NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

Chapter 226 The end of an era and the beginning of an era!

Jordan opened his hands, trying to get the ball this time, but the basketball would never come to his hands.

Lin Tian! It’s still Lin Tian!

He bypassed the screen, caught up with Jordan, and used incredible speed to catch up with the small gap between the two. Then before Jordan touched the basketball, he poked the ball toward the center circle!

This time, in order to intercept the ball, Lin Tian almost used a diving posture. He almost threw himself out, and finally touched the basketball before Jordan.

"Steal! Lin stole again! Lin again! In the last two rounds, Lin dominated the court! Dominated Jordan! Yes, dominated Jordan!" Marcus's voice was already heartbreaking: "A block and a steal! In two rounds, Lin used these two rounds of defense to end the Bulls!"

"I think we can congratulate the Pacers in advance for entering the finals!"

Miller's reaction was extremely fast. He was the first to run towards the basketball, and then he was the first to touch the basketball. Then he dribbled the ball and ran towards the frontcourt!

When the Bulls players finally caught up with him and wanted to foul him, Miller passed the ball to Lin Tian, ​​who had also rushed to the frontcourt!

Lin Tian once again showed off his terrifying physical reserves while holding the ball. After running on the court for another 5 seconds, he finally ran out of time and was hugged by Pippen and sent a free throw. Wire.

At this time, there were only the last 12 seconds left in the game.

Trailing by 12 points in 5 seconds, the opponent wanted to take a free throw, but he did not time out.

The Bulls' current situation is no longer on the edge of the cliff. They have actually fallen, but they have not yet fallen to the ground.

But that was only a matter of time. Everyone knew that the Bulls were finished! There are only the last 12 seconds left of their season!

Want to reverse course?

They first have to pray that the season's free throw percentage exceeds 80%. Lin Tian, ​​who exceeded 90% in this series, missed two free throws. Then they pray that they can hit a 5-pointer within 6-3 seconds, and then interrupt the Pacers' shot. Pass the ball or pray that the Pacers will make another 2 free throws and finally a 3-pointer.

This is no longer an impossible task, this is simply a fantasy!

"Shh!"

Especially, when Lin Tian stood firmly on the free throw line and then hit the first free throw, the Chicago fans were already desperate.

"Shh!"

Then, when Lin Tian hit his second free throw, when the point difference between the two sides reached 7 points, and at least 3 goals were needed to catch up, the suspense of this game completely disappeared!

The Bulls lost!

The Bulls, who have won 7 championships in the past 5 years, including 3 consecutive championships and 2 consecutive championships, lost!

The Pacers players were already in a state of revelry, and no one paid attention to Cole, who was dribbling the ball all the way to the frontcourt, or to the meaningless three-pointer he shot out of desperation.

"Boom!"

And with the sound of iron hitting, Ben, the only one who still remembers rebounding, grabbed the rebound and waited for time to run out.

This long but exciting series called ‘turn-based’ competition is finally over!

The excited Barkley rushed from the bench to the court the moment the buzzer sounded at the end of the game, and then wildly hugged every teammate he saw! He finally defeated Jordan! Even if he didn't play at the last moment tonight due to defensive flaws, his contribution is indispensable for the Pacers' victory tonight!

Miller's legs weakened at the end of the game, and he sat on the floor. Then he walked backwards and lay there on the floor, breathing heavily. He ran a full 42 seconds tonight. Minutes later, his physical strength had already been exhausted.

Christie, who has always been reserved, rushed to the technical stage. He stood on the technical stage and roared towards the sky! His two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter not only saved the Pacers, he also saved himself!

Da Ben got directly under Lin Tian's crotch, and then used his legs to let Lin Tian ride on his shoulders and lift Lin Tian up!

Thomas and Bird, the old gangster duo, looked at each other, smiled, reached out and gave a high five, and walked toward the Bulls' bench at the same time.

As coaches, they also have to shake hands with Jackson and pay tribute.

Everyone on the Pacers roared with excitement and celebrated wildly, defeating the Bulls and advancing to the finals!

They really did it!

This is the first time in the history of the Pacers that they have advanced to the finals!

Compared to the craziness of the Pacers, the fans in the entire United Center were languid at the moment. At this moment, there were still no fans leaving the stadium, but the scene was still extremely quiet.

They couldn't accept the fact that their team was eliminated like this. They were watching the timer hard, hoping that they would suddenly have 5 more minutes for them to reverse.

"Lin! He did everything! Lin did everything tonight!" When the whistle officially sounded at the end of the game, Marcus no longer suppressed his excitement and roared: "Lin tonight is... The strongest in the NBA! He is the strongest player in the NBA!"

“是的，我知道今晚的迈克尔一个人就在第四节拿到了公牛队全部的分数，他单节爆砍了整整30分！虽然今晚他一个人33投16中，爆砍43分14个篮板4次助攻4次抢断和3次盖帽的完美数据！”

"Although Michael did his best in terms of statistics and scenes, in the last two rounds of the game, he was defeated by Lin! And he was defeated by Lin from the front!"

Smith followed up: "Yes! Michael's performance tonight was great! On any night when he plays such a crazy performance, his opponent will definitely be beaten to the ground by him without any ability to fight back, but tonight is different! Tonight is different!" Opposite him is the equally amazing Lin!"

“今晚的林拿下了36分14篮板8助攻5抢断3盖帽！他的表现同样精彩绝伦！虽然在这个晚上，林的命中率非常糟糕，但他在下半场独砍29分！他在最后时刻锁死了乔丹！”

"Lin tonight also deserves all the praise! And he has indeed done it. He has fulfilled every big word he said before the season, during the season and up to tonight! Every promise he made Promise! Tonight, he will be the strongest in the league!"

After Marcus waited for Smith to finish speaking, he followed up excitedly: "Except for Lin, the performance of the entire Pacers team in the fourth quarter tonight is commendable! Christie finally hit 3 points, or two, Miller’s alert movement and that crucial three-pointer, and Barkley’s strong play at the basket.”

"Of course there is Ben's defense and rebounding. This victory tonight belongs to the entire Pacers team! All of them deserve and deserve this victory!"

"In short, let us congratulate the entire Indiana, let us congratulate all Indiana fans, and let us congratulate the birth of the new king of the Eastern Conference!"

Yes, the new king of the East is born!

After all, everyone knows that the relationship between Pippen and the Bulls management is almost irreconcilable. He wants to leave and pursue his big contract. Rodman is also in his own contract year. He is in poor condition this year and is injured. He was sick frequently, and his thoughts were actually no longer on basketball.

This guy wants to play more. Although he grabbed a career-high 31 rebounds in the playoffs tonight, almost everyone feels that Rodman will never play again.

The conflict between Phil Jackson and the management has also reached the point where it cannot be adjusted. He wants management rights and personnel rights. How can Krause sit back and watch his job be taken away? Jackson wanted a bigger contract, but Reinsdorf felt that Jackson's success depended on Jordan and Pippen.

Status, money, recognition... A successful coach, a super coach who has the potential to even become the number one coach in history, does not get any respect.

His departure is almost a certainty.

Their story almost ends here.

When this Bulls team finally ushered in its final chapter and was destined to disband, Jordan's choice became the most curious thing.

This offseason, there will be a topic about how Jordan will choose, and it will definitely become the biggest, hottest and most concerning topic in the entire offseason!

Will he stay with the Bulls? Will he change teams? Or will Jordan be just like Lin Tian remembers, with MVP-level super-high standards, resolutely choose to retire directly, leaving a perfect back for everyone?

Well, with an imperfect back, Jordan didn’t win the championship this year!

I don’t know when it started, but the fans at the United Center suddenly became lively again. I don’t know who started shouting, but soon, the entire stadium rang out uniform slogans.

"ONE MORE YEAR!"

"ONE MORE YEAR!"

"ONE MORE YEAR!"

That is, another year!

The fans shouted from the bottom of their hearts. Their shouts were for the players, the coaching staff, the management and their boss Reinsdorf.

They really hope that this Bulls team can have another year with the current lineup!

They really hope that the team can take revenge on the Pacers next year and give them a good look!

But obviously, no matter how hard the fans shout and scream, no one can give them the answer at this time.

Everything is unknown.

"Congratulations to Lin, you played well, a beautiful game." When the Pacers' celebration slowly ended, and when the Bulls players gradually recovered from their disappointment, Jordan walked to Lin Tian's side , stretched out his hand and shook his hand and said: "I hate to say this, but I wish you a championship."

"You are much more peaceful than I thought. I thought you would be so angry that you would explode and then turn around and leave." Lin Tian hugged Jordan, but his mouth was still wet.

"You win fair and square. I'm eager to win, but I'm not someone who can't afford to lose. Come again." Jordan shrugged and said, "By the way, Juanita has prepared a sumptuous dinner. Charlize has already met Juan Nita is going home first, and you have to go too."

"Don't go to some bullshit celebration party with Charles or Reggie. Come to my house and let's have a good chat."

"I will go." Lin Tian nodded, also patted Jordan and said: "I won't let you cry alone in the dark night."

Lin Tian responded with Jordan's back and raised middle finger.

Of course, there are still 3000 experience points!

Of these 3000 experience points, 2800 came from the Bulls and Pacers players at the end of the game. The Bulls players were in pain due to failure, while the Pacers players were enjoying the carnival of victory. Together, they gave Lin Tianhao has contributed a lot of experience.

Of course, the bulk came from Jordan, who contributed 800 points alone, 600 of which were received after Lin Tian completed his steal, and the remaining 200 points were due to Lin Tian agreeing to go to his house for dinner. after.

It can be seen that Jordan is very happy and satisfied that Lin Tian accepted his invitation without thinking.

As for Lin Tian?

He felt that this was not an invitation, but a threat, and it was the kind of threat that comes with a hostage!

You all took Theron away like a horse, how can I choose? Call Theron and tell her to come out and not go home with Juanita? Or ignore Theron and let her eat with the Jordan family?

Of course, before going to Jordan's house, there is still a press conference waiting for Lin Tian that will definitely be very long and boring.

Oh, and there’s even one segment that’s more boring and more yawn-inducing than the press conference.

Presentation of Eastern Conference Champions.

But who cares about this Eastern Conference championship trophy?

Especially if this is the only thing without the championship trophy, then this thing is basically reminding you every moment: You lost the championship game!

Anyway, Lin Tian felt that this crappy thing that could only give people shock and painful memories once it appeared alone was really not worth it.

Well, how about giving it to Theron? Give it to Theron along with Jordan's MVP trophy?

It seems pretty good.

Thinking of this, Lin Tian looked back at the stands and found that Juanita and Theron had indeed left their original positions together. It seemed that they had driven home early.

Then Lin Tian greeted Spike Lee, Carter, Jamison and others one by one, and then after lifting the useless Eastern Conference Championship trophy, he walked into the player tunnel, preparing to attend the boring news press conference.

At this time, he could guess almost any question reporters would ask Lin Tian without even having to go there. Lin Tian could even write a draft for reporters in advance, allowing them to express themselves freely.

But rules are rules, and although this is the third time Lin Tian has won the Eastern Conference championship, it is the first time for both Miller and Barkley.

This is the first time Miller has reached the finals. Although Barkley has reached the finals once, the last time was in the Western Conference.

So these two guys are jumping up and down right now, as excited as Fat and Thin Toutuo!

Seeing how happy these two guys were, Bird simply brought them and Lin Tian to tonight's press conference to have fun together.

When the reporters saw such a huge lineup, they were also very happy!

This is a lot of material!

"First of all, congratulations to everyone for entering the finals. This is the first time in the history of the Pacers! What do you think of this kind of record-breaking thing?"

"This is of course a historic moment! This is the happiest day of my career so far! But I believe that in two weeks, I will be even happier! Because at that time, we will win the O'Brien Trophy! "

"We will be champions!"

The corners of Miller's mouth rarely turned down to show his signature expression of being owed money to him by the whole world. Instead, he smiled upward. He was really happy today.

"Yes, a historic moment! For this moment, I lost a lot and gave up a lot, but I gained more! I believe it is all worth it!" Barkley followed closely: "I am ready , off to beat Salt Lake City!”

"I don't feel anything." Lin Tian said relaxedly: "It's very easy for me to be able to enter the finals every year in my career. This is what I will do and be able to do every year. Wherever I go, If you ask me this question again one year when we can't make it to the finals, I might have some special feelings at that time."

"Although I have not been able to enter the finals every year in my career, how many have I won? Forget it, there are a few championships anyway, so at this time, what special thoughts do you want me to have? I can’t tell either.”

As soon as Lin Tian finished speaking, Wang Bode, another big player on the team, continued: "If I have to say it, it will be very uncomfortable to lose in the finals. It feels terrible, but it also feels great to win several times. This At one point, I feel the same way as Lin!"

After Bird and Lin Tian finished speaking, Miller's happy expression just now disappeared, and his expression once again changed to "Everyone in this world owes me 200 million."

After all, he had just been criticized by two bastards for not seeing the world.

What's so great, isn't it just that we've made it to the finals a few times?

Barkley's simple but stupid happy expression disappeared, and his face looked as if he had just lost the 93 Finals.

After all, he had just been criticized by two bastards for not seeing the world.

What's so great, isn't it just winning a few championships?

Barkley and Miller, the two fellow sufferers, couldn't help but look back at each other, and then their eyes met.

Then Barkley got excited!

"Yes, losing the finals is really a bad thing. In 93, I was so sad that I didn't smile at all for two months. When I was so close to the championship, I fell short. This feeling is worse than losing the division. The final is 20 times harder!"

Barkley quickly pointed the finger at Miller: "Sometimes I even envy those who have never lost in the finals. After all, there are some things that will not be too painful if you have never been close."

It only took Barkley a moment to decide his camp. I have also been to the finals. I, Lin and Larry will despise those losers who don't know what the finals are.

"FUXX!" Miller didn't want to look at those three guys anymore. How could there be such bastards in this world?

Kill them sooner or later!

"Lin, many people say that this series is a sign that the players who entered the league before 90 will begin to hand over the reins to you players who entered the league after 90. People say this is a sign that A fresh start!”

"Especially after you defeated Jordan and the Bulls, many people said that you are already the strongest player in the league. What do you think of this statement?"

"It's an honor, I'm very happy." Lin Tian rarely said anything risqué, but said very simply: "Besides, I think I am worthy of it!"

The reporters below were in an uproar.

This kid is so arrogant!

What he said was indeed simple and clear, without beating around the bush.

Just admit it so directly that you are the strongest in the alliance?

When Jordan took over the scepter from Magic, Dr. J, Isaiah Thomas and others, none of them...

Well, okay, Jordan at that time seemed to be even more arrogant than Lin Tian tonight.

When he defeated the Pistons and entered the Finals, Jordan almost paid tribute to Thomas and the entire Pistons team. As for when he defeated the Magic and won his first championship trophy, well, Jordan at that time was... The word arrogance cannot be used to describe it.

The word arrogance doesn't suit him, it's too subtle.

In this comparison... Lin Tian seems to be okay? Not that arrogant?

A reporter stood up and continued to ask Lin Tian about this topic: "So do you think Michael's era is over?"

"Look at Michael's performance in this series. He can still score 60 points in a single game, score a buzzer beater, and score 30 points in a single quarter! His performance is still better than 99.9% of the people in this league!"

After saying this, Lin Tian suddenly smiled and said: "I am the 0.1%!"

Arrogant!

So arrogant!

Who just said this guy is humble compared to Jordan? Where is his humility?

But unfortunately, no reporter could refute what Lin Tian said.

Because when Jordan scored 60+, Lin Tian also scored 60 points.

Because when Jordan made a buzzer-beater, Lin Tian also had a buzzer-beater, and even a counter-killer aimed at Jordan!

When Jordan scored 30 points in a single quarter, Lin Tian disrupted Jordan's offense twice in the last minute, preventing him from helping the team achieve a comeback.

With this kind of performance, it would be a bit modest for Lin Tian to say that he is better than Jordan.

To say that he crushed Jordan in this series would be in line with Lin Tian's past arrogance.

……

At around 2 o'clock in the morning, Lin Tian and Jordan were sitting side by side by the swimming pool in the backyard of Jordan's villa.

They had just finished their dinner party. Juanita went to coax Marcus and Jeffrey to sleep. Theron lay down on the bed to rest early because of the fatigue of traveling. Only Jordan and Lin Tian were left alone. Holding a bottle of beer, sitting by the pool, unwilling to go back to the room to sleep.

"How does it feel to beat me? Do you feel like you have won the whole world?" Jordan took a sip of beer and finally brought the topic back to the game.

This night, before his words, no one in the group even mentioned the NBA, basketball or this series.

"You think too highly of yourself." Lin Tian snorted and said, "I have to win the World Championships, Olympic Games, championship, MVP, FMVP and all other honors before I can feel like conquering the world."

"I only beat you once, it's not worth mentioning."

"Fortunately, you have good skills and are really good at fighting." Jordan curled his lips and said, "Otherwise you would have been beaten to death sooner or later. I have never seen a guy who deserves a beating like you in my life!"

"You don't think you are easy to get along with, you are a good person." Lin Tian also took a sip of wine and said: "If you couldn't play basketball, you would have been killed long ago. You are no less annoying than me. !”

After Lin Tian said this, the two people suddenly became quiet.

For a full 2 ​​minutes, there was no sound from the yard.

"What did you think about it in Xia Tian?" This time, it was Lin Tian's turn to take the initiative to ask.

"I don't know." Jordan shook his head. He knew the Bulls' predicament better than anyone else. He was even 100% sure that if he hadn't performed at a super level this year, he would have used his intimidation, status and the temptation of three consecutive championships. The Bulls were forcibly kneaded together, and this team must have broken up long ago!

Role players want bigger contracts. Pippen and Jackson also want bigger contracts and more respect. Who knows what Rodman’s thoughts are on, as well as Krause and Reindo. The couple's miserly pair's tolerance for Jordan has almost come to an end long ago.

After losing this round of the Eastern Conference finals, Jordan was certain that this Bulls team would completely collapse overnight, and the players, coaches, and management would definitely undergo a wave of large-scale changes.

No one knows what the Bulls will look like next season.

"Why don't you just retire." Lin Tian is also very aware of the Bulls' current predicament, otherwise Jordan in history would not have resolutely chosen to retire in such great condition.

In addition to being frustrated by the league's suspension, the disintegration of the Bulls also made Jordan feel that he no longer had any need to stay in the league and the Bulls.

He couldn't find any purpose other than helping Reinsdorf make a lot of dollars.

"Retire? Stop joking." Jordan laughed and said: "I will not leave the league with the title of loser. You defeated me and you want me to leave? Impossible!"

"I will retire. My career will definitely not be long, but I will definitely kill you and your team before leaving the league! Lin, don't expect me to leave the league with a label that I can never defeat you. .”

"You are really too small-minded." After listening to Jordan's words, Lin Tian felt relieved for some reason.

Maybe, he didn't want the guy who averaged 30 points per game in the regular season and led the Eastern Conference to be number one, to just leave.

"How about you go to San Antonio? If you add two big men, I might have a chance to destroy you again next season. Or Salt Lake City is not bad. If they lose the finals for three consecutive years, they will definitely be called the best. What a joyful thing!”

"Just worry about your own game." Jordan said angrily: "You are so confident. Do you think you can definitely win the Jazz? They are not easy to deal with!"

"At worst, I'll just fuck them all again." Lin Tian said easily: "It's not like I haven't beaten him before. I can press that scumbag Stockton to the ground and blast him into a meat pie, and Charles won't be afraid of Karl. This series is not difficult.”

"It's not that simple! This year's Jazz team is better than last year's!"

Speaking of this, Jordan seemed to become interested all of a sudden, and the slight depression disappeared in an instant: "They have many things besides pick-and-roll! For example, Karl's new move of 4-1 reverse pick-and-roll this year is Karl's new move. Holding the ball as a screen for John..."

When the topic returned to basketball, to the purest form of basketball, which had nothing to do with business, money, performance or anything else, just basketball, Jordan's chatter box suddenly opened up, and the haze of losing to the Pacers tonight disappeared. Suddenly, he and Lin Tian began to chat in detail about the Jazz's lineup composition, main rotations, playing style, tactical system, and their weaknesses and strengths.

It wasn't until the east turned pale and the sun was about to rise that Jordan was finally driven back to the room to sleep by Juanita who came out of the room.

Looking at the back of Jordan who left first, Juanita suddenly said: "Thank you Lin, thank you very much."

"What are you thanking me for? Let Michael take leave half a month early so that he can spend more time with you?"

"Of course not." Juanita laughed and said, "Thank you for changing Michael. If he was the same person before I met you, he would not talk to anyone for at least a month after losing a series and being eliminated. , he will lock himself in the training hall or the weight room for at least a month."

"But losing to you didn't seem to make him feel too bad. It only took him two hours to recover. Of course I have to thank you."

"Then you'd better put away all the newspapers that will be delivered later and don't let Michael see it, otherwise he will definitely get sick immediately!" Lin Tian thought about it and decided to give Juanita a piece of advice, otherwise , did he know how lethargic he, Miller and Barkley were last night, and how much they said and didn't do.

Lin Tian was very sure that if Jordan saw those things, he might immediately rush to Salt Lake City with a submachine gun to take revenge.

Juanita glanced at Lin Tian helplessly and said: "Although you are a bastard no matter how you look at it, no matter how you get along with girls, the way you talk to the media, or what you usually do, it makes me uncomfortable It’s very frustrating, but I gotta say, you’re a good guy Lin.”

"I quite like you."

"You'd better not let Michael hear this." Lin Tian stretched and said, "Okay, which room is Chariz sleeping in? I have to go and take a nap quickly. We will fly there directly in the afternoon. Salt Lake City, getting ready for the Finals, it's all Michael's fault, if they just get swept, we can have a few more days off."

A few minutes later, Lin Tian lay quietly next to Theron. Just when he was about to sleep for a while, he felt something as soft as an octopus wrap around him.

"I've been waiting for you all night, and you want to just sleep like this? Next time you chat with others, just coax me to sleep first!" Theron pressed Lin Tian aggressively, with some black eyes proving it. This girl actually stayed up all night.

"Why don't you take a break?"

"I'm afraid that you two will fight." Theron said a little aggrievedly: "And when you two were talking about shooting, layups and other things, you almost started fighting!"

Lin Tian turned over, regained the initiative and said, "You have to remember one thing, no one in this alliance can beat me!"

"I know, but I'm afraid that you will beat Jordan. If you are suspended, your championship this year will be very...well, don't..."

By the time Lin Tian and Theron got up from the bed, it was already a little dark, and the Jordan family didn't know where they had gone, leaving only a note for Lin Tian and the two of them.

"F... Damn it, Juanita won't let me say bad words in front of the children, but you bastard, if you don't shy away from it at all in my house next time and make such a loud voice, I will kill you! There is food in the refrigerator , If you want to eat, you can eat, if you don’t want to eat, just get out."

"Larry, I've already asked for leave for you. You can go directly to Salt Lake City to meet with them. The latest flight today is at 10 o'clock in the evening. You'd better catch up, otherwise Larry will definitely kill you. .”

Lin Tian handed the note to Theron and said: "Hey, he said you were loud and threatened to kill you." At the same time, Lin Tian whistled, turned around and went to the refrigerator to find food, and then put in a few pizzas left by Jordan. And steak in the microwave.

"Aren't you going to catch the plane? Aren't you afraid that your coach will kill you?" Theron glanced at the note, his face was just a little red, but he didn't say anything else.

"It's only 6 o'clock now. It's only half an hour from here to the airport. There's plenty of time." Lin Tian pulled Theron into his arms and said, "Do you think Michael and the others will come back suddenly?"

"If we are here, we should hear the sound of the door opening." Theron's breathing became a little thicker. Of course she knew that having enough time meant more than just eating pizza.

Lin Tian obviously wanted to eat something else.

……

After the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers only had two days of rest. On the night of June 6, they would have their first game of the Finals against the Jazz!

You know, the Jazz easily swept the Lakers. They had been resting since May 5th, and by June 24rd, they had rested for 6 days!

It can be said that in terms of physical strength, the Jazz, who swept easily, are much more abundant than the Pacers, who fought the Bulls for 7 games before finally advancing! They are definitely in full physical condition!

In order to let the team recover as much as possible, Bird did not transfer back to Indiana. Instead, he took the whole team to Salt Lake City the day after the Eastern Conference Finals and let the players have a good rest in the hotel!

At the same time, Bird also issued a grounding order for everyone. No matter who they were, they were not allowed to leave the hotel, go out to have fun, or bring anyone into the hotel!

This is Salt Lake City, one of the cities with the lowest moral bottom line in the United States. No one knows if there are crazy fans waiting in front of the hotel, waiting for the opportunity to stir up trouble and cause some discomfort for the Pacers in the finals. .

No one knows if there really is a lunatic with a gun ready to shoot these Pacers players.

Therefore, the best and safest way to play in the playoffs in Salt Lake City is to hide in the hotel and not go out. From training to eating, drinking and resting, everything is done in the hotel.

Fortunately, the entire Pacers team is here for the championship, and most of them are veterans. They have clear priorities and know what bottom lines must not be touched.

Therefore, except for Lin Tian, ​​who came a few hours later than others and arrived at the hotel in the early morning of the 2nd, everyone else stayed in the room playing games and watching. TV, at most go to the training gym to add a few sets of strength or shooting training to yourself.

As for training, Bird 1 did not prepare for training at all, just to let everyone relax and recover. Bird 2 just did some very simple and easy shooting and layup training, letting the players sweat and find their condition and then they were done. .

As for most other times, Bird brought a TV and let everyone watch the Jazz's game videos and game analysis this season.

And Bird didn't even analyze too much on the day of the 2nd, he just let the players see for themselves, not only because he believed in his players and knew that they were experienced and very capable of absorbing, but also because he wanted the players to Have an extra day of rest!

You need to rest mentally and physically!

It wasn't until the morning of the 3rd, the morning of the game, that Bird gathered everyone together again and began to analyze the Jazz's lineup, play style, and defensive strategies of key players.

"Compared to last season, this team has undergone some changes, but not much." After Bird cleared his throat, he began his last and most important tactical analysis class of the season.

"The first is their core components: head coach Sloan, power forward Malone, and point guard Stockton. These are the three most important and core people of the Jazz. They are also the top team in the Western Conference for many years. reason."

"Both Charles and Lin met this team in the playoffs last year, so we actually know them very well. Compared with last year, their top four scorers are still Malone and Stowe. Cotton, Hornacek and Russell, the most important guys on their team haven't changed at all."

"Their changes this season come from role players. First of all, last year's starting center, who once made 'Big Dream' Olajuwon very uncomfortable, Ostertag was marginalized this season and became a substitute player. , the player named as the starter is Adam Fiekey.”

"Of course, Greg Foster will start in some games, and what I will say is that these two guys are faster than Ostertag and have better help defense and rotation ability, which is also The reason why the Jazz gave up on Ostertag this season.”

"Sloan has created a defensive system that is better defensive, faster, and more mobile. His purpose is to make up for last year's team's predicament of being blown away by Lin and Jordan, even if he lost some of his teammates because of it. Tonnage, height and rebounding advantage, but they obviously get more!”

"For example, although they were beaten by O'Neal in this year's Western Conference finals by averaging 30+10 per game, they hardly attacked the basket, making O'Neal's intimidation at the basket ineffective. Their perimeter defense and entire rotation system are similar. Perfect, it makes the Lakers' three All-Stars on the outside perform below their average performance."

"This season's Jazz ranks first in the entire NBA in defensive ability. They are the best defensive team in the league. Their only flaw on the defensive end is their interior air defense and basket protection, as well as their lack of defense in low post singles. .”

"Charles, this depends on you! You must destroy the Jazz's inside line and strive for more opportunities for our outside line!"

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten the shame Karl brought to me last year. This year, I will let him know who is the real and best power forward in this league!" Barkley was full of confidence and said he would definitely give Malone a try. A good look.

(End of this chapter)