At nine o'clock, the NBA announced the MVP voting results through NBC television.
In the end, Michael Jordan received the most votes and won the fourth MVP of his career.
He was 13 points less than Jordan, ranking second. Although Jordan won the fourth MVP, he did not have a very big advantage.
His agent Phillip called and said to him: "Iron Fist, after all, this is the United States, and Jordan is the signature star of the NBA. Unless you have the best personal performance and team record, and have undisputed results, you can win the MVP award." Take advantage of the competition.
In addition, Iron Fist, Jordan is 32 years old, but he is still at his peak. Don't be careless in the finals. You must seize the opportunity to defeat him in his peak period in order to gain higher praise and achieve a higher historical status in the league. "
…
On the evening of the 22nd, Seattle Center Arena.
There were so many stars on the sidelines, including NBA stars, Hollywood celebrities and supermodels, celebrities, businessmen and dignitaries from all walks of life. There was no room for them in the front row, so they sat in the second and third rows.
Some media reporters are seizing the opportunity to interview them.
"Ervin, who are you optimistic about?" A reporter was interviewing Magic Johnson.
"Both are very strong, but Mosaic's injuries have a greater impact. This is the main reason why they did not play well in the regular season. I am more optimistic about the SuperSonics." Magic Johnson said.
"Is it just because of Mosaic's injury?" the reporter asked.
Magic Johnson said with a smile: "Because of Iron Fist, no one on Mosaic's perimeter can stop him, but he can block Mosaic's perimeter."
"But Mosaic has big dreams and is unstoppable." The reporter asked rhetorically.
Magic Johnson said with a smile: "The big dream is the inside line. The inside line must rely on the cooperation of the outside line. The independent offensive ability of the inside line is far inferior to that of the outside line. When the outside line is blocked by the iron fist, the big dream will inevitably be affected.
The current SuperSonics are actually the same as the Iron Fist Pistons and Michael's Bulls. They are a team that is strong on the outside and weak on the inside, focusing on the outside.
This Western Conference Finals is a contest between traditional centers, super centers, and super guards.
Judging from past records, both the Bulls and the Pistons have overwhelmed the Knicks, who have super center Ewing, and cannot get out of the Eastern Conference.
Then I think, similarly, the mosaic of super center Dream has a greater chance of falling in the Western Conference Finals and falling at the feet of the SuperSonics like last year. "
"Kareem, who do you think has a better chance of advancing to the Western Conference Finals?" A reporter interviewed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar smiled and said: "I am a center. Logically speaking, I am more optimistic about Mosaic because they have the dream of a super center, but I am more optimistic about the SuperSonics. Why?
First, they lost to the SuperSonics in the Western Conference Finals last year, which shows that Mosaic cannot defeat the SuperSonics just by relying on their dreams and last year's lineup.
Second, the SuperSonics strengthened their center to make up for their deficiencies in the interior, making them stronger than last year, while the Mosaic team weakened the interior by trading gliders.
Of course, they strengthened the outside line and got the glider, but can they deal with the SuperSonics outside line by adding the glider's mosaic outside line?
No, if Crazy Maxwell is not injured, they still have a chance, but I don’t think the outside line of Drexler + Kenny Smith + Robert Horry can deal with the outside line of Iron Fist + Kendall Gill + Schrempf .
The reason why I am not optimistic about Mosaic's perimeter defense is because of the offense. The firepower of the three of them cannot break through the Sonics' perimeter defense, and neither can the glider;
The second is defense. Is it possible for the three of them to block Iron Fist's attack? Absolutely impossible.
Therefore, the reinforced outside line is still unable to deal with the SuperSonics' outside line, but the inside line has been weakened. How can Mosaic beat the reinforced Sonics on the inside line? "
…
At eight o'clock, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Mosaic: Olajuwon, Pete Chilkat, Robert Horry, Drexler, Kenny Smith
SuperSonics: Almon Gilliam, Rodman, Schrempf, Kendall Gill, Zhou Quan
This series was broadcast live across the United States on ABC TV, with the commentators Lewis Williams and Bill Walton.
Bill Walton took a look at the starting list and said: "Ironman Thorpe changed to a glider, and the quality of Mosaic's inside line dropped a bit, otherwise it would not be so difficult to beat the Jazz.
This season the Sonics are stronger inside than last season. Rotating center Almon Gilliam averaged 30 minutes per game, 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks. His shooting percentage was 51%, which was better than last season's main center Sam Parkin. Much stronger.
Last season, the Sonics defeated Mosaic in the Western Conference Finals. Now that they are stronger inside, they have a chance to reach the Finals again.
The key is that Glider's performance, whether he can perform efficiently, determines whether Mosaic can reach the finals. "
Williams nodded and said: "Mosaic power forward Chilkat is just an ordinary role player. He started 17 games in the regular season. He has three-pointers. He is somewhat similar to SuperSonics center Sam Perkins last season, but his strength is worse.
He originally had no chance to play the starting power forward in the playoffs, but Mosaic's important rotation power forward was retired, so he could only be used as the top. "
Bill Walton laughed: "Rotation power forward Carl Herrera started 26 games. Like Maxwell in the first round of G1, he made a forced comeback, but was immediately seriously injured again and was reimbursed for the season. This season's mosaic is indeed not easy."
In the CCTV commentary box, Zhang Lili said excitedly: "In the two-round series, the SuperSonics performed very well. They only lost one game with a big score of 7:1. They are in very good condition. I believe this Western Conference Finals should be good as well."
"Physical fitness definitely has an advantage. The SuperSonics only played 8 games in the two rounds, but Mosaic played 5 games in the first round and 7 more games in the second round. In total, they have 4 more games than the Sonics. Their season The playoffs are much more difficult than the SuperSonics," Xu Jicheng said with a smile.
Nodding, Zhang Li said with a smile: "Zhou Quan spent the first two seasons with the Pistons and the last two seasons with the SuperSonics. He reached the Eastern and Western Conference finals in all four seasons, including reaching the championship twice and winning the championship once. His career is Very successful.
Although this Western Conference Finals will be difficult and the opponents are very strong, I believe he will create another miracle and lead the team to the finals for the third time. "
"I'm looking forward to it very much." Xu Jicheng said in high spirits.
…
At half past eight, the game starts.
Jump ball, mosaic offense.
Kenny Smith immediately transferred the ball to Drexler after receiving the ball, who took control of the ball and organized the offense.
"Obviously, Mosaic doesn't want their ball holder to face Zhou Quan's defense." Zhang Lili said quickly.
"Even Jordan doesn't want to face Zhou Quan's defense and always uses pick-and-rolls to get rid of him." Xu Jicheng said.
Glider caught the ball at the 45-degree position of the three-point line on the right wing. He made a fake shot and reached the right waist position, attracting Rodman's cover. At this time, Dameng immediately entered the paint area and he immediately passed the ball.
"brush!"
Dameng caught the ball two meters in front of the left side of the basket, immediately turned left, put his left elbow on Gilliam, hit a small hook with his right hand, and hit a goal.
Zhang Lili said with a pity: "It was just one step away. Zhou Quan had already rushed down from the high position, but Dameng's shot was too fast. He shot directly on the spot without giving him a chance."
"If he dares to make a fake move, Zhou Quan can double-team him," Xu Jicheng said.
Sonics offense.
Schrempf and Kendall Gill pulled left and right, Gilliam pulled outside the paint area, Rodman moved between the right waist and the basket, Zhou Quan came to the top of the arc, holding the ball and hitting Kenny Smith in singles.
"There is no chance of double-teaming on the outside. If you break through, you will definitely be flanked, even by multiple people." Zhang Liang said quickly.
Zhou Quan dribbled the ball for a few seconds, then turned to the right, faced the right wing and started to hit Kenny Smith with his back.
Seeing Zhou Quan start to attack, Rodman immediately entered the basket and prepared to grab the rebound.
Although they are the same height, the Jet's tonnage is only 77 kilograms, which is 15 kilograms lighter than Zhou Quan. Moreover, Zhou Quan's strength has increased by another level. Under his crushing, Kenny Smith directly gave up resistance and took the initiative to retreat.
At this time, Chilkat, the power forward in the left midfield position, immediately took a step laterally into the paint area and made a flanking movement.
But the next moment, Zhou Quan, who had reached the free throw line, suddenly made a jumper. Kenny Smith, who took the initiative to retreat, had no time to defend and only defended with his eyes.
"brush!"
The water splashed and hit two points.
"It was so easy for Zhou Quan to beat Kenny Smith!" Zhang Lili said happily.
"Kenny Smith's strength is at least two levels behind Zhou Quan." Xu Jicheng said excitedly.
"well!"
Seeing this ball, Mosaic head coach Tomjanovich, who was standing on the sidelines, couldn't help but sigh, with huge worries rising in his heart.
But he is not disappointed, because even Jordan can't guard against Iron Fist. He is just worried that the Sonics have too much advantage at the first position and that his side cannot make up for that huge disadvantage.
Tekken's offensive efficiency must be reduced, and every effort must be made.
"Kenny, hang on to him."
Thinking of this, he shouted towards Kenny Smith.
After hearing the head coach's shout, Kenny Smith felt a tragic feeling in his heart.
In the team's tactical meeting, how to defend Iron Fist is the team's first tactical focus, and as the main point guard, he is the first line to defend Iron Fist. The defensive strategy given to him by the team is to use all means to avoid fouls. The tactics, flanking attack, even required him to use his body to block the hole of the gun.
In terms of foul tactics, Tekken's free throw shooting rate is as high as 92%, which is to give away points, so flanking and using the body to block Tekken are the key points.
But its tonnage is only 77 kilograms, how can it be stopped?
Mosaic attack.
Zhou Quan and Kendall Gill did not switch defenses for the time being, and Zhou Quan blocked the downward passing angle, so after Kenny Smith took the ball to the front court, he was still preparing to pass the ball to the glider on the right wing.
But at this moment, when Kenny Smith was preparing to pass the ball after joining the ball, Zhou Quan suddenly stepped forward to press. At the same time, Kendall Gill cut off the glider's receiving angle. Kenny Smith's ball was not passed, and was It stopped near the top of the arc.
The next moment, Kendall Gill pounced over and decisively carried out a pincer attack.
Kenny Smith forced a risky pass and lobbed the ball towards the glider with Zhou Quan behind his back.
At this moment, Zhou Quan, who was extremely focused, reacted as quickly as possible.
"Snapped!"
He immediately stepped up and jumped to catch the ball that had just been passed.
Perhaps this kind of reaction speed is the real 96-level neural reaction speed. Normally, the 96-level reaction speed is not displayed at all.
This kind of perfect performance is very rare. It happened once in the second round of the playoffs last year in the tiebreaker with the Bulls. That time he eliminated Jordan. There was also one time in the regular season last season. On both occasions, he played extremely rare Steal a triple-double.
"Beautiful! Tekken completed a rugby-style interception, haha!" On-site commentator Henem Chrisman roared excitedly.
Zhou Quan took advantage of the situation to launch a fast break, and the Jets were also very fast, running one and advancing in tandem.
"Hold him!"
Tomjanovich shouted.
While running, Kenny Smith secretly tugged on Zhou Quan's jersey. After it was opened, he deliberately used his left arm to wrap around Zhou Quan's right arm.
Zhou Quan controlled the ball with his left hand and was constantly accelerating. He found that the Jets were clamping him with their arms. Without any restraint, he directly clamped the opponent's arms with force, and then changed direction.
The next moment, under the huge impact, Kenny Smith was staggered directly, and then fell to the floor.
"Beep!"
The referee ran to the side, blew the whistle immediately, and then made a foul gesture to Kenny Smith on the floor.
Kenny Smith got up in embarrassment. His left forehead was red and swollen and hit the floor.
"It's not a good idea to use fouls to destroy Tekken's fast break on the road. Tekken's free throws can kill Mosaic." Bill Walton said.
"Iron Fist weighs 92 kilograms, heavyweight. Jet weighs 77 kilograms, super middleweight. They are four levels apart," Williams said.
"Haha..." Bill Walton laughed.
"Kenny Smith is looking for physical confrontation with Zhou Quan, which is like hitting a stone with an egg." Zhang Li said with a smile.
Then the Sonics attacked again and served from the center line.
On the left wing, Zhou Quan received the ball across the halfway line, and a nervous Kenny Smith stood in front of him.
Seeing the obvious redness and swelling on Jet's forehead, he felt pity in his heart and said, "Kenny, it's just the left forehead that's swollen. It's very asymmetrical. The right forehead should also be swollen."
"You bastard!"
Kenny Smith, who was defensive and retreating, cursed angrily.
The next moment, Zhou Quan, who advanced to the three-point line on the left wing, saw Rodman entering the basket, suddenly pulled up and shot a three-pointer.
"What?"
Even though Zhou Quan averaged 2.6 three-pointers per game this season, it still only accounted for 12.1% of his shots, which is quite a lot, but certainly not too much. Kenny Smith mainly defends breakthroughs, so he adopted a one-step defense strategy. Zhou Quan's three-pointer failed to make a timely defensive response.
"boom!"
Unfortunately, the basketball hit the basket, but bounced out again.
Rodman jumped up hard, and touched the ball during the fight with Dameng. Then the two took off again almost at the same time. This time he took advantage, but he had no chance to catch the ball. Instead, he slapped him Hit the ball out.
After taking the shot, Zhou Quan rushed to the penalty area, caught the ball played by Rodman, and then made a jump shot.
"brush!"
This time it hit.
"Beautiful! Rodman's rebounding is beautiful, and Iron Fist's mid-range shot is also very accurate. Now he has made 2 of 3 shots." Zhang Lili praised.
"Now 2:4, mosaic attack." Xu Jicheng said.
Kenny Smith advanced into the frontcourt, just past the center line, and passed the ball to Robert Horry outside the left wing three-point line.
"The Jets are extremely wary of Iron Fist's steals," Bill Walton said immediately.
"I don't dare hold the ball anymore." Williams nodded.
(End of chapter)
