From sparring to superstar

Chapter 140 138. The Gaze of the Magician
In the ten years since leaving the Lakers, Pat Riley has interpreted his strength-I did nothing wrong, but I was the one who lost the most.

He made the right choice when he chose the team. In 90 and 91, the Knicks won 45 wins and 39 wins, both of which would enter the playoffs. Bringing a suitable system, two years later in the 91-93 season, the Knicks created a record that was considered terrifying at the time-an average of 94 points per game.

Before that, a team averaging less than 100 points per game was a poor offensive team, and at least half of the teams conceded more than 100 points per game every year.

The turning point came in 1988, when the league introduced the 'anti-isolation rule', and at the same time, narrowed the scope of whistleblowing for 'early flanking violations'.

This clause stipulates that there are two situations where the ball will be lost for violation.

Inside and outside the free throw line and extended line, players of a team cannot stand in a ratio of 1 to 4; on both sides of the three-second zone, players of a team cannot stand in a ratio of 1 to 4.

Because NBA regulations do not allow pinching players without the ball, they can only "predictively move in advance" at most, just like Jermaine O'Neal was so badly hammered by Duncan and O'Neal, Li Ao or Odom can only approach in advance, and wait until Duncan or O'Neal takes over. Only when you reach the ball can you pinch it.

而乔丹在1987-1988赛季表现太离谱了，以53.5%的投篮命中率场均拿到35分，效率比上一个赛季以48%的命中率拿到37.1分提高一大档。

That season, his three-point shooting percentage was only 13.2%, and he only shot more than 40 three-pointers in a season. The opponent took a big step back and couldn't prevent Jordan from breaking through.

Before the emergence of the anti-isolation law, Jordan stood at the top arc first, and his teammates dribbled the ball and passed the ball to him after pulling away from the sidelines on both sides. He broke through and the opponent had no time to pinch.

The effect of this rule is obvious. In the 88-89 season, Jordan's scoring was obviously limited, falling to an average of 32.5 points per game, forcing Jordan to develop a three-pointer that could still be shot in the summer of 89. After entering the 90s, Jordan would throw in every game. Two or three open threes.

In the eyes of others, this rule is only aimed at Jordan, such as the Pistons, relying on this rule to prolong the "bullying" of Jordan.

But in Pat Riley's eyes, this is the signal to open a new era.

Originally, he wanted to use the magician to replace Jordan, the best defensive player, as the core of the perimeter defense. With the addition of AC-Green, Michael Thompson, James Worthy and others, he created the most terrifying defensive team... In the end, he was fired.

After going to the Knicks, he successfully verified his vision. He chose the right way to build the team and built the Knicks into the top team. He rushed all the way to the finals... and then lost to Olajuwon .

It is not a crime of war, but the enemy is too strong.

Later he came to the Heat, and he made the Heat a top team again, but he was first hammered by Jordan, and then he found that the Knicks he built just restrained him, and finally got the first place in the Eastern Conference, but was beaten by his old club. .

Now, he managed to convince his boss to spend money on recruiting. The signings seem to be very correct at present, and all of them are suitable for the iron and blood warfare. with potentially fatal nephritis.

Now, Pat Riley looks at the team's record of 15 wins and 9 losses, and his heart is bleeding.

Without Mourning, they can all get this record.

But without Mourning, is this record useless?
Ding Tian is a playoff spoiler.

Pat Riley looked at Li Ao, who was sizing up Brian Grant.

What does this rookie mean?
Are you mocking him for giving him a rubbish contract?
Originally, he was very optimistic about Li Ao. He clapped his hands and applauded the "one hit seven incident".

However, he saw the news last night that Li Ao broke Jordan's ribs.

Regardless of the facts, he, who has been looking for various ways to divert his emotions this year, believes that this is the case.

This rookie broke the ribs of his dream man!

Now the rookie is taunting him for signing Brian Grant for what he could have signed T-Mac.

unforgivable!

Adjust your tactics against Spider-Man!

...

"The host broke the basketball god's ribs and taunted Pat Riley with his eyes, causing Pat Riley's strong hostility... Mission: The gaze of the fortune teller is triggered."

"The gaze of the fortune teller:
Objective 1: The host needs to score higher than 20 tonight.

Reward: 2 level 1 skill upgrade card.

Objective 2: The host needs to lead the team to defeat the Heat.

Reward: 1 basic attribute point. "

Li Ao: [_?]
What has he done?

How did you get caught by the fortune teller?

He was targeted by Duncan in the last game and got two hats. Anyway, there was a reason. He got a wig that Duncan envied and hated.

This time it's called 'Innocent Disaster'!

Forget it, let's just go with it, there's nothing you can do about being handsome, you just get jealous easily.

He looked at the mission again, and considering the way the Heat played, it was easy to guess how the opponent would target him.

Calling his teammates together, Li Ao said: "The opponent will definitely focus on defending me tonight, you all seize the opportunity to score."

Gentry, who gathered among the team members to watch, asked, "Why did you make such a judgment?"

"Pat Riley thinks I broke Jordan's ribs."

The teammates and the onlooker Gentry turned their heads to look at the opposite bench. The Heat players were surrounding the magic operator, and the magic operator was spitting everywhere...

Spider-Man's guess makes sense!

The team coached by Pat Riley played against Jordan 3 times in the playoffs, and they were beaten by blood three times. They were defeated and became the number one "magic".

In the past two years, he has been calling for the entire league to retire No. 23, but no one answered him.

At 7:28, the two teams started to come to the field.

The Heat sent Tim Hardaway, Eddie Jones, Bruce Bowen, Anthony Mason Jr., and Brian Grant to the starting lineup.

For the Clippers, the big Q suddenly disappeared. Gentry submitted a new starting list to the technical station. Maggette replaced the big Q and started with Greg Anthony, Li Ao, Odom and O'Neal.

Two minutes later, the referee blew the whistle to start the game and threw the ball into the air.

O'Neal overwhelmed Brian Grant to win the jump ball. When Li Ao turned around, he elbowed Bowen who was close to him and rushed to the opposite side. Anthony Mason Jr. was blocked by the expanded three-point line. Bowen turned around and 'switched' Opposite Odom just ran out of the three-point line.

On the other side, Maggette went straight to the basket, ran over Tim Hardaway who made it up, received a long pass from Odom, and smashed the ball into the basket.

This fast break... The Heat players have a feeling that they have been predicted by the opponent.

When the head coach set up tactics just now, someone from the other side came over to eavesdrop?

It must be so, so vile!
In the transition between offense and defense, Tim Hardaway saw Eddie Jones start running, and he also started singles.

Tim Hardaway is the strongest singles three-point player in active service. With a fake action of receiving the ball, he tricked Greg Anthony into pressing him.

The ball is like a part of Tim Hardaway's body. He flicks the ball with his fingers, changes the ball to a horizontal pull, moves laterally to avoid Greg Anthony, accelerates to start, and breaks into the three-point line!
The 34-year-old crossover king is still at the top speed!

Tim Hardaway drives inside...embarrassed.

No one shrinks to defend him!
O'Neal just took a step up, stepping on the arc of the reasonable collision zone.

Tim Hardaway missed the shot and retreated, being caught by Greg Anthony who was catching up.

He is looking for teammates to support him, where is Jones?
At this moment, Eddie Jones is standing on the left baseline panting, Li Ao is standing between him and Tim Hardaway, let alone Tim Hardaway can't see him, he can't even see Tim Hardaway , the whole is covered.

He just sprinted and ran around with all his strength, but he couldn't get rid of the big spider on the opposite side.

This rookie has too much awareness of chasing and defending without the ball, and going around the front!

Tim Hardaway failed to find anyone, but fortunately, Anthony Mason Jr. went around the bottom line and leaned on Odom to ask for the ball, and he quickly passed it.

Anthony Mason Jr. turned and sprinted inside when he caught the ball, and met Jermaine O'Neal with a pull-bar throw... Miss!
Brian Grant made a tip-up... Just touched the ball, before the ball was pushed out, he slapped the ball down with a big slap, and O'Neal, who turned around, blocked Anthony Mason Jr. and kept the ball.

Seeing that his teammates were not in a good position to grab the board, Li Ao actively shrank and picked up a cap.

O'Neal passed to Maggette, and the Clippers tried to start a fast break, but failed.

The Heat's tallest player on the field, Brian Grant, is only 206 centimeters. The lineup is short and capable, but fast.

Falling into a positional battle, Li Ao began to move around, watching the opponent's position move, he judged that the opponent would also perform infinite defense changes.

He took the initiative to ask Maggette to pick and roll, and got rid of the stalking Bowen.

It was Eddie Jones who switched to defend Li Ao, and Li Ao began to take the initiative to run for the ball, and drilled in the direction of someone.

Odom held the ball in the top arc, and passed the ball tacitly when Li Ao ran to the top corner on the right side of the free throw line and made an emergency stop.

Li Ao turned around after receiving the ball, jumped up, and Anthony Mason Jr. rushed towards him as he expected.

Li Ao, who jumped up, passed the ball back to Odom who cut in from the middle. Odom caught the ball and faced Brian Grant's supplementary defense, took a step to the left, then took a step to the right, and came to Brian Grant. Side jump layup...hit!
Li Ao's data sheet added an assist!
He didn't expect Odom to use the Eurostep!What kind of technology does this product not know?
It is true that Odom has never used the Eurostep this season. Could it be because he has learned too many skills and forgot how many skills he knows?
Offensive and defensive transitions, Tim Hardaway continued to play singles, easily passed Greg Anthony and entered the three-point line.

Still no one was defending, Li Ao stared at Eddie Jones, and Maggette guarded Bowen on the flank.

Odom and O'Neal were guarding the basket, Brian Grant and Anthony Mason Jr. opened up to the middle distance of the baseline, and Odom would make up for whichever one, opened both of them, and directly emptied one.

Tim Hardaway has already predicted this. He rushed to the free throw line and made an emergency stop jumper...Missed!
O'Neal blocked Brian Grant and Odom protected the defensive rebound.

Annoyed, Tim Hardaway turned around and retreated. If the goal was scored, it might affect the opponent's defense, but if it didn't score, the opponent would definitely defend more firmly.

For the Clippers, he and his teammates are very contemptuous, and they don't pay attention at all.

Otherwise, even if Pat Riley arranges them to pinch a rookie who mainly catches and shoots, some of them will question that there is no shortage of top players in their team.

Although the Clippers conceded only 7 points per game in the 87 games after Li Ao lifted the ban, and gained a certain reputation in defense, their record was only 3 wins and 4 losses.

Moreover, in terms of defense, the Heat have nothing to fear!

After the Knicks fired Van Gundy Jr., their defense collapsed. Now, in terms of defense alone, their Heat team is the best in the world.

But the Clippers' defensive strategy and execution are far beyond Tim Hardaway's expectations!

Just looking at defense, they must be better than the Clippers, much better.

But their offense is also poor, worse than the Knicks.

The Clippers' defense is enough to deal with them!

Moreover, the other party seemed to predict that they would target that Spider-Man...

Still, Tim Hardaway was on the alert, and his teammates were not.

When it came time for the Clippers to attack, Li Ao slipped the baseline and caught the ball on the right side of the three-second zone. Brian Grant moved ahead to make up for it, but Li Ao received the ball and threw it to the basket... Jermaine O'Neal pressed and defended to the basket Anthony Mason Jr. scored two points with two-handed dunks!

In the transition between offense and defense, Tim Hardaway not only played alone, he asked Brian Grant to pick and roll, and used the screen to hit a three-pointer, chasing the score to 3-6, stopping the bleeding.

But looking back, Li Ao gave Odom a three-point assist on the wing, 9 to 3, and the Clippers led by 6 points again!
When it came time for the Heat to attack, Tim Hardaway wanted to do the same and make another three-pointer, but this time it was the more impulsive Maggette who expanded to defend against the pick-and-roll. Odom obeyed Spider-Man's instructions and went to the corner. Guard Bowen went.

Maggette's pick-and-roll switch directly pressed up, Tim Hardaway had to break into the inside, and the ball was pulled to Brian Grant on the left side of the three-second zone.

Bryan Grant hits the mid-range shot... well done!
After hitting the iron continuously, the rest of the Heat finally felt that something was wrong, their mentality was affected, and some people retreated in a mess.

Odom received the rebound and took the opportunity to instigate a counterattack. Maggette received the ball in the front court and scored on the right side. The right side of the free throw line was two points long and made an emergency stop to catch the ball and made a mid-range shot...and was thrown down by Eddie Jones.

At the same time as the referee's whistle sounded, the ball went into the frame!
The referee indicated that Li Ao's goal was valid and he was given an additional penalty!
The score was 11 to 3, Li Ao started with 2 points and 3 assists!

Counting the fast break containment at the beginning, all the Clippers' scores have been related to him so far.

Moreover, there is another penalty!
In the wild cheers of the fans, Pat Riley called a timeout!
Shen Suanzi pinched two temples with one hand, carelessly.

Tonight, I might have to play off!
He felt that Mourning was gone, and the record was useless, but it didn't mean he didn't care about the record.

After confirming that Mourning has no hope of returning to his peak period, and may not even be able to play again, he thought about it for several months, and he came up with the idea of ​​​​a high school student who will be a genius for the next three years.

But it must not be now!

This year, he just raised his salary to 7300 million US dollars, second only to the Knicks. At this time, the boss will kill him.

At least he has to play well this season to prove that the two seven-year, more than $7 million contracts he gave to Brian Grant and Eddie Jones are useful.

We have to wait until the end of this season when Tim Hardaway, Anthony Mason Jr., and Dan Marley's combined contracts of more than 2000 million dollars expire.

The players returned to the bench, Pat Riley put away his annoyance, and adjusted his defense as if nothing had happened.

His godfather face played a big role at this time. When the team members saw him, their restlessness quickly calmed down...

...

In the box on the second floor, Jordan, AJ, several Nike executives, James Worthy, Magician and others are watching the game.

The magician heard that Jordan's ribs were broken by Li Ao, and asked James Worthy to help Li Ao train to see the excitement.

After entering the timeout, the magician said with a smile: "Do you still want to watch the game? The result is no suspense. The Heat will lose."

James Worthy responded: "It's not possible, right? The game has just started, and the Heat were just being stupid and made a wrong flanking decision. They will definitely be able to defend against it later."

Jordan said: "I believe the Heat can defend well, but at most they can defend the Clippers to the same level as theirs. With a 9-point difference, they can't catch up. They don't have the same defense as Spider-Man and Odom. Players, and the Heat are only good at regular defense. None of them can defend key shots. Jones... Mourning is reimbursed. Jones can only be the first scoring point in a team where this offensive tactic is not suitable for him. On the offensive end He invested too much, couldn't take care of the defense, and his defensive efficiency plummeted. It's a pity that he defended me well once before, and I only scored 17 points."

James Worthy grasped the key point and asked: "Michael, you seem to appreciate the current Clippers."

Jordan pouted, noncommittal.

The magician said with a smile: "In these few rounds, it seems that the Clippers are very good. Their defensive cooperation around Spider-Man and mini-sharks is very good. They are very disciplined. Every player trusts each other and has the potential to become a strong team. ...and they have Spiderman, God, Jerry should be forced to submit his resignation, no stud Spiderman, the biggest mistake we have made since we moved to LA, OK combination plus Spiderman, just put two pitchers, we can become stronger than it is now.”

Jordan sarcastically said, "Every good thing will be taken up by the Lakers? You are right, not having Suhareo is the biggest mistake in the history of your team. Maybe because of this, the Los Angeles basketball team will change its name to the Clippers in the future."

The magician laughed and said, "Wow, Michael, I am looking forward to the situation you mentioned. I am waiting for that day to come."

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(End of this chapter)