Volume 4: Golden State Prosperity

If they were facing another team, it would have been fine. Most opposing backcourts had a 3-and-D player responsible for defense, who could cover up Isaiah Thomas's defensive shortcomings... "A lot of people questioned Antetokounmpo starting before the game, but it now looks like he is perfectly suited for the role. Crowder looks so weak in front of him. He is a true monster, demolishing the Celtics' interior defense!" On the next possession, the Celtics continued running motion offense. Bradley cut backdoor to the basket, only to be blocked by Leonard, who had dropped back to protect the rim. After two failed possessions, Zhang Yu could no longer sit back calmly. Leonard backed Isaiah Thomas down, forcing him backward step by step. Left with no choice, Thomas could only foul Leonard to stop his advance. The cheers from the stands grew louder as Jim Barnett said: Limited by his height, it was already difficult for him to develop his offense. Now, it was even harder for him to get anything going. Clang! The Warriors had the same kind of lineup, but their 3-and-D player was different from those on other teams—he was the greatest 3-and-D player in history. After all, his main offensive weapon last season had been finishing at the rim after off-ball cuts, and he had rarely used other methods. But over the next few possessions, the Warriors clamped down on Isaiah Thomas. Zhang Yu would rather give Durant isolation opportunities than leave Thomas even the slightest opening. "Take down the Celtics!" Antetokounmpo faced up against Bradley, muscled his way into the paint, and after drawing the Celtics' defense inward, kicked the ball out to Klay. Klay took the wide-open three and swished it, 8:5. There was no more powerful response than proving your strength on the court.