The assassin added: "Actually, the Big Three are still very strong, but the lineup configuration is not good. The glider is old, the No. 1 position is too bad, and the substitute lineup is too bad. Damn and Barkley alone cannot withstand the SuperSonics." Team bombing?
So I think that their elimination was actually expected. It was just that they were swept. I am afraid no one could have expected it. "
"But almost all media were more optimistic about Mosaic before, including ESPN. Are you questioning the professionalism of these media, such as ESPN?" Laimbeer asked curiously.
The assassin choked and glared at Ranbir. Damn Bill, I still have to rely on ESPN to earn a living. Please don't destroy my job, okay?
After the celebration, Zhou Quan accepted an interview with ESPN TV. Media reporters surrounded him on three floors.
The reporter asked: "Iron Fist, in the first round of the 1988 playoffs, the Bulls faced the Cavaliers. Jordan scored 50+ points consecutively in Game 1 and Game 2. After five games, the Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 3-2. Jordan averaged 45.2 points per game."
When Zhou Quan heard this, the smile on his face got bigger, and the reporter also laughed and continued: "In this series, you also scored 50+ points in two consecutive games in G1G2, averaging 45.25 points per game, then I want to know, was it planned to score 40 points tonight? I'm sure you didn't put all your effort into personal offense tonight."
Zhou Quan laughed, then said with a smile: "Actually no, it's just a coincidence. My scoring tonight was mainly concentrated in the first three quarters, and I got... I guess 35 points, right? I only scored 5 points in the last quarter.
Then we defeated them in the first three quarters and ensured the victory, so I didn't have to attack with all my strength in the last quarter. It was not a plan. "
"So Iron Fist and SuperSonics swept Mosaic. What do you want to say to the Big Three who were eliminated?" the reporter asked.
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "I remember saying it at the SuperSonics media day before the start of the season. I said we should be more tolerant to the Big Three. After all, they are all old..."
"Pfft..." The reporters around laughed.
He continued with a smile and said: "The glider has actually passed its peak period long ago. I never thought that his arrival in Mosaic was a group behavior."
The reporter asked again: "The Glider's contract is over, and Buckley only has one year left on his contract. Do you intend to recruit them?"
Zhou Quan smiled and said: "I'm afraid the first task of our team in the offseason is not to recruit other players, but to renew the contracts within the team, because many of our players' contracts have ended."
An hour later, the post-match press conference began.
Glider did not attend the press conference, only Dameng and Barkley attended.
"Dameng, this season's Big Three lineup is considered the strongest lineup in recent seasons, but it was swept by the SuperSonics. What do you think of this?" a reporter asked.
"I'm very disappointed. I never thought I would be swept in the Western Conference Finals. This is a shameful exit." Dameng said dejectedly.
"Do you still have the dream of a championship?" the reporter asked again.
"Of course." Damengqiang said.
"But I'm afraid your peak period is over, and Iron Fist has just entered his peak period. How did you get past his level?" the reporter asked.
"..."
Dameng was silent for a while.
The lineup of the Big Three was swept, and this result made him very, very disappointed. Even if Glider and Barkley stayed to help him, as Glider said, they will all be one year older next year, and he has no confidence that he can beat the Sonics.
Boss Alexander is very stingy and it is almost impossible to spend money to build a better lineup. In fact, now he realizes that it is almost impossible to win a championship in Mosaic or even in the Western Conference.
"Charles, what are your plans for the future?" the next reporter asked.
"I have no idea."
Buckley was silent for a moment and then said in confusion.
Far away in Orlando, in a hotel, Jordan was lying on the bed unable to sleep.
The Sonics actually swept Mosaic, which was beyond his expectation, and Tekken's performance in this round of the Western Conference Finals also exceeded his expectation. He believes that Tekken is stronger than this time last year, much stronger.
The powerful opponent gave him tremendous pressure and motivation. He couldn't sleep, not because of nervousness, but because of excitement.
The next day, the media began a round of eulogizing reports on Zhou Quan and the Sonics' sweep.
"Five positive statistics, except for rebounds, Tekken has been the strongest in history in four of them. He is the super point guard with the most powerful offensive ability, the super point guard with the most powerful assist ability, and the most powerful steal ability. Super point guard, the super point guard with the most powerful shot-blocking ability, the Iron Fist King will become the point guard god on this planet." Tokyo Daily News.
"Congratulations to my country's famous professional heavyweight world boxing champion Zhou Quan for reaching the NBA Basketball League finals for the fourth time." Xinhua News Agency reported.
"The Big Three and Olajuwon were swept out in a shameful way, and O'Neal and the Magic are about to be swept. This is not only a failure of the giant lineup, but also a failure of the traditional center as the core team. The league will completely enter the era of super guards. ."New York Times.
Since Jordan's performance in the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals was average, while Zhou Quan played a great performance, it was difficult to see news about him in the media during this period, and his attention and popularity were completely suppressed by Zhou Quan.
That night, the 27th, was the G4 game of the Eastern Conference Finals.
What Zhou Quan expected happened. The Magic defeated the Bulls in their second home game.
O'Neal scored 28 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks, Hardaway scored 35 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The Magic team grabbed 48 rebounds.
For the Bulls, Jordan scored 28 points, Pippen scored 18 points, and Kevin Wells, who had high hopes from the Bulls, only had 7 points and 5 rebounds. The Bulls team only grabbed 32 rebounds.
"Well done, Shark, try to win another away game." Zhou Quan sent a celebratory text message to O'Neal after the game.
Not long after, Shark responded with a text message: "Iron Fist, see you in the finals."
On the 29th, the Bulls defeated the Magic at home and advanced to the Finals with a score of 4-1.
Jordan had his best performance of the series, scoring 45 points, shooting 69.6% from the field and making 10 of 14 free throws.
Pippen made only 4 of 11 shots and scored only 12 points.
Kevin Willis had 14 points and 8 rebounds.
O'Neal and Hardaway both scored 28 points, but they were unable to exchange for the fate of being eliminated.
"Shark, don't come to the west, otherwise you will be as desperate as Dameng, so just stay in the east." Zhou Quan sent a text message and went to bed without waiting for a reply.
When O'Neal saw this text message later, he really thought about it seriously.
Jordan averaged 29.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in the Eastern Conference Finals series. He is still very strong.
But Tekken's performance in the Western Conference Finals was even stronger, averaging 45.25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 15.5 assists, 6.25 steals and 3.4 blocks per game.
In comparison, Tekken is a completely unique performance.
If he runs to the west, his fate will probably be similar to that of Dameng, right?
At this time, O'Neal had no honors to offer. Under Zhou Quan's super performance, he had no confidence to compete. A text message confused his mentality and even began to affect his decision-making.
…
With the end of the Eastern and Western Finals, the schedule for the Finals has also been released.
The G1 game will start on June 2. The SuperSonics have home court advantage, a best-of-seven game system, and a two-three-two home and away schedule.
On the 30th, Zhou Quan got up at eight o'clock and felt very refreshed.
The Sleeping Pill Technique cultivates essence, energy, and spirit, which has a restorative effect on both mental and physical energy. However, the current realm is limited, or his energy, energy, and spirit are limited. Continuous bursts will only overdraw the potential, so the greatest effect is to regulate the state. Have a blast when needed.
This is actually very important to him, especially at home. With the advantage of Tiandiren, as long as the home court is not lost, the series will be guaranteed.
I took Zeng Li around in the lake in the morning, played golf for a while in the afternoon, and continued to practice the Sleeping Dandong Gong in the evening.
On this day, major media also made their own predictions for the upcoming finals.
ESPN: The SuperSonics have a 55% chance of winning, the Bulls 45%.
NBC: The SuperSonics have a 54% chance of winning, the Bulls 46%.
The New York Times: The SuperSonics have a 51% chance of winning the championship, while the Bulls have a 49% chance.
…
Except for the Chicago media, the media's predictions turned out to be almost one-sided. The media who were optimistic about the Sonics' defending title far exceeded the media who were optimistic about the Bulls.
This year's finals were broadcast live across the United States by TNT TV station, and the commentator temporarily hired the Magic Birds with a high salary.
On the 31st, Larry Bird appeared alone at the Seattle Airport and accepted interviews with the media.
"Larry, who do you think has a better chance of winning the championship this year, the Bulls or the SuperSonics?" a reporter asked.
Larry Bird was obviously prepared and said without hesitation: "Facing the Magic, Michael probably didn't give his best. But facing the Big Three, Iron Fist definitely did his best.
Therefore, the data of the two of them in the Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals cannot actually be a sufficient basis for judging their performance in the Finals. "
"Are you saying that Tekken's numbers in the Western Conference Finals are inaccurate?" the reporter asked.
Larry Bird shook his head and said: "No, it's just that his opponent at the No. 1 position was too weak, so his performance was stronger. This is a fact.
In fact, Iron Fist and Michael have been competing for several seasons, with two wins and two losses in the playoffs, and one win and one loss in the finals. Judging from the record, they can be considered deadlocked.
Now Iron Fist has entered its peak period and has become the number one active player. Michael Jordan should be said to be coming down from his peak period, so this season is the last season in which their strengths are closest. After this season, in terms of personal strength, they will widen the gap. "
"One goes up the mountain and one goes down the mountain? So who do you think you're more optimistic about?" the reporter asked.
Larry Bird said: "Both teams have their own advantages. The Bulls' outside defense is stronger, their offense and defense are more balanced, and their inside offensive capabilities are also stronger than last year.
The Sonics are strong in their iron fist, Rodman's rebounding and defense, as well as his fierce and fast flanking defense and rotational defense. All role players can also score.
Generally speaking, I think it's possible, 50% to 50%. I don't have a clear preference for this series. "
Magic Johnson came from New York, where he had just received a round of cocktail treatment. He also came to Seattle, and after meeting Larry Bird, he was interviewed alone in the hotel.
"Erwin, who do you support?" the reporter asked.
"Michael, my friend."
"Who do you like more?"
"bull."
"Why?"
"Because the Bulls have a stronger lineup. Michael didn't perform super well in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Bulls still swept the Magic. That's why I think the Bulls are stronger."
"Erwin, I heard that you and Iron Fist had a falling out?"
A reporter suddenly asked a question that made the magician embarrassed and angry, but he couldn't admit it yet, so he said with a straight face:
"No, not really. I have always had a good relationship with him. My opinion about the Bulls and SuperSonics is just based on the comparison of the lineup and nothing else."
On June 1st, a large number of NBA stars and Hollywood stars arrived in Seattle.
Basketball Emperor Chamberlain also came to Seattle and was interviewed by a Chicago Sports reporter at the airport.
"Wilt, Iron Fist laughed at you for not having two consecutive 50+ performances in the playoffs. Do you have anything to say to him?" a reporter asked.
Chamberlain was so angry that his heart ached, and he quickly touched the medicine bottle. When the reporter saw that he was in trouble, he couldn't mess with this kind of person, so he ran away quickly.
"Why are you running? I'll answer you after I take the medicine." Lao Zhang became even more angry, but the reporter ran faster.
At three o'clock that afternoon, the Chicago Bulls arrived in Seattle. At five o'clock, a press conference was held in the hotel at the request of the media.
"Michael, are you confident that you can stop Iron Fist from defending his title?" a reporter from the New York Times asked.
"We are very confident about the future," Jordan said.
"In the Eastern Conference Finals, you averaged 29.5 points per game, which was lower than the second round. Did you do your best?" the reporter asked again.
Jordan pondered for a moment and then said: "I know what you want to know, but to be honest, I think I can do better."
"What will you do if you lose this time? For example, leave the Bulls?" the reporter asked again.
"The finals are coming, I don't think about other issues." Jordan shook his head.
The next reporter to ask a question was a reporter from the Washington Post. He asked: "Michael, the media are currently more optimistic about the Sonics. What do you think of this trend?"
Jordan looked a little ugly and said: "I think you can only know after playing. I don't think the SuperSonics are stronger than us."
The next questioner was a reporter from the Los Angeles Times, asking: “Coach Phil Jackson, you also served as the general manager and brought in center Kevin Willis.
In the regular season, he averaged 10.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, and in the playoffs, he averaged 8 points and 7.5 rebounds. His performance dropped a lot from last season. At most, he competed with SuperSonics backup center Matt Geiger. At a similar level, the current offensive ability is not as good as Gilliam. Do you think this transaction is right? "
When it comes to Kevin Willis, Phil Jackson's face is a bit dark and he is in a bad mood.
Kevin Willis was traded from the Heat. He suffered a serious injury last season, but he thought he was recovering well and did not expect to decline so seriously.
He pondered for a while and then said: "Every transaction is accompanied by risks. There are too many uncontrollable factors. I cannot ensure that every transaction will be successful."
The reporter said: "But every transaction and introduction of Mr. Jerry Krause has been very successful. For example, he traded Pippen from the SuperSonics and selected Cobra Grant. For example, he also brought you to the Bulls. And made you the head coach of the Bulls."
"Pfft!"
Many reporters below burst out laughing.
Phil Jackson's old face was a little stiff, embarrassed and angry. He pushed the bridge of his glasses with his middle finger with his right hand and said with a stern face: "I don't know what you want to express. Are you trying to interfere with our preparations?"
The reporter sneered and said: "I just want to know, if this championship fails, will you resign as general manager like Jerry Krause?"
The reporter's question was like a knife. Phil Jackson's face turned livid, and after a few seconds he said:
"One failure doesn't mean anything, I think so. No one succeeds every time, including you, sir.
We have won three championships. I don’t think I have done a bad job. I even think we have done a very good job. I really think so. If you don’t agree with our results, that’s a pity. It's your problem. "
The host showed up and tackled the Los Angeles reporter, confiscated his microphone and handed it to the next reporter, a reporter from the Chicago Daily News.
The reporter asked excitedly: "Coach Jackson, if you were given a chance to exchange Michael and Iron Fist, would you trade?"
Everyone present was stunned, including Jordan and Phil Jackson.
"Is this a reporter from Chicago? I doubt it." Jordan had a murderous look in his eyes.
"no way!"
Phil Jackson said categorically.
…
(End of chapter)
