Game 3 of the Series
The Clippers displayed a strong offensive drive at the start of the first quarter, which is perhaps the charm of playing at home!
Li Chen was still responsible for organizing the offense in this game, while Andre Miller will not be able to play until the next game.
Li Chen used his ball control skills and wide vision to find open spaces for his teammates to pass the ball.
The Clippers showcased excellent teamwork today, breaking down the opponent's defense through rapid ball movement.
Li Chen used his threat, pick-and-rolls, and quick runs to draw away Mavericks players, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.
My teammates were great today; they made full use of the space, constantly cutting into the paint and creating numerous shooting and free throw opportunities.
Meanwhile, Li Chen's three-point shooting was also very effective today, hitting two crucial shots and repeatedly slamming the Mavericks' momentum back down.
In addition, Michael Olowokandi was also very effective, his rebounding gave the Clippers many second-chance opportunities under the basket.
On the defensive end, the Clippers will initially employ a zone defense strategy.
Tonight, the Mavericks' outside shooting percentage was only around 30% in the first quarter. They could only drive to the basket, which was the biggest reason why the Clippers were able to take the lead in the first quarter.
In the end, the Clippers led the Mavericks 36-23 by 13 points.
In the TNT broadcast room.
"The Clippers. They're playing less and less like rookies who just made the Playoffs," Kenny Smith joked.
Barkley nodded. "That's right, especially in Clutch Shot situations. In the first quarter, his two three-pointers and his perfect assist to Odom successfully put the Mavericks under pressure. That's the mark of a team leader."
Kenny Smith nodded, then said, "Let's take a look at the performance of the two teams' star players in this game. The Mavericks 'Nowitzki has 6 points and 5 rebounds. The Clippers' Li Chen has 6 points and 5 assists in the first quarter."
At first glance, their performances seemed similar, but the difference in the number of shots made it clear who was better.
Nowitzki of the Mavericks made 3 of 5 shots in the first quarter, a 60% field goal percentage.
Clippers' Li Chen took two shots and made both.
Moreover, Li Chen's 5 assists significantly outweigh Nowitzki's 5 rebounds for the team.
Barkley nodded. "Chen's vision is outstanding; he's better than any other player currently playing."
Kenny Smith nodded, then suddenly asked, "Charles, who do you think is more reliable, Li Chen or Duncan?"
"Hey, hey, hey! Charles, Duncan is a player who has won championships, how can you compare them?" Barkley said, looking at the comparison as unfair.
"Charles, I'm really looking forward to their meeting."
Barkley thought for a moment and said seriously, "Actually, I also want this Eastern Kid to get beaten up."
At this point, the two looked at each other and then burst into laughter.
Watching rookies get dominated in the NBA is something veteran players love to see, because they went through the same thing.
Clippers' rest area.
"Coach Alvin, should we continue with zone defense in the second quarter?" Li Chen asked.
Alvin Gentry was somewhat surprised to hear this, thinking to himself, "Wasn't the defense very effective in the first quarter? What do you mean by asking this?"
Looking into his protégé's expectant eyes, Alvin Gentry felt uneasy, wondering if his protégé would be disappointed if he didn't have other strategies.
Alvin Gentry pondered deeply. After a moment, he put himself in Gentry's shoes and realized that he would be very disappointed if he were in that situation.
So Alvin Gentry, stroking his bald head, began to rack his brains, drawing on his experience from the previous two games.
After a moment, he made a decision and said, "Playing zone defense all the time is definitely not going to work. If the Mavericks' outside shooting picks up, it will be our nightmare."
He paused slightly, looked at the other Clippers players, and focused his gaze on Li Chen.
Seeing the adoring look in Li Chen's eyes, Alvin Gentry felt incredibly happy.
Alvin Gentry then explained the tactical strategy for the second quarter.
Alvin Gentry's tactical strategy was to see who had a high three-point shooting percentage, and then Li Chen would shut them down.
Li Chen also breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his crazy hints hadn't been in vain.
The second quarter then began.
The Mavericks attacked first, and Nash passed the ball to Van Exel had just come on.
Van Exel was completely unfazed by Corey Maggette's close defense and hit a three-pointer right at the start of the game.
With the score at 36-26, the Mavericks showed their teeth at the start of the second quarter, telling the Clippers that the kings had returned.
At the same time, Li Chen frowned slightly. He realized that Van Exel was really good at scoring; he was very active as long as he didn't defend him.
At this point, Li Chen was a little worried. He was really afraid that the other Mavericks players' outside shooting would improve, which would make things difficult for the Clippers.
"Chen, what are you thinking about?" Corey Maggette reminded him.
Li Chen snapped out of his daze. "It's okay." He raised his hand to catch Corey Maggette's pass.
A moment later, Li Chen took in the positions of his teammates.
At this moment, Li Chen saw Van Exel blocking his way again, and the corners of Li Chen's mouth curled up.
He decided to mess with this guy's mentality. "Hey! Nick, you can't stop me." As he spoke, Li Chen raised his arm high.
Van Exel raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, but his tight marking showed that his mentality was wavering.
Li Chen's lips curled up, and then, without hesitation, he shot Van Exel in the face.
Driven by anger, Van Exel impulsively punched Li Chen hard in the arm.
Swish! Despite being so interfered with, the basketball miraculously swished through the net.
This scene drew cheers from the fans.
At the same time, Li Chen was also somewhat surprised. He had bet that Van Exel wouldn't let him shoot, or even that he would foul him.
To be honest, he was aiming for the free throw, and he never expected the ball to go in.
So Li Chen sincerely said, "This... I'm really grateful to you, Nick."
Van Exel "...
The referee blew his whistle, and Li Chen was awarded a penalty kick. A moment later, the ball went in smoothly.
The score gap widened again to 40-26.
In the next possession, the Clippers were still using a Clippers defense, but Van Exel taught them a lesson.
He stood at the logo, raised his hand, and launched a three-pointer.
Swish! The basketball goes through the net cleanly.
This move completely outshone both the Clippers and Li Chen.
At the same time, Van Exel looked at Li Chen provocatively and then wagged his index finger.
Upon seeing this, Li Chen was first taken aback, then he grinned, revealing a set of snow-white teeth.
From then on, Li Chen closely guarded Van Exel.
At that moment, Van Exel felt a pang of regret, regretting that he shouldn't have provoked this Eastern Kid.
Van Eyxel's logo three-pointer seemed to trigger a switch, unleashing a barrage of three-pointers from the Mavericks.
At the end of the second quarter, the Clippers lost 28-39.
However, the Clippers still lead the Mavericks 64-62 in the series.