God of NBA point guards

Chapter 453
The next morning, Barkley's agent David Falk officially announced Barkley's departure from the Houston Mosaics during an interview with the media in New York.

Although Barkley is no longer at his peak, his popularity is still very good and he can sell tickets. After he entered the free market, he immediately attracted the interest of some teams, and they began to contact David Falk.

Mosaic can let Barkley leave, but he will not let Dameng leave easily. Under Alexander's urging, general manager Dawson desperately contacted Dameng, but couldn't get in touch. He could only contact Dan Fagan, but Fagan was clear He said that Dameng would not renew his contract and would not even meet in person, which made Dawson very helpless.

"Hey, Carl, are you still going to stay with the Jazz?"

At noon that day, Dameng contacted the postman privately and asked him about his plans.

"No, I might go to the Lakers." The postman said.

"What? You and O'Neal teamed up?"

Dameng was shocked. He didn't expect the postman to move so quickly. What should he do?
"Hakim, don't reveal this news. The deal between the two parties has not been discussed yet. It is just an idea of ​​Mr. Jerry West." The postman said.

"Do I really want the east?"

Dameng hung up the phone and began to think about his next home.

Then he informed his agent Dan Fagan about the postman. Fagan said: "Hakeem, you are still one of the best centers in the league, so you need at least a five-year long-term contract. The salary is at least US$5000 million.

If you don't get it now, given your age, once your condition declines, you will never get it. You should know this.

So you have to think clearly whether the championship is more important or money is more important. Only after you understand this can you decide which team to go to.

Anyway, now I have received invitations from the general managers of more than a dozen teams. You are a free agent and they want to get you. "

Dameng sighed secretly. He will be 35 years old next year. He knows very well what Dan Fagan said. This is the last time he is fighting for a championship and the last time he is fighting for a big contract. What a dilemma!
That afternoon, the SuperSonics returned to Seattle, waiting for the finals.

That night, in G4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls, who wanted to sweep the Heat, failed on the road and lost the game.

Jordan was in poor condition. He was guarded by Payton and only made 33 of 9 shots, with a shooting percentage of only 27.3%. He made 8 of 0 three-pointers and 13 of 11 free throws. Although he still scored 29 points, he only had one assist.

Pippen also only scored 14 points, and no third person scored in double figures.

Mutombo sent 5 blocks, grabbed 14 rebounds and 13 points, but failed to help the team win.

The Heat had five players score in double figures, their offense was quite average, and their overall shooting percentage was 8 percentage points higher than the Bulls.

Zhou Quan was once again deeply impressed by Payton's defense. Payton's defense really lived up to his nickname, covering his opponent like a glove.

However, Payton can limit Jordan, but he cannot limit him, because he is now faster, more agile, and more powerful than Jordan.

On the 27th, although the Eastern Conference Finals are not over yet, the media and some league stars can't wait to start making various analyzes and speculations about the finals.

Magic Johnson accepted an interview with ESPN TV in New York and said: "The Bulls double-killed the Sonics in the regular season, and they have made up for the weakness of the inside line. I am still more optimistic about Michael and the others.

Of course, the SuperSonics are also very strong, sweeping them in three rounds. They had an even better record than the Bulls in the first three rounds, so of course they also have a chance. "

"Erwin, aren't you optimistic about the SuperSonics winning three consecutive championships?" the reporter asked.

Magic Johnson nodded and said: "To be honest, during the regular season, I was very unfavorable about them. The extensive injuries were very troublesome, but after entering the playoffs, their performance was eye-catching. A round sweep is not something that ordinary teams can achieve.

It's just that their opponent in the finals is the Bulls, the league's number one Bulls. I think it will be very difficult for the Sonics to defend their dynasty, and they will probably fall at the feet of the Bulls. "

"Isiah, what do you think the chances of Iron Fist completing the three-consecutive dynasty are high?"

A reporter interviewed him in the office of executive vice president Isiah Thomas at the Raptors' headquarters.

Thomas said without hesitation: "Mr. Reporter, I'm very busy right now. I'm busy drafting the team, and I still have a lot of rookie information to read, so I'll answer your question in one sentence."

"Please tell me," the reporter said hurriedly.

"Iron Fist will definitely be able to fulfill the dream that neither I nor Magic, Trapeze, or Big Bird have accomplished," Thomas said firmly.

"why?"

Thomas said awkwardly: "I'm sorry, I don't have time, I'm very busy. Let me say it again. Why? Because Mutombo can't keep up with the SuperSonics' fast-paced offense and defense, and Jordan can't guard against Iron Fist. This That’s why.”

"Isiah, there is another question..."

"Okay, I really have to get busy. Let me answer your last question. By the way, sir, do you want coffee?"

"what?"

After half an hour, the assassin ended the interview.

The headline of the New York Times sports section carried an article by the newspaper's sports editor, which wrote: "This newspaper believes that the Bulls have a 65% chance of winning the championship, while the SuperSonics have a 35% chance of winning three consecutive championships.

The reason is that it is difficult for the SuperSonics to break through the Bulls' internal and external defense in positional battles, and the Bulls can also use various means to limit the SuperSonics' offensive and defensive rhythm. Under the Bulls' league-leading defensive system, the SuperSonics' The offense will be bogged down.

As for the Iron Fist King's personal offense, he may be able to score some points, but when the Bulls lock down others, they will limit the Iron Fist King's most terrifying direct assist ability and cannot activate the entire team's offense. He scores alone. But if you can't beat the entire Bulls team, you'll be exhausted. "

The Chicago Daily reported: "We have the best defense in the league. The Sonics will be beaten to death by our defensive system. We will win the championship with our defense."

On the night of the 28th, the Bulls defeated the Heat, eliminated the opponent with a big score of four to one, and reached the finals.

The league immediately announced that the finals will start on May 5, with a best-of-seven game system, a two-three-two home and away system, and the Bulls have home court advantage.

The finals series will be broadcast live nationwide on NBC, with commentators Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson.

On the evening of the 29th, the sports channels of all major TV stations organized a program about the finals.

Zhou Quan used to watch these programs, but he didn't want to watch them this time, so as not to upset his mind.

The company is very busy, but Zeng Li is still worried about Zhou Quan, because this finals is too crucial for Zhou Quan.She knew that Zhou Quan didn't read newspapers or watch TV, so she didn't dare tell Zhou Quan the news she saw.

Now the American media is almost overwhelmingly optimistic about the Bulls, believing that the chances of the SuperSonics defending their third consecutive title are very slim, which worries her.

On the morning of the 30th, the league announced the best team and the best defensive team. Zhou Quan was selected to the double team for the fifth consecutive season.

At noon that day, major media announced the odds of the Bulls and SuperSonics winning.

Most media are more optimistic about the Bulls. For example, ESPN TV shows that the Bulls have a 65% chance of winning the championship, while the SuperSonics only have a 35% chance.

NBC, which broadcast the finals, also released its own data. The Bulls have a 61% chance of winning, while the SuperSonics have a 39% chance.

In the afternoon, the Sonics arrived in Chicago.

Also arriving were a group of wives and a large number of Sonics fans.

In this finals series, the Bulls and SuperSonics are still preparing [-] visiting team tickets for each other as before.

Zeng Li also came to Chicago. No matter how important the company's affairs were, they were certainly not as important as Zhou Quan's finals.

On this day, a large number of celebrities arrived in Chicago.

There are more media reporters, not only sports reporters, but also many entertainment reporters, as well as countless paparazzi.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, the SuperSonics held a press conference at the hotel.

"Iron Fist King, the media is almost unanimously not optimistic about the Sonics winning the championship. What do you think?" a reporter from the Washington Post asked.

"It's not surprising that they didn't think highly of us before. Our confidence will not change due to the media's opinion." Zhou Quan said with a smile.

At this time, the Bulls completed their training and held a tactical meeting at the headquarters.

Phil Jackson said very seriously at the beginning: "Gentlemen, let me remind you, don't think that we are stronger than the Sonics just because they double-killed the Sonics in the regular season. It's probably just an illusion of yours. Don't be fooled." Media influence.

We and the Sonics are old enemies. We have won one and lost two in three finals. For us, we cannot lose in this finals.

Once they lose, the Sonics will step on us three times to complete their three consecutive championship dynasty. This is an unbearable failure for us, both as a team and as individuals, you and I. "

By the end of the sentence, his expression was very serious.

"I think so."

Jordan's face also became extremely serious, and he nodded and said in agreement: "Everyone must fight with all their strength. Whoever dares not to play seriously, I will not let him go."

Mutombo has been reinforced this season, and the Bulls' strength has greatly increased, and their record is also the first in the league. This has improved his relationship with Phil Jackson, and is no longer as divided as it was during last year's finals, so in general , he is very supportive of Phil Jackson's work.

Phil Jackson and Jordan both said this, and everyone else nodded.

Next, Phil Jackson began to do tactical analysis and said: "When they beat us, the conventional tactics were fast break and breakup tactics in positional warfare.

First of all, we need to suppress their fast-paced offense and defense, and limit their fast passes and fast passes. No matter who they are, they must follow your people closely. They must not let them play fast breaks or leave them open.

Our speed is not as good as theirs. Once we let them increase their speed, we will have no way to build a defensive lineup, which will be quite passive. "

Jordan looked solemn and said: "The SuperSonics play mosaic, which means constant fast breaks. That's how Dameng and Barkley were exhausted physically.

Moreover, in their fast break, not everyone goes down at the same time, usually two defenders go down quickly, and the others drag behind. It is mainly Tekken's fast break that has the most impact. "

Pippen said: "The Iron Fist guy's attack power is too strong. He goes down fast by himself. The only person who can barely keep up with him is the guard, but the guard has no way to guard against his fast break and is often knocked over. So Dameng and Barkley were forced to quickly return to defense."

Phil Jackson said: "So if we want to limit their quick starts and quick passes, with our defensive ability, we can definitely do this."

Then he added: "In positional battles, we couldn't do well in preventing Iron Fist's breakout tactics before, but now with Dikembe, we have done well in the two regular seasons, so we will continue to play like that in the finals. .

Michael will be the one to defend on the outside. Once he breaks in, there is no need to flank the left and right wings. You are responsible for watching over the other Sonics players. Dikembe and Michael are responsible for taking care of him with the Iron Fist. "

Jordan said at this time: "Phil, you have to pay attention to one thing. The current Iron Fist is different from the regular season. In the regular season, his touch is not good, so he mainly focuses on sudden changes. But at the end of the regular season, his touch starts to improve." Now, breakthrough points have decreased and jump shots have increased.”

Phil Jackson nodded and said: "So when you guard him, focus on preventing shots. He chooses to break through, and there is Dikembe inside. He chooses to pass the ball, and Pippen and Ron will keep an eye on his teammates and not give them to him. The target of his pass.”

Jordan nodded and said no more.

On the other side, after the press conference, the Sonics had dinner and also held a tactical meeting.

This kind of tactical meeting was held yesterday, and then problems were found through tactical drills within the team. Today is just to make up for yesterday's tactical deficiencies.

After everyone arrived, George Karl began to analyze tactics.

"After the Bulls got Mutombo, they rarely double-teamed Tekken from the outside. When they rushed in, it was only Mutombo who double-teamed, and everyone else was one-on-one, which was very troublesome."

"On the offensive end, try to play fast breaks during the transition between offense and defense. Only in this way can we get rid of Mutombo's defense. Only in this way can we prevent the Bulls from establishing their defensive system."

"The Bulls will definitely find a way to limit our quick starts and quick passes, so there must be someone in the backcourt to handle the ball, and the ball must be released quickly. Iron Fist is the fastest, and in principle, you have to go fast. Jose Hawkins, man, you are in charge Support in the backcourt. Of course, your position determines which of you will go first. This is a basis."

"If we get caught up in a positional war, the situation will probably be biased towards the Bulls. At that time, we will probably be able to watch the Iron Fist fight alone, and the others will not be able to get rid of the people who are watching you."

"So in positional battles, everyone must run, constantly counter-run, cover, intersect, cut, etc., and run out of space. Pippen and Ron's defense is very strong, I hope you can run out Open positions, otherwise we will be in trouble in positional battles.”

"Defensively, we haven't changed."

……

(End of this chapter)