God of NBA point guards

Chapter 188 Letting you enter the finals, you are useless

When he came to Philadelphia on the 15th, Zhou Quan received good news. In the second week of the All-Star voting, he won 19 votes this week, which is not a big drop. He has already won 40 votes in half a month, surpassing the third Jay With 17 votes, Hornacek has basically locked in the position of the Eastern All-Star starting point guard.

On the 16th, the Pistons challenged the Philadelphia Digital Team away.

This is the third regular season game between the Pistons and the Digital team. The Pistons won the first two games.

The Numbers team completed a big deal with the Suns. The Suns were sublimated and ranked first in the league. The call for winning the championship is getting higher and higher. However, the Numbers team failed to rebuild. Now they have a record of 12 wins and 20 losses, with a winning percentage of only 37.5%, and they are in the Eastern Conference. No. 12.

Of course, the digital team has no regrets, because Barkley failed to lead the team to the playoffs last season, so there is no difference between him and him, and they will not make the playoffs anyway.

This game was a live broadcast of the digital team in the United States. In the TNT commentary, Robert Guida said: "The paper lineup of the digital team is not bad. Jeff Hornacek and Jose Hawkins are the league's guards. One of the most powerful combinations.

Hawkins is the team's leading scorer, averaging 20 points per game, and Hornacek is the second scoring point, averaging 19 points per game.

Both of them shot 47% from the field, and their efficiency is not bad. Both of them also have three-pointers. It is really a pity that their record is so poor now. "

Ringo Wilson said: "Jeff Hornacek is also very strong defensively, averaging 1.7 tackles per game.

Hawkins also averaged 1.7 steals per game. I still remember his 91 steals in a single game against the Green Team in 9, which was impressive.

Today the two of them played against Iron Fist and Joe Dumars, I think they have a fight. "

Robert Guida shook his head and said, "Iron Fist and Joe Dumars had an advantage in the first two games, and the Pistons won very well, and I think today will be no exception.

The main problem for the Philadelphia team is offensive efficiency. So far, their shooting percentage per game is three percentage points lower than that of their opponents, and their average conceded points per game is the second last in the Eastern Conference.

Andrew Lang, the main center from the Suns, is not strong enough, averaging only 5 points and 6 rebounds per game. He is considered poor among blue-collar centers and cannot support the basket. "

The game starts at eight o'clock.

Jump ball, Pistons attack.

Zhou Quan held the ball across the center line, ushered in a fierce press from Jose Hawkins.

Hawkins is only one centimeter taller than him, weighs 86 kilograms, and is not weak in confrontation, but he still cannot compare with him.

He carried his opponent to the top of the arc, but Hawkins was still at the top and didn't give him any space.

But at this moment, he suddenly took a step back after dribbling the ball, pulled the ball up with his right hand, and closed his left hand.

As a result of habit, Hawkins took a small step forward. He saw Zhou Quan's worshiping Buddha, and before he could make a judgment in his mind, his body had already reacted and jumped up.

In the next moment, Zhou Quan changed hands to control the ball, changed direction and rushed from the left side, reaching the top of the arc in one step, and went straight to the basket without stopping.

Philadelphia center Andrew Lang returned to the basket from the low post on the left wing, obviously unable to catch up with the speed.

"boom!"

After Zhou Quan took a big step past the free throw line, he took off directly and blasted the Philadelphia basket with a one-handed tomahawk dunk.

Ringo Wilson said with a smile: "This is the biggest problem with Hawkins' defense. His reaction is really fast and his stealing ability is very strong, but because of his fast reaction, he is also prone to fake moves."

Robert Jeddah laughed and said: "It just so happens that Tekken's fake moves are very realistic. His hands are big, even bigger than many centers, and it is very easy to make fake moves."

Looking back, Philadelphia's offense, Hawkins' offense is not weak, not worse than Zhou Quan, he is eager to return one, and immediately after receiving the ball, he has to bypass Zhou Quan in front and advance quickly.

But the action was too obvious, Zhou Quan retreated in time, he bumped into him, and lost the ball.

"Oh, I made a mistake!" Robert Guida exclaimed in surprise.

Zhou Quan squeezed his opponent to grab the ball, immediately took control of the ball with his left hand, and launched a backcourt counterattack with his right elbow against the entangled Hawkins.

He reached the basket with the ball, made an emergency stop, raised the ball with both hands, and then Hawkins flew up. The next moment, he took off for the second time on the spot and dunked the ball with his left hand.

"boom!"

The basket trembled instantly.

"Eating fake moves again."

Robert Guida shook his head and said: "If Hawkins doesn't get rid of this problem, he can't become a real star, because he can't fight against those real stars at critical moments, and he will be blown up."

Ringo Wilson nodded and said: "He has been selected as an All-Star substitute once in the 90/91 season, and now he has entered the peak period. If he does not improve in these two seasons, after the next peak period, he wants to become a star in the future. It will be difficult."

Robert Guida said: "This game, I think the Pistons should be able to win easily."

"I think so too." Ringo Wilson laughed.

But the fact is that when Philadelphia replaced the main center Andrew Lang in the 6th minute of the first quarter and replaced the backup center Manute Pol, the game changed.

Ball is 231 centimeters tall and thin. He is 30 years old this year. He is the leader of the two worlds in blocked shots. He was once the best defensive second team. He is one of the players with the least playing time in Philadelphia. He averaged 14 minutes, 2.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

But as soon as he came on the court, he sent two big blocks one after another, one to Sekali and the other to Zhou Quan who rushed in for a layup, stopping the Pistons.

Fortunately, Chuck Daly has rich experience and immediately adjusted his offensive tactics, strengthening the mid-range shot, and at the same time let Sekali pull out the bamboo pole to create a breakthrough space for Zhou Quan.

Daly warned again: "Zhou, pay attention to the timing between personal offense and passing. When Ball has returned to the basket, pass the ball to Sekali. I believe in your passing ability, but If not, you can do it yourself."

With such an adjustment, Ball’s height advantage at the basket is greatly weakened. He is exhausted between the basket and the flanks. Can't sit at the basket.

In the end, the Pistons won the game relatively smoothly.

25 wins and 10 losses, three consecutive victories after three consecutive losses, still ranked first in the Bulls, second in the Eastern Conference.

There are a total of five away games in this wave. After playing the digital team, the Pistons did not immediately go to the next away game. The next game is against the Dallas Mavericks on the 19th. , Fly to Dallas on the 18th.

On the morning of the 17th, Magic Johnson accepted a TV interview in New York and talked about the current situation of the regular season. He first praised the Suns.

"Charles is doing really well. I think he has a good chance to lead the team out of the West this year and pose a threat to Michael's third championship. Michael, I want to remind you here, cheer up, your dynasty is in danger Yes, haha!"

"The Trail Blazers are not bad either. They will be the Suns' strongest competitor in the West."

"The Mosaic team can also. Hakeem has entered his peak period. His comprehensiveness makes him the most dominant super center. His comprehensiveness allows him to match any style of player and tactical style. He is Impact the position of the Suns and Trail Blazers in the West, and once the opponent is distracted, he will leave him a chance."

"As for the East, Coach Pat Riley is the head coach I respect the most and I miss playing under him to this day.

Yes, he has succeeded in creating an iron-blooded team in New York. Under his training, the Knicks have become a tough team in their bones. They have a stronger record than the Bulls. Currently No. [-] in the East, they are threatening the Bulls. "

"The Bulls, currently third in the Eastern Conference, Michael Jordan is still very strong, even more terrifying. He played a more terrifying offense this season than last season, averaging close to 33 points per game, and even his defense is worse than last season powerful."

"His mid-range shot is more accurate, his breakthrough is still extremely sharp, and his athleticism makes him like a superman. I think the Bulls have the greatest chance of the third championship because they have a superman-like leader."

"Michael Jordan is full of desire for victory, full of desire for a championship, which makes the Bulls least lacking in morale, and they are always full of competitiveness."

"In addition, the Pistons are a team that surprised me. I seemed to have said in the playoffs last season that the Pistons are likely to decline due to aging players, but they haven't. Their record Even on top of the bulls."

"Yes, I have to say Iron Fist. His performance is amazing. Without his performance, the Pistons will only degenerate into a bad team."

"His offense has improved a lot this season. The main change is that his stability has improved. He can use his offense to help the team instead of scoring by shooting."

"In addition, his ability to organize assists still surprises me. To be honest, I even think that his assist ability is better than mine, because every assist he has is full of gold."

"I have studied the Pistons this season, and there is only one weakness. When they lost Rodman, the team's strength declined seriously, because they lost Rodman, which means they lost the biggest source of rebounds and the strongest player. Great inside defensive ability, which is why the Pistons are prone to losing streaks."

"I mean, the Pistons' weaknesses are obvious. If you control Rodman, you can take advantage of the Pistons."

……

"Publicly exposing our weaknesses, he wants us to lose, is it on purpose?"

In the hotel in Philadelphia, I felt a little uncomfortable, Joe Dumars said, staring at the magician on the TV.

"It's possible that he turned his back on the assassins and kept standing with Jordan and Barkley. His relationship with us is very bad." Zhou Quan said with a smile.

The assassin was on the side, and he snorted coldly: "Dennis just doesn't live up to it. He has been injured twice in less than half a season. I think he spent too much energy on Madonna."

"It's normal for a man to need a woman, and he and Madonna don't meet often. His personality is a bit weird and... very romantic. We should be more tolerant of him. After all, things like injuries are difficult to control." Zhou Quan laughed.

"romantic?"

Joe Dumas had a strange look on his face, not understanding why Zhou Quan used this word.

The assassin didn't speak anymore, he couldn't ask Zhou Quan to beat Rodman up, could he?Then Zhou Quan might turn around and beat him up first.

……

On the 19th, the Pistons challenged the Mavericks away and ushered in a cold game. Including Zhou Quan, Joe Dumars and Seikali and other main players were collectively inaccurate. The substitute team performed better. The Assassin It exploded and scored 21 points, but it was difficult to fill the hole of the main force. In the end, they lost the game and the winning streak was suspended.

Next, the Pistons will continue to challenge the teams where the two super centers are located in the away game, and they will play back-to-back away games.At the same time, Rodman will return in the next game.

The next morning, many media have made predictions that even if Rodman comes back, according to the practice of the Pistons this season, they will usher in a wave of losing streak.

Zhou Quan doesn't want to lose in a row, but sometimes things really don't go his way. The Pistons really ushered in another three-game losing streak, first to David Robinson's Spurs, and then to Dameng's Mosaic. The outside line takes advantage, and the inside line is overwhelmed.

With 25 wins and 13 losses, the winning percentage dropped to 65.7%. The three-game losing streak not only allowed the Bulls to surpass the past, but also fell behind the Cavaliers, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference.

All of a sudden, news about Zhou Quan sprung up like mushrooms after rain.

Many media still criticized his ability to lead the team, insufficient ability to stand up at critical moments, and too much dependence on Rodman, and believed that his cross-border distraction was an irresponsible behavior.

Zhou Quan himself scoffed at these media's arguments. Is he the qualified boss if the Pistons win all 82 games?
As for the importance of Rodman, he has never denied it. Rodman's importance to the Pistons is self-evident, just like Jordan cannot do without Pippen. Without Pippen, Jordan may have a round trip every year .

There are also crossovers, what the hell, has he crossed borders throughout the season?Isn't he planning to play golf for two days during the All-Star Weekend? How much energy can that consume?
He is already very annoyed by the media who accused him, and sometimes his temper comes up, and he can't wait to sweep AK away.

But he doesn't get the most news, Jordan has the most negative news, and he always stays on the top of the headlines.

Not to mention Jordan, even Zhou Quan could smell it. Are these media planning to ruin the NBA's brand?Fun and fun!

In fact, he didn't know that this was because he attracted part of the firepower for Jordan. Without him, the media would hype Jordan's negative news even more frantically to attract attention.

On the 23rd, the Pistons returned to Detroit, and on the 25th they will face the league's number one Suns at home.

According to the media's prediction for this game, the Pistons will usher in a four-game losing streak. The reason is very simple. Zhou Quan will be restrained by Lightning Kevin Johnson.

Although there is no competition with the Suns, the Pistons still want to beat the Suns up and down to avoid a four-game losing streak.

At three o'clock in the afternoon on the 24th, the Suns arrived in Detroit. At five o'clock, a press conference was held at the hotel, which was broadcast live on Detroit TV.

"Charles, what do you think the chances are that the Suns will beat the Pistons?" the New York Times reporter asked.

The grinning Barkley said: "This question is meaningless, because we are sure to win, so I suggest you change the question."

"Well, do you think lightning can blow Iron Fist tomorrow night?" the reporter said happily.

Barkley looked at Kevin Johnson next to him, and smiled: "I don't understand why you ask me this question? But I can answer it. I think the strength of the Lightning can restrain the Iron Fist. The two games between the Pistons and the Suns last season This has been proven in the regular season, in front of Tekken, he has an absolute advantage."

"Lightning, what do you think?" the reporter immediately turned his gun and asked.

Kevin Johnson said with arrogance: "This question is meaningless, because we will win, so I suggest you change the question."

"Ha ha……"

As Barkley said just now, many media reporters below laughed.

"Humph!"

A group of local journalists were outraged.

The next reporter was a reporter from the Detroit Workers' Daily. He asked, "Now the Suns are 27 wins and 8 losses, with a winning percentage of 77.1%, ranking first in the league. Mr. Barkley, what do you think the chances of the Suns winning this season are?"

When it comes to winning the championship, Barkley's spirits lifted, like a shot of chicken blood, he said excitedly: "We currently have more than No. 26 wins in the West. This is an advantage in strength, and we can kill the possibility of the West. is the largest.

As for the championship..."

Speaking of this, his expression became gloomy, because the Suns and the Bulls have already played a regular season, 128:111, the Suns lost 17 points at home, and Jordan scored 40 points and 7 assists on the Suns. Steal 3 block data.

He entered the league with Jordan. Jordan has won two consecutive championships, and all kinds of hard honors have crushed him. He has a shadow on Jordan.

Under this mentality, he was somewhat demoralized and said: "If there is a chance to reach the finals, we will try our best to beat them."

"I don't even have the confidence to win, so I want to win against Jordan?"

Zhou Quan was a little disdainful. Although Barkley is strong and has entered the peak period, he is still a short distance away from Jordan. The difference in fighting will alone is enough for Barkley to catch up.

The will to fight is imaginary, but it is precisely this kind of mental and psychological factors that can determine a star's performance at the most critical moment, and thus determine the final result.

If there is no strong willpower, the pressure of a key game is enough to overwhelm and destroy a person's will to fight, thus playing a hip-pull game.

From Barkley's words, he can't feel Barkley's belief that he wants to compete with Jordan, so he still wants to win that paranoid?Even if you are given a chance to reach the finals, you are useless.

(End of this chapter)