On the 13th, the league announced the best player of the first week and the first MVP ranking list.
Zhou Quan got a surprise. With his outstanding personal performance and the Pistons' excellent record of four wins in four games, he became the player of the first week of the 92/93 season. This was the first time he received this honor.
Averaged 40 minutes per game, 8 of 16.25 from the field, 49.2% from the field, 3.75 from 4 free throws, 93.75% from the field, 21 points, 4.75 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 3.25 steals, 0.5 blocks, 3.25 turnovers, 3.5 fouls, assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.15, true shooting percentage of 58.3 %.
There was a period of time in the second half of last season when he had some good data, but unfortunately his shooting percentage was low, his scoring was not gold-rich enough, and he had too much water content to win this honor.
At the same time, due to his personal and team performance, he entered the top ten of the MVP rankings for the first time, ranking fifth. The top four were Jordan, Barkley, Olajuwon, and Ewing.
Being selected into the top five MVPs is a huge improvement for him and symbolizes that he has become a truly powerful star in this league.
On the 14th, the Pistons defeated the Pacers at home and won five consecutive victories. Zhou Quan also scored 20+10 again.
On the 16th, the team came to Los Angeles, and on the 17th, they challenged the Clippers away.
Zhou Quan's opponent is his old rival, Mark Jackson, who faced him in the first round series, and was traded to the Clippers by the Knicks.
Ordinarily he has an advantage, but Mark Jackson was in great shape today. He sent out 12 assists and the Clippers went crazy. Six people scored in double figures, two of whom scored 20+ points, and the team scored 115 points.
The Pistons were in slightly worse shape, scoring only 111 points and losing by four points.
Zhou Quan scored 29 points and hit 46% from the field, but only received 8 assists. His teammates just missed the ball he passed.
Rodman has been injured and unable to gain a rebounding advantage, which is also an important reason for the Pistons' loss.
With a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, the Pistons left Los Angeles and rushed to Denver to challenge the Nuggets.
Mutombo was drafted in the same year as Zhou Quan. Neither Zhou Quan nor Larry Johnson, the two best rookies, were selected for the All-Stars. However, he became an All-Star substitute in his rookie season. In the regular season, he scored 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3 blocks. Statistics, strong defense, has become the league's top rim protector.
Under his defense, Seikali, who was too soft at the basket, made 2 of 13 shots in this game and had three blocks. Mills made 3 of 8 shots and had two blocks. The Pistons were pretty good. The inside attack died down.
Throughout the game, Mutombo made a big profit on the Pistons and sent out 9 big blocks. Not only did the block prevent the Pistons' inside line from attacking at the basket, but it also blocked the Pistons' outside line from attacking inward. Zhou Quan rushed in. I ate two hats when I went in.
In the end, the Pistons, who did not want to lose in a row, ended up losing in a row and lost to the Nuggets, whose overall strength was inferior to their own. This fully demonstrated the mutually reinforcing nature of the team's lineup and the wise saying that there are no weak teams in the NBA.
With 5 wins and 2 losses, the Pistons came to the third away game of this trip, Seattle, with a losing streak to challenge the powerful SuperSonics.
The media reacted quickly. They had just identified the Pistons as a first-tier team, but now they began to overturn their own statement and re-threw the Pistons to the second gear.
For example, ESPN TV said in a program on its NBA channel: "A championship-level team is not allowed to have a losing streak. For example, the Bulls rarely have a losing streak because Michael Jordan does not allow it.
However, the Pistons were easily defeated by the Clippers and Nuggets who were not as strong as themselves, which shows that the hard power of this team has not yet reached the level of a championship.
Iron Fist does not have the leadership ability of Michael Jordan for the team, nor the strong control over the game, nor the strong dominance over the opponents. This is why the Pistons do not want to lose in a row, but have the biggest losing streak. reason. "
ESPN's statement was recognized by most media, except for the Detroit media.
When Zhou Quan accepted a phone interview with the media, he could not refute this argument. Just because he is the boss of the team and the team has lost consecutive games, he has to bear the greatest responsibility, and there is no room or reason to shirk.
On the night of the 21st, with Rodman continuing to be absent, the Pistons suffered a three-game losing streak, 106:128, at the hands of the SuperSonics.
"Supersonic speed!"
After losing the first game by 22 points and losing three games in a row, even Zhou Quan, who has always been gentle and polite, couldn't help but curse after the game.
In fact, the Pistons' performance was not bad, with six players scoring in double figures.
Under Gary Payton's crazy defense, he made 9 of 19 shots and a shooting percentage of 47.4%. However, he sent 15 assists and 3 steals. His performance was not too bad.
But the Pistons' performance can only be said to be not bad, while the SuperSonics had an explosion, with seven players from the main team to the substitutes scoring in double figures.
Under the crazy bombing of rain man Sean Kemp, Sekali and Mills were completely defeated. Kemp scored 28 points, with a shooting percentage of over 60%. He also sent 5 big blocks and scored 2 blocks. People dare not attack under the basket.
The Pistons lost their interior defense and interior offense, resulting in a huge defeat.
After 5 consecutive wins and 3 consecutive losses, the Pistons exposed their weakness, that is, after trading John Salley, they can no longer face powerful inside opponents when Rodman cannot play.
ESPN commented on this in the midday sports news on the 22nd and cited proof. An example is the Pistons' archrival, the Bulls.
Host Cruise said: "The Bulls currently have 5 wins and 3 losses, losing to the Hawks, Pistons and Lakers respectively, but in back-to-back games on the 14th, they defeated the Nuggets with a big score of 84:117. On the 19th, they defeated the SuperSonics 99:108.
The Bulls do not have a strong inside line, but they can beat these two teams. The Pistons' inside line is actually stronger than the Bulls, but they were defeated by these two teams. Then we can draw a conclusion, The Pistons are not as good as the Bulls.
To be more precise, when the Pistons were stronger than the Bulls on the inside, the reason why the Pistons lost to these two teams was because the outside line was not as good as the Bulls' outside line. "
At this time, the Pistons were already in Portland, ushering in another back-to-back. This was the third back-to-back this month since the start of the game.
Zhou Quan saw the news while having lunch with his teammates, but he had to admit that ESPN was right. The combination of Jordan + Pippen was indeed stronger than him and Joe Dumars.
Whether it is on offense or defense, the combination of Jordan and Pippen is stronger than them. This is undeniable. He will not deny it, let alone deny the strength of his opponent.
But the game is for five people. If the Pistons can defeat the Bulls once, they have a chance to defeat the Bulls a second time.
As for losing to the Clippers, SuperSonics, and Nuggets, who can guarantee that the Bulls will not lose to them in the future? Can Michael Jordan guarantee it?
The MVP rankings for the second week came out. His data was still 20+10, which was still outstanding, but his ranking suddenly fell out of the top ten.
That night, 95:115, the Pistons lost to the powerful Trail Blazers. They lost four games in a row on the road. They were so embarrassed that they lost and were ridiculed wildly by many media.
In particular, Troy Weaver's trading operations related to John Salley have become the focus of criticism by the media.
Of course, after four consecutive losses, the person who was criticized the most by the media was of course Zhou Quan. His ability to lead the team and stand up at critical moments were seriously questioned.
After this road trip, with a record of 5 wins and 4 losses, the Pistons returned to Detroit to lick their wounds.
After two days of adjustment, the Pistons faced the challenge of the Charlotte Hornets on the 25th.
Larry Johnson was knocked out by Zhou Quan, but because the knockout was too fast and he didn't hit a few times, the injury was not serious and did not affect the regular season. He even participated in the preseason games alive and kicking.
As Zhou Quan's mortal enemy, he attracted a lot of attention. When he came to the Auburn Hills Palace for training in the afternoon, several media interviewed him.
"Larry, will you still challenge the King of Killers in the boxing ring?" the reporter asked.
Larry Johnson's face turned a little green and he said in a muffled voice: "We'll see if there's an opportunity. I won't be afraid of him. I'm strengthening my boxing training."
"I remember after KOing you last time, Iron Fist asked you not to challenge him in the ring. He said you were not qualified. Do you agree with this?" asked another reporter.
"Of course I don't agree. I just trained too little and my boxing speed was too slow, so I didn't hit him. As long as I train a little bit, I will definitely hit him." Larry Johnson said with a mix of shame and anger.
"So are you confident you can beat him on the basketball court tonight?"
"certainly."
Larry Johnson said harshly: "We are going to give them five consecutive losses."
At 7:30 p.m., both sides announced the starting lineup.
This game was the first time the Pistons were broadcast live in the United States. It was broadcast live on ABC and the commentators were Bill Walton and Lewis Williams.
After Bill Walton got the list, he said with a smile: "Although this year's draft is a small year, it has produced two very talented centers, Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning. So far, they have played well. They scored 20+10, and they also averaged 3.5 blocks per game, which can be said to be the peak since their debut."
Williams laughed: "In comparison, Shark O'Neal's performance is better, his offensive efficiency is higher, five percentage points higher than Mourning, and his offense occurs more at the basket.
However, Mourning's defense is better. His defense is very tough, and he invests more in the defensive end than O'Neal. "
Bill Walton nodded and said: "But the inside combination of Mourning and Larry Johnson is a very good offensive and defensive combination. I am very optimistic about the Hornets this season.
Between the two of them, Kendall Gill, and Dell Curry on the bench, the Hornets finished twelfth in the Eastern Conference last season. I think they have a great chance of making the playoffs this season, and can even strive for the top half and gain home court advantage. . "
Williams smiled and said: "But I heard that the two of them had a conflict in the NCAA game and have always had disputes. I am a little worried that they will bring their conflicts in college into the locker room."
"Really? I didn't notice this." Bill Walton was a little surprised.
Williams added: "Bill, who do you like more in tonight's game?"
Bill Walton smiled and said: "Lewis, you know that Iron Fist and I are alumni, and I am very willing to support his team."
Williams said: "But in the last four games, the Pistons have lost all. They also lost the game against the powerful Nuggets and SuperSonics inside. So now the media thinks that the Pistons can't deal with such a team, but the Hornets have the inside Mourning and Larry Johnson are a top-notch offensive and defensive duo.
So according to media analysis, the Pistons should be unable to deal with the Hornets and have a small chance of winning. Don't you think so? "
Bill Walton did not answer this question, but said: "Then let the facts prove whether this Pistons team, with Rodman absent, can play against a team with strong inside strength."
At this time, in the player tunnel, Zhou Quan once again saw his defeated opponent Larry Johnson in the boxing ring.
"Hey, Auntie." He greeted with a smile.
Larry Johnson originally liked the nickname "Big Mom". This nickname sold him a lot of shoes, but after being laughed at by countless boxing fans at the Great Western Forum Arena last time, he doesn't like it anymore. He prefers it. Nicknames like the Detroit Slayer King.
And when Zhou Quan called out this nickname, it made him feel as uncomfortable as eating a piece of shit.
"Damn it, call me by my name. My name is Larry Johnson, not Auntie." He stared at Zhou Quan and said angrily.
"Okay, aunt." Zhou Quan said with an unchanging smile.
Larry Johnson turned his head away in anger, walked to the front, and ignored Zhou Quan.
Alonzo Mourning, watching Zhou Quan from the side, saw that Zhou Quan seemed to be bullying Larry Johnson, but did not speak.
He knows Zhou Quan, the cross-border madman in the sports world that is currently being focused on by the media. This guy has swept through the four villains in the NBA and stepped on the corpses of the villains to become the biggest villain in the league. He is very good at fighting and even has the level of a professional boxer.
But he has an extremely tough and fierce personality, and his playing style is iron-blooded. He was known as the Holy Warrior in college. He is not afraid of Zhou Quan at all. Isn't it just a fight? If you can't beat him, he will bite you off. It's no big deal.
If it were other teammates, he would definitely stand up, but Larry Johnson, he had to think about it. He didn't want to help until it was time to take action.
Zhou Quan also glanced at Mourning a few times, very greedy. If the Pistons can get this guy, it will be much easier to defeat the Bulls.
At eight o'clock, the game officially begins.
Sekali and Mourning jumped the ball and the Pistons attacked.
Zhou Quan advanced to the frontcourt with the ball. The Hornets did not switch defenses and let Bogues, who was 160 centimeters tall, guard him.
Boggs is good at stealing the ball, so he is nicknamed the Robber. As soon as he gets close to Zhou Quan, he will circle around him like flies, going to whichever side the ball is, taking full advantage of his short stature.
After Zhou Quan changed hands to control the ball, he immediately accelerated to get rid of the opponent, held the ball to the top of the key, stepped over, and went straight to the free throw line.
Boggs relied on his faster speed to run to the front again and stopped Zhou Quan at the free throw line, but Zhou Quan suddenly stopped at the free throw line for a jumper.
"brush!"
Boggs's jumping was amazing, and he immediately took off with all his strength to block the shot, but still failed to keep up with Zhou Quan's rhythm, and the basketball hit the basket accurately.
In the 8th minute of the first quarter, Zhou Quan took 9 crazy shots, all of which were mid-range pull-up jumpers. He hit 6 of them on Bogues' head, with a hit rate of 66.6%.
The Hornets had nothing to do with him unless they replaced Boggs, but apart from Boggs, they didn't have a good point guard at all, so although Boggs was beaten on the defensive end, he still stayed on the court.
Unable to beat the Pistons on the outside, the Hornets made up for it on the inside. Mourning and Larry Johnson took a lot of shots, but they were able to compete with the Pistons.
But Mourning's offense wasn't very good tonight. He didn't attack much at the basket, mostly low-post jump shots, and his touch wasn't very good.
In the end, 96:101, the Pistons won their sixth win of the new season, finally ending their losing streak.
Zhou Quan played 45 minutes, scoring 34 points on Bogues, breaking the regular season single-game record of 29 points, and dished out 14 assists.
However, he made four mistakes. One ball was intercepted by the guy Boggs. The other three mistakes were errors in passing and receiving. His cooperation with Sekali and Mills was not tacit enough.
Larry Johnson scored 22 points and shot 52% from the field.
Alonzo Mourning had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 turnovers and 4 fouls. Apart from blocking shots, his performance tonight was not very good.
"How are you doing, Joe?"
Zhou Quan asked when he returned to the locker room.
Joe Dumas smiled and said: "It's a small problem. I just have two days to rest. I'll just have another truce."
"That's good." He breathed a sigh of relief.
In the 8th minute of the last quarter, Joe Dumars was blocked on the floor by Mourning when he broke through with the ball. He was injured and came off the field, which made him a little worried.
On the 26th, the team received good news. Rodman left the injured list, entered the twelve-man rotation, and began to participate in the team's training.
Next, after the Pistons rested for two days, they defeated the Timberwolves away from home on the 28th and achieved a winning streak. After winning their seventh victory, they returned home to face the Knicks on the 29th, another back-to-back.
Rodman came on as a substitute for 12 minutes in the game against the Timberwolves and grabbed 4 rebounds. He was in good condition.
Joe Dumars will also return in this game. The Pistons will gather all their main players for the first time this season and play with the main lineup.
This game is also the Pistons' second national live broadcast this season, which is not easy.
(End of chapter)
