No.1 in basketball scoring-Chapter 880 - 376. Blow Up Truth! (Part 2)

Zhang Yang made the additional free throw amid cheers, Bibby threw a long pass to Pierce, and Pierce had no choice but to attempt a buzzer-beating chasing three-pointer... miss.

At halftime, the Bobcats lead the Hawks by 10 points, 76 to 66!

Carlisle looked at the score, his bald head seemed to be glowing.

At the start of the second quarter, seeing Jarett Jack holding the score steady with the rotation lineup, Carlisle had a light bulb moment, substituted Felton, Okafor, and Zhang Yang one after another to create psychological pressure on the opponent, causing them to play hastily and make mistakes, success in strategy!

Based on the first quarter’s situation, if he directly substituted Felton and Okafor all at once, the offensive improvement wouldn’t be greater than bringing them on one by one, they couldn’t stop those three guys from the other team anyway, only when Zhang Yang was on the court could they gain an advantage.

Since he wanted to create ample rest time for Zhang Yang in the first half, bringing the other two cores on together wouldn’t change the situation, Carlisle came up with a little trick on the fly, and it worked well! When Zhang Yang played around with fancy moves on the last shot, Pierce was directly flustered.

But in the last 3 seconds or so, Pierce kept trying to narrow the gap, after Carlisle was pleased for a moment, he became cautious again.

If the opponents were a team led by Duncan and Yao Ming, leading by 10 points at halftime would be a great advantage, and a very hard-earned one, even Yao Ming during his Rockets days was no different.

But the opponents were a team led by exterior stars, leading by 10 points at halftime was more of a psychological advantage, which could be erased within a few rounds.

Carlisle had experienced this personally - during that month in the mid-season when Felton was sidelined, they often found themselves down by double digits, Zhang Yang would come in with a storm and erase the gap... though sometimes he also erased their own lead.

Back from the halftime break.

The Bobcats sent out a combination of Felton, Zhang Yang, Hill, Millsap, and Perkins.

The Hawks sent out a combination of Asi Lao, Childress, Pierce, Horford, and Othella Harrington.

The third quarter started, the Hawks attacked first, Pierce immediately drove into the paint, faced Perkins’ contest, and made a lay-up through contact!

Pierce attacking the paint over Perkins was much easier than over Brad Miller, Brad Miller excels at disrupting, Perkins at contesting, and Pierce is fierce with contact.

If Perkins moved to position for help defense, it would be hard for Pierce to strong-arm, but if Perkins is set under the basket, facing the charging Pierce, at most, he could only provide some resistance, it would be hard to interfere with the shot.

Mostly it was because of familiarity, having been on the same team before, they even played playoffs together in the 04-05 season, when Perkins was on the Celtics, in intrateam practice games, he was always on the second team.

Offensive and defensive turn, Zhang Yang also called for the ball directly outside, initiating with a butterfly step!

Since the opponents came out firing in the third quarter, naturally, he had to follow suit!

Pierce was still the one guarding Zhang Yang in front, the Hawks didn’t just defend casually even though they didn’t emphasize defense this season, putting Childress and Asi Lao to defend Zhang Yang, Woodson thought he would just see Zhang Yang keep shooting.

Seeing Zhang Yang playing fancy against his defense again, Pierce was burning with anger but held his emotions in check, honestly standing half a step inside the three-point line, not pressing up.

His speed was a disadvantage; he had to keep a certain distance, or he would be overtaken with a quick lateral move.

Zhang Yang dribbled seven or eight times till he felt ready, suddenly increased the dribble speed, and made a sharp lateral pull.

Pierce reacted instantly but made a wrong judgment, stepping back half a step, Zhang Yang pulled the ball laterally, gathered, jumped, Pierce lunged forward again, but it was too late, Zhang Yang released the three-pointer... scored!

Scoring 9 points in the first quarter, 6 in the second, with this shot, Zhang Yang’s personal score rose to 18 points, surpassing Joe Johnson’s 17 points and Pierce’s 16 points, becoming the game-high scorer!

Pierce is already 30 years old, his speed has declined a lot compared to his peak athletic ability, on the defensive end, he has become more confrontational, can withstand Artest and James, actually fares well against technical players too, but mainly relies on prediction to reposition.

After familiarizing himself with Pierce’s defense in the half-game, Zhang Yang chose to use the butterfly step to play rhythmically, the effect was good... needs temporary familiarization because in the first two and a half seasons Zhang Yang entered the NBA, Pierce just happened to be in the darkest two and a half years of his career.

During that period, Pierce’s defensive attitude was impossible to describe in words, playing decently only against a few opponents he wanted to compete with, others, even James, Anthony, and Zhang Yang, these new generation of talents, he was like a traffic officer, Zhang Yang in that time rarely encountered Pierce’s defense in their 9 matchups against the Celtics.

After moving to the Hawks, Zhang Yang faced Pierce twice more, but those were before All-Star weekend, and the Hawks had Joe Johnson defending him during those times but failed to stop him, only using Pierce to defend him in the playoffs.

Offensive and defensive turn, Pierce with a calm face ran to the frontcourt, wanted the ball again for an iso play.

At the end of the first half, 2+1, and opening with a three-pointer in the second half, Zhang Yang had already hit two consecutive shots against his defense! He must get back into the game!

Facing Hill’s outside single defense, Perkins’ inside position, and Millsap’s interference from shrinking defense, Pierce drove inside and switched hands for a layup success!

Hill’s outside interference on shots, the contact during defense was effectively executed, Perkins also moved into position for defense, Millsap’s interference was solid, yet Pierce forced the ball in, earning the title of offensive kaleidoscope wasn’t for nothing!

to 79, the Hawks keeping the gap close!

At the Bobcats’ offensive turn, Zhang Yang continued with the butterfly step initiation from the top arc.

The sound of fans cheering filled the arena, their bad boy and The Truth clashing head-to-head!

This was one of the scenes the fans loved to see most!

Pierce tried his best to defend, but wanting to defend both drives and shots, he couldn’t defend either well.

Zhang Yang teased Pierce into pressing upon him, he took the initiative to spin past Pierce, drove to the free throw line, faced the close-out defense from Horford for a mid-range shot attempt... and hit again!

Counting the 2+1 from the end of the first half, he scored 8 consecutive points against Pierce’s single coverage!

It’s the Hawks’ turn to attack, and this time, they don’t even need Pierce to signal for the ball. Asi Lao advances to the front court, actively indicating for Pierce to go one-on-one. With their current lineup, the offense relies on Pierce, but it’s actually Childress and Horford.

The current situation is akin to a duel between generals before two armies, where they cannot retreat or lose, as it would significantly impact morale, especially for the trailing Hawks.

What will the teammates think if the team’s strongest scorer can’t outdo the opponent’s best scorer?

The Hawks’ top scorer this season is Joe Johnson, but the player with the strongest scoring ability is Pierce.

Last season, Joe Johnson also reached the ranks of top scorers, averaging 25 points. However, Pierce achieved similar performances five times in his first eight years in the league. Joe Johnson’s peak is Pierce’s career norm.

It’s not that Joe Johnson isn’t strong, but that Pierce is too strong, ranking in the top three at his position. Although some people often mock Pierce for being boastful, no one doubts his strength.

After two consecutive drives, this time, Pierce receives the ball high while leaning on Hill. He bumps and backs Hill a half-step. Hill is just about to re-engage, but instead of using the space created by the bump for a turnaround jump shot, Pierce turns to face the basket. Hill quickly stops his movement, guarding against a drive. Pierce pounds the ball hard, steps back, collects himself, jumps, and takes a long two-pointer... it scores!

to 81, and the gap is back to 9 points!

As the play shifts, Felton also signals for his young teammate to receive the ball.

Unlike Pierce, who is under great pressure, Zhang Yang shows no sign of tension on his face.

Leading by 9 points is secondary; mainly, Zhang Yang is hyped up, now thinking only about how he can outshine Pierce.

Everything else steps aside; he just wants to score!

Zhang Yang moves to the top arc on the right to receive the ball. Before he can even pull the ball, Pierce presses right up on Zhang Yang.

Pierce is no fool. Since drives and shots are tough to defend, he’ll focus on guarding the long-range shots.

Zhang Yang reacts quickly, slapping the ball down. It goes through Pierce’s legs, and meanwhile, Zhang Yang spins past Pierce into the three-point line... nutmeg dribble!

Pierce doesn’t have time to get angry and quickly turns to tightly follow Zhang Yang, defending against an abrupt jump shot.

After passing Pierce, Zhang Yang keeps his momentum, driving into the interior.

Horford and Othella Harrington have already moved into position, one standing at the right side of the three-second area boundary, the other at the top of the restricted arc, while Asi Lao is also sagging in from the left.

Zhang Yang isn’t afraid and actively penetrates the opponent’s defensive line.

The formation is flawless...

After charging down the middle and reaching the free-throw line, Horford moves up. Zhang Yang grabs the ball and begins the Euro step!

On the first step, he bypasses Horford, reaching a spot slightly left of the restricted arc. Amidst Asi Lao and Othella Harrington’s double team, he changes direction, steps across, and jumps underneath the basket! Behind Othella Harrington, he jumps and slams the ball into the basket with one hand! frёewebηovel.cѳm

The fans in the arena go wild, cheering as their bad boy, Jack, goes 1-on-4 for the dunk!

The four Hawks surrounding Zhang Yang almost blew up in place.

Their defensive positions and choices inadvertently created a perfect 1-on-4 opportunity for Zhang Yang!

Actually, there wasn’t much wrong with their defense; it was Zhang Yang who was ’problematic’.

If it were Ginobili or Wade in his place, they probably wouldn’t have the chance to dunk. Their Euro step starts with the first step acceleration, second step deceleration for buffering, and the third step rekindles the burst.

Relying on ’Devil’s Steps’, Zhang Yang starts with full throttle on the first step, the speed and explosiveness of the second and third steps remain unaffected. As long as there’s space, each step is an explosive stride!

The gap is back to 11 points, and it’s the Hawks’ turn to attack. Pierce can no longer contain his impatience. He personally receives the inbound and pushes to the front court. Approaching the three-point line, he suddenly accelerates, dribbles up, collects the ball, and shoots a three before Hill can stick to him...

This kind of off-rhythm three-point cold shot, even Zhang Yang would not dare to try unless necessary. Pierce wasn’t able to control the strength and angle on this one; the ball thudded against the back right of the rim and bounced high.

Horford noticed Pierce’s impatience, immediately preparing to charge and had managed to position himself, but the ball bounced too high, allowing Perkins time to move and box out. Zhang Yang swooped in from the flank to grab the defensive rebound ball and started the counterattack!

After crossing the mid-circle, Zhang Yang saw an opportunity arise!

He halted just outside the three-point line, taking a chasing shot amidst Pierce’s pursuit from behind and Asi Lao’s block from retreating ahead... His hand was on fire, scoring nothing but net!

Not counting the ending 2+1 of the first half, with this shot, Zhang Yang has scored 10 points already since the start of the third quarter! The Bobcats finally made a substantial breakthrough, extending their lead to 14 points!

Amid the passionate cheers mixed with jeers from the fans, Pierce has lost his cool. During the Hawks’ attack, he charges straight to the basket and forces up a shot under double pressure... too much power, the ball hit the other side of the rim and bounced left.

Millsap grabs the defensive rebound and passes it to Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang pushes forward the counterattack. This time, there’s no chasing shot opportunity as Childress stands guard at the three-point line, forming an encirclement with Pierce chasing Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang still opts for a stop but doesn’t jump. After Childress jumps and lands, Zhang Yang takes to the air. Pierce stops and doesn’t jump hastily, only jumping from the side when Zhang Yang does, attempting a side-rear block, but Zhang Yang isn’t shooting; he lobs the ball over Childress’s head!

Hill follows from the flank, cuts into the paint, receives the pass, and slams it down for two points!

The situation changed instantly, and Woodson was caught off guard and quickly called a timeout.

Zhang Yang has scored 13 entirely consecutive points plus an assist across the quarters, and the Bobcats now hold a 16-point lead! 88 to 72!

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