With the support of the team management, Zhao Feiyang decided to rest first, with protecting his body as his first priority. After the news of his truce was announced, Timberwolves fans did not complain, and many people showed understanding.
"Zhao was injured for the sake of the team. It's totally fine to take some more rest now!"
"Damn Pachulia... If it weren't for him, maybe last season's championship would have been ours, and Zhao wouldn't have recurring injuries like he does now..."
"I hope Zhao can recover as soon as possible. It doesn't matter if he takes a longer rest, as long as he can ensure a healthy performance in the playoffs..."
The understanding of the team and fans reassured Zhao Feiyang, but considering his condition, Zhao Feiyang still did not reduce necessary training.
For example, various exercises such as upper body strength training and ball feel. In short, he is still trying to maintain his condition without affecting his ankle.
While he was recovering from his injury, the Timberwolves also ushered in a winning streak of their own.
Although the team has lost the super core of Zhao Feiyang, it has to be said that after several seasons of hard work, the current Timberwolves are no longer what they used to be.
The team's main lineup is not inferior to any team in the league, especially young people like Zach LaVine and Adrian Ennis. They have been able to perform quite well.
More importantly, the atmosphere within the team is very harmonious, and the cooperation between the players is also quite tacit. Without major lineup changes, the Timberwolves are already an extremely mature team.
Therefore, the Timberwolves also had a five-game winning streak during this period. These five games were not just for those weak teams. They also encountered established teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and Porter. A strong playoff team like the Portland Trail Blazers.
Winning these two opponents also boosted the Timberwolves' morale. From the players to the management to the fans, everyone is looking forward to this season.
Many fans even went to the Timberwolves' official website to leave excited messages after their five-game winning streak.
"There is no doubt that it is entirely possible for us to reach the finals this season! Now most of the teams that threaten us in the West have played against us. Obviously... they are not our opponents, so as long as we can persist If we continue and ensure the health of the team, then we will definitely win the second championship in team history..."
"Oh! Man! I never thought we would have such a lineup one day! All thanks to this guy Zhao. Starting from him, the team gradually got on the right track. Now his injury is about to recover. As long as all of us are If we are healthy, then no one in the entire league will become our opponent..."
"Although many people seem to be excited, I have to say that their excitement is not unreasonable. As long as we can win the next game against the Warriors, then winning the championship is definitely not a big problem. ....."
The fans' messages were exactly what the Timberwolves management envisioned. They originally thought that Zhao Feiyang's truce might cause a trough in the team's record. Who would have thought that not only would there not be much of an impact, but they would actually have a winning streak.
This is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the team management.
After the five-game winning streak ended, the Timberwolves also happened to face the Golden State Warriors on the road. This game is the first meeting between the two sides this season, and it is also the one that Timberwolves fans are most looking forward to.
Everyone knows that if they can defeat the Warriors, the Timberwolves' future this season will definitely be worth looking forward to.
Game day.
Although Zhao Feiyang has not returned yet, for the sake of the team, he still chose to enter the scene to watch the game, standing on the team bench and cheering for his teammates.
His presence naturally boosted the atmosphere at the scene.
After a period of preparation before the game, the Timberwolves starting players walked onto the court. As for the Warriors, they also fielded their strongest lineup.
Like last season, the annoying Zaza Pachulia has not left, and Kevin Durant, who helped the Warriors win the championship, is still on the team.
Beep.
After the timer sounds, both sides take the field and the referee throws the ball out in front of the audience.
Snapped.
The Timberwolves took the lead in getting the ball. Dwight Howard jumped high and slapped the ball away. Although Green also jumped up hard, he missed the ball.
It was Derrick Rose who got the ball. Without any hesitation, he dribbled the ball and sprinted directly towards the half court. Seeing that he was double-teamed by the Warriors after halftime, Rose decisively gave the ball to LaVine on the wing. LaVine rushed to the basket while running. Facing Durant who was chasing him, he chose to give the ball to LaVine at the last moment. Throw the ball.
Snapped.
The basketball hit the backboard and bounced off. Serge Ibaka, who followed up, jumped up high and smashed the ball into the basket with both hands with a tip-in.
boom.
The ball went in.
The Timberwolves' cooperation won cheers from the fans in the audience.
LaVine also high-fived Ibaka in celebration.
It was the Warriors' turn to fight back.
Stephen Curry advanced with the ball, and after reaching half court, Draymond Green came up to cover. The two met each other, and Green helped Curry fend off Rose. Curry took advantage of the situation and dribbled the ball into the two zones.
But just when he was about to break through the basket, Howard stood in front of him and jumped high. Curry could have passed the ball, but instead of throwing it out, he planned to throw the ball in with a high throw.
However, he underestimated Howard's status.
Snapped.
Howard jumped high in front of the shocked eyes of the fans, and slapped the basketball thrown by Curry away from an extremely terrifying height.
The basketball flew directly out of bounds, and many fans were frightened. The Warriors did not expect Howard to perform like this at all. Curry, who was blocked, looked surprised and Clay shook his head.
"Damn it! Dwight's performance is good! This guy must be practicing hard recently...otherwise he wouldn't be able to play in this state...This was normal when he was young! Unexpectedly Now it only appears occasionally..."
Zhao Feiyang, who was sitting on the team bench, couldn't help but sigh.
Adrian on the side also chimed in with him, "Zhao, I'm so envious of Dwight's physical fitness! If I had his physical talent, I think I would be able to play better now... "
"Adrian, don't worry, you are different from him. You have your advantages. Your progress this season is not small. Not everyone can get the 'Best Performance of the Month in the Western Conference'... ...Take your time! If you play for another one or two seasons, you might also be an All-Star player..."
