One Year Left to Play-Chapter 180 - 58: The Bad Boys Team

The game is about to start, and Zhang Hao is sitting by the court.

Listen more, watch more, learn more... It’s the usual routine.

The Brooklyn Nets’ starting lineup remains the same: Kenny Anderson, Edwards, Gilliam, Jason Williams, PJ Brown.

The Bulls send out the lineup of Ron Harper, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Langley. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

After the game starts, the situation is not quite as Zhang Hao imagined.

It’s one-sided, that’s for sure, but surprisingly, it’s the Brooklyn Nets taking the lead!

This isn’t important; Zhang Hao’s attention isn’t on the score at all. He notices that the Bulls seem to be playing around. Their tactic is actually using Rodman as a scoring point in their offense!

"No! It’s not like that! They’re seriously executing tactics!"

Zhang Hao suddenly recalled a unique and interesting aspect of the future Boston Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens’ tactical system—executing offensive tactics centered around Marcus Smart’s shooting.

This tactic isn’t a regular one but is used in desperate situations.

It dawned on Zhang Hao, yes, when the Bulls are forced to make Rodman score, they’re truly pushed to the limits.

Unlike the teammates on the court who feel humiliated and fight harder from the heart, Zhang Hao feels a sense of shock—the Bulls are trying to become stronger even in such a match.

But then, Zhang Hao felt really humiliated!

In the eyes of the Bulls coaching staff and players, their Brooklyn Nets are only fit to play such a role!

This feeling is maddening! Even though he’s not on the court, he’s still a part of the Brooklyn Nets, and this feeling is really humiliating!

After 6 minutes and 8 seconds, due to a dead ball, the game enters a timeout phase.

to 6, the Brooklyn Nets lead by 5 points.

The score is pretty low... Leading by 5 points seems nice, but that’s with the Bulls only scoring 6 points.

The Bulls’ defense isn’t focused; it could even be said they’re not putting much effort into it, but the defensive ability, awareness, and habits of those five players on the other side... are too strong. From this situation, Zhang Hao feels that even if the Bulls defend casually, the Brooklyn Nets would find it hard to score a hundred.

"With the three-point line shortened, the area from the three-point line to the restricted area becoming smaller, and no defensive three-second violation... The teams with strong defenses definitely benefit the most, but we are not one of them!"

Zhang Hao feels somewhat sad.

At this moment, he hears Randy Whitman’s call, not dwelling on grief and tears, suddenly dashes to the chief assistant coach’s side.

"Kenny, Greg, Aix, Jason, PJ, you’re up... Don’t space out, play well."

To everyone’s surprise, Randy Whitman actually said half a sentence more!

Why does it feel like that extra half-sentence is directed at Zhang Hao alone?

Just now, it was Zhang Hao who spaced out.

The aroma of lemons is spreading...

Zhang Hao’s attention is already focused on the court, and this time, he’s placed in the small forward position.

He feels that all positions are pretty much the same...

Randy Whitman watches Zhang Hao, and he’s made this arrangement to avoid matching Zhang Hao against Rodman.

The timeout is about to end, and the referee signals for the players of both teams to return to the court.

Seeing the opposing team’s players back on the court, Randy Whitman is glad he made this decision because none of the strongest three players on the opposing side are taking a rest!

Steve Kerr, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Bill Wennington are on the court!

...

At the moment he steps onto the court, all of Zhang Hao’s previous tension, worry... and other negative emotions are swept away.

He is diligently analyzing the possible advantageous conditions, perhaps the opponent doesn’t care about them at all, and this is the advantage, utilizing the advantage may possibly gain an upper hand.

Also, standing on the same court with Jordan, playing against Jordan, makes Zhang Hao thrilled!

Then, from the very first moment, Zhang Hao experiences a nightmare...

After Zhang Hao is on the court, the Bulls’ defense changes noticeably, always with someone beside him when he’s moving!

Even though a zone defense isn’t allowed, blitzing isn’t possible in advance, no matter how Zhang Hao moves, the opponents from Steve Kerr to Rodman switch defense swiftly.

Thankfully, Kenny Anderson is quick to react, seizing the opportunity to drive in for a close-range floater, securing two points.

During Zhang Hao’s first play on the court, he played a significant role. Kenny Anderson just utilized the mid-range window unveiled during the Bulls’ defensive switch to drive in for a close-range shot, but the defensive emphasis caught him off guard.

There’s still something that doesn’t feel right, but the game continues, and Zhang Hao quickly retreats to defense and gets involved in defending.

The defense isn’t good, Zhang Hao can’t do much about that for now; he needs time to learn and game experience, but attitude is important, firstly, he must work hard on the defensive end to have the opportunity to learn how to defend during the game.

As Pippen advances to the frontcourt, Zhang Hao immediately comes to the top arc to guard.

Pippen doesn’t go for one-on-one, nor does he continue to look for chances to create opportunities for Rodman as before, just when Zhang Hao is curious about what the opponent plans to do, someone approaches—it’s Jordan, and Pippen starts using a screen to break through from the left!

"Do you need a screen to deal with me?"

It’s this straightforward.

With straightforward confusion, Zhang Hao quickly completes a defensive switch with Graham.

But a quick defensive switch is no use; Pippen averaged 22 points during Jordan’s retirement! Against the two of them on the wing and guard line defense, Pippen easily seizes favorable breakout space.

Just as Zhang Hao thinks Pippen will score easily, Pippen lobs the ball to Jordan!

Jordan leans on Zhang Hao to receive the ball, posting up for a one-on-one!