The 4th is the day when the league announces the regular season MVP.
Many media have predicted that Jordan has a high chance of winning the championship, and he has always been at the top of the official MVP rankings.
As a result, as the media expected, Jordan won the MVP, the highest regular season honor, for the third time and for the second consecutive year.
Zhou Quan only paid attention to Jordan's shooting percentage in the regular season, which was as high as 51.9%, which was much higher than him. Even after one season, he was still far away from Jordan.
This kind of shooting rate is even higher than the shooting rate of super center Olajuwon this season. Dream is only 50.8%, Ewing is 52.2, and David Robinson is 55.1%. As a shooting guard, this shows the possibility of Jordan. .
But what’s even more frightening is that in the first round series that just passed, Jordan shot as high as 60.9%, averaged 40.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3.7 turnovers and 3.3 fouls per game, and averaged 10.7 free throws per game. The true shooting rate is 66.8%, which is really disappointing.
Even if his mental willpower is at full level 99, when faced with this data, he still has a jaw-dropping feeling. He simply cannot believe that this is a data that a person can produce. Even super center Patrick Ewing is far behind Jordan. , this is data that only God can produce.
In the first round of the series, Jordan did not shoot a single three-pointer. All were breakthroughs and mid-range shots. He averaged 10.7 free throws per game. It was simply a breakthrough, and the Heat's interior defense was useless.
At this time, he also understood why Larry Bird admired Michael Jordan so much and said that he had the opportunity to create an era.
Now Jordan, regardless of physical fitness, experience, technology, control, willpower, and desire to win, should have reached the peak state.
In other words, the current Jordan is a being who meets gods and kills gods and meets demons. Even if he meets a peak bird or a magician, he can probably be defeated in a personal contest.
Now he and Jordan are sworn enemies, truly irresolvable sworn enemies. It is possible for Jordan to resolve the issue with the assassin, but he will never resolve it with him.
Facing such a mortal enemy, facing Jordan at his peak, to what height must he raise his strength to match him?
The tremendous pressure enveloped his body, causing a dense layer of goosebumps to appear on his skin. Adrenaline rushed wildly, and the excitement made him breathe heavily, and he actually felt a bloodthirsty impulse.
After the MVP is announced, all the regular season honors this season have been announced, leaving only the best team and the best defensive team. The former is divided into the first, second and third teams, and the latter is divided into the first and second teams, which will be announced after the second round. .
Each lineup is divided into one center, two forwards, and two defenders.
Both of these are hard honors. Even if you are in the second or third team, it means that you are one of the best performers in the league at that position.
In terms of the best team, it is difficult for Zhou Quan to be selected because his offensive efficiency is low.
He is most likely to be selected for the All-Defensive Team. Not to mention the first team, there is hope for the second team.
But among guards, there are many strong competitors such as Joe Dumars, John Stockton, Jordan, etc., and they are all very good defensive guards.
There are two positions for defenders, and the four defenders with the strongest defense will be selected. He does have a chance to be selected.
However, this was selected by sports reporters and television commentators in the United States and Canada. It is difficult to say what the final result will be.
…
On the 5th, the Pistons flew to Cleveland.
This city is a county seat, the second largest city in Ohio, the largest metropolitan area in Ohio, the 45th largest city in the United States, and the 28th largest metropolitan area.
Cleveland is not small in terms of metropolitan area. The metropolitan area has a population of more than 2 million, but the urban population is only close to 500,000, which is smaller than the current urban population of Detroit.
Cleveland, like Detroit, is also a heavy industrial city. It was once the manufacturing center of the United States. It has the same fate as Detroit. With the industrial decline in the United States, the urban population continues to lose, the middle class decreases, the city becomes suburbanized, and the urban economy begins to Transformation to finance, insurance and medical care.
The Cavaliers joined the league in 1970, which is very early, and it has been 22 seasons. However, due to the city's economy, the ball market is not good, and the results are not improving. Counting this season, they have only made the playoffs in 8 seasons.
This season is the first time the Cavaliers have won 50 games in the regular season since the team was founded. It is the Cavaliers' best season. They are determined to make progress and hope to defeat the Pistons and taste the Eastern Conference Finals.
A heavy industrial city, like Detroit, everything is old industrial facilities, nothing interesting to see. After the Pistons checked into the hotel, everyone stayed in the hotel and did not go out.
That night, the second round started.
Zhou Quan and the others opened a large private room in the hotel bar, got some food and drinks, and everyone watched the game together.
I originally thought that Big Bird would appear, but it turned out that he did not. Larry Bird was sitting on the bench in a suit and was not even included in the twelve-man roster.
"I guess Big Bird won't play in this series." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
"Why? Is it an injury or other reasons?" the assassin asked.
Zhou Quan laughed and said: "Big Bird has an advantage against Jordan. He has been suppressing Jordan in the playoffs and even swept Jordan. He has not been defeated by Jordan in the playoffs. If he wants to maintain this record, he must It’s better not to fight.”
Joe Dumas said in surprise: "If this is the case, the Green Team will definitely lose. I think if his injury does not affect his performance, he should be able to play. He will not sit back and watch the team be eliminated."
Zhou Quan laughed and said: "His injury is so serious, even if he comes back and adds him, the Green Team will have difficulty beating Jordan's Bulls.
It's also possible, I guess the green team won't let him play either. Being eliminated by the Bulls is completely different from being eliminated by other teams.
Jordan is a person who he believes has the opportunity to create an era. He himself is about to retire. When the two eras are handed over, if he loses to Jordan before retiring, it will not be conducive to the evaluation of his career.
If he does not play, even if Jordan plays an era, it will not affect his evaluation, because Jordan has never defeated him, only his history of sweeping Jordan, he is still one of the greatest superstars to create an era.
If he plays, Jordan will definitely want to sweep him, I can't be wrong about that. "
The assassin's face suddenly turned ugly, because Zhou Quan's words reached his heart, and he encountered the situation Zhou Quan said.
He led the Bad Boy Legion to complete two consecutive championships. The Bad Boy Legion can also be called a small era, but it was swept by Jordan last year, which directly caused the historical evaluation of his career to plummet.
"such a pity!"
At this time, he only hated the 1988 Finals. An accidental injury caused him to lose the championship, which actually made him miss the opportunity to win three consecutive championships.
If he can complete three consecutive championships, let alone Jordan, even the Magic Birds will have to stay under him. His bad boy army can definitely replace the Magic Birds era and become a unique era, and his historical status will be Will soar into the sky and become the king of the era.
At this time in Chicago's United Center, Jordan saw Big Bird wearing a suit and was very sorry. What a pity.
He walked towards Big Bird and said while hugging him: "Larry, are you really injured and can't play?"
Larry Bird chuckled and said, "Michael, I know what you want to do."
Jordan sneered and said, "Are you scared?"
Larry Bird chuckled and said: "Michael, you have never had a chance to beat me for so many years. Now that I am old and injured, you are no longer qualified to say such things to me, and you will never have a chance to defeat me.
In the history of the NBA, there will always be a history of me defeating you, and there will never be a history of you defeating me. This is the reality.
You want to step on my era to create your era, step on me to become the king of this era, it is absolutely impossible. You didn't seize the opportunity before, but I won't give you the chance now.
Even if you create your own era, it will be your turn after my era ends, not when you defeat my era. "
"you?"
Jordan was speechless, and the regret and unwillingness in his heart instantly expanded tenfold.
Yes, he knew that Larry Bird was right. When Larry Bird could still play, he could not beat the opponent. Now that Larry Bird is old and injured, and the Green Team's lineup is also seriously aging, he indeed has no He is qualified to say that Big Bird is afraid of him.
Fortunately, the only person who comforted him was the other half of the Magic Bird era, Magic Johnson. He seized the opportunity and defeated the opponent in last year's finals.
If he hadn't won last year, he wouldn't have had a chance to beat Magic.
In this game, Jordan finally led the Bulls to defeat the Green Team. With strong unwillingness, he scored 51 points alone.
In another game, the Trail Blazers defeated the Suns with a score of 111:113 and only won by two points.
"The Suns are very strong!"
Far away in Philadelphia, Barkley murmured a little excitedly.
The reason why he is excited is because he recently received news from his agent that the management is in contact with the Suns, and maybe he will be traded to the Suns.
Black Lightning Kevin Johnson is in his prime and is a top point guard who can compete with Magic. If they can join forces, he can complement the Suns' inferior inside line and have a good chance of realizing the career dream of a championship.
…
On the afternoon of the 6th, the Pistons came to Gund Arena for training.
The Assassin's training status is good and his injuries are not bad, which is good news.
However, due to Rodman's repeated injuries, his training status is average, which is bad news.
At night, Gund Arena.
This arena can accommodate 20,000 people, and it is already full of fans. Although the market is not good, there are many people watching the game, but the ticket price has not gone up and it is very cheap.
At 7:30, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Cavaliers: Brad Doherty, Larry Nance, Mike Sanders, Craig Elu, Mark Price
Pistons: John Salley, Dennis Rodman, Orlando Ulrich, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan
This game was broadcast live nationwide by ESPN, and the commentators were Rock Howard and Larry Winston.
At this time, Howard said: "The Cavaliers are strong inside and not weak defensively. They are especially stronger offensively than the Pistons and their shot-blocking ability is particularly good. However, they are significantly weaker than the Pistons on the outside regardless of offense or defense.
In the second and third positions, two forward and guard swingmen are arranged, both 198 centimeters tall, and both are role players.
If the Cavaliers want to beat the Pistons, they must cooperate with the inside line through the first position and exert the strength of a strong inside combination.
If the Pistons want to beat the Cavaliers, they must use their strength on the outside, especially at the No. 1 position. As long as the iron fist restricts Mark Price and destroys the connection between the Cavaliers' No. 1 position and the inside line, so that the inside line does not get enough support, the Cavaliers will Big problems arise. "
Winston nodded and said: "The current major media predictions for the outcome of the two teams are 50-50, and both teams have a chance to win this series.
One of them is second in the Eastern Conference, and the other is third in the Eastern Conference. Each has its own advantages in terms of lineup. I also agree with this prediction. "
Howard held a different opinion, shaking his head and saying: "Larry, actually, I am more optimistic about the Pistons."
"Why?" asked Winston.
Howard explained: "Because at the 1st position, Mark Price will face a strong defense from Iron Fist. If Iron Fist locks Price and cuts off the connection between the Cavaliers' 1st position and the inside, then the Cavaliers will lose.
Let me put it this way, the team's configuration is actually restrained, and it is not entirely possible to judge who is stronger based on the lineup.
In terms of restraint, Iron Fist can even be said to be at the 1st position. He can restrain most point guards in the league, except for those who are extremely fast and flexible, and can even make sudden throws and passes without any weaknesses, such as the Warriors' little insect Hada. Wei, but Mark Price is not that type of point guard. "
Winston nodded in agreement and said: "Among the point guards, Iron Fist's height has no disadvantage, his speed is not very fast, but he is not slow either, and his explosive power is also good.
On the offensive end, his speed coupled with his powerful tonnage and strength advantages makes him full of impact, which can be seen from the way he breaks through.
He should be the only point guard who broke his opponent's ribs while breaking through with the ball. From this point of view, it is really scary. "
Howard continued: "On the defensive end, his defensive skills are quite strong, especially his single defense ability. I even think his single defense has reached the top level.
The reason why his single defense ability is so strong, in addition to his technical and defensive investment, is also due to his physical advantages, his confrontation ability and confrontation awareness.
Facing Iron Fist, Mark Price seemed too thin. As a white man, his speed and flexibility were not stronger than Iron Fist, which was very detrimental to him.
That's why I think that as long as Mark Price is locked down with an iron fist, the Pistons are very likely to win this series. "
At this time, the starter comes on stage.
Zhou Quan was completely used to facing the boos from the home fans. He walked towards the court with a smile on his face, taking a breath of fresh air amidst the huge boos, and even kept waving to the fans.
Seeing Zhou Quan constantly waving to the home fans, in the ESPN commentary, Rock Howard analyzed with a smile: "Is this a provocation, or is it really a greeting to the fans?"
Larry Winston smiled: "It should be a real compliment. Maybe he wants to sell a few more pairs of sneakers in Cleveland?
You have to know that Michael Jordan has been in great form recently, scoring 50+ points in a single game and averaging 40+ per game in the first round. In the history of the league, there are not many 50+ players in a single game in the playoffs, and not many average 40+ per game. A lot, so his sneaker sales exploded.
The market is so big, Iron Fist must have felt the crisis, because his sneaker contract has additional conditions for sales. "
"Ha ha……"
The two couldn't help laughing when they said this.
At eight o'clock, the game officially begins.
"Snapped!"
All-Star center Brad Doherty took the lead in getting the ball away, and the Cavaliers attacked.
"squeak!"
Zhou Quan moved quickly and blocked Mark Price, who had not yet crossed the center line.
His body is two times larger than his opponent's, and coupled with his wingspan advantage, he is like a strong big spider, completely covering Mark Price.
The smiling face, extremely fierce eyes, and a strong defensive pressure instantly enveloped Mark Price, and at the same time oppressed his spirit.
Mark Price was like a tiger pouncing on prey, as if he was locked in. The All-Star point guard couldn't help but tremble in his heart.
In order to prevent being intercepted, he immediately lowered his center of gravity. At the same time, shooting guard Craig Elu made a timely cover and stood on the right side of Zhou Quan. He immediately took the opportunity to go around from the left and rushed into the left wing of the frontcourt.
Zhou Quan immediately turned around to pursue the defense, followed up with Mark Price again, and pressed his body against the opponent in time, forcing the opponent to transfer the ball to his left hand. At the same time, he directly confronted and pushed the opponent to the left sideline.
Mark Price was a little breathless because the defensive pressure exerted by Zhou Quan was too great. Facing the strong confrontation, he could not resist at all and could only take two steps back and prepare to move to the middle.
At this time, Craig Elu once again made a pick-and-roll screen. This was also one of his tasks today, helping Mark Price get rid of the Iron Fist defense.
The head coach of the Cavaliers is Lenny Wilkens, a 55-year-old coach, a former NBA player, a point guard, and a 9-time All-Star. He started serving as a player and head coach of the SuperSonics in 1969 and only became the head coach of the SuperSonics in 1975. He officially retired as a player and led the Sonics to win the championship in 1979. He is also the first 1,000-win coach in the NBA in the future. His coaching winning rate will also exceed that of the Cardinals. In 1988, he was elected to the Hall of Fame.
This old coach is a point guard himself, and he has very rich experience in how to deal with point guards.
However, before Zhou Quan entered the league, he had never encountered a point guard like Zhou Quan.
Magic Johnson is an alternative to the No. 1 position. He also has a headache when he encounters him and has no way to deal with it. Now Zhou Quan also makes him feel similar.
So, after thinking about it, he thought that Mark Price could not handle Zhou Quan with his own ability, so he could only let others help Price.
Mark Price used the second pick-and-roll to get rid of Zhou Quan for the second time, but Zhou Quan quickly bypassed Elu and caught up again.
In the low post, the Cavaliers' two strongest insiders were engaging in hand-to-hand combat with John Salley and Rodman. Without a good chance, he had no choice but to take action himself.
Rushing to the top of the arc, he could see Zhou Quan chasing after him from the corner of his left eye, but he still calmly put the ball together and got up to take the ball.
At this moment, Zhou Quan flew up from the left and stretched out his arm to block the shot.
"not good!"
But the next moment, his heart froze because he had been fooled.
Mark Price collected the ball and stayed low. After Zhou Quan flew by, he got up a second time and calmly shot a three-pointer.
"brush!"
The water splashed and he hit a three-pointer.
"Pa bang bang..."
Suddenly, the Gund Arena burst into applause like thunder.
"Experience, rich game experience, this may be Mark Price's only advantage over Iron Fist." Rock Howard said in the ESPN commentary box.
"Don't underestimate the two-time All-Star. Mark Price was also selected to the best third team." Larry Winston laughed.
"Iron Fist, don't underestimate him."
Joe Dumas came over and said to Zhou Quan.
"I know."
He nodded, took the ball from Ulrich and started to move forward.
(End of chapter)
