"boom!"
This time, Rodman blocked Ewing's jumper and Sekali grabbed the rebound over Mason's head.
"Quickly down, all three defenders quick down..." the bearded John Rowes, the on-site commentator, shouted excitedly.
Zhou Quan received the pass from Rodman, and he was one step faster than John Starks, and his speed was obviously a level faster.
Holding the ball, he rushed to the right wing and went straight to the basket. At this time, Doc Rivers rushed down from the top of the arc, but he did not slow down and took off directly from the right waist position, pushing his left elbow in the air to prevent the inside. Firth, with his feet walking in the air, held the ball in his right hand like an axe, slashing wildly toward the basket.
"squeak!"
Rivers was frightened and stopped abruptly, not daring to rush over.
"boom!"
The next moment, a violent explosion sounded.
"ah!"
Nearly 20,000 Pistons fans raised their arms and shouted. The Palace of Auburn Hills was like an erupting volcano, and the momentum of the home court reached its peak.
"Fuck you to death!"
Zhou Quan fell to the ground and shouted angrily at Doc Rivers and John Starks.
He feels that his physical fitness is very good. He had an extra day of rest after the G2 game. He didn't take many shots in the first half. He didn't make a breakthrough in the third quarter. His blood recovery is good and his body is still full of strength. He can go all out and strive for a wave of hits. Damn Knicks.
"Don't be proud, we are in the lead now." John Starks said angrily.
"Are you ahead?"
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "It's you who are leading. If you don't lead, I won't use my strength."
John Starks just wants to scold Zhou Quan for being shameless. If you can take the lead, will you still be polite to us?
Knicks offense.
Ewing, who made 3 of 4 shots in the final quarter, stepped forward and, regardless of his physical strength, entered the basket forcefully to get the ball.
Rodman adopted a forward defense. At this time, Ewing suddenly retreated and ran to the low left wing while reaching out to continue to ask for the ball.
Zhou Quan was on the left wing. With his head swinging from time to time, no place within his field of vision could escape his sight.
Seeing Ewing moving outside to ask for the ball, he realized that Doc Rivers, who was holding the ball at the top of the key, was about to pass the ball.
Sure enough, seeing Ewing withdrawing, Doc Rivers immediately took a step back, widened the distance from the assassin, then pulled the ball up and lobbed the ball overhead.
The assassin jumped a little and couldn't jump anymore. One was because of his physical failure, and the other was due to injury. The ball flew off his head.
Ewing retreated to the low post on the left wing. When the ball arrived, he held Rodman who was catching up with him with his left hand and caught the ball with his right hand.
"Snapped!"
But at this moment, Zhou Quan pounced down, flew up, grabbed the ball with his left hand, and intercepted the ball before Ewing.
The bearded John Lowes roared excitedly: "Oh, haha, Iron Fist intercepted the ball, the assassin was going down quickly, Joe Dumars was also going down quickly, Iron Fist passed the ball... Joe!"
Zhou Quan's ball was passed to Joe Dumars. Oakley defended him, but was not as fast as him. He was left behind. He caught the ball across the center line and headed towards the basket.
In the middle, Doc Rivers surpassed the assassin and returned to the basket to defend.
Joe Dumars reached the left midfielder, but with a shake of his hand, he did not make a strong shot over Rivers' head, but passed it to the assassin stopped at the top of the key.
"brush!"
The assassin caught the ball and shot a three-point jumper. This time, he hit the ball and pierced the heart with a sword.
"Ah, the assassin finally made a shot!" Longgren Lance, a man with glasses, said excitedly in the commentary box.
"The Assassins made one of three shots in the last quarter, all three-pointers. This goal was crucial. We finally overtook the lead." Bearded man said happily.
"The score is now 76:78. After being beaten 0-6, we fought back 8-0 and took a two-point lead. Iron Fist made 2 of 2 shots, 1 of 1 free throw, and scored 5 points and 1 steal. The key At that moment, he stood up." The man with glasses smiled.
This wave of offense hit the Knicks' morale, especially the dunk over Ewing, which dealt a serious blow to his morale. Then Ewing's shooting percentage dropped, and he missed two consecutive shots. In the last quarter, 6 He made 3 shots, and then he became less active in taking positions.
The Pistons took the opportunity to counterattack and began to widen the point difference. Their momentum at home became stronger and stronger, and they began to overpower the Knicks.
Zhou Quan didn't understand Ewing very much. Didn't he just miss three goals? As the core of the team and a super forward, he didn't actively take position and ask for the ball at such a critical time?
With this kind of mental quality, how can you compete with him? How to compete with Jordan? How to compete for the championship?
In the end, 90:98, the Pistons defeated the Knicks at home and won the G3 game. With a big score of 2 to 1, they took the lead in the Eastern Conference Finals series.
Robert Guida sighed: "Ewing made 13 of 22 shots in the first three quarters and 3 of 7 in the final quarter. In 45 minutes, he made a total of 16 of 29 shots and a shooting percentage of 55.2%. In addition, he made 4 of 6 free throws and scored 36 points and 12 points. The statistics include rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers and 5 fouls. It’s a pity that we lost the game with such a performance.”
"The performance was too poor at the last critical moment. He made all three shots in the first quarter, but then made 0 of 4 shots, and then he didn't take any shots. He was invisible when he was needed most. The Knicks lost unjustly."
After commenting on Ewing, Ringo Wilson said instead: "Look at Tekken's performance. In 48 minutes, he made a total of 13 of 20 shots, a shooting percentage of 65%, 2 of 5 three-pointers, and 11 of 11 free throws. He scored 39 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers and 3 fouls.
He made 6 of 8 shots and 3 of 3 free throws in the final quarter. He scored 15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in a single quarter. His shooting percentage was 66.7%. Only performance at such a critical moment makes him more qualified to win. "
"Yes, at the critical moment, King Kong is not as good as Iron Fist." Robert Guida nodded.
"Robert, have you noticed Tekken's shooting percentage in these three games?" Ringo Wilson suddenly asked.
"What do you mean?" Robert Guida asked cooperatively.
Ringo Wilson said excitedly: "John Starks was also selected for the defensive second team, but Iron Fist faced his defense and other people's attacks and hit 57.9% in the G1 game. This game was as high as 65 %, only the G2 game was a bit low. In the three games combined, he made 31 of 56 shots, with a hit rate of 55.3%.
What I mean is that Jordan is indeed a top defender and a member of the 6th All-Defensive Team. Facing his defense, Iron Fist could not achieve the same offensive efficiency as John Starks. "
"Ha ha……"
Robert Guida laughed, and then said: "Joking aside, when Iron Fist faced Jordan in the second round, he also achieved a shooting rate of 50.3% in seven games, so John Starks' defense is not too bad. , there is a reason why he was selected to the defensive second team.”
Winning the crucial G3 game put the pressure on the Knicks. If they lose the next away game, they will not only lose the match point, but also the hope of advancing to the finals.
With his suit jacket open, Pat Riley put his hands in his trouser pockets and stood sullenly behind the locker room door. No one, including Oakley and Ewing, dared to speak.
In the G2 game and this G3 game, there was no problem with his tactics. He won the G2 game and had a chance to win tonight. However, at the critical moment, the team was knocked down by a wave of iron fist. No one could stand up at the critical moment. This Much to his dismay.
This situation gave him the feeling of meeting Jordan. Jordan's ability at critical moments can sometimes change the situation of the game on his own, and Zhou Quan's offensive and defensive performance in the final quarter just now also gave him this feeling.
He has coached Ewing for two seasons. He admires this super center very much. He has top offense, first-class defense, dares to confront, and has an iron-blooded style. However, he is soft-handed at critical moments.
An hour later, the post-match press conference was held.
"Patrick, in the last few minutes of the final quarter, you didn't take another shot and allowed Iron Fist to lead the team to defeat your team. What was the reason why you didn't take a shot?" a reporter from the New York Times asked.
Ewing had no expression on his face and his reaction was very slow. It was completely different from his alertness in the game. He hesitated for a long time before saying: "At that time, my teammates had better opportunities."
"What?"
The media was immediately in an uproar.
At the critical moment, you are the one who should stand up the most. Now there is no zone defense, it is man-to-man defense. You are not active in positioning yourself, but you say that others have better opportunities? Do other people's opportunities fall from the sky?
Pat Riley, who was next to him, shook his head secretly. King Kong, it would be better to just say that you feel a little uncomfortable because of the injury, right?
After losing the G3 game, the Knicks were criticized by almost all media, including the New York media, especially super center Ewing, who was heavily criticized by the New York media.
"At the most critical moment, Patrick Ewing, the super center, learned the art of invisibility." New York Times.
"The Knicks need a core player who can stand up at critical moments. Please trade Michael Jordan or Iron Fist!" New York Sports.
At 9 a.m. on the 4th, when Ewing saw these reports in the hotel restaurant, the wrinkles on his forehead became much deeper.
"Don't worry, Patrick, we will win tomorrow night. As long as we tie, we have a chance to reach the finals."
Oakley, the team's locker room leader, comforted.
Ewing sighed, nodded, and began to turn his grief and anger into appetite. He lowered his head and started to quarrel with the food on the plate.
That night, the G3 game of the Western Conference Finals began.
As a result, the Suns performed well on the road, beating the Sonics and taking a 2-1 lead.
Zhou Quan thinks Barkley, the flying pig, is keeping his strength. He made 7 of 20 shots in this game, a shooting percentage of only 35%, and no lethality. He only made 2 of 3 free throws, 16 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 1 block. , if not for his rebounding and defensive performance, he would simply not be worthy of superstar status.
But he once again saw the strength of the Suns' lineup. There were ten rotations in total, and seven of them scored in double figures. Three of the five substitutes scored in double figures. The substitute lineup scored a total of 45 points, accounting for 43% of the total points.
In this game, the Sonics grabbed 55 rebounds and the Suns only had 38. However, the Sonics only shot 40% from the field, while the Suns hit 47%. They deserved to lose the game in the end.
The Suns' bench makes him a little worried. It is stronger than the Pistons' bench. With a strong bench, the main players will be more fully rotated. If this team plays crazy, any team can win.
Fortunately, the Pistons' substitute lineup is not too bad. Terry Mills, Polynis, and Mark Aguirre are all good. As long as they are given enough playing time, they can score in double figures.
However, he believes that the key point is not to let the Suns play crazy, but to use crazy perimeter defense to lock down the Suns' guys who like to shoot three-pointers.
In this game, the Suns made 3 of 11 three-pointers, but the SuperSonics were even worse, making 2 of 11 three-pointers.
…
The time has come on the 5th, the game day of G4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
At 7:30, both sides announced the starting lineup and the substitutes.
Knicks: Ewing, Charles Smith, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Doc Rivers
Pistons: Seikaly, Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan, Isiah Thomas.
"Pa bang..."
Orlando Ulrich showed up on crutches, sitting behind the bench, and Pistons fans applauded.
In the CCTV commentary box, Zhang Lili analyzed: "Charles Smith's performance in the G1 game was not very good. He lost his starting position in the G2 and G3 games and was taken away from the starting lineup by Anthony Mason. Today he returned to the starting lineup. This shows that Pat Riley The coach wants to add height inside.”
"Director Zhang, will the Knicks' defensive quality decline?" Sun Zhenping asked.
Zhang Lianda said: "Smith played 81 games in the regular season and started 68 games. The Knicks have the best defense in the league this season. His defense is not bad."
"His defense is so good?" Sun Zhenping said in surprise.
Zhang Lili said: "It's just not bad, not very good, maybe second-rate, but he is taller than Mason and has better rim protection.
In addition, the reason why the Knicks are so defensive and forced the Pistons to almost lose at home in the game the day before yesterday is because they have Ewing and Oakley inside.
Both of them are top-notch interior defenders. Ewing defended the second team three times, and Oakley defended the first team once and once the second team. Their interior defense is particularly strong.
In addition, the defense of outsiders John Starks and others is not bad, and the role of the defensive system created by Pat Riley makes the Knicks' defense so strong. "
Sun Zhenping nodded and said: "Then the Pistons' starting lineup, the Assassins are now the fixed starters."
Zhang Liji shook his head and sighed: "I think the Pistons have no solution. Ulrich himself has no defense and no mid-range shooting. He is a loophole in the starting lineup. Even if he is not injured, he will probably not start.
But his injury still has a serious impact on the Pistons. If he is still there, he can grab points in the substitute lineup.
Now that he is away, there is no one to play the third position. The assassin can barely take the first position. I don't know how long he can last. But he didn't play much in the regular season, and the Pistons should have been prepared. "
At this time, the lights in the audience went out and the starting lineup came on.
"Let us welcome the murderous king of New York and the worst professional heavyweight boxer of all time, Mr. Charles Oakley."
As the host shouted, Oakley's face changed color instantly as he was waiting to appear.
"Ha ha……"
There were no boos, and countless Pistons fans burst into laughter.
"asshole!"
Oakley cursed bitterly, lowered his head and ran out.
None of the five Knicks starters received good treatment, with ridicule and abuse accompanying their appearance.
"Now I invite you, one of our leaders, the toughest, greatest and most iron-blooded smiling assassin, Isiah Thomas!"
"Oh oh oh……"
When it was the home team's turn, the scene fell silent, and then with the host's shouts, the entire Auburn Hills Palace suddenly went into a boil.
"Please, Mark Aguirre, our two-time championship mainstay and great All-Star swingman."
"Please, Joe Dumas, one of our leaders and he will always be our leader."
"Please, Dennis Rodman, the always energetic guy, our eternal rebounding leader."
"Now we have our leader. It was he who allowed our red, white and blue era to continue. It was he who led us to defeat the powerful Bulls again. It was he who led us to crush Michael Jordan under our feet again. It was he who allowed us to regain our feet. It has become the sky above the bull's head. Scream, roar, let us welcome the league's new superstar, the Detroit Killer King, welcome our Iron Fist Slayer, welcome our future heavyweight boxing champion...Zhou Quan!"
"Oh oh oh……"
The earth-shattering shouts had the tendency to lift the roof of the Palace of Auburn Hills, and all the Pistons fans were cheering and shouting heartily.
There is an upward staircase at the exit of the player tunnel at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Zhou Quan slowly climbed up the staircase, enjoying the cheers of the fans.
To be honest, he really enjoys the scene of thousands of people cheering, which can make him burst with adrenaline and improve his condition rapidly.
When he came to the stadium, he interacted with the fans with his teammates, and then went to the sidelines to say hello to some people he knew.
Detroit does not have the charm to attract those Hollywood stars, and Zhou Quan does not have the influence that Jordan has formed over many seasons, but Detroit has the characteristics of Detroit. Sitting on the sidelines is a row of executives and directors of car brands.
At one minute to eight o'clock, the players are ready to take the field.
Zhou Quan stood in the middle, with all his teammates united around him. On their heads was TNT's No. 1 camera with a microphone.
He snapped, "Guys, what do we want tonight?"
His voice rang out through the overhead microphone.
"victory!"
Everyone shouted loudly.
"Victory! Victory! Victory..."
At this moment, a huge and uniform shout sounded in the Auburn Hills Palace.
"Remember our team training?" he yelled again.
"We are tenacious, tough, iron-blooded, and we are fearless! We..."
The next moment, nearly 20,000 Pistons fans cheered in unison again, and the momentum was earth-shattering.
"Morale is up, it all depends on the performance on the spot." Zhang Lili said in high spirits.
"Patrick, let's say something too?" Oakley asked in front of the Knicks' bench after seeing the Pistons' opening ceremony.
"You do it."
Ewing shook his head.
Oakley shook his head helplessly. He only knew how to fight, but he didn't know how to do this chore.
(End of chapter)
