Time has entered March, and the NBA schedule has officially entered the sprint stage.
The Spurs are first in the Western Conference with 47 wins and 14 losses.
The Thunder are second in the Western Conference with 44 wins and 17 losses.
The Grizzlies are third in the Western Conference with 40 wins and 19 losses.
The Clippers are fourth in the Western Conference with 43 wins and 21 losses.
The Nuggets are fifth in the Western Conference with 41 wins and 22 losses.
The Lakers are sixth in the Western Conference with 37 wins and 25 losses.
The Warriors are seventh in the Western Conference with 35 wins and 27 losses.
The Rockets are eighth in the Western Conference with 33 wins and 29 losses.
The Jazz are ninth in the Western Conference with 32 wins and 30 losses.
The nine teams in the Western Conference will compete for eight playoff spots.
In recent times, the Lakers' record has soared with their 20-game winning streak, reaching the top six in one fell swoop. In the first round, they avoided the Spurs and Thunder, the two strongest teams in the Western Conference.
At the same time, the Nuggets have been a bit weak recently and fell to fifth in the Western Conference, and they have also avoided it.
If they enter the playoffs according to this ranking, for the Lakers, although it is not considered a top pick, it can definitely be regarded as a top pick.
It was not easy to beat the Grizzlies in the first round, but at the trade deadline, the Grizzlies sent Gay to the Raptors in a three-way deal in exchange for Prince from the Pistons.
This trade was used to deal with the Thunder and Spurs. Prince is considered to be a better defender of Durant than Gay. He is also a better shooter and can stretch the Spurs' defense and allow the Bears to train at the basket. Duncan.
The Grizzlies are a team built with the Bears as the core. The Bears' interior is already crowded enough and they don't need Gay's impact. They need a player with more stable defense and more stable shooting to open up space, and Prince is like that. player of.
The two strongest teams in the Western Conference now are the Spurs and Thunder, at least that's what everyone thinks, so there's nothing wrong with the Grizzlies using these two teams as imaginary enemies to build a team.
But this also allowed the Grizzlies to weaken their advantage over the Lakers.
The Grizzlies without Gay, to the Lakers, is like the West losing Jerusalem. It is no longer the kingdom of God that kicked D'Antoni out of class, and it is no longer so high-minded.
For Du Kang and the current Lakers, the Lakers' top pick is to play the Grizzlies in the first round, the Spurs in the second round, and the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
The lottery is to play the Clippers in the first round, the Spurs in the second round, and the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
According to the current ranking, if you play the Grizzlies in the first round, the Thunder in the second round, and the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, you will be considered a top pick.
As the sixth team in the Western Conference and still in the bottom half, it is not qualified to choose an opponent.
In the current Western Conference, perhaps the only one qualified to choose an opponent is the Spurs.
Seeing that the Nuggets have lost one after another recently, giving up the third position in the Western Conference and falling to fifth in the Western Conference, the Spurs were frightened and lost two games in a row to close the distance between themselves and the Thunder.
Because the Spurs saw a fourth and a fifth opportunity from the two nemesis teams, the Grizzlies and Clippers.
Ready to give up the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference to the Thunder.
"Steve, do you think Popovich will be like us now, looking at the rankings and calculating his opponents in the playoffs?"
"probably."
In the current West, where gods and demons are raging, if your opponent doesn't choose well, someone will really die.
The story in 2007 did not go far. The Mavericks selected Nelson's Warriors. After being hacked, Cuban was so angry that he was mentally retarded. He was incompetent and furiously scolded the Warriors for playing spies and stealing the Mavericks' tactical information from the Mavericks.
Then someone else carefully reminded him that Old Nelson, the head coach of the Warriors, is the mentor of Nowitzki, the head player of your team, and the mentor of your team’s head coach, Junior General.
This calf of yours was not built by you with money, but by the skeleton built by Nelson.
When Nelson played the Mavericks, he didn't need to steal them. They were all his own.
The enlightened Cuban realized that he was suddenly so angry that he was mentally retarded. Then, he owed Nelson the US$6.3 million and didn't want to pay it back.
"Steve, do you think we have a chance to reach third place in the Western Conference?"
"Rush to third place in the Western Conference?"
Clifford was a little dumbfounded.
For the current Lakers, is there a difference between being third in the Western Conference and sixth in the Western Conference?
Is it necessary for the veteran Lakers to continue to work hard in the regular season for this illusory ranking?
etc!
"Du, you want to push the Grizzlies and Clippers to fourth or fifth place, and let the Spurs drop to second place!"
If the Lakers rush to third.
According to the current ranking, the Grizzlies will be fourth and the Clippers will be fifth.
Seeing this ranking, Popovich is probably dreaming about how to make the Spurs lose reasonably and fall to second place in the Western Conference.
They will play the Warriors in the first round, the Lakers/Nuggets in the second round, and the Thunder in the third round.
This is the best pick for the Spurs.
etc!
That's not the case. With Coach D's intelligence, he would never sacrifice himself for fishing.
After rushing to third place, the Nuggets will fall to sixth place, and the Lakers will be difficult to beat in the first round.
"Du, do you think the Nuggets will be ranked higher than the Grizzlies and Clippers when the season ends?!"
Clifford looked at Du Kang who was holding the Nuggets schedule in shock.
"In the Nuggets' remaining schedule, 13 of their games are against non-playoff teams, and three are against Eastern Conference playoff teams. The schedule is very easy. I can't guarantee it, but the Nuggets have a chance."
After Du Kang finished speaking, Clifford was dumbfounded again.
At the same time, I started to calculate the rankings in my mind. The Lakers were third, the Nuggets rushed to fourth or fifth, and one of the Grizzlies and Clippers dropped to sixth.
"But, in this case, will Popovich be fooled?"
"I bet that the Nuggets can come back, and I bet that Popovich will also bet that the Nuggets can come back."
If Popovich didn't gamble like this, he wouldn't let the Spurs suddenly lose two games.
"However, I bet on the Nuggets taking the lead in the last few games, and I bet on the Spurs giving up first place in the front."
"..."
Coach D’s favorite part of gambling is here again.
"Well, I admit that there is a bit of gambling involved this time."
"..."
Seeing Du Kang smiling and making a somewhat big gesture, Clifford was speechless.
"So, we have to overtake the Nuggets in the last few games and give Popovich a surprise!"
"..."
Although for the Lakers, the Thunder are indeed more difficult to beat than the Spurs.
However, the Spurs won't be that simple.
So, Coach D, why do you have to push the Spurs to second place in the Western Conference?
Is it necessary to spend such a huge price to deceive the Spurs into second place?
Or do you think the Spurs are very simple?
…
…
"Pop, are you studying the Nuggets' schedule again? Do you really believe that the Nuggets can overtake the Clippers and Grizzlies in the end?"
Budenholzer frowned.
Falling to second place means there will be no home field advantage in the Western Conference Finals.
Playing against the Thunder without home court advantage is terrible.
If the Nuggets can really rush to third place, these costs will certainly be worth it.
They will play the Warriors in the first round and the Lakers or Nuggets in the second round. The Spurs can get through the first two rounds without any injuries.
But what if?
"In the words of Coach D, I admit that this time there is an element of gambling, and it is big, but all of this is worth my gamble!"
"..."
Popovich smiled and put down the Nuggets schedule.
"I bet the Nuggets can finish third!"
"..."
Will the Nuggets really be third?
Budenholzer looked at the confident smile on Popovich's face at this time, and he understood what he still lacked before he could start.
That kind of absolute confidence in one's own judgment.
He didn't.
But Bobo does.
Coach D has it too.
Coach D can play Kobe at critical moments.
Bobo can also play Duncan at critical moments.
This is the famous handsome man!
A famous commander must be able to gamble and dare to gamble!
…
…
After the Lakers rushed to sixth place in the Western Conference, many experts in the NBA believe that the Lakers should now save their strength for the playoffs.
For a veteran team, save what you can.
What's more, now Coach D has defeated Phil Jackson through his strong performance of leading Kobe to win games with him, developed the iron-making and assisting style, and cultivated the fallen genius Yi Jianlian.
Du Kang has been recognized by fellow NBA coaches, both in terms of his ability in the tactical system and his ability to train players.
Du Kang's hatred value disappeared instantly.
With the retirement of Phil Jackson, there are no reputable coaches in the NBA who dare to openly bring everyone together to become Coach D.
Public opinion and media will not blame Dukang for losing a game after 20 consecutive victories.
In such a good living environment, there is no need for Coach D to remain undefeated and waste the players' energy.
On March 8, the Lakers faced the Raptors at home.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Raptors 118-116 at home and won the team's 21st consecutive victory.
The Lakers played very hard in this game.
Because Du Kang continued to let Kobe rest off the court.
The one-week suspension was agreed upon, and it was one week.
The suspension started on March 5th and will be suspended until March 12th. Only then will his coach D keep his word.
The real reason is, of course, that after the blacksmithing trip earlier, Corvo's body already had three yellow warnings.
Therefore, it is good to let Corvo take a week off and spend time with the kids in his training camp.
Without Kobe, the Lakers have no one to stop Gay.
Lowry, DeRozan, Gay, Bargnani, Valanciunas...
This raptor is also really strong.
In order to defeat this raptor, Du Kang consumed 200 MP.
In the end, it was thanks to Arab League, Howard, Nash, and Iverson all scoring 20+ points that the Lakers won a difficult victory at home.
The Spurs played against the Trail Blazers at home on the same day on March 8th.
The Spurs lost 106-136 at home to the Trail Blazers, who basically had no hope of the playoffs.
When Du Kang saw the result of the game, he almost couldn't hold it back and let out a sigh.
"Popovich, how dare you!"
Are the home fans feeding me shit like this?
I prick the fans, so just pamper Popovich.
In this game, the Spurs allowed the Trail Blazers to make 13 of 21 three-pointers. The Trail Blazers lit up fireworks in the Spurs.
In this game, the Spurs committed 17 fouls and the Trail Blazers committed 10 turnovers.
The intensity of this game was nothing short of a walk.
"Du, maybe you are right."
Clifford admired him again.
Popovich is indeed betting that the Nuggets can overtake.
But, can the Lakers really be the oriole behind?
He watched the Nuggets schedule today, and he felt that if the Lakers want to overtake the Nuggets, they may need the next game...
Total victory!
Can this really be done?
"Perhaps it is because normal people would think it was impossible that Popovich would be so bold and lose to the Trail Blazers at home."
On March 10, the NBA regular season continues. The Lakers continue to play at home and face the Bulls, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference and currently have a record of 37 wins and 25 losses.
Bulls head coach Thibodeau and Clifford are brothers.
They were all with Van Gundy Jr. in the Rockets, and Clifford was considered a senior.
Beating the Bulls and Thibodeau, Clifford is too experienced.
"Du, just shrink this game."
Relying on Clifford's experience, Du Kang won the Bulls with 100MP in the simulated game.
In this defensive battle.
The Lakers defeated the Bulls 90-81.
No one from either team scored 20 points.
The top scorer was Howard with 19 points, 21 rebounds and 4 blocks.
This game really made him happy.
He feels like a giant in this game.
In this game, the Bulls' MVP superstar Rose was reimbursed for the season due to injury.
With the team's boss being reimbursed for the season, Thibodeau was still able to lead the team to the top five in the Eastern Conference. It can only be said that Thibodeau is still ruthless, squeezing players ruthlessly, and building a defensive system ruthlessly.
After beating the Bulls, the Lakers once again embarked on a consecutive road trip in the Eastern Conference.
On March 12, the Lakers' first opponent on the Eastern Conference road trip was the Orlando Magic.
Due to the loss of Howard this season, the Magic's record this season collapsed directly.
The current record is 18 wins and 46 losses, ranking second to last in the league, diving directly towards Oladipo.
The Magic, who are second to last in the league, and the Lakers, who are currently on a 22-game winning streak, are not at the same level.
But before the game started, public opinion was fierce.
Because this is Howard's first time back in Orlando to play against his old club.
The NBA likes to hype this kind of game when a superstar returns to his old club for the first time after leaving the team, and fans also love to watch it.
When Nash left the Suns and returned to Phoenix, Suns fans burned their jerseys.
If Howard returns to the Magic, it will certainly be impossible to avoid the drama of burning his jersey.
The media has been hyping the Lakers recently, always hyping up the question of when Coach D's winning streak will end.
This game started to hype how many free throws Howard would take in Orlando.
The Magic want to teach the Lakers a lesson, but Magic fans themselves have no confidence.
If you can't teach the Lakers and Howard a lesson, then you can only disgust Howard.
How to disgust Howard?
Of course let Howard shoot free throws in the game.
When Howard made the free throw, Magic fans booed, cursed, and publicly executed Howard. How cool that would be.
Therefore, on March 12th, when he saw that the local media was calling on the Magic to publicly execute him, Howard was really trembling.
With his knowledge of the Magic.
If he makes less than 40 free throws in this game, it's all mercy from the Magic!
If he had a bad time with the Lakers, Magic fans might still let him enjoy himself and take fewer free throws.
Now he is enjoying such a fulfilling life with the Lakers.
Magic fans should hate him so much.
"Is Dwight okay? Why do you feel that your hands are soft during shooting practice today?"
"Look at that Magic fan on the sidelines."
"Farke!"
A decent person like Nash couldn't help but let out a sigh.
Because an exciting female Magic fan peed on the Magic jersey right in front of Howard.
He scolded me while peeing.
"Heartless Howard, you just slap your butt and leave, what will happen to us and our children!"
Damn it!
Us and the kids?
Du Kang was dumbfounded.
This us?
As a pure and honest person, he felt that the amount of information was a bit huge.
Eventually the troublemaking former Magic cheerleader was taken away.
Howard, who was originally trembling, became embarrassed again.
"Her child is definitely not mine, I'm sure it must be her boyfriend's!"
"..."
"That woman must have been deliberately put in by the Magic to embarrass me!"
"..."
"That woman's boyfriend is such a sinister little peep-ass!"
"..."
Facing Howard's explanation, the surrounding Lakers players' eyes flickered.
The amount of information is even greater.
And Ah Lian, who was having a good time with Howard, was so frightened that he jumped away from Howard.
Just as Du Kang was watching Howard's excitement sadly (with relish).
It’s really lively when you look at it.
"Ding, congratulations to the host for triggering the player mission, 'Howard's Wrath'. In this game with the Magic, Howard felt a strong unfriendly atmosphere. The Magic team humiliated them in every possible way, which made Howard angry. He wants to be with the Magic. To celebrate at home, he has to skate and kneel at the Magic's home court. The task requires that the Lakers win. Howard can't make less than 30 free throws in the game, and his shooting percentage exceeds 70%."
Damn it!
Du Kang was dumbfounded when he saw this mission.
Don't think this task is easy.
It's actually very difficult.
Howard's number of free throws in this game will definitely explode, and it will definitely not be just 30.
40? 50? Even higher!
Anyone who has studied mathematics knows that the more times a coin is tossed, the closer the probability of head and tail is, and the same is true for Howard's free throws.
With more than 40 free throws, Du Kang felt that even if he simulated it, he might not be able to simulate a 70% shooting rate!
Does Howard have the ability to shoot 70%?
There definitely is.
Du Kang checked the data.
In the 2008 game against the Jazz, Howard made 17 of 24 free throws, a shooting percentage of over 70%.
So, want to simulate?
"It's not easy to save so much MP. Do you really want to simulate for this mission of Howard?"
Simulation is easy to get addicted to. If the simulation fails once, you will think about the second simulation to get back the money. If the simulation fails the second time, there will be three times, and then until the MP completely disappears, the physics is completely calm.
"For this mission, the system must have tricked my MP!"
Whoever imitates is a barking dog!
March 12, 9 p.m., Amway Arena, Orlando.
At this time, the game between the Lakers and Magic has entered the fourth quarter.
The score on the court at this time was 100 to 93.
Relying on Howard's performance in the front, 7 of 13, 30 of 40 free throws, 44 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks, the Lakers led by 7 points.
However, there were only three minutes left in the game, and the Magic had no intention of giving up.
They are also seizing the opportunity to slash Howard.
So far, Howard has made 17 free throws in this quarter.
Amid the boos and abuses from the audience, Howard once again stood on the free throw line.
A swipe!
Another swipe!
"Another two free throws, Howard made two free throws again! Incredible, Howard has made 32 of 42 free throws in this game. Oh my god, is this really Howard? Howard was kissing his wrist. Coach D before the game Handed to his green wristband, Howard was kissing the wristband while roaring at the Magic fans at the scene! Oh my God, Howard sat on the floor, Howard crossed his arms, and Howard was sliding his butt in celebration! Incredible Celebration!"
In the stands behind the Magic half court.
Howard roared at the fans on the sidelines while sliding his butt in celebration.
Seeing Howard who was so unbeatable, the Magic fans booed even more fiercely.
"Cut him! Chop him! Keep chopping him, chop him to death!"
If Magic fans shouted so crazily before the game, he was still in vain.
but now!
"I'm fearless!"
After standing up with a provocative and indecent gesture, Howard kissed the green wristband on his hand provocatively.
"Green always protects me!"
"There's nothing you can do against me, hahahahaha!"
Facing Howard's provocation, the referee on the scene couldn't stand it.
Howard was given the first technical foul of the game.
Magic Niles made a free throw, and then Tobias Harris pulled out and hit a mid-range shot.
The Magic chased the point difference to 102 to 96, with only 6 points separating the two sides.
It was the Lakers' turn to attack, and the Magic fans once again booed wildly.
"Keep cutting him, Coach D's wrist guards are not that magical!"
"Keep hacking this ungrateful pervert to death!"
The DJ on the Magic Team was like crazy.
Next, before the game entered the final 2 minutes, the Magic cut Howard again.
1 out of 2 at a time.
2 for 2 at a time.
After making two free throws, Howard once again celebrated wildly while kissing the green wristband on his hand.
Seeing Howard like this, the Lakers players on the court hid far away.
Damn it, it’s so arrogant to beat up your old club.
This is also because the players bullying the current Magic team are all his former teammates. The Magic have no new boss.
If the Magic changes to a new boss, Howard will be beaten to death.
Even if the Magic players don't hit him out of consideration for their former boss, other Lakers players are afraid of being struck by lightning standing next to Howard.
What if Magic fans rush down and they are affected?
"What an eye-opening performance. Dwight really made me refresh the moral limits of NBA players. Charles, when you left the 76ers and the Suns, did you dare to do this when you went back?"
"Don't dare!"
Damn, if he dared to do this back then, he would really be beaten to death!
"Hahahaha, facing Dwight Howard's tribute, Coach D next to him lowered his head and didn't dare to look. This is the first time I've seen Coach D like this. It's so funny, hahahaha... It turns out that Coach D is also scared. Something...hahahahaha..."
"Coach D is afraid that others will say that Howard was like this in this game because he taught him, hahahaha, he just gave him a wrist guard."
"However, Coach D's wristband is really amazing."
At the end of the game, the Lakers defeated the Magic 116-109 away from home.
After the game, Howard made 7 of 13 shots and 37 of 48 free throws. He scored 51 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks in the game. This time, Howard did not humiliate the Magic fans who booed him.
Du Kang was going to leave after saying hello to the Magic head coach. He must not make people think that he was with such an unqualified person!
Don’t I just want to complete the mission?
Am I easy?
Run away, run away quickly!
Unexpectedly, just as he was about to turn around, he was hugged by Howard behind him.
"Hahahaha, coach, I love you so much!"
"Ding, congratulations on completing the player mission 'Howard's Wrath', which rewards Howard with +1 favorability."
Damn it!
You love me so much, just add 1 point of favor?
Is this what you love to death?
I knew there was a pitfall in this mission!
Fortunately I held back and didn't simulate!
"Ding, congratulations, your player Dwight Howard's opinion of you has been adjusted to 80, please check it."
"Ding, your player Howard is editable."
Damn it! ! ! !
Howard's favorability is over!
Du Kang looked excitedly at the reward for defeating the Raptors and leading the team to 20 consecutive victories.
"Ding, congratulations on leading the team to achieve 20 consecutive wins. For completing the achievement, '4 consecutive wins', you will be rewarded with a Silver Level Potential Card."
Item: Silver level potential card
Description: Adjust any player attribute to 85.
Requirements: Favorability reaches 85 or above.
This time, the tasks and rewards seem to be linked! ! !
Are the three-point beast, mid-range shooting beast or free throw beast coming? !
Du Kang, who was already very excited, became even more excited!
…
…
"Bobo, are you watching the Lakers game again? Is it so interesting? Are you laughing like this?"
"very interesting."
Are Coach D’s wrist guards really that magical?
Popovich smiled.
but……
"It's a pity that the Lakers won again. It seems that it is impossible to expect the Lakers to be seventh and beat the Lakers in the first round."
"Pop thinks the Lakers are better than the Warriors?"
Budenholzer frowned.
“I watched the Warriors’ game recently, and although I don’t like three-pointers, I have to admit that Curry’s three-pointers, Thompson’s three-pointers, and the Warriors’ three-pointers are more accurate and stable than other teams. The team might not be that easy to play."
"But it certainly can't be difficult for the Spurs and Pop, right?"
"right."
Popovich smiled.
Recently, he found that the Warriors are not that easy to play, so he wants to play the Lakers in the first round.
I can only say that people are always greedy. They already have good things and want better ones.
"But, Bobo, what do you think Coach D is going to do now? Does it still make sense for the Lakers to continue to win?"
Regarding this issue, Popovich doesn't know. Logically speaking, the Lakers no longer have to win.
"Pop, are you saying that Coach D suspended Kobe for three games? He must win these three games to maintain his team's prestige, and he doesn't care about winning from the next game on?"
"Maybe."
Popovich smiled.
Anyway, for the Spurs, if the Lakers are not seventh, there is little point in considering the Lakers' problems this season.
Can the Lakers break through the Nuggets?
Popovich watched the Lakers-Nuggets game.
Even if the Nuggets are in poor form recently, Coach D still wants Kobe and Howard to play 48 minutes.
When the Lakers play the Clippers or the Grizzlies, he has expectations for the Lakers.
But playing against the Nuggets...
He had no expectations.
"Maybe the Lakers this season just provide us with such fun and leisure, right? Pop."
Popovich didn't speak, but it was really fun to watch the Lakers and Coach D play.
Then, the next game between the Spurs and the Timberwolves.
The Spurs lost to the Timberwolves, a weak team, 83-107.
To say disgusting fans, you have to be a high-level player like Bobo.
Spurs fans really love and hate him. Sometimes Spurs fans who travel with the team on away games want to cry and strangle this old guy to death.
…
…
In this game against the Magic in history, Howard made 39 free throws and made 25 hits, with a shooting percentage of 65%. Without Coach D's "green guard", Howard is still very impressive.
(End of chapter)
