Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters-Chapter 1039 - 594 The Lost Sovereignty_2

Chapter 1039: Chapter 594: The Lost Sovereignty_2 Chapter 1039: Chapter 594: The Lost Sovereignty_2 Compared to Anthony, this person truly retains the mentality of a youth even at 36.

Although Kobe exhibits maturity in many aspects, most of his maturity on the court is feigned, adapting to the changing times.

On this matter, the Lakers’ coach Scott is very clear.

He said that Kobe now plays calmly and has learned to entrust the game to his teammates.

If his teammates cannot handle it, he would “do it himself,” because he is a born fighter.

As a player, Yu Fei prefers teammates like Kobe who are willing to put on a show, and steers clear from those like Anthony who cannot even pretend.

The Lakers quickly turned into a luxury version of the Supersonics.

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Similar to star isolation plays, they also have Pau Gasol to coordinate, but the traits of Anthony and Kobe prevent them from effectively pinpointing and exploiting the weaknesses of the Titan Lineup.

After two games, the Clippers have come to understand the actual value of what they’ve willed into existence.

While it’s not an absolute success, it indeed suits the Clippers’ current situation.

They lack an NBA starter-level power forward; their twin towers can cover most issues, and although they fear being targeted at their weak spots, most teams find it hard to exploit this and defeat them because their rebounding and offensive capabilities are too strong.

The Clippers achieved two consecutive victories, even though the Lakers duo combined for 60+ points, they were otherwise overwhelmed by their opponents in all other aspects.

For the Clippers, the Staples Center is no longer a “familiar stranger.”

Any Lakers executive would shudder to see so many Clippers fans in their home game.

Although the Clippers have caused trouble for thirty years, if their strong period coincides with the Lakers’ weak period, they might unsettle the Lakers’ fanbase.

Kobe had his unique insight on this: “I am not surprised.”

When a journalist asked him how he felt about a third of the fans in the home stadium supporting the Clippers, Kobe responded to the question.

Afterwards, Kobe further explained, “Historically speaking, the Clippers are definitely no match for the Lakers, but the Lakers haven’t won a championship in 12 years. For us, no championship means no success, which means we have been continuously failing for 12 years. Now, the Clippers have a better shot at success, so it’s understandable that fans support them.”

“However,” Kobe added, “they must win the championship first to truly win over the fans’ hearts, and that’s not an easy step.”

However, when Kobe thought of the Clippers’ key player, the young man wearing the No. 44 jersey, he couldn’t help thinking that day might not be far away.

The Clippers started with five consecutive victories.

As Doc Rivers was indulging in the idea “Am I a genius? Is the Titan Lineup the decryption key to Space Basketball?”, a defeat came like a bucket of cold water, sobering the pig-headed coach.

The Phoenix Suns dealt the Clippers their first loss of the season.

This seemingly unremarkable team, led by Slovenia’s Goran Dragic, beat the Clippers in a way the previous five teams had been unable to, utilizing inside pressure and a barrage of three-pointers.

The Suns succeeded because they implemented the three-point strategy to the fullest.

That night, the Suns’ perimeter shooting was on fire, deploying a “five-out” lineup throughout the game, with more than 50% of their shots coming from beyond the arc, completely disrupting the Clippers’ defense, causing them to concede 133 points and falter.

This was the consequence of the opponents’ three-point shots heating up, and also the “retribution” of the Space Basketball era for leaving the corner three-pointers unguarded.

This loss came at the right time, reawakening the Clippers and exposing their weaknesses. Previously, no team dared to take all threes throughout the game, but once a team did and those shots connected, the Titan Lineup would self-destruct.

Two days later, the Indiana Pacers tried to replicate the Suns’ strategy.

Although Rivers’ adjustments were slow, he had a quick-reacting leader.

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When Yu Fei saw the Pacers employing a five-out, he promptly reminded Rivers to let him play power forward, and bring Richard Jefferson in for the small forward position.

This adjustment completely transformed the Titan Lineup.

Their average height was still astounding.

Yao Ming at 223 cm, Yu Fei at 206 cm, and further out, Antetokounmpo at 210 cm, no matter how they switched players, their height remained at a Titan level. However, Yu Fei playing power forward greatly enhanced their defensive agility and switch defense potency.

Jefferson unexpectedly became the Clippers’ “Ron Harper.”

At the time, Harper, although not very famous, was an unsung hero during the Bulls’ second dynasty. Despite never making it to an All-Star or Best Lineup, he was definitely a star player at his peak. After retiring, he seamlessly transitioned to a role player, using his accumulated experience and skills to become an indispensable part of the Bulls, even being called up by the Zen Master during his later coaching stint with the Lakers.

Now, Jefferson was the same.

Expecting him to perform at a star level was unrealistic. He had declined quite a bit.

However, having him as the fifth man in the starting lineup, focusing on defense, passing, shooting corner threes, and cutting to the basket, was entirely his strong suit.

These characteristics perfectly complemented Yu Fei’s playing style at the power forward position.

Faced with the Clippers’ tactical shift, the Pacers, lacking in height and intensity, ultimately had no choice but to capitulate and were soundly defeated.