From sparring to superstar

Chapter 138 136. The so-called robustness is the most difficult to break

After coming to the Clippers, Jermaine O'Neal quickly became the core of the team's interior defense, and he had a good vision for the future.

But since the start of this season, he has been hit repeatedly.

场均打29分钟，拿到9.6分8.8板1.8助攻0.9抢断2.4盖帽，数据表现还不及被甩卖到开拓者队的糖人。

After playing for so long, he received positive comments from 'young'. When it comes to his news, it is said that he was abused by someone again, or he was bullying a thin opponent.

There is also a shot-blocking king by his side, and he is under a lot of pressure.

Gradually, he became less and less confident.

But as the saying goes, what can't be broken can't be built, he put aside that damn self-esteem, and regarded himself as a real rookie, even if he was going to be blown up again, he didn't care, he was fearless!

This kind of mentality broke the shackles of "I am a genius" that he had shrouded in himself!

Seeing that his teammates and fans didn't care about the Spider-Man who blocked McGrady and Duncan consecutively, they were all cheering for him, and O'Neal began to build up new confidence in his heart, which was completely different from the previous title of "genius high school student" !
Why is the cap not as good as Spider-Man?

What's wrong with being inferior to Spider-Man?
In the basketball world, there are O'Neal, Duncan, Garnett, Webber... and other superstars, but they don't play anymore?

If you can't beat them, then play with your life.

Forget about Spider-Man, he's a teammate, he can't play with his life...

The game continued, and the Clippers served in the backcourt.

Li Ao took McGrady to run, and the other party followed even more closely than Marion.

"Timac, why are you defending so tightly? Wouldn't it be better to save some energy to attack? Seeing that you only have 16 points, don't you feel ashamed?"

McGrady responded: "We have the strongest center forward."

"I'll pass on your words to O'Neill."

"It's okay, Tim isn't afraid."

"...You have so much confidence in him, does he know?"

"I don't know if he knows."

"..."

Li Ao was speechless, this guy seems to have no heart?

Li Ao didn't run out of position, Greg Anthony passed the ball to Big Q, Big Q stepped back and made a three-pointer...Missed!
O'Neal grabs an offensive rebound!
Duncan hooded towards Jermaine O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal feinted a shot, turned around and moved out of the three-second zone with a step, and shot a jumper from close range... It was iron.

Although it was hard, Gentry on the sidelines was very satisfied with the ball.

Play decisively and confidently!
Moreover, when Duncan protected the defensive rebound and was about to hang it to McGrady who was leading Li Ao, O'Neal posted it to interfere with the press. It happened that Armstrong was not in a good position to respond. When Duncan dribbled the ball to avoid O'Neal's steal and pass it to Mike - When Miller, the time for the Magic counterattack has passed!
Gentry is overjoyed!
In the past, Jermaine O'Neal was not willing to do this kind of dirty work. He always carried it, and his practical effect in defending against the opponent's fast break was not as good as that of Chris Mihm and Sean Lukes who were actively fighting.

At that time, although he was struggling to run back, but the center retreated, if he hadn't retreated early, it would be impossible to run past the defenders, let alone O'Neal, even if David Robinson came.

Moreover, David Robinson, Duncan, Garnett... These defensive masters, the stronger their abilities, the more active they are in these details, and no one can hold back their face.

The Magic fell into a positional battle, and Duncan returned to the low post.

With mental preparation this time, Duncan's strength, which is far more rough than the size of the man, showed, and he firmly stuck O'Neal behind him, received the ball, and dug!
Not as violent and swift as O'Neal, Duncan's strong attack was solid and steady. O'Neal struggled to resist, but was knocked back to the left side of the basket.

O'Neal still didn't give up. After being knocked back to the basket by Duncan, he still pushed back hard, creating a chance for Li Ao to shrink and block the shot!
but!

Duncan slammed O'Neal back and turned around, took a step towards the right side of the three-second zone, took off, and threw the ball into the basket before Li Aofei's pounced hand reached the basket!

It's rude to create a shot, but the finisher is so delicate!

Li Ao shook his head, patted O'Neal on the back and ran forward.

too strong!
When he ran across the center line, McGrady posted up, the smile on the corner of his mouth, the complacency in his eyes, without any concealment.

He complained: "It's not you who scored, why are you so proud?"

McGrady shook his head and said, "You're jealous."

屮!
Li Ao speeded up and ran to the front court with his head depressed, and was poked into his true thoughts.

A few more rounds passed, and the Magic quickly gained the upper hand after being blocked 3 times in the opening round.

Duncan's singles, McGrady's sudden point + Duncan mentioned a 45-degree angle mid-range support, and Mike Miller's flanking support with two long points is really accurate, and his shooting rate is a little higher than Li Ao's long two-pointer.

In terms of mid-range shooting ability, Li Ao is better, but he needs to run and connect the team to attack, and there are more things to do. Mike Miller only needs to stand in the area where he shoots best. Most of the time, you even just need to stand, ready to retreat at any time.

Coupled with the fact that Armstrong shared the pressure of holding the ball for Duncan and Tracy McGrady, Michael Doriak's tonnage pie is also very stable...

The Magic's offensive firepower can't be said to be ferocious, but it is very stable!

And the Magic did a great job defensively!
Armstrong's top arc defense, meat shield to protect the frame, Duncan covering close range + three-pointers from the outside line when necessary, McGrady chasing Li Ao from the flank...

Li Ao did not expect McGrady's defense to be so active and focused.

This is Maddie!What about the traffic commander?
Failed to get rid of the defense again, Li Ao stood still on the right side of the three-second zone and pulled away, complaining: "You said you have a salary of several million a year, what are you playing for?"

McGrady was confused and asked: "Aren't you more defensive than me? You rushed in so far just now to interfere with Michael (Doriak)'s layup, and your salary is lower than mine."

Li Ao: ()
High school student Mai classmate Deng Hua online, how to break this?
Li Ao finally knew why Garnett disliked Duncan and why Payton disliked Stockton so much.

Talking trash to such an opponent is like punching cotton. There is no sense of accomplishment at all, and your emotions will be affected instead.

At 8 minutes and 22 seconds into the first quarter, the Clippers called a timeout and entered the rotation.

The score was 12 to 16, and the Clippers were 4 points behind.

Jermaine O'Neal took the lead and defended hard, driving the whole team to pull down the Magic's offensive efficiency, but the Magic are really stable!
Li Ao, who was replaced, learned one thing - he used to think that the Spurs were stable, but now he understands that it's not that the Spurs are stable, Popovich's coaching is stable...

With Duncan in the team, a donkey tied to the bench, and a tactical coach who can create a suitable offensive and defensive system for Duncan, they can be very stable, and it has little to do with who coaches.

The tactics of the Magic team are actually quite satisfactory. There is no bright spot, but the strength of the TT duo is strong and drives the whole team.

However, compared to the strength of his opponent, Li Ao loves his own side more.

He really wants a stronger point guard teammate now.

It's not that I dislike Greg Anthony. This veteran has a steady pass and a solid three-point response. He has rich experience in the game and is very good, but he does not have the independent offensive ability like Armstrong.

McGinnis has the ability to attack independently, but his style of play is the core style of play, and he is unique and turbulent, and his key strength is average.

Boykins is a pure assaulter. He is still very immature at the age of 24. Although he is in the third grade, he has no more game experience than O'Neal.

Kenyon Dooling, getting into the NBA is stuck on the wall.

Every player on the point guard line has its own characteristics, but they can't be counted on at critical moments.

Or a mid-range shooter is fine, but the big Q is unstable for two points, and Piakowski's baseline mid-range shot is within Duncan's defensive coverage...

In the end, Li Ao began to dislike himself - he must have the ability to attack independently!

Without skills, it is difficult for him to display his mid-range shooting ability against opponents such as McGrady and Marion who are in better physical condition than him and are extremely active in defense.

Anyway, when playing against a weak team, the running ability is enough, and then develop an independent attack first!
After thinking about back hitting many times, Li Ao put it on the agenda.

There is a solution, regardless of whether it can really solve the problem, anyway, at this moment, he has separated his attention from the current situation that cannot be changed.

He complained to O'Neal Jr. and Greg Anthony, who were replaced together: "Didn't it mean that No. 21's knee injury has destroyed his athletic ability? Why is he still so fast and jumping so high?"

Little O'Neill nodded repeatedly to express his approval, and he spoke in his heart.

Greg Anthony responded: "Yes, his athletic ability has been greatly affected. If you look carefully, you can find that his starting speed and take-off are slower than before, but his anticipation is too good. Like the two attacks where he hit the two of you one-on-two, if you think about it carefully, you will find that he predicted your moves, and you changed in advance with one shot, so that you can complete the attack while your best defensive moves."

Li Ao + Jermaine O'Neal: (へ╬)
Say who has no brains?
We are both smart!
...

Entering the rotation, the Magic are still playing steadily under the leadership of Tracy McGrady.

Duncan sat on the sidelines and gave his teammates great confidence.

In addition, McGrady played very steadily, without waves, and chose the safest style of play, breaking through and passing the ball to the teammate with the best chance.

Li Ao looked at McGrady in this style of play, and speculated that McGrady's character traits...or character flaws.

When playing against Carter, McGrady’s court style is similar to Carter’s—very active, but aimless, likes to compete with opponents, and has inexplicable competitiveness in various comparisons with opponents, but the outcome of the game I want to be average.

When playing against Duncan, McGrady's style of play is stable, and he has a strong desire to win the game, but he does not play blindly. He is confident but trusts his teammates.

Li Ao thought back to McGrady in the original time and space, and he became more and more independent in addition to voting.

But if you look at the situation of the Raptors, after McGrady arrived in the Magic, Duncan didn't come, Hill was reimbursed for years, McGrady could only score, and even regarded scoring as the only thing in the end. What is it, he became extremely obsessed with shooting, and in the end he was even afraid that others would steal his shot...

This kind of character "flaw" is actually beneficial. Just like now, with a boss like Duncan, there is no need to correct McGrady's style of play. He will learn those good playing habits from Duncan himself.

After the first quarter, the Magic led the Clippers by 23 points 17 to 6 and entered the second quarter.

Unlike before, Gentry sent Li Ao at the beginning of the second quarter.

As he expected, Tracy McGrady played the first quarter, and there will be a period of rest at the beginning of the second quarter.

McGrady's average playing time is not particularly high. The pass control + defense-based style of play, supplemented by singles, consumes a lot of time, and the average playing time is only 345 minutes.

Li Ao came to the court and looked at the opposing backup point guard Troy Hudson... Another day when he wanted to deduct Baylor's pension.

The other 4 players on the opposite side are Mike Miller, Monty Williams, Pat Garrity and Duncan.

For the Clippers, the other four players on the field are Greg Anthony, Piakowski, Maggette, and O'Neal.

At the beginning of the second quarter, the Magic attacked.

Li Ao led his teammates to strengthen the defensive confrontation.

The situation is unfavorable and his strength is at an absolute disadvantage, but he still maintains his focus and hard work.

Only in this way, when the opportunity comes, it is possible to seize it.

In a game like this, anything can happen.

Even if there is no chance, facing the top team led by Duncan, you can hone your ability.

Duncan took a 4-minute break at the end of the first quarter and made the first attack after he came on the field--cutting O'Neal in the low position!
He may seem like an emotionless robot, but he has his petite side.

It was Jermaine O'Neal who caused him to be blocked by Li Ao at the beginning!
Cry him!
But Jermaine O'Neal is still fearless, playing defense with his life.

Li Ao retracted the pinch ahead of time, and before Duncan hit the right position, he calmly chose to split the ball... "Pa"... The ball just left Duncan's hand, and was slapped by Li Ao!

The effect of 'Siege Level 3' on improving the ability to predict the opponent's pass line has played a role!
Jermaine O'Neal grabbed the ball shot by Li Ao and immediately passed it to Maggette.

Maggette ran like an American bison with muscles all over his body. The Magic's defensive players all blocked them, and Maggette scored the ball!
Li Ao rushed into the three-point line to receive the ball, took off in two consecutive steps, and scored two points with a light dunk with both hands!

Focus, hard work, and it paid off!
The opportunity is here!

Although not much...

After the mistake, Duncan played more cautiously, preferring to pass the ball slowly and the chances of his teammates to catch up were poorer, and he was not so anxious.

Focus on a steady!
On Li Ao's side, there were not many opportunities to counterattack, and the offensive end could only play positional warfare. He was not discouraged, but instead strengthened the output of the offensive end and increased his shots.

Although McGrady is resting, his shooting opportunities are not very good.

He has a reputation, and opponents have already started targeting him.

A top team like the Magic also learned from the Lakers to make unlimited defenses against him.

But he has gradually gotten used to this kind of defense. Without McGrady, he plays quite freely, responds to transitions, shoots, and chooses whichever opportunity is good. If there is an opportunity for a teammate who is not good at shooting tonight, he chooses to meet it Defensive strong shot.

Li Ao and Jermaine O'Neal's hard work on both ends of the offense and defense drove the enthusiasm of the teammates. Although Duncan led the team to open up the point gap a little bit, the Magic team's advantage became more stable after Tracy McGrady played, and the Clippers players did not give up.

The Magic team also played very uncomfortable-this opponent is too tough!
Originally, Rivers wanted Duncan to play seven or eight minutes before resting. He was just an opponent with 8 wins and 11 losses. He planned Duncan to play 11 minutes before the game. In the early minutes.

As a result, Duncan played a full second quarter!

In the second half of the second quarter, the Clippers sent out McGinnis for an outside singles, Li Ao controlled the flanks, Maggette, Odom, and O'Neal's frontcourt combination.

This frontcourt trio was very aggressive in attacking rebounds. Duncan didn't do a particularly good job of protecting rebounds on the court. Duncan was replaced, and Rivers felt that the rebounds would be robbed.

Fortunately, the first half was about to be over, and the score was 10 to 58 at 47 minutes and 36 seconds. They had steadily maintained a double-digit lead since the middle of the second quarter, and they were very stable. Plan how to protect the rebounds and hold on to the lead in the second half.

Like Rivers, the Magic players on the court felt that this wave of hand-to-hand combat was about to pass.

However, the Magic players did not relax. When the Clippers attacked, they were more active in defense and shielding.

McGinnis continued to make singles pull-up jump shots...it was ironed out by McGrady's supplementary defense!

Duncan moved actively and took the lead to occupy a favorable position, and he used an iron elbow to push away Odom on the side to expand the rebound protection area.

The ball bounced towards Duncan's head, and Duncan was very happy. The ball was defended, and there was at most one more defense in the first half. After another round, he could rest... Eh?Why is the light dim?

Before Duncan had time to take off, he felt the impact from his back!
Li Ao's chin appeared in Duncan's sight...

Li Ao rushed to the sideline of the three-second zone, jumped from behind Duncan, and pushed the popped ball back to the basket through Duncan!

Duncan didn't move. Amidst the wild cheers of the fans, he waited for Li Ao to land smoothly, then turned around and pushed Li Ao forward.

For this detail, even the Clippers players couldn't help but praise the opponent's character.

Only Jermaine O'Neal, who followed Duncan to the frontcourt, called out '屮艸芔茻' in his heart.

When the Magic team attacked, as Jr. O'Neal expected, Duncan dropped the position again!
Can't stand it!
However, although Jermaine O'Neal called out "屮艸芔茻" in his heart, he still went forward without fear... Duncan's back attack was extremely violent this time, before Li Ao shrunk into place, he turned around and smashed the ball into the basket through Jermaine O'Neal frame.

Being abused again, Jermaine O'Neill did not have the frustration and self-doubt that he was blown up in the past.

But he was very sad and angry!
I didn't detain you!Why do you keep yelling at me every time?

...

In the following time, the Clippers worked hard throughout the whole process. In the past, only Li Ao had the enthusiasm to lead the team. When they really encountered an opponent that was completely invincible, the teammates still felt discouraged to some extent in the late game.

But now there is an extra O'Neal, who influences his teammates in a different way from Li Ao, and drives the enthusiasm of his teammates. At least tonight, the Clippers will keep working hard!
The effect... Duncan only rested for 4 minutes in the first quarter and 2 minutes at the beginning of the third quarter tonight, playing for 42 minutes!

McGrady also played more minutes than usual, playing 39 minutes.

Duncan averaged 40 minutes per game this season, more than 40 minutes against strong teams, and only 356 minutes against weak teams.

McGrady averaged 34 minutes per game, usually close to 40 minutes against strong teams, and only about 30 minutes against weak teams.

Tonight, the Clippers got the big-team treatment with the Magic.

邓肯表现狂暴，全场28投15中，外加14中8的罚球，拿到38分11板3助攻1抢断5盖帽。

麦迪拿到14分6板5助攻3抢断1盖帽。

Under the leadership of the two, the Magic held the lead to the end, relied on defense to withstand waves of the Clippers' counterattacks, defeated the Clippers 95 to 89, and improved their record to 18 wins and 6 losses , maintaining the record advantage over the Lakers, temporarily ranking first in the league!

O'Neal's offense was abolished tonight, but despite the loss, he won the applause of the fans at the scene.

6分12板2助攻1抢断2盖帽，做得很好了。

The fans watched every time Spider-Man angered Duncan, it was O'Neal who suffered, and they felt distressed.

Li Ao hated Duncan 3 times tonight!Buckle twice!

Although Duncan also returned Li Ao's two blocked shots, but Li Ao's style of play, Duncan couldn't dunk Li Ao no matter what, and the blocked shots were not as favorable as the opponent, so most of the grievances were spilled on O'Neal.

In this regard, the bottom line fans comforted O'Neal: "Jermaine, please be strong!"

You can't let Spider-Man suffer, right?That's okay.

Jermaine O'Neal defended even more violently after being comforted, and was blasted more times from the front...

李敖今晚拿到20分5板3助攻2抢断6盖帽，数据很不错，忽略21投7中的命中率就更好了。

After receiving the 100-point consolation prize, the record has dropped to 11 wins and 12 losses. What can make Li Ao feel a little more comforted is the change in the mentality of O'Neal, the teammate who is the core of the inside defense, so that he has the conditions to look forward to a better future.

Also, mission accomplished!

"An indiscriminate disaster:
The host was blocked by Tim Duncan: 2 times, the number of dunks: 0 times.

The number of blocks completed by the host against Tim Duncan: 3 times, and the number of dunks: 2 times.

Congratulations to the host for completing all the goals, reward: 3 level 1 skill upgrade card. "

Duncan took more shots in the second half, Jermaine O'Neal defended hard, and Li Ao's shrinking and blocking effect improved. In the third and fourth quarters, Duncan was blocked once, and Andrew De Klerk, the backup center, was blocked once by the way.

The second time Duncan was dunked was at the end of the third quarter. Boykins, who came off the bench, succeeded in rushing when McGrady counterattacked. The Clippers played a counterattack. Li Ao rushed to close range to receive the ball. Duncan had already blocked the shot and couldn't even complete the interference, but he still raised his hand and rushed to the basket without hesitation...'sent' Li Ao a dunk...and gave O'Neal a series of singles critical strikes in the fourth quarter.

After a night's rest, Li Ao shook off the depression caused by losing. After morning training and breakfast, he made a phone call: "Boss, do you have time? Are you interested in teaching a player who is more talented than you in post-up singles?" ?”

(End of this chapter)