Target Center Arena.
It’s another game day.
This time the Minnesota Timberwolves are at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Since the start of the season, the Cavaliers' record has been making rapid progress. Under the leadership of LeBron James, the team had a perfect start and could hardly find an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Whether it's the Toronto Raptors with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, or the Miami Heat who still have two giants in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh after losing LeBron, they It's hard to shake the Cavaliers at all.
LeBron's ability has already posed a great threat to them, not to mention that the team also has All-Star players like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, as well as outstanding role players such as JR Smith.
In terms of lineup, the Cavaliers are also great when looking at the entire league.
After winning first place in the Eastern Conference and stabilizing their record, the outside world's predictions for them are consistent with last season. Many celebrities and industry insiders believe that the Cavaliers have the best chance of reaching the finals in the Eastern Conference.
Therefore, this game is also a test of strength for the Timberwolves.
After all, their goal is to reach the finals. If they do reach the finals, they will most likely encounter the Cavaliers in the end.
Half an hour before the game started, the players entered the court to do shooting training.
Originally, Dwight Howard didn't have to play. After the team planned to trade him, general manager Sam Mitchell had clearly informed him through his agent that he could continue to rest.
However, this time Howard is still here!
When he appeared on the sidelines, his teammates were quite surprised.
However, few people greeted him, and even head coach Norman Thomas didn't seem to see him.
Howard didn't care about this, but entered the court and started practicing shooting.
After getting the basketball, he didn't shoot it by himself. Instead, he threw the ball to Zhao Feiyang who was standing outside the three-point line from time to time.
Snapped.
Zhao Feiyang was also a little surprised after receiving the basketball. When he saw the smile on Howard's face, he did not give any response.
Uh-huh.
Zhao Feiyang shot a three-pointer and the basketball fell steadily into the basket.
It happened that the basketball fell into Howard's hands. This time, he threw the basketball into Zhao Feiyang's hands again.
Snapped.
Zhao Feiyang did not refuse, picked up the basketball and threw another three-pointer.
After throwing several balls in a row, Howard finally walked towards Zhao Feiyang.
He still had a smile on his face, but he was obviously a little more solemn. After seeing Zhao Feiyang, Howard also pulled Zhao Feiyang to the position under the basket to communicate with him.
"Zhao, I know what I did in the past has disappointed you, but...man, I really regret this time, and I really hope to fight side by side with you..."
"So, can you help me talk to the team management? I don't want to leave here...I have nowhere to go..."
Howard looked a little sad.
Zhao Feiyang's expression did not change much.
He had seen Howard's expression like this before, so he was already immune to Howard's reaction.
Moreover, it is not easy for a playboy to correct himself!
"Dwight! I can't help you!"
"I tried to communicate with you before, hoping that we could work together to chase the championship, but then I gave up after many things... You are a free soul. Since you hope to have an unrestrained life, then, I respect your choice......"
"Besides, you've said similar things before! I won't believe you easily again..."
Zhao Feiyang's disappointment was palpable.
It was rare for Howard to see Zhao Feiyang so determined, and he had no idea for a while.
call out.
At this time, the whistle sounded on the sidelines, and the players all walked towards the tunnel. Before the game officially begins, they return to the locker room for final preparations.
Zhao Feiyang didn't say anything, he just looked at Howard and quickly ran towards the player tunnel.
Howard, who was standing behind him, looked helpless. Finally, he sighed deeply and followed his teammates towards the locker room.
"Today's game is very important for us. The Cavaliers are the team most likely to win the championship in the Eastern Conference... Playing against them can test our strengths and weaknesses..."
"I need you to go all out... Next, arrange the starting lineup. Zhao will play the one position. You are responsible for limiting Kyrie. Andrew will go to the third position. I will leave LeBron to you. Don't expect restrictions. Keep him in check, but be sure to interfere with his judgment and breakthrough..."
"Leave it to Gorgi and Adrian inside. You have to be careful about Kevin... He has great control over rebounds..."
Howard, who was sitting aside, originally wanted to interrupt coach Norman's words, but considering his situation, Howard shut up in time.
This time, he chose to raise his hand to express his attitude.
His teammates all noticed his raising of hands and showed surprise. Head coach Norman naturally saw it, but he didn't say anything, as if he didn't see it at all.
"alright!"
"Let's go! Let's get into the infield..."
The Timberwolves players walked out of the field one after another.
Howard sat there with a frustrated look on his face. Although he couldn't hide the disappointment on his face, he still got up and followed the team after everyone left.
Beep.
The timer sounded and the players from both sides officially appeared.
Before the game started, players from both sides also communicated.
LeBron James and Zhao Feiyang were former teammates, and they were very happy to meet each other. They stood together and kept chatting.
"Zhao, long time no see! I really didn't expect that the Timberwolves could rise to this level with your help... Man, it seems I was wrong. You can definitely become the leader of a team... ....”
"Hahaha! LeBron, don't say that. If I had known I would have joined the Cavaliers, maybe we would have won the championship by now..."
"If you want to, then I'd be most welcome! Man, frankly if you can join us, I don't think there's any team in the East that can threaten us... As for the West, I think Maybe even the Warriors can’t stop us..."
The two sides took their positions, and the referee walked onto the court to prepare to throw the ball.
call out.
Game start.
After the referee threw the basketball, Love and Adrian, who were responsible for fighting for the rebound, jumped up at the same time. Love took the lead to win the ball and slapped the ball into the hands of his own player.
The ball was given to Irving, who took the ball across half court.
As soon as he passed the midfield, Zhao Feiyang immediately came over to mark him.
The two faced each other, and Irving suddenly pulled away with two consecutive changes of direction. Zhao Feiyang was unexpected, and Irving seized the opportunity to break through and shoot from the left mid-range shot.
Uh-huh.
A mid-range shot fell firmly into the basket.
The first meeting between the two sides ended with Irving's victory.
