At the other end, the SuperSonics press conference hall.
"Tekken, you made 29 steals in four games, averaging 7.25 per game. This has exceeded our normal understanding. How did you do it?" said a reporter from the New York Times.
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "Understanding the opponent's technical movements, coupled with active defense, so as to make accurate predictions, plus a fast enough reaction speed, and finally, the body must keep up with the reaction speed. Taken together, You can do things you thought you couldn’t do.”
"Iron Fist, we lost to the Bulls in the finals last season. How confident are you this time?" a Seattle Times reporter asked.
Zhou Quan said: "First, I don't think the Bulls' lineup is better than ours. Last year we only lost at the fifth position and seriously lacked low-post offense and low-post defense. Now that we have strengthened this weakness, our opportunity will come. .
The second is a matter of on-the-spot performance. Last year, most of us played in the finals for the first time. We were inexperienced and under great psychological pressure and couldn't let go. I believe this time it will be much better.
I believe we are on par with the Bulls now. Comparing the lineups of both sides, our rebounding ability inside is even stronger. As long as the outside can withstand them on both offense and defense, we have a chance to win. "
The next question was from a reporter from the Miami Daily. He asked: "Iron Fist, the Bulls have Jordan + Pippen on the outside. Why do you think the Sonics can withstand them?"
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "In your eyes, are they strong? Are they invincible?"
"Of course, he is the number one active player, and Pippen is now a superstar." The white reporter said.
Zhou Quan put on a disdainful look and said, "But that's your opinion. If you are not as good as them, you think they are invincible.
For me, beating Jordan + Pippen is nothing special. It's not like I haven't beaten them in the playoffs.
I won once in 1993. Is it something incredible to win again this time? Is it something unthinkable? "
The reporter was a little helpless, because this was the truth. Jordan didn't even make it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1993, and he couldn't refute it at all.
In fact, this is also Zhou Quan's innermost thoughts. Jordan and Pippen are just his former defeats and have nothing to do with invincibility.
In his eyes, Jordan is very strong, but only very strong, not invincible at all.
And Pippen was like that, his defense was pretty good, but he couldn't guard him, and organizing offense was nothing in front of him. He even looked down on Pi Lao Er, who had no qualifications to be called a superstar in front of him. Just a top-notch all-star.
Just as the press conference was underway, major media such as ESPN had already updated some of their forecast data.
After the G2 game of the Western Conference Finals, the SuperSonics' probability of advancing to the finals was 65%. After losing the G3 game, it became 55%. But now, it has risen directly to 90%, leaving only 10% of the mosaic.
The Bulls, who lead the Magic 3-0, have a 99% chance of advancing to the finals. This means that although ESPN is optimistic about the SuperSonics advancing, it also believes that Mosaic still has a chance to come back, otherwise it will be a symbolic 1%, not 10%.
ESPN's championship prediction data originally showed the Bulls 64%, SuperSonics 20%, Mosaic 15%, and Magic 1%. Now the updated data is Bulls 60%, SuperSonics 34%, Nemesis 5%, and Magic 1%.
The Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals are not over yet. Early the next morning, the major media have updated their respective championship prediction data, completely ignoring the Magic and Mosaic teams that have not been truly eliminated.
ESPN, Bulls 60%, SuperSonics 40%.
NBC, Bulls 58%, SuperSonics 42%.
ABC, Bulls 55%, SuperSonics 45%.
TNT, Bulls 53%, SuperSonics 47%.
Los Angeles TV, Bulls 51%, SuperSonics 49%.
Detroit Daily Worker, Bulls 48%, SuperSonics 52%.
Seattle Post, Bulls 45%, SuperSonics 55%.
Basically, except for the media in Seattle and Detroit, the media in other cities are more optimistic about the Bulls defending their title.
These media also gave their own reasons. The main reasons why they are more optimistic about the Bulls are that the Bulls are more experienced in the finals, and the Bulls have two superstars, while the Sonics only have one. Although Schrempf is a two-time All-Star A substitute forward, but not a superstar. Although Rodman was the rebounding champion for several times, he had no offensive ability.
At ten o'clock in the morning, the Sonics left the hotel and headed to the airport. Some media reporters caught up with them for interviews.
"Iron Fist, the media is more optimistic about the Bulls winning the championship. They think the Bulls have two superstars. Do you agree with their view?" a reporter asked.
Zhou Quan scoffed: "In the second round of the Eastern Conference in 1993, the Bulls also had Jordan and Pippen, so why didn't they reach the Eastern Conference finals?
Therefore, the media are all non-professionals. They should find a few professionals who can provide them with more professional reasons. "
At four o'clock that afternoon, the SuperSonics returned to Seattle.
That night, the G4 game of the Eastern Conference Finals began in Orlando.
O'Neal didn't want to be swept. He only took 13 shots in 42 minutes and hit 11 goals with a shooting percentage of 84.6%. In addition, he made 6 of 9 free throws and scored 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 3 turnovers and 5 fouls.
His younger brother Anfernee Hardaway made 9 of 21 shots, 42.9% from the field, 1 of 6 three-pointers, and scored 28 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls.
The Bulls still played strong perimeter defense, sending 12 steals to the Magic's 5.
Jordan made 16 of 23 shots, with a shooting percentage of 69.6%, 3 of 4 three-pointers, and 10 of 14 free throws. He scored 45 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 turnovers and 5 fouls.
Pippen made 4 of 11 shots, with a shooting percentage of only 36.4%, 1 of 5 three-pointers, 3 of 6 free throws, and scored 12 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, and 4 fouls.
But in terms of overall shooting percentage, the Bulls were 5 percentage points lower than the Magic. However, the Bulls' three-pointers exploded, making 9 of 22 shots and a shooting rate of 40.9%, while the Magic shot 4 of 15.
The final score was 106:101. The Bulls won due to Jordan's efficient performance, perimeter defense, and three-pointers.
The Magic was swept away and eliminated in a humiliating way.
Zhou Quan called O'Neal after the game and consoled him: "Shark, you really failed to live up to expectations. You were actually swept."
"Can you blame me?"
In the Magic locker room, O'Neal said angrily.
"Shark, come here. You can't even catch the ball on the court. As long as you are by my side, I guarantee that you will average 35+ per game and at least average 25 shots per game." Zhou Quan said seductively.
"Twenty-five shots a day, don't I want to be exhausted? No more!" O'Neal said very decisively.
Zhou Quan was startled and couldn't help but cursed: "You lazy guy!"
O'Neal changed his tone and said seriously: "Of course it's not because of laziness. I, the Shark, will never fight for the championship. Also, Iron Fist, prepare tickets for the finals for me. I want to watch you defeat Jordan."
"Why are you talking to Reggie Miller? Forget it, don't come if you don't come. I'll fuck Dameng a few more times until he loses hope, and he will come and hug my thigh. That old gangster is right Mosaic has no loyalty." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
"That won't work. If you and Dameng join forces, what chance do we have?" O'Neal said dissatisfied.
"Just to make you despair." Zhou Quan chuckled.
On May 30, the G5 game of the Western Conference Finals begins.
Without Drexler, the SuperSonics' attack on Dameng became even crazier, and Mosaic couldn't withstand it after three quarters.
Zhou Quan clocked in three quarters and scored 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers and 2 fouls. He led the team to defeat Mosaic, eliminated the opponent with a big score of 4 to 1, and entered the finals with head held high.
This is also the third consecutive season that Zhou Quan has reached the finals. In the first two times, he won one and lost one, with a winning rate of 50%.
The Western Conference Finals are over, and the date for the Finals has been announced. It will start on June 2. The Bulls have home court advantage, and the home and away schedule is two, three, two.
In addition, officials will announce the best lineup and best defense on June 1.
"We're going to replicate last year's Finals!" Chicago Daily News.
"The Bulls and SuperSonics will face off again in the finals, and the two super guards of the Flying Jets and Iron Fist will compete." Los Angeles Daily News.
"Jordan has won his fourth MVP. If he can win his fourth career championship and successfully defend his title again, it means that the 1990s will be the era of flying people." New York Daily News.
"Punching hard, the Iron Fist will shatter Michael Jordan's dream of defending his title." Seattle Daily News.
"In the contest between super centers and super guards, the super centers lost with an undisputed disadvantage. O'Neal and Olajuwon were both eliminated. It is certain that this is the era dominated by super guards." The Washington Post Report.
Starting from the next day, the media's sports news reports focused on the upcoming NBA Finals and the best lineup.
At nine o'clock this morning, the league announced the list of the best team and defensive team.
Zhou Quan was once again selected for the double first team. This is the third consecutive year that he has been selected for the double first team.
Like him, Jordan was once again selected to the double team.
In addition, among the SuperSonics, Rodman was also selected to the All-Defensive First Team, and McMillan was selected to the Second Defensive Team.
In terms of the best team, Rodman and Schrempf were selected to the best third team at the same time.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Sonics arrived in Chicago.
At 5:30, at the request of the media, the team held a press conference in the hotel.
"Iron Fist, the Seattle media thinks you have the strength to compete with Michael Jordan for the No. 1 spot on active duty. What do you think?" The first question was from a reporter from the New York Times.
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "Jordan has never said in public that he is the number one active player. This honor should be given by the media and fans, so I have nothing to say."
"This is your second finals match with Michael. You lost to him last year. What chances do you think you have this year?" the reporter continued to ask.
"I think we have a better chance of winning this Finals series."
Zhou Quan did not hesitate or be humble on this issue. If he is modest and hesitant on this issue, it can only show that he lacks confidence, which will definitely affect the confidence and morale of his teammates.
The reporter said: "Michael Jordan has reached the finals three times and won the championship three times, with a winning rate of 100%. But you have reached the finals twice and won the championship once, with a winning rate of 50%. Judging from the probability, it should be his. The probability is higher, why do you think your probability is higher?
Moreover, the Bulls defeated the Sonics to win the championship last year. In the finals, you were the loser and Michael was the winner. "
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "Probabilities are just probabilities. Numbers cannot determine the final victory or defeat. Otherwise, we would not play in the finals and just use past data to determine victory or defeat."
"Then please tell me your reasons." The reporter said.
Zhou Quan said: "We are very similar to the Bulls. We are both teams that focus on outside offense and defense. I think our outside rotation lineup is not weaker than the Bulls on both offense and defense.
This year, our inside line is stronger, and our low post offense is stronger than that of the Bulls. Without Cobra Grant's inside cut, the Bulls have lost part of their low post offense.
In terms of rebounding, we also have some advantages. Dennis is the best rebounder in the world. He is one of the key guarantees for our victory. "
"Rebounds, starting from the first minute, everyone must rush for every rebound. This is my first request to you."
At this time, in a conference room at the Bulls headquarters, the Bulls were holding a tactical meeting, and Phil Jackson said very seriously.
"The second point is that when Iron Fist breaks through with the ball, the nearest people flank him. The people in the front block his shot. Michael, this is your responsibility."
"OK."
"The person on the double team is responsible for cutting off his passing angle to one wing. You don't need to guard his shots, just prevent his passing. The people on the other wing must keep an eye on their respective people and not give them open opportunities or iron fists. When he got the chance to pass the ball, he was forced to take action against Michael's defense."
"The third point is, if you can rush in and play, just rush in and play. Neither Rodman nor Gilliam have height, and their ability to protect the basket is average. Go in and cause damage. I want to see efficient low post and basket attacks. .”
…
That night, some TV stations arranged live programs about the finals.
The finals series will be broadcast live across the United States on TNT TV station. This time, TNT found Big Bird Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and temporarily hired them with high salaries to form the Magic Birds to commentate on the finals. This TNT program is also composed of The two of them hosted.
The two were responsible for inviting guests, including super center O'Neal who had just been eliminated by the Bulls, Olajuwon who had just been eliminated by the SuperSonics, and super center Ewing who was eliminated by O'Neal in the second round. He was also eliminated by the O'Neal in the first round. Barkley eliminated by Rajuwan.
At eight o'clock, the show starts.
"ladies and gentlemen……"
After Larry Bird made an opening statement, he went straight to the point and said: "Everyone, there is only one topic for discussion tonight, who has a better chance of winning the championship. So who comes first now?"
"I."
O'Neal immediately danced and shouted: "I am more optimistic about the Sonics."
"Why?" Magic Johnson asked.
"The guy who was swept by Michael certainly didn't want the Bulls to win." Dameng suddenly said at this time.
"Pfft!"
Larry Bird burst into laughter, and Magic Johnson couldn't control the smile on his face and lowered his head.
O'Neal was extremely angry. He stared at Da Meng with his small eyes and shouted: "One to four, you are not much better than me. I'm kindly telling you that Iron Fist will beat you until you take the initiative to hug his thigh."
"well!"
Barkley sighed deeply when he heard O'Neal's words.
"Boy, do you dare to talk nonsense?"
Dameng was so angry that his face turned red. He suddenly stood up and clenched his fists, looking like he was about to fight.
"Come up here. Dameng, I won't scare you. I learned boxing from Iron Fist." O'Neal hurriedly stood up and put on a boxing stance and continued to challenge.
"Okay, okay, sit down, everyone, sit down." The two demon birds hurriedly intervened to persuade them.
Of course Dameng and O'Neal wouldn't really fight, so they sat back down the slope.
After Larry Bird sat down, he looked at a few people. When he saw the disappointed Barkley, he said with a smile: "Charles, what are you thinking about? I'm warning you, you got the notice fee and collected the money." , don’t think about your own private matters.”
Buckley said awkwardly: "No."
"So who do you think you're more optimistic about?" Magic Johnson asked.
"On par," Barkley blurted.
(End of chapter)
