were some discrepancies in the goals they wanted to achieve.

Zhang Hao wanted to do what he does best—exhaust the opponent’s core player!

In the current situation, Olajuwon taking breaks and playing intermittently while maintaining his combat effectiveness when he’s on the court means that even if the Lakers gain some lead, the Rockets still have a high chance to catch up whenever Olajuwon teams up with Cassell or Drexler.

As a player, Zhang Hao isn’t as optimistic about the game as Del Harris.

It’s not that Del Harris is wrong; as a head coach, once he sets up a rotation or tactic, he must have confidence himself before he can instill confidence in his players.

However, Zhang Hao is very wary of Olajuwon, who is still at the tail end of his peak. Olajuwon’s performance in the 13 minutes he played in the first half already proved how strong he is, being the best center in history just after winning two consecutive Finals MVPs.

So, it ultimately comes down to the ability to make key plays.

Although Zhang Hao is not afraid to compete in making key plays, he naturally prefers to use the method he is more skilled in if possible.

Otherwise, why gamble for such a chance?

As the second half of the second quarter began, Cassell began to struggle.

Although the Rockets’ coach paired him with Drexler, Sam Mark, Horace, and Mark Bryant, a lineup suitable for him within the Rockets, this lineup mainly showcased his abilities, with only Horace providing assistance. Drexler, Sam Mark, and Mark Bryant needed him to feed the ball and couldn’t complement him.

Previously against Zhang Hao, he could use screens and attempt to attack the basket, but now with Campbell and Mark Bryant being purely hired gun blue-collar players, he could only distribute to the wings. However, Doug Christie’s defensive intensity exceeded the Rockets’ expectations, and George Lynch, the Lakers’ best wing defender, defended Horace very well...

Besides, on the Lakers’ side, their offense was relentless!

Whenever the Rockets missed a shot, Zhang Hao immediately seized the opportunity to counterattack. If the counterattack couldn’t be executed and the Rockets’ defense was in place or constrained by Doug Christie and Sedale Srte’s passing, preventing a fast break, Zhang Hao would settle into post play.

Zhang Hao’s baseline post-up has significant flaws and is quite singular in style, but it’s unstoppable in suitable conditions.

Horace, Drexler, Sam Mark all attempted to defend, but none could stop him!

Originally, Del Harris wanted a steady approach, counterattacking whenever possible, and taking it slow if not. Finishing the half with a five to six-point lead was sufficient, preserving the core lineup’s stamina, with Van Exel and the Magician saving their energy for the second half, leaving Sedale Srte and Doug Christie to lead with their height and defensive advantages.

But Zhang Hao intensified the set offense and began a powerful 11-4 run in the positional battle! With two minutes left in the first half, the Lakers were leading the Rockets 61-53 by 8 points, forcing the Rockets to call a timeout once again!

By now, the Rockets had figured out the Lakers’ strategy—to force Olajuwon to play and wear him down.

Rudy Tomjanovich made this judgment because from the start of the game, Olajuwon was forced to move high up the court, engaging in a more exhausting style.

Del Harris also finally understood Zhang Hao’s true goal... exhilarating, as the situation now was indeed better than expected, with a greater chance of winning! He also felt quite fortunate.

"Fortunately, I didn’t ask too much, or I’d look foolish. Luckily, I actively rotated the lineup... Hmph, that lucky kid!"

...

Seeing that the point difference was about to extend beyond 10 points, Olajuwon entered the game early to save the day.

Once he came in, the defending player against Zhang Hao’s post-up had a straightforward job—stick close without concern for Zhang Hao’s turnaround, and do their best to prevent Zhang Hao from easily rotating, enabling Olajuwon to cover effectively.

Moreover, with Drexler, Horace, and Olajuwon on the court, the Lakers’ mid-range shots were restricted by the Rockets, turning the Lakers’ offense into Zhang Hao and Doug Christie shooting from the perimeter.

In the last two minutes, the Rockets went on an 8-4 run, concluding the first half with the Lakers leading 65-61 by 4 points over the Rockets.

The situation was clear now, and the Lakers players understood the strategic intent that emerged after the second quarter began, feeling that their "Silver Fox" is indeed remarkable!

Because Zhang Hao unexpectedly guarded against the Rockets’ low-post offense centered around Olajuwon from the start, Olajuwon was forced to play aggressively from a high position. Now, even if the Rockets recognized the Lakers’ intention, they had no choice but to dive into it.

It’s an open conspiracy! But Tomjanovich had no alternative as they relied heavily on Olajuwon.

This year, their dependency on Olajuwon far exceeds that of the past two seasons. Currently standing at 30 wins and 24 losses, the 9 games they lost saw Olajuwon absent in 8! Meaning, without Olajuwon, they were 1 win and 8 losses; however, when Olajuwon played, the Rockets’ record was 29 wins and 16 losses. While sometimes coincidences play a major role, this high probability shows Olajuwon’s significance.