178: First order
On the first game day of the NBA playoffs, the fierce battles were a feast for the eyes of fans.
The Bulls, who are first in the East, easily defeated the Pacers 104-99, and Rose had 39 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the game.
The Mavericks took out George 89-81. Karl's Denver Nuggets, Nowitzki and Kidd Sr. combined for 52 points in this game, completely suppressing the Nuggets without stars. The Nuggets must have been depressed, and if it weren't for the Grizzlies, they shouldn't have faced such a strong opponent......
The Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 97-89, and the Big Three combined for 73 points, showing the horror of the Heat in the playoffs.
The style of these three games is not the same, and the reasons for winning are also different. But there is one thing, these three games were all teams ranked higher in the regular season, and there was no suspense that they played against the teams that were ranked lower.
Only the Memphis Grizzlies, as the fifth in the West, overturned the Thunder, who were fourth in the West!
They are the only team in the playoffs right now with the following offenses!
"The Grizzlies finally got their first playoff win in franchise history yesterday, and it's especially hard to do that on the road."
Link, the first game of the series, both scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Randolph scored a career-high 34 points in one fell swoop. If anyone thinks the Grizzlies don't have the strength to compete with the Thunder, he's a fool. ”
"I know the Thunder have been in the spotlight this season. They have the scoring power of Durant, the Westbrook who always appears in the top 10, and the young strong sixth man James. Harden. But it's a basketball court, and fame isn't everything. It has to be said that the Thunder are indeed much more famous than the Grizzlies this season. But the NBA always depends on strength! ”
"I don't know how many people were surprised by the outcome of yesterday's game, a team with some of the best youngsters in the league actually lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, who were considered to be bad. During the regular season, the Grizzlies have actually shown good strength. As I said, the Grizzlies' ranking doesn't match their strength. Because almost in Rudy. It was only after Gay's injury that the Grizzlies really established their core roster. If the Grizzlies had played like this at the start of the season, they might have surpassed fifth place in the West! ”
"If NBA2K Games is going to feature a classic team, I'd recommend adding this season's Memphis Grizzlies. They're a special team, and they may not be the top team in the league, but any team that runs into a Grizzlies is going to be tormented. ”
On the first day of the series, four games were played. But the one between the Grizzlies and the Thunder attracted the most attention and discussion. Even the Miami Big Three didn't overshadow the Grizzlies' heat.
After all, it is reasonable for the Heat to win against the 76ers, and the big three have combined to score 73 points, and fans have long been used to it.
But the Grizzlies' win over the Thunder, Link's 20-point playoff debut, and Randolph's new career playoff scoring record are all very special to fans.
A team that is fifth in the West and has historically had little attention has become a league-wide darling overnight, and even Link is a little uncomfortable.
Finally, the Grizzlies played the lead role once. They became the object of discussion and the center of television news coverage.
It's the playoffs, there's the spotlight here, it's up to you to catch it.
The day after the race, Link received many blessings from his friends. But among them, Jeff. Austin was the most aggressive, and the guy went straight to Memphis to meet with Link. The reason is simple, he has to plan Link's itinerary for this summer in advance.
"20 points in the playoffs, you always surprise, Link. Now that you're one of the most famous stars in the league, the whole world knows that a magical Chinese-American draft pick has risen in Memphis. ”
"Alright, Mr. Austin, don't praise me just yet. You can arrange this summer's itinerary for me, except for ensuring training time, I don't have any special requirements. Link waved his hand, knowing of course that the NBA star's vacation wasn't a never-ending splurge.
In fact, what a player does on vacation is one of the reasons why he is separated from others. The offseason is the best time to polish your skills, and if it's all about having fun, you're going to end up being eliminated.
"Don't worry, I won't delay you too much training. In fact, I'll give you a couple of trainers that you'll need to improve in some areas this summer. ”
"Like, weight gain?" Link rubbed his little hands in anticipation, he was fed up with the feeling of being deflated in the confrontation.
"Well, you can have that, you're a little too thin. But don't add too much, because that will affect your flexibility. Summer training isn't that simple, I can also arrange a few games for you, the kind that are all star-studded. I can arrange some bootcamps for you to help you stay fit. In short, in the offseason, training is just as important as business. ”
"It's good, I hope to improve myself a little more in the offseason. By the way, Jeff, this summer's signing ...... "Link is well aware that his contract with the Grizzlies expires in just over a month, and at that time, he will become a free agent.
Entering the NBA in his first year to test the waters of the free agent market, Link was a little excited and a little nervous.
When you see the offers from those teams, you know how many pounds and taels you have. NBA teams are not charities, and while they spend a lot of money, most teams don't spend money for no reason.
While there is no shortage of junk contracts in the NBA, these junk contracts are often signed in special contexts.
Therefore, a player's test of the free agent market is also a test of himself, and it is the best way for a player to test his value.
"What? Do you have any thoughts on signing this summer? I haven't been in contact with any teams yet because I want to wait until after the playoffs. Talking to other teams now will affect our relationship with the Grizzlies. I'm sure we'll get a lot of offers this summer, and the price won't be too low. Last season, Wesley, who was also an undrafted player, was born in the draft. Matthews signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Trail Blazers, and he earned more than the top pick. After all, Wall's rookie contract is only 4 years and 24 million. ”
"And you, your price will be higher than Wesley's. Matthews is taller, I can vouch for that. When the time comes, you will no longer be compared to rookies, but to A-list stars. Austin said, smiling with satisfaction, he hadn't looked away.
"Hmm...... Sounds tempting. But that's not what I'm trying to say, I'm trying to tell you that the Memphis Grizzlies are our number one signing target this summer. Any other team, the order has to be behind the Grizzlies, okay? ”
Jeff. Austin looked at Link and was a little stunned. He thought that Link wanted to negotiate the price with him, but he didn't expect that it was such a request.
"It's more like my home and I want to continue playing in Memphis. I want to work with others to create more brilliant brilliance. The first win in the history of the playoffs is just the beginning, and I believe the Grizzlies will climb higher and higher in the future. And I really want to create all of this with you. It's often said that the NBA is just business. But in my opinion, alliances are more than just business. So, make the Grizzlies a top signing target this summer. And I'm sure the Grizzlies aren't going to go too low, are they? ”
Link doesn't want to leave the Grizzlies, that's his only appeal. If the choice of Memphis at the beginning was just forced to be helpless, just to survive. Now, Link really wants to make a career here.
We've been through so much together this season, and it's been an experience that Link has long since stopped seeing Memphis as just a place to make money.
Just like Randolph, they all fell in love with the city that people despised and fell in love with a team that was always overlooked.
"I see, Link. Don't worry, I'll do what you want. "Jeff. Austin smiled, Link is a guy who always creates surprises, and off-court is no exception.
It seems that many teams will have to go home disappointed this summer.