Tragic Suns, The Chasm Between First and Second!!!

Although the Suns' "Seven Seconds Offense" was extremely potent in the regular season, averaging 114 points per game—second in the league, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers' 121—their offensive efficiency also ranked second, again behind only the Lakers.

But the Suns' tactics were far too one-dimensional, and they were severely countered by the Lakers.

Although Steve Nash, the Son of the Wind, was fast and possessed elite ball-handling coordination even in the long history of the NBA, Rajon Rondo's on-ball defense was also first-rate. As for the players at other positions, aside from P. J. Tucker at the three being a little slower, the Lakers held the advantage in speed and athleticism across the board.

Rondo's on-ball defense, long-arm harassment, and anticipation of driving lanes slowed Nash down. Forced into a half-court game, the Suns could only unleash their signature weapon—high pick-and-rolls.

But Nash and Stoudemire's pick-and-roll was nothing much to Zhou Ze now. After the screen, Nash emerged on the right side while Rondo was caught up. Zhou Ze hedged hard, and Rondo used the "Paper Painting" Kobe had taught him to quickly slip free of the screen and catch back up to Nash.

With a whoosh, Nash fed the rolling Stoudemire. But at that moment, Zhou Ze showed... damn it, what true talent was. Zhou Ze sprinted back at lightning speed, and with a bang, he delivered a vicious chase-down block against Amar'e Stoudemire, who was trying to soar in for a dunk.

"WTF!" Stoudemire, who had been pinned against the backboard, wore a speechless expression.

This move had worked wonders not only in the regular season, but also through the first two rounds of the playoffs. But it was no good against Zhou Ze.

There was no helping it... Zhou Ze's running and jumping talent was a