A displaced fracture of the ring finger of the right hand, or more technically, a displaced fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone of the right hand. This is the injury that plagued Leonard and the Pacers.

The saying that it happens once in 40 years comes from a doctor who gave Leonard a CT scan, and his exact words were: "I've been doing this for 40 years, and it's the first time I've seen Leonard's injury, so his situation is a bit special." ”

Originally, Leonard didn't know that he was injured, and after the injury, he still held on the court for two minutes, and finally it was so painful that he couldn't even hold the ball, so he took the initiative to apply to leave the field. After coming down and checking, I found that the situation was not optimistic.

As a result, the first game after losing him, the Pacers lost to the Mavericks....... Therefore, Leonard naturally wants to return as soon as possible.

"Boss, I think I'll be fine in a week." When he saw Henson in the hospital, Leonard said this as soon as he opened his mouth.

"You're not a doctor, how do you know you'll be fine in a week?"

"I feel like I can be fine."

"You feel like a fart, you don't have to go to the training gym this week, take care of your injuries at home, and talk about it after a week's review."

Hearing Henson say this, Leonard hung his head like a child who had made a mistake.

Indeed, Leonard's importance to the team cannot be overstated. Since Henson promoted him to the starting XI this season, he has become one of the team's most important defensive players. Moreover, he can also contribute 14.6 points per game.

This was again obtained when Leonard didn't have many chances.

This guy has become one of the hottest stars, and losing him is indeed a test of the integrity of the Pacers' roster.

But Henson's bench thickness is no joke, and although Leonard's absence will cause the Pacers' strength to decline to a certain extent, it is not so bad that the team will not be able to function without Leonard. So, Henson can safely let Leonard recover from his injury, as long as this guy can make it to the playoffs.

"But the doctor said that my recovery was very slow, and the injury was complicated......"

"I said it, Kawaii. Review in a week, and then we'll think about the next step. Now, I'll give you two tasks. ”

"Say, sir!"

"First, stay in shape. Second, get some rest. Don't let me down, I want you to do your part. ”

"Don't worry! That one...... How is your body feeling? ”

Henson smiled with relief, Leonard is a big boy who doesn't talk much, and Leonard won't do such a thing as greeting and warming. So if he asks about a person's health, it must be from the bottom of his heart!

"Don't worry, Kawaii, my heart is strong now. Do you know why I'm still coming back? Because I fully cooperated with the doctor's treatment! It's the same with you, if you want to come back strong in the playoffs, then be obedient. ”

"I see, sir. A week later, stay in shape, and recuperate, right? ”

"That's right, now, let's go and execute the tactics!"

After coming out of the hospital, Vogel was a little puzzled. Why is Henson so optimistic about his recovery?

"Are you sure you want conservative treatment? I know that Leonard may recover faster with conservative treatment, but it may not be very effective. ”

"The recovery will be as expected, Frank. Anyway, wait for the results of the re-examination in a week. Henson smiled confidently, the badges he had accumulated, the effects that accelerated the recovery from injuries, it was time to show the effect!

Isn't the accumulation of the past just for these tricky moments?

After Leonard's affairs are settled, Henson can also devote himself to preparing for the game.

The Trail Blazers, Lillard, Aldridge, Matthews, and former Carlisle assistant Terry Brown. Stotts ......

Henson clenched his fists, feeling incredibly excited.

It's nice to be back in life!

※※※

On February 18, 2012, although All-Star Weekend had just passed, fans didn't have much nostalgia for the All-Star Game in New Orleans, on the contrary, they seemed to be more excited now than they were during the All-Star Game!

Reggie. Miller made his way to the Banker's Life Arena early this day, and by the time he arrived, there were still three hours before the game began! But at this time, it was already crowded outside the Bankers' Life Arena. Fans gathered outside the arena as if a big party was going on.

Most of the fans were holding up a slap with the words "Henson, welcome home" written on it. The Pacers also launched a commemorative T-shirt for Henson's return, and fans naturally have one in their hands.

I have to say that Henson is probably the head coach with the highest commercial value in the league, and there is no one!

This game was originally just a regular live broadcast, but since Henson announced his return, this game has been temporarily adjusted to a national live broadcast in the United States. So today, Reggie. Miller's job wasn't easy, either. But the thought of seeing Henson directing the game from the sidelines later made him incredibly excited.

Without Henson, the Pacers are always missing something. And now, this vacancy will disappear completely!

An hour before the start of the game, Reggie. Miller heard a cheer in the already overcrowded Bankers' Life Arena. Miller hurriedly looked down the field, and sure enough, Henson. Joe is out!

"It's coming! Indianapolis' darling, Pacers star Henson. Coach Joe, after a three-month hiatus, is finally back among us! Miller couldn't help but scream, and the fans stood up and shouted in unison.

"Welcome home, Henson!"

Henson smiled and waved at the stands. Undoubtedly, this made the shouts of the fans another octave higher.

Terry, who led the team in the warm-up in the other half. Stotts was a little nervous, and it stands to reason that the Pacers are not lined up right now, and it should be a good opportunity for him. But I don't know why, just look at Henson. Joe, he'll feel pressured!

In fact, this problem is not unique to Stotts. Even if Popovich sees Henson, he will be a little stressed.

"Coach Henson, welcome back! How does it feel? Just then, Henson's favorite sideline reporter, "Mr. Rainbow" Sager, appeared.

Sag deliberately wore a corn-yellow suit today, which looked very appropriate. He smiled and patted Henson on the shoulder, overjoyed to see the manager back.

"Thank you for your concern, Sag, I feel better. Hopefully, I won't faint on the bench today. Henson gestured to Sager, knowing that he was one of the few media people who had visited him during his illness. Therefore, he also has special respect for Sag.

"Let's talk about the game, although today is your first game back, the first opponent doesn't seem to be going to give you a chance to adapt to the game. The Portland Trail Blazers, they're currently fifth in the West, but in the East, they could be third! What do you think the Pacers should look out for if they want to win? ”

"There's only one thing the Pacers players have to pay attention to, and that's to listen to me."

Sag smiled, it seems that these three months have not made Henson from a bastard to a gentleman. Eager to dig out of his mouth for serious information? It's simply impossible!

"On the day of the press conference, you said you were going to go all out and sprint towards 70 wins. In this regard, many media said that you are just talking nonsense, because the Pacers want to win 70+ games, and only a theoretical possibility is left. In the next two months, the Pacers would not have to lose more than four games to achieve 70 wins. How do you respond to this? ”

"I don't want to respond, just let them watch it from this game."

"Will the loss of Leonard have an impact on the team's preparations?"

'There's no doubt that it will make a difference and Leonard is an integral part of our squad. But I also believe that other people can help the team as well. We are one and do not collapse because of the lack of someone. It's as if without me, the Pacers are still number one in the East. ”

"So who will you use to replace Leonard today?" Sag smiled slyly.

"If I could, I'd walk into the luxury box with a jersey and tell Larry. Bird. Hey, boy, it's your turn! ”

Sure enough, Henson still didn't reveal anything.

In fact, this question is also Terry. Stotts was very troubled by the question. In Leonard's absence, who will Henson put in his place?

After a few days of thinking, Stotts thought that Danny. Green will return to the starting line-up.

After all, Danny. Green can defend, shoot three-pointers, and not possess the ball. No coach would dislike a "3-and-D player". Besides, the starting No. 3 spot for the Pacers has been Danny in previous seasons. Green, it is undoubtedly the safest option for him to return to the starting lineup.

So, Stotts has tacitly acquiesced that Henson would put Danny today. Green is back in the starting lineup. The tactics he developed also revolved around Danny. Green started on the premise.

"Don't give them a three-point shot, Wesley, and I want you to interfere with Paul as much as possible. George's offense. Give him a tough physical confrontation, and don't let him comfortably kill under the basket! Others don't shrink rashly, the Pacers' three-point shot is no joke! ”

Before the start of the game, Stotts emphasized his set-up again. Then to the deafening cheers of the fans in the stadium, he pushed the players in the black away jerseys onto the pitch.

"The starters from both sides step onto the pitch and the game is about to begin!" Reggie. Miller felt his adrenaline rush as if he was about to fight.

But just as the two starters stepped onto the pitch, Terry. Stotts was stunned! He saw clearly, Danny. Green is still on the bench in his training suit! And the starter who replaced Leonard was the tough and rough second and third swingman Jimmy. Butler!

Turning his head to look at the startled Stotts, Henson curled the corners of his mouth slightly. Jimmy. Butler has been outstanding this season, and after the ups and downs of the first two seasons, Butler has grown.

Some people are only one chance away from success. And now, Henson has decided to put the belongings of Jimmy. Butler's chance to take him!

It's time to cash in on your talents!

At the first adjustment of the first game after his return, Henson caught everyone off guard.

Sure enough, Henson is still the same Henson, and everything is still a familiar taste.

Reggie. Miller's words made a good start to this game. He spoke into the microphone and said righteously.

"Let us welcome the return of His Majesty the King!"