After the All-Star Game, the regular season continues.
In the following February, the SuperSonics lost to the Magic and the Knicks respectively on the road. At the end of February, they had 43 wins and 10 losses, still first in the league.
At this time, the remaining championship-level teams have entered the stage of reserving physical fitness for the playoffs, increasing their rotations, and reducing the playing time of their main players.
Because of this, the record declined somewhat. The Eagles in the Eastern Conference took the opportunity to surpass the Bulls and once reached the first place in the Eastern Conference. However, he lacked confidence and was overtaken by the Bulls later.
It is worth mentioning that the Pistons originally performed very well, but after the All-Star Game, they had a losing streak and their record dropped sharply. They have dropped from third in the Eastern Conference to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
According to media analysis, this is because most of the Pistons' championship members from last season are no longer there. Although the main lineup is good, the substitute lineup is not good. It can hold up in the first half, but in the second half, there is a weakness of insufficient lineup thickness. , injuries also began to increase, which was an important reason for the decline in record.
Another important reason is that what happened between Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp before the All-Star Game seriously affected the team's morale, which is also an important reason for the decline in record.
Everyone in Detroit knows that these two people don't want to stay with the Pistons at all and will leave sooner or later, so attendance is also dropping and the team's operations are in trouble.
On March 1st, the new MVP rankings and Player of the Month appeared. Zhou Quan still ranked first, and Ewing won the Player of the Month award.
On March 10, the SuperSonics lost to Mosaic in an away game, defeated the Spurs back-to-back on the road the next day, and returned to home to defeat the Trail Blazers on the 13th, achieving a record of 49 wins and 11 losses.
On the 14th, the Detroit Pistons visit Seattle.
Glove and Rain Man are still very popular in Seattle, and they were traded by the team. Dozens of fans went to the hotel to welcome them, but their expressions were obviously unhappy and they were not very enthusiastic about the fans.
"Gloves, I heard that you hate Iron Fist, why?" When Supersonic entered the hotel, a media reporter asked.
"Yu Ren, besides Malaysia, do you have any other hobbies?" a reporter asked.
However, neither Gary Payton nor Shawn Kemp answered the question and entered the hotel with their heads lowered.
"Joe, you are still the leader of the Pistons' locker room now. How do you evaluate the performance of Glove and Rainman in the team? Do you want them to stay?" a reporter asked loudly.
Joe Dumas walked forward and replied: "They all performed well. Of course I hope they can stay."
At this time, two more reporters rushed over, it was Isiah Thomas and Ranbir.
There were two elevators. Other reporters were blocked from the elevator, but the two of them squeezed in.
"Qiao, and you guys, we must win this game, don't let that bastard Iron Fist have an easy time." Ranbir said in a rough voice.
Since Zhou Quan left Detroit, he has returned to the Palace of Auburn Hills several times this season to watch games, as if he has become a part of the Pistons again.
"And you, you idiot, don't mess around in the locker room, you hear me?" He stared at Sean Kemp and shouted.
Rainman snorted angrily and glanced at Ranbir very unhappily, his eyes full of anger.
General manager Troy Weaver said, "Bill, are you going to call tomorrow's game? Nice job."
Lambir snorted coldly. He knew that Weaver was reminding him that commentary was his job, but he just pretended that he didn't understand and ignored it at all.
"Okay, Bill, you have retired, this has nothing to do with you." The assassin said hurriedly.
"I just hope the team can win. Do these idiots look like they can win?" Laimbeer said dissatisfied.
"That has nothing to do with you. Bill, if you interfere in team affairs again, please leave immediately." Troy Weaver formally warned.
"Stop talking." The assassin pulled Ranbir.
"Leave, just leave."
In anger, Ranbir slapped the elevator button, making a sharp sound, sparks burst out, and then the lights in the elevator flashed and the elevator stopped.
"Oh, damn!"
The players and management in the elevator glared at Laimbeer, and even Joe Dumars gave Laimbeer a very unhappy look.
Ranbir also knew that he had done something stupid and hurriedly pressed the door button, but there was no response. His face turned a little pale.
"It's over, it's over. You won't fall down. We're already on the 23rd floor."
"Ranbir, you idiot!"
"It shouldn't fall. It has a braking function."
"Call quickly."
…
Two hours later, a group of people were rescued from the elevator. When they came out, they all looked pale and had limp hands and feet.
"Ranbir, from now on, you are prohibited from approaching us." After coming out of it, Troy Weaver angrily issued a ban to Ranbir.
"Do you think I'm rare?"
Ranbir left the hotel in a very embarrassed state, and Thomas followed suit in embarrassment.
By this time, the news that the Pistons were stuck in the elevator had spread all over the place.
Zhou Quan called the assassin and Joe Dumas to ask about the situation, and drove to the hotel at five o'clock to treat them to dinner.
The Pistons' lineup has been greatly changed. In order to save costs, basically all the members of last season's championship were traded. Except for Joe Dumars and Sekali, only Polynix was left. He called the assassin over again. Five people had a dinner together.
"Ronnie, your contract is for this season and you haven't negotiated a contract extension with the team?" Zhou Quan asked.
Seikali shook his head helplessly and said, "We talked about it, but it didn't work out."
"Then you probably have to leave," Zhou Quan said.
Joe Dumars was not in a high mood and said: "I heard that the boss has almost reached an agreement and maybe the team will be sold during the season."
"So fast?" Zhou Quan was startled.
The assassin said coldly: "Detroit's economy used to be good, but now it's not. The team can't make any money. And with three championships, you can sell the team for at least 20 million more."
"Forget it, businessmen must invest to make money, not all of them are Paul Allen and Ballmer." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
Joe Dumars shook his head and said: "There is no problem for us to reach the playoffs this season, but we can't go far. Alas, I have nothing to pursue anyway. I will retire after playing for a few more years."
The 15th, match day.
"This is a crappy arena. Fortunately we don't have to play here anymore." Back at the Seattle Center Arena, glove glove Gary Payton couldn't help but complain.
"I heard that Seattle is planning to build a new arena, and Microsoft is investing in it." Joe Dumars laughed.
"Even if the government agrees, from research, planning, construction, to investment, there will be no hope within five years." Gary Payton said coldly.
"Gary, we have to conquer this place tonight, pass some good balls to me." At this time, Rainman Sean Kemp said in a low voice.
"Of course." Gary Payton said in high spirits.
The two old teammates, Joe Dumars and Sekali, looked at each other and shrugged, looking helpless.
At eight o'clock, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Pistons: Seikaly, Polynis, Shawn Kemp, Joe Dumars, Gary Payton
SuperSonics: Sam Perkins, Rodman, Schrempf, Kendall Gill, Zhou Quan
This game is a national live broadcast of the SuperSonics and is broadcast live on ESPN.
Bill Laimbeer sneered: "No one from the SuperSonics is over 208 centimeters tall, and two Pistons are over 210 centimeters tall. Plus Rain Man, the Pistons have an absolute advantage in height."
The Smiling Assassin smiled and said: "Although it has the advantage of height, it is not as fast as the SuperSonics. The SuperSonics mainly focus on fast-paced offense and defense. In many cases, height is a disadvantage."
Laimbeer said unconvinced: "It's impossible for every round to be a fast break. I've seen their data. At least 65% are positional battles, and fast breaks only account for 35%."
Smile explained: "That means the opponent can keep up with the rhythm. If the height slows down the speed and cannot keep up with their rhythm, the ratio will be completely different."
Laimbeer was speechless and changed the subject, saying: "I think we should be more cautious in selecting MVP this season. Olajuwon and Ewing all performed very well. Joe Dumars is also good. I think Olajuwon Zhu Wang has the best chance."
The assassin secretly laughed. Bill, this guy, deliberately ignored Jordan and Iron Fist. Of course he knew what his intention was.
At half past eight, the game starts.
Jump ball, Pistons attack.
"The glove is 193 centimeters tall, and its tonnage has increased from 82 kilograms to 86 kilograms. The Iron Fist is 191 centimeters, both shoe heights, and the weight should be 92 kilograms. The Iron Fist still has the advantage in terms of tonnage and confrontation," the assassin said.
"The glove strength has increased rapidly. He is already a first-class offensive and defensive point guard. He can deal with that guy." Laimbeer said with a straight face.
"Integrated offense and defense? A top-notch integrated offense and defense?"
The assassin was startled, Bill, don't talk nonsense, lest others laugh at your first-class offense and defense for being too cheap.
At this time, Gary Payton held the ball across the center line and came to a position one step to the right of the top of the arc.
He was very cautious in controlling the ball. He turned half sideways to the right, dribbling with his right hand behind his back, and his left elbow always in front of him, not giving Zhou Quan a chance to steal the ball close to him.
"Shit, you can't break my balls." He was also spouting trash talk.
Schrempf followed Sekali, Perkins followed Polynice, and Rodman, the strongest defender, followed Sean Kemp. All three Pistons insiders moved out of the penalty area. Very empty.
At this time, Rainman came up to pick and roll.
Rodman decisively changed defense. Seeing this, Zhou Quan immediately stood in front of Rainman, preventing him from passing down and blocking his receiving angle.
Yu Ren was very angry with Zhou Quan. Although he did not dare to shake his fist at Zhou Quan, he still dared to push him. When he saw that his way down was blocked, he pushed Zhou Quan smoothly and he was pushed down.
"Beep!"
This is the home court of the SuperSonics, and the referee's whistle immediately sounded.
"Does this idiot have any brains? He must be cruel or don't let the referee see it." Laimbeer cursed.
Offensive and defensive transition, SuperSonics offense.
Zhou Quan caught the ball, broke through with a one-handed feint, accelerated past Payton, and continued to accelerate.
Joe Dumars is still averaging 20 points per game this season, but his athleticism is already declining. After all, he is thirty years old, and his speed in returning to defense has not kept up, which is a step behind Kendall Gill.
After Payton was surprised, he was one step behind Zhou Quan. His speed was average, he gained another four kilograms, and then he could no longer catch up.
Zhou Quan rushed to the left wing, picked up the ball and threw it to the right. Gill quickly cut in from the right waist, flew up, caught the ball with both hands in the air, and dunked with one hand.
"boom!"
The basket trembled violently, and the Pistons' basket was exploded.
"Oh ho!"
An alley-oop dunk at the beginning of the game, and the whole place was in an uproar.
The assassin said: "This is the Sonics' defensive counterattack. It is very fast and has a very high success rate. Gary Payton should pay attention to one thing. The speed of returning to defense must keep up with the rhythm of Iron Fist.
Others have to stop the Sonics from making quick passes and defending from both ends to suppress the Sonics' fast break. "
Pistons offense.
Zhou Quan began to strengthen his defensive intensity in the backcourt. Last time the All-Stars didn't have a chance to match the gloves, today he has to teach the bad mouth in front of him a lesson.
Payton rushed left and right, and finally passed the frontcourt with the help of Joe Dumars' screen.
But at this moment, Kendall Gill, who had followed Joe Dumas, blocked him. Then Zhou Quan reacted immediately and pounced to implement a pincer attack.
Payton wanted to pass the ball to Joe Dumars when Zhou Quan rushed over, but Zhou Quan was between him and Joe Dumars. He hesitated, which gave Zhou Quan a chance to get closer. He waited until he thought again. When it was passed, there was no chance.
A double team formed, and Zhou Quan began to take out the ball.
"Snapped!"
Payton held the ball with both hands, turned around to protect the ball, and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to pass to Joe Dumars.
But Zhou Quan had quick eyes and quick hands, and he struck accurately. When he was passing the ball with both hands, he slapped him and knocked the ball away.
Gill took the opportunity to grab the ball and started to play quickly.
Zhou Quan then followed up, and Joe Dumars caught up with him, but he was not as fast as him and fell behind after three steps.
Gill stopped at the left three-point line, but his ball had already passed to the top of the penalty area.
"boom!"
Zhou Quan rushed in from the left elbow area, jumped up, caught the ball in the air with both hands, glided forward, and exploded the opponent's basket with a one-handed tomahawk dunk.
"Oh ho!"
Continuous alley-oop dunks, the Seattle Center Stadium suddenly burst into excitement.
"Hey, I just broke the shit ball, and my hands are not clean anymore. I need to brush them with deodorant." Zhou Quan looked back and saw Payton, and waved his hand deliberately, making Gary Payton grit his teeth in anger.
Pistons offense.
Payton moved to the low post on the left wing, trying to beat Zhou Quan with his post-up singles.
After several thrusts, he was a little disappointed that he couldn't move the guy behind him who was 6 kilograms heavier than him.
"Damn guy, you're a point guard, why do you keep a tonnage of 92 kilograms?" He couldn't help but cursed secretly in anger.
If you can't arch, you can only distribute the ball.
At this time, Sekali suddenly cut outside and asked him for the ball. Schrempf was half a beat too late and he quickly passed it over.
Zhou Quan was ready when Seikali cut outside. The moment Payton passed the ball, he reacted very quickly, slid sideways, and reached out to hit.
"Snapped!"
Payton's ball was knocked away before he could take a shot. Then Zhou Quan took a second shot to control the ball that bounced off the floor.
"Shet!"
Payton's foul mouth swore, and he immediately grabbed Zhou Quan's right arm.
"drop!"
The referee's whistle sounded, calling for a foul.
"Do you know how to count? How much is this?"
Zhou Quan smiled and raised the index and middle fingers of his left hand.
Payton was so angry that he vomited blood. He was intercepted twice by Zhou Quan just at the beginning. Did he get the wrong script tonight?
But he didn't lose his mind yet, gritted his teeth and walked away.
Next, his defense became even tougher, trying to regain face from Zhou Quan. Toughness was his best defensive method.
But the result disappointed him. Zhou Quan's confrontation ability was stronger than his. After the confrontation, he had only one thought: I want to gain weight.
Of course, his defense also caused trouble for Zhou Quan, preventing the Sonics from many fast breaks and causing Zhou Quan's shooting percentage to drop.
In the end, 91:107, with Zhou Quan's full performance, the SuperSonics successfully defeated the Pistons.
Payton was locked up by Zhou Quan, and the Pistons could only rely on Joe Dumars to organize the offense. Payton played 42 minutes, made 3 of 11 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, only 8 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists, but had 7 turnovers and 5 assists. Fouled twice, Zhou Quan intercepted the ball 4 times and blocked 1 shot.
In 38 minutes, Zhou Quan made 7 of 14 shots, 2 of 5 three-pointers, and 11 of 11 free throws. He scored 27 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 5 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, and 2 fouls.
"Although Glove has grown up, when faced with Iron Fist, he was crushed. This is the gap between him and Iron Fist." The assassin said with a smile.
"You useless guy." Ranbir said disdainfully.
The assassin felt that if this continued, one day he would be implicated by Ranbir and lose his job.
But he can't do anything about Ranbir. He is a second-generation rich man who behaves without scruples, and as a good friend, he can't get rid of Ranbir.
Fortunately, Ranbir agreed to take him to see his father and ask his father to teach him some investment methods.
Zhou Quan had already returned to the locker room and received a call from home.
In China, it is already the 16th, and according to the lunar calendar, it is the sixth day of March, his birthday.
…
(End of chapter)
