In the second quarter, Barbosa and Barnes teamed up to help the Suns recover a few points. However, as the main players of the two teams gradually returned, the Suns fell into a disadvantage again.

At the end of the first half, the Clippers led by 5 points, which didn't seem like much.

However, in the second half, O'Neal started to suffer from physical problems shortly after playing and could not keep up with the rhythm.

The Clippers took the opportunity to play several waves of fast breaks and counterattacks, but the Suns made mistakes one after another. The Clippers went on an 8-2 spurt, and the point difference reached double digits.

Alvin quickly replaced O'Neal, but it was too late.

The Clippers, who had the advantage, played steadily and did not give the Suns a chance.

Although the Suns worked hard to catch up, they still suffered in the end and lost the first game of the playoffs.

108 to 116, the Suns only lost by 8 points.

However, fans who watched the game felt that the Suns had no hope, because Zhang Zhiyuan obviously did not use his full strength. The game only played for 38 minutes, which was not as long as the regular time.

After this fight, there are even more negative comments about the Suns.

But the Suns did not give up because of this. They adjusted their starting lineup and strategy in the second game.

O'Neal and Richardson were placed on the bench, Barbosa and Barnes were mentioned in the starting lineup, Stoudemire returned to the center position, and they picked up the running and gun.

This change had a miraculous effect. After O'Neal was gone, Kaman became the slowest person on the court and was continuously targeted.

Nash, Barbosa and Stoudemire are also very comfortable starting and shooting, and there is no sign of any rust.

The Suns' offense is very efficient and has a high shooting percentage.

In the first quarter, the Suns beat the Clippers 37-30, leading by 7 points, which almost shocked the fans.

In the second quarter, O'Neal came on the court, and he and Richardson began to abuse the Clippers' bench.

Even though Richardson didn't dare to shoot under Zhang Zhiyuan's defense, he played like a core player against the substitutes.

He and O'Neal were miles apart, and the Clippers' bench couldn't stop him.

Four minutes into the second quarter, 47 to 35, the Suns led by 12 points.

"It seems that the coach can still play a big role. The Suns are still the same people. They just adjusted the order of appearance and changed the style of play. It seems that they can compete with the Clippers."

Buckley sighed.

Previously, because Zhang Zhiyuan's performance was so good, the outstanding coach was not that important to a certain extent.

But now, the changes in the Suns show that the coach is still useful.

"More than just competing, they were clearly suppressing the Clippers just now."

Smith said excitedly that he also likes this kind of anxious game, which is more attractive.

One-sided games can hurt ratings.

Off the court, Dunleavy looked at the dire situation and was thinking hard about countermeasures.

He first called a timeout and then replaced Zhang Zhiyuan.

This move made the commentators of all major TV stations laugh.

However, Dunleavy was by no means as stupid as they thought. After O'Neal was replaced, he immediately replaced Kaman with Jordan.

Jordan's speed is relatively fast, so he won't suffer too much from the bombardment.

And Kaman was replaced to get a rest, and then he could go to the bench to score, carry O'Neal, and reduce the threat of the Suns' bench.

This change had some effects, at least the Suns were no longer able to attack the paint as they pleased in the first quarter.

After the second quarter, 66 to 56, the Suns still led by 10 points.

However, the Suns ran out of tricks and had to fight hard in the second half.

“Can solar maintain this 10-point advantage?”

Smith asked.

"I feel like I can't hold on, Zhang Zhiyuan hasn't exploded yet."

Buckley said.

As long as Zhang Zhiyuan breaks out, all tactics are in vain. He can destroy any opponent with unsolvable shots.

"He hasn't exploded for a long time, don't count on that."

Smith said.

"In short, I still tend to be optimistic about the Clippers."

Buckley said.

During the halftime break, both teams conducted some mobilization in the locker rooms.

The Suns ask the players to persevere and win this victory.

The Clippers require players to play more actively and strengthen defense. As for offense, it is left to Zhang Zhiyuan.

At the end of the halftime break, the two sides returned to the court.

The Clippers took the lead, and Zhang Zhiyuan patted the basketball, waiting for his opponent to take over.

The Suns did not do this, and then Zhang Zhiyuan started a breakthrough and broke through Barnes.

Barnes is a strong defender, very fast, and he doesn't suffer from height.

The only thing he suffered against Zhang Zhiyuan was his strength, but he fought hard.

When Zhang Zhiyuan came up to fight, he didn't flinch at all, he just used his body to resist.

Zhang Zhiyuan squeezed away from Barnes and rushed towards the basket.

Although Barnes didn't guard him, he consumed a lot of Zhang Zhiyuan's energy.

Zhang Zhiyuan gasped for breath after the layup.

During the transition between offense and defense, Barnes was running from the outside. Zhang Zhiyuan did not catch up immediately. Anyway, Barnes' three-pointer was not very good.

As a result, Nash passed the ball decisively, and Barnes actually shot it directly.

This is the sun's strategy.

Anyway, it's hard to beat the Clippers in a normal game, so it's better to take a gamble.

The Suns also had good luck today, as Barnes scored.

69 to 58.

"The Suns' hand was so smooth today, there's nothing we can do about it."

Zhang Lili commented that he attributed the Suns' lead to a good touch.

On the surface, this is indeed the case, the Suns scored more goals.

"This is the playoffs, you can't underestimate any opponent."

Sun Zhengping said.

This kind of analysis makes Chinese fans a little more nervous, worried that the Clippers will capsize.

On the court, the Clippers attack.

Zhang Zhiyuan pretended to break through, and after mobilizing Barnes' focus, he chose to take action.

The ball goes in.

69 to 61.

When the Suns attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan did not slack off and followed Barnes closely this time.

Nash broke through and wanted to attack on his own.

It's a pity that Lori followed him, blocked him, and interfered with him.

Nash took off and shot, but the ball missed.

This kind of confrontation is too intense and is not something Nash is good at.

During the transition between offense and defense, Zhang Zhiyuan was double-teamed. Lowry stuffed the ball under the basket. Maggette caught the ball and made a layup and scored.

"Hey, Lowry just came to the Clippers as if he had a new idea. I don't know if he will regret it after joining the Grizzlies."

Sun Zhengping smiled.

"Lowry is not weak to begin with, but he is just not suitable for a bad team like the Grizzlies. In front of Zhang Zhiyuan, his characteristics came into full play and his shortcomings were covered up."

Zhang Lili analyzed.

However, these were all hindsight. At the moment of the transaction, few people understood the transaction at all, and they all said that the Clippers were messing around.

And now facts have proven that Lowry is more suitable for the Clippers than Livingston.

The Suns were attacking, and Nash didn't want to tangle with Lowry. He and Lowry were at a huge disadvantage.

He didn't want to get entangled, but Lowry wouldn't agree. Lowry just wanted to exchange money with him and restrict Nash's organization.

Nash felt a little irritated while patting the basketball. After finding no chance, he could only pass the ball to Hill.
To be continued...