260, Toronto debut

On November 17th, the Air Canada Center Arena hosted a game against the Seattle SuperSonics.

In itself, this game is not much to watch. However, today, the game was broadcast live across the United States, and countless people were waiting for it.

The reason why it has attracted so much attention and is so grand is mainly because this game is the first game Wu Di played for the Toronto Raptors, and it is also his first game after returning after suffering both knee injuries.

The fans were so excited, they waited so long for this game.

Now, when the game comes, they naturally can't contain the excitement in their hearts.

Toronto fans may not have any feelings for Wu Di, but they still choose to come to the scene to support Wu Di, after all, this is the only superstar their team has on the surface, and they also want to see how Wu Di's condition is restored.

Speaking of which, Wu Di chose to make a comeback in this game for some reasons. Since the beginning of the season, the team has lost all 8 games, and the Toronto Raptors, who have suffered 8 consecutive defeats, are considered to want to compete for the top pick in the 06 draft?

Speaking of which, no one wants a loss, but the current Raptors are so bad that it is difficult to play a strong table.

But a victory is hard to find, and it is a bit too much to say.

The 8-game losing streak was a big blow to the morale of the Raptors, which made Wu Di have to choose to come back to play.

The choice of this game was also decided by Toronto's management after deliberation, because the superSonics can only be said to be mediocre and the defense at the No. 2 position is relatively weak. Therefore. Wu Di's choice of this game to make a comeback is also quite good.

But. For experts and reporters from major American media, they are still not optimistic about Wu Di's good performance in this game.

Experts including Barkley unanimously felt that Wu Dihui had only been training for two days, but now he was going to play on the court, and without running in with his teammates, he would definitely be rotten at that time.

Of course, Wu Di has considered this, but the Raptors are already a mess now, and Milicic and Deron Williams seem to be unable to take this team to the regular stage. This made Wu Di a little anxious in his heart.

And from a certain point of view, 8 consecutive defeats are also a good opportunity for Wu Di.

If you lose, it's just a 9-game losing streak, and the criticism will continue. But if he wins, Wu Di will obviously get some voices of support.

And, in a sense, running in with the team in an official game can be regarded as a shortcut.

Therefore, it can be said. It's a win-win-win-win thing.

After all, Wu Di is in a bad enough situation because of injuries. He can only use his personal watch to justify his name now.

At 8 p.m., the Air Canada Centre arena was packed, the first time it was full, since the start of the season.

It can be seen that Wu Di's own influence is still not small, at least he has now driven the ticket sales of a game.

The fans kept talking around them, and their eyes were locked on Wu Di.

It can be said that not only them, but also reporters and experts are staring at Wu Di, who is the biggest focus of the whole game, and there is no one.

Feeling the fiery atmosphere around him, Wu Di's heart was also slightly excited, he slapped the basketball fiercely, and his eyes were full of nostalgia.

"It's been a long time since I've experienced this feeling, and although I've changed places now, I have to say it's still pretty good." Wu Di smiled and said to himself.

Wu Di's emotion reached the ears of teammate Deron Williams, and this year's rookie list came to Wu Di and said with encouragement:

"Wu, you have no problem at all, just let go and shoot, I will try to put the ball in your hands."

Wu Di smiled slightly when he heard this, he could feel the trust in the eyes of this little Illinois junior brother.

"Haha, I haven't played in a long time, aren't you worried that I'll mess up?" Wu Di looked at Delong, and the meaning in his eyes was self-evident.

Delon laughed, "Messed up? Wu, you know, no matter how bad it is, can it be as bad as the current situation? It's been an 8-game losing streak. ”

A trace of nostalgia flashed in Wu Di's eyes, and he couldn't help but think of the original Wizards, although those people were young, they had amazing combat effectiveness. At that time, why did he worry about victory? But now, it can really be said that things are wrong.

Guarding such a weak team, Wu Di is also under a lot of pressure in his heart, he doesn't know how high he can lead the team even if he recovers his competitive state?

Under the interference of this emotion and pressure, Wu Di's mood seemed to be a little heavy.

However, he shook his head violently, and after sighing helplessly, a look of determination immediately appeared on his whole face.

It's really bad enough to have such a mentality.

Wu Di also sighed secretly in his heart.

He felt that this pessimistic attitude was naturally undesirable, so he would force himself to change first.

The color of perseverance and confidence on his face became more and more intense, and Wu Di smiled at Delong: "If we don't have confidence in ourselves, how can we let the outside world have confidence in us?" We should show the backbone and determination, even if we lose, we must lose vigorously, we must have that determination. ”

Seeing the surprise flashing on Delong's face, Wu Di didn't care, and continued: "Let's start with this game, I will do my best, and I hope everyone will also do their best to play and play every attack seriously, no matter what the result is." ”

In the latter words, Wu Di said it to his teammates around him.

Although some wondered why Wu Di suddenly said such a sentence, everyone nodded in approval.

Feeling the determination that rose slightly around him, Wu Di didn't say anything more.

He knows that there are some things that can't be said with his mouth to make much difference, and the most important thing is the next game, if he can use his actions to boost morale in the game, it is obviously very effective.

Actually, except for Delon. The other teammates didn't have any reverence for Wu Di. They do. It's just because of the relationship between Wu Di and the general manager Wu Jiao and the boss Li Shen.

In their opinion. Wu Di suffered such a serious injury, and now he can come back to play, which is completely Wu Jiao's help.

Speaking of which, they don't believe that Wu Di can play any games that can be put on the table, nor do they believe that Wu Di can restore the ability that he had when he was with the Washington Wizards.

To put it bluntly, these guys have doubts about Wu Di in their hearts.

This is a bit of cattiness, Wu Di can also feel it from the past few days of getting along.

Therefore, he also knows. If you want to become the absolute core of the Raptors and convince and awe these guys, you still need to speak with strength.

Feeling the basketball beating incessantly in his hand, Wu Di's eyes slowly scanned the surroundings, this is an unfamiliar field, but it will become his home stadium in the future.

In the eyes of the outside world, this may be the place where his career ends.

But Wu Di doesn't think so, he has endless self-confidence, and this will be the place where his legend begins.

After a glance, the various expressions of the surrounding fans could also fall on his eyes very clearly. Obviously, this is another city without cohesion.

Thinking about Washington's qiē, Wu Di couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "A new journey has begun." This is the first stop, so try your best. ”

After sighing, Wu Di completely let go of his inner baggage, and he began to warm up before the game.

Soon, it was time for the game to start.

Amid a deafening cheer from the fans, the long whistle of the start of the game rang out.

Wu Di returned to the sidelines and listened to the head coach's arrangement, in the process, he didn't see any expression on his face, just listened carefully, and occasionally lowered his head to complete the jersey.

At this time, TNT's live broadcast station, Barkley and Reggie Miller were talking excitedly.

"Charles, how many points do you think Wu can score in this game?"

Barkley frowned slightly, and after a slight silence, he smiled: "His comeback is a bit hasty, the 15th will be in the team training, and the 17th will play in the game, which is not very wise." Considering his body and his competitive form, I think it's going to take a while for him to get used to. 15~20 points, I think this is the table he can play. ”

Reggie Miller chuckled, and he looked at Barkley meaningfully: "Are you saying that a big killer who averages 30+ per game can only cut half of the points today?" ”

Barkley laughed: "He's going to need to get used to it, it's not that I don't think I'm bullish on him. Hehe, Reggie, what kind of debut do you think he will be able to play? You know, the guys in the outside world are afraid that Wu Di can't even score 10 points. ”

With a smile on his face, Miller said confidently, "At least 20 points, maybe 30 points." For a guy who can be an offensive killer by shooting the basketball, he can't be underestimated. ”

Barkley smiled and nodded, his gaze swept to the field, and at the same time said, "Okay, okay, Reggie, I understand what you said, you mean Wu Diwan's hand felt explode." Let's see which of us predicts a little more accurately. The game is about to begin......"

At this time, Miller didn't say much, he focused on the field, and his expression was slightly excited.

Obviously, that's the form of everyone who is watching this game, and they all want to see what Wu Di's debut in Toronto will be like.

At this time, the starting lineups of both sides also appeared in the sky above the big screen.

The Toronto Raptors are here.

The starting five were Milicic, Matt Bonner, Morris Pitesson, Wu Di and Deron Williams.

As for the superSonics, the starters are Ray Allen, Rashad Lewis, Luke Ridno, Johan Petro and Nick Collisson.

Judging from the starters alone, the main lineups of both sides are good at offense, but the Raptors have a little more offensive points.

This is reflected in the first verse.

In the first quarter of the game, the individual scores of the starting five were all above 5 points, which can be said to be relatively average. On the supersonic side, the offense is mostly focused on Ray Allen and Lewis.

However, in today's game, the SuperSonics did not do much well in the first quarter, and the score between the two sides was able to reach 36:31 at the end of the first quarter, and the Raptors led by 5 points.

The 36 points in a single quarter was the Raptors' highest scoring quarter of the new season, and it happened to happen in the game of Wu Di's debut. It seems that this can make people think that it is the influence brought by Wu Di.

Speaking of which. Wu Di's efficiency in the first quarter was not very good. 2-of-6, all mid-range shots, plus two free throws, for a total of 6 points.

But the Raptors were able to lead their opponents in the first quarter, which made Wu Di receive some praise.

After the first quarter of the game, Wu Di also got to know his teammates.

Morris Piterson and Deron Williams are both good attacking players, while Matt Bonner can pull out and shoot from distance at the No. 4 position. This can relieve Milicic from the defensive pressure on the inside, so that the Raptors can score back-to-back goals on the inside.

As for the lead, Wu Di doesn't think it's his own reason.

The Raptors players were in good shape today, and the basket was open at the beginning of the game, which was the real reason for the lead.

In the eyes of the home fans, Wu Di's first quarter table is still relatively satisfactory, so fans also hope that Wu Di can continue to play.

Finally, with 7 minutes left in the second quarter, Wu Di came on.

The fans erupted in applause. This made Wu Di feel very encouraged.

On TNT's live broadcast, Barkley saw this. immediately said: "Wu Di is on the court again, I don't know if he can have any wonderful performances in the second quarter of the game?" ”

Reggie Miller said on the side: "Judging from the first quarter of the game, Wu Di's feeling can only be said to be average. He didn't seem to try to shoot a three-pointer? ”

Barkley said: "It's normal not to shoot three-pointers, after all, he hasn't played for so long, and this kind of long-range shooting needs to be felt slowly." However, even without a three-point deterrent, Wu Di was still able to attract the defense with his mid-range, which is why the Raptors were able to play so easily in the first quarter. ”

When Miller heard this, he also nodded in agreement.

"It's true, a player like Wu Di, as long as he is there, the opponent must pay attention to it. Therefore, the help he has given to the team invisibly cannot be ignored. ”

Suddenly, the conversation between the two people came to an abrupt end, and they looked at the venue at the same time.

On-field ......

Wu Di held the ball and looked at Lei Allen who was defending him slightly.

"Ray, you're really well in shape. Alas, look at my ......"

Wu Di's voice as if chatting suddenly stopped, only to see him accelerate suddenly, rushing straight to the inside.

A look of anger flashed across Ray Allen's face, he had been deceived by this guy again. This made him suddenly feel that this friend was really cunning and played such a small trick. And what made Ray Allen angry was that he was deceived with a soft heart.

As Wu Di accelerated, a burst of screams erupted around the venue.

Wu Di crossed Ray Allen's defense and strode forward, and in the blink of an eye, the basket was getting closer and closer.

At this time, the supersonic inner line Collison also made up for it with a fierce face.

The ferocious stance made all the witnesses think that Wu Di was going to dodge Collison or pass the ball.

But Wu Di didn't do this, I saw him jump slightly, and the whole person rose into the air, and he used his strength to fight against Collison's body in the air.

The whole process happened in an instant, and when the basketball slid out after witnessing the basketball bouncing twice on the basket, the scene immediately erupted into a sound of regret.

However, the applause was relatively strong, and it was obvious that Wu Di's momentum could really make them excited.

Seeing this, Barkley couldn't help but laugh and said, "Wu Di's body is really a lot stronger, and he actually knocked Collison far away." ”

But Reggie Miller looked helpless: "Wu Di really dares to fight, he dares to dig in like this just after recovering from injury, it can really make people break out in a cold sweat." ”

Barkley added: "If this ball had been placed in the past, Wu Di would have been able to dunk it." Look at the fact that he knows how to use the trick now, and I have to say, this is a good sign. ”

Miller smiled: "This person has to grow up, not to mention that Wu Di has suffered such a big injury, it is relatively normal to know how to protect his body." ”

For fans, Wu Di's shot that caused Collison's foul on the inside line is still more exciting, at least it is much more bloody than boring shooting.

Although it was not 2+1, Wu Di still scored 2 points with two free throws, and at this time, his personal score came to 8 points.

Because of Wu Di's two free throws. The score between the two sides became 45 draws.

The two sides who returned to the same running line also began to grit their teeth and fight. Apparently. Whoever relaxes first will definitely fall behind.

After a few more rounds, Wu Di received the basketball again.

He motioned for the others to move, and then he confronted Ray Allen again.

Surprisingly, Wu Di did not mean to pass the ball, but dribbled back and forth, constantly testing Ray Allen's defense.

Seeing this, the fans couldn't help screaming and cheering.

Apparently. Watching the heads-up between stars is always fun.

And now Wu Di is constantly holding the ball and attacking by himself, which is obviously a good signal.

You must know that his six shots in the first quarter were all catch-and-shoot shots.

Therefore, fans also expect Wu Di to attack with the ball.

The atmosphere at the scene became hot......

Suddenly, Wu Di's body moved, and he went straight to the weak side of Ray Allen's defense.

In fact, these shooters are relatively average in defense, and the key is how to grasp the skills of alignment.

When Wu Di's body shook, Lei Allen's body immediately retreated, and he didn't want to give Wu Di another chance to break through.

However, the atmosphere at the scene was suddenly high.

Wow~

There was a burst of exclamations. Wu Di's body paused slightly, and at the same time he started to close the ball and shoot.

Ray Allen saw this. Fly up immediately.

At this time, Wu Di got up and threw the ball almost against Lei Allen's body.

"Toot ~"

The referee's whistle followed suit.

The fans couldn't help but applaud excitedly.

The basketball that was pushed out by Wu Di crossed a low arc, and in a burst of screams, it plunged into the basket.

“2+1! Wu Di played this ball smartly. He knew he wasn't in great shape, so he used fouls to score, which was the right way to play. Barkley couldn't help but admire.

Reggie Miller smiled slightly: "Charles, you are right, Wu should indeed fight like this." Well, he's already scored 10 points, and if he misses the penalty, then his personal score will be 11 points. 3 out of 7, the hit rate is not bad. ”

Throughout the time, Wu Di's free throw count also appeared on the big screen above the court, and he made 4 of 4 free throws in this game, which was his fifth free throw.

Stepping on the free throw line, Wu Di easily scored the ball.

And the stadium also burst into applause.

For the witnesses, Wu Di's free throws in this game were very powerful, and importantly, his shooting posture did not change to Rick Barry's urinal shot as feared.

2+1 was played, and the score between the two sides became 49:50, and the Raptors overtook the score again.

And the two key moments were all scored by Wu Di, which finally attracted the attention of the supersonics.

Subsequently, Bob Weiss also made changes, and the execution of the supersonic players was also good, and Wu Di no longer had a chance to play singles in a high position.

However, for Wu Di, his long-range shooting today feels too bad, and it is naturally impossible to shoot three points stupidly. After the opponent made defensive changes, Wu Di took the initiative to ask for the ball in the low post.

When he saw Wu Di against Ray Allen and forcibly hit the basketball wipe board, Barkley couldn't help but shout: "Oh oh oh, Wu Di carried Ray Allen's wipe board to shoot." Hey, hey, hey, although there is no low-post action in this ball, I have to say that it played very well. ”

Obviously, because Lei Allen is too thin, it is naturally impossible to fight against Wu Di, who is now 240 pounds, which also makes Wu Di eat more and more casually in the low position.

And when he is attracted to the bag, Wu Di will pass the basketball to his teammates who have vacated the position as soon as possible.

So, at the end of the second quarter of the game, Wu Di actually delivered 3 assists, and his personal score came to 17 points.

Although Wu Di's style of play has completely changed, for fans, as long as they can score goals, they can be satisfied.

In the third quarter of the game, Wu Di only played 2 minutes. And everyone understands that this is deliberately done by head coach Sam Mitchell, after all, Wu Di's injured body obviously needs to be observed, so Mitchell also said before the game that Wu Di's personal playing time will be controlled in this game to less than 30 minutes.

In the third quarter, although Wu Di was not there, the Raptors played relatively well.

By the time Wu Di came on the court in the fourth quarter, the score between the two sides was 89:82, and the Raptors still had a seven-point lead.

After Wu Di came on the court, he firmly broke through to the inside, although the success rate was a little low, but he continued to win free throws.

And, what is surprising is that Wu Di's free throws have always maintained a 100% shooting rate.

In the fourth quarter, Wu Di's personal desire to attack was relatively strong, and his offensive efficiency was not bad, so his teammates were willing to hand over the ball to Wu Di to play, after all, he needed to find the feeling of the game.

Wu Di's practice of breaking through the inside line again and again made the spectators break into a cold sweat, which made people worry that he should not be scrapped again in the first game of his comeback.

But in fact, this fear did not become a reality. Wu Di had a thrilling ride with his Raptors debut.

It is worth mentioning that Wu Di scored 6 points in a row in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter to help the team win the game.

The final score was 125-117, and the Raptors ended an eight-game losing streak.

In the first game of his comeback, Wu Di hit 9 of 21 shots, including 1 of 4 three-pointers and 13 of 13 free throws, and contributed 32 points, 5 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals in 29 minutes of playing time. (To be continued......)