Chapter 633: The Situation Changes Again!
The Suns surged in the final 2 minutes of the 1st quarter, quickly widening the gap and taking a 37 to 27 lead.
Chen Yan scored 18 points with 2 assists, once again becoming the brightest player on either team. Whether facing single coverage or double teams, he handled everything with ease.
Although this was only Chen Yan's 3rd year in the league, few active players had more playoff experience than him. He had reached the NBA Finals in 2 straight years, and with the 6 playoff games this year, his total number of postseason appearances had already passed 40.
That was remarkable.
Ray Allen was already in his 12th year in the league, but he had only played 50 playoff games.
Artest had also played only about 40.
Chen Yan had not only quantity, but quality. He had reached the Finals twice in 3 years, won a championship, and was chasing that goal again this season.
That kind of experience was something most players simply did not have.
In the 2nd quarter, Suns head coach D'Antoni deployed an offense first 2nd unit, choosing the more explosive White Chocolate Williams at point guard.
D'Antoni was ambitious. He wanted to overwhelm Dallas with firepower.
However, this gave Terry the chance to find his rhythm.
In 4 and a half minutes, Terry scored 9 points and added 1 assist, directly cutting the deficit to 3.
On commentary, Barkley and Kenny Smith both felt D'Antoni's lineup had a problem.
"If Rondo is out there, Terry is not getting that many clean looks," Barkley said bluntly. "You cannot let a scorer like that walk into rhythm. That is how you get burned."
Kenny nodded. "Rondo's wingspan, vertical leap, and defensive awareness are all excellent among point guards. That is exactly why Phoenix traded for him. He can organize the offense and defend. With Nash and White Chocolate teaching him, he still has room to grow. In a couple of years, he and a young Chen Yan could become a backcourt pairing the whole league fears."
As for Rondo's shooting ability, sometimes front offices thought about things in complicated ways, and sometimes they thought about them very simply.
After the Suns called timeout, Chen Yan and Nash returned to the floor.
Dallas immediately countered by bringing back Nowitzki and Kidd to control the pace of the game.
Both coaches were now engaged in a battle of adjustments.
In terms of strategy, Rick Carlisle had the upper hand tonight, but players ultimately decided the flow of a game.
Chen Yan and Nash began running their 2 man game, taking turns attacking or setting screens for each other.
It was like 2 machine guns firing from 2 different fortresses, leaving Dallas unsure which one it should destroy first.
On defense, the Suns could not effectively contain Nowitzki, but that did not matter too much.
They only needed to score more on offense.
Once again, Phoenix used its familiar philosophy, the best defense was a stronger offense.
The lead quickly stretched back to double digits.
Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle called timeout. Afterward, he brought Ray Allen and Artest back onto the court, playing every card he had available.
D'Antoni paired Chen Yan and Nash with Raja Bell, Barnes, and DeAndre Jordan.
Those 3 players had limited offensive ability, but all of them were excellent defenders.
D'Antoni's intention was clear.
It was a 3 protect 2 strategy, using 3 defensive workers to support 2 offensive powerhouses.
His tactics also returned to basics.
Let Chen Yan and Nash handle the ball, either through isolation or pick and roll, and focus on simplicity and efficiency.
At halftime, Phoenix led 62 to 51.
The lead was not huge, but tonight, a double digit advantage felt like a chasm Dallas could not cross.
Even if the Mavericks got close, the Suns would immediately push them back.
After halftime, both teams sent out their starters.
Phoenix deployed a full offensive lineup and immediately put Dallas on the defensive.
The Suns had a habit of crushing opponents in the 3rd quarter. It had happened many times over the past 2 seasons.
This time was no different.
The lead quickly grew to 15.
Just when everyone thought the game was secure, the situation on the court suddenly changed again.
A great game needed drama, and tonight had plenty of it.
Around the 6 minute mark of the 3rd quarter, Nash suddenly fell to the floor during a collision.
Soon after, Nash limped off the court with the team doctor supporting him.
Nash felt that he had strained his calf, and the exact situation would only be known after further examination.
Dallas seized the opportunity and launched a 13 to 3 run, narrowing the score to 79 to 74 with 2 minutes and 28 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.
Phoenix had not made a field goal in nearly 3 minutes, so D'Antoni quickly called timeout.
The sudden setback forced him to redraw his tactics.
"After Nash went out, Phoenix's situation changed fast," Kenny said. "Dallas knows Chen Yan is the only reliable scoring option right now, so they are loading up on him."
Barkley frowned. "This is where it gets tough. Somebody has to help Chen. You still have a quarter and a half left. If nobody steps up, that lead can disappear real quick."
During the timeout, D'Antoni adjusted the lineup.
"Grant Hill, Gallinari, Rondo, Chen Yan, DeAndre Jordan, you 5 are going in after the timeout," D'Antoni said. "Stabilize the pace. We are still leading, and we are still in the favorable position."
He raised his voice slightly.
"I have 3 points. 1st, stick to our style. Be fast when we should be fast, slow when we should be slow. If there is a fast break opportunity, do not hesitate. 2nd, in half court sets, give the ball to Chen and create isolation opportunities for him. 3rd, when Chen draws the double team and passes, everyone else must make Dallas pay for leaving you open. Understood?"
"Understood!" the Suns players answered together.
With about 10 seconds left before the timeout ended, Chen Yan quickly added a few words.
"Guys, this is where the real battle begins. I do not want to put pressure on you, but I have to say this. If we lose this game, all our previous effort means nothing, and we give back the home court advantage we fought for. So whether Steve can return or not, we have to give everything."
He looked around at his teammates.
"We defend our home court. We hold this win. We do not disappoint the fans who came here to support us. 1, 2, 3! Phoenix, go!"
After speaking, Chen Yan raised his right hand.
"Phoenix, go!"
All the players placed their hands on his and shouted together.
Play resumed after the timeout.
Suns ball.
Chen Yan received the ball 2 steps beyond the 3 point line, and the Mavericks double team arrived immediately.
With Nash off the court, Dallas could double team Chen Yan without restraint.
Chen Yan did not force it.
The team would rely on him for the next quarter and a half. If he forced a shot every possession, Dallas would target him more easily, and his stamina would not hold forever.
Chen Yan smartly passed the ball sideways to Gallinari, who had come up to assist, then quickly ran toward him.
Just as the 2 appeared ready to execute a handoff, Chen Yan suddenly stopped and sprinted in the opposite direction.
Gallinari's task was simple.
Lob the ball in the opposite direction.
Grant Hill then used a screen to block Artest for Chen Yan.
Chen Yan received the ball and accelerated into the paint.
Dallas's interior was exposed because Gallinari's 3 point shooting had pulled Nowitzki out to the perimeter.
Only Haywood remained in the restricted area.
Chen Yan calmly tossed up a floater from about a body length away.
"Swish!"
The ball dropped in cleanly.
81 to 74.
D'Antoni stood up and applauded.
That seemingly ordinary floater helped Phoenix stabilize its morale.
.....
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