warrior godfather

Oakland, Glenview neighborhood.

In a mansion not far from Zhang Yu's house, Curry sat on the sidelines of the indoor basketball court, practicing various dribbling methods such as changing directions in front of the body, dribbling under the crotch, and behind the back.

His left knee is still in a fixed state and cannot move, but he still uses various methods to perform dribbling training, and before that, he has already performed 45 minutes of upper body strength training in the home gym.

During the recovery period, Curry also tried his best to maintain training, trying to come back in the best condition.

Although Curry himself doesn't know whether his teammates can persist until his return, all he can do is to heal his injuries, maintain his condition, strive for an early return, and fight side by side with his teammates.

After learning that he suffered a second-degree strain of the medial ligament of his left knee and would be absent for at least six weeks, Curry felt as if he had been hit by a bolt from the blue, and his mentality almost collapsed.

He won't be able to come back until June at the earliest. At that time, it will be the finals. Before that, the Warriors will face extremely severe challenges.

Curry blamed himself very much for this. In his opinion, if he hadn't insisted on winning the scoring title, he wouldn't have been injured in the last game against the Thunder, and the Warriors wouldn't have encountered such a predicament. It was his fault.

Zhang Yu came to Curry's home to visit him after the Warriors' training that night. Curry said very guiltyly:

"I'm sorry, boss, you reminded me to protect myself, but I was still hurt..."

Zhang Yu comforted:
"It's okay, Stephen, it's not your fault. No one can give up the chance to win the scoring champion or even the MVP. The injury is just an accident. No one knows that this kind of thing will happen. Don't blame yourself too much and take care of your injury."

Curry said softly:
"No, boss, although I feel guilty for being hurt, the thing that makes me blame the most is my mentality. Since I met you, I have never failed again. In the NCAA, I have not encountered any challenges; participating in the draft , you exchanged for the second pick for me; when I entered the league, I became the core of the team, and under your care, I was not bullied by veterans like other rookies; later on, I started to win scoring champions, MVPs, championships, FMVP..."

"Through this journey, everything is going smoothly, I don't have to think about anything, just follow your arrangement, train well, play well, and championships and personal honors are all at your fingertips, which makes me become swollen unconsciously , I don’t want to give up any honor, I want to win the championship, I also want to be the scoring champion, and it’s best to get the MVP, I’m too greedy.”

"Stephen, this is just the normal psychology of a competitive player. Every superstar is very hungry for honor." Zhang Yu relieved.

Curry shook his head:

"No, boss, I shouldn't have this 'I can do anything. What a difficult thing to win twice in a row, what a great achievement."

"And we won the championship not because of how strong I am, I just play well, that's all, you selected Jimmy, Klay, Drummond, Kawhi, and built a strong team from scratch. The lineup, the most ingenious plays, if I were on another team, I would never have won a championship, I overestimated my ability."

"How is it possible!" Zhang Yu said with a smile, "Don't be so depressed just because of an injury. Your strength lies there. No matter where you go, you are a superstar and an MVP."

Curry smiled and said softly:
"Really? Maybe, but I still won't win the championship. Jordan hasn't reached the finals in the first seven years of his career. MVPs like Barkley, Karl Malone, and Iverson have no championships. Are they not strong? They just don't have good teammates. I'm glad, boss, I never have to think about these issues, because you always choose the most suitable teammates for me. Klay, Drummond, Kawhi, they are all very capable , My personality is also very good, every time I play, I am very happy, because I know that I only need to play in my favorite way to win."

Zhang Yu listened to Curry's eloquence, with a look of relief on his face, Curry paused, and said sincerely:

"But until today, after my injury, I suddenly realized how rare this is. I have communicated with Derek many times. He used to complain about the tactics and team lineup arranged by the manager. He was eliminated. Then complain to me, I don’t know if there is any hope of winning the championship in the future... And I will never be troubled by these things, because you are in front of me, sheltering me from the wind and rain, as long as I play without worry, I will be happy. Victory after victory, thank you, boss."

Zhang Yu looked Curry up and down, and said with a smile:

"Stephen, congratulations, you have really matured. Starting today, you have the characteristics of a great player. You start to be in awe of victory and championships. This is something that many players can only understand after repeated setbacks. It makes sense. It doesn’t seem like a bad thing that one injury can give you such a gain.”

Curry looked down at his left leg:
"I used to lack awe of the championship. In fact, you let me take turns last season to protect me. I still had resentment in my heart. I won't do it in the future. I only hope that the team can support me. return……"

Zhang Yu patted Curry on the shoulder and said:
"You take care of your injuries, believe in Klay, believe in Kawhi, believe in Drummond, and believe in your teammates. We will work hard to play every game until the day you come back."

Curry nodded heavily:

"Okay, boss!"

……

"Stephen, the game is about to start..."

Just when Curry recalled his conversation with Zhang Yu the day before yesterday, Ayesha's gentle voice came from his ear.

Curry looked up, Ayesha walked into the indoor basketball court, came to his side, bent slightly, supported his shoulders, stared into his eyes, and reminded him softly.

"Okay." Curry put the basketball in his hand on the wooden floor, and Ayesha picked up the crutches on the ground, handed it to Curry, helped him stand up slowly, and walked out of the indoor basketball court.

Tonight, the Warriors and the Mavericks will start the first game of the series. Curry is immersed in training and almost forgets the start time of the game. Fortunately, Ayesha reminded him.

During the two days when Curry was injured, Ayesha took care of him in every possible way, allowing him to quickly get out of the bad mood of the injury and focus on recovery and training.

The two came to the living room, and Ayesha supported Curry to sit on the sofa. On the large TV screen in front of him, the Warriors and Mavericks players had already arrived on the court, and the game was about to start.

Curry's gaze swept across his teammates one by one, and finally stopped on Zhang Yu, who had a calm face with his hands folded around his chest, and his right hand slowly clenched into a fist.

Because the injured part was his left leg, Curry was unable to go to the Oracle Center to play with the team, so he could only stay at home and watch his teammates fighting on the field from a distance on TV.

At this moment, the self-blame and guilt that had been buried in his heart quietly emerged again.

Curry watched nervously as Chandler successfully pressed the jump ball, swung his fist vigorously, and shouted:
"Yes!"

Although he can't fight side by side with his teammates, or even cheer for them from the sidelines, Curry's heart is always closely connected with them.

He silently prayed to God in his heart, hope the Warriors can win this game, hope the Warriors can win this round of the series, hope the Warriors can keep winning until...he returns.

……

After Curry was absent, Zhang Yu did not start the backup point guard Livingston, but let Danny Green serve as the starting point guard, which was beyond everyone's expectations.

Mavericks starting lineup is Jose - Calderon, Monta - Ellis, Marion, Nowitzki and Dalembert.

Although Monta Ellis was not traded to the Bucks, he was still favored by the Mavericks. In order to train Irving, the Cavaliers also intentionally sent away Monta Ellis who was incompatible with Irving. The two hit it off. The deal was made during the offseason.

After Monta Ellis came to the Mavericks, he was established as the team's perimeter core and performed well.

他这个赛季82场全勤，在36.9分钟的时间里，能够砍下19分5.7助攻3.6篮板1.7抢断，三项命中率分别为45.1%、33%、78.8%，相比上赛季都有大幅提升。

Today, he is also fighting against his old club again, and his performance has attracted much attention.

But today's protagonist is not destined to be him. After the first quarter, I don't know if the Warriors heard Curry's prayer, or because Zhang Yu sent a defensive lineup. The Warriors are tough defensively and have no weaknesses. Under the care of the four iron locks of Danny Green, Clay, Leonard, and Green, Stanley hit the iron continuously, and the offense was inefficient. There were 3 turnovers in the first quarter.

This is why Zhang Yu didn't let Livingston start. Livingston's defense is also above average, but he is not suitable for defending a flexible guard like Monta Ellis. Danny Green is suitable for defending.

Originally, this should be Clay's task, but Curry is absent. Clay is the first offensive core of the Warriors. Zhang Yu doesn't want him to be responsible for scoring while also defending the Mavericks' outside core. This will greatly consume Clay. Physical fitness affects the Warriors' offense.

Monta Ellis was locked up by the Warriors, and the Mavericks' offensive focus could only be shifted to Nowitzki, but Zhang Yu made a change, that is, let Chandler face Nowitzki and let Green defend Dalembert.

This adjustment can be called a stroke of genius. Dalembert is just a blue-collar center with a lack of offensive means. He can only eat cakes at the basket and make a second attack. But it can play a very restrictive role.

In the series between the Mavericks and the Spurs, Nowitzki was restricted by Duncan, averaging only 42.9 points per game on 19.1% shooting, and only 8.8% three-point shooting.

However, Nowitzki is different now. After the Warriors set off a three-point frenzy, no team does not pay attention to three-pointers. Nowitzki’s three-pointers have not declined as before. Inspired by the Warriors, he In the final stage, three-pointers are regarded as an important means to maintain offensive output and efficiency, which is no worse than in the peak period.

Facing Chandler's defense, Nowitzki's low-post offense was blocked, but he strengthened the proportion of high-post pick-and-rolls with Monta Ellis and Calderon, bounced the ball and made two shots in the first quarter three-pointer.

However, only Dirk Nowitzki can see the Mavericks' offense, and everyone else's scoring is very difficult.

In the series against the Spurs, the reason why the Mavericks were able to drag to the tiebreaker was because Duncan and Splitter inside the Spurs couldn't defend them, and they had always been afraid of small players who could dribble and shoot mid-range.

Carlisle had a precise insight into the Spurs' weaknesses, allowing Monta Ellis, Calderon, Devin Harris and Vince Carter to continuously play high pick-and-rolls with Nowitzki, use screens to shoot mid-range shots, and even fringe people Brandon White, in limited playing time, can also punish the Spurs in the midrange.

In this round of the series, Monta Ellis was not efficient, but he scored 20.4 points. Calderon even shot 47.8% from three-pointers, averaging more than 10 points per game.

But the Warriors did not have the weakness of the Spurs. Under Zhang Yu's instructions, the Warriors implemented a strategy of switching defenses, changing every pick-and-roll, locking Monta Ellis and Calderon's shots.

After the Warriors switched defenses, if Nowitzki launched an offense from a high position or directly shot a three-pointer, the Warriors would always defend alone no matter how efficient he was. Interfere with the Mavericks' outside shots by rotating.

And this is the defensive strategy that the Warriors are good at, and it is also the defensive strategy that can best utilize the Warriors' mobility. It rarely leaks open space, but only targets Monta Ellis. His three-pointers have always been inaccurate. For Calderon And Marion are on strict guard.

In the face of the Warriors' resolute defense + quick rotation, the most effective offensive method for the Mavericks, who lack outside explosive points, is to let Nowitzki go ball by ball. Monta Ellis and Calderon are also tough. Scalp singles to digest the ball right, but the efficiency is appalling.

But this is the playoffs. Being able to score is the most important thing. Even if the efficiency is not high, it is completely acceptable.

Also, the Warriors' own offense isn't much better.

After Curry was injured, the Warriors also lacked an outside point of attack with the ball. Carlisle, like Zhang Yu, also adopted a defensive strategy of switching defenses.

Who has made the Warriors in the limelight in the past two years? All teams have figured out the Warriors' offensive routines and know how to deal with the Warriors' passes.

If Curry was on the court, Carlisle would never dare to let Nowitzki and Dalembert switch to Curry, but the singles threats of other Warriors players are limited, and the Mavericks will benefit greatly from switching defenses.

In the face of the Mavericks' unlimited defense changes, the Warriors' passing and cutting were severely hindered, and it was difficult to run out of opportunities. Only Klay could hit some three-pointers and mid-range shots with handoffs and double screens, and then Leonard This is one of the few hard solutions for the Warriors.

Green, Danny Green and Chandler also tried some singles, but this is not their field of expertise. After being defended a few times,

It was stopped by Zhang Yu.

Subsequently, the Warriors and the Mavericks launched a defensive battle, both sides frequently hit the iron, and the scene was drowsy.

Seeing that the starting offense was blocked, Zhang Yu began to adjust the lineup frequently, replacing players with certain singles ability, such as Parsons, Livingston, and Middleton, and using them with the main force. Try to crack the Mavericks' switch.

This has achieved a certain effect. Livingston's signature straight-arm jumper and Middleton's mid-range pull-up are the Warriors' rare hard-to-solve means of positional warfare, and Parsons' offense with the ball has also made some achievements.

Fortunately, Middleton felt good today. After coming off the bench, he quickly made two mid-range shots. Zhang Yu was overjoyed and extended his playing time and gave him more right to fire.

However, the coming off the bench weakened the Warriors' defense, and the Mavericks' offense improved.

Moreover, Carlisle followed suit and began to replace Devin Harris, Carter, Brandon White, and Jae Crowder on the bench, frequently adjusting the lineup, trying to find a way to break the Warriors' defense.

This is also the situation where Zhang Yu and Carlisle were forced to make a helpless choice in the absence of an absolute offensive strength.

Curry was injured, Nowitzki was getting old, and the starting lineup was against the iron, and no one could play an advantage. The Warriors and Mavericks must rely more on the strength of the team. Tactics and lineup depth have become the key factors that determine the outcome of the game.

In this regard, the Warriors undoubtedly have the upper hand.

The almighty Parsons, the coquettish Livingston in the CIC, the fiery Middleton, Olynyk and Yi Jianlian who are capable inside and outside, make the Warriors' lineup far deeper than the aging Mavericks.

Carter and Harris still have fuel in their fuel tanks, but not much. They can score, but they can't match the Warriors' wheel battle.

In the end, the Warriors relied on their defense and lineup depth to defeat the Mavericks 92:86 and won the defensive battle, leading by a big score of 1:0.

After the whole game, the offensive efficiency of both sides is not high. It can be said that they are pecking at each other, but the Warriors' defense is better, and the bench lineup is even better. Relying on the overall strength, they successfully defended the home court.

Nowitzki was the best player tonight. He made 24 of 10 shots, 11 of 5 three-pointers, 4 of 3 free throws, scored 28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. His long-range shots were very efficient. But the two-point shot is severely restricted by the Warriors, the efficiency of close-range and mid-range is very low, and the overall shooting rate is also very average.

小牛其他人的进攻更差，蒙塔-埃利斯16投6中，三分6中2，罚球5中3，砍下17分4助攻2篮板；卡尔德隆9投3中，三分2中1，砍下7分；马里昂11投4中，三分3中0，砍下8分。

勇士也好不到哪去，克莱17投7中，三分12中5，没有罚球，砍下19分3篮板3助攻1封盖。

伦纳德15投5中，三分5中2，罚球5中3，砍下16分6篮板1助攻3抢断1封盖，效率糟糕，但在防守端贡献极大。

Green made 8 of 4 shots, 4 of 2 three-pointers, scored 10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. After the lack of Curry, his assists decreased visible to the naked eye, but the three-pointers were unexpectedly good , and scored two sticky three-pointers, which contributed to the Warriors' victory.

Middleton was the best performer on the bench. He made 9 of 5 shots, 2 of 1 three-pointers, 2 of 2 free throws, scored 13 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. He was a surprise player on the Warriors' bench.

It is also relying on the performance of these four scoring in double figures that the Warriors can escape from danger and win the final victory.

When the red light came on and the game was over, Curry stood up from the sofa with one foot, raised his arms and shouted, which caused Ayesha to blame:

"Sit down, Stephen, watch out for your left leg, why are you so disturbing!"

Curry smiled, sat on the sofa, hugged Ayesha, and said with a smile:
"We won, Ayesha, did you see, we won!"

Ayesha patted Curry on the back lightly, and said softly:

"I see it! Look, the team can win without you, don't worry, take care of your injuries, don't train so hard, okay? I just want to see you healthy..."

Curry's laughter stopped, he let go of Ayesha, and looked into her eyes apologetically:

"I'm sorry to make you worry, but I can't relax. You can see that they won very hard. I have to go back as soon as possible and fight with them..."

Ayesha stared into Curry's blue eyes and sighed softly:
"Okay, but you must do what you can."

Curry nodded heavily:

"Don't worry, I will. There are so many people waiting for me to recover. For you, for the team, for the boss, for Klay, Drummond and the others, I will never get hurt again!"