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The misalignment between the core and the role players of the Western Conference Finals is shining?

5:57pm, 28 May 2025【Basketball】

Timberwolves VS Thunder G4

G4 both sides played well. The game data is not proportional to the defensive efforts of both sides. The Thunder's offensive efficiency is 132, while the Timberwolves is 129.9. But it seems difficult to say that both sides are not defending well. There are two sets of data that have hit critically:

three-point shooting percentage, Thunder 43.2%, Timberwolves 43.9%;

frontcourt rebounding percentage, Thunder 46%, and Timberwolves 55.8%.

These two sets of data are there, and the offensive efficiency is not bad.

Not to talk about three points, let’s talk about the exaggerated front-board ratios on both sides first. In terms of strategy, both the Thunder and the Timberwolves chose to strictly guard the middle. Although the methods are different, the layout of the paint area is definitely not bad. The Thunder's lineup is very small, which is one of the reasons why they were hit on the rebound. The Thunder didn't use Harten much, and they could still give back the Timberwolves 19 front plates, which has nothing to do with their body shape. Judging from the video content, the exaggeration of the front panels on both sides is more due to the hard work of the boards on both sides. A bunch of spring people with not thick enough dimensions but can jump. Maybe no one can get stuck in the basket.

G3 review said that Wolf and Thunder exchanged souls because G1G2 Thunder's perverted card swipe to collect the middle lane caused Wolf to make mistakes in the breakthrough process, and G3's mistakes became Thunder more. The Thunder cannot make more mistakes than the Wolves. No matter how much fault tolerance they have, this is their bottom line for winning. The G4 Thunder regains this advantage.

Wolf's breakthrough has become difficult again, and to be more precise, Huazi and Randall's breakthrough has become difficult. In the first quarter, Randall hit many sons and Jaylen. Why did those two stutters remain motionless? It seemed to imply that the G3's defensive collapse was just a technical adjustment. Caruso once again contributed the robber-style steal from the diagonal stalker, which is a proverbial proof of oppression. Randall soon disappeared from the game and did nothing in the game.

In fact, it is not surprising that they hold Randle as long as the Thunder's game intensity comes back. The difficulty lies in how to hold down Edwards, who performed well in the past two games. Thunder gave a simple and violent answer - all guard against him. For Huazi, either directly hit the ball on the upper line, or take both wings into the middle and let Huazi tamp the iron barrel array. Faced with the exaggerated siege and interception, it is not realistic for Huazi to explode.

So, what about the price? What is the price?

Being only guarded by one person means that others are opportunities. In addition to the two cores, the G4 Wolves blossomed in full swing, Jaden scored 22 points, and substituted two shots in the backcourt, Devin and Walker scored 21 points and 23 points respectively. Even Gobert scored 13 points with 7 front board Wiscons. The Wolf and the Thunder played to the last moment, and the performance of several role players was crucial.

Here is a judgment on the Thunder's defensive strategy: it is reasonable, it is acceptable to be punished, but it is a bit harsh. In order to prevent Huazi from breaking the atmosphere at home, Thunder will give priority to pressing him down, and there is no problem with his thinking. Key games test the feel of the character players and are a common choice in the league. But the wolf character players can respond to this level, which is a bit beyond the Thunder's expectations. Jaden not only responded to three-pointers, but also made a reliable breakthrough after receiving the pick-and-roll with Huazi (Chate vs. Jaden, giving Jaden the value of participating in tactics). Walker and Divincenzo did not simply respond to the open spots. The G4 of these two men is a real double-gun in the backcourt, especially Walker. Curry, Irving, and Chris cannons at this moment, which is really outrageous!

Walker has a ball-holding breakthrough today and has an organized card deal. He has a particularly keen bottom corner. Some rounds are improvised on the spot, while others are tactical designs. For example, in the third quarter, Divincensor's positioning cover was a three-pointer, which was obviously a routine.

Wolf's defense understanding of the Thunder has improved. The frontal tampering through the defense line drives the shooter. Although this conventional five-foreign logic is true, it is too easy to be swiped to touch the ball when facing the Thunder. At the three-point line, you can use hand-handed hands and no-ball cover to actively create three-point opportunities, which avoids the risk of holding the ball and striking it in. If the Thunder's offensive performance today is mediocre, the Wolves will really have a chance to win the G4.

Of course, even so, it is not easy to continue the Wolf's way of creating active three-pointers without the ball. First, the feel may not be reliable, and second, the wolf cannot shoot and threaten the Thunder defense line to expand comprehensively. As for this job, who is good at it?

Thunder three-pointers are online, which matches the wolf's feel. In contrast to the puzzle performance of the wolf leader who was restricted and the performance of the puzzle is the highlight of the Thunder G4. Of course, Caruso is still in full and stable. When he was defending on the strong side without the ball, he exaggerated that Huazi dared not break through on his side, nor did he dare to throw the ball to him. Carson also performed well today. But the most important content of the Thunder G4 is still in SGA, Jaylen and Chet. SGA kept resolving hard, Jaylen took over the baton and sent out a key three-pointer (one man made 6 rounds, and the 2-shot three-pointer in the fourth quarter was the key to the Thunder's victory). Chet's ability as a coverer was fully demonstrated, and as a mobile insider, he had a clear presence in pick-and-roll protection and basket protection. These contents are the backbone of the Thunder G4. In this game, SGA's footwork skills and balance of stagnation have been fully demonstrated. Today, everyone should no longer focus on questioning his free throws. Compared with these, what makes me feel more touched is that the defender has mastered the advantages brought by low-post skills in some occasions. Breakthrough in the basket is the main offensive method used by modern defenders. It is rare to have low positions and is not universally applicable.

However, low-post technology is integrated into a basket breakthrough, but it can bring greater freedom to the defender's offense. For example, you can use footwork technology to regain the shooting space after the breakthrough is slowed down, instead of having to throw a ball or throw one around if you can't get up. Needless to say, SGA's move was a bit surprised when G4 started to be on his back at the three-point line - he pushed Divinchenzo inward with his back, avoiding the potential card swipe of Huazi and Jaden on both sides.. Using a similar method, SGA only needs a very narrow middle lane space to "evil" in this game.

Wolves' double shots in the backcourt and Conley's relatively ordinary confrontation were caught by the Thunder. Jaylen's breakthrough method is different from SGA. He is not that delicate, but he is more brave. Pushing directly on your body will also not require too much space to travel. Interestingly, the Chet G4 also relies on turning around to avoid the two wings' coordination. The three of them didn't know if they had agreed. This Thunder is very interesting. In fact, since the year Paul led the team, Thunder players have had the phenomenon of skills intertwining each other. This can be seen more or less that the atmosphere in the team is good.

leads 3-1, and the Thunder will likely return to the home court to finish the series. Their team building philosophy is being proved. What overall impact will this have?

We may see in the league in the next few years.