Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 429 The Unchanging Sun
The score is tied, and each team has one more attack.

Adelman called a timeout to prepare for the attack.

Making a three-pointer might just win the game.

Many spectators in the stands stood up, too nervous to sit down.

Suns owner Robert Savor was just as nervous, constantly shaking his leg.

Tangsen felt the Kings would score a three-pointer, and quickly at that.

It went in; keep a tight defense on the outside.

The Kings focused heavily on perimeter defense today, with Ray Allen holding Doug Christie to just 19 points.

Even if the interior defense can't stop Howard, they can still win the game.

If you miss the shot, if you shoot faster, you should still have a few seconds left for a game-winning shot.

The scales of victory are tipped in the king's favor.

It all depends on which sun it chooses.

D'Antoni seemed to have finally figured out how to limit Peja, so he brought in backup power forward Walter McCarty.

Upon returning from the pause, Marion quickly positioned himself in front of Peja.

However, this time, D'Antoni made another miscalculation.

He still looked inexperienced compared to veterans like Adelman, who are regulars in the NBA playoffs.

On this play, Webber rushed up to set a screen for Peja.

Marion did not lose his position.

After receiving the ball, Peja didn't shoot, but instead passed it back to Webber who was setting a screen.

When no one was watching, Webber retreated to the three-point line, received the ball, and pulled up for a three-pointer.

The posture was perfect, the arc was beautiful, and it went in.

Tang Sen was taken aback.

Last year during training camp, I didn't have Webber practice three-pointers; I only had him practice post-up moves.

He has certainly attempted three-pointers throughout his career, but he lacked both volume and accuracy; three-pointers were not his regular weapon.

But if he dares to shoot at a time like this, it would be strange if he hadn't practiced.

Tang Sen looked at Adelman across from him incredulously.

He's a cunning old fox after all.

Clearly, Adelman was following the trend and had Webber practice his three-point shooting intensively during the regular season.

But they won't let us use it; they'll save it as a secret weapon for the playoffs.

There was a sense of regret at the scene, and many fans covered their faces in anguish.

Tang Sen leaned back in his chair, guessing that the match was probably over.

That three-pointer was the game-winner.

Even if you have a bunch of three-point shooters, they still won't be able to make three-pointers.

Then commit another foul and take a three-pointer.

It feels too difficult.

But upon closer reflection, Tang Sen felt that losing was acceptable.

Townsend initially came to Phoenix hoping to witness the Suns win and continue their strong performance from the regular season.

I was thinking of giving them a good publicity boost after the game.

Especially given Howard's outstanding performance.

But now, losing isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Since it's only the first round and the first game, even if we lose, we can learn a lesson and realize that the playoffs are different from the regular season. We really need to make more preparations.

Like last season with the Knicks, even if he won all his regular season games, Carlisle would still carefully study his opponents before each series in the playoffs, fearing that he might be upset by an unexpected defeat.

This is D'Antoni's first time leading a team in the playoffs, so he really needs to gain some experience.

Sure enough, after the timeout, D'Antoni even took Howard out and put Richardson in, trying to grab a three-pointer.

This strategy has some problems.

Some players can pose a threat just by being on the court, even if they don't shoot.

What if the Suns quickly score 2 points and then commit a turnover?

Then the opponent will hesitate when defending, because they will have some concerns.

Also, without an inside player, who will set screens and provide cover?

Are you just thinking that if there are five shooters on the field and no one is covering for them, they'll have a chance?

Nash retreated to near midcourt before inbounding the ball.

Then the five of them ran together, trying to create an opportunity.

The Suns' tactical objective was too clear, resulting in no one creating an opportunity. With time running out, Nash chose to take the shot himself.

A loud crash echoed, the sound of hearts breaking for the entire stadium of fans.

There's no one in the paint, not even anyone going for the rebounds.

Another foul, and the game is over.

Savor, standing beside him, was extremely frustrated.

D'Antoni stood there like a wooden stake, bewildered by a gust of wind.

The timer has reached zero, and the game is over.

The Suns lost their first home game.

Howard, on the bench, looked just as bewildered as Nash and others on the court.

It felt like being hit on the head with a blunt object.

During the regular season, the Suns played four games against the Kings, winning three and losing one, giving the Suns a better record than the Kings.

Before the game, the Arizona Republic was jubilant, shouting that they would easily beat the Kings and were already looking ahead to the second round, wondering if they could challenge the Spurs.

Is this the result?

But time cannot be turned back; a loss is a loss.

Tang Sen stood up and walked towards Howard.

I came here today specifically for this kid.

By the time Howard came to his senses, Tang Sen was already standing in front of him.

His expression froze, and he awkwardly called out "Sir," then looked away with some fear.

For some reason, Howard was always a little afraid of Tang Sen.

Perhaps it was because Tang Sen tormented me too much last year?

Therefore, when Howard learned that Tang Sen was coming to watch the game before the match, he was really nervous and deliberately avoided Tang Sen, not daring to speak to him.

I figured Tang Sen was just here to check my homework.

As a result, the team lost the game.

Howard felt he was likely to get yelled at.

Unexpectedly, Tang Sen patted Howard's arm and said, "You played well today, but you can be more aggressive in the next game."

Townsend learned from Carlisle that you really need to use different playing styles when playing against different teams.

D'Antoni's approach is purely formulaic, used in the same way until it's worn out.

If you play against the Spurs or Lakers, speed up the pace and you can hit three-pointers from the outside without any problem.

Those two teams were incredibly slow.

But you're attacking the king.

Princeton is world-renowned, and they're really fast.

And when you shoot three-pointers, you're playing with space.

The king, too, was a master of spatial manipulation.

They also have a lot of pick-and-rolls and a lot of cuts.

In terms of playing style, Bibby is very similar to Nash.

This means the King understands the Suns' playing style very well, so he can counter it.

In that case, you need to be flexible.

Just refer to history.

The reason why the Kings could never make it out of the Western Conference was because their interior defense was easily exploited, and they lost because of their defense.

You have the resources; you have Howard, so you should build the team around Howard and make good use of his defense.

Instead of solely pursuing fast breaks and shooting three-pointers.

So Tang Sen reminded Howard to be more proactive.

Howard listened to half of what he said and immediately smiled, saying smugly, "Of course, sir, I scored 34 points today, while Brad on the other side only scored 11 points. He's no match for me at all."

Tang Sen was taken aback.

"You're getting cocky just because I called you fat," she said, her face instantly turning cold as she reprimanded, "You're this happy just because you beat up Brad?"

"This is the playoffs. Can you beat Tim in the next round? If we make it to the Western Conference Finals, can you beat Shaq?"

One sentence froze Howard's smile on his face.

Tang Sen said that these two could be considered his nemesis, and they were not easy to deal with.

"Dwight, good luck! I have high expectations for you."

Tang Sen's expression changed again. He smiled and gave a word of encouragement before turning and leaving.

(End of this chapter)