Performance in the playoffs is substantial for Zhao Chen's status improvement.
The gold content of the playoffs is higher than that of the regular season.
Statistics for both sides of this game:
Zhao Chen scored 56 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds, Kevin Durant scored 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, Russell Westbrook had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, Serge - Ibaka had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.
For the Grizzlies, Zach Randolph scored 31 points and 11 rebounds, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley each scored 22 points, and Conley also had 11 assists.
The main players on both sides basically played well. Although Durant looked a little stretched, his three-pointer at the last moment helped the team lock in the point difference.
After the crazy celebration, Zhao Chen ran back to the locker room with his teammates.
"Dang, break the historical personal scoring record for a rookie in the playoffs and reward 30 victory points."
"Dang, get the first victory in the playoffs and be rewarded with 4 victory points."
Normally, if there is no record-breaking or extraordinary performance, there are only 2 victory points for winning a game, but in the current playoffs it is 4.
Although these victory points have limited improvement to Zhao Chen's current strength, Zhao Chen is very satisfied.
Now Zhao Chen is not only pursuing improvement in personal strength, he also wants to help the team win the championship and win all the way.
No matter how great your personal abilities are, if you can't help the team win, then it's all useless.
Moreover, Zhao Chen's goals at this stage are different from those when he first traveled through time. There is no rush to improve his personal strength.
at the post-match press conference.
Grizzlies head coach Mark couldn't hide his disappointment when facing reporters and said: "We defended KD and predicted Russell's score, but completely ignored the threat Zhao Chen brought to us and the defense Zhao Chen gave us. The system posed a huge challenge, and our players worked hard, but there was just no way to guard him, and he beat us by himself."
Gasol was also very disappointed when facing reporters and said: "We were a little careless tonight. I think we will adjust back and be different in the next game. This is a series, and the opponent is the first in the league." , we should be more prepared.”
Gasol is completely different from the confident look he had before the game.
The reporter asked: "What do you think of Zhao Chen tonight?
Gasol said: "I don't know how to describe him. Before tonight, I had some misunderstandings about him. I thought he would show nervousness in his debut, but the fact is completely opposite. This guy is too calm. He Calm and confident, he made the difference for them, I don't know how to describe him, in one sentence, if he was on our side tonight, we would win."
Gasol praised Zhao Chen politely, but Randolph was not so polite.
Randolph still had a tough mouth: "We were careless. We didn't continue to flank him. This gave him a chance. Believe me, everything will be different in the next game."
Exploding the Thunder's inside line made Randolph feel that there is still great hope for this game.
After the interview, the Grizzlies players took the bus back to the hotel. G2 was still being played in Oklahoma City. They needed to go back as soon as possible to find out the problems that occurred tonight and then improve them in the second game.
This is also the meaning of the playoffs. The teams on both sides will make adjustments according to the differences of each game.
Winning first does not count as winning, but laughing last does not count as winning.
After the Grizzlies left, it was the Thunder's turn to interview.
From the Thunder's side, Zhao Chen, Westbrook, and Brooks attended.
Brooks was asked by reporters about his evaluation of Zhao Chen.
This is not the first time that Brooks has been asked this question. Brooks is very experienced.
Brooks' answer was different every time: "Honestly, before this game started, I had no idea he could score 50 points, but... well, he made a huge impression on all of us tonight, He helped the team through difficult times and I love him and I love how eager he is to win and to be the best player he can be."
Brooks's words were so sincere that they gave Zhao Chen, who was sitting next to him, goosebumps.
The reporter then asked Westbrook, and Westbrook smiled: "He inspires me with his actions and makes me never stop. His performance tonight was incredible. I began to understand why you think he is the best player in NBA history." He's a strong rookie, and I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes the MVP over time."
Westbrook now has a good relationship with the media, and he is willing to share his thoughts in front of the media.
Victory always brightens his mood.
The reporter asked Zhao Chen: "You scored 56 points tonight. How do you feel now?"
Zhao Chen said politely: "This feels great. I am grateful to my teammates for being willing to pass the ball to me, and to the coach for formulating special tactics for me. None of this would be possible without their help."
Dealing with the media is no longer the same thing, and Zhao Chen has become relatively official. He will not be caught by the media and hides his personal emotions as much as possible.
Especially after winning, just try to be as low-key as possible.
The reporter asked: "Do you think you can score so many points in the next game?"
Zhao Chen said: "It depends on whether the team needs me to score so many points. If necessary, I will stand up. If not, I can even score single digits. I focus on the team's victory."
The reporter asked: "What do you think is the difference between the playoffs and the regular season?"
Zhao Chen said: "The intensity of confrontation in the playoffs is greater, and the defensive players are more tenacious. Moreover, the playoff format is also more challenging. If we lose more than four games, we will have no chance. This prompts us to Try your best to win every game."
...
Generally speaking, the press conference is a bragging scene surrounding Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen's performance tonight was outstanding.
In addition to the press conference, within half an hour of the end of the game, major celebrities also came out.
Big O tweeted: "We may be witnessing the growth of one of the greatest rookies, please cherish him."
Magic Johnson: "Zhao is an excellent combo guard. He can score and organize. He looks no different from a mature superstar."
Ewing said: "My God, 56 points in a single game. I don't think any player would be willing to cooperate with a guy like this. Sooner or later, he will become the best player in the league."
Barkley said: "You don't know what to say other than shocked, he conquered everyone who watched him play, everything!!"
...
Zhao Chen didn't listen to the outside world's boasts about him. He was very busy.
After Zhao Chencai finished the interview, he went to the family waiting area to pick up Enna.
Enna acted calmly at first, but when she got to the parking lot and got in the car, she couldn't calm down anymore.
She immediately put her arms around Zhao Chen's neck in the passenger seat and gave him a passionate kiss...
