"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to FedEx Arena... What you are about to see is the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves..."
"Before the official game, we have to talk about something interesting. Grizzlies head coach Tom Thibodeau had just been fired by the Timberwolves. I heard that he had many stories with the Timberwolves players, so this kind of Under the circumstances, both sides should really want to win the game..."
"I am looking forward to this upcoming game, and please wait and see..."
In the studio, the host and commentators were talking about the game. At the same time, the game was also broadcast on China CCTV Sports Channel.
Whether it is the United States or China, there are a considerable number of fans who care about this game.
Someone also specially launched a vote on the Internet, with as many as 40% of the votes supporting the Grizzlies and 60% supporting the Timberwolves.
"Of course the Timberwolves will win! Not only will we win, but we will also prove that Thibodeau's coaching level is problematic..."
"The players all want to win, and the fans also want to win..."
There are various comments on the Internet.
Taking into account the popularity of this game, the officials specially arranged for reporters to interview in the locker rooms of the two teams before the game.
When reporters came to the Grizzlies locker room, the Grizzlies players seemed silent, while the team's head coach Thibodeau was explaining various tactics, looking stern and serious.
After the tactics were finished, reporters stepped forward to ask questions one by one.
The Grizzlies players don't seem to feel that much about the outcome of the game. For example, the core of the team, Mike Conley, behaved very indifferently when asked by reporters.
"What do you think of this game? Do you think you're going to win?"
"This is just an ordinary game and of course we hope to win!"
Conley's answer was cliche.
The same goes for most other players.
But when the reporter came to head coach Thibodeau, the middle-aged man's reaction was different from that of all the players.
"Coach Tom, what do you think of this game? You were fired by the Timberwolves before, and now you are coaching the Grizzlies. Do you hope to lead your team to defeat them?"
the reporter asked.
Thibodeau, who has always been relatively calm, also showed a high-spirited side this time.
If it were in the past, he would definitely not respond directly, and even if he did, it would only be a few words at most. This time it was completely different.
Coach Thibodeau formally took the microphone from the reporter and pointed it at the camera without concealing his thoughts, "Yes, I just left the Timberwolves. My coaching philosophy is not recognized by some of the players, but I am not No matter... there will always be a team that needs me..."
"So I came to the Grizzlies, and for those who don't agree with me, I will tell them with my record on the court to let them understand what the art of command is..."
"I know what you want to ask me. I am the head coach of the team. Logically speaking, I shouldn't be so straightforward. But today I must indulge once!"
"Yes, listen, I will lead my team to kill the Timberwolves! I will let everyone know who is right!"
After Coach Thibodeau finished speaking, the reporter excitedly ended the interview and immediately sent the interview video back to the TV station.
So, fans quickly saw what coach Thibodeau said in the locker room.
He has always looked mature and prudent, and for the first time he showed such arrogance that only young people can have, which really surprised the fans who are familiar with him. However, it is precisely because of this that many melon-eating people expressed their support for him.
"Hahaha! I like this kind of head coach, he is much more interesting than those old guys! It can be seen that Coach Thibodeau has a lot of grievances with the Timberwolves, so in the next time, I hope they can resolve those grievances to their heart's content... ....”
"Although I know some insider information about the Timberwolves' firing of Coach Thibodeau, I am still curious whether Coach Thibodeau's ability should be questioned. This game can obviously prove something... I hope he Give it your all, because the Timberwolves players certainly won’t let up any…”
At the same time, in the Timberwolves locker room, reporters also interviewed Timberwolves players. Completely different from the serious atmosphere of the Grizzlies, the Timberwolves were happy from top to bottom.
Interim coach Eric Stolte mingled with the players, and team core Zhao Feiyang also joked with some teammates.
The atmosphere within the team is very harmonious, and whether they are the main players or substitutes, they all enjoy this atmosphere.
When reporters came forward, the first person to be interviewed was Zach LaVine. He had recently returned from injury and encountered this situation in his first game. Although he had no hatred for Coach Thibodeau, he was still looking forward to playing against such an opponent.
"Zach, what do you think of this game?"
"There is no doubt that this is a game worth looking forward to. I know many Timberwolves fans are definitely looking forward to the matchup between our two teams...In fact, we are too!"
Raven replied.
The reporter asked Adrian Ennis who was sitting next to him. Adrian's reaction was obviously much bigger than LaVine's.
"This is a game that our substitute players are looking forward to very much! When Coach Thibodeau was on the team, he thought that we substitute players were not useful and was unwilling to give us more opportunities... This time, We have to prove ourselves to him and prove that we are worthy too..."
"Look at the guys behind us! These guys... they all want to win the game..."
When Adrian said this, he asked the reporter to zoom out and a group of substitute players took the opportunity to enter. A group of people made winning gestures towards the camera to vent their suppressed emotions.
It was at this time that the reporter also received news of the interview from the other side, especially about what Coach Thibodeau said.
The reporter was watching the excitement and didn't mind the big deal, so he immediately used his mobile phone to play the video to Zhao Feiyang and other core players.
After watching this, everyone looked at each other, and many substitute players had a strong desire to fight on their faces.
"Actually, we are the same as Coach Thibodeau. He wants to prove that he is right, and we also want to prove that we are right!"
"So, we will go all out for this game! Let Coach Thibodeau show all his abilities! Let the world see who is right..."
Zhao Feiyang led his teammates to respond in front of the camera.
After these two videos were played respectively, the outside world immediately exploded. Especially some fans watching the game in the stadium, when they knew that there was such explosive news, they couldn't help but look forward to this game that they didn't have much expectations for.
The whole scene almost didn't need to be warmed up, and it became restless in the anticipation of the fans.
Beep.
When the timer goes off, players from both teams walk off the court.
Before the official start of the game, players from both sides shook hands in a friendly manner. As the core of the team, Zhao Feiyang, after greeting the Grizzlies players, walked to Coach Thibodeau in person under the watchful eyes of all the fans.
Many people exclaimed.
Even the Timberwolves were surprised.
"What is Zhao trying to do?"
"He won't do anything, right?"
"Oh! No! Don't do anything irrational..."
In the eyes of everyone, Zhao Feiyang did not do anything extraordinary. On the contrary, he greeted coach Thibodeau and then gave him a hug.
"Coach Tom, actually I have long wanted the team to play against you like this... Now the opportunity has finally come!"
Zhao Feiyang said.
Thibodeau smiled and said, "Although you will definitely lose, I still appreciate your personal skills! From a technical perspective, maybe you can be considered an excellent player..."
"In terms of temperament alone, you can be considered an excellent head coach. At least in terms of paranoia, no one is better than you..."
The two exchanged irritating comments, and then Zhao Feiyang walked towards the Timberwolves' team bench.
The game starts immediately.
The Timberwolves have also arranged their starting lineup.
Zhao Feiyang did not start today, and he gave the opportunity to LaVine, who had just returned. The No. 1 position will continue to be occupied by Ricky Rubio, the No. 3 position will continue to be held by Wiggins, and the No. 4 and No. 5 positions will remain unchanged and will be handed over to Ibaka and Adrian.
The starting lineup is basically the main lineup, but they are replaced by LaVine, who has returned from injury.
When the Timberwolves' starting lineup took to the court, this arrangement also surprised many fans. Many Timberwolves fans watching the game live outside the court were even more confused.
"Why isn't Zhao on the main roster? All the Grizzlies are on the main roster!"
"He must have done it on purpose! But the opponent is not weak! Can the team withstand it if he is not in the main lineup?"
"I don't know why it's arranged like this! But I believe it's not that Zhao is arrogant, but that he and Coach Eric have their own plans..."
call out.
The referee whistle sounded.
Players from both sides take the field to jump the ball.
Snapped.
After the referee threw the basketball, Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies fanned the ball immediately. The basketball rolled out and quickly fell into the hands of teammate Mike Conley.
Conley held the ball and launched a fast break, quickly crossing the half court and rushing towards the basket. When LaVine followed up and blocked the ball, Conley decisively gave the ball away.
Snapped.
The basketball fell to teammate Zach Randolph. Randolph rushed into the penalty area for a single. When he saw Gasol getting out of position under the basket, he hurriedly threw an alley-oop.
boom.
Gasol jumped up to catch the basketball in mid-air and smashed it in with a one-handed dunk.
The Grizzlies scored the first two points of the game.
It was the Timberwolves' turn to fight back.
Rubio dribbled the ball across half court and began to organize the team's offense after reaching the top of the arc. LaVine came up from the wing to respond, but as soon as the ball came into his hands, LaVine was stunned by the Grizzlies' defensive formation.
