The last day of 2017.

On the other side of the ocean, China has crossed midnight and struck the zero o'clock of the New Year, and the entire American continent is still in the last day of 2017 due to the time difference.

The Rockets are finally back home in Houston to face the Los Angeles Lakers, who also have a poor record and suffered a five-game losing streak, on the final night of the new year.

The logo of the new Gregorian calendar year has been hung all over the streets and alleys of Houston, and even the curtain wall outside the Toyota Center Arena has been replaced with a huge photo of the Rockets with "Happy New Year 2018".

The New Year's footsteps are really getting closer and closer, and under this festive red advertisement, Yang Yiming looked up at his figure sandwiched between his teammates, looking forward to his 2018.

1/

"Yiming, long time no see." Meritis stood at the entrance of the tunnel with a smile on his face, greeting every member of the Rockets who went home. Even if the team's luck is a little bad now, everyone can't help but grin when they see this beautiful blonde and smiling team assistant, and they can't help but grin and respond to her.

"It's been a long time, happy holidays." Yang Yiming followed his teammates and walked in front of Meritis, and replied with a smile that was infected by her. Although it was only a Christmas holiday, Yang Yiming did feel as if it had been a long time since he traveled away during the holiday, coupled with consecutive losses, and the Meritis in front of him was not only smiling, but also a little more intimate.

"Did you see the big poster on the Toyota Center when you came in just now? You're up there, too, you're a handsome boy. Meritis gently arched Yang Yiming's arm.

"Haha, it's the first time to shoot such a big publicity, and I'm still a little nervous." Yang Yiming scratched his head embarrassedly.

"This guy is handsome?" Clint Capela followed behind him and heard this conversation, a big black hand teasingly brushed the back of Yang Yiming's head, and laughed at Meritis, "I think I'm more handsome." Robocop, maintain justice and peace in the space city, what do you think, do you want to make an appointment? ”

Capela is back in the line of fire today, in order to protect his facial injuries from being harmed again, he put on a black transparent mask today, coupled with his already dark complexion, he is indeed a black gold mechanical man, but these words are funny for some reason when he says them from his own mouth.

"No, no." Meritis stretched out her slender hand and high-fived Capella, "I'm afraid I've missed your great mission." It's up to you to deal with the Lakers tonight. ”

"Yes, sir!" Capella high-fived, saluted, and glanced at Yang Yiming, "Young man, don't forget your great mission." Then I jumped into the stadium and started to warm up before the game.

"So... How was your Christmas? All the Rockets players had already entered the arena, and at this time, only Yang Yiming and Meritis were left at the end, walking side by side through the players' tunnel, pacing slowly and chatting at the same time.

"It's not bad, you know Georgia, everybody is religious, Christmas is the day of Jesus' resurrection, plus our family is a big family, so it's very lively, it's rare for everyone to be reunited." She pulled a bundle of blonde hair behind her ears and blushed, "What about you, how do you feel about spending Christmas in the United States for the first time?" ”

"It's... Christmas vs. Celtic, you watched that game that day? ”

"Well, our family watched it together. Your clean sheet Tatum's three-point performance is wonderful, but it's a pity for the team..."In just one sentence, Meritis's mood is like a roller coaster that rises first and then descends.

"It's a bit of a pity." Recalling these games, Yang Yiming was obviously also affected, and his voice became smaller, "The rocket didn't play well, and I was also responsible, alas..."

"Are you still thinking about the three-point shot from the last game?"

"Hmm." Yang Yiming nodded silently, although the other party was so understanding, he immediately noticed his unhappiness, but after all, this was a frustrating game that kept him awake at night.

"Don't think about it!" Meritis jumped forward and blocked the exit of the players' tunnel. She raised her left wrist, poked the watch on it and stared directly at Yang Yiming and said, "2017 is about to pass, and the New Year is coming, shouldn't you cheer up and win to welcome 2018?!" ”

"China has already celebrated New Year's Day. It's time for you, young man, to turn the page on last year! ”

Wake up the dreamer with a word!

2/

Unexpectedly, after the Rockets warmed up at the Toyota Center and adapted to the venue, head coach Mike D'Antoni did not arrange tactical exercises and targeted arrangements for the Lakers, but called everyone together to look forward to the New Year's resolution in 2018:

"Everyone can talk about any New Year's resolutions they want to fulfill, or give them a try, and they can share them."

"Of course, my dream is to touch the floor of the West Decision." Chris Paul's first speech caused everyone to laugh. One of the things that the future Hall of Fame super point guard has been criticized by black fans is that he has lost the Western Conference semifinals eight times, but he didn't expect that he didn't care about it, and he threw this old stalk out to laugh at himself: "Actually, it's not just the Western Conference finals, I hope to get my first championship ring in Houston next summer!" ”

Just a few days ago, Paul was interviewed by the Houston Chronicle, and when asked if he would renew his contract with the team early, he did not give a clear answer, but left the suspense until the summer of the offseason. But it seems that wanting to focus on the current season is what he really meant.

"What about you, Gerald?" D'Antoni asked former dunk king Gerald Green, who had just signed on to make up for the Rockets' personnel shortages against the Wizards.

"Me? Another slam dunk contest, of course. Green has corn hair, and the Houston native has been on the team for less than two days, but he's already mingled with everyone. Also joking, he leaned next to Briante Webb, who combed his thick braids into a cupola, with a very cool expression, "2018, LA, Staples Arena, the whole Hollywood Xiangche beauties will go." Just thinking about it, I want to try my hand at that place again. ”

"Are you serious?"

"Seriously, of course. Absolutely serious! Green's expression became more serious, and the "Nine-Finger Dunk King" squeezed his knuckles and stared back at the head coach with big eyes.

"Well, you win." D'Antoni first raised the white flag in this eye contest and turned to Meritis beside him, "Let's be serious, Meritis, what is your wish for 2018?" ”

"I..." was obviously a little uncomfortable being suddenly named, and she thought for a moment before continuing, "My wish is actually very simple, that is, your wishes can come true - whether it is the championship or the first place in the slam dunk contest again, it is fine." However, it would be even more perfect if I could get a promotion and a salary increase in 2018 at the same time! ”

"Then I'm afraid I'll have to talk to someone Morey."

"I guess I'll have to find the boss Fertita!"

"Don't be so troublesome, Brother Deng will help the boss sell more jersey souvenirs, it's enough." Everyone helped Meritis come up with a fool's idea.

"There are also Yiming and Zhou Qi, the Chinese market is so vast, they can also contribute to the sales of jerseys." Zhou Qi, who was injured before the season, recovered quickly, and has also started to do confrontation training with the team in the last few games.

"By the way, what are your New Year's wishes?"

"Yes, China Yang hasn't said it yet." Everyone turned their eyes to Yang Yiming, who had been silent.

"My wish is actually simpler..."He looked around at these teammates around him, and then at the basketball hoop in the Toyota Center in the distance, and said with a pretended affection:

"It's just that in 2018, I will never shoot outside the basket again!"

As soon as he finished speaking, laughter exploded in the arena. A smile may be the best way to turn the page on the past!