A layman looks at the excitement, an expert looks at the door. They are not surprised that McGrady can dunk. In the past two days of team training, McGrady has also occasionally dunked. What surprised them is that the take-off height and airborne time of McGrady's dunk just now were far higher than what he had shown before.
They knew that the dunk just now was very difficult and required strong leg strength and waist and abdominal strength.
"how did you do it?"
Harden asked in surprise. He had been under the basket just now. The perspective was definitely VIP level. He could clearly see the dunk by McGrady just now.
"I don't know, it's like I suddenly felt energetic."
Maddie herself was confused.
Yao Ming pulled Asik to the side and said:
"You play one with me."
"Okay, brother."
Asik nodded in agreement. For international centers like them, Yao Ming has been his idol since childhood. Now that he is lucky enough to meet a real person, Asik respects him from the bottom of his heart.
Yao Ming held the ball and attacked with his back. He first tested Asik's position with his back. Seeing that the opponent was closer to him, he took the initiative to push towards the basket.
Asik struggled. In his career, he had never faced such a behemoth.
Although Yao Ming has lost weight now, down to 125 kilograms, Asik is still not able to compete with him.
Yao Ming pushed horizontally to the basket, turned around and raised the ball to the highest point with his right hand, and hit the hook easily. Asik had no choice but to watch the ball and sigh.
"Brother, I think you should start the game. I'm not worthy."
Asik smiled bitterly, looked at Yao Ming and said solemnly.
Yao Ming was also amused when he heard what Asik said.
"I know best what state I am in, and I am not yet qualified to play."
Yao Ming explained with a smile.
But through the goal just now, he is also full of confidence in himself.
It seems that this summer, I can also represent the Chinese men's basketball team in the Asian Championships.
So he thought.
In his heart, compared to the championship, the Chinese men's basketball game is undoubtedly more important. This is also the most important reason why he decided to come back.
In the stands, some sharp-eyed fans saw some clues:
"The rocket is about to take off. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are in much better condition than expected."
His friend next to him also echoed:
"I know that when Xu Xin signed these two contracts, he felt that it was not that simple. When did he make a mistake? Is it just to sell tickets? Even if they don't sign Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets' market is still very hot. They must have the strength to do this. Signed.”
"It seems that A. Smith is going to follow in the footsteps of Barkley. I don't know if he has Barkley's physical skills. It's better not to get kicked."
"Haha, it's funny just thinking about it. I'm already looking forward to it."
The Rockets players finished warming up and returned to the locker room to make final preparations.
McHale gave his usual pre-game training:
"I don't want to say anything more about tonight's game. Take every round seriously. Your opponent's strength is limited, but that's no reason for you to underestimate your opponent. I have only one goal for you, call it a day in three quarters. Can you do it?"
After McHale finished speaking, he looked around.
"Must be able!"
Everyone said in unison.
"Come on, get some gas, 123, let's go Rockets!"
McHale put his hands in the air.
All the generals gathered together and shouted in unison:
"Let's go Rockets!"
The on-site MC introduced the lineups of both teams, starting with the visiting team first. The Rockets players walked from the tunnel to the court and received a lot of cheers.
Xu Xin was a little surprised when he was sitting behind the bench. What kind of situation is this? The home team fans have switched sides before the game even started?
"This is all your work."
Old Lucas, who was sitting nearby, saw the strangeness in Xu Xin's expression and said with a smile.
"What's the meaning?"
Xu Xin didn't understand.
“This season James (Harden) and Jimmy (Butler) have made rapid progress, Jeremy (Jeremy Lin) has steadily improved, and the three of them have a lot of fans.
In addition, you traded for KG (Garnett), signed Allen (Iverson), Yao Ming and Tracy (Tracy), these guys are quite fans.
Tickets for Rockets games are now hard to come by. Many people who were originally fans also love Wujiwu and choose to support the Rockets. "
Lucas Sr. explained with a smile.
Xu Xin suddenly realized that he seemed to have done this unintentionally. He didn't know whether he could win the championship. Anyway, he had made the Rockets the most popular team in the league first.
All the home team players also appeared on the field, but they were not treated much better than the Rockets players, which made Xu Xin dumbfounded.
"I'm a little confused. Are away games so friendly now?"
Jeremy Lin and Harden were whispering.
"That's great. You won't get beaten even if you get sixty points."
Harden shook his head and replied.
"It's not enough for you to brag about. I still have 60 points. Why don't you say 100 points?"
Jeremy Lin rolled his eyes when he heard Harden boasting.
"Only the ancient great god Chamberlain can achieve 100 points, not me."
Harden answered seriously.
"You make it sound like 60 points is all you need."
Jeremy Lin said helplessly.
"Okay, you two, stop making trouble. It's about to start. Fight hard and don't dig holes."
Butler came over and reminded.
"Don't worry, it's a flower." Jeremy Lin said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll just watch your performance quietly."
"Just watch it."
Players from both sides made final preparations and walked to the center circle of the court.
Asik and Lopez walked to the center to prepare for the jump ball.
The Rockets' starting lineup remains unchanged, with Jeremy Lin and Harden partnering in the backcourt, Butler and Garnett partnering on the front line, and Asik doing all the team's dirty work inside. He works hard and doesn't take possession of the ball.
This starting lineup is both offensive and defensive and very balanced. Xu Xin and McHale have discussed that even if Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady come back, there will be no adjustments to the starting lineup.
At least there will be no adjustments during the regular season.
Of course, if you suffer from injuries, that's another story.
Compared with the Rockets' luxurious lineup, the Hornets' side looks much shabby, especially when the No. 1 pick, Davis, who has thick eyebrows, is absent due to injury.
The biggest name on the team is Eric Gordon, also known as Erdeng to Rockets fans.
Last season, as the core bargaining chip in the Paul trade, he was sent to the Hornets by the Clippers, and now he has become the absolute core of the Hornets' outside line.
Partnering with him in the backcourt are the little-known Vasquez, small forward Aminu, and center Robin Lopez.
Replacing Davis as the starting power forward is also an old acquaintance of Rockets fans, Ryan Anderson.
This white power forward who once served as Allen's substitute during the Nets, although his athletic ability, defense and rebounding are average, he has established a foothold in the Hornets with his accurate three-pointers.
This season, he averaged 2.6 three-pointers at a field goal rate of 38.2% per game. He ranks among the top in the league in terms of production and efficiency, and has become the Hornets' most relied-upon shooter.
