no shortcuts in basketball

Chapter 291 Good "brothers" for life

After not playing in the NBA for more than a year, is Xu Yong still the Satan that makes opponents fear him?

Choosing to come back later in the season, will Xu Yong make the same mistake as Jordan did?

If the alliance is that of Durant, Leonard and Curry, can Xu Yong defeat them?

"I don't think this is the best time to come back. I think this summer will be more appropriate. Xu needs better teammates. Durant's success cannot be separated from Harden and Westbrook. Jokic is still growing. DeRozan is clearly not in that category."

In the latest episode of TNT, when O'Neal and Smith were reveling in the news announced by the Mavericks, Barkley analyzed it unusually calmly.

But despite the noise, after the Mavericks announced the news, it (Seo Yong's comeback) still had an explosive and lasting impact.

First of all, on this day, the Dow Jones index of the US stock market opened with full strength, and AJ's stock followed suit and began to soar like a rocket, including the stock prices of brands endorsed by Xu Yong.

This is the second time this year. The last time was when Xu Yong announced his return to the NBA, but this time, their rise is obviously even crazier.

Moreover, the message released by the Mavericks also announced Xu Yong's jersey number. He will not change his number like Jordan did, nor will he change his number back to No. 23 in college, but will continue to wear No. 6.

So at the same time as this news was released, the No. 6 jersey on the Mavericks' official website was cleared almost instantly, and soon this jersey became a hot seller in the scalper market.

Even the sales of the STX series of sneakers, which have experienced a slight decline in sales in the past two years, have also begun to experience explosive growth.

The Mavericks' season tickets had already been sold out when Xu Yong returned to the NBA, and now, because Xu Yong's comeback is on the road, all the Lakers' tickets for this game have been sold out.

You have to know that the Lakers' ticket sales this season are very poor. Not to mention that Kobe Bryant like Nicholson has not been here since his retirement. Many season ticket holders rarely come to watch the game.

After all, although the Lakers have James this season, they are not only lacking in entertainment, but also it is basically difficult for the team to reach the playoffs this season.

In addition, there is another very interesting thing. The Lakers' second star, a new star who has been trained by the Lakers, center Jahlil Okafor, who averaged 20+10 points per game this season, learned that After this news, he couldn't help complaining in front of reporters: "I XXX, why did you choose us?"

Later, ESPN, which hosted the NBA's regular season games this season, quickly announced a higher broadcast plan, and the number of Mavericks' broadcast games increased significantly.

The mayor of Dallas then also delivered a personal speech. One sentence in his speech became a classic: "Dallas will become the most attractive tourist city in the world."

This sounds like a black humor. You must know that because of racial discrimination, Dallas has a bad reputation in the United States, let alone the world. But now, he actually has the confidence to say such a thing. The key is that he said such a thing, and he actually No one thought anything was wrong.

Along with a lot of doubts and a lot of craziness, the Mavericks played against the Lakers away from home after the All-Star Game. This game was considered to not only have high season ratings, but may even be the regular season game with the highest ratings in NBA history. , is about to kick off at the Staples Center.

"Boss, how much have you recovered?" On the plane to Los Angeles, Jokic covered his mouth with his hand, leaned over and asked Xu Yong in a low voice.

"Seven to eight." Xu Yong told the truth. Even though he had increased the frequency of training, after all, it had been so long since there was no official competition and there was no systematic training. It was still difficult to get back at once.

"But it's enough to beat them." Xu Yong then said lightly.

Originally, he wanted to play the Warriors to get himself into a high-intensity game quickly. Now he played the Lakers. Although he failed to do so, the game would be easier.

"LeBron is having fun playing now," Jokic said with a smile.

Xu Yong looked at Jokic in confusion.

"When he played against us, he only guarded Deron (Wright), because he didn't attack much and didn't grab defensive rebounds, but he was faster than Usain Bolt on the fast break. We all called that [smart basketball]. "

Listening to Jokic's description, Xu Yong couldn't help but laugh out loud, smart basketball? This is catchier than Smart Basketball.

"Isn't he always like that?" Xu Yong asked.

Jokic was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help laughing.

Yes, they all forgot when James started playing like this.

On February 2, the Staples Center was packed with people.

The front row of the auditorium was filled with all Hollywood movie stars, and even Nicholson, who had not been seen for a long time, came to the scene. The main reason for his arrival was because Kobe Bryant was also here tonight.

Although the Lakers' current strength is no longer what it used to be, in terms of influence, they are still a standard traffic team.

Of course, when Xu Yong appeared in the player tunnel wearing the No. 6 jersey, all the spotlights were on him, and the scene instantly burst into overwhelming cheers.

Xu Yong waved and smiled to greet the fans, and then smiled and hugged Kobe who was coming towards him.

"I said, only you can be that hero." After the hug, Kobe said to Xu Yong.

Xu Yong smiled and punched Kobe in the chest, and then both of them laughed.

After saying hello to everyone else, Xu Yong looked at the familiar scene around him that he had not seen for a long time, and felt some uncontrollable blood surge.

Although I haven’t set foot on this field for more than a year, my body doesn’t lie.

After being separated for more than a year, it was like a little separation was better than a new marriage, and he was now full of interest.

Then, an unprecedented scene appeared on the scene.

When Xu Yong stepped onto the field, the cameras at the scene kept focusing on him and never left him for a second.

Regardless of Dallas or Los Angeles, there is only one protagonist tonight.

Outside the camera at this time, James looked at the familiar figure above his head with his hands on his hips.

The distance between him and Xu Yong is only half a stadium, but now the distance between him and Xu Yong is like he can only look up at the big LED screen, out of reach.

After the pre-match warm-up, the scene entered into the opening ceremony.

Xu Yong was the last to appear for the Mavericks.

Because it was an away game, there was no background music, but the host chose the longest introduction.

"Now! 7-time NBA All-Star voting champion, 4-time NBA scoring champion, 3-time AMVP, 4-time MVP, 5-time FMVP, 5-time championship winner, 6 feet 9 inches, from Arizona State University, No. 6, Satan ~Xu~~Yong!”

When the host's tone fell, Xu Yong stood up and high-fived his teammates one by one, and the Staples Center was filled with excitement and carnival.

Back, Xu Yong is back, their NBA is back!

The starting lineups of the two teams, Mavericks: Wright, DeRozan, Xu Yong, Powell, Jokic;

Lakers: Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, James, Kyle Kuzma, Okafor.

Jokic moved the ball back to the Mavericks half, and the game officially began.

Xu Yong did not attack with the ball when he first came up, but instead went on the court to get a feel for it.

But as Xu Yong and Jokic said, the Lakers are not strong.

Don't look at a 20+10 center on the inside, with one of the top five superstars in the league, and a 3nd+D player on the outside. The lineup is reasonably configured and has potential.

But the defensive problem of this lineup is not that big. Except for Pope, I can't even find another player whose defensive level is above the league average (James is, but he has no willingness to defend, which means he doesn't).

Jokic came up and easily scored one on Okafor with the ball in the low post.

Okafor has improved on the defensive end over the years. It can be seen that he is trying hard to confront Jokic, but Jokic has gradually adapted to the new confrontation scale, and in terms of flexibility, he is much more flexible than Okafor. .

During the Lakers' offense, James arrived in the frontcourt and found that Xu Yong was guarding him.

James consciously stood aside with his hands on his hips, signaling Ball to organize an attack.

Xu Yong was not surprised at all by his reaction. It was not just the smart basketball that Jokic mentioned, but James would not choose to join a rebuilding team like the Lakers if he still had some ambition.

Ball lobbed the ball to Okafor. Okafor singled out Jokic, turned around with beautiful steps and scored with a hook.

Compared with defense, Okafor's greater improvement comes from the offensive end. After the [vertical jump rule] was cancelled, of course, the more important thing is that he can still score 20+10 with James. An interior lineman without some ability cannot do this. Arrived.

Looking back, Jokic caught the ball in the low post and was flanked again. The Lakers' defense was not very good, but head coach Walton still had requirements for defense.

At this time, Xu Yong and DeRozan played a cover tactic. DeRozan removed the ball and cut into the basket to take away the defender. Xu Yong took the opportunity to catch the ball and shoot.

Jokic's passing ability is very strong, and Xu Yong has a good chance to catch the ball.

Catching the ball, bending his knees, taking off, and moving his wrists, Xu Yong's rhythm of pulling up can be said to be exactly the same as before he retired.

That kind of training every day for more than ten years is engraved in muscle memory and even engraved in DNA.

The fans cheered in advance. Many people knew how to do the dry pull, but they had not seen this elegant movement for almost two years.

But it's a pity that Xu Yong's shot failed to hit.

After seeing the basketball paying tribute to Kobe who was here tonight, Xu Yong didn't have too many ripples on his face.

This is an expected situation, but you still need to feel it.

Speaking of which, Jordan caused quite a stir when he came back. His 5-point performance in Game 55 was praised by fans, but not many people remember the first show that was selectively abandoned by the media: 28 of 7, 19 points. Xu Yong was actually not fully prepared, so he was mentally prepared.

After a few minutes of the game, the court turned into an offensive battle between Okafor and Jokic. DeRozan and Xu Yong were both in poor condition, and the Mavericks failed to open up the score.

"I said, this is not a good time to come back." Over in the commentary box, Barkley once again emphasized his previous statement.

At this moment, a detail changed on the court. James reached out for the ball and signaled to pull away for a singles.

Tonight's game is definitely highly anticipated, and the official ratings have already reached a record high during the opening ceremony.

In this kind of game, if possible, he would like to be the center of attention.

But after having so many past experiences, he started very cautiously, because this one could become a golden background if he was not careful.

However, at this point in the game, even he was sure that Xu Yong's comeback was too hasty and out of shape, so it was a golden opportunity for him.

Of course, there is another point. The boss of the Lakers can only be James. In this kind of highly anticipated game, Okafor is a bit stealing his limelight.

Seeing James holding the ball, Xu Yong also felt his eyes light up.

Positional battles depend on touch and condition, but the defensive end is less important.

Moreover, he has played under Thibodeau since he debuted with the Bulls. Defensive counterattack is what he is best at.

After his teammates pulled away, James dribbled the ball with his hips, then changed direction and broke through with the ball from the right.

Xu Yong blocked his path with a sliding step and cut the ball directly.

This cut was fast and accurate, and the key is that James completely misjudged Xu Yong's defensive ability.

"Snapped!"

There was a crisp sound, Xu Yong turned sideways again, had already controlled the cut ball and went straight to the fast break.

On the Lakers' side, Pope was being restrained by DeRozan. At this moment, when others were not aware enough to react, Xu Yong had already left the three-point line.

James spread his hands and looked at his teammates. His expression was clearly blaming his teammates for their lack of awareness of defense.

Xu Yong ran on the field, and the cheers of the fans could be heard in his ears.

When the fast break reached the frontcourt, he slowed down slightly, then kicked off his right foot and jumped into the air, spinning directly in the air.

The best and best at the 360° turn dunk.

At this moment, his pores opened, and the feeling of lightning whizzing by gave his body a feeling he was no longer familiar with.

"Oh!"

The basketball was slammed into the basket like a bomb, and the huge muffled sound was like a fuse, directly igniting the Staples Center.

On the large LED screen, the replay will be given immediately on site.

In the broadcast screen, this shot was also slowed down repeatedly.

This is the first goal Xu Yong scored after his comeback, and it is also his most iconic goal.

Of course, it was also the Nth time that Xu Yong’s classic steal of James + fast break dunk reappeared!

"Satan is back!" Barkley in the commentary box stood up and shouted excitedly, and his eyes suddenly turned red.

In the absence of Xu Yong, the traffic of his number one Xu Chui plummeted, and his position as the number one brother in TNT was about to be taken away by O'Neal.

But he knew that Xu Yong would come back eventually, like a true king.

What he didn't expect was that this scene would happen so quickly.

After returning to the defensive end, Xu Yong looked at James with a smile, and what came back with the feeling was his restless heart.

"Thank you, brother." He looked at James to express his gratitude.

James had a question mark on his face at first, but soon realized the meaning of Xu Yong's words.

His face suddenly turned livid. He hadn't seen Xu Yong for more than a year, and he was still so mean-mouthed!

However, the man can bend and stretch. After being intercepted just once, he gave up and continued to attack Xu Yong.

If I don't fight, can you continue to steal me?

James's move was very accurate. When James was not holding the ball or even catching the ball, it was really impossible for Xu Yong to steal him again.

However, stealing was not Xu Yong's purpose in the first place, and what he was grateful for was not James' steal.

Because after guarding against a wave of offense from the Lakers, after the two sides were in position and after taking a look at Kuzma in front of him, Xu Yong reached out for the ball.

The fans began to cheer.

What is the difference between an away game and a home game? All fans tonight have only one identity, and that is Xu Yong's fans.

Kuzma was a little panicked now.

He is originally a strong offensive and defensive player. If it weren't for Walton's arrangement, he would not want to face Xu Yong in this kind of game.

He instinctively turned his head to look at the position of the helper behind him, but at that moment, he felt something fly past his face.

After a closer look, Xu Yong had already broken through to the three-second zone and sent the ball into the basket with a light underhand layup.

From breakthrough to scoring, Xu Yong's entire process was extremely smooth and coherent, and it was completely impossible to tell that he was a man who had just come back to play after a year and a half of rest.

There were whistles and cheers at the scene.

Xu Yong's shot at the beginning made the fans think that he would repeat Jordan's mistakes, but it turned out that their worries were unnecessary.

Okafor continued to play singles under the basket, but the Mavericks tightened their defense this time. Okafor failed to release the ball in time and forced a one-on-two shot.

Xu Yong returned to the frontcourt and already started running tactics.

With Malone as head coach, his offensive tactical system is much richer than Thibodeau's.

Especially with Jokic, a passing master who can serve as a support axis at the three-point line, his tactical system can be maximized.

Of course, the premise is that the Mavericks have a second point of attack that is enough of an offensive threat.

Before, DeRozan couldn't play this role well when he was out of shape, but now Xu Yong is here.

Xu Yong used the cover to make a beautiful reverse cut to the basket, received Jokic's precise feed and directly attacked the basket.

His two offensive choices were very accurate, which was to attack the basket.

Although he has found his body feeling, his hand feeling has not fully recovered. In this case, attacking the basket is a better choice.

But this time Okafor shrank to the basket.

Jokic is not Adams. Not only is his defensive ability, but his defensive details such as Kaman are also much different from Adams.

Moreover, with such a small space under the basket, Xu Yong's pass was easily interfered with. In the end, Xu Yong chose to jump up, gliding sideways past Okafor in the air, and then threw the ball toward the basket from the opposite side with a pull rod.

This was a difficult shot, but after the ball passed through a high-speed rotating parabola in the air, it accurately fell into the net bag!

The Staples Center was in a state of flux.

Even Kobe showed an exaggerated "Wow" expression.

Starting from that dunk, Xu Yong has scored 6 points in a row.

Xu Yong is not only back, but it's as if he has never left!

Xu Yong lost his balance in the air, but he stood firmly when he landed.

At this time, he happened to be facing James, who was on the weak side with his hands on his hips. He continued to smile on his face:

"You know, actually I came to the West because of you. Good brothers, we must always be together."

(End of this chapter)