If you think about it carefully, Wang Zelin has not played 30+ rebounds in a single game for two consecutive seasons in the regular season.
The game with the most rebounds last season was 36 points and 27 rebounds against the Spurs on January 3, 2016; the game with the most rebounds this season was 38 points and 29 rebounds against the Mosaics in mid-November.
It's time for the league's post players to once again feel the fear of being dominated by him around the basket.
Since the Trail Blazers intercepted Adams early that year, the absence of the forward in the Thunder team still had an impact on Westbrook.
Therefore, in order to maximize Westbrook's technical characteristics, the Thunder management actively strengthened him last summer.
After the free trade market opened in 2016, Raptors forward Bismack Biyombo officially jumped out of his existing contract and chose to become an unrestricted free agent.
After being ambiguous with many teams, he finally chose to settle in Oklahoma and reached a four-year contract extension worth 72 million yuan with the Thunder.
Among them, the 2019~20 season is a player option.
This season, Biyombo chose to wear the Thunder's No. 11 jersey for the 2016-17 season.
What to say about this deal?
For now, the Thunder are definitely not losing money.
Biyombo is a very typical African player. While his physical talent is explosive, his skills are extremely rough. However, he is always full of passion for the game on the court and always plays with a strong motivation. This flamboyant personality is his. a big label.
I remember that during the draft, many people believed that Biyombo was likely to become a combination of Serge Ibaka and Ben Wallace.
But after playing for several seasons, Biyombo's advantages and disadvantages remain unchanged. The advantage is that he has an amazing wingspan and excellent physical talent. He has excellent shot-blocking ability and is very strategic on the defensive end. He is often regarded as a basket player. 's patron saint.
The disadvantage is that the offense that has been polished for several years is still at the primary stage. The basic skills and techniques are very poor, and the footwork and offensive skills are almost non-existent. The only two ways to score are to eat cakes and to attack twice under the basket.
But you have to admit that Biyombo is indeed a good fit for the Thunder.
To be precise, it is very suitable for the technical characteristics and playing style of the current Thunder star Westbrook.
The intimidating Brook, who has transformed into a triple-double demon, is in urgent need of a forward with excellent rebounding ability. Biyombo's technical characteristics are a perfect fit.
Not to mention the playing style, both of them are models of passionate basketball. They are very easy to have fun on the court and can convey their passion to every teammate to the greatest extent.
And in terms of rebounding ability alone, Biyombo should be better than "Aquaman" Adams at the same time. Last season, he was only the 6th and 7th man in the Raptors, but he averaged 22 games per game. Efficiently grabbing 8 rebounds in 1 minute, this rebounding ability is really good.
At the same time, there is another Domitas Sabonis on the Thunder team.
That's right, this guy's dad is the original owner of a purple diamond superstar card that Wang Zelin drew before - "Roof of the World" Sabonis.
It's just that compared to his father, a Hall of Fame superstar, Sabonis's talent and upper limit are at least two levels behind.
However, his father's talent is there. No matter how talented Sabonis is, he can grow into an All-Star insider in the future.
This is also true.
In his previous life, after Sabonis was drafted by the Thunder, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and one assist per game. Later, he was regarded by the Thunder management as a small addition to the swap deal between George and Oladipo. Traded to the Pacers together.
But in the Pacers, Sabonis, who has been greatly cultivated, has grown rapidly every season. In the last year of his rookie contract, he has grown into a high-post support core averaging 18+12+5 per game, and has successfully become an All-Star. As a substitute, he was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
Using the theory of consequences, we can see that Detonator's talent for drafting is really amazing, as if he has opened his eyes; similarly, this time they still failed to retain this high-quality seedling, and after some training, they gave it away. Go to another team and become famous.
Although in the previous life, Detonator used Oladipo and Sabonis as bargaining chips to acquire Paul George, forming the Thunder's Big Three of Turtles + Pickled Peppers + Melon, and then... the entire team became the best player in rookie Mitchell's peak when he debuted. Good stepping stone.
Detonator said: Very sorry!
Goose City fans said: Every time I think about this incident, I can only hide in bed and cry secretly.
But it's different now, because there is no Adams in the Thunder team, so they can only choose to focus on cultivating Sabonis.
There is no need to worry about position and playing time. At the same time, Sabonis also got a detonator. The carefully cultivated Sabonis quickly transitioned from the European basketball system to the NBA basketball system. So far this season, he has been able to produce 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, which is better than in his previous life. He has made a lot of progress and is expected to be selected to the All-Rookie Team at the end of the season.
It is also with the help of Biyombo and Sabonis that Westbrook's rebounds per game are 1.3 higher than Wang Zelin's impression, reaching an astonishing average of 12.1 rebounds per game...
It's so different from him!
Don't forget, he is a point guard whose actual height may not be 1.9 meters, but he averaged 12.1 rebounds per game, ranking 8th in the season rebounding rankings!
Among the top 10 rebounders in the season, except for Westbrook, the other 9 players are all inside players.
The guard who is about 1.9 meters tall has accomplished such a feat. No wonder Thunder fans and Westbrook fans are touting his crazy triple-double per game, including the media, who want to praise him to the sky.
After the first quarter, although the Thunder trailed the Trail Blazers by 7 points, 22:29, this did not prevent Westbrook from playing another very beautiful data.
In a single quarter, he made 3 of 8, 0 of 2 three-pointers, and 3 of 3 free throws. He scored 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
If he continues to play at this pace, Westbrook is guaranteed to hit 35+15+10 tonight, another super triple-double.
However, how could Wang Zelin, who had just changed his mind, let him get his wish?
From now on, I will take care of all the rebounds in the game!
Looking at Thunder No. 0 who was chatting and laughing with his teammates on the opposite bench, Wang Zelin tilted the corner of his mouth, as if possessed by the Dragon King, revealing a confident and evil smile.
Immediately afterwards, he summoned his teammates around him, seeming to be deploying something.
In this regard, Coach Terry said that he had long been accustomed to it, so he put down the tactical board in his hand.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the two sides first sent out rotating lineups to compete.
In less than three minutes of play, the Blazers' rotation suppressed the Thunder's rotation in all aspects, and the point difference was quickly expanded to 15 points.
Seeing that the situation was not good, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan quickly called a timeout and replaced the main lineup.
The Trail Blazers took advantage of the situation, and coach Terry also sent out the starting five.
Starting shooting guard Will Barton has recently returned from injury. Coach Terry originally intended for him to lead the rotation and find his form, but what is unexpected is that he put in a very explosive performance.
In the first quarter of the game, Patton announced his strong return to the home fans with an alley-oop dunk and a breakthrough dunk. The team's final attack in the first quarter was also handed over to him, and he finally lived up to expectations and successfully hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In addition to free throws, Barton scored a team-high 9 points in the first quarter, plus 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal, which directly filled up the data table.
Who can fight with a sword and stand on horseback, but I am General Patton!
So when Button made an application to the coaching staff for more playing time before the start of the second quarter, Coach Terry hesitated for a while and finally decided to agree to him.
After the timeout, the Thunder attack first.
Sabonis Jr. served, and Westbrook advanced with the ball to form a 4-on-5 in the frontcourt.
With no one next to Wang Zelin, he once again went to the free throw line, leaving a huge gap behind him.
At this time, Ku Mamba suddenly ran back and cut into the paint from the left wing.
To pass or not to pass?
At this moment, Westbrook's heart trembled.
"pass!"
Seeing that Wang Zelin was still there motionless, he made up his mind and pushed the ball in with both hands.
Zelin immediately turned and pounced on the first step, then the second. The second step was a small step. After a slight adjustment, he jumped up and slapped Oladipo, who was also a hard-working brother.
We have a good friendship in private, but you actually want to dunk in front of me. This is not authentic.
"Bring it to you!"
With a loud shout, Wang Zelin used his strength for the second time and slapped the ball in Oladipo's hand onto the backboard and grabbed it.
"Returning to defense so quickly... Oh! Wang sent a brutal blood cap, and he successfully blocked Oladipo's attack!"
Charles Barkley on the commentary table exclaimed.
"Wang Zelin explains what it means to be bold in a skilled person! His unparalleled super-fast turn and explosive first step, coupled with terrifying bounce and divine block prediction, this is the confidence he dares to let go of the basketball. Westbrook and Ola Debo...they both fell into the trap!" Kenny Smith laughed.
Wang Zelin grabbed the rebound, turned around and ran quickly to the frontcourt, leaving Sabonis behind, creating a 5-on-3 situation.
He went to the basket and the Thunder were unstoppable.
Biyombo plays with passion, but he is definitely not stupid. His weight of just over 100 kilograms meets Wang Zelin, who weighs 140 kilograms. If he dares to give it a try, he will really... try and die. !
Taking a peek at the head coach Billy Donovan who stood up and roared crazily, Biyombo said an apology in his heart:
"I'm so pissed off, coach. It's not worth a trip to the ICU for just this little money!"
"boom!"
The Thunder's rim exploded.
The game continues with the Thunder attacking.
Lillard was thrown away by Westbrook, Saboni Jr. stepped forward to serve, and Westbrook slowly advanced with the ball.
In the frontcourt, the Thunder's Andre Roberson and Oladipo moved on the left and right wings.
After Oladipo was traded to the Thunder, his three-pointer production, attempts and shooting percentage have all reached career highs and cannot be left empty.
Robertson was selected by the Thunder in the first round of the 2013-14 season. Xue Yue is a pure old Thunder person. He is dedicated and trustworthy on the court and cannot be defended.
Wang Zelin defended Sabonis Jr. alone, and placed Sabonis Jr. two steps away near the right waist of the paint area.
Jokic followed Biyombo on the left side.
Why did I see Saboni's huge open opportunity, but he didn't dare to pass it this time.
At this time, Robertson moved quickly from left to right at the three-point line, trying to get rid of Batum.
Batum played the entire first quarter and only rested for two minutes in the second quarter. His physical reserves were not as good as Robertson's and he was left a little behind.
Westbrook saw this immediately and flicked the ball with one hand towards Robertson who ran to the right wing.
But Wang Zelin near the free throw line also saw this. He judged that Westbrook was likely to pass the ball to Robertson and immediately moved the perimeter.
As expected, when he saw Westbrook passing the ball, he immediately accelerated with all his strength and rushed to the right wing beyond the three-point line.
Robertson caught the ball and immediately went down, throwing away Batum again in disguise.
But when he reached outside the three-point line with the ball and prepared to jump the ball, Wang Zelin had already reached him in time.
Then, Batum followed up and formed a double team.
Robertson looked panicked, and the next moment, Wang Zelin saw the right moment and moved everything down with one hand...
"Snapped!"
Successful steal!
At this time, Barkley's voice sounded again: "Steal! Wang completed the steal! He passed the ball to Barton, who advanced with the ball and reached the frontcourt...boom ~ Blind Karaka!"
The Thunder's basket exploded again.
47:28, the Trail Blazers lead by 19 points!
One more goal, and the score between the two sides will break through the 20-point mark. Someone from the Thunder must step up to break the scoring drought.
At this time, a superstar ball is needed!
The Thunder succeeded. Westbrook accelerated like crazy as soon as he caught the ball, first gear, second gear, third gear, not only... he also had fourth gear!
Westbrook was like a wild horse, passing Lillard, Batum and Button one after another. Soon, he single-handedly reached the three-point line, and Wang Zelin was the only one standing under the basket.
Are you going to buckle it?
Countless fans showed their anticipation. They couldn't wait to see the first player in active service being dunked by Westbrook.
"Want to detain me? Come on then!"
Under the basket, Wang Zelin showed a provocative look towards Smile.
Just kidding, not even a thirty-year-old man could escape his block, let alone a mere turtle.
However, everyone got distracted!
After Westbrook reached the free throw line, he suddenly slammed on the brakes. Instead of continuing to break through, he made an emergency stop and performed a signature zombie jumper.
"Bang~swish!"
The basketball hits the board into the frame and the two points are valid.
"..."
Everyone's expressions suddenly became strange.
Damn it!
We all took off our pants, and this is what happened?
Aren't you Megatron?
Aren't you famous for dunking on all kinds of defensive heroes in actual combat?
Come on! What are you so cowardly about...
Wang Zelin, who was shrinking the penalty area, was also a little depressed. He didn't expect that Westbrook would hold back when he dunked at the last minute. It was rare that he didn't get the upper hand.
But I have to say that Westbrook's offensive choice is actually very wise. When no one is guarding, open shots and dunks are both two points. Why not choose a more secure offensive method?
Westbrook is returning recklessly, but he is not stupid. He understands that the team urgently needs to chase points at this time, and his desire to win restrains his desire to perform.
At this time, you should be cautious. If you make a hasty move, with the defensive pressure that Wang Zelin just showed, if you make a move yourself, the game may go far.
Emmm, tonight Wang Zelin met a Westbrook who ate lychees.
(End of chapter)
