In the evening, the second round begins.
East, Bulls vs. Pacers.
West, mosaic against the sun.
In the tunnel of the Chicago United Center, Reggie Miller stared at Jordan with a cold look.
This is his 7th season. He played nearly 30 games with Jordan in the regular season, but he made it to the playoffs 4 times and was eliminated in the first round. This is the first time he has encountered this in the playoffs. spiced corned egg.
Jordan had humiliated him many times and was the sworn enemy of his junior Iron Fist. He had no good impression of Jordan.
"Reggie, I'll kill you first this time, make it to the finals and then kill Iron Fist." An extremely confident and paranoid smile appeared on Jordan's face.
"screw you!"
Reggie Miller would not be polite to Jordan and would directly use foul language.
Being exposed to the foul language, Jordan became a little angry and said very dissatisfied: "Boy Miller, you angered me, I..."
"so what?"
Reggie Miller directly interrupted Jordan and said disdainfully: "Do you think you are still the Black Jesus? Iron Fist has already taken off your face. The result of irritating you is to make you kneel down in tears. You knelt down like that in the second round last year. Cry in front of him.”
"asshole!"
In anger, Jordan came up and grabbed Reggie Miller's jersey and punched him.
Reggie Miller didn't fight back at all, stared at Jordan and sneered: "You dare to touch me, have you forgotten the Iron Fist?"
Hearing this, Jordan couldn't help but freeze.
"Snapped!"
At this time, Reggie Miller reached out and opened Jordan's hand, saying disdainfully: "If you don't have the guts to provoke Iron Fist, then don't provoke me. I'm his senior."
Jordan's face was red, and he just wanted to curse, "Senior is nothing, do you think Iron Fist is your thug?"
But he really didn't dare to take action, and he didn't dare to bet on whether Iron Fist would settle the score with him for Reggie Miller. He was just afraid of everything, right?
As far away as Houston, at the Compaq Center Arena, the friends Barkley and Olajuwon also met in the tunnel.
When the two met, they were both helpless. They were fighting each other. Fortunately, the postman was also the sworn enemy of Iron Fist and would not make the SuperSonics feel comfortable in the second round.
"Charles, don't worry, I'll help you get rid of the Iron Fist in the Western Conference Finals." Olajuwon said loudly, slapping his chest.
Buckley glared at Dream and said: "Hakim, your nickname is Dream, but now is not the time for you to dream.
Remember, I will take care of Iron Fist on my own without you having to do anything. Let me go to the Western Conference Finals. You can go fishing with peace of mind. I have found the dock for you. "
Olajuwon snorted: "Flying Pig, you don't know the heart of a good person. Why don't you know yourself? You can't deal with Iron Fist at all. Last year's finals proved this. Let me do it. His ball The team is afraid of teams like ours, so we restrain them.”
"nonsense!"
Barkley became anxious and said angrily: "Dameng, wait for me, I'll see you on the court."
"Are you afraid of you?" Dameng said angrily.
…
In the end, the Bulls defeated the Pacers at home and won the G1 game.
Under Jordan's full defense, Reggie Miller made only 5 of 15 shots, a shooting percentage of 33.3%, and only scored 13 points and 3 assists.
Jordan scored 32 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals, with a shooting percentage of 52%.
"Boy Miller, Black Jesus is not someone you can offend."
After the game, Jordan's trash talk flew into Reggie Miller's ears, making him want to vomit blood.
In another game, Dameng performed better, making 16 of 24 shots, with a shooting percentage of 66.7%. He scored 36 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 5 turnovers and 4 fouls.
Barkley's performance was a bit stretched, making only 8 of 21 shots and a field goal percentage of only 38.1%. He only scored 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover and 3 fouls.
However, the winner was the Suns. The Suns defeated Mosaic on the road, 91:87, and won the G1 game.
Most of the data are similar, such as the number of shots, steals, blocks, assists, turnovers, etc. Even in terms of overall shooting percentage, Mosaic is four percentage points higher. Only in three-point shooting percentage and free throws, the Suns have the upper hand.
On three-pointers, the Suns made 9 of 23 shots and a shooting percentage of 39.1%, while Mosaic made only 5 of 19 shots and a shooting percentage of only 26.3%. In this category, Mosaic lost 12 points.
In terms of free throws, Mosaic made only 4 of 8 free throws at home, and the number of free throws was pitiful.
The Suns made 10 of 16 free throws. Although the number of free throws was not many, it was twice as many as the Mosaic team, and the Mosaic team only lost 4 points in the end.
"What a hell game! Flying Pig, you stole a victory." After the game, Dameng said to Barkley with great reluctance.
Barkley had a smile on his face and said with a smile: "This is strength, Hakeem, don't worry, I will help you kill Iron Fist in the Western Conference Finals."
Dameng snorted coldly: "You are dreaming, this is the first game, I will get it back."
"Then we'll see." Buckley said unwillingly.
Zhou Quan watched some of these two games, changed the channels, and got some of his own opinions on these two series.
The Pacers will most likely not be able to beat the Bulls. Reggie Miller's strength is far behind Jordan's.
Mosaic and the Suns are similar in strength, and he can't see who has a better chance of reaching the Western Conference Finals.
In this game, the Suns swept through and advanced. It seemed that they had lost their form due to too much rest. Mosaic even performed better. They were ahead of the Suns in the first half, but in the second half, the Suns made steady progress and came back bit by bit.
"Another three-pointer to win?" Zhou Quan smiled.
In last year's Finals, the Pistons' most important defense was the Suns' three-pointers. This strategy was successful and they did not allow the Suns to make a three-pointer throughout the series.
But to defend against three-pointers, we must rely on outside defense. Mosaic's defense is strong in the interior and weak in outside defense. This is Mosaic's weakness and an opportunity for the Suns.
All Quiet on the 9th.
"A disappointing game."
The Houston Chronicle used this headline to cover last night's game.
"The sun is rising."
The Phoenix Suns used this headline to cover the game.
At around one o'clock that day, Jazz's plane arrived in Seattle.
The media is also analyzing the situation of the series between the Sonics and the Jazz. One record is first in the league, the other is fifth in the Western Conference, and eighth in the league. In addition, the SuperSonics have a record of four wins and one loss against the Jazz in the regular season this season, so Most media are more optimistic about the Sonics.
Of course, the Postman refused to admit defeat. He said at a press conference held in the hotel: "The regular season record doesn't mean anything. The regular season record that ranks first in the league doesn't mean anything. The Suns ranked first in the league last season. Did they win the championship? ?”
After Barkley learned about the postman's words through the media, he was furious and called the postman: "Damn it, postman, you can just spit on the Iron Fist and the SuperSonics. What are you doing to screw out the Suns?"
The postman said angrily: "Flying Pig, don't get angry, I'm not wrong."
Buckley angrily said: "You bastard, postman, may you be swept away with an iron fist."
"asshole!"
The postman jumped up in anger and roared: "Then I hope you will be killed by Dameng."
"You, you're talking nonsense!" Buckley jumped up in anger.
…
The 10th, match day.
Jazz: Felton Spencer, Karl Malone, Tyrone Corbin, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton
SuperSonics: Sam Perkins, Rodman, Schrempf, Kendall Gill, Zhou Quan
The series was broadcast live nationally on ABC, with commentators Bill Walton and his partner Lewis Williams.
At 7:30, after the first announcement, ABC's live broadcast officially began.
Bill Walton said: "Before the All-Star Game, the Jazz made a trade with Philadelphia, trading veteran Jeff Malone who had played for four seasons for sharpshooter Jeff Hornacek, which strengthened their outside shooting ability and also strengthened their shooting ability. The outside defense has been improved, and the strength has been improved.
It was precisely because of the trade that the Jazz defeated the SuperSonics at home after the All-Star Game. So although most media are optimistic about the SuperSonics, I would like to remind you that you must not be careless. "
Lewis Williams smiled and said: "Iron Fist will definitely not be careless. He has never been careless when facing the Nuggets. He will certainly not be careless when facing the more powerful Jazz."
Bill Walton nodded and said: "In terms of lineup, both sides have their own advantages. The Postman averaged 29.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in the first round series, shooting 48.2% from the field. Jeff Hornacek scored 10.5 points in the first round and made a field goal. The shooting rate was 45.2%, but his three-point shooting percentage reached a terrible 42.9%, averaging 0.8 of 1.8 shots per game. I want to remind the SuperSonics to be careful of Hornacek's three-pointers."
Williams said: "The Postman should also pay attention. Rodman may not be able to guard him and must rely on help defense. Fortunately, the Sonics are also good at flanking and assisting defense, which should be able to limit the Postman's offense.
The postman's elbows are very powerful, and most people don't dare to get close. This requires the SuperSonics to help defend him, and requires a strong defense force. "
Bill Walton added: "Speaking of the Jazz, I want to remind you that Iron Fist has always defeated John Stockton. This is probably the Jazz's biggest weakness.
Now that Hornacek has been traded, the Jazz should try to use Hornacek to defend Iron Fist. He is the same height as Iron Fist, and his tonnage is 86 kilograms, which is 6 kilograms smaller. Anyway, he should be stronger than Stockton. "
At this time, Williams suddenly said: "Look, President David Stern has arrived at the scene and is preparing to hand out the MVP trophy to Iron Fist."
Bill Walton smiled and said: "Congratulations Iron Fist."
At this time, in the player tunnel, the starters of the two teams are waiting to play.
"Hey Postman, good evening."
Zhou Quan was about to receive the MVP award. He was in a very good mood and took the initiative to greet the postman when he saw him.
The postman grunted in response. He was not in a good mood to answer Zhou Quan.
Zhou Quan said dissatisfied: "I ask you, what is your response? Did you see that President Stern is outside? Did you see the trophy in his hand? That is mine. You should congratulate me now." , can you be a little more graceful?"
Rodman said funny and authentic: "Postman, have you ever planned to develop a career in professional boxing? Otherwise, it would be a waste to finally apply for a boxing license in California."
The postman was so angry that he almost vomited blood. Is there such a bully? If he couldn't beat him, he would actually want to use violence now.
"Shut up, damn bug, that has nothing to do with you."
He scolded Rodman, and then said to Zhou Quan very depressedly: "Congratulations."
The other four Jazz were also helpless, but they just pretended not to see it and ignored the "intimate" interaction between the postman and Iron Fist.
"MVP! MVP! MVP..."
Not long after, when Zhou Quan came on the stage, an overwhelming roar erupted from the Seattle Center Arena.
"Zhou, congratulations."
David Stern handed the trophy to Zhou Quan and said: "I hope you can perform better in the next playoffs."
"Thank you, Mr. Stern."
After thanking him, Zhou Quan excitedly took the trophy and raised it towards the fans.
"Oh oh oh……"
The whole place was buzzing with cheers.
"Congratulations to Zhou Quan!"
Zhang Lili and Sun Zhenping were very excited.
"Congratulations Iron Fist."
Bill Walton and Williams said.
…
At eight o'clock, the game officially begins.
Jump ball, Jazz offense.
John Stockton used the postman's pick-and-roll to bypass Zhou Quan who was blocking the way and entered the frontcourt. When he reached the top of the arc, the postman who followed him made another pick-and-roll. He once again used the wall to get rid of Zhou Quan and hit the ball from his left elbow. Zone breakthrough.
The Jazz's magic weapon tactic is the black and white pick-and-roll. Of course, the SuperSonics attaches great importance to this tactic.
Rodman immediately changed defense, not giving Bai Sha a chance to break through, forcing Stockton to move to the left wing.
The postman who was parked in the high post saw this and immediately forced Zhou Quan away and rushed towards the basket.
However, Zhou Quan took the initiative to get out of the way and positioned himself between the postman and Stockton, cutting off the passing angle of the two.
At this time, Hornacek on the right wing ran to the top of the arc, and Stockton quickly passed the ball. The former caught the ball and made a jump shot. Kendall Gill, who was chasing him, tried his best to take off and block the shot.
"boom!"
Because he was avoiding the block, the angle of his shot was adjusted. It was a little shorter and the ball missed.
However, the postman who rushed to the basket just grabbed the rebound and made a layup and hit a goal.
Zhou Quan blocked the shot from the left, but was blocked by the postman's left elbow and did not touch the ball.
Zhang Lili analyzed: "The Jazz reacted through the pick-and-roll to give Stockton a chance to get rid of Zhou Quan, and then the Postman cut inside to the basket. Even if he couldn't catch the ball, he could still grab the offensive rebound. I think the SuperSonics should be more careful. This may be a tactic arranged by the Jazz to target the SuperSonics' serious lack of height inside."
Sun Zhenping nodded and said: "Rodman switched to guard Stockton and was not under the basket. Without him, SuperSonics' rebounding would not be guaranteed at all."
Zhang Lili said: "This is the trouble. Even if Rodman does not switch defense and the postman stops in the high post, he will not be able to return to the basket, and his control of the rebound will be greatly weakened."
SuperSonics attack, Zhou Quan has advanced to the top of the frontcourt arc.
Guarding him is Jeff Hornacek, a sharpshooter and good defensive tackle.
He dribbled the ball leisurely, and his vision was not focused, but his strong vision allowed him to observe every corner of the left and right wings.
Rodman was under the basket, facing Felton Spencer, who was 213 centimeters away. Perkins pulled to the right three-point line, and the postman followed up.
Suddenly, one step started, and he started to break through to the right. Hornacek quickly retreated from defense. He then accelerated and stepped over, bursting from the right end of the free throw line and heading towards the basket.
Spencer took a step out from the basket, and Zhou Quan went straight from him to the baseline, but his ball passed from behind Spencer to Rodman.
Rodman caught the ball and made a layup. Spencer, whose back was facing him, had no time to defend, but he didn't score. The basketball bounced on the basket and fell out again.
Just in time Spencer turned around and caught the rebound.
Hornacek was beside him, and he passed it from hand to hand.
"Snapped!"
Just as Hornacek caught the ball with both hands, Zhou Quan appeared from the side and slapped the ball to the floor.
"Bang!"
The rebound rebounded and was caught by Zhou Quan.
"oh!"
Only then did the SuperSonics fans react and breathed a sigh of relief.
"brush!"
At this time, Zhou Quan made a step-back jumper and hit a ball on Hornacek's head.
"You have to do it yourself."
Zhang Lili wiped the sweat from his forehead and said: "Rodman's offense is indeed not good. He hardly does shooting training."
"Dennis, let's not switch defenses. I will follow Stockton and block the passing angle between him and the postman. You immediately return to the penalty area to protect the rebound."
Zhou Quan said to Rodman, and Rodman nodded.
(End of chapter)
