Chapter 246: Warm-up Slam Dunk Contest
Far from making the U.S. team less powerful, the infighting has brought out everyone's potential to a certain extent. Everyone is scrambling to perform the fastest update, for fear that others will perform better than themselves.
In fact, it is not infighting, but it is good for the team. It was Pierce who, on the basis of the infighting, grasped the most important point. Give the ball to Russell. Although everyone was fighting, because of Russell's control, everyone didn't mess around. Russell was well at control of everyone's offense.
Russell is the real factor in the strength of the American team.
However, only Russell was allowed to pass the ball to these guys. Relying on assists, he can't get the MVP. He's not here to play. When he heard that Zhao Wei had actually entered the All-Star Game as a substitute, Russell felt like a hundred claws scratching his heart, and his whole person was about to be torn to pieces. Therefore, he is going to beat Zhao Wei and get the MVP of this rookie game. proves to everyone that he is stronger than Zhao Wei. Even if you have to enter the All-Star Game. That should also be him Russell, not his defeated Zhao Wei.
The U.S. team and the international team are on par with each other. It will be difficult for either side to achieve a clear advantage. Zhao Wei is also weak. The physical exertion is too great.
That's when Russell arrived.
Russell continued to use his skills to shake off Zhao Wei's defense, and shot three points one after another in front of Zhao Wei.
Nowitzki found out about Zhao Wei's physical exertion, but Nowitzki had no intention of replacing Zhao Wei. And still let Zhao Wei defend Russell.
Russell was so smart, he could see at a glance Zhao Wei's lack of physical strength. Each of Russell's next attacks made Zhao Wei consume as much physical strength as possible. After a few consecutive feints, it was difficult for Zhao Wei to keep up with Russell's movements.
Russell started to rain for three minutes. Even if the other teammates wanted the ball, but they threw the ball in, and it was a three-pointer, they had nothing to say, they could only watch Russell's play.
But now that he has matured, Russell won't do anything as brainless as before.
Russell's score quickly came to twenty-five.
Downs gets the rebound and hands it to Russell.
Russell quickly got up front and returned the favor with a nice landing through Mario's crotch. The ball was placed just right, bounced right into Downs' waist. For such a big man, this kind of ball can be said to be the most comfortable.
Downs catches the ball, then picks it up in a coherent manner and slams it in.
Russell started his own show. The selection of offense and assists was perfect. The right pass makes it easy for teammates to attack the basket directly after receiving the ball.
The international team, on the other hand, is in a quagmire. The offense looked more and more struggling.
was originally in full swing in the first half, but the style of painting changed suddenly in the second half. The U.S. team opened the score in an instant, and it was a big lead.
Russell's score has also risen steadily, reaching 35 points, far ahead of the others.
As the final whistle blew, the International team eventually lost to the United States. The U.S. team maintained its dignity. It also proves that there is still a big gap between international basketball and American basketball.
Other countries in the world will have to work harder to catch up with the U.S. team. But who would have expected that there was one country that could catch up with the American team so quickly. even almost pulled the American team off the altar.
And the MVP of this rookie game was also successfully won by Russell. It was also Russell's first award since entering the NBA.
"I said I was better than some people. I've been confused and I've failed, but I'm going to prove to everyone that I'm the best player. That's what Russell said in an interview.
Almost all reporters knew about Russell and Zhao Wei. For these people who don't think it's a big deal to watch the excitement, of course they will spread these news to Zhao Wei's ears as soon as possible.
When he heard these words, Zhao Wei smiled evilly, and the group of reporters watching it felt furious.
"There's so much to write about this season, why don't you keep an eye on two rookies. I've heard that the quarrel between Westbrook and Durant in the last game, you still haven't finished writing it. We are just two newcomers, and we still have a long way to go. Maybe with you, we can adapt to the NBA faster. However, I think it will be more valuable for you to come back when we step into the forest of strong teams. ”
"Mr. Zhao Wei. Do you think the Lakers can make the playoffs? A reporter asked, seizing the gap.
"Of course." Zhao Wei nodded confidently.
"But you're in the bottom of the table right now, what makes you so confident that you can make the playoffs." This reporter is unceremonious, and at first glance he is going to pick things.
"I don't even have the slightest bit of confidence. Then you are not eligible to enter this alliance. Just like you! Zhao Wei also pointed unceremoniously at the reporter.
The reporter was stunned, he didn't expect Zhao Wei to fight back so sharply, but these people are also people who have seen strong winds and waves. The reporter rolled his eyes and asked, "Mr. Zhao, you are on the All-Star bench, congratulations to you here." However, many people have expressed doubts about your entry into the All-Star. Think you don't have what it takes to make it to an All-Star. You're relying on shady. ”
"Shady or not, I don't know. I'm just doing what you've set for me, and if you don't want me to be an All-Star, you can just don't vote for me. Since the number of votes is enough, then I can only reluctantly participate. One person can't satisfy too many people's tastes, so if you feel disgusting, you can change the channel when I'm on the field. Zhao Wei shrugged helplessly.
Such an answer completely left the reporter speechless, and he could only flee in disgrace.
"Mr. Zhao, I heard that you will participate in the slam dunk contest. The last time you had a member of the Lakers team in the slam dunk contest and it was Kobe Bryant when he won the championship. There are three of you participating at the same time, what are your thoughts on that? ”
"They're all very good dunks, and I'm very surprised that I was able to participate in the dunk contest myself. But since I'm able to participate, I'm going to do my best to make everyone laugh. It would certainly be best if LaVine and Nance could help the team win a slam dunk title. ”
An interview ended with Zhao Wei's witty response.
Zhao Wei stayed awake all night, but this night he didn't go to practice dunk moves with LaVine. Instead, Lucy and the two were pulled into the room to chat. chatted all night, but fortunately, Zhao Wei's physical strength has basically recovered now.
During the day, Zhao Wei went to the community with the rest of the team, did a lot of community activities, watched many four or five-year-old children playing basketball happily, and hoped that one day when they grew up, they would be able to enter the NBA.
Zhao Wei discovered that the NBA is not just a basketball league, it can also be a dream and a beacon. In the distant future, it will always shine a light on the way forward for children.
At this moment, Zhao Wei's mood changed. The great ideals in my heart have once again been enriched and perfected.
Daylight hours pass quickly. After a series of entertainment programs are completed in the evening. The highlight of the night begins.
Trick contests, three-point contests, and slam dunk contests.
The skills competition is still in the same format as last year. Defenders and big guys. The two groups compete separately to determine the strongest of the two sides. Then the two will play against each other to choose the final winner.
The older generation of the skills competition didn't participate, like Chris Paul and so on, they all won this award. And at this age, all they have in their eyes is the championship. Who cares about these petty things. Therefore, the participants in the skills competition this time are all newcomers.
Defenders: Moodier, Russell, Thomas, Booker.
Moodier and Russell's participation this year was a bit unexpected, and Thomas's participation was a no-brainer. In last year's final, he lost to Downs. It can be said that it is a loss of face. Therefore, Thomas came here to save his face. Booker, maybe he's here to beat soy sauce.
Big guys: Towns, Embiid, Porzingis, Randle.
Downs was robbed of his rookie MVP by Russell, so he vowed to win the trophy. If it weren't for the three-point shooting and slam dunk contest, it wouldn't be for you. Downs was ready to attend.
Embiid, if you want to say the most confident rookie, is Embiid. If you want to say which basketball skill Embiid really stands out? Think about it! Well, it doesn't seem like there really is.
However, the management of the 76ers just trusted him. I trust you, as long as you're on the field, you can do whatever you want. Paired with Embiid's confidence, it's a perfect match. So on the court, Embiid often causes the commentators to be amazed. Such a big man can do such an action. His technique is truly outstanding.
Actually, are his movements delicate? I don't feel it. Downs was at least much better than him.
The ignorant are fearless.
Porzingis, the heartthrob little prince. Such a competition, only with such a good face can it attract popularity.
Randle didn't have the opportunity to participate, but this season, Randle's ball-handling skills finally led him to get an invitation. A model of silk counterattack.
The first game started in the guard group, and the first group of competition was still the competition between old rivals Russell and Booker.
Booker shot well, but his passing accuracy was too low.
Booker was still passing, and Russell had already made a three-point shot to end the game.
Russell went into the next round without any suspense.
There was not much suspense about the match between Moodier and Thomas. Thomas was way ahead of Moodier from the start.
The big guys' matchups are more interesting than the smaller ones.
Embiid vs. Randle. I don't know if it's a deliberate arrangement. The Lakers' two youngsters didn't become opponents, playing against the other two.
Embiid is slower than Randle. Randall leads Embiid in the first two projects. But Randle was in trouble on the three-pointer. On two shots, Randle missed.
Embiid then passed the pass and came to the three-point line, and Randle hadn't picked up the third ball yet.
Embiid picked up the ball and made a move. The spin of the ball is not very good, but the arc and direction are very good.
Wow! Many of the audience at the scene stood up. Hold your hands up and wait for the ball to start rejoicing the moment it hits the basket.
Clang! The ball hit the back edge of the basket with a little more force. But the ball didn't bounce off right away. Instead, it was bounced high upwards.
The ball is bouncing upwards at ninety degrees vertically. Everybody's got big mouths. If the ball falls like this, it will fall straight into the basket. Randall was discouraged. The third basketball in his hand was ready to be put down.
Clang! The ball hit the basket again, and then spun around the basket quickly. And the ball is getting more and more inward. The ball was about to go in, but the ball suddenly stopped, as if someone was remotely controlling it, and the ball rolled out again. There was a pause for a second or two on the front of the basket.
Everyone held their breath, fearing that their inhalation would affect the trajectory of the ball.
Yes!
Embiid clenched his fists, clenched his teeth, and slammed the ball.
However, after a pause of a second or two, the ball slowly rolled out of the basket.
Yes!
Randall was overjoyed. The ball in his hand was thrown out. There was no arc to speak of, and he flew flat towards the basket. Everyone thought that such a goal would not go in. But the bell! The ball smashed into the basket with precision.
Yes! Most of them were so frightened that their mouths were wide open, and it was difficult to close them.
Randall made it to the next round dramatically.
The rivalry between Downs and Porzingis is going to be even tougher. The two reached the three-point line almost at the same time. The two big men who are not thick three-pointers are consecutive mistakes on the three-point line. Maybe it's because they're too nervous. In the end, though, Downs had a bit of luck, as the two shot almost at the same time, but Downs' ball went into the basket a few tenths of a second earlier than Porzingis's.
At this time, the skills competition can be regarded as getting into the main topic. Russell and Thomas had a fierce rivalry. Most people thought Thomas would win, but to Russell's surprise, he did.
Thomas was a little unwilling to lose, but he had to face the facts. Last year he was able to reach the final, but this year he stopped in the semi-finals. It seems that it is time for him to leave the trick competition. After all, the Celtic squad is still very hungry for that championship trophy.
Randle and Downs battled, and Downs won by a landslide. Randle was lucky enough to win the first game against Embiid. But his three-point shot was so bad.
Russell and Downs. 15 years of role model and champion. Since the two entered the NBA, they can be said to have embarked on two different teams.
Russell's first year was met with a coach who would only insult him, and everything he did was wrong in the eyes of the coach. Russell simply did something wrong and let the coach see what was wrong.
Towns became the new darling of the league as soon as he entered the Timberwolves. The journey was full of glory and accolades.
Therefore, this is why Russell hates Zhao Wei so much. It is enough to have one such guy in the league. There is such a guy in his own team. (To be continued.) )