386: Blank Dome
Friday, November 9. Many Memphis citizens were excited early this morning, not because of the weekend after today, but because tonight there was a game that everyone was looking forward to.
Before the game began, the Grizzlies and Rockets were broadcast on major television stations for an unknown number of times.
Regarding the comparison between Link and Harden, it has even been compared to the two styles from the court. It can be said that before the start of this game, it was already full of gimmicks.
However, there is a situation that fans and media alike seem to ignore. Link has been playing in the number three position since the start of the season. Stevens has never let Link play in the number two position, so if nothing else, the next game should not change.
So, it's likely that all the things that the media are promoting will end up being in vain. Because in the game, unless there is a misalignment, Link and Harden will not be in line at all!
It's like the 23VS24 that the league frantically advertised a few years ago, don't look at the gimmick is enough, but in fact, the number of times the two have really played each other can only be counted in "rounds".
As a result, Link was not influenced by the media's public opinion. When he woke up on the morning of the 9th, Link didn't feel much excited. His real opponent is Chandler, who is called "Gao Fu Shuai" by Chinese fans. Parsons, as for Harden, Link doesn't think he's going to fight him today.
Because Stevens has prepared Iguodala + Tony for Harden. Allen's defensive package, that's enough for Harden to drink a pot.
And McHale's obviously provocative remarks in an interview at the airport yesterday...... Link really doesn't care, it's normal for the manager to publicly support his players before the game.
Besides, after the game, the fans will naturally know who is right.
Debate? Too much redundancy.
Leaving the house early, Link made a beeline for the training gym. As always, Jimmy is the first to come every day. Butler, Link had been there for a while when he went, and the sophomores were still waiting for their chance.
But unlike usual, the second person to come to the training gym today was Iguodala, who rarely arrives early on weekdays.
"Good morning, Link, how do you feel? Is the outside world looking forward to a big battle between you and Harden? Iguodala greeted Link as he walked into the locker room, looking relaxed.
And James. It's you, Andre, who is against Harden. I should ask you, how do you feel? ”
"Haha, I can't sleep with excitement! So today, it's early! Iguodala smiled and shook his phone, and Link realized that Iguodala's phone screen was playing video of the Rockets' game.
"Working on the video?" Link leaned in curiously.
"yes, the media is so noisy, so I studied Harden's kid game a little more. I have to admit that I have gained a lot. Guess what I came to after watching the video? Iguodala had a smile on his face from the moment he walked in, and it wasn't like the look he would have when he was about to face a terrible scorer.
Unless, he feels that his opponent is not terrible.
"Uh...... What conclusions did you draw? ”
"The conclusion is that the defense of the Rockets' previous three opponents was too weak! In Memphis, under me, James. Harden Hugh wants to score that many points! Even if you get it, you have to rely on a number of hands! ”
Link glanced at Iguodala, not expecting him to be so confident.
Iguodala has always been a low-key person. From the style of the ball to life, it is very low-key.
With the 76ers, he didn't want to be the heart of the offense. In life, it's hard to imagine that Iguodala has invested in several companies.
His spare time is not about nightclubs, women, and spending, but about investing, operating, and researching. In Link's view, basketball is even a side hustle for Iguodala, and this guy's main business is business.
But if you don't give him contact, you can't see that he's so good at all.
However, it is such a person, who is extremely excited today, and even more than Link is still looking forward to this game.
"If the people of Houston heard you, they would be angry."
No, they don't have to hear that. Because right away, they'll be able to see it happen on the field. Focus on your business, Link. James. Harden, just leave it to me. Didn't you say you wanted to decorate the arena with me with a championship pennant? Come on, let those guys who think Memphis is simple, and see what Grizzlies defense is. ”
Link nodded slightly, it seems that Iguodala is very serious today.
Perhaps, the bearded man who has been doing well lately has really piqued Iguodala's interest.
But it's a pity that it's not a good thing to arouse his interest.
※※※
Just looking at the data, you don't know Andrey at all. What did Iguodala do.
In the Grizzlies' four games, Iguodala's scores, rebounds and assists can only be described as bland. It seems that after arriving at the Grizzlies, Iguodala has become a role player through and through. The small forward, who once averaged 19 points per game with the 76ers, has begun to decline.
That's why people don't talk about the matchup between Harden and Iguodala. To put it bluntly, Iguodala was completely ignored by the media.
Iguodala doesn't really care much about this kind of thing, preferring to be ignored rather than being in the limelight. When the 76ers were in the 76ers, the team was desperately trying to push Iguodala into the spotlight, but Iguodala tried to dodge instead.
What really upsets Iguodala is the arrogant attitude of the Rockets.
The outrageous McHale, the bullshitty reporters, and the relaxed look of the Rockets players in Memphis...... The Houstonians seem to think they're stable. Iguodala would like to see whose home ground it is.
Andre Iguodala is a professional player and it is his job to protect the home stadium.
Before the start of the evening, when the two sides were warming up, Iguodala crossed his waist and looked at the dome of the Federal Express Arena.
"What are you doing, Andre?" Link walked over to Iguodala and looked up, thinking the arena had flown into the bat.
'It's nothing, it's just that we've been in the team for so long and today is our second home game of the new season. I don't think I'm familiar with my home turf. Iguodala still held her head up as she spoke.
"There's something familiar and unfamiliar, except for the more passionate fans, it's the same here and everywhere else."
"No," Iguodala said, retracting his gaze and looking at Link beside him, "This is definitely the most monotonous arena I've ever seen in a dome." Not a single retired jersey, not a pennant of honor. In the past, in Vancouver, a Canadian flag could also be hung at the dome. Well, now, even the national flag is saved. ”
"Hmm...... The angles are really tricky......"
"Link?"
"Huh?"
"To hell with the proud Houstonians."
"Well, you got James. Harden, I'll get Chandler. Parsons. Then, let's get McHale together. ”
The two looked at each other and smiled, then lightly clashed fists.
Finally, Iguodala said something that warmed Link's heart, "Don't worry, I'll always be looking behind your back." You just have to be brave and move forward. For the rest, I'll come. ”
After four games, Andre found his favorite character. Iguodala is starting to really be a part of Memphis.
Playing here, he's very happy.
The game is about to start, and James. Harden, Jeremy Lin and Parsons walked onto the court.
In their minds, it might be a big battle, but in the hearts of Link and Iguodala, there was only destruction.