There will be no games at Staples Center on February 21st.
Christopher gave himself a holiday and went to his brother Marcella's house for dinner in the evening.
The family includes Marcella Andolini, his wife Lisa, their daughter Ida, their son Francesco, and Francesco’s lover Milani.
Francesco and Milani both work in Marcella's sports equipment store.
They have their own house and two children, but they often come to their parents' house for dinner.
It should be said that ordinary people live a very simple but happy life.
Marcella also has a son who works as a truck driver and travels out for transportation all year round and rarely comes back.
After Christopher was released from prison, he would occasionally go to his brother's house for dinner, as the brothers needed to keep in touch.
After dinner, the two of them sat on the sofa and watched a basketball game as usual. Today's focus game was Cavaliers vs. Magic.
Marcella and his brother said: "The Magic will win tonight, I bet on the Magic."
Christopher said: "Are you still betting on football?"
Marcella looked back at Ada who was helping her mother clean up in the kitchen.
He said softly: "I still play occasionally. Two guys in New York came to me before. They had a way. I used the phone to place bets for them. And you know, I have news."
Christopher said: "Are you really using Ada as a source of information for gambling? You will harm her."
Marcella said angrily: "Of course I won't! Ada has never known these things, and you are not allowed to tell! Otherwise, I want you to look good Chris!"
Christopher shook his head and was about to say something when Ada came over and said, "Uncle, how is the business of red-headed boots lately?"
Christopher said: "Very good, very good. Our strategy is very successful. We have to recruit new chefs recently, and Linda is very busy."
Ada said: "That's good, thanks...thanks to your efforts, Huangtian has paid off."
Ada originally wanted to say Smart, but her father didn't seem to like her old Tismart, so she changed her mind.
Christopher said: "It's thanks to Mr. Smart, but he seems to have encountered some trouble recently."
Ada was very nervous and said, "What trouble did he get into?"
Christopher said: "You are his personal assistant, don't you know?"
Ada shook her head and said, "I've been busy with the media department recently, and Mr. Smart didn't say anything to me."
Christopher said: "I heard what Linda said, uh... it seems that the Clippers must enter the playoffs, otherwise Mr. Smart will not be able to hold the position of general manager."
Ada was shocked: "No, no... This is impossible, entering the playoffs? This season is too difficult. Moreover, in the first season, there is no reason to have to enter the playoffs..."
Christopher said: "I don't know, Linda heard it from the VIP room. Maybe it's a test of him. I think Smart has been depressed recently."
Ada also discovered that Min Congda always locked himself in the office recently.
It seems like he is really worried about something.
It stands to reason that the team that was last in the rankings before is doing well this year.
It's impossible not to give up if we don't make the playoffs.
But considering that Smart landed by air, he might have brought some promises and agreements with him.
After that, Ada felt a little lost and went upstairs to her room without watching TV.
Seeing his daughter like this, Marcella asked anxiously: "What were you talking about just now? Why can't Smart become the general manager if he can't make the playoffs?"
Christopher spread his hands and said, "Linda said it, that's what it means anyway. It's very important to him that the Clippers enter the playoffs."
"What does it have to do with me?"
"It has nothing to do with you, but it has something to do with Ada. Can you tell?"
"I can't see it! Besides, do you think I can influence the outcome of NBA games?"
"Can't you?"
Marcella shook his head and said: "How can I still sell sports equipment if I have so much energy? Of course, it's okay to have a little impact in a certain game. But it can only be one or two, and I can't help quickly. It’s up to them to make the playoffs.”
"Where's the key game?"
"Depending on who the referee is, it's possible."
"You should think about Ada."
"If you keep saying that, I'll tell you to get out of my house and watch the game, you brat!"
…
On February 25, I was on a special plane from Los Angeles to Phoenix.
The Clippers head to Phoenix today to prepare for their away game against the Suns tomorrow.
The Clippers have been in so-so form recently, defeating the Kings but losing to the Bobcats and Pistons one after another.
The Clippers were reversed in these two losses, which shows that they were too relaxed on the court.
The Clippers' record has reached 30 wins and 26 losses, and the Western Conference ranking has risen to ninth.
However, there is still a 2.5 win gap between the eighth-placed Spurs.
Next, the Clippers will face the powerful Suns away from home.
We also have to beat the Jazz and Thunder, both of whom are strong players in the Western Conference.
There has been a wave of five consecutive away games since March. It is still difficult to enter the playoffs.
The coaching staff has never received an order from management to make a full push for the playoffs.
On the trade deadline, Thornton was also taken away in exchange for Nick Young, who had no defense and liked to throw away three-pointers.
Dunleavy really doesn't like this young man who plays fancy basketball.
Just put him on the bench and let Ricky Davis play the starting small forward.
As for Min Congda's intentions this season, Dunleavy is a little unclear.
Should we continue to experiment with the lineup and let it loosen up, or should we tighten up and rush forward?
Min Congda's thoughts have not been on the team recently. It is said that he is locked in the office all day long and doesn't know what to do.
This time, Min Congda, as the general manager, did not go on the away trip to Phoenix.
According to Baron Davis, this guy went clubbing in Santa Barbara again.
Spending the day and night drinking and playing music every night, what kind of general manager is this?
The team's morale fluctuated as a result. Everyone was motivated but couldn't get together.
Because there is no goal, and if there is no goal, it will be where you hit it.
This makes Dunleavy a little troubled. This group of young people is obviously very talented.
After getting on the plane, Dunleavy heard players talking behind him.
Gasol Jr. said to Randolph next to him: "Hey Zach, you know, I heard that Mr. Smart is dying."
Randolph was originally wearing headphones to listen to music, but when he heard them, he took them off and said hurriedly: "What? What did you say?"
"I heard that Mr. Smart is dying. It was the chef at the training center who said so."
"What? This...why? What's going on?"
"I don't know. I just heard that he is dying. His last wish is to see us enter the playoffs."
Gasol's words were heard by Curry behind him. He quickly stood up and said: "Impossible. How could Mr. Smart die if he is fine? What I heard is that if we can't make the playoffs, he will Resign and go back to my hometown to sell tractors.”
"Who said this?"
"Vincent from the Equipment Management Center said he signed an agreement before coming to the Clippers."
"Then why doesn't Mr. Smart pressure us and let us fight for the playoffs?"
"I don't know, maybe he is really going to die..."
"Shut up! It's about resigning, not about dying. Don't spread rumors."
Dunleavy couldn't sit still after hearing these conversations and said, "What are you talking about? Who said Smart is going to die or resign?"
Kim Hughes on the side raised his hand and said: "I heard it too, it seems to be true. We must enter the playoffs this time before Smart can stay."
Dunleavy looked at Kim Hughes and the players who kept talking like market ladies with some surprise.
He suddenly discovered that no one seemed to want Smart to leave, but wanted him to stay.
Including Lao Deng himself.
For more than half a season, Smart has won everyone's respect and love with his actions.
A general manager who doesn't mess around is really valuable.
"Quiet, quiet! What are you arguing about? What's the point? No matter what the rumors are, whether he is dead or alive, whether he wants to stay or go, in short, we just need to make the playoffs, right? "
Everyone fell silent, and then said in unison: "Yes!"
The Clippers suddenly had a target, for the "dying" Min Congda.
(End of chapter)
