Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 260: Choice and Degeneration

Chen Fang glanced at Jenner who was sitting in the first row off the court, then looked at Griffin who was preparing to shoot free throws.

Today is December 12th, and the Clippers will face the Timberwolves at home.

In the past week, the Clippers played one home game and two away games, achieving a record of two wins and one loss.

They beat the Jazz and Mavericks, but were defeated cleanly by the Timberwolves on the road.

The Timberwolves, which have Towns, Butler, Wiggins and Crawford, are very strong and are aiming directly for the playoffs. They are also one of the Clippers' main competitors.

Chen Fang has an unshirkable responsibility for the last defeat. Both Butler and Wiggins were enough to affect him. In addition, Chen Fang's energy was dispersed because he had to organize the entire team's offense. Although he scored 17 points and 7 assists, the team lost without any suspense in the second half of the fourth quarter.

Griffin also had his ups and downs. In the four games since his comeback, except for the first game against the Lakers where he scored 20+, he did not score in the remaining three games. Today, he has played for three quarters and only scored 3 points. He was suppressed a bit by the flexible Towns.

Today, Chen Fang learned from the lessons of the previous game and focused on scoring. At this time, he had already scored 18 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds.

But the team's offensive and defensive state made Chen Fang feel powerless.

Kuzma has been in a slump and has been kicked out of the starting lineup by Rivers. Thornwell's offense cannot be relied upon. The Clippers' previous multi-point scoring scenes have long disappeared.

As David, the live commentator in the commentary booth, commented: "The Clippers need more people to step up, otherwise it would be too demanding to rely on Chen Fang's explosion to win."

The story of Griffin and Jenner has always been a hot topic in Los Angeles. The two began dating in August. Griffin, the ranch planter, seemed to be conquered by Jenner. Not only did he break up with his fiancée, but he also took advantage of his recovery period to have a romantic tryst.

Chen Fang is not a gossiper, but there are a lot of rumors in the locker room, so you just have to listen.

Jordan Jr. complained that Griffin had gone too far by abandoning his fiancée and two children, and said that the women in the Kardashian family all had their own magic and anyone who got involved with them would be in big trouble.

And Wesley suddenly said: "If it were you, would you hesitate?"

Jordan immediately said seriously: "My defense is the only one in the league that is not afraid of me. I can give it a try."

It must be said that Jenna, a woman who combines both Chinese and Western aesthetics, is very attractive to men. Chen Fang didn't even dare to look at her for a few more times. If he didn't have a martial arts posture, he wouldn't have the confidence to resist Jenna's active attack.

But now Chen Fang has a deep understanding of the underlying reasons why players' form declines once they are involved in gossip.

Basically, there is a game every 2-3 days, and the time consumed by recovery is one day.

If a player focuses on the game, he will have almost no free time to do other things. During the regular season, the only private space for players is at night.

If you want to go on dates, go to parties, or do strenuous exercise, you have to squeeze it out of your recovery time, that's inevitable.

Competition is exhausting, and so is trysts, even the strongest man can’t stand it.

So it is easy to explain Griffin's ups and downs from this perspective.

Griffin made the free throw, the Timberwolves advanced with the ball, and Jeff Teague, the Timberwolves' starting point guard, dribbled across half court.

He is a fast scoring point guard who can break through and make sharp fast breaks. Although his shooting is average, the Timberwolves obviously don't need him to do these things.

Butler received the ball and dribbled to the wing. Wiggins set a screen for him, and then Butler entered the Clippers' inside line and took a deep position.

Wiggins half-lobbed the ball to him, and then the Clippers shrank inside, but Butler's ability to hold the ball and play hard was not affected at all. He turned sideways and played hard with his back to the ball. After attracting the attention of all the Clippers, he suddenly passed the ball to Towns who cut in, and the latter made a slam dunk.

In order to defend Wiggins, Chen Fang could only watch this scene happen.

This is almost a microcosm of the Timberwolves' offense and defense in this game. Butler's axis and Wiggins and Towns' strengths inside and outside made the Clippers lose sight of one thing while focusing on another. The three of them, together with Jeff and Crawford, completely suppressed the Clippers.

After playing so many games, Chen Fang put away his pride.

Different opponents, different environments, and different team conditions will produce different results.

No one can be completely sure of winning, and as a rookie, Chen Fang is even less qualified.

He needs to constantly hone his reading of the game and become familiar with opponents of different styles. In time, he will rely on his more mature self and teammates to obtain the key to victory.

Chen Fang dribbled the ball across half court, he made a handoff with Griffin who was pulled out, and then ran towards Wesley. This was an off-ball tactic of the Clippers to relieve the defensive pressure on Chen Fang. Wiggins chased him from behind, but Wesley blocked him.

After Chen Fang broke free, he immediately retreated to the wing three-point line. At this time, Griffin, who was holding the ball, had attracted the attention of the free throw line defenders as planned, and quickly returned the ball to Chen Fang, giving him an open three-point opportunity.

But Griffin jumped up and made a confident mid-range shot.

The ball goes in!

Chen Fang quickly retreated, but Rivers on the sidelines frowned.

This is also a microcosm of the Clippers' week.

Griffin psychologically recognizes Chen Fang's core position, but has not made any changes in his playing style. He still plays with the core style of shooting when he wants to and attacking the basket when he wants to.

When Chen Fang was double-teamed and suppressed, his style of play helped the team, so even as the head coach, it was difficult to blame him.

But the reality is that once the ball leaves Chen Fang's hands, it is difficult to get it back, and the new system that the Clippers have just established is falling apart.

Griffin is playing point forward, Chen Fang is also playing point forward, there is a power forward and a small forward, the inside and outside are overlapped, and the other role players have no idea what they are supposed to do.

Rivers was still having a headache when he heard a groan. He looked back at the court and saw Butler standing under the basket, doing a tough bicep move.

2+1.

With this free throw, the Timberwolves' lead reached 13 points.

102: 89.

Seven minutes into the fourth quarter, the game was clearly lost again.

As if he felt a pair of cold eyes staring at him, Rivers realized that he didn't have much time left.

Since the last unpleasant parting, Lawrence no longer interfered with his deployment of troops, and never asked about it before or after the game. Rivers seemed to have returned to the era two years ago when he was in power in the Clippers.

But he knew very well that Wenger behind Lawrence was just waiting for him to make a mistake. When the boss completely lost confidence in him, he would come out and clean up the mess.

Just when the audience in the stands began to feel hopeless and started to leave, Chen Fang started his personal scoring moment.

Facing Wiggins at the top of the arc, Chen Fang relied on a pick-and-roll by Wesley, went around him and jumped up, hitting a three-pointer.

Then on the way of retreating, he predicted that Jeff was going to pass the ball to Butler who was running fast, so he jumped high and intercepted the long pass. Butler behind him was frightened by the height of Chen Fang's jump, and not only him, but others as well.

Chen Fang took the opportunity to push the ball across half court, accelerating continuously to get into the Timberwolves' inside line who were unable to defend, and scored two more points with a layup.

102: 94.

The game suddenly became suspenseful again.

Butler took the initiative to post up, but this time, Chen Fang switched defense and the two were not out of position. Although Chen Fang was not strong enough and was forced into the penalty area, he turned around and made a jump shot at the end, but Chen Fang blocked it with a slap.

Butler's back-to-the-basket game relies on rhythm and the fake shot action when passing the ball to shift the defender's center of gravity. But this time, Chen Fang was not fooled at all. Instead, he accurately captured the moment Butler shot and raised his hand in advance.

After the block, Butler picked up another jump shot, but in a hurry, the ball slipped through the basket and still caused a 24-second offensive violation.

After Jordan Jr. got the ball, Chen Fang passed it to him and rushed to the frontcourt. Wiggins had already blocked him, but Chen Fang stopped after passing the center circle and looked back, as if waiting for his teammates to get into position.

Wiggins immediately turned around to see if his teammates were in position, but Chen Fang was waiting for this moment. He suddenly accelerated and rushed along the baseline. Before Wiggins even looked back, he caught a glimpse of a white shadow out of the corner of his eye.

Wiggins, terrified, chased after him, and Towns was also quickly returning to the penalty area, but even so, Chen Fang still took advantage of his faster speed to jump up first, find the advantage of staying in the air, and put the basketball into the basket.

Chen Fang, who scored 7 points in a row, immediately ignited the atmosphere at the Clippers' home court. Fans who were about to leave ran back, while fans who stayed stood up from their seats and applauded and cheered for him.

Thibodeau called a timeout, adjusted the offensive and defensive strategies, and re-arranged the Wiggins + Butler perimeter defense strategy to suppress Chen Fang who suddenly soared.

Faced with the double-team defense against the ball handler, Chen Fang played without the ball again, but this time, Griffin's ball possession once again exposed the Clippers' tactical tear problem.

For three consecutive rounds, the Clippers had the finishing right in Griffin's hands. He made one of three shots, while Butler and Wiggins each made a three-pointer for the Timberwolves, bringing the score back to double digits.

108: 98.

It only took one minute to catch up to 4 points and then get back to 10 points.

The Clippers' home court fell silent again. Butler held the ball and challenged Chen Fang. After deceiving Chen Fang, he jumped up again and earned a free throw opportunity.

Chen Fang had no choice but to walk outside the three-point line, put his hands on his hips and gasp.

The judgment given by the black brain appeared in his mind again.

Griffin's possession of the ball hurts the team's offense and defense. Unless the Clippers re-plan and reorganize the ball possession responsibilities of the two players tactically, if they continue to be in a chaotic offense, there will be no talk of offensive and defensive stability.

The Clippers need to solve the problem of who is the first ball handler, sort out the order of the first, second, and third scoring points, and make targeted interpretations of the finishing rights.

"Beep beep!" The Clippers requested a substitution. Chen Fang looked up and saw that it was him who was being substituted.

Knowing that the coach had given up, Chen Fang walked off the court with a blank expression. What mattered about the 25 points? They still lost the game.

Chen Fang now deeply understands why even though he has scored points, they are of no use in determining the outcome of the game.

Momentum must be continuous; if it is interrupted it won’t work.

Tactics exist to interrupt and continue momentum. Anyone who interrupts momentum will be considered the culprit of failure.

Chen Fang did not attend the post-match press conference. He was beginning to get tired of explaining his failure. Faced with the reporters' heart-piercing words, would you deny it or acquiesce?

The Clippers' record has slipped to eighth and they are on the edge of the playoffs. There are only twenty games left, and more difficulties await them in the next games.

To sum it up with the complaint phone call Chen Fang made to Sun Lexian: The regular season is fucking torture. The thought of having to play 82 games makes me feel broken.

I lose a few games, I win a few games, if I rely on myself to explode every day, I will be finished sooner or later.

At the NBA level, it is impossible to rely on individuals to win. Maybe one cup game is okay, but 82 games really require the whole team to play together.

Chen Fang's physical fitness has gradually adapted to the regular season schedule, but psychologically, he has begun to face new challenges.

Sun Lexian could only comfort him. He was the one who understood Chen Fang's inner depression best. Although the existence of the black brain made Chen Fang aware of the problem, sometimes it was more painful when one knew the problem but could not solve it.

After rinsing, you can go out. This is the advantage of the home stadium. You don’t have to carry large bags in your hands. Just put them in the closet and someone will clean and dry clean the clothes.

When I reached the door, I was stopped by someone.

It was Sang Weil. As Chen Fang's real henchman, Sang Weil acted as Chen Fang's sword-wielding bodyguard on the court, trying his best to share the pressure of double-teaming and assisting defense for him.

"What's the matter?" Chen Fang was very surprised.

"I've sent you the address, come over first." Sang Weil said and left.

According to the address, Chen Fang came to this private steak restaurant and was led by the waiter to a private room.

When I pushed the door open, I was shocked.

Kuzma, Thornwell, Zubac, Nance Jr. and Evans are all there.

After ordering some vegetarian food and waiting for the waiter to leave and close the door, Chen Fang asked calmly, "Why does this look like a conspiracy?"

In fact, everyone was waiting for Chen Fang to speak. When he spoke, they all looked at each other. Kuzma said, "I came up with this idea. I don't have any other intentions. I just felt that everyone was having a hard time playing during this period."

"Just say what you want to say. We are the Clippers who came together, and our relationship is different from that of others. Even if we don't think so, others will see us as a small group," said Chen Fang.

These words undoubtedly gave everyone confidence, and Kuzma nodded immediately: "Yes, we all think so."

"We need you, the game isn't being played the way it used to be."

After looking at him, Chen Fang looked at the others. Except for Evans who lowered his head, even the usually taciturn Zubac looked at him firmly.

"I have a plan. Since everyone looks up to me as their leader, I cannot let you down. Many things have affected everyone." Chen Fang sighed inwardly. This was a true reflection of the pressing situation.

It probably took Chen Fang only a few seconds to make the choice.

It would be foolish to give up vested interests without any reason or excuse.

But Chen Fang didn't think things were bad enough to break up. He consoled them, "It's not that serious. I believe the coaching staff has a better way to solve it. I know everyone is unhappy playing, but this is labor pain."

"Yeah, maybe not that bad," Evans said, but quickly shut up under the gaze of others.

"But I have something to say. Since everyone recognizes me, they should listen to me throughout the process before they lose their trust in me. Who has any objection?"

After the words were spoken, no one in the box said a word.

"Very good, then I'll say a few words."

"First, train and play well, don't complain, and don't have conflicts. Because it's stupid."

"Second, don't act rashly before the results are out. We are all rookies, don't let the elderly feel offended."

"Third, don't show up at these kinds of gatherings too often. If you have any questions, call me directly."

"We'll listen to you, Da Falcon." Everyone agreed.

"Eat. We are still insignificant in the alliance to people like us. Keep a low profile until we produce some good stats." Chen Fang took the opportunity to admonish.

This small group's conspiracy meeting ended quickly. After seeing everyone off, Chen Fang drove back home.

The night scene in Los Angeles is charming, and Chen Fang's heart is also turbulent.

Unexpectedly, he became the boss of this little world so quickly.

It is truly the case that heroes are made by the times. The difference brought about by Griffin's injury and comeback made this group of newcomers feel a strong sense of gap. They spontaneously moved closer to Chen Fang. In their eyes, Chen Fang was someone they could rely on.

The next day, Chen Fang found Rivers. Rivers seemed to have expected Chen Fang's arrival.

"It's about the reasonable distribution of ball possession," he asked.

"Not exactly, I just feel that the team is having a lot of ups and downs right now, and I want to know how I can help."

Chen Fang's clever answer brought a smile to Rivers' tired face.

"Be selfish."

The unexpectedly brief answer made Chen Fang's eyelids twitch.

"Just like those last few minutes yesterday, if you want to be the boss, you have to lead by example and don't rely on others."

"You have to control every ball in your hands, pass it to someone who can pass it back."

"Take the initiative to express the desire to win and show the momentum to shock everyone."

"You didn't do any of these."

Chen Fang was stunned.

“Fix your own shortcomings instead of thinking about other people’s problems.”

Rivers came over and patted Chen Fang on the shoulder.

“Only after you are sure that you are impeccable, are you qualified to judge everything.”

"This is what I'm sending you."

Rivers watched Chen Fang leave without moving for a long time.

He cannot force Griffin and Chen Fang alone, that is not his style, but he can tell the Chinese what to do is right.

From the management's perspective, Griffin's help to the team is no longer the same as before.

His frequent injuries, his ball-holding style of play, and the offensive capabilities displayed by the newcomers are all bound to make him give up the ball that previously belonged to him.

He needs to change his style and reposition himself.

In fact, since Paul left and Chen Fang came in, the glory of Griffin's Clippers has come to an end.

Rivers is well aware of all this. All he can do is hope that everyone can leave in a dignified manner.

Chen Fang left the training center and came to Panshi. He called Ilya and the two practiced against each other on the court for an afternoon.

"What happened today?" Elijah asked breathlessly.

"Nothing, I just figured out some things." Chen Fang replied with a smile.

Starting from the home game against the Wizards on December 12th.

The Clippers won by 112 points, 93-19.

On the 12th, they played against the Raptors at home, 125:102, winning by 23 points.

The Clippers narrowly won the away game against the Magic, 98 to 94.

115 to 101, easily defeated the Wizards away from home.

In a four-game winning streak, Chen Fang averaged 28.4 points, 8.3 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game.

With his amazing performance, Chen Fang once again won the Western Conference Player of the Week award in the second week of December.

With the momentum of four consecutive wins, the Clippers came to San Antonio, Texas, to challenge the Spurs away.

Last time, Chen Fang only scored the lowest score so far this season. Before the game today, facing the reporter's question, Chen Fang replied: "This will be a very exciting game, I am ready."

"8 points? No, it will never happen again." Chen Fang raised his eyebrows and answered confidently.

The screen paused, and Popovich pointed at the screen and said to Leonard, who was sitting in the corner: "Chinese, it's yours."

The latter nodded silently.

(End of this chapter)