Chapter 769 [The First Round of Training, Young Generals Break Out]

The second place in the Western Conference is the Thunder, which has only achieved 60 wins, and the third-ranked Spurs have 56 wins, which is far behind the Clippers.

No. 4-8 are the Warriors, Mavericks, Nuggets, Lakers, and Rockets.

Much like Yang Rui in his previous life, the Lakers were determined to win. After printing the "**" logo on their jerseys at the end of February, their winning rate increased significantly in the second half, and they finally entered the playoffs and finished seventh. In the first round Avoided the Clippers.

It's not that the Lakers are strong, but that other teams are weaker. The Rockets only reached the playoffs with 40 wins. The Trail Blazers, who played well in the early stage, collapsed in the second half and ranked 9th with 39 wins.

10-15 are Jazz, Grizzlies, Kings, Timberwolves, Suns, and Hornets.

The Eastern Nets ranked first with 66 wins, the Cavaliers ranked second with 64 wins, and the Pacers ranked third with 54 wins.

4-8 are the 76ers, Pistons, Raptors, Bucks, and Knicks.

Ranked 9-15 are the Celtics, Bulls, Wizards, Hawks, Heat, Bobcats, and Magic.

In Yang Rui's previous life, the Knicks ranked second in the Eastern Conference this season. Without Tyson Chandler, the Knicks barely made the playoffs. This may also be the result of the league's operations, because the league hopes that big city teams like the Knicks and Lakers will enter the playoffs, have more gimmicks, and make more money.

The Knicks' interior defense was in shambles. The only bright spot was that Carmelo Anthony won the scoring title, averaging 28.7 points per game. This is Anthony's only personal honor since entering the league. Melo has become a poisonous melon.

The super platinum generation of 2003 has become a recognized super miserable generation. People praise them very highly and throw them down very hard. Currently, no All-Star player in the 2003 rookie class has won a championship.

The rebounding leader goes to DeAndre Jordan of the Grizzlies, averaging 14.4 per game.

The assist leader is the Celtics' Rajon Rondo, averaging 11.1 per game, but he only played 38 games and spent most of his time recuperating from injuries.

The leader in blocks is Ibaka of the Thunder, averaging 3 per game.

Ricky Rubio of the Timberwolves became the steal leader, averaging 2.4 per game. The Timberwolves did not make the playoffs, but Rubio has many bright spots. Although his shooting is poor, his breakthrough, organization, and defensive abilities have all been recognized.

After two days of rest, the Clippers' 13-man roster for the playoffs was determined. Thackeray and Middleton were not selected for the roster.

Center: Tyson Chandler, Draymond Green.

Power forward: Blake Griffin, Chandler Parsons, Kenneth Faried.

Small forward: Shane Battier, Rudy Gay.

Shooting guards: Kyle Korver, Tony Allen, Danny Green.

Point Guards: Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Leandro Barbosa.

Even if Thackeray is not on the roster, he can still play his cornerstone role, dancing on the sidelines, waving towels, and handing water to his teammates.

Yang Rui prefers small-ball tactics in the playoffs. Griffin and Faried can both play center, and it is difficult for Draymond to get a chance to play.

Middleton lacks game experience and has always been a marginal player in the regular season. He will not be effective if he is brought in. It is better to bring Barbosa, who has rich playoff experience.

Yang Rui did not arrange training or give a speech to boost morale. As long as the players watch the news, they will be confident. The media and fans cannot praise them enough.

The Clippers' opponent in the first round was the Rockets, who had poor defense. When Yang Rui discussed tactics with the coaching staff, he directly set the task of the first round as "training". As long as he could advance, he didn't expect a big victory.

On the 21st, the first match between the two sides was held at Staples Arena.

Chris Paul returned, but did not start. Yang Rui arranged the same starting lineup as in the second half of the regular season, Curry, Danny Green, Parsons, Griffin, and Chandler.

The Rockets' starting five: Jeremy Lin, Harden, Caron Butler, Greg Smith, and Hawes.

The Clippers took the lead at the beginning and soon expanded the point difference to double digits. The Rockets only scored 4 points in 4 minutes and their offense was weak.

After four games in the regular season, the Rockets' offensive routine has been thoroughly figured out by other teams, and making it to the playoffs is already a success. Harden breaks through with the ball, plays or distributes the ball himself, and Jeremy Lin, Butler, and Hawes spread out from the outside ready to catch and shoot. Smith rushed for the rebound.

Butler is the only solid three-pointer, and Parsons keeps an eye on him. As soon as Harden breaks through, the Clippers will shrink their formation and double-team at least two people, forcing him to distribute the ball and prevent his teammates from making shots.

Jeremy Lin's long-range shot is not accurate. When he receives a pass from the outside, he usually performs secondary organization or takes a step into the three-point line for a mid-range shot. With that move, Curry can save the ball and interfere with the shot.

The worst thing about the Rockets is the 4th position. Smith is a role player who joined the NBA without the draft. He worked as a short-term contract with the Rockets last season. He played in 8 games and scored 1.8 points and 2.5 rebounds. This year, because there is no one at the 4th position, he has been put into the starting lineup. He is just a pseudo-starter and has no use on the offensive end.

On the defensive end, Smith has strength. He is 208cm tall and weighs 113kg. He can defend against ordinary players. He is obviously no match for Griffin one-on-one. His physical fitness is too ordinary, while Griffin is unstoppable when he rushes forward.

The Clippers' offense is extremely smooth. Curry brings the ball to the frontcourt and passes the ball. Parsons organizes the forwards in the middle. The two sides of the interior provide ball-free coverage for the defenders. The defenders catch the ball and shoot, attracting the big man to switch defenses and distribute the ball. Cutting from the inside toward the basket.

The Clippers led 38 to 19 in the first quarter, beating the Rockets. The Los Angeles local station commentator lamented: "Paul can continue to rest today and no longer has to play. If Paul brings a substitute in the second quarter, it will be too bullying for the Rockets."

Yang Rui thought so too. He didn't let Paul play, and five players died in the second quarter: Barbosa, Korver, Battier, Gay, and Farid.

Tony Allen can only be a marginal player, which shows how strong the team is?

Tony Allen did not raise any objection, but after this season, he is ready to leave the Clippers. He hopes to get more playing time instead of signing a contract with the Clippers to sit on the bench and be a pure blue-collar player.

Five Rockets substitutes: Beverley, Delfino, CJ Miles, Patrick Patterson, Marcus Morris.

None of these five people are particularly good at attacking with the ball, and the Clippers really don't need to deliberately strengthen their defense. Yang Rui doesn't use Paul in order to protect him. Anyway, he is much ahead, and Paul's style does not need to spend time adjusting with his teammates.

In his impression, Beverly was particularly excited in the first round of the playoffs in his previous life and made great defensive moves. Westbrook was injured in the second game. The Thunder's strength declined and they were eliminated in the second round. Paul was just injured, but Yang Rui didn't want him to go head-to-head with the "mad dog".

In the second half, Curry and Griffin also rested. Gay, Parsons, and Faried came on the bench and still suppressed the Rockets.

Harden was defended like a blacksmith, making 9 of 22 shots, 2 of 8 three-pointers, 8 of 10 free throws, and scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Parsons' performance steadily outperformed Harden, and was much more efficient. He made 8 of 12 shots, 3 of 6 three-pointers, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Jeremy Lin's performance was even worse. He made 1 of 7 shots, 0 of 2 three-pointers, and 2 of 2 free throws. He only had 4 points and 4 assists. "Linsanity" was going crazy.

Butler made 4 of 11 shots and 1 of 5 three-pointers. He only scored 9 points and 3 rebounds. He did not play his role as a veteran. He suffered several serious injuries and his physical fitness declined across the board. He was no longer the all-around warrior.

Seven members of the Clippers team scored in double figures. Griffin played only 25 minutes and scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

After one game, there was no suspense in the series. Everyone knew that the Rockets would be swept out.