Although they failed to win in the eighth game, it did not affect the enthusiasm of Timberwolves fans too much. They are still very optimistic about the team's prospects, and ticket sales are still booming.
However, just the day after the game, the Timberwolves officially issued an announcement telling the outside world that Zhao Feiyang would be temporarily suspended due to a sprained ankle.
As soon as this news came out, the outside world suddenly became excited, especially the fans in Minneapolis. They were extremely concerned about Zhao Feiyang's injury.
A group of excited fans went to the official website to leave messages asking about Zhao Feiyang's specific situation. It was not until the team's new general manager Sam Mitchell came forward for an interview and said that Zhao Feiyang's injury was not serious that the Timberwolves The fans are temporarily relieved.
"I hope he gets better soon!"
"He is already 30 years old, not old, but not young either. I don't want his career to be affected by this..."
"Zhao is the leader of the team. Once he enters a state of recuperation, who will lead the team?"
Training day.
The players trained regularly and played against each other under the leadership of head coach Norman Thomas. When the confrontation drill ended, everyone sat together to rest, and head coach Norman Thomas also took the opportunity to call the players together.
"Guys, now Zhao is recovering from his injury at home. During this period of time, we need someone to step forward as an interim leader to lead the team... He must be able to mobilize everyone's emotions and be able to inspire more talents. ..."
"This is not a comfortable thing, but a difficult task..."
As soon as Norman Thomas opened his mouth, Dwight Howard, who was standing in the crowd, was the first to get excited.
He wanted to be the boss of the team when he came here. Even though Zhao Feiyang was always in charge of the team on weekdays, he never forgot to compete with Zhao Feiyang for the leadership position.
Fortunately, Zhao Feiyang never argued with him. Once Dwight Howard stood up to speak, Zhao Feiyang would respect him and remain silent. Unless it was a particularly important matter, Zhao Feiyang would definitely not intervene easily.
This move also made Dwight Howard feel enough respect, so even if this matter is still somewhat controversial, Dwight Howard can turn a blind eye to it.
Now that Zhao Feiyang is recovering from his injury, the position of team leader will naturally fall to him! In Dwight Howard's opinion, there is no doubt about it.
Unexpectedly, head coach Norman Thomas had different ideas.
"I have been observing you for a long time. So far, I think there is someone who can temporarily replace Zhao to lead the team... This person is Zach LaVine... He is very young, but he is talented. He is very talented, and he is currently doing quite well in organizing the team's offense..."
Norman Thomas' praise made Zach LaVine on the team feel a little embarrassed.
But before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Dwight Howard, "Sorry, Coach Norman...I must remind you that there is only one All-Star player in the team now, so That’s me... When I came to the Timberwolves, the team management promised me that I would be given the star position..."
"If you don't understand, I hope you can talk to Mr. Sam Mitchell..."
Dwight Howard seemed to give a few friendly reminders and chuckled a few times. He still looked like the "happy big boy".
But in fact, after he said these words, the atmosphere of the team suddenly changed.
Not only Zach LaVine was stunned for a while, but also head coach Norman Thomas didn't know what to say.
After hesitating for a moment, Norman Thomas seemed to have thought of something. He spoke to everyone again slowly, "Okay! If that's the case, then Dwight...during the time that Zhao left, , you should lead the entire team as the team leader!"
Hearing head coach Norman Thomas say this, Dwight Howard finally showed a joyful smile on his nervous face.
This is the first time he has been recognized.
"Okay, Coach Norman, I promise that I will lead the team to continue to win... I will make all the teams in the league afraid of us..."
The matter was temporarily settled due to Dwight Howard's interruption. Zach LaVine did not refute it. He just silently chose to accept the reality.
Anyway, it is only a temporary leadership position. Everyone knows that once Zhao Feiyang returns, the team must still listen to him.
Game day soon comes again.
This time the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to play away from home, and their opponent is the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently ranked first in the Eastern Conference.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have changed a lot now. After experiencing last season's trip to the Finals, the current Cavaliers have the temperament of a championship under the leadership of LeBron James, and the team's internal configuration and lineup are also good. It can be considered luxurious.
There are not only superstars like the Big Three, but also a group of outstanding role players such as JR Smith and Tristan Thompson.
Interestingly, Maurice Williams, who originally played for the Timberwolves, also returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers this time.
Quicken Loans Center.
This is the home court of the Cavaliers.
As evening approached, fans poured into the arena.
After the Cleveland Cavaliers' successive victories, Cavaliers fans can't wait for the Cavaliers to enter the playoffs in one go. For them, the championship is their only goal.
Although the Minnesota Timberwolves are not the biggest threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they can be a strong team that can defeat the Golden State Warriors. The Minnesota Timberwolves are undoubtedly a target that the Cleveland Cavaliers need to watch out for.
Therefore, Cleveland fans hope that the team can win this game.
call out.
The referee's whistle sounded and the starting players from both teams took to the court.
The Cavaliers are naturally dominated by the Big Three, and the Timberwolves let Kevin Martin take Zhao Feiyang's place to play the second starting position.
The referee stands on the court and throws the ball.
Snapped.
The moment the basketball was thrown, Dwight Howard still did not disappoint the Timberwolves and slapped the ball into the hands of his teammates.
The Timberwolves took the lead in attacking, and their teammates handed the ball to Zach LaVine, who drove the ball toward the half court.
After the ball passed halftime, Zach LaVine was just about to organize an attack when Dwight Howard, standing outside the penalty area, took the initiative to wave for the ball.
"Zach, throw the ball over here."
Dwight Howard's tone was unquestionable. Zach LaVine thought for a moment and threw the ball into Dwight Howard's hands.
Snapped.
After getting the ball, Dwight Howard reacted quickly and hit Kevin Love continuously under the basket. The two faced each other. Dwight Howard suddenly turned around, made a fake shot and then used his steps to get to the basket. When Vin Love was about to come up on defense, he jumped up and dunked the ball into the basket.
boom.
The ball went in.
The scene was filled with exclamations of surprise.
Dwight Howard looked proud and raised his arms to show off his muscles at his teammates.
