At noon, Zhou Quan came to the headquarters and conducted the final training with his teammates before the G1 game.
"Iron Fist, the league will officially award you the Best Rookie Trophy before the G1 game." After he arrived, General Manager McCloskey's assistant Troy came over to inform him.
"That's great!"
He was in a very good mood after receiving the first official personal honor of his career.
But not long after, his mood worsened again.
"Ouch!"
At around three o'clock, during a training match, while fighting for rebounds, Rodman and John Salley collided and fell to the ground unable to get up.
"Dennis?"
Everyone in the training hall was stunned. At this critical moment, if Rodman, who already had injury problems, worsened his injuries, the team would be in danger.
Team doctor Neville ran over to check on Rodman. It was still the same problem. He had an old knee injury and sprained it again.
"Deal with it immediately."
Chuck Daly looked extremely ugly.
If Rodman can't play, it will be really bad. The Pistons rely on him for rebounding and interior defense. Without the big bug, there will be big problems in rebounding and interior defense.
Zhou Quan is also very angry. If the team cannot pass the first round, he will be in trouble.
At 6:30 p.m., he drove his pickup truck to the Palace of Auburn Hills. As soon as he got out of the car, a group of reporters ran over.
"Iron Fist, you and Larry Johnson share the Rookie of the Year award. This is the second time in the history of the league, but the mainstream media recognizes Larry Johnson more. So do you think there is an inside story in the selection of the Rookie of the Year?" a Miami Daily reporter asked road.
"I'm just a player. I don't know what the inside story is. I'm sure you don't know either. And I don't support conspiracy theories." Zhou Quan said.
The first reporter retreated, and the second reporter came back and asked, "Iron Fist, do you think you deserve to be named Rookie of the Year?"
Zhou Quan said very bluntly: "My data is there, and our record is also there. If you think that I am not worthy of the new best rookie, then I will not agree with you.
If you choose Larry Johnson, I respect your choice and it's your freedom, but I think I'm also the best one. "
"Iron Fist, congratulations."
"Thanks!"
Several local reporters pushed several foreign reporters outside, and the interview atmosphere immediately improved.
After spending more than ten minutes dealing with reporters, I came to the locker room, where most of my teammates were already there.
He observed it and found that the atmosphere was good, not relaxed, but slightly tense and prepared for war, without panic.
After all, this is the Pistons. Starting from the 1983/84 season, they have reached the playoffs for nine consecutive years and the Eastern Conference Finals five times, including two consecutive championships. They have been one of the most popular teams in the Eastern Conference in the past ten years. The Eastern Conference, that is, the Green Team is comparable, and the Bulls are also below it.
This is a team with extremely rich playoff experience. Even though a lot of players have changed, the Assassins and veterans such as Joe Dumars, Rodman, and John Salley are all there, so there will be no lack of experience. The atmosphere is relatively good.
"Hey, Iron Fist." Thomas greeted as he was massaging his lower limbs.
"Isiah, how is your physical condition?" Zhou Quan walked to the massage table.
"It's not bad. If you exert your full strength for twenty minutes, it shouldn't be a problem." The assassin hesitated for a moment and then said.
"That's good."
Zhou Quan's heart skipped a beat. For someone as strong as the assassin, his tone was so hesitant, which meant he was not sure at all.
Coupled with Rodman's problem, is there really going to be a problem in this first-round series?
At this time, Chuck Daly walked in. Hearing what the two said, he also heard some meaning beyond the words. He reluctantly smiled and said: "Isiah, this is good news."
He actually has some idea of the Assassins' status. In last season's playoffs, although the team was swept out by the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, everything was traceable.
Because the Assassin's form declined drastically last season, he only averaged 33.5 minutes per game in the playoffs, averaging only 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1 steal per game, and his shooting percentage was only 40.3%.
This data is much worse than the playoff performance in the 1990 championship. In the 1990 playoffs, he averaged 38 minutes per game, 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 46.3%.
The injury problem has become more serious this season. In the last battle at Auburn Hills, injuries have been added to the injury, and the state has dropped to another level, so he actually has no confidence in the performance of the Assassins.
This can be proven by the performance of the Assassins in the regular season.
In the regular season this season, the Assassins only played 42 games in total, averaging 18.1 minutes per game and scoring only 9.1 points and 4.2 assists. In particular, their shooting rate was only 41.5%, and their offensive efficiency was not as good as Iron Fist.
At this time, the remaining players also arrived. Chuck Daly closed the door to the locker room and began to conduct the final combat analysis before the game.
He thought of the assassin's state, so he said: "Everyone remember that the Knicks' bench is very strong. There are several players, and the thickness of the bench is among the best in the league. This is also a very strong part of the Knicks. We You must be careful and never underestimate them.”
Rick Mask, the assistant coach in charge of offense, continued: "John Starks is the Knicks' second scoring point, averaging 13.9 points in 26 minutes per game. He is the strongest offensive point among the bench lineup and has strong offensive power.
In addition, Anthony Mason and veteran Vandeweghe can each average 7 points per game. These three people can average 28 points per game on the bench.
The Knicks averaged 101.6 points per game this season. The five main players averaged 67.6 points per game. The bench averaged 34 points per game, accounting for 33.5% of the team's total points. This ratio is only slightly lower than ours, which shows that the Knicks' bench lineup is no worse than ours. "
Ray Lowells, the assistant coach in charge of defense, continued: "But our substitute lineup is better. Assassin and Mark Aguirre, one of you was the second pick in 1981, and the other was the No. 1 pick in 1981. I believe you can take advantage of it." to the advantage.”
Chuck Daly shook his head secretly. Wells' ability was okay, but he was a bit slow, but this sentence did not hurt morale.
He nodded and said: "In the regular season, Isiah averaged 10 points per game and Mark Aguirre averaged 11 points per game. The two of you can contribute 21 points together. Together with other substitutes, our substitute lineup can average 11 points per game." 38 points, accounting for 36% of the team's scores.
If Isiah's performance in the playoffs...can be like this, then we should be able to compete with the Knicks' bench. "
At this point, he considered that there might be problems with the performance of the Assassins, so he couldn't help but warned again very seriously: "I remind you again, don't be fooled by the Knicks' regular season ranking of sixth in the Eastern Conference. They are very strong and not as good as us." weak."
"yes."
The locker room shouted in unison.
Daley secretly sighed. The Assassins may have a problem here, but after all, it is just a substitute lineup, but Rodman's problem is really a big trouble.
"Neville, can Dennis play?" he asked the team doctor.
Neville was giving Rodman a massage and hesitantly said: "You can play after being knocked down, but the time cannot exceed 30 minutes, and the playing time must be separated and cannot be played continuously.
In addition, if you want him to recover faster, it is best to control the time to 25 minutes. Moreover, his state..."
At this point, he stopped talking.
Daly and everyone understand that tonight the team will face huge difficulties.
…
The series was broadcast nationally on TNT, with commentators Robert Guida and Ringo Wilson.
The game officially starts at 8:30, and the TNT live broadcast starts at 8:00. This is also the time when both sides announce the starting lineup.
Knicks: Ewing, Oakley, McDaniel, Gerald Wilkins, Mark Jackson
Pistons: John Salley, Rodman, Orlando Ulrich, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan
Robert Guida said: "There are four first-round games tonight, ours in the East, and the Celtics and Pacers. Their game just started, half an hour earlier than ours."
Ringo Wilson said: "The Western Conference is the Suns versus the Spurs, and the Warriors versus the SuperSonics. Robert, what do you think of tonight's game, or maybe this series, I mean our side?"
"The battle between the strong and the strong."
Robert Guida said seriously: "I think neither the Pistons nor the Knicks are sure. They have to do everything they can to have a chance to eliminate their opponents and advance to the first round. I even think that this series is likely to have to be played Five games full.”
Ringo Wilson nodded and said: "For some reasons, the relationship between the two teams is very bad. They have become mortal enemies and they are the same type of defensive teams. This series should be very intense."
Robert Guida suddenly smiled and said: "Linge, do you think there will be a conflict on the field?"
Ringo Wilson shook his head and said: "I can't tell. The Knicks have Oakley, one of the four villains. Anthony Mason also seems to have a hot temper. In one season in the Knicks, the number of fights is no less than that of Iron Fist, and Iron Fist now also has The title of Detroit Killer King.”
"Pfft!"
Robert Guida laughed and laughed for a long time before saying: "I heard that Iron Fist doesn't like this nickname. Let's talk less. This is his home court. What if he comes here if we talk too much?"
Ringo Wilson laughed and said: "Haha, okay, let's stop talking about the Detroit Slayer King."
"Look, you said it again."
"Ha ha……"
…
Far away in Chicago, Jordan turned on the TV. When choosing a channel, he didn't think twice and tuned to the TNT channel.
He believes that in the Eastern Conference, in addition to the Pistons, there are also teams such as the Cavaliers, Knicks, and Green Team that can threaten the Bulls, and they all need to be paid attention to.
But compared to another game tonight between the Green Team and the Pacers, he is more concerned about the battle between the Knicks and the Pistons.
The Knicks have a super center, his good friend, Patrick Ewing, but the Bulls' inside strength is obviously not as good as the Knicks.
As for the Pistons, Iron Fist at the No. 1 position, the Bulls have no point guard to deal with. This is a flaw in the Bulls lineup. Even at the No. 1 position, Iron Fist can get a mismatch advantage.
In other words, facing these two teams, the Bulls have lineup weaknesses, so they must focus on them.
Especially the Pistons, he will never allow this team to turn around again.
"Eastern Finals!"
If the Pistons can reach the Eastern Conference Finals, he must do his best and even try to sweep the Pistons.
If we can sweep the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals again, then we should be able to completely defeat the Pistons' will to fight, right?
…
At this time, the ten starting players had arrived in the player tunnel of the Palace of Auburn Hills, each standing on one side.
Oakley stood at the front, he was the first to appear, and opposite him happened to be Zhou Quan.
He stared at Zhou Quan fiercely, as if looking at the enemy who killed his father, but said nothing, as if he wanted to suppress the opponent with his momentum.
Zhou Quan had gentle eyes and a gentle smile. With 99 levels of mental willpower, he could ignore no matter how great the pressure was. He smiled and said: "Charles, I heard that you slapped Pippen in the face and then was traded to the Bulls? "
Oakley was startled, what year was this old joke?
I was just kidding with Pippen. Are you crazy? I hit my teammates and thought I was Michael Jordan?
"Rookie, do you want to find trouble?"
Gritting his teeth, he spat out this sentence.
Zhou Quan shook his head and said with a smile: "So what if I find trouble with you?"
Oakley was startled. He saw Zhou Quan shaking his head, thinking that this rookie would not provoke him, but he didn't know that what he said was exactly the opposite, so he didn't react for a moment.
"Pfft!"
Rodman, Selley and others were already laughing.
Oakley was furious and lost all dignity. He took a step forward and shouted in front of Zhou Quan, "Boy, do you want to have a fight first?"
Zhou Quan chuckled and said: "We agreed last time that your agent would contact my agent and we would make an appointment, but there has been no news for so long. Have you forgotten? The postman and the aunt are much more comfortable than you. I I’ve already made an appointment with them for the two games.”
Oakley cursed in his heart, Fake oil, I beat you and made an appointment earlier. The postman and Larry Johnson, that rookie, are both fools. Do you think I am fool too?
Seeing Oakley's red, black face, Zhou Quan suddenly laughed.
The reason why he provoked Oakley was because Oakley is the spiritual leader of the Knicks. As long as he suppresses his momentum, he can achieve the purpose of suppressing the morale of his opponent.
The psychological war between them had already begun before the game started.
"Fight him as long as he wants, kid, you can choose the time and place." Oakley roared angrily.
"The postman chose the professional boxer rules, and I agreed to him. For you, I suggest you choose the amateur boxer rules. Protective gear and more protective rules can protect your safety." Zhou Quan smiled.
"You bastard, I also choose professional rules."
How could Oakley show weakness? He immediately shouted angrily.
"Get away!"
When the away team came on the scene, he pushed Zhou Quan away and ran outside.
"boom!"
Facing the Knicks, the Pistons fans showed no mercy and cursed and booed as much as they wanted. The huge palace of Auburn Hills was like an evil dragon resurrected, roaring crazily.
Ewing was the last one to play. After he went out, Zhou Quan said loudly: "This super center's presence is really low."
"Patrick is like this, he doesn't talk much," Joe Dumars yelled.
“His presence is on the field.”
Zhou Quan nodded and said: "John, Dennis, you must go all out tonight, don't let Ewing easily get close to the basket and score, and try to keep him out of the paint area."
"Understood." The two shouted at the same time.
As the home team came on the field, the Palace of Auburn Hills erupted with overwhelming cheers and thunderous applause.
Five people including Zhou Quan came on stage one after another, high-fiving the fans, high-fiving the substitutes such as the Assassins and the management before entering the stadium.
"Go ahead, Detroit Pistons, kill the Knicks!"
In the commentary box, bearded John Lowes roared excitedly.
"Oh ho ho ho ho..."
As he shouted, the Palace of Auburn Hills once again erupted into loud shouts. A strong hormonal atmosphere filled the arena, and everyone's adrenaline was already bursting.
With the shouts of 20,000 people, everyone's ears have lost their hearing. Anyone facing this kind of scene will be instantly crushed by the pressure as long as their psychological quality is not up to standard.
Zhou Quan's body was trembling slightly. This was not nervousness or fear, but an overexcited reaction caused by the burst of adrenaline.
Although this kind of scene is big, he is not inexperienced. In his two years in the NCAA, there were many similar big scenes, which also trained his psychological quality to withstand pressure.
But for him, the playoffs are the real test.
He can be regarded as the last person to bury the Bad Boys. If he performs garbage in the most critical playoffs, or cannot even make it past the first round, then he will definitely be questioned by fans.
Although the nominal leader of the current Pistons team is Joe Dumars, everyone knows his status in this team, so he must take responsibility and cannot use the excuse that I am a rookie and losing has nothing to do with me. To shirk responsibility.
Next, an official sent by the league presented him with the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy, the best rookie trophy.
In the TNT commentary box, Robert Guida said with a smile: "This is the Detroit Pistons' first ROY. Congratulations to the Iron Fist and the Pistons."
"Tekken's luck is really good. This thing is the fairest. Each player only has one chance to get it. If he loses it, he will never have the chance. The only flaw is that this time it is a double-packed egg, which has a low gold content. ” Ringo Wilson said with a smile.
Glancing at his partner, Robert Guida smiled and did not answer the question, but cursed in his heart: "Linge, this is the rookie's highlight moment, so don't say such derogatory words."
"Pa bang bang..."
At the scene, Zhou Quan happily raised the trophy to the audience. Warm applause erupted from the Palace of Auburn Hills, and countless fans stood up to applaud and cheer for him.
"Crack, click, click..."
Media reporters took a bunch of photos.
Returning to the bench, he collected himself and began to prepare for the game.
"Come here."
Before going on the court, Zhou Quan called all his teammates together, pulled Assassin and Joe Dumars beside him, and shouted to everyone:
"Listen, brothers, we must have our own spirit and belief. We must have it. We must have it. Without our own spiritual belief, we will lose our energy and fighting spirit, and we will continue to struggle in the quagmire."
Everyone nodded, and he shouted again: "Shout after me, we are tenacious, tough, iron-blooded, and we are fearless!"
"We are tenacious, tough, iron-blooded, and we are fearless!"
Under the leadership of Zhou Quan, all Pistons players stood together and loudly shouted out the spirit and belief of the Detroit Pistons.
"We are tenacious, tough, iron-blooded, and we are fearless!"
Countless Pistons fans also began to shout together, the momentum became more and more loud, and gradually became earth-shattering. The momentum of the home court had reached an extreme before the start of the game.
"Victory! Victory! Victory..."
On the other end, under the strong pressure of the Pistons at home, the Knicks, led by Oakley, also shouted their slogan.
(End of chapter)
