call out.
The referee's whistle sounded, and there were only three minutes left in the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The score difference between the two sides was 90 to 106, and the score difference widened to 16 points.
In the absence of Zhao Feiyang, the Cavaliers' problems in the second half were all exposed. Especially after LeBron left the game, the Cavaliers' performance was a disaster. No one could stabilize the situation, not even the team's other core Kevin Love.
Love, once known as one of the Big Three, performed like an ordinary star at this time. He was unable to turn the tide or save the team.
LeBron James came on the field at the beginning of the fourth quarter. After his calf cramped, his overall condition declined sharply. In addition to scoring two three-pointers in the following period, neither breakthrough nor post-up play was as efficient as before. .
Seeing that the score was getting wider and wider, it was impossible for the Cavaliers to catch up with the score difference.
Head coach Tyronn Lue chose to take LeBron off to rest, and substitute players such as J.R. Smith consumed all the offensive time on the court.
After LeBron left the court, some Cavaliers fans on the sidelines chose to leave the court. Knowing that the situation was over, they didn't want to wait any longer, so they left the arena and walked towards the parking lot.
Although the few remaining fans did not leave, their expressions were filled with disappointment and struggle.
Beep.
The moment the live timer sounds, the game is over.
The two sides finally tied 100 to 117.
17 points is the largest score difference between the two sides in the series.
It was also the Cavaliers' worst loss in the entire series.
After the game, all of Cleveland fell into silence. The media reported on this game, and many fans who were not able to attend the game also saw various statistics of the game on TV.
"LeBron played 42 minutes and scored 35 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds... Love played 39 minutes and scored 20 points and 10 rebounds..."
"Other than that, the Cavaliers' top scorer is JR, who scored 15 points..."
For LeBron's scoring data, fans still show support and understanding. Although there are many people who blame him, most fans still stand behind LeBron.
As for those who questioned Zhao Feiyang after the last game, they were severely slapped in the face this time, which also attracted counterattacks from many Zhao Feiyang supporters.
"You idiots, don't you think that the existence of Zhao affects LeBron's ball rights? Without him, LeBron did not perform well in this game? He lost by 17 points! Even if LeBron has calf cramps, he shouldn't This is the result..."
"I know it's not easy for LeBron, and I don't blame him! I just hope those guys with bad mouths will shut up! Zhao's existence is definitely not weaker than Irving for the Cavaliers, and some guys are nothing at all. Do not know at all......."
"Okay! It doesn't matter whether there is any controversy now! The score is 0 to 3, what's the point of playing now? It seems that the Warriors will win the game on the road! We completely lost the finals this time Got it!"
Public opinion on the Internet instantly reversed, and Zhao Feiyang also changed from being questioned to being supported. Many fans who think he is in the way also hope that he will come back quickly. After all, only with his presence can he help LeBron share the pressure and make this matter seem to turn around.
At the same time, Zhao Feiyang welcomed two of his friends to his home in Cleveland.
These two people are none other than Adrian Ennis and Zach LaVine.
The two went into rest after the offseason. Although they were already on vacation, they were still paying attention to the situation in the finals. After learning that Zhao Feiyang was ill, the two of them rushed to Cleveland to see him.
Fortunately, Zhao Feiyang had recovered at this time. Although he still did not participate in training while lying at home, his physical condition allowed him to participate in the next game.
"Dude, you see that? The Cavaliers need you now!"
"That's right! Cleveland thought it would be better without you, but they were wrong! These guys always realize their true value after losing you... unlike those guys in Minneapolis. Same......."
Raven and Adrian spoke up.
Zhao Feiyang, who was lying on the sofa, was watching the replay of the game while answering the two of them, "I think you two guys are here not only to watch me, right? What else is going on?"
Raven laughed.
"You guessed it right! Mr. Daniel asked us to come and communicate with you... Still about that matter, he wants to know if you are willing to return to the Timberwolves?"
Lavin's words made Zhao Feiyang fall into deep thought.
From his perspective, returning to the Timberwolves is actually the best way. The Timberwolves' current strength is acceptable, and they are only one Warriors away from the championship. Moreover, their strength is not much worse than the Warriors.
Once Zhao Feiyang returns, it is entirely possible for the Timberwolves to kill the Warriors!
But the problem is also obvious, it is not easy to return to the Timberwolves! First of all, the current salary structure of the Timberwolves is different. LaVine needs to renew his contract with the team after the season. With his current results, it is not a problem to ask the team for 20 million.
In addition, Serge Ibaka and Dwight Howard also have a lot of contracts.
Ibaka's contract amount this season has also reached 20 million, and Howard's annual salary is as much as more than 23 million US dollars.
The total of these three people is more than 60 million, plus Adrian's rookie contract and the veteran contracts of Gorgi and others, the main lineup alone has accounted for nearly 80 million.
Andrew Wiggins also needs to renew his contract with the team this season. In his current state, it is probably impossible for him to get less than 20 million.
Derrick Rose performed well last season and had the best season of his career. Although it can't compare to his peak form in the past, it is still good for a player who can still perform well after a serious injury.
Based on his performance, it is certainly not a big problem to ask the team for an annual salary of seven to eight million US dollars. Even if the salary is reduced, it will not be less than US$5 million.
Just putting the names of these people together would already exceed next season's salary cap!
If the Timberwolves want to sign themselves back, it is simply impossible for less than 30 million. Even if it is 30 million, it is still a situation where he takes the initiative to cut his salary. With the current market price, it is not a problem for him to get an annual salary of 35 million.
Of course, for Zhao Feiyang, a salary cut is not a problem, but what really worries him is whether the Timberwolves management will be willing to pay the luxury tax?
According to forecast data, the luxury line next season will be around 120 million.
If you sign yourself in this way, you will definitely pay the luxury tax. At the same time, the team also has many role players, and their combined annual salary is by no means a small number.
As a result, the Timberwolves need to invest a lot of money.
According to the current behavior of the Timberwolves management, are they willing to spend such money? If he had been willing to spend money in the first place, I probably wouldn’t have done the stupid thing of sending him away!
If you are not willing to spend so much money, you may sign back by then. As a result, the team will send away some important role players in order to save money, or simply send away some core players. By then, the team will still lack the ability to win the championship. Strength?
