With the end of the regular season, each club's playoff spots are officially determined.
The Minnesota Timberwolves made no exceptions and successfully entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference. At the same time, their opponents, the Houston Rockets, also advanced to the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
Before the playoffs officially arrive, both sides enter a break.
However, the officials did not rest because of this, but began to prepare various promotions for the playoffs.
The showdown between the Timberwolves and the Rockets is naturally in the planning of the publicity department.
Regarding the mental state of the two teams, some media and celebrities also began to speculate and discuss.
"I think the Rockets are actually stronger than they look... They also have players like James Harden and Trevor Ariza on their team. Not surprisingly, they should be able to win. , of course the situation may be a little more difficult..."
"They reached the Western Conference finals last season. Although there are changes in the lineup this season, I think they can still advance smoothly in the first round..."
"I think the Timberwolves are stronger. The team has a core like Zhao, Dwight who was traded, and young people like Kevin Martin and Zach LaVine..."
"No, I don't agree. Is Dwight strong? If he is really that important, will he be traded by the Rockets? Kevin is too old, almost the same as Zhao. Their age and physical fitness must be older The problem is that Zach is too young, mainly because a team like them doesn’t have much playoff experience at all..."
"Isn't it all about experience? Before the Warriors won the championship, they didn't have enough experience in the playoffs, and they had no experience of playing against each other in the finals, but didn't they still win the championship smoothly?"
"The Timberwolves have the best record in team history this season. Isn't this the best proof of their strength?"
"No, I still don't agree. The record can only show that they worked hard in the regular season, but the playoffs are not just about hard work. I still agree with James Harden. He must be able to lead the team to counterattack... ....”
There are constant quarrels about the outcome of the two teams.
Many fans and industry insiders hold different views, but generally speaking, it is certain that the Timberwolves, who have a higher record, do not give them much confidence. On the contrary, the Rockets, who have a worse record, do give them a lot of trust.
The Timberwolves players also chose to ignore this kind of controversy from the outside world. Of course, they could see various comments on the Internet, but they didn't care.
Team leader Zhao Feiyang did not take these comments seriously. During the few days off, he and his teammates reduced their extra training to help their bodies recover. However, they would gather together every day to watch game videos.
In particular, various videos of the Rockets this season, including James Harden's scoring performance on the court, have been studied one by one.
"Guys, the outside world thinks we can't beat the Rockets! Then let's let the outside world see how we defeated the Rockets..."
"Believe me, they must be studying us at this time, so we must become more familiar with them..."
Zhao Feiyang took the lead in watching the video analysis while shouting to his teammates.
As the leader of the team, he did not indulge in private. Others naturally had no choice but to restrain their desires and follow the rules.
In the past, Howard would act wildly during this kind of vacation time. This time, not only did he have the sense not to run out and mess around, he also told his teammates some things about him in the Rockets to help them analyze.
Soon, vacation time passed.
The playoffs are officially here.
According to the playoff format, the first game will be held at the Target Center Arena in Minneapolis.
This is also the Timberwolves' first home-court advantage.
On the evening of the game day, fans entered the arena half an hour early. After reaching the playoffs last season, the Timberwolves have once again made the playoffs.
However, what is even more exciting compared to last season is that this season they have a better record and a higher ranking. If nothing else happens, it is entirely possible for them to reach the Western Conference Finals.
Because of this, this time, it was rare for Timberwolves fans to enter the arena wearing jerseys and jackets of the same color. In order to cheer for their home team, the arena almost turned into a sea of the same wink.
Before the game started, the Timberwolves locker room was also excited.
"Brothers, it's not easy for us to get here! This season we must impress the whole league!"
"I know that not everyone cares about the championship, but I have to remind you that even if it is not for honor, the bonuses in the playoffs are quite a lot. As long as we advance enough times, the bonuses we will get will be greater. many......"
As soon as Zhao Feiyang said these words, many substitute players were as if they were drunk.
For low-level players, things like honor cannot fully attract them. After all, what they have to consider is how to play in the league longer. Only when this is satisfied can they have the mind to consider other things.
But the bonus is different!
For these substitute players on the team, the temptation of bonuses is too great, and they have to pay too much in daily training. If they have the support of these bonuses, their lives will undoubtedly improve a lot.
"Zhao is right!"
"The team management has already said that if we can reach the Western Conference Finals this time, the boss will give out a reward of no less than 3 million US dollars! All of this money belongs to you..."
"If you can reach the finals, the bonus will be doubled..."
Head coach Norman Thomas' words brought the players' emotions to their peak.
After the team was full of energy, coach Norman quickly arranged the team's tactics and lineup.
The starting lineup has not changed much this time. The fifth and fourth positions are taken by Howard and Adrian. Needless to say, Howard's ability is natural. After a season of training, Adrian now has both offensive methods and scoring ability. There has been improvement.
At the end of the regular season, he was already averaging 12.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Therefore, he has been able to secure his starting position entering the playoffs.
At the third position, Andrew Wiggins is naturally the best choice. This season, he still maintains his previous "Buddhist" style. However, with the constant encouragement and supervision of teammates like Zhao Feiyang, Wiggins's scoring performance and defensive attitude have changed significantly.
The second position will continue to be given to Zhao Feiyang, and the first position will be taken by Zach LaVine.
However, these two positions are not fixed. Under the arrangement of Coach Norman, Kevin Martin and Ricky Rubio are also important parts of these two positions. Once the team needs to adjust, they can be replaced at any time as needed. Players go to different positions.
Beep.
The timer sounded on the court, and players from both sides began to make final preparations.
With all the fans watching, the Rockets also sent in their starting lineup. The back line is dominated by Patrick Beverley and James Harden, with Trevor Ariza at the third position, and Clint Capela and Motiejunas at the fourth and fifth positions. Responsible.
call out.
The referee's whistle sounded and both sides stood ready for the jump ball.
Before the referee threw the basketball, Howard, who was responsible for jumping up to the ball, also took the initiative to chat with the opponent.
"James, Clint, long time no see!"
"I really didn't expect that we would meet in the playoffs! When I left the team, I remember that you were not optimistic about my transfer...oh! I didn't expect that everything has changed now. We played A better record, but you are the one with a worse record..."
Howard said while smiling.
Although there was no anger on his face, everyone could tell that something had obviously happened to Howard, and he was deeply resentful of those things.
Harden didn't react at all, but Clint standing in front of him was obviously interested. He looked at Howard with a sneer on his face, and his words were not polite at all.
"Dwight, it's too early to say this!"
"It's better to save what you want to say until you are swept! Last year we reached the Western Conference Finals, and we can do the same this year, and you... will only become our stepping stone..."
Snapped.
The referee throws the ball out.
Howard and Clint jumped up at the same time, both reaching out to slap the basketball.
With both of them exerting their strength at the same time, the basketball flew to the left. In the end, LaVine was lucky and took the lead in grabbing the flying basketball.
The Timberwolves attack with the ball.
LaVine dribbled the ball across half court. As soon as he crossed the center line, Beverley suddenly followed him. As soon as the two faced each other, Beverley had no idea of saving energy and kept interfering with LaVine's ball-controlling hand.
Snapped.
LaVine gave the ball to Zhao Feiyang, who ran up from the wing to receive the ball.
After getting the basketball, Zhao Feiyang stood on the three-point line and planned to attack. The person who came up to defend him was Harden.
As soon as the two met, Zhao Feiyang suddenly dribbled towards the right side. Harden stretched out his hand to interfere, and Zhao Feiyang pulled the ball back again with a change of direction. Before Harden could make his next reaction, Zhao Feiyang made another change of direction from right to left.
This time Harden was directly shaken away, and Zhao Feiyang took advantage of the situation and dribbled the ball into the basket.
The opponent's big man Clint planned to defend, but Zhao Feiyang deliberately made a fake throw. Clint thought that Zhao Feiyang was going to receive a pass from the air, so he could only choose to stand still and follow Howard behind him.
The next second, Zhao Feiyang threw the ball in the penalty area.
Snapped.
The basketball board falls into the basket.
Soon the Rockets counterattacked.
After halftime, Harden also took the ball and played one-on-one. Perhaps Zhao Feiyang was dissatisfied when he shook him off before, so Harden also chose to deal with it in singles this time.
The two met each other, and Harden suddenly sprinted forward with the ball. As soon as Zhao Feiyang moved, Beverley next to him came up to block Harden.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Harden suddenly made a step back. Although Zhao Feiyang was on guard, he still failed to block Harden's shooting space.
Uh-huh.
Harden stepped back and took a shot, scoring a three-pointer steadily.
