(PS: The title has been swallowed again, and I will never drive again. Original title: The aftermath of the first battle!)
There is not much suspense about the outcome.
However, in the first game of the season, Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue obviously did not give up so easily. He sent James, Irving and Cousins on the court at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
This is the final struggle!
Coach Terry did not replace Wang Zelin this time, and even Lillard rested off the court.
On the one hand, there is a relatively large lead and a wave of capital.
On the other hand and the most important aspect, the regular season is different from the preseason, and their opponent today is the Cavaliers, one of the top powers in the East. He wants to take this opportunity to test the strength of the team's rotation. By the way, let’s take a look at Jokic’s ability to withstand pressure when he leads the team alone against the Cavaliers’ full lineup.
The Cavaliers launched a counterattack under the leadership of the Big Three, and Irving got into shape. He hit consecutive shots from the outside and scored 6 points in an instant.
The Cavaliers launched a wave of offensive results and brought the score to within 20 points.
Just as Coach Terry was preparing to replace the main players on the court, Jokic also began to show off his power in the paint. He frequently singled out the Cavaliers' starting power forward TT, and quickly scored 5 points with consecutive shots and penalties.
Seeing that the point difference was widened again, Coach Terry sat back in his seat with satisfaction and patiently appreciated Jokic's performance.
Jokic showed his responsibilities as a core player. He single-handedly challenged the Cavaliers' Big Three and managed to stay within a short period of time.
He is so smart, whether it is individual singles or brilliant passes, the home fans are extremely surprised.
The fourth quarter lasted for more than 7 minutes. Due to the overwhelming effort in the first half, Jokic's physical fitness declined to a certain extent and his offensive efficiency decreased, allowing the Cavaliers to see an opportunity to counterattack.
James fired cold arrows from the outside and led the team to set off a counterattack.
In just two minutes, he led the Cavaliers to close the point difference to about 15 points.
After observing for almost one quarter, Coach Terry was very satisfied with Jokic's performance. In the last two minutes or so, he replaced the main player.
Lillard showed his true qualities as a cold-faced killer. He made a sudden stop and hit a three-pointer to stabilize the situation.
After Irving made a difficult jumper from mid-range, he scored another goal with the help of Wang Zelin's pick-and-roll breakthrough.
The Cavaliers performed well in the last quarter, but the momentum of chasing points slowed down significantly during the stalemate.
Moreover, the further the game went on, the more obvious their physical problems became, and they could no longer close the score difference.
Until 45 seconds before the end, the 18-point difference was still huge!
In desperation, Tyronn Lue had to replace the main player and announced that he would give up the game early.
Thirty seconds before the end, the Trail Blazers also called a timeout, and the special coach also took off all the main players.
Amid bursts of cheers from the scene, the final whistle sounded.
In the end, 134:111, the Trail Blazers relied on strong defense and efficient fast break tactics to win the first game of the 2016-17 season and got off to a good start in the home opener!
Wang Zelin only played 28 minutes today and hardly played in the last quarter, but he still efficiently contributed 35 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks and 1 steal!
The main reason was that his performance of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in the first quarter of 7-of-7 shooting was so outstanding that the game almost collapsed in one quarter, causing his playing time to drop sharply in the second half.
Otherwise, based on his efficiency today, it would be easy to score 50 points in the opening game.
Lillard scored 22 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals.
Very standard 20+10 point guard statistics, and he only made two turnovers today, and his loss control ratio is quite good.
Jokic was the player who played the most minutes in the Trail Blazers' opening game. He played a total of 38 minutes and scored a near-triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 block.
The first performance of the new season was perfect!
It can be felt from the game that after experiencing the Olympics, he has more control over the game.
This summer, Jokic is estimated to be the most improved player on the Trail Blazers, even surpassing Wang Zelin.
It doesn't matter whether others believe it or not, Wang Zelin believes it himself anyway.
The reason is also very simple, he has a plug-in!
In fact, before the game, Wang Zelin used the system to check the comprehensive ability ratings of his teammates in the new season.
Aldridge is on a truce and cannot be tested yet.
Currently, the player with the second highest overall rating in the team is Lillard, with a rating of 89, second only to Wang Zelin!
The third-highest player is Jokic, whose rating has reached 83, which means he has entered the quasi-All-Star level. He is only two points away from becoming a true All-Star player.
The remaining teammates have also improved in strength, which makes him very satisfied.
Speaking of which, as an older rookie, Lillard is undoubtedly a typical representative of the NBA who reached his peak when he debuted, but his premature maturity also means that the upper limit of his future potential is almost locked.
However, this does not mean that Lillard has almost lost the possibility of breaking the 90 rating and hitting the superstar field.
In fact, in Wang Zelin's impression, the best year under Lee's leadership was the 2018-19 season. Not only did he lead the Portland Trail Blazers to third place in the Western Conference with 53 wins in the regular season, but he also made it all the way to the playoffs. In the conference finals, I touched the floor of the Western Conference Finals.
Although the Warriors led by Curry were swept 4-0 in the end, Lillard at his peak should never be underestimated.
In addition, Lillard also defeated a group of top players in the same position the previous year, that is, the 2017-18 season, and was selected to the first team of the season.
It is no exaggeration to say that Lillard truly entered the peak of his career starting from the 17-18 season, and after entering his peak, Lillard is definitely a top 10 player in the league.
Even though he may be on the fringes of the top ten in the league, there are still some superstars rated 90 points no matter what.
Wang Zelin has been playing in the NBA for a few years, and he has gradually figured out the system's scoring mechanism.
Generally speaking, the top 5 or even top 3 players currently in service are basically in the ranks of superstars, with comprehensive ability ratings above 95 and below 100.
Those who can cross the threshold of the top 10 in active service are basically active superstars, with comprehensive ratings above 90 and below 95.
Of course, it cannot be ruled out that there are more powerful players in certain seasons, which often results in 12 or even 15 players being selected among the top 10 active players.
Therefore, after understanding that Lillard still has potential to be tapped, Wang Zelin is increasingly looking forward to the future of the Trail Blazers.
If everything develops according to the normal trajectory, the Trail Blazers already have Aldridge, who has reached the peak of his career with a 90+ superstar rating, and will probably return from injury at the end of the regular season or the first round of the playoffs.
Coupled with Lillard, who is infinitely close to the level of an active superstar, and future super seed Jokic, whose comprehensive ability rating in the new season has exceeded 83 quasi-All-Star levels.
And Patton, Batum, Beverley, Yi Jianlian. Connett Lee, Harrell and many other high-quality winning puzzle pieces
In the end, he, the number one active player, will lead the team...
Just thinking about that scene is so wonderful!
What four-star warrior?
What kind of cosmic courage?
Even if Durant takes the most difficult road, he may not really be able to win a championship ring as he wishes!
Because what stood in front of him was an unprecedented super pioneer!
…
For the Cavaliers, James scored 35 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists, showing stability and versatility as he has for ten years.
But unfortunately, it still couldn't prevent them from losing to their old rivals in the opening game.
Irving had 24 points and 6 assists, Cousins 26 points and 12 rebounds, 8 points and 8 rebounds.
Hibbert, who had put down his big words before the game, only played 22 minutes. As a new player, he was fed by the whole team, and then he barely scored in double figures. He scored a total of 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and... quite eye-catching. 4 mistakes!
Looking at the data, the Cavaliers' summer wave of 8 million signings is a bit of a loss, but anyone who has watched the game knows that these 8 million have been wasted.
It's hard to think about it. The Cavaliers have two breakthrough experts in Irving and James, and Hibbert happens to be a stand-up center under the basket. His offensive methods are limited and it is almost impossible to create space. He can only squat in the penalty area to feed the cake. .
Even after Cousins joined the Cavaliers, he had to face a transformation and began to increase the number of outside shots.
The tactics of Hibbert and the Cavaliers' dual-core perimeter play are exactly opposite, and his strength is far inferior to the two outside brothers. It will only be a matter of time before he is abandoned.
But no one can predict the future development. It still depends on the adjustment ability of head coach Tyronn Lue and Hibbert.
But this is something that the Cavaliers need to consider. After the Trail Blazers won the opening game, the team's morale to defend the title became even higher.
There have been three consecutive championships several times in NBA history, but only one team has been able to accomplish such a feat since ancient times.
That is - the Boston Celtics!
One of the two giants in the NBA, even in the last century before the establishment of the OK Dynasty, the Celtics crushed the Purple and Gold Army in all aspects.
In the ancient barbaric period, the Celtics won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, which was unprecedented, and it is unlikely that there will be anyone else in the future!
But it is precisely because they understand the greatness of this record that the Trail Blazers want to hit this miracle even more!
Apart from anything else, if they can successfully defend their title again this season and achieve four consecutive championships, then the Trail Blazers will most likely be able to step on the shoulders of the Lakers and Bulls and reach another peak.
Three consecutive championships happen from time to time, but four consecutive championships is truly a once-in-a-century event!
…
…
NBA Vice President Stu Jackson, who was present today, said excitedly after the game: "The ratings are out. Hundreds of millions of people are watching today's game. Congratulations to the Trail Blazers! Congratulations to the King! Congratulations to the league! This regular game The ratings of the game have continued to reach the climax of the playoffs and finals, and the NBA is making great strides forward!"
During the on-site interview, a reporter asked Wang Zelin: "Wang, do you feel that the Cavaliers have become stronger in the new season compared to last season? Or have they regressed?"
Wang Zelin said: "The Cavaliers have welcomed another big man, Royn Hibbert, this season, but I feel that he has not been fully integrated into the Cavaliers' tactical system. I hope that the Cavaliers can resist for a while longer when we meet next time." .”
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Everyone was not stupid. They heard the strangeness in Wang Zelin's words and laughed out loud.
Some reporters interviewed Tyronn Lue and asked: "Mr. Head Coach, what do you think is the reason for the Cavaliers' failure tonight?"
Tyronn Lue shook his head and sighed: "We still can't solve the Trail Blazers' defense, which is difficult. Not only the Kings, but the entire Trail Blazers' defense is too strong. Moreover, our perimeter efficiency is too low, and we cannot guard against the Trail Blazers. The player’s fast break was like this.”
"Can you tell me about TT? Is the reason why he gained weight specifically to deal with Wang?" Another reporter asked.
"That was my original plan, but obviously he is not good enough yet. We still underestimated the king too much!"
If you lose, you lose. Tyronn Lue did not quibble, but nodded calmly and admitted the failure of his defensive strategy.
"What do you want to say about Royce Hibbert's performance?"
"..." Tyronn Lue rolled his eyes, but after thinking about it, he still felt that he should be more patient with Hibernian, "Luo Yin is an important part of the team, and he is still indispensable in our championship plan this season."
…
In this game, because the Cavaliers did a lot of things during the offseason, the management, while ensuring that the core framework remained unchanged, also obtained some shooters and meat shield centers through transactions, just to ensure their competitiveness for the championship.
Therefore, the Cavaliers' tragic defeat received a lot of attention.
According to the ranking of winning chances among the media, the Cavaliers' winning chances are not low, with a full 38% chance, ranking third.
But after watching this game, they have become a joke.
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers' probability of winning has further increased, from 43% to 49%.
Of course, the Golden State Warriors, who have mentioned Durant's super weapon during the offseason, have all topped the list of the media's probability of winning the new season without exception, and are leading by a wide margin.
Their chance of winning is as high as... 63%!
This is a quite exaggerated chance of winning. It has been one of the best in the past ten or even twenty years.
You know, even if the Trail Blazers crushed the Cavaliers in the opening game and defeated their opponents unilaterally, their chances of winning the championship are still less than 50%.
It can also be seen from this that the sudden departure of a superstar in his prime will bring turmoil to the entire league.
Especially when he joined a super team that won 73 games last season!
Durant's reputation plummeted overnight, and it's not without reason.
After leaving the arena, Wang Zelin and Ken Dou drove home together.
Back home, the two hugged each other on the sofa to celebrate today's victory.
"I didn't expect that I won so lightly today. I didn't even exert much effort, and the knight fell down." Wang Zelin hugged Kendou and said with a smile.
"Okay, you know my husband is the best!" Ken Dou also said with a smile.
"Kendou, do you have any plans during this time?" Wang Zelin asked.
"Not yet, we have to wait until December." Kendou shook his head slightly, and then said with a smile, "Your new season has just started. I will follow you wherever you go in the next period."
"December? Is it your Victoria's Secret show?"
"Well! Don't forget to come over and support us when the time comes."
Wang Zelin laughed: "Don't worry, even if you break my leg that day, I will definitely come."
"Bah, bah, bah, don't talk nonsense."
Ken Dou quickly raised his head and covered Wang Zelin's mouth with his hand.
Their foreheads touched each other!
"What's the matter?"
"I'm hungry!"
Before Wang Zelin could finish speaking, Ken Dou, who felt like a burst of lava rolling through his heart, hugged his neck directly, and then sealed his mouth.
This smooth combo made Wang Zelin fall instantly.
Facts have proved that once a woman becomes astringent, she really has nothing to do with a man.
