The Bulls attacked again, and there were 5 seconds left on the clock.

Cartwight served on the baseline, Jordan was running around, borrowing obstacles twice in a row, but failed to get rid of Zhou Quan, and finally BJ received the ball and passed to Pippen, Pippen missed a jumper, Rodman won the backcourt rebound, and the Pistons attacked.

Jordan followed up with Zhou Quan, who advanced to the top of the arc and gave the ball to Joe Dumas.

"Boy, don't you dare to shoot at my head?"

There's no doubt that BJ is a breakthrough in the Bulls' perimeter defense, and Jordan knows it very well, and the green tendons on his head jump.

"Why don't we guess, can Joe beat BJ?" He quipped.

Jordan snorted coldly, this is the disadvantage of his change of defense iron fist, and it was the same in the Eastern Finals last year, fortunately, Paxson is only three centimeters shorter than Joe Dumas, and there is no disadvantage in height, the efficiency of Joe Dumas singles Paxson in that series is average, and today it is good to see the effect of Joe Dumas against BJ, and you can prepare in advance.

On the right wing, Joe Dumas received the ball, made a feint, shook BJ and burst in, and then met Grant's defense in the middle range and made a pull-up jumper.

"Brush!"

The water splashed and the basketball brushed down the basket.

In the next game, Joe Dumas continued to single BJ, and the effect was not bad, within 9 minutes of the first quarter, he shot 4 of 7, including a three-pointer, plus 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 11 points.

"No, BJ is 6 centimeters shorter than Jo Dumas, the tonnage is lighter, and the confrontation is worse, he can't guard Joe Dumas. Paxson is only 3 centimeters shorter than Joe Dumas, has a better reach than BJ, and defends a little better. ”

Phil Jackson was a little disappointed, but John Paxson's injury was very bad, and he was no longer able to play the main team.

In this way, if Michael is allowed to switch the defense iron fist, BJ will really be blown up by Joe Dumas, and if he does not change the defense?

His mind immediately thought of the image of Iron Fist crushing BJ on the offensive end, which was even more brutal than the image of Joe Dumas blowing BJ just now.

But if you don't change the defense, who can change the iron fist?

Neither can Pippen, unable to keep up with the speed of Iron Fist.

Thinking about it, he doesn't have any good solutions, this is a hard injury in the lineup.

In the next game, he still let BJ and Jordan switch defenses, wanting to continue to see the effect, but there was no scene where he wanted BJ to defend Joe Dumas, but a scene where Joe Dumas broke BJ.

Chuck Daly's tactic is very clear, if Jordan changes defenses, then let Joe Dumas attack and blow BJ Armstrong.

Because Zhou Quan's current height is the same as Joe Dumas, the shoe height is 191 cm, but his tonnage is larger, and with his current offensive ability, if the Bulls dare to let BJ defend him, he will definitely be blown up very badly.

And now, judging from the performance of BJ's defense of Joe Dumas, it is obviously not as good as the performance of Paxson defending Joe Dumas last season, which gives Chuck Daly a lot of confidence.

Even if the Bulls don't change their defenses, he will change their defenses and let Zhou Quan defend Jordan, because Joe Dumas can't prevent Jordan, and his confrontation ability is too poor, and Jordan's efficiency can't be reduced at all under single defense.

In this game, 92-105, the Pistons won in the end, facing the Bulls to make a two-game winning streak in the regular season this season.

After the game, Jordan walked off the court with a blushing face.

"Hey, flyer."

Zhou Quan shouted from behind, smiled and extended a friendly hand to Jordan.

Jordan snorted coldly, but turned around and walked over.

Zhou Quan smiled: "Thank you for going to Detroit to give us a victory." ”

Jordan was so angry that he had a toothache, gritted his teeth and said, "Don't be complacent, you kid, there are two more regular season games, we will meet again." ”

"Goodbye, Black Jesus." Zhou Quan smiled and waved his hand.

Jordan's face shook at the sound of Black Jesus, which was his most pretentious nickname, but he felt a little disappointed tonight.

On the ABC commentary bench, Bill Wharton said: "Under the full defense of Iron Fist, Jordan shot 11 of 24 from the field, shooting 45.8%, lower than his average of 49.5% per game this season, and shot 0 of 2 three-pointers, plus 9 of 10 free throws, and scored 31 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls." ”

Williams continued: "Under Jordan's defense, the efficiency of Iron Fist also declined, and in 45 minutes of the game, he only shot 6 of 15, 40% of the shooting percentage, 1 of 3 three-pointers, plus 6 of 6 free throws, and got 19 points, 4 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers and 5 fouls. ”

Bill Wharton smiled: "Today's best performance was Joe Dumas, who shot 58.3% on 14-of-24 from BJ's head, 2-of-4 three-pointers, 3-of-4 free throws, and scored 33 points, which was the top scorer in the game and the best in the game."

I thought the Pistons' tactics were good, so I let Joe Dumas stare at BJ, and he played BJ better than John Paxson. If the Bulls can't change that, they will likely suffer a loss in the playoffs against the Pistons.

But it's very difficult to change the disadvantage of the No. 1 position, because it's a flaw in the lineup, unless they find a point guard who can compete with Tekken, or at least reduce Tekken's offensive and organizational efficiency, or form a point guard with him to a certain extent. ”

Williams shook his head and said: "It's not necessarily a point guard, the Bulls are different from other teams, they are small forwards, and the role of the point guard is not so big, so point guards and point guards can be, even small forwards with excellent mobility can also be, this range is still very large, if you want to find it, you must be able to find it."

For example, the Clippers' swingman Ron Harper, who has a height advantage compared to Tekken, has a difference in weight, and he has a strong defense, and I think he can at least reduce Tekken's play.

But now that the trade window is closed and no trade can be made, the Bulls have lost the opportunity to adjust their roster this season. ”

Bill Wharton concluded: "I would also like to remind the Bulls that against the Pistons, you still have a disadvantage in rebounding, and the Pistons have 43 rebounds in this game, and they only have 35, which is 8 less."

In fact, while Joe Dumas blew up the BJ, Pippen also had the advantage against Ulrich's defense, and he scored 22 points today. But what I mean by that is that really makes the Bulls lose games is rebounding.

Together, Rodman grabbed 28 rebounds, 18 of which were picked up by Rodman, and if that disadvantage can't be remedied, then the Bulls are in trouble. ”

Winning against the mighty Bulls and winning two straight home and away games against the Bulls gave the Pistons a strong sense of self-confidence.

The Bulls' management and coaching staff didn't sleep after returning to the hotel, and discussed what to do overnight.

But after discussing and discussing, there is no good way, that is, the No. 1 position is not as good as people, and finally Phil Jackson proposed that since there is no point guard who can prevent Zhou Quan, then don't point guard, and change to a strong outside line to oppose Zhou Quan.

There is no need for him to attack with the ball, the main task is to contain Zhou Quan with running on the offensive end, and at the same time carry Zhou Quan's offense on the defensive end.

Or, because Ulrich doesn't have much offensive ability with the ball, he doesn't need Pippen to defend him, let Pippen defend Joe Dumas, Jordan defend Zhou Quan, and send another forward to defend Ulrich.

Both of these options are not bad, the Bulls don't need an orthodox point guard at all, and both Pippen and Jordan can pass and play.

Next, the Pistons started a round of five on the road, including two back-to-backs.

At this point, the regular season is coming to an end, and the Pistons are confirmed to be in the playoffs, and even as long as there is no back-to-back losing streak, they can ensure that they stay in the top half, so management and the coaching staff have made a decision to reduce the playing time of key rotation players and try to avoid injuries in the final stages.

After defeating the Kings on the 16th, in the away game between the 17th and the Jazz, Rodman was entangled with the postman Malone, and when he fell to the ground, he was pressed by the opponent, injured his waist, and needed to rest for about six to seven games.

To be on the safe side, in case of last season's playoffs, Chuck Daley made the decision to give Rodman a few more games off to make the injury more complete.

The absence of Rodman had a big impact on the Pistons, with the number of rebounds and defensive intensity immediately declining, which affected the record.

On March 31, after losing to the Trail Blazers, this wave of games was 5-4, 46-23, with a winning rate of 66.6%, and was overtaken by the Bulls and ranked third in the East.

Rodman returned on April 8 for an away game against the Nets, playing just 22 minutes, resting for 11 games and recovering from the injury to the maximum extent possible for 20 days.

Chuck Daley has decided to keep a tight control of the Big Bug's playing time for the rest of the regular season in preparation for the playoffs.

On the 11th, the Pistons beat the Bullets on the road and then rushed back to Detroit overnight to prepare for back-to-back games against the Bulls tomorrow.

In this game, the Bulls sent a new starting lineup for the purpose of experimenting with lineup tactics.

Center Carter White, power forward Spencer King, small forward Grant, point guard Pippen, point guard Jordan.

Defensively, the more mobile and younger Spencer King defended Cali, and Cartwhite sat under the basket.

As a result, the lineup worked, with Pippen limiting Joe Dumas, Jordan limiting Zhouquan, Grant limiting Ulrich, and the Pistons having a rout on the outside, losing back-to-back home games to tie the game at 2-1.

On the 17th, Troy Weaver and Chuck Daly found Zhou Quan and discussed something with him.

"Week, we're still third, the Bulls are second, we're in the playoffs, and if we all advance in the first round, we're going to meet in the second round, and if we go into the playoffs in fourth, we're going to play the Knicks in the first round, do you want to play the Knicks in the second round, or do you want to play the Bulls?" Chuck Daly asked.

"Right now we're just one win ahead of the Cavaliers, and we can do it," Weaver said. ”

Zhou Quan didn't think about it, and immediately said: "The Knicks are not easy to get along with, and the Bulls are not without winning, I don't care, but I don't want to lose deliberately." ”

Chuck Daly and Weaver both laughed, and from Zhou Quan's words, they felt a strong fighting spirit and a strong self-confidence to defy a strong enemy.

On the 22nd, the Pistons came to Chicago to challenge the Bulls away, which was also the last regular season game between the two sides.

As a result, Phil Jackson changed the game again, sending two small forwards, and Grant returned to the power forward position to beat the Pistons again.

The two sides won two and lost two, and the draw was drawn.

However, for the Pistons, it is a little passive, because it wins two games first and loses two games later.

On April 25, 1993, the Pistons defeated the Nets at home, ending all regular season schedules.

When the players returned to the locker room, assistant coach Rick Musk had already put the information in place and said: "Gentlemen, the last thirteen games are 9-4, and this season we are 55-27, with a winning percentage of 67%, which is third in the East, one more win than the fourth-place Cavaliers, and two wins less than the Bulls."

So it's worth celebrating because we're one more win than last season, when we were 54-28. ”

"Only one?"

Zhou Quan smacked his lips, but he was still satisfied.

This lineup has defensive weaknesses, but the offensive ability is stronger than last season, not weaker than last season, and it depends on what opponents you encounter in the playoffs, and if you meet a strong opponent on the inside, the Pistons will be a little dangerous.

Musk continued: "The Knicks are first in the East with 60 wins, but they are only second in the league, because the Suns led by Barkley and the Lightning have played 62 wins, and they are first in the league. ”

Zhou Quan said with a smile: "That guy at Barkley has dreamed of winning the championship, and this time it depends on his luck." ”

The assassin said: "With the strength of the Suns, the chances of killing the West are still good. I hope we ......" At this point, he shut up.

At this time, Musk said: "We are conceding 102.2 points per game, sixth in the East, and 108.1 points per game, second in the East. ”

Then he read out the playoff roster.

Top eight in the East: Knicks, Bulls, Pistons, Cavaliers, Celtics, Hornets, Hawks, Nets

Top eight in the West: Suns, Mosaics, SuperSonics, Trail Blazers, Spurs, Jazz, Clippers, Lakers.

Eastern Conference First Round: Knicks vs. Nets, Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Bulls vs. Hawks, Pistons vs. Hornets

Western Conference First Round: Suns vs. Lakers, Trail Blazers vs. Spurs, Mosaics vs. Clippers, SuperSonics vs. Jazz

Rick Musk said: "We beat the Hornets in the first round, we beat the Bulls in the second round, and that's how it was in the playoffs.

The opponent in the first round, the Hornets, is not weak, we have wins and losses with them in the regular season, 3 wins and 2 losses, their interior is very strong, this is our more tricky type, everyone must be mentally prepared, and we must not be careless. ”

"Okay, now that the regular season is over, it's time for you to relax first, the first round starts on the 29th, rests on the 26th and 27th, and resumes training from the 28th."

Speaking of which, Chuck Daly said to Musk: "Rick, you can talk about the regular season again, let them have a count of their performance." ”

"Okay, Coach."

Musk turned out the relevant statistical table and read: "Iron Fist, 41 minutes per game, played in 82 games, averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 3.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, 3.2 turnovers and 3.2 fouls per game, shooting 47% from the field."

Congratulations, Iron Fist, a top-notch offensive and defensive performance, you've become one of the top point guards in the league. ”

"Papapa......" The locker room burst into applause.

Musk read again: "Joe Dumas, averaged 40 minutes per game, played in 77 games, averaged 21.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1 steal, 0.1 blocks, 1.8 turnovers and 1.6 fouls per game, shooting 46.6% from the field."

Congratulations, Joe, continue this All-Star game next season. ”

"Papapa......" There was another round of applause in the locker room.

Next, Musk read out the other people's data.

Secali averaged 14.2 points per game, Ulrich 13.2 points, Rodman 7.5 points, and the Big Five contributed 76.5 points per game.

Terry Mills 10.1, Mark Aguirre 8.1, Isaiah Thomas 6.5, Polinis5.3, four important benches combined to contribute 30 points.

He added: "The team's scoring champion is Joe Dumas, the assist king and steal king are Iron Fist, the rebounding king Rodman, the block king, well, our team's blocking ability needs to be improved, Terry Mills, 0.6 per game." ”

"Haha......"

The crowd burst into laughter.

He added: "I also want to congratulate Iron Fist, you are the league's assist and steal king this season. ”

"Bang Bang Bang ......"

The locker room burst into applause again.

Then Zhou Quan took his data sheet and looked at it.

20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 3.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, 3.2 turnovers, 3.2 fouls, shooting 48.5% from the field,

He shot 7.3 of 15.5 from the field with a 47.1 percent shooting percentage from the field, 0.93 of 2.5 from three-point range with a 37.2 percent shooting percentage, 5.2 of 4.7 from the free throw line, a 90.4 percent free throw percentage, an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.22 percent, and a true shooting percentage of 57.3 percent.

1,795/3,228 points in the regular season and career this season; rebounds 369/751, assists 1107/1782, steals 271/421 and 262/495 turnovers.

This season, he is second in the team in shots, second in scoring, third in rebounds, first in steals, first in assists, first in defensive efficiency, first in personal plus/minus, and fourth in shooting percentage.

At this time, Musk said: "Iron Fist, your true shooting percentage is very good, Michael Jordan's data this season is lower than yours, 56.4%, and his main free throw shooting rate is only 83.7%, which has always been at this level, and your free throws are more stable than him."

In addition, he shoots 49.5% from the field, which is a little higher than yours, and averages 7.3 free throws per game and 32.6 points per game, which is the leading scorer this season. ”

Zhou Quan nodded and continued to look at his data.

His offense this season is still good, last season's shooting percentage was 10th on the team, and now he is directly 3rd on the team, only below Ulrich and Polinis, and Secali, who is taller than Rodman, and first on the guard line.

In addition, because of the improvement of his personal offensive efficiency, his personal plus/minus has also reached the first, and last season it was the second.

In terms of shots, he averaged 0.7 fewer shots per game than last season, but 4.5 more assists, which shows that the choice of timing and passing is more reasonable, so there are more assists and higher offensive efficiency.

Also, his shooting percentage has reached the best level among point guards in the league, and he is in the top 10.

Now according to the requirements of Mission 1, the number of field appearances, time, All-Star, 20+10 club, 46% shooting, 36% three-point shooting, 90% free throw shooting, 54% true shooting percentage, assist-to-turnover ratio, these have all been met, and only the requirements for being selected to the All-NBA and All-Defensive Team remain.

Task 2 is to reach the Eastern Conference finals, as well as 20+10 data, and the efficiency is no less than that of the regular season.

With his performance this season, the best team and the best defensive team should not be too difficult, a rare one, and a second or three teams are very promising.

The really super difficult task is Mission 2, which is to reach the East Final.

The second round with the Bulls is about to meet, and this task requires that the Bulls be killed.

(End of chapter)