The word unpredictable is probably the most conspicuous label on Russell Westbrook today, and it is also the most appropriate description of him. In the last 10.3 seconds of the regular time of the Lakers and Raptors, he became the protagonist of the whole scene - a series of operations made Zijin fans feel the roller coaster-like viewing experience, and also personally pulled themselves out of the venue of the "Turtle Slaying Conference".
Time was set back to the fourth quarter of the game, when the Raptors stepped forward to take over the game by Trent Jr., and after completing the three-point drama with James, he did not hesitate to help the home team gain a three-point advantage by retreating three points. With 25 seconds left, the Lakers can choose to foul with a quick two-pointer or shoot a three-pointer directly, and given that the timeout is running out, Vogel chose the latter. And the Raptors up and down also know how to arrange the defense of this round, James received the ball and grabbed the bag clip like a shadow.
LeBron failed to hit a three-point shot after dribbling behind his back, and Westbrook in the crowd transformed into the most beautiful boy, using his sense of smell for rebounding points to steadily pick up key offensive rebounds. Lakers fans all held their breath and nervously awaited Westbrook's choice. Westbrook confidently came to the three-point line to raise a long-range shot, the ball made a strange arc in the air, and the curved mirror refracted to the side rebound. Raptors fans who saw the scene here were completely boiling, and many Lakers fans must have turned off the TV in pain.
However, the good drama suddenly unfolded here. With 10.3 seconds left in the time frame, the Raptors have the ball in their hands, and as long as they can safely send out the sideline ball, they will already be able to win. The King of the North, who fought at home, failed to solve the worldwide problem of the sideline ball - Wei Shao, who was killed in the slash, completed the steal like an arrow off the string, and ran all the way to the whole field with the ball. At a 45-degree angle, he bent his bow again and threw a perfect three-pointer. Wei Shao's charm is nothing more than this, he can seriously throw no less absurd than the three non-stick rubbing side plate long-range shot, can also use a non-standard posture to throw hollow three points. At this moment, the home fans instantly fell into the ice cellar, how hot the coaxing was in the last second, how awkward it was this second. This is not the end, there are 0.4 seconds left, the Raptors desperately fought again by Wei Shao's own hands to prevent. The last 10.3 seconds of regular time's two defenses and one attack allowed Wei Shao to complete the redemption, and the one who made people love and hate him returned.
In overtime, Westbrook didn't score a goal himself, but he sent a key pass to assist Bradley to complete the fatal blow. For Lakers fans, Westbrook can have such a play is enough, at this stage the most needed is to help Wei Shao regain the domineering and self-confidence that he once gave up. However, if you think that the Lakers can get back on track with such a victory alone, and Wei Shao can rejuvenate the Nth spring of his career, it is a bit too optimistic - after all, the turtle duality is not so easy to grasp, and you never know that the next second of Wei Shao will make you shout the real incense or hate to grit your teeth.
It is worth mentioning that Westbrook dragged himself out of the venue, but also helped the Lakers to come back to life, there is a detail that is very interesting, if Durant has half of Westbrook's fine, then last season's championship winner may not be Alphabet Brother and his Bucks. Westbrook confirmed his foot outside the three-point line before shooting, which he confirmed in a post-game interview: "Shooting three-pointers, I quickly glanced at the floor to make sure my foot was outside the three-point line." James's compliments were even more effusive: "Actually, when he approached the three-point line, I stared at his feet, saw him step on the line, and moved his feet out before shooting." Westbrook showed great basketball IQ in that moment, a great shot from a great player! ”
It can be seen that after winning, Lao Zhan is in a good mood, of course, no matter what, a victory is always worth celebrating. At least thanks to Westbrook's efforts, the Purple and Gold Legion proved that after all-Star weekend they also had a way to win without the 50+ in their thirties. With play-off qualification at stake, can they hold their ground with Westbrook's pick-up and such an exciting victory?