Kassel was very strict in training, and it was clear that he took it very seriously against the Grizzlies.

His reaction is also expected, this wave of home games, there are only 2 difficult games, this one Grizzlies, the next game of the Cavaliers, as long as they win these two teams, then the Clippers are likely to be a wave of 7 consecutive wins, which is definitely the final word for the current Clippers, and it is likely to be able to sweep away the previous decline and re-enter the championship ranks.

Especially in this game against the Grizzlies, because the game against the Cavaliers is a Christmas game, even if you lose that game, as long as you win this game, it is likely to be a 6-game winning streak, and the importance is self-evident.

After the pre-game practice, Cassel pulled the players into the video conference room to analyze the Grizzlies' tactics, and then let the players go to the locker room to shower, which showed that he was determined to win the game.

After the training, the players went back to the locker room and took a shower, which was considered to be a bit of relief.

Tang Shuai changed his clothes, sat on the chair and was about to chat with Stephenson and Smith, when he turned his head to look, only to find that Stephenson was not there.

He turned to Smith and asked, "Josh, where has Lance gone?" This kid won't be out early, will he? ”

Usually Stephens is the most noisy person in the locker room, but this time there is no one, and he is really a little uncomfortable.

"He? I just got called by the coach. Smith said as he put on his shoes.

"Called by the coach?" Tang Shuai was stunned for a moment, and then said with some concern, "Shouldn't you go out again last night?" Sam is much stricter than Doug. The last time he said he wasn't allowed to go out at night when he was back to back. ”

Tang Shuai's first reaction was that Stephenson violated the team's rules, after all, this should be the first time that Cassell has talked to Stephenson alone since becoming the head coach.

"Nope. Lance wasn't that stupid, he had already gone back yesterday. Smith said, shaking his head.

"No?" The doubts in Tang Shuai's eyes became even stronger. If not because of this, then because of what?

Just as he was wondering, Billups walked in from outside the locker room, glanced at the locker room, and said, "Don't rush to leave, all of you." ”

Billups didn't seem to mean much to say, and walked straight away.

This time, not only Tang Shuai and Smith, but also everyone else, you look at me, I look at you. Not sure what happened.

But fortunately, the team members have just come out of the shower at this time, and they haven't worn their clothes yet, so it's just time for them to put on clothes and shoes.

As for someone like Tang Shuai, who has already been worn, he happened to guess what Stephenson was called away for with Smith, who was sitting next to him.

About five or six minutes later, when everyone was almost dressed, Stephenson walked in from outside the locker room.

At this moment, the team members all looked over curiously, and Tang Shuai got up directly and asked, "Lance, what happened?" ”

Stephenson smiled and walked up to Tang Shuai. Patted him on the shoulder and said, "Good thing." ”

"A good thing?" Tang Shuai looked at Stephenson suspiciously, and said instinctively, "Salary increase?" ”

Stephenson was amused by Tang Shuai, then shook his head and said, "The coach will come soon." You'll find out right away. ”

Tang Shuai was about to ask, but Kassel and Billups appeared at the door of the locker room at this time.

After Cassel came in, he was also direct, and then said directly: "I have news to announce. ”

As soon as Cassel said this, he said. It immediately attracted everyone's attention in the locker room.

"After discussion with the coaching staff, tonight's game against the Grizzlies. Don will appear in the team's starting lineup for the win. Cassel said and pointed at Tang Shuai. Then he didn't say anything, and left the locker room directly.

"Come on." Billups said a word to Tang Shuai, and left with him.

When Kassel and Billups left, Tang Shuai was still dazed, and he didn't react to what happened at once.

This is a little wrong, last time Kassel privately discussed with him whether he was suitable to be the first starter, why didn't he say hello this time, and suddenly decided like this?

"Hey! Tang Dynasty! Starters! As soon as Cassel left, Smith picked up Tang Shuai and said excitedly.

Griffin also stood up from his position for the first time, walked over and said with a smile: "Don, congratulations, you have finally become a starter." ”

Tang Shuai didn't come back to his senses in surprise, until Griffin reached out and patted him on the shoulder, he stood up and punched Griffin.

Paul also came over at this time and said: "We're going to play together in the future, hopefully you won't be too nervous on the first start." ”

Tang Shuai smiled reluctantly, he especially wanted to go to Cassel now to ask for clarification.

"Hey, Don, congratulations!"

But by this time, the rest of the Clippers had already gathered around to congratulate him.

Since Reaves Jr. was traded, the atmosphere of the Clippers has suddenly become harmonious, coupled with the fact that Tang Shuai usually keeps a low profile, the players still take good care of him, and they don't even say that it is rare to spoof him like other teams, and it is natural for them to come forward to congratulate him at this time.

Seeing so many congratulations from his teammates, especially Stephens, seemed to be sincerely happy for him, and he put his doubts aside for a while and politely greeted the players.

When the politeness was over and the players were about to leave with their clothes, he was ready to go to the coach's office to ask Cassel for clarification.

But as soon as he walked out with his front foot, Paul came out with his back foot and pulled him out.

“CP3？” Tang Shuai looked at Paul suspiciously, not knowing why he was pulling himself.

"Don, are you going to go to Sam and ask about the starters?" Paul said in a low voice.

"How do you know?" Tang Shuai nodded and looked at Paul in slight surprise.

"I can see it in your eyes at once." Paul then said.

Tang Shuai smiled, yes, how many years Paul has played in the league, his previous eyes are probably already in his eyes.

"Don't ask, the coach has the coach's decision, and Sam said just now that this is the decision of the coaching staff, and he naturally has his reasons not to talk to you." Paul put it bluntly.

"But......" Tang Shuai now felt a little uncomfortable in his heart because the person he replaced was Stephenson, and he didn't know if this would become a barrier between the two people.

"You're worried that Lance won't be frustrated by this, right?" Paul guessed Tang Shuai's thoughts at once.

Tang Shuai nodded, in front of Paul, these careful thoughts seemed to be impossible to hide at all.

"Lance is not that kind of person, aren't you very familiar with him, what kind of person he is, you don't know better than me?" Paul asked abruptly.

Tang Shuai didn't speak, maybe growing up in the domestic environment, he always likes to think about people in more complicated aspects.

"And you rely on hard work to get into the starting line-up, not on anything else, Lance is your good friend and definitely supports you, not just in the dressing room." Paul nodded.

"But ......" he wondered why Kassel had made this decision so suddenly.

"Don't." Paul interrupted him directly, "What you should be worried about more than you is how to deal with Tony's guy in the next game, right?" ”

Tony? Tony Allen?

As soon as Paul said this name, Tang Shuai suddenly felt an invisible pressure coming straight to his body.

That's right, if he starts in the next game, then he will have to play against Allen, who is known as the strongest outside defender in the game, and it will definitely be an unprecedented test for him!

PS: Thank you chris1993 for your monthly ticket support! (To be continued.) )