283. The embryonic form of the 'Bobcat System'_3

But because Millsap knew McGrady was unlikely to drive to the inside, after the switch, he focused only on disturbing McGrady's mid-to-long-range shots. To avoid the defense, McGrady's quick stop jump shot rhythm was almost like that of a pull-up jumper, meaning there was no shooting rhythm, relying purely on individual ability.

Of course, McGrady's individual ability was strong, especially at mid-to-long-range two-point shots. This season, he averaged 5.2 baskets from mid-range and long two-point distance, compared with Kobe and Nowitzki, who were both at 4.7.

But even for McGrady, this kind of rhythm-less shooting, the consistency was hard to guarantee... Not driving towards the basket, and wanting good shooting space, McGrady had no choice but to play this way. Zhang Yang's regret was that McGrady was no longer the spirited T-Mac of past years.

Besides that, Zhang Yang had a strange feeling—was Thibodeau working McGrady like a horse?