Slam Dunk: My Study Abroad Career in Northern Hunan

After defeating the Lakers with a ten-point lead in late January, the Timberwolves' overall team form has greatly improved.

The transformation of Martial Arts is not only a slight change in his personal style of play, but more importantly, with the change in his style of play, the entire Timberwolves team has also undergone a transformation.

The team has only one transmission point on the outside, and having two transmission points are completely two different ways of playing.

On February 2st, the Timberwolves played against the Bucks.

Coach Philip, who noticed the change in martial arts' playing style, tried to make more tactical attempts around martial arts. In this game, he pushed Marbury, who had always been the starting vacancy, under the court, and was led by Sam Mitch. He came on as a substitute in the first half.

At the same time, he also moved Wu Dao to the No. 1 position and tried to let Wu Dao organize the team's offense. In Coach Philip's view, with his martial arts abilities, he can fully shoulder Marbury's conductor function and use his excellent height and vision to bring out the strengths of his teammates.

However, in actual games, such a tactical arrangement does not work well. Although Wu Dao can use his personal abilities to involve the opponent's defense, and can also use passes to create opportunities for other open teammates, the entire team's offense depends on Wu Dao. When holding the ball, he is revolving around martial arts.

When the Bucks began to double-team Wu Dao, the Timberwolves did not have a second ball-holding point on the outside that could help Wu Dao share the pressure in this situation.

Tom and Mitchell are both players who prioritize attacking the basket over shooting, and their shooting range is not very long, making it difficult to help Wu Dao create space.

Although Garnett can play some simple coordination with Martial Arts, he is still the fourth position on the court and an inside player. If he plays like a three position, the gap in the inside will be too big.

And coincidentally, in today's game, the Bucks' small forward Glenn Robinson played very well. This guy was the No. 1994 pick in and had outstanding talent. Tom was somewhat underwhelming in front of him.

On the defensive end, Wu Dao is responsible for chasing Ray Allen of the Bucks. This guy is a master without the ball. Although the current gentleman Ray has not reached his peak, his style of play has always been this way. .

Among the Timberwolves' starting outside players, only Wu Dao can catch up with Junzi Lei's mobility, but even if Wu Dao defends, the Bucks can occasionally create scoring opportunities for Ray Allen by alternating screens.

Under the leadership of these people, the Bucks were inseparable from the Timberwolves in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, coach Philip made some adjustments, and Wu Dao was placed back at the third position, while Marbury was placed at the second position. At the same time, Chris also got a chance to play. Became the team's point guard.

After such an adjustment, Wu Dao followed the rhythm he was most familiar with. From time to time, he would break into the basket and make air cuts. Sometimes after catching the ball, he would also use his impression on the court to assist Marbury and Garfield. Scored by Nate et al.

At the second position, Marbury played very well.

He has good vision and has good independent offensive ability. The No. 2 position is actually a more suitable role for Marbury.

Although Chris is young, but with such a team of Timberwolves, even if Chris is only doing the most basic task of "driving the ball through half court", it is already very useful.

The Timberwolves have many points to hold the ball and score points. Even if Chris does not attack, the Timberwolves' offensive flow is still very good.

In the second quarter against the Bucks, the Timberwolves showed their strength and beat the Bucks 37:21 in a single quarter, directly causing the game to enter garbage time early.

After the game, Coach Philip kept the players' characteristics and strengths in mind firmly in mind. At the same time, he also figured out some of the team's shortcomings.

Previously, coach Philip felt that his team lacked the kind of super center who could make the final decision. But later Philip discovered that the Timberwolves didn't actually need that kind of power forward who was exceptionally outstanding on the offensive end.

Strictly speaking, they only need a tank-type, blue-collar No. 5 position that is not easy to take advantage of. A super striker who can protect rebounds and help Garnett beat the opponent is enough.

Although Ben Wallace was tough enough on the ball during this period and worked hard enough on the defensive end, Philip felt that Wallace was still a bit disadvantaged by his size and was not the candidate he had in mind.

At the same time, Philip also felt that letting Marbury play the No. 1 position was somewhat humiliating. There is obviously someone who can provide certain support to Wu Dao from the outside of the wing. Why should we give up such a high-quality wing and let him play the No. position?
In Philip's view, a player like Kidd from the Suns is a high-quality number one position that is more suitable for the Timberwolves.

As for Tom becoming a substitute player under his assignment?
Philip didn't care about this matter.

For a team to be strong enough, it is not enough just to have a strong starting lineup.

If an All-Star substitute player like Tom is willing to come off the bench, the Timberwolves' upper limit can be raised.

In the second two quarters of the game against the Bucks, the Timberwolves made several substitutions and tried a few times. In the end, it turned out that Chriss played 1, Marbury played 2, and Wu Dao played 3. Such an outside arrangement can better utilize the players' strengths. .

Therefore, after winning the game against the Bucks, coach Philip also found Tom privately and told Tom his thoughts, hoping that Tom could participate in the next regular season as a substitute.

The lineup needs to be tested and tested in games.

The Timberwolves still have time and can make some lineup attempts.

As for why such an attempt has not been made before, it has something to do with the status of martial arts and Tom's team!

Previously, Tom was the only All-Star substitute outside player in the Timberwolves, while Wu Dao was a super star with a lot of talent and a strong desire to fight and perform.

Allowing Budo to have more ball rights on the court is itself the result of Tom's sacrifice in tactical position.

Of course, Wu Dao's terrifying ability is one of the main reasons, but if Tom was unwilling to sacrifice, it is difficult to say who the Timberwolves would choose between Wu Dao and Tom at that time.

The starting lineup for the double No. 3 position is actually the result of a compromise between the wills of all parties.

But the situation is a little different now. Almost everyone in the Timberwolves believes in the leadership of martial arts. In order to allow the Timberwolves to go further, Philip had to shamelessly come to Tom to discuss the matter.

"Substitute?"

"Coach, what do you mean, let me come on the bench? Let Chris Kyle start?"

"Should I make room for him?!"

Maybe in Coach Philip's mind, Tom's sacrifice was for the betterment of the team, but to Tom's ears, that was not the case.

All Tom knew was that he became the substitute and a rookie like Chris became the starter!
What made him sacrifice his starting position was not the team, nor the leader Wu Dao, but that rookie Chris! ! !
"impossible!"

"If you want me to make room for him, trade me!"

If it were to make room for martial arts, Tom would not be happy, but he would reluctantly accept this reality.

But what is Chris? Do you want him to give up his position and dream? !

From the very beginning of this conversation, the two parties focused on different things.

Philip is the coach, his "higher altitude", while Tom is the player, his vision is more realistic. It is not easy for NBA players to get ahead. Sufficient playing time is very important, which affects whether he can perform and achieve his worth.

Giving up the ball to Budao is a sacrifice. After finally waiting for Budao to change, Welfare has not been able to enjoy a few games, so he is going to be used as a substitute?

Tom would never agree to this kind of devaluation.

Phillip felt that he was in the wrong, so when discussing with Tom, his tone was not decisive. After several attempts to persuade him to no avail, Phillip gave up the idea and did not mention it again.

However, the conflict between Philip and Tom was sown.

Not only was there a gap between the two people, but Tom also hated the house, and even Chris would die and suffered an unreasonable disaster.

"Hey! Chris, bring me your sneakers!"

February 2, before the game against the Cavaliers.

In the lounge, Tom sat on a chair, waved to Chris Kyle not far away, and shouted.

Many teams in the NBA have a "team culture" of this kind. It is a "tradition" for new players to run errands and pick up shoes for old players. It's just that this tradition didn't exist before the Timberwolves. On the one hand, the Timberwolves have only been established for a short time, and on the other hand, there is also the influence of martial arts.

Wu Dao was a rookie last year, but after joining the team, he has established himself on and off the court, and after his status has been consolidated, Wu Dao does not like this kind of thing. The players also follow suit, and everyone gets along well.

But today, this "old locker room tradition" was revived by Tom.

"Okay, my dear Mr. Tom, I'm happy to help you!"

Although Chris was a little surprised after hearing what Tom said, he thought it was just a joke between teammates and a small thing to help each other. He immediately said with a smile and helped Tom pass the shoes.

"Put it here."

"I'm going to buy some 'gadola' for everyone. I'm a little thirsty."

Tom ignored the sneakers handed to him and refused to take the shoes handed to him by Chris. He pinched his shoulders and neck and ordered.

"Gale?"

"As for sports drinks, our team doesn't have them ourselves."

Before Chris could finish speaking, Tom said impatiently: "Where does all this nonsense come from? Just go and buy it if I tell you to."

"Buy a few more bottles, two bottles per person!"

"I can afford it!"

Tom's words were harsh and his voice loud. After hearing Tom's impatient words, the other players in the locker room also fell silent and looked at Tom.

Everyone realized that Tom didn't seem to be joking with Chris, and the atmosphere in the locker room became a little depressing.

"Hey? Bro."

"What's wrong with you? Are you okay?"

Chris also noticed something was wrong with Tom's mood, and couldn't help but ask aloud.

"Chris"

"You talk a lot of nonsense!"

"Hurry up and hurry up, okay? We're about to enter!"

Tom sat on the chair, put his hands on his hands, and said coldly. Chris was also a little angry by Tom's attitude. He didn't know why Tom started to lose his temper so suddenly today.

Tom is white. Although the relationship between him and Tom can't be said to be as close as brothers, they can be regarded as teammates with a normal relationship, and they will not lose their temper with him for no reason.

"Hey, Tom, the team has their own sports drink."

"It's better not to buy it!"

"Chris, go sit over there for a while, Tom has nothing else to say."

Garnett noticed something was wrong in the atmosphere, clapped his hands and said with a smile, walked to Chris, patted Chris's shoulder gently, pointed to the seat in the corner of the lounge, and smoothed things over.

He thought Tom would give him face, but what Garnett didn't expect was that Tom raised his head and looked at Chris, and directly said:

"I just want to drink!"

"I'm going to ask you, Chris, to buy it for me today!"

"What? Are you a young player with valuable legs? You can't walk. Do you want me to treat you?"

"Isn't it the right thing to buy water for the seniors of the team?!"

Tom's words were a bit unpleasant, and the players in the locker room looked sideways at Tom. For a moment, the locker room was depressing and quiet.

"I'm standing here today!"

"If you want to drink, buy it yourself!"

"Shit! Why are you pretending to be a big shot?"

"Who are you!? F**k!"

Chris is a smooth person, but Tom actually made him unable to stand down in front of so many people. Chris would not be so cowardly and try his best to please Tom.

If Tom had a nicer tone, it would not be a big problem if he just bought water, but that commanding tone made Chris very unhappy.

As soon as the dirty words came out, the conflict between the two people completely broke out.

"What did you say!"

When Tom heard this, he immediately got up and rushed directly in front of Chris with his bare feet. He grabbed Chris by the collar and pulled it in front of him.

Tom is tall and big, but Chris's tonnage is incomparable to him.

Garnett didn't have time to react, but Chris was still carried over by Tom and clamped down on Chris' neck.

Chris's face turned red, his mind became hot, and he punched Tom directly.

The two men, one large and one small, soon began to struggle together.

"Hey! Stop! Stop it quickly!"

"Stop fighting, stop! Stop!"

At this time, the Timberwolves players finally reacted and rushed forward to separate the two. However, the two people who were separated by the crowd had no intention of giving up. Chris, who had suffered a small loss, was also furious. He was surrounded by his teammates and wanted to kick Tom a few times, but he was pulled away. Able to kick.

Tom's clothes were torn to pieces and he was cursing angrily. His eyes were staring at Chris as if he wanted to eat people, and the lounge suddenly became a mess.

Wu Dao was half leaning on his seat, looking at the members of the team who were in a mess, and couldn't help but feel speechless as his lips twitched slightly.

The team is in great shape, but will there be conflicts in the locker room? !
He didn't know that Phillip had done something sexy, but he just felt that the scene in front of him was a bit outrageous.

After watching it for a long time, I saw that the farce not only did not subside, but became more and more intense. Tom kept cursing. Judging from his angry look, Wu Dao knew that if this guy continued to curse indiscriminately, things might not go away. Way to end.

Just when Wu Dao was about to make a move, Garnett, who was holding Chris, suddenly rushed in front of Tom, hugged Tom's head with both arms, and hit Tom's forehead like a chicken pecking at rice. A sudden "squeak".

Tom, who was furiously insulting Chris, suddenly became quiet.

Everyone in the lounge was stunned, staring blankly at Garnett.
(End of this chapter)