On the court, Zhou Quan lay down for a while and then accepted a live interview with TNT TV station.
"Iron Fist, everyone said that your performance will decline in the playoffs, but you have performed more efficiently. What makes you so efficient?" the reporter asked.
"The team is in trouble tonight. I have to get closer to the basket and perform efficiently to help the team. This is the reason." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
The reason why he was so efficient tonight was because of the huge effort he put into his physical fitness. He kept pushing forward and getting up again after being knocked down. In addition, he did not hesitate to defend with physical strength and did not hesitate to get injured. Otherwise, how could he have performed like this?
The only regret is that he is more likely to make mistakes after entering the crowd. He probably did not meet the system's requirements for assist-to-turnover ratio, which needs to be made up for in the next series.
Back in the locker room, the team doctor massaged his calf and then soaked it in an ice bucket.
Others were not as tired as him, and were still very excited when they returned to the locker room, shouting, talking, and thinking about how to win the game in the second home game.
Indeed, being able to win even though it was so difficult today gave them great confidence.
Self-confidence has improved, which is a good thing, but Zhou Quan is not as optimistic as them.
Today, he has exhausted his physical fitness. It is almost unrealistic for him to perform like tonight in the G2 game. His physical fitness is only level 92.
But if the Assassins, Joe Dumars, and Rodman can step up, there is still hope for two consecutive victories, because in real terms, the Knicks will not be better than them, otherwise the rebound tonight The advantage was so huge, why did he lose instead?
"Iron Fist, these are your statistics for this game." Assistant coach Musk handed over a statistics table.
"Thanks."
Zhou Quan took it and looked at it.
Sure enough, the assist-to-turnover ratio was 2.5, which did not reach the excellent level of 3.
Chuck Daly talked to McCloskey outside for a while, then came in and began summarizing the game.
"Gentlemen, you played good defense tonight, which is worthy of praise. We played a stronger defensive performance than the Knicks. This is the most important reason why we won the game."
"I would also like to praise Iron Fist. You know why, it was our rookie point guard who performed at a superstar level, so we had a chance to win the game."
"I won't talk about the poor performance of some people. You must also have a sense of shame. I hope you can perform better in the next games and don't put the pressure on Iron Fist alone."
Having said this, he looked at the Assassins, then at Joe Dumars, and at Rodman.
These three guys, two main players and one important substitute, didn't perform well tonight, but everyone else performed well.
Although Joe Dumars scored 16 points and his shooting percentage was not low, he did not have a single rebound, no breakthrough, and no damage. He was very dissatisfied with Joe Dumars' performance today.
Joe Dumars' performance increased the pressure on Iron Fist. Although he won tonight, Iron Fist's excessive physical exertion will definitely affect his performance in the next game.
Next, the players began to take a shower, and Daley called Joe Dumars out, and the two began to communicate in the corridor outside.
"Joe, why don't you rush in tonight? That's what I ask of you." he asked seriously.
Joe Dumas said awkwardly: "Chuck, I don't have the breakthrough ability of Iron Fist."
Dai Li shook his head and said: "The inside line comes out to cover you. There is not completely no space inside. You can rush in. I know you have this ability.
So tell me what you think? Is it because we already have two championships and don’t want to fight anymore? You promised Iron Fist that everyone should work together, and you are still the leader of this team. "
"No, of course not."
Joe Dumars shook his head quickly and said helplessly: "Oakley and Ewing's defense is quite rough, especially Oakley's defense is fighting. Iron Fist was knocked down by him at least five times today. I am also older now." If he gets injured, he may be like Isiah and no longer be able to help the team."
A trace of sadness flashed in Chuck Daly's eyes. Once upon a time, as long as Laimbeer stood under the basket, who in the other teams in the league would dare to rush in?
And now, as the main shooting guard of the Bad Boys, Joe Dumars doesn't dare to attack the Knicks' basket.
After all, I have still lost my spirit. With two championships and an FMVP, I will no longer do everything for honor.
Look at Tekken, how much did you pay to win a G1 battle?
But he understands that this is the difference between the old and the new.
The G2 game is on the 25th. Now he only hopes that Zhou Quan's physical fitness can recover.
At this time, he suddenly discovered that although the nominal leader of the team was still Joe Dumas, the replacement of the old and the new had actually been completed, and Zhou Quan had become the most important person. Whether it was unintentionally or not, Joe Dumas Still intentional, the burden has been handed over to Zhou Quan.
But at this time, Joe Dumars said: "Jack, don't worry, I will work hard in the next games. I am really just afraid of getting injured and not being able to help the team. If you want me to increase breakthroughs, I can."
"That's good. But don't really get hurt. Without you, Iron Fist can't carry the piston now." Chuck Daly nodded with relief, and his mood improved.
"Coach Musk, are the results of those three games out?" In the locker room, Zhou Quan took a towel and was about to take a shower, then stopped and asked.
Rick Musk nodded and said: "The Green Team defeated the Pacers, 113:124, winning by 9 points."
Joe Dumas, who just came in, was surprised: "The score is so high, haven't they strengthened their defense?"
Musk laughed and said: "They all felt good today, and their shooting percentages actually exceeded 50%.
One thing they are similar to us tonight is that the Green Team grabbed 48 rebounds and the Pacers only had 24. The gap is even bigger than us. "
Zhou Quan and others couldn't help but laugh. After missing 24 rebounds, the Pacers were still able to score 113 points, which was indeed strong enough.
Musk added: "The Western Suns defeated the Spurs, 111:117, and the score was also very high. The Warriors lost to the SuperSonics, with a score of 117:109."
Defensive coach Lelo Wilt laughed: "The Warriors were third in the Western Conference and lost to the sixth-place SuperSonics. They had offense but no defense. The loss was not surprising at all."
"It seems that the game between us and the Knicks is the least interesting to watch." Zhou Quan complained and walked to the bathroom.
"No, Iron Fist, although the score of our game is low, it is not bad to watch. You can often pass some incredible balls, and you and others can often hit alley-oop dunks. There are always several times in a game. With the ball, our ratings for the regular season games are not bad.”
Joe Dumars followed in with a towel.
"Yeah?"
Zhou Quan became happy.
If the ratings are poor, there will be fewer live broadcasts across the United States, which will definitely affect him. Therefore, a team's style of play is also very important and must be entertaining, at least in the regular season.
An hour later, the post-match press conference was held.
In the Knicks press conference hall, reporters were very enthusiastic about asking questions.
"Coach Riley, what was the reason for losing today?" a reporter from the New York Daily News asked.
Riley said seriously: "There are many reasons, the most important are three points.
First, the Pistons played a strong overall defense, which prevented us from playing an efficient offense.
Second, we suffered a disadvantage at position 1 and were unable to organize an offense.
Third, our own defense did not do its best. The most typical example is that we did not successfully limit Tie Fist's performance on the offensive end. He frequently went to the paint area, caused damage, assisted, and scored by himself, which posed a huge threat to us. .
Finally, coupled with too many turnovers, these combined made our offense a mess. Even with a huge advantage in rebounding, we could not win the game. "
"What changes do you think should be made in the next game to achieve an away victory?" the reporter asked.
Pat Riley said: "There are not many ways. The Pistons are so strong. They are the strongest defensive team in the league, so it is possible for him to beat us and for us to beat him.
My approach is to maintain our strengths while improving our weaknesses.
To be precise, it means strengthening our defense, preventing our opponents from attacking our penalty area, and continuing to maintain our advantage in rebounding. "
"Patrick, are you satisfied with your performance today?" A reporter asked Ewing.
Ewing hated reporters the most. When he heard this question, a look of impatience flashed in his eyes.
He had a dull face as if hesitating, tilted his head and thought for a while, then smacked his lips as if he was organizing his words, and finally said expressionlessly: "I will work harder."
That's it? Did you think about this for two minutes? The reporters below were speechless.
The atmosphere on the Pistons' side is much better than that on the Knicks' side.
"Iron Fist, your performance tonight has shattered those who said your performance will decline in the playoffs. What do you want to say most at this moment?" a reporter asked.
"The team's victory is the best thing tonight, personal statistics are not important."
After Zhou Quan said these lofty words, he felt that his image became a little more majestic.
But isn’t it a bit hypocritical? For system tasks, he still attaches great importance to personal data.
"Pa bang bang..."
Applause broke out at the scene, with Pistons general manager McCloskey leading the applause.
He was becoming more and more fond of the young man he had chosen. Today, Iron Fist's breakthroughs again and again made him seem to see the sharpness that the assassin at his peak had that could pierce through everything.
"Iron Fist, can you still perform like tonight in the next series?" a reporter asked again.
Zhou Quan told the truth: “I am only responsible for playing the ball with my best, and the result is something that God can decide.
Well, God, you can understand it as your God. "
"Troy?"
McCloskey called his assistant Weaver out of the press conference hall, went to a secluded area and said, "Troy, are you ready?"
Weaver was confused. Old man, what are you preparing for? You don't want to fire me, do you? I've been following you for so many years, you can't be so heartless, right?
McCloskey sighed and said: "Troy, you have performed well over the years. Now my energy is a little low and I am ready to retire. I plan to recommend you to my boss to take my seat."
"What?"
Weaver felt a huge piece of pie hit his head, causing stars to pop out from his head. He quickly shook off the dizziness and said with a look of reluctance: "Sir, I think you can do it again." ten years."
"Do you really think so?"
Smiling, McCloskey looked at Weaver playfully.
Weaver wanted to give himself a slap in the face, and said sincerely: "Sir, you are 66 years old. I think it is a good idea to retire now and return to your family. I also hope to live a comfortable retirement life at your age. Like a trip around the world? That would be awesome!”
"Good advice."
McCloskey nodded, with a nostalgic look on his face. Although he looked at Weaver, his eyes were not on his face. He murmured: "I have spent 13 years since I became the general manager of the Pistons in 1979. Time, these thirteen years, I am very satisfied with all the decisions I have made."
At this point, his attention returned to Weaver's face and said seriously: "Troy, I selected Isiah in 1981. He brought two championship trophies to the Pistons. That was an extremely correct decision. Decide.
Last year, I chose Iron Fist, and I now also think that it will be an extremely correct decision, you know what I mean? "
Weaver paused in his heart and nodded quickly: "Yes, sir, I think so too."
"so what?"
McCloskey said, staring at Weaver.
Weaver's thoughts were changing instantly and he quickly said: "Sir, if you really let me take over the position of general manager, I will continue your team building ideas and create a competitive championship level with Iron Fist as the core. line-up."
McCloskey nodded and sighed secretly in his heart. He said this now, but he actually couldn't control what Weaver would do in the future.
He still knows Weaver's abilities very well. This is the best successor he can find at present. Moreover, he has trained him single-handedly. He is also an old man of the Pistons and is worthy of trust.
But everyone has different ideas. Weaver will definitely form his own ideas for team building in the future. What will be the fate of the Pistons in the future? Whether Tekken can have the same status under Weaver as the Assassin under him, he cannot guarantee .
"What do you think of this first-round series?" he asked again.
Weaver hesitated for a moment and then said: "It's very difficult, but it's not impossible. We should be stronger than them.
In the main lineup, they only have one Ewing and do not have a strong second or third scoring point. They rely too much on Ewing. As long as we limit Ewing, we will have a chance.
Our main lineup has three main scoring points: Iron Fist, Joe Dumars, and Ulrich. In fact, our offense is stronger with the main lineup.
The problem is that Ulrich's dunk style of play is more suitable for the regular season. He only scored 10 points tonight. At the same time, the performance of the Iron Fist also determines Ulrich's performance, while Joe Dumars only makes jump shots from the outside and lacks Lethality, so whether the main lineup can take advantage depends on Iron Fist. "
McCloskey nodded, pleased that Weaver recognized the importance of the Iron Fist.
"It was too difficult to win tonight. I hope Isiah and Dennis can come back in shape so we can be more confident," Weaver said.
The conversation between the two ended here. McCloskey was old and went home to rest. Weaver continued to stay and take charge of the work.
…
The game ended at half past ten. When Zhou Quan drove away from the Palace of Auburn Hills, it was already close to one o'clock, nearly ninety kilometers away. It was already past two o'clock in the morning when he got home.
He ate something in the dressing room and went to bed when he got home. When he was woken up by the ringing of the phone, it was already broad daylight. He picked up the watch on the bedside table and it read ten o'clock. He had slept for more than seven hours.
"Who's calling so early?"
Wiping his eyes, he grabbed the extension phone that was still ringing above the bed and said casually: "Hello, this is Zhou Quan."
"Hello, I'm Zhou Ye, hehe, big brother..."
A girl's charming voice came from the phone, which cheered up Zhou Quan's spirits. He wiped away any lingering sleepiness, and said with a smile, "It turns out to be our little Ye Zi. Are you calling my eldest brother at this time?"
At this time, it was already eleven o'clock in the evening in China, and there was a thirteen-hour time difference between Detroit and China, which meant that Zhou Ye's words came with a smile, otherwise he would have suspected that something happened at home.
"Hehe, dad said you were playing in some playoff game, and mom didn't let me call you. I waited for them to go to bed, and then I called you quietly. I calculated the time difference, and it should be ten o'clock in the morning at your place. Brother didn't make any noise. You?" Zhou Ye smiled.
He could hear that his sister lowered her voice, and he quickly said: "No, no, I'm already up. Little Ye Zi, if you stay up so late, won't it affect class tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is Saturday. I'm good at my homework. Double hundred points. It doesn't matter. Brother, I miss you. When will you come back?"
"Brother will be back soon. It's almost time. You should go home before your summer vacation."
"Yeah!"
Zhou Ye cheered and shouted: "Brother, I told my classmates that you are very good at basketball, but they didn't believe it. When you come back, let them take a good look...ah, that's bad!"
Zhou Ye's exclamation sounded on the other end of the phone, and then his mother Lin Yufen's complaining voice sounded: "Little Ye Zi, you secretly called your elder brother in the middle of the night? You are getting bolder and bolder!"
"Brother, I'm dead!"
There was a beep and the phone was hung up.
Zhou Ye was stunned for a moment, this little girl was afraid she was going to be punished.
His second brother, Zhou Jun, was four years younger than him. He was born in 1976 and was about to graduate from junior high school. He was more introverted than him and his academic performance was average.
His younger sister, Zhou Ye, is nine years younger than him and is only in the third grade of elementary school. She was born in 1981 just before the family planning was fully implemented. She is very smart and lively.
Their family is a half household, that is, their father has an urban registered permanent residence, and their mother has a rural registered permanent residence. The children follow their mother. The three brothers and sisters all have rural registered permanent residence and can only study in their hometown.
He grew up in his rural hometown in Changde, where he attended primary school and junior high school. The same goes for his second brother, who attended primary school there for three years.
In those years, my mother took care of the three brothers in my hometown, while my father worked alone in Changsha and could only return home once a month.
My mother is very busy at home alone and has a lot of work in the fields. Most of the time, he takes care of his younger siblings. The three siblings have a very good relationship.
The year he graduated from junior high school, that is, 1986, he happened to be 14 years old, his second brother was 10 years old, and his younger sister was only 5 years old. My father tried every means, broke up all possible relationships, gave many gifts, and finally gave birth to my mother. The household registrations of their siblings were transferred to Changsha, so they could follow their father to Changsha and reunite as a family.
These two younger siblings, who had grown up following him, liked him very much. Before returning home, I had to prepare some gifts for them.
Thinking of this, he suddenly thought of another thing. He was going back to China soon and he didn't have a car at home. Should he buy a car and take it back?
There are not many car models in China at present, and there is no choice. The only good one is Santana, which is said to be too expensive. Buying a car in China is not to his liking.
However, there should be no policy for individuals to import cars in China. There is a tax-free policy for international students, but that also means buying domestically produced cars in China and not abroad.
(End of chapter)
