The best teammates in the NBA

Chapter 448 All-Star's New Tricks (7400-word chapter)
Every year in December, the NBA will promote the Christmas game in advance.

As a gift to the fans, the 17-18 season's Christmas match seemed a bit unexciting.

76ers vs Knicks, Cavaliers vs Clippers, Wizards vs Celtics, Rockets vs Thunder, Timberwolves vs Warriors.

According to the original plan, the most eye-catching of these five games was the game between the Cavaliers and the Clippers, but after the match in mid-November, the fans' sense of expectation completely disappeared.

The gap between the Cavaliers and the Clippers is too large.
Of course, for Timberwolves fans, they can look forward to playing against the Warriors!

After the start of the new season, the Timberwolves were nicknamed the "Minnesota Bulls" by many fans.

After Tom Thibodeau became the new coach, he brought two beloved disciples from the Bulls, Jimmy Butt and Taj Gibson.

The talented fans of Andrew Wiggins are very unhappy with the coaching staff's arrangement for Wiggins. The ball was given to Butler, and Wiggins was caught in the bottom corner.

Regardless of whether the tactical arrangement is reasonable or not, anyway, the Timberwolves' record in the new season has indeed improved a lot.

On December 12, the Clippers continued their road trip. After easily defeating the poor Mavericks, they flew non-stop to Minnesota to challenge the Timberwolves back-to-back tomorrow night.

Since the start of the new season, the Timberwolves have a record of 13 wins and 10 losses, and are currently ranked eighth in the Western Conference.

It is indeed the right choice for the Timberwolves management to choose a defensive coach, and the introduction of Butler is also an extremely correct decision.

Li Ze also has old acquaintances in the Timberwolves, Jamal Crawford was traded to the Hawks after one season with the Nets.

During the reconstruction period, the team will not give the veteran too much time. After the two sides reached a buyout agreement, Crawford joined the Timberwolves with championship experience.

Naturally, this signing has also been recognized. With a defensive coach, star players, and veterans with championship experience sitting in the locker room, the only thing left is for talented players to realize their talents.
The management's extremely targeted signings naturally made the Timberwolves fans applaud. Everyone believes that the team will do a lot this season.

The attendance rate of the Target Center arena has also increased significantly this season. No one likes to see the team lose. Fans don't buy tickets to watch the game to be angry!
There were no empty seats in the arena for the game that night, and the 2 tickets were sold out long ago. Even though many people don't like to see the Clippers win the championship, most fans like to watch Li Ze play.

Every time the Clippers' away front row tickets are sold very well, basically after the game, Li Ze will meet the fans' needs for autographs and group photos.

With back-to-back away games, the Clippers had to catch a plane overnight. Except for Li Ze, everyone was a little tired.

However, the Clippers' schedule this season has been much friendlier. There are only two games next week, and returning to Los Angeles can give them a full rest.

The Timberwolves fans on the scene became more and more excited. At the end of the halftime game, the Target Center arena was full of cheers.

At 58:60, the Timberwolves entered the second half with a 2-point lead.

The fans didn't notice that in the half game, Butler scored 5 of 1 and scored 6 points. Wiggins scored 6 of 1 and scored 4 points. The team took the lead, mainly because Gibson and Towns played well.

The second half of the game started, and the Timberwolves fans who saw the hope of winning shouted passionately:
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

Jimmy Butler took the initiative to apply to mark Li Ze tonight. As the big brother in the team, he naturally cannot let his younger brother Wiggins take the blame.

This is the second time the two sides have met this season, and Butler naturally wants to lead the team to win the next game.

Seeing Li Zeyun pass halftime, Butler took the initiative to attack. After lowering his center of gravity, he stepped forward to defend and interfered at the same time.

Li Ze was a little surprised by the opponent's sudden and reckless defense. He dribbled the ball behind his left hand and then switched to his right hand to protect the ball sideways.

Without double-teaming, everyone in the Clippers had already settled down and completely opened up the offensive space. After observing for a while, Li Ze suddenly lowered his center of gravity, and accelerated with all his strength with the ball in his right hand.

With force on his feet, twisting and striding, Li Ze suddenly speeded up, and instantly got stuck in half of his body. Jimmy Butt regretted his defensive position at this time, and could only slide desperately to the left rear.

Approaching the three-point line, Li Ze, who was holding the ball in his right hand, pulled back sharply. The sudden stop while traveling at high speed immediately caused Butler to lose his defensive position.

Seeing Li Ze take advantage of the ball from outside the three-point line and take a jump shot calmly, Butler subconsciously jumped up to block the shot, but he was shaken too far, and his hard-fought defense failed to do anything.

"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly!

At 61:60, the Clippers overtook the score for the first time in the second half.

He patted his chest to indicate that this was his problem. Jimmy Butler completely gave up his fantasy and changed his defensive method, which had no effect on Li Ze.

The head coach Thibodeau next to him didn't blame Butler for his recklessness, but instead kept clapping, indicating that this was a good defense.

It was the Timberwolves' turn to attack, first passing the ball from the outside, then Jeff Teague dribbled, and finally the right wing high pick-and-roll, broke through and returned the ball to Towns who bounced outside.

Jaylen Brown's defense did a good job, forcing Jeff Teague's pass position to be a little low. Towns bent down to receive the ball, saw Jokic raised his hands, and simply took advantage of the three threats.

Looking at the indifferent white fat man in front of him, Towns, who felt explosive in the first half, directly pulled out from outside the three-point line!
"Bang!" The ball knocked out of the frame!

The faint exclamation from the scene also seemed to indicate that Towns' offensive choice this time was not very good.
The long rebound fell into Paul George's arms, and the Clippers immediately launched a conversion attack.

Wiggins didn't play defense as hard as Butler did, speeding along with Paul George past half court.

The non-aggressive defense also allowed Paul George on the right wing to play the ball calmly.

Jokic received the pass at the top of the arc, and Paul George began to cut in without the ball at 45 degrees on the right. There was no chance, and Li Ze, on the left wing, moved quickly laterally at this time.

Knowing that the Clippers were going to play a hand-off pass on the line, Butler subconsciously stopped when Li Ze suddenly ran back and shook.

Cursing inwardly, Butler tried to chase again, but Li Ze had already reached the top of the arc and successfully received a hand-off pass from Jokic.

"Defend!"

Butler, who failed to squeeze through the screen, reminded Towns loudly, but it was still a step late. After receiving the pass, Li Ze took a step laterally, then suddenly stopped suddenly, and finally twisted his body, making a quick jump shot from outside the three-point line at the top of the arc shot!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly!

"Oh shh!!"

Jokic assists +1, and Fatty Bai can get at least 3 assists in this way every game. What he has to do is to maintain the quality of the screen and make full use of his physical advantage.

64:60, less than 1 minute, the point difference came to 4 points.

Defensive discipline is not enough, Butler glared at Towns, thanks to his yelling so loudly, this guy didn't move.
In the offensive round, Towns hit Jokic in a low left position, but he didn't make a push. He had no choice but to turn around to the baseline and complete a fadeaway jumper and hit another iron.

The Timberwolves fans realized that something was wrong, and subconsciously let out another exclamation.

Harris struggled to grab the backcourt rebound, and then immediately pushed the ball to switch offense.

When he retreated to the defense, he failed to match up in time. Harris rushed to the basket and caused a foul by Jeff Teague who returned to the defense.

The commentator at the home court only felt that the three collapses of the wolf were coming again. Taking advantage of the free throw, he hurriedly said loudly:

"Boys need to hold on, the second half is just beginning!"

Perhaps after hearing the advice of the home commentator, the Timberwolves began to slow down, but the basket was like a blocked shot, and Towns suddenly misfired.

Wiggins also hit the iron continuously at this time. Amid the exclamation of the fans on the scene, the game suddenly collapsed.

At 28:18 in a single quarter, the Clippers' offensive efficiency was not high, but the Timberwolves pulled their hips.

Jimmy Butler, who was back on the bench, stopped talking at this time. He was too familiar with the scene, and he didn't play well, so he was really in no mood to coax the frustrated Towns.

In the fourth quarter of the game, Jimmy Butler shot wildly with anger, but under Li Ze's defense, he scored only piecemeal.

At 29:22 in a single quarter, the Timberwolves who persisted until the end still regretted losing.

At 115:100, the Clippers won back-to-back games and continued their winning streak.

Li Ze was in a good mood when he was about to return to Los Angeles. At the press conference after the game, there was also a wave of business bragging:
"I believe the Timberwolves have begun to fulfill their talents. The fans need to give the home team some time. The future belongs to young people!"

The sports media in Minnesota were delighted to hear that, and they loved it!
Two days later, the Timberwolves visited Los Angeles again. Minnesota's sports media couldn't laugh at this time. The Clippers really didn't show mercy.
At 97:129, the Clippers, who had rested for two days, directly gave the Timberwolves a big defeat.

Coupled with the loss to the Grizzlies, a wave of three-game losing streak, the Timberwolves fell out of the top 8 position in the West.
The Clippers only have two games this week, and with Christmas approaching, the team has organized community events.

The Lakers in the same city picked lemons again. Looking at the group photo of Li Ze and the fans posted on the official INS of the Clippers, he could only speak bitterly:

"If Kobe hadn't been injured, we would definitely win another championship!"

On the 18th, the Lakers will retire Kobe's No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, so during this period, the Comets have made a comeback.

It's just that most of the comments below are ridiculed. After the start of the new season, the Lakers have 8 wins and 15 losses. If this trend continues, there is a high probability that they will go fishing early again.

On the evening of the 9th, the Clippers, who had rested for two days again, gave the Wizards another big defeat.

Since John Wall signed a big contract, he has had problems with his attendance this season. His left knee is inflamed and he has missed three games so far.

According to the current injury trend, if Wall finally chooses to undergo left knee fluid removal surgery, he will miss at least 20 games.

The main star players played 1/4 of the schedule, and it would be embarrassing for any team
102:119, after the loss, the Wizards' record came to 14 wins and 12 losses. They still need to continue to adapt to Wall's lack of games.

Li Ze and the current Wizards coach Brooks hugged after the game.

For Coach Brooks, the Thunder's championship that year was like a dream.

Head coach Brooks subconsciously looked up at the five championship banners above the arena, envious of De Nagro in his heart, and he was eager for such an achievement as he was on the verge of winning six consecutive championships.

On the evening of the 11th, head coach Casey, who is also facing the crisis of getting out of class, brought the Raptors to Los Angeles.

As a result, after the game, the call for a change of head coach became even louder!

At 91:121, the Raptors' scoring declined, and they only scored 4 points in the fourth quarter.

Of course, Coach Casey knows his situation, but the strength of the team is like this. Lowry and DeRozan will be greatly reduced when facing the striker team.

The two teamed up to score 31 points in this game, not as many as Li Ze alone
For the fans of the Raptors, everyone can have fun in the regular season every year, and they will be eliminated in the playoffs.

How to Train Your Dragon is to describe James' performance against the Raptors.

It can be expected that next season, many teams will change their head coaches. If nothing breaks, nothing will stand. The future will be a turbulent year.

Before Christmas, the Clippers played consecutive away games. Starting from mid-December, everyone had to go back and forth between the airport and the hotel.

Fortunately, most of the games on the Eastern Conference tour were easy. The Magic are in a period of rebuilding, and the Wizards and Heat are affected by injuries, and their combat power is greatly reduced.

After defeating the Heat, Amelika's sports media was completely overwhelmed.

28 consecutive victories!This is for God!
Since these games were not live broadcast across the United States, the attention was not high, so when the sports media began to publicize the Clippers' record, many cloud fans also began to defect:

"Clippers Championship!"

Every back-to-back away game, Li Ze's data will rise, and he will take the initiative to share the pressure for the team.

In the TNT program, the four people discussed not Li Ze's statistics, but how many honors Li Ze can get this season:
"Don't forget that this year's All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles. As long as Kayce wants to win the All-Star Game MVP, it will definitely not be a difficult task!"

Charles Barkley had lemons in his heart again, and Li Ze turned into an honor harvester.

"Maybe Kayce has a chance to win the best defensive player again. He leads the league in steals this season."

Kenny Smith adjusted his glasses and added with a smile.

"The scoring leader seems to have no suspense. Harden is in the limelight, but he has too many free throws. The same style of play is not as stable as Kayce."

O'Neal also shrugged, and by the way, veiled Harden's free throw.

The host Ernie Johnson heard the words of the three, and finally he could only say with a smile on his face:

"It seems that Kayce will become the league's biggest winner again this season. I have to say, facing such efficiency, everyone will definitely not be stingy with the votes in their hands!"

"Do the Clippers have a chance to beat their own 34-game winning streak?"

Charles Barkley thought of the Clippers' next opponent, and replied in a muffled voice:

"Of course, before the Christmas game, the strongest opponent is the Rockets."

"Unfortunately, Chris Paul suffered a strained left hamstring against the Thunder!"

"The Clippers have a chance to keep going undefeated in December."

Kenny Smith thought of the situation of the Western Conference team, and he could only sigh:

"The probability of the championship still belongs to the western team. Although Paul is injured, the Rockets' current record of 24 wins and 4 losses has shown their dominance!"

"The Warriors are currently 22 wins and 7 losses after a bad start, ranking No. 3."

"The Spurs, plagued by injuries, have also achieved a record of 20 wins and 10 losses. The top four in the Western Conference lead the league."

The host Ernie Johnson saw the director showing the team's record on the big screen behind him, and immediately teased Steve Kerr:

"Maybe next season, we won't see Steve in the commentary booth. Congratulations to him for getting out of the predicament, but it may not be a good thing for the Warriors to make the playoffs according to the current ranking."

"."

Except for the Clippers, the teams in the upper half of the Western Conference feel big.

Coach D'Antoni doesn't want to encounter the Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals, but he doesn't want to fall to fourth place and encounter the Clippers in the semifinals.

The record is not going up or down, and the Warriors are in the same situation. After the adjustment, the Warriors quickly played a wave of winning streaks, but the No.3 position is also a big headache.

Of course, Steve Kerr would not underestimate the strength of the Rockets. No matter how you look at this ranking, it is a situation where both sides suffer, but the team cannot deliberately lose and fall to the bottom half.

If he really loses too much, maybe he will leave get out of class early.
With a tangled mood, the Warriors came to Los Angeles to challenge the Lakers away.

The traffic hotspot of the day was of course the retirement ceremony of Kobe's two jerseys.

After retiring, Kobe gained weight and lost weight successfully. Kobe was still slender when Comets saw him at the Staples Arena.

Before the game, Kobe took Vanessa and his daughters to take a photo with his jersey, and the Lakers fans at the scene shouted MVP excitedly.

They miss the Black Mamba so much, the team has lost in the past two years
In the game that night, Curry and Green missed the game due to injuries, and Durant and Clay led the team.

In the game against the Pelicans in early December, Curry sprained his right ankle, and the team is expected to miss at least 12 games. Green, out of prudence, had a truce due to disc discomfort.

Perhaps blessed by the Black Mamba, the Lakers finally played a hearty game.

The two sides drew in regular time, and Durant's death came in overtime, 4 of 4, scored 12 points alone, and directly took the game away.

At 116:114, the Warriors struggled to defeat their opponents, and their record came to 23 wins and 7 losses.

杜兰特全场比赛拿到36分11篮板8助攻1抢断3盖帽2失误准三双数据，赢球后却并没有显露出兴奋的情绪。

Durant only felt ashamed after playing against the big team like this, and then thought that Li Ze had stolen the limelight recently, so he stopped accepting interviews at all, turned his head and walked back to the player tunnel.

In the simultaneous game that night, at 121:91, the Clippers took the Spurs away.

Leonard played only 16 minutes after returning from injury, and his physical condition was average. He scored 7 of 2 and only scored 4 points.

Popovich didn't dare to use his thighs too much, and the Spurs retreated in the fourth quarter.

With both sides winning, the Warriors can only silently look forward to the Clippers' record. Everyone knows that this year's playoffs, the first place schedule will be particularly easy.

2017年12月21日到2018年1月15日期间，球迷们可以为喜爱的球星进行投票。

This year's NBA All-Star voting system has also undergone some changes. For the first time, a double counting event was launched.

During a certain period of time, the votes of fans will be doubled. Such a move is naturally to increase the interaction between stars and fans.

As the All-Star game has become increasingly stretched over the past two years, president Adam Silva and the players union decided to make changes to make the game more intense.

Changing the voting method is only the first step. In the 1 All-Star Game, the east and west divisions were also cancelled.

The two teams will be captained by the top voters in the East and West, and then choose their own players from among the All-Star players selected by fans and coaches.

At noon on the 21st, after the Clippers defeated the Suns at home last night, they flew to Houston in the morning.

As soon as Li Ze got off the plane, he was picked up by a bearded golfer in a white fur coat.

Both of them have privileges in the team, and it doesn't matter if they miss a training session.

Back in the bearded golfer's mansion, Harden threw away his sunglasses and couldn't help but bluffed and said:

"Kayce, I haven't played an All-Star starter yet, you must pick me this year!"

Li Ze was speechless. He thought it was a big deal, but in the end he asked him for the starting position again.
After looking around in the room, it turned out that it was all red wine. Li Ze leaned helplessly on the sofa and said angrily:
"Clay has already greeted me, and DeMar is also waiting to start. Don't forget that there are only two guards, and there are not enough positions!"

The bearded golfer who just took off his jacket seemed to recall the tragic days of being dominated by Li Ze and Clay in high school, and simply resorted to his own killer.

Watching Harden push the two boxes over, Li Ze opened it and it turned out to be a Rolex. The bearded golfer said proudly at this time:

"I specially customized it. Demar won't compete with me for the position. It's just the three of us in the starting line-up. Just find two big guys. I guarantee you will win the MVP!"

Li Ze was not too polite, he put the two watches in front of him casually, and responded with a smile:
"Remember to go to my place to get two Audemars Piguet watches. Every year the manufacturer gives me some, just pick the one you like!"

Seeing Li Ze accepting the gift, the bearded golfer felt that it was done. After pushing the big-ass girl, his only wish was to be an All-Star starter.

If the normal selection process is followed, there is a high probability that the Western Conference's backcourt will still be Li Ze and Curry, but this year's self-selected players will be easy to operate.

The bearded golfer who achieved his wish was happy, the data of the new season exploded, and the team's record soared. Although Paul was injured, Harden was confident to maintain the No.2 result.

As for the problem of encountering the Warriors in the playoffs, the bearded player didn't care. Li Ze could sweep his opponents, so he felt that it was not difficult.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, Li Ze met Zhou Qi who had been sent to the Development League.

Compared with the Rio Olympics, Zhou Qi is a bit stronger, but the Rockets' training direction for him is a space-based insider.

Zhou Qi is still working hard to enter the 12-man activation list, but he failed to play a dominant role in the Development League, and the Rockets have not recalled him.

After coming to America, Zhou Qi also changed a lot. At the same time, he also fully realized how outrageous Li Ze was. Even if he was in Houston, the topic of sports media never left Li Ze.
Zhou Qi, who had made an appointment for dinner, was a little bit regretful, but at the same time he was a little thankful. He regretted that he came a year late. Fortunately, he still had a chance in the Rockets.

The game that night, perhaps because of the approaching Christmas, also had many stars.

Emilia Clarke has been very popular in Amerika in recent years. When the seventh season of "Game of Thrones" ended in August, the ratings reached a terrifying 8.

In recent years, this figure has always been seen at the Emmy Awards. The girls in Li Ze's family are all loyal fans of this show. Every time I go to Los Angeles, it is natural to have some exchanges.

The British actress is not as heroic in reality as in the TV series. When Li Ze finished warming up, she waved:

"Kayce, don't forget to take a photo after the game, I may not go to Los Angeles this year."

The fat girl next to her kept beckoning to Li Ze. Li Ze first bumped fists with the fat girl, but before he could ask, Rocket Bear moved in front of them.

The DJ at the scene also yelled, calling out a bunch of titles:

"Scion of Old Valyria, Queen of the First Men of the Andals, Ruler of Westeros and Protector of the Realm, Khaleesi of the Great Grassland, Dothraki of the Great Grassland, Queen of Meereen, the Unburnt, Torture Breaker, Mother of Dragons."

When Emilia Clarke heard these names, her eyebrows were twisted with a smile, and she waved her hand in a hurry to face the camera.

While the director moved away from the camera, Emilia Clarke pointed to the fat girl next to her, signaling not to forget her friend.

This kind of situation is not uncommon. With the further increase of popularity, Li Ze can always meet all kinds of fans, fat, thin, tall and short. Fortunately, he has never met EJ sauce. Type of
In the Toyota Center arena, it is rare for fans to arrive early tonight. The good performance of the Rockets this season has stimulated the local basketball market.

Chris Paul sits on the bench in formal attire. He is very satisfied with the team's record this year, but his hamstring strain makes him weak.

Paul has gained weight this season, which is part of the reason for his injuries, but such a decision seems to be correct at present. At least in the regular season, Paul has improved on both ends of the offense and defense.

Beverley and Harden partnered in the backcourt, Ariza and Tucker were on the front line, and Nene Hilario was the center.

Cake King Capela also missed the game due to injury. The Rockets' lineup was not neat and they were in trouble at the beginning.

The 35-year-old Nene's lateral speed has dropped sharply, and there are big problems in pick-and-roll defense.

Coach D'Antoni didn't care about these details, calling the players to keep their own rhythm.

The rhythm of the Rockets is that Harden breaks through, others wait to eat, Harden shoots a three-pointer, others grab a rebound, Harden makes a free throw, and others retreat.
The bearded player in the regular season is indeed in good condition. Facing Li Ze's defense on the offensive end, he sometimes hits a strong three-pointer.

On the defensive end, Harden couldn't stand it anymore. The Clippers' transition speed was so fast that they were forced to defend Li Ze. Harden couldn't squeeze through the screen at all.

With a few pick-and-roll cooperation, the veteran Nene was tossed enough, and Jokic either went down or outside, and scored steadily for several consecutive rounds.

The point difference widened faster than expected, and the Rockets with an uneven lineup had a big problem protecting the basket.

Trailing by 8 points at halftime, after the third quarter, the Rockets won mentally and quickly withdrew.

As Christmas approaches, the Rockets' coaching staff no longer wants to see any injuries. After the All-Stars, it's time for them to work hard.

The score of the game was finally fixed at 115:104. The Rockets ended the game and entered the holiday, while the Clippers continued to fly to Memphis to face the Grizzlies back to back.

On Christmas Day on the 24th, the Clippers returned to Los Angeles with a victory. After the Christmas game, everyone only had two games to play.

A Lakers, a Hornets, these two home games, there is almost no pressure.

On Christmas Eve, every team in the league showed off their star players' Christmas photos to solicit votes for the players.

Li Ze continued to spend the holidays with Annie in Los Angeles this year, but affected by the All-Star Game, there were a lot of phone calls these two days.

Li Ze, who had just received Guigui's blessing and put down the phone, felt a little helpless for a while, and couldn't help complaining secretly:
"The guy who came up with the All-Star game and let the players choose their own players is definitely full!"

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