Basketball is not a one-man sport, and Zhang Xiaotian did not continue to direct the big reversal.

But the 15 points in the final quarter proved his worth.

From 20 points behind to 7 points at the end of the game, there are many substitutes who can score, there are many players who can add to the cake, and players who can take responsibility and have the ability to take responsibility at critical moments are generally called the core.

The Spurs should give Zhang Xiaotian more chances, this time not only the fans jumped out to appeal, but several so-called experts also fanned Zhang Xiaotian, believing that he is a good medicine for the aging of the Spurs lineup.

There is no need to play the main team, as long as it replaces Ginobili's position, and if it is used well, the Spurs are the most powerful contenders for the championship.

It seems to be a good thing to say, but a little standing and talking without back pain, competing for status with the team boss, Xiao Mengxin is trembling, Popovich will not agree.

Zhang Xiaotian doesn't really want to replace anyone in the team, he just wants to get more shots at key moments to help the team win more games, and then get a good contract next season.

On January 5, the Spurs were challenged by the 76ers at home.

The 76ers have also changed a lot of lineup this season, the boss Iguodala has left, and the attacking sixth man Louis Williams has also left.

The 76ers don't really have an inside line, the five main players are banging and throwing, the new sixth man Nick Young is in the same style, Duncan comes up to take what he wants, Ginobili is also in good shape, and the Spurs quickly established a 10-point lead.

Zhang Xiaotian led by 10 points in the first half, and he had a 20-point lead in the second half.

By this time, he and Ginobili don't need to play this more fixed rotation.

Before the training officially began the next day, Zhang Xiaotian was rarely called to the office by Popovich.

Popovich sat casually, "Zhang, I feel the need to talk to you, to be honest, my performance is a little incomprehensible to me, I'm considering whether to buy a large reading glasses." ”

Zhang Xiaotian has not yet reached the point where he can joke with the head coach at will, and can only show an oriental-style shy smile.

"That's the difference between you and on the pitch, sometimes you look like a shy big boy, Zhang, tell me, what do you want to do on the pitch."

Popovich's tone became serious, Zhang Xiaotian also put away his smile, and said with a straight face: "Coach, I am a person with a strong desire to win, I just hope that I can be on the court at a critical moment and contribute to the victory." ”

"Then you have to answer me head-on, why is there such a big gap between your performance in training and in the game, to be precise, your performances that I am satisfied with and hated are in the last quarter, and the rest of the time, I have to forget about the existence of a player like you."

Zhang Xiaotian had simulated this kind of conversation countless times before, but he did not convince Popovich of confidence.

Because it's hard to believe the real situation.

But this question, he certainly can't dodge.

He stiffened his head and made a straightforward appearance, "Training and competition are different, just like doing test papers in school, usually checking and filling in the gaps, only in the exam will I do my best to get a high score, I have not been as good as the real test since I was a child." ”

"I've heard a lot of fans say that the Spurs in the regular season are completely different from the Spurs in the playoffs, and I think it's the same thing."

'As for my performance on the pitch, I can only say that I feel like I can do it when it comes to crunch time, maybe it's a mental suggestion, because I've been leading teams since I was a kid and I played amateur league in the first two years.

"When it comes to the crunch moments of the game, I always tell myself that you can do it, you can defend against the guy who has a high score, you can cut points in their defense."

Zhang Xiaotian's voice in front of him was still very calm, but in the end, he was a little excited.

His words are half-true, his desire to win is very strong, he also wants to take responsibility on the court, and he demands his best on offense and defense at critical moments, but without a system, he will definitely not be able to do well at this level of the NBA.

Popovich took a sip of hot coffee and rubbed his temples, "Well, I believe you, in fact, everyone had a similar experience when they were younger, but it certainly didn't have the same effect as you." ”

"Actually, what I want to know is that your future plans are in line with the team's plans."

Zhang Xiaotian was stunned for a moment, and only reacted after half a sound, could it be that Popovich would renew his contract with him now, it is impossible, not even half of the season has passed.

He replied, "That...... Coach, I definitely want to be part of the team's plans, if...... I can't say no to a big contract, but that's what I said, I can really help the team when it counts. ”

Popovich stared at Zhang Xiaotian for a long time, which made him feel a little furious in his heart, could he have misunderstood.

"Haha, a lucrative contract, the little guy is still ambitious, perform well, if you keep messing around on the court, I will let you be a cold bench, and the lucrative contract will probably be in vain."

"Actually, I called you here to tell you that there was a community event on the weekend and you were one of the representatives of the team." Popovich's eyes were full of cunning.

Zhang Xiaotian was stunned again, and walked out of the office for half a day without relieving.

The old guy is bad enough, he took out all the goods in his heart without promising anything.

But then he laughed, and it was nice to have the opportunity to tell the coach what he really thought.

As for how Popovich decides, he certainly can't be swayed.

But as long as he plays seriously, he believes that his path in the league will not be easily interrupted.

Next for the Spurs is to play on the road, and it is the Hornets who have already faced each other twice this season.

The new owner of the Hornets intends to change the team's ranking, and starting next season, the New Orleans Hornets will become the New Orleans Pelicans.

In this game, Eric Gordon, the outside core of the Hornets, has returned from injury and his combat effectiveness has been strengthened.

Sure enough, at the beginning of the game, the Hornets were different from the previous game, Eric Gordon was very active on the offensive end, although the shooting percentage was not high, but it caused Duncan to foul twice and had to go off the court early.

When Duncan wasn't on the court, Davis was more active and the Hornets took the lead.

Zhang Xiaotian and Ryan Anderson are still conscientious.

The Spurs trailed by nine points at halftime, Duncan and Parker were in a decent position, and it was Danny Green who had a bad hand and hit all the open spots.

Popovich remembered the previous conversation, and then looked at Zhang Xiaotian's performance, and still felt a little strange.

In this game, he tried it.