On the afternoon of the 28th, while the Pistons were still in Minnesota, the Knicks arrived in Detroit and held a press conference in the hotel at the request of the media.
"Old Oak, do you still want to challenge Iron Fist in the ring?" a local reporter asked.
A stern look flashed in Oakley's eyes, and he said with a sullen face: "What's so daring? The media has recognized that he does not have professional standards."
"That's because his opponent's level is too low, so it doesn't reflect his professional level." A local reporter shouted loudly below.
"Ha ha……"
At this moment, both local reporters and foreign reporters burst into laughter. Oakley was so angry that his face almost burned, and his eyes were as big as a bell.
"Charles, do you think you have professional standards?" the local reporter who asked the question asked with a smile.
"You?" Oakley choked.
"Ha ha……"
The reporters laughed again.
The next reporter was still a local media and asked: "Old Oak, does anyone recognize your nickname of the New York Killer King now? Do you think this nickname is cooler? Then do you think Iron Fist's nickname is cooler than your nickname? "
Oakley's face turned even darker. Just because of this damn nickname, Mason, that little bastard, hadn't talked to him for a long time, and even once covered the inside of his sneakers with glue.
"Coach Pat Riley, the Knicks were eliminated by the Pistons in the first round. Are you confident of beating the Pistons now?" the next reporter asked.
Pat Riley smiled and said: "Our lineup has been replenished and the configuration is better. I believe that when we face the Pistons, we will be more confident to challenge them."
…
On the night of the 29th, although the attendance rate at the Palace of Auburn Hills was not full, it still reached 90%, which is very good data.
Attendance dropped a lot in the past two years, but has improved significantly this season.
"So many people!"
Above the east stand, on the top of the hill with the worst location, sat a middle-aged woman in her early forties, wearing a black woolen coat, looking at the Palace of Auburn Hills and sighing: "We should establish this kind of professional league as soon as possible in our country." That’s good.”
Next to her, it turned out to be Zhang Lili, who sold beer in Los Angeles. At this time, he smiled and said: "Liu Chu, the professional league really needs it. Without money, it is difficult to develop."
Speaking of money, the wrinkles on Liu Yumin's forehead are even denser.
This year, that is, 1992, the annual funding of the Second Division of the Sports Commission is only 80,000 yuan. The basketball department under the Second Division, which she is in charge of, has even less funding this year. For a few dollars, she has to apply to the Second Division. She has no money at all. How can she develop basketball like this?
She heard that the fee for the second division can be increased to 90,000 yuan next year. It should be more relaxed next year, right?
When she came to the United States this time, she didn't even dare to apply for funds from the Second Division. Si Li would never agree, because Si Li couldn't get the money at all and everyone was crazy poor. Not to mention it was the end of the year, even the richest people. This year, I can’t get the money out.
She paid for her visit all by herself, borrowing a little from this and a little from that, plus her family's savings, just to be able to truly consider Zhou Quan's strength.
And in order to exchange it for U.S. dollars, she also used connections and asked acquaintances to exchange it for 1,500 U.S. dollars.
Zhang Liangli also looked envious and said: "The NBA's salary cap this season is 14 million U.S. dollars. There are 12 contract players on a team, with an average salary of more than 1.16 million U.S. dollars, and the basic salary has also been raised to 110,000 U.S. dollars."
"What?"
When Liu Yumin heard this for the first time, she was confused and paralyzed. She couldn't imagine that the average salary was US$1.16 million. Is this some alliance responsible for printing money?
"Then, how much is Zhou Quan's salary?" she asked stammering.
Zhang Liji smiled and said: "He is in his second season and his salary is not high. This season it seems to be 1.65 million US dollars. He told me last time. With his strength and speed of improvement, the second contract will definitely be bigger." "
"$1.65 million?"
Liu Yumin felt bitter in his heart.
The entire Second Division's budget this year is only 80,000 yuan, which is only about 10,000 US dollars. In other words, Zhou Quan's salary for one year can actually cover the entire Second Athletic Division's 165 years of funding, and can cover the entire basketball department for hundreds of years. of funds.
This difference shocked her heart beyond description. It's no wonder that people in China are now eager to go to the United States.
At eight o'clock, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Knicks: Ewing, Charles Smith, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Doc Rivers.
Pistons: Ronny Seikaly, Dennis Rodman, Orlando Ulrich, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan.
In the TNT commentary box, Robert Guida said: "Rodman was injured from the beginning. He missed ten games in total. He came back as a substitute and became the starter this time. It shows that the Pistons need his energy very much."
"Yes, both his rebounding and his defense, especially defense, are very important to the Pistons." Ringo Wilson nodded.
Robert Guida said: "Linger, judging from the current situation this season, Iron Fist has improved compared to last season's regular season in terms of scoring, assists, and field goal percentage, and he has also added many fancy dunks and layups. basket.
You must know that for so many years, the Pistons have not had a guy who is good at fancy dunks and layups. You see, with such a good attendance rate, I think his changes are an important reason for the rebound in attendance. What do you think? "
Ringo Wilson smiled and said: "The increase in attendance must be due to Iron Fist, because the Pistons' recent record is not good. Such a record will only cause the attendance to decline. It is indeed him who has greatly improved the attendance of the Palace of Auburn Hills." improvement.
But Robert, I have a question, what do you think of Tekken’s leadership ability? "
"You mean the recent four-game losing streak?"
Robert Guida keenly grasped what his partner wanted to express and immediately said: "But the impact of Rodman's absence is really great. The remaining inside teammates cannot support the inside defense, and the four opponents performed too well." …”
"No no no..."
Ringo Wilson interrupted his partner and said: "No team boss will allow the team to lose four consecutive games. I must say that the management is too impatient. He currently does not have the strength to be the boss. Look at Michael, he When have the Bulls been allowed to lose four in a row? Never."
Robert Guida smiled meaningfully and asked: "Linger, have you placed the Iron Fist at the same level as Michael?"
"of course not."
Ringo Wilson immediately denied it and said with some excitement: "Iron Fist is currently far from qualified to say that he has reached the height of Michael. I am not talking about qualifications or honors, but ability, otherwise he would not let the team lose four games in a row. "
Robert Guida asked with a weird smile: “So, why do you hold Michael to his standards?
Also, Michael was swept by the Green Team in the first round of the playoffs for two consecutive years, two three-game losing streaks.
Even in the regular season, he had a losing streak more than once. In the 1980s, ever since he joined the Bulls, he had lost four games in a row, lost five games in a row and lost six games in a row. For example, in the 1986/87 season, he suffered six consecutive losses, and in the 1987/88 season, he also lost five consecutive games.
In addition, after entering the 1990s, in the 90/91 season, which was the season when he won the championship for the first time last season, the Bulls started with three consecutive losses. Since then, he has not had three consecutive losses in the regular season.
Therefore, Ringer, you can only say that since November 6, 1990, he has never lost more than three consecutive games.
At that time, he was already 27 years old and had entered his peak state, and Iron Fist is not yet 21 years old. You can't use the standards of the peak Michael Jordan to ask the current Iron Fist. This is unfair.
Iron Fist's current strength is of course not as good as Jordan's, and far behind. His ability to stand up and save the team at critical moments is not enough, and it is far inferior to Jordan's. But even Jordan must have helpers around him, otherwise he will not be able to win the game. . "
"Well?"
Ringo Wilson was at a loss for words. He was a little ashamed and angry, and thought it would be better to change his partner.
Robert Guida's views are recognized by many fans in front of the TV. They also believe that the 27-year-old Jordan cannot be used to ask the 21-year-old Iron Fist. Everyone needs to grow up, and the same goes for the Iron Fist. After all, not everyone They are all magicians, and Jordan is not a magician, nor does he have the ability or opportunity to win a championship in his rookie season.
"Hey, Old Oak, aren't you going to ask me for a rematch?" Zhou Quan asked loudly when he saw Oakley in the player tunnel.
"Haha..." Rodman immediately laughed in support of the monster.
The Knicks were built into a strong team by Pat Riley. The three toughest players on the team are Oakley, Anthony Mason, and John Starks.
Starks is playing the main role today. He has a bad temper and lacks IQ, but no matter how lacking in IQ, he knows that he can't defeat Zhou Quan, so he is very quiet at the moment and only stares at Zhou Quan with fierce eyes.
Oakley glared at Rodman hard, you bastard, how dare you laugh at me and forget how I slapped you at that party?
Realizing the strong malice in Oakley's eyes, if it were before, Rodman would have shrunk or dared not laugh at Oakley at all, but now, he didn't laugh at Oakley at all, but laughed even harder.
Zhou Quan moved sideways, blocking Oakley's evil look at Rodman, and asked with a smile: "Old guy, I'm asking you a question."
"snort!"
Oakley growled angrily.
Zhou Quan laughed, turned to Rodman and said, "This big villain doesn't want to fight me again. Dennis, what do you think is the reason?"
"He was scared of being beaten."
Rodman's strange scream immediately sounded.
Starks looked at Oakley and thought, Boss, you should go up!
"Iron Fist, do you want to stir up trouble?"
Oakley's eyes were red and his fists were clenched. This was a public humiliation for him. He swore that if Iron Fist humiliated him again, he would fight back even if he couldn't beat him, otherwise he would lose face.
Zhou Quan shook his head and said: "No, I just asked you if you want to fight again. Why did you start a fight? I'm giving you a chance. After all, you can earn one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand dollars by fighting me." Isn’t it? That should be a big sum for you, right? I’m giving you a chance to make money.”
"Ha ha……"
At this time, Joe Dumas, Ulrich, and Sekali couldn't help but laugh.
"If you have the guts, go fight a professional boxer. What does it mean to win against amateurs like us? Who in the professional boxing world recognizes your strength?"
Oakley, who looked fierce, counterattacked weakly.
"Didn't you get a professional boxing license? Didn't you get it based on your ability? Didn't you get it by bribing the officials of the California Boxing Commission?" Zhou Quan said in surprise.
"You?" Oakley choked.
"Iron Fist, give me some face, you're all living in this league, don't go too far." Ewing finally spoke, supporting the old man.
When Oakley heard this, he was moved to tears. Finally, Patrick could protect him from the wind and rain.
"Brothers, do we want to give face to the super center?" Zhou Quan asked with a smile.
"Unless he joins us, no one will be given face." Rodman shouted again.
"Ha ha……"
Under the leadership of Zhou Quan, the Pistons burst into laughter.
Ewing's face turned pale with anger. Am I crazy? The Big Apple is not waiting for me. If I join your nearly deserted city, it may go bankrupt one day.
Zhou Quan smiled and said, "Okay, it's just a joke. Don't be angry. It's just for fun before the game. Just relax and let us have fun."
Oakley and Ewing were even more angry, they were just having fun! Damn it, would you rather play with us? Can you please let us have some fun?
"This damn villain!" Oakley groaned angrily.
"Don't dare to fall out with him off the court, you are all cowards!" John Starks cursed in his heart.
"Shh!"
At this time, the lights at the Palace of Auburn Hills went out, and the Knicks' starting players couldn't wait to come out amid the fierce boos from the fans. None of them wanted to be played by Zhou Quan anymore.
After all five Knicks starters went out, the Palace of Auburn Hills suddenly became quiet, and the hurricane was extinguished, seemingly brewing, waiting for the next outbreak.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.. (Alert! Citizens of Detroit, typhoon warning! Red typhoon warning... This typhoon level is seventeen!"
The passionate voice of the on-site commentator, the bearded John Lowes, sounded at this time, resounding throughout the Palace of Auburn Hills.
"Oooo……"
When Joe Dumas first appeared, a Category 12 typhoon immediately blew up at the Auburn Hills Palace.
"Iron Fist Slayer, Detroit Killer King, Crossover Star, Zhou Quan!" the host roared.
"boom!"
Zhou Quan made his final appearance, and the Category 12 typhoon turned directly into a Category 17 hurricane.
"The Palace of Auburn Hills is the most terrifying home stadium in the league! If it weren't for Detroit's economic crisis, every game would be absolutely packed."
TNT commentator Robert Guida marveled.
Ringo Wilson said with a smile: "I have to admit, from ice hockey and basketball to golf, to boxing, and even performed a home run on the baseball field, Iron Fist is no longer the rookie last season, he has become a real sportsman star."
Robert Guida nodded and said: "Yes, his popularity and influence have already left the circle. Although it is limited to his achievements in other sports, it is not convincing and is not recognized by other sports. This influence is still very small, but it has indeed been Out of the circle.”
Ringo Wilson did not refute, but nodded and said: "The NBA has not yet gone global. Stars have influence outside the circle. It is really difficult. Bird and Magic have never done it."
Robert Guida said: "At present, it is Jordan, and it is due to the influence of this Olympic Games. Big Bird and Magic can hardly be said to have influence outside the circle."
"Oh My God!"
At community college, Ma Jian looked at this scene and was speechless.
After coming to the United States, he began to realize that the Chinese were at the bottom of the discrimination chain in this country, but now more than 20,000 Americans were cheering crazily for Zhou Quan.
On the top of the mountain east of the Auburn Mountain Palace, Liu Yumin was also extremely shocked. She had never seen a Chinese athlete receive such a welcome in a foreign arena, whether it was Li Ning, Lang Ping, Gao Min and other world-renowned athletes. I have never received such support before, far from it.
The shouting gradually subsided, and Zhang Lijia said loudly: "During the regular season last season, Zhou Quan did not have such a big influence here. Later, he developed well in the playoffs and was able to play well with Jordan. , his athleticism has improved this season, he performs many fancy dunks and difficult layups in every game, and he is now even more popular with Detroit fans."
He didn't mention the most important point. Zhou Quan's tough style, beating this and that, beating all the villains in the league, is what makes him most popular among Detroiters.
Detroiters have become accustomed to the style of the Bad Boys, and Zhou Quan is tougher than the Bad Boys. He is truly tough, not dirty. He is also the boss of the team, and his performance is very good, so he is now here better than the previous Bad Boys. They are more popular.
For example, Joe Dumars, who has neither a tough style of play nor a tough personality, has become the strongest after the decline of the Assassins, but he has not been able to take the position of the Assassins. There are not many fans in Detroit, and this year's All-Star votes are very low. Less, not as good as Zhou Quan. The position of All-Star substitute is also selected by the coaches, not the fans.
(End of chapter)
