The performance in the first half of the first quarter became a microcosm of the two teams' first half.

The Thunder scored 55 points in the first half. With the ability of a double-fewer, their offensive performance was basically at a normal level.

Generally speaking, they are a few points ahead of their opponents at this time.

However, their performance on the defensive end was obviously abnormal, or they had no way to deal with Tang Hao.

Tang Hao alone scored a double-double with 18 points and 13 assists in the first half, which was completely different from the previous scoring madman, but turned into an assist master.

Such a performance was surprising. It was precisely because of his performance that the Lakers led the Thunder by 5 points at the end of the half.

"Scott, Lakers' role players feel good in the first half, but their feel cannot last the entire game." During the break, Thunder's assistant coach John Treb said to Brooks.

Hearing Treb's words, Brooks nodded suddenly. Tang Hao had a strong scoring ability, but the situation in the first half was not a problem with his tactical strategy, but the other Lakers players were also feeling online.

As long as you stick to the strategy, the Thunder can still easily win the game.

"Guys, everyone did a good job in the first half. We have to stick to the defensive strategy in the second half." Brooks spoke to the players after entering the locker room.

As soon as he finished speaking, Westbrook and Durant looked at each other, and they saw a trace of dissatisfaction in each other's eyes.

Brooks noticed this and added: "The Lakers' shooting percentage in the first half exceeded 60%, and it is impossible for them to remain so accurate in the second half."

Durant couldn't help but smile helplessly at this time, placing the victory or defeat of the game on the opponent's feel. This approach is really not a good idea for a team that is determined to win the championship.

Westbrook obviously had something to say at this time, but he endured it and didn't speak directly.

After Brooks finished speaking in the midfielder and turned around and left the locker room, Westbrook also got up and chased after him.

"Coach." Westbrook directly called Brooks.

"Russell, is there anything wrong?" Brooks looked at Westbrook in confusion.

"Yes, I don't think we should do that anymore. We shouldn't put our expectations on the opponent's feel. If the opponent's feel is still hot, aren't we wasting our energy on the defensive end?" Westbrook's tone was obvious dissatisfaction.

Brooks frowned. Although he knew that Westbrook had such a personality, this face-to-face questioning still made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"This is not to pin hope on the opponent. The Lakers have a good feel in the first half, and many of them are because of the open position. We can increase the rotation speed in the second half, which can be completely limited."

"Coach, our assisted defense is fast enough, and choosing double-teaming is the result." Westbrook was tough.

"Russell." Brooks' tone also changed a little, "You saw it in the first half, if you don't double-team, Don will tear our defense apart."

"Now he has torn our defense apart!" Westbrook said in a stressed tone.

Brooks' breath became heavy, and he looked at Westbrook and said, "What do you think is a better choice?"

"Observation, offense is what we are good at. If we pull away the fight with them, we have a great hope of winning. There is only one Tang Hao in Los Angeles. What are we afraid of?"

Brooks was silent. Although Westbrook's words were direct, they were not completely unreasonable.

"Coach, let me defend Tang Hao." Westbrook said while patting his chest when he saw Brooks' attitude change.

"Let's try it first. If the situation is still the same as in the first half, give up double-teaming." Brooks said.

Westbrook and Durant are the Thunder's biggest assets, and Brooks naturally knows this, and he chose a middle-level approach.

Westbrook nodded. Although he had a straightforward temper, Brooks' proposal had already adopted his proposal.

Back in the locker room, Westbrook found Durant. After the two communicated, Durant also agreed to the proposal.

When we returned from the second half, the home fans were still in high spirits.

Although they were unable to see Tang Hao's performance of 101 points, they were worth it to see Tang Hao showing a superb pass for the first time.

After the timeout, the Lakers' offensive round was suspended, Jeremy Lin advanced with the ball.

After playing a few pick-and-roll cooperation, the ball came to Tang Hao again.

As soon as Tang Hao received the ball, Durant's assisted defense came up.

Tang Hao's 100-step power through Yang was effective, and he clearly saw his teammate's running position and scoring opportunity. A strike hit the earth flew directly from Durant's crotch and passed to Kelly on the right.

The fans at the scene were excited. Tang Hao came back in the second half and not only passed the ball, but also brought the show.

Kelly got a three-point open chance.

Kelly is a spatial power forward with little presence, but he can be called a space power forward and must have three-point shooting ability.

"Swish~"

There weren't many shooting opportunities in a game, and this kind of open space was even more rare. He had no psychological burden and just shot it, and this shot was there.

The dissatisfaction on Durant's face was already quite obvious.

In the next few rounds, the Thunder team still implemented the double-team plan for Tang Hao.

Tang Hao was not polite, sending five assists in succession, and the Lakers also took advantage of the situation to score a 10-4 wave, widening the gap to double digits.

Amid the enthusiastic cheers of home fans, the Lakers role players' open shooting percentage remained quite stable.

Durant was so angry that he slapped the seat after the Thunder's timeout. It can be seen that he was quite dissatisfied with the team's tactical strategy.

Westbrook had even more severe skin on his chest. He could feel that the team would play like this and he would be in a rampage in the next second.

"We need to change our tactical strategies and no longer use double-teams. Russell, you are the main defense Don, Kevin, you are the main attack."

When Brooks said such words, Westbrook and Durant's emotions obviously stabilized, replaced by a strong fighting spirit.

The team that is determined to win the championship is being beaten by a bottom team. They have been holding back their energy. Now they can finally let go of their hands and feet to play, and they want to play immediately.

The Thunder's offense is suspended.

Westbrook took advantage of the pick-and-roll and rushed to the basket, carrying Kelly's tough layup.

The goal also caused Kelly's defensive foul.

After the ball entered, Westbrook yelled excitedly on the spot and slapped his chest hard.

The fans were restless. Westbrook was known for his passion for playing basketball. He played in front of him in a stable manner. When he came back from this timeout, it seemed like he had turned on the hot-blooded switch, and the battle was full.

With a steady hit and free throw, Westbrook helped the team catch the difference to single digits.

In the Lakers' offense, Jeremy Lin feinted the ball to Tang Hao on the outside.

Tang Hao held the ball and immediately discovered that the Thunder's defense had changed.

The defender in front of him changed from Robertson to Westbrook, and there were no double-teams.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Generally speaking, few teams will let their team's offensive core defend their opponent's offensive core, even if the player's defensive ability is excellent.

Because the players' physical strength is limited and invest too much energy on the defensive end, the success rate on the offensive end will naturally decrease.

For example, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard all started with defense, but after becoming the core of the team, they rarely targeted the opponent's arrow scorers.

Brooks used Westbrook to guard him, and the only explanation was that he was going to fight a hand-to-hand battle with the bayonet.

After analyzing the situation, Tang Hao immediately chose to change direction and break through Westbrook.

Westbrook followed Tang Hao closely. He became famous early and had outstanding scoring skills, which covered up his defensive ability.

At this moment, he was close to Tang Hao's, and his defensive effect was not inferior to Robertson at all.

Tang Hao was also a little surprised, but that's all.

He used his defiant physical control ability to continuously change directions and break through, and soon found space for himself to take action.

He slowed down and then accelerated, squeezed away Westbrook, and then jumped up and had to slam the buckle with one hand.

Westbrook was pushed away but did not give up. He rushed out from the oblique side and reached out to force the ball to stop.

Tang Hao felt a huge resistance coming from the side, but he did not give up the dunk. He exerted force again and directly knocked away Westbrook and pressed the ball towards the basket with one hand.

Westbrook had no time to dodge and was directly ridden by Tang Hao.

"Bang!"

Tang Hao directly dunked Westbrook and pressed the ball into the basket.

The audience's eyes widened, and Westbrook scored a tough score in front. This time, Tang Hao dunked it, but he still dunked it. This is to carry it!

After Tang Hao landed, he was not as excited as Westbrook. He turned around and turned around and walked back.

The fans at the scene followed a riot.

If Westbrook is a ball of fire, then Tang Hao is now a piece of ice. When the two people meet, they become a song of ice and fire.

In the Thunder's offense, Westbrook directly pushed Jeremy Lin. His eyes were full of anger and directly knocked away Kelly, who was resting on defense, and the two rushed out of the field one after another.

The referee judged Kelly's blocking foul.

Westbrook stood up and glared at Kelly, walked to the free throw line and made two free throws to help the Thunder catch up with the score.

Looking back, Westbrook is still keeping guard against Tang Hao.

Tang Hao beat Westbrook alone, and then made a sudden stop jump shot after continuous change of direction and shaking.

Westbrook jumped to interfere, but the height was obviously not enough, and Tang Hao's jump shot hit a steadily.

The baseline ball was sent, and Westbrook quickly advanced to the frontcourt with the ball. Before his teammates could come up, he rushed to the basket.

Kelly, who assisted in defense, learned his lesson this time and had been waiting there for a long time. As soon as Westbrook rushed up, he protected his crotch with both hands and stood firm in advance.
To be continued...