Although they won the game, the Rockets did not express the expected joy from top to bottom. After all, they beat the vice squad leader and narrowly came back from behind. I really don’t know what to be happy about.
In the locker room, everyone was silent, Xu Xin stood aside, observing everyone.
Harden watched the replay of the game on his phone, while Butler lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
At this time, McHale walked in, clapped his hands, everyone looked up, and their eyes focused on the "refrigerator".
"First of all, congratulations to everyone for finding their form in time in the last quarter and coming back to win. But what I want to say is that it was only when I saw that everyone was not complacent about winning the game, but reflected on themselves and the details of the game. It’s what makes me happiest.”
McHale spoke, his voice steady and firm.
"We are a team and we cannot expect James (Harden) and Jimmy (Butler) to be in hot form every night and carry the team forward. It is normal for everyone to have downturns.
The key is how to maintain confidence when the offense cannot open up and shots cannot be made. How to mobilize your emotions when you can't score, and influence the game through active fighting and defensive efforts. "
His words resonated with everyone, and everyone nodded in thought, apparently listening.
"Does Manager Xu have anything to share with you?"
McHale changed the topic and turned it to Xu Xin.
Xu Xin strode to the center of the locker room. He did have some thoughts about tonight's game.
"Coach McHale is talking to everyone about how to grow through games. My perspective is a little more relaxed. You don't have to look at me so seriously."
As soon as Xu Xin finished speaking, the players laughed and their tense nerves eased.
"The season is very long. We have to play 82 regular season games in a season. The back-to-back games plus the bumps in the journey will highlight the fatigue. It is normal for everyone's state to have ups and downs today.
I believe KG (Garnett) and Jermaine (O'Neal), you have a say on this point. If you have time, I can talk to you about how to quickly relieve fatigue and find the state. "
Xu Xin said, looking at the two veterans. Having an elder in a family is like having a treasure. Now that Rocket has the second treasure in hand, it is a very valuable asset.
The two veterans showed the "OK" gesture, and the Wolf King also gave a "Leave it to me, you can rest assured" look.
Xu Xin nodded and continued:
"It's not scary to pull the crotch. The scary thing is to keep pulling the crotch. How to wake up from a slump and adjust to a good state is one of the most difficult tasks for every player.
But everyone's performance tonight, especially James (Harden) and Jimmy (Butler), found their form in the fourth quarter and scored consecutive points to reverse the victory. I can tell you responsibly that you have transformed.
It is very difficult to adjust your state in one game. Please remember your mental journey and keep it up. This will be beneficial to your entire career. "
After Xu Xin finished speaking, everyone applauded.
Harden stood up and said proactively:
"Thank you to the coach and manager for sharing. We gained a lot from tonight's game. Brothers, we cannot underestimate every opponent or ignore every training. There are more challenges waiting for us in the future. 123, come on!"
Everyone shouted in unison.
Compared with the Eight Immortals crossing the sea at the beginning of the season, each showing their magical powers, as the season progresses, the team has acquiesced in the fact that Harden is the team leader, and Harden has also begun to assume more sporadic responsibilities.
Although he sometimes seems a little clumsy, everyone's tolerance and his own efforts have made him more and more natural in this position.
After a brief shower, everyone returned to the hotel to rest. The "extra training team" did not continue their glorious tradition, and the consumption was indeed too great.
The Rockets rested for a night and continued their journey at noon the next day, heading to Milwaukee, the third stop of the Eastern Expedition.
In this game, Xu Xin met his old friend, the first player he sent away after he took office-Patrick Patterson.
During the warm-up before the game, Patterson took the initiative to run over and chat with the Rockets.
"how are things?"
Xu Xin hugged Patterson and said.
"Very good, Manager Xu. I have been following Rockets games. You are indeed a very good manager."
Patterson said candidly, with a hint of respect in his eyes.
"Thank you, Patrick. I have also followed your game. You have performed well enough in the Bucks and I am very proud."
Xu Xin said with a smile. This sentence is somewhat polite. He has been really busy recently. If it weren't for the team meeting before the game and playing the Bucks' recent videos, Xu Xin would not have watched Patterson's game. .
Patterson was filled with emotion when he heard this and said:
"Actually, I have always missed my days with the Rockets. Houston was my first stop in the professional league. I once thought about spending my whole life in the Rockets. The day you sent me away, I felt that I had lost a lot, but now it seems , maybe it’s an opportunity for me to grow.”
The two chatted for a while, and Patterson greeted his coach and former teammates, then ran back to the other end of the field to continue warming up and preparing for the game.
The game started soon, with the starters of both teams standing on the court stretching.
For the Rockets, Garnett is taking a rest today. The continuous away games and intensive schedule are a bit too much for the almost 37-year-old veteran.
Tucker stepped up and became the team's starting power forward. The other four players remained unchanged, Jeremy Lin, Harden, Butler and Asik.
For the Bucks, Jennings and Ellis are paired with Mbah a Moute, Patterson and Sanders in the backcourt.
The referee threw the ball high, and Sanders, who was far superior to Asik in athletic ability, gave it to Jennings with ease.
After the latter received the ball, he made a fancy dribbling gesture, jumped and dribbled to the frontcourt, and launched his first attack.
Pick-and-roll tactics account for a large proportion of the Bucks' offensive system. Sanders's screen quality and ability to eat down the pie are among the best in the same position. Jennings and Ellis' breakthrough abilities are also first-rate.
This is how the Bucks' first attack went.
Jennings gained space to shoot through the pick-and-roll. He jumped vertically from outside the three-point line to try his hand. The basketball rotated hollowly into the net and the ball went in.
On the Rockets' side, Jeremy Lin did not hesitate to give in. He came to the frontcourt with the ball and played the same tactic as Jennings just now.
A three-point shot from a single block screen was also hit.
Xu Xin was very satisfied on the sidelines. Jeremy Lin practiced very hard during this period and always had to practice extra after shooting training.
The team needs him to strengthen his three-point shooting threat and let him play off the ball more, which is completely different from his "Linsanity" period in New York last season.
