Next.

After the Timberwolves eliminated the Warriors to advance, the Western Conference matchup has already come out.

The Western Conference matchup between the Spurs and the Timberwolves is something that many people did not expect.

To be precise, it is normal for the Spurs to advance to the Western Conference finals, after all, the Spurs were the first team in odds before the game.

The Timberwolves rushed all the way to the Western Conference Finals, which many people didn't expect.

Everyone has always thought that the Timberwolves are the dark horses to the Western Conference Finals, but in fact, the Timberwolves are the second in the West in the regular season.

The west is a dozen west two, and the games on the east side are also solved within five games, and the east is also east one and two east two.

This time, the East and West finals are regarded as no dark horse teams, and they are all the first to play second.

But the public has a kind of Black Eight for the Timberwolves, the second-largest team in the West.

Because the Timberwolves have always been questioned and have not been favored.

Even Timberwolves fans are used to it, claiming that they are the Western Conference Finals that the Black Two played.

The official matchup list is also out.

West: San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves.

East: Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat.

Before the official start of the game, the hottest topic is forward-looking.

If you want to say that the biggest topic among them, it is still the Timberwolves.

There is no other reason.

Although they are all the top two teams in the East and West, the other three teams are all strong teams that have proven themselves in the past season.

Even the Pacers, who are relatively less luxurious, faced the Heat last season and hit a tie-break.

The Heat have been in the playoffs every year since they were formed, and this needs no introduction.

Not to mention the Spurs, a very standard old powerhouse, basically every season is a championship level.

The Timberwolves, with the exception of reaching the Western Conference Finals during Garnett's time, have been out-of-playoff teams for most of the time, and they have been weak for too long.

So much so that everyone thinks that the Timberwolves team is not something that can be changed by a few veterans and a championship coach.

But now the Timberwolves are on the stage of the Western Conference Finals.

However, at this time, ESPN published an article analyzing the Timberwolves.

"Stepping into the ranks of strong teams, or the essence of pseudo-strong teams, analyzing the Timberwolves' path to promotion. 》

The ESPN reporter pointed out in the article that the opponents the Timberwolves have encountered in the playoffs all the way are actually not really a test for the Timberwolves.

Facing the Trail Blazers in the first round, although it was a sweep, the Trail Blazers themselves are not a strong team.

The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves are actually similar, both teams outside the playoffs last season, and they are not up to the bottom.

This season's Trail Blazers have suddenly risen, but they look like a low-profile version of the Warriors.

They seem to be trying to emulate the way the Warriors won the championship last season and created a three-point system.

Then it happened that Su Chen had a deep study of the three-point system, and he happened to hit the weakness.

And the entire system of the Timberwolves seems to be built for the three-point system, and every position can cause a lot of interference to the outside.

The same is true for the Warriors.

The Timberwolves are the lineup built for this system, and Su Chen himself is from the three-point system, which is basically a perfect target.

It can be said that the Timberwolves met the two opponents they most wanted to meet in the playoffs.

Although the Warriors are the defending champions, their tactics and lineup have been targeted by this Timberwolves' tactics.

It is equivalent to the two opponents that the Timberwolves are currently encountering, one is a low-profile version of the Warriors, and the other is the Warriors.

ESPN reporters put forward a theory that the Timberwolves' roster itself was built for the Warriors' system, but the Warriors' system just happened to suppress other traditional rosters.

"So is there a possibility that cutting down on the interior low post defense will be suppressed when they're facing a traditional team that can pass the ball faster and can work with a center through a point guard?"

It's not just the Spurs they're going to face in the next round, but if this Timberwolves meet the Clippers early, they're likely to be eliminated by the Clippers as well. ’

In the article, the reporter of ESPN expressed his opinion.

As soon as such a statement came out, many people immediately felt that it was quite reasonable.

The Timberwolves team has too many fronts, and when faced with the classic blocking of traditional point guards and traditional interior lines, the defense of the dual forward line looks like it can be replaced at any time and is flawless, but in fact, it is likely that the interior line is not guarded, and the outside line is not blocked.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's defensive area is quite large and he is quick to sweep inside, which makes him very present against a team like the Warriors and Trail Blazers.

But if you face a top-level interior single, Giannis Antetokounmpo is single-pointed, and it will be difficult to parry.

Although the Timberwolves still have Ibaka, Ibaka is often blown up against Duncan, and his own defensive effect on the strong back-to-back singles has always been poor.

It's also not just the interior that will be blasted at a single point, but after the pick-and-roll, Parker, as a point guard, can also shoot at the first time through his speed.

The front line belongs to running fast and can also protect the frame.

But on the other hand, the speed is not top-notch, and the frame is not top-notch.

If it's Duncan and Parker at their peak, it's arguably top-notch interior blasting and top-notch outside speed.

Even the current old Duncan and Parker Sr., who want to play a perfect change of defense with their forwards, are prone to a situation where they want to defend at both ends but can't defend at both ends.

Such a statement is not only recognized by the mass audience.

Even more supportive of this statement are Spurs fans and Clippers fans.

Especially Clippers fans, with their Paul and interior twin towers, isn't it easy to beat a Timberwolves?

Will the infinite change defense be able to defend against the Clippers' extreme interior offense, or can it defend against Paul's mid-range shot?

"If we meet an opponent like the Timberwolves along the way, won't we be able to advance to the Western Conference finals as well?"

"I can only say that the Timberwolves are really good in the regular season, and they can play such a good ranking, otherwise they will basically meet us for nothing."

"Who can switch to defend Paul between Ibaka and Giannis?"

Many Clippers fans also commented under the article.

Even Clippers fans who were eliminated early can be so arrogant, not to mention what kind of mentality Spurs fans have now.

They have a lot of confidence in their home team.

The combination of Duncan and Parker will be unmatched when facing the Timberwolves.

At the same time, Leonard has now become the team's No. 3 scorer, and even to a certain extent, he is not inferior to Parker's ability to occasionally replace the No. 2 scorer.

Green's single defense effect on Giannis also gave the Spurs a great reference.

Leonard, whether it is strength, height, reach, defensive awareness and defensive focus, will not be inferior to Green.

Even better.

San Antonio.

There is still more than a day to go until the start of G1.

The Timberwolves have long arrived in the city of San Antonio.

At this time, it was supposed to be a training camp in the stadium, but everything that should have been arranged was arranged, and Su Chen directly canceled today's tactical training.

There are tactical notes and analog glasses, and there is no need for such a temporary training camp.

Even Su Chen directly used the team's funds to charter a tour boat and tour the River Walk in San Anthony.

Sometimes basketball isn't everything.

Being too nervous in the face of a strong team is not conducive to the team's performance.

Su Chen still remembers that in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics were beaten 3-0 in the face of the Heat who rushed out of the Black Eight.

Horford suggested that the coach cancel the video lesson and take the whole team to play golf.

Watching movies together, eating together, the team re-established camaraderie.

Then the Celtics also swept away the decline, chasing all the way to 3-3, and almost completed the feat of falling behind 0-3 for the first time in history.

Su Chen also feels that team building is meaningful.

Of course, the kind of team building that allows employees to go to team building on their rest days and has to be paid for by AA should be regarded as ineffective team building.

Su Chen asked the team to come out to play, which was directly canceling the work course, and all the money was paid by the team.

This kind of team building, everyone can have a lot of fun, after all, if you don't come to team building, you should have a class in the video room.

Touring the scenery of the city of San Antonio, Su Chen also told the players that he would also charter a luxury cruise in the evening.

It made the players very happy.

But there's one guy who seems to be just going with the flow, and like he's staying here with his dissatisfaction.

That man was Butler.

"Hey Jimmy, you're not still thinking about what training programs you should do today, are you?"

Su Chen walked over and patted Butler on the shoulder.

It can be seen that Butler's expression is a little unnatural.

"No coach, I just don't understand why you are the one who brought this up."

Butler shook his head.

If any other player dares to offer to have fun before the big game, Butler will clean him up, even the team boss.

Later, when Butler met Dons Wiggins, he couldn't get used to their laziness, and Butler directly cleaned them up with a bench lineup.

But it was the coach who brought up this matter, and this coach was Su Chen, the coach who had gained Butler's respect.

Because Su Chen has always been strict with the team, Butler's favorite words for Su Chen are.

You can't score a lot of goals on the pitch, but you can keep playing as long as you defend well.

So when Su Chen proposed to go on vacation today, Butler didn't question it on the spot, including now Butler is just sulking and didn't go to Su Chen to question.

"Basketball is work, and many times we have to stay away from work to build friendships around us."

'When you're under pressure on the pitch, you probably think you should trust your friends.

"The time spent with partners should be enjoyable, from off the field to on the field."

Su Chen said with a smile at Butler.

Butler was stunned for a moment, then fell silent.

Su Chen didn't expect Butler to really listen, Butler often saw too many people around him as enemies he needed to defeat.

Butler's humble background and lack of static talent make him like a jungle beast who needs to be in constant combat shape.

"Don't think too much about it, basketball is just a part of life, and you don't need to treat yourself like an outlier."

Su Chen didn't care if Butler could listen to it, but still said something more to Butler casually.

"Yes, I got the coach."

This time, however, Butler did not remain silent, but responded.

Su Chen has no obligation to really teach every player, and these players have their own way of life in the league.

Besides, he may not be with the Timberwolves next season.

After all, the lottery requirements given by the system must be easier to achieve by changing to a new team.

Taylor trusted him, but he didn't let it down.

At present, it has reached the Western Conference finals, and it is difficult to say whether it can beat the Spurs or even win the championship.

But it is the Timberwolves team left for Taylor, and he does not have any psychological burden when he runs away from the Timberwolves, and it is actually worthless to have this team in the first round used by the Timberwolves.

But don't think about it too much, first play seriously the series with the Spurs.

When dining at the luxurious restaurant in the evening, Su Chen saw that Butler and his teammates had some interaction from time to time, and they were not alone on the side like before.

Su Chen smiled, it seemed that he had played a role in Butler's words.

After all, Butler is only in the third grade, and he is not as stubborn as he was later.

It's not impossible to hear what he has to say.

Looking at the atmosphere of the team, Su Chen also smiled lightly and let go of the players to play.

AT&T Center Arena.

The series between the Spurs and the Timberwolves, the first game of G1, finally started at the AT&T Center.

Spurs fans filled the arena with confidence as the biggest favourites of the season.

From the analysis of so many professional media before the game, they are all unanimously optimistic about Spurs.

Moreover, a number of authoritative media directly gave a big score of 4:0 or 4:1.

There are not even a few authoritative media outlets with a 4:2 ratio.

In GDP, although Manu has degraded, he can still play a role in grabbing points from the bench.

At the same time, Duncan is still at his peak, and when Duncan is on the inside, the Spurs' tactical system is very fluid.

Although Parker is a little slower, he still has a great advantage in speed in the face of the Timberwolves' forward lineup.

And Leonard, who has grown and matured, is also what makes the Spurs stronger.

As long as Master Ka plays, he generally doesn't deny how good he is, he just doesn't play much later.

Of course, the reason why the media is so unanimously optimistic about the Spurs is that the Spurs are crushing all the way.

swept the Grizzlies in the first round and eliminated the Thunder 4-1 in the second round.

Although the Timberwolves were the same score, they swept the Trail Blazers in the first round and eliminated the Warriors 4-1 in the second round.

But the Timberwolves are the problem of ball style suppression, and both teams are similar three-point teams, which happen to be suppressed by the Timberwolves' forward team.

Spurs' record is obviously more valuable.

Of course, there is a reason why the media is so unanimously optimistic about Spurs, and even to the point of blowing Spurs.

The Spurs have not shown their timidity until now, although the Spurs swept the Heat in the Finals in the original timeline.

But in the first round, he was timid, and he was beaten to the tie-break by an elderly Maverick, so the finals of the Spurs and the Heat were actually similar before the game.

The spurs without timidity make the media feel that this is an unstoppable spur.

The lights in the arena dimmed.

Then a beam of light shone on the Spurs' arena passage.

The Spurs players entered the court one by one, and everyone's faces were very confident.

When Duncan finally appeared, the atmosphere in the arena reached a peak.

In the face of the cheers of the audience, Duncan was relatively calm.

After all, Duncan's face throughout his career has basically remained relatively serious.

finally laughed once, and was whistled for a foul by the bald referee, which made Duncan laugh even less.

Of course, being overturned by the Warriors last season also made Duncan not laugh.

This season, they were still thinking of revenge on the Warriors, who were eliminated by the Timberwolves.

However, Su Chen was an important figure in turning them around last season, and facing the Timberwolves led by Su Chen this season is also the same revenge effect.

It's not just revenge, but the age of GDP also makes them eager for the championship.

After the entrance ceremony, Su Chen and the Timberwolves also entered the court.

In the face of the momentum that the Spurs are showing now, Su Chen didn't have much reaction, and Su Chen, who was on the sidelines, looked very calm when he watched the players warm up.

Of course, to say that there is no tension at all, that is not either.

The Spurs are the strongest opponent in the entire playoff journey, and if they can win against the Spurs, then the championship is basically secure.

It can be said that this series is the finals series.

Many of these people in the Timberwolves have never played on such a high-level stage.

Not much to say about the rookies.

Josh Smith reached the Eastern Conference semifinals at the highest level, and was eliminated by the Bulls led by Rose that year.

Iguodala is also the highest in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but Iguodala was still a pity that season, in the 76ers' Iguodala and Holiday and the Celtics who formed the Big Three played a tie-break.

Butler was also eliminated by the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

Of course, it's not that there are no players who haven't played at a high level.

For example, Lore Deng, the Bulls who eliminated Josh in the Hawks that year, Lore Deng was one of them.

But in the Eastern Conference Finals, he has not played the Big Three of the Heat.

The other is Ibaka.

Ibaka is the highest to reach the Finals, and he is a starter in the Thunder, and his status is not low.

Of course, it's the coach who is the highest.

Su Chen's leading the Warriors to win the championship last season is still very close.

With such a high-level game, every game is undoubtedly broadcast live in the United States.

"Haha, let's talk about the Timberwolves game again, are you optimistic about the Timberwolves this time?"

Johnson asked a few people.

The commentators are naturally here.

"I supported the Warriors in the last series, but I was slapped in the face by the Timberwolves, but I am still not optimistic about the Timberwolves in this series."

"The series with the Warriors is not so much a win in the team's strength, but rather that Su Chen knows the Warriors too well and suppresses Coach Kerr."

"The Spurs' lineup, the Timberwolves can't take advantage, but Duncan and Parker's blocking will be difficult for the Timberwolves to handle."

Kenny Smith said very seriously.

"The Timberwolves did not expect it in the last round, but I have to say that if the Timberwolves face other opponents in the West, they still have to play, and they face the Spurs, they have little chance."

Barkley rarely disagreed with Kenny Smith and agreed with Kenny Smith.

"Actually, it can't be said that the Timberwolves don't have a chance at all, Giannis needs to play more firmly, he was limited by Green in the last round, and I don't even know what he's doing."

"Dude, you're so big, you're going to rush the inside line!"

O'Neill, for his part, disagreed.

In his opinion, Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited by a 1.98m Green in the last round, which is a very thing.

O'Neill felt that Giannis Antetokounmpo was a bit soft.

"I don't think Giannis Antetokounmpo is soft, he can rush in with a direct turn and European step in front of some big center forwards, but he can't get past those with strength and speed."

"I don't know why he can't get by, but the truth is, he just hasn't."

Kenny Smith said, waving his hand.

"It's still a matter of core strength, like the current inside line of the alliance, I can sit in it."

Barkley said with a laugh.

Although Barkley looks very indebted when he says this, he does have the capital to say this.

In order to limit Barkley's rogue back-to-back play, the league changed it to a 5-second back-to-back rule.

Before this rule was changed, it was not uncommon to see Barkley reaching for the ball from the top of the arc and then sitting with his back all the way to the basket.

However, even if this rule was changed, it still didn't stop Barkley's efficient offense, but it just made the guy not be able to do whatever he wanted.

"It's not just the strength, the technique is also very important, and his technique is too rough."

O'Neill also said at this time.

Although O'Neal's impression flow throughout his career seems to be not very technical, it is to dunk under the basket.

But in fact, O'Neal's technique is quite delicate in the center.

"So with Giannis not breaking through himself, how will the Timberwolves win?"

Johnson re-questioned O'Neal.

"Then it's too difficult for them to beat the Spurs, Duncan's guy still has good fighting power, and the Timberwolves' interior can't handle him."

"And then there's Leonard, a young man, who is also playing very well, which will cause a lot of problems for the Timberwolves."

O'Neill, for his part, changed his answer.

(End of chapter)