So I am the god of basketball?

Chapter 76 To tell a joke, the "small ball era" outruns the "big shark".

we need meng!

A slogan made famous by Duke fans.

It’s rare for arrogant white people to bow their heads.

Many media reported this incident, and this slogan became a symbol of Meng Lang.

But as Meng Lang entered the NBA, this slogan was forgotten in a corner that no one cared about along with his Finals MOP and various college awards.

Now, the chants of the live commentator at the Orlando Arena suddenly reminded all Orlandoans of this slogan.

After the first half, what they remember most is not Shaquille O'Neal who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds, but Meng Lang who stood up from the bench to help the Magic break the game.

His presence on the court has enriched the Magic's on-court tactics. Hardaway's breakthrough and distribution effect has become even better. Shaq has become easier to catch the ball under the basket, and the need to face double teams has also been greatly reduced.

The combination of "Shark" and "Penny" needs a pure pitcher next to them to help them expand their presence on the court.

"we need meng!"

“we need meng!“

“we need meng!“

So at the end of the intermission, when Meng Lang returned to the bench and sat down again, a burst of unified shouts spontaneously erupted from the scene.

Hardaway listened blankly and turned to look at Meng Lang enviously:
  "Man, they already know how important you are!"

Meng Lang curled his lips. The cheers of the people in Orlando were not useful to him. He calmly replied to Hardaway's words: "That's because they regarded me as too unimportant before!"

Chuck Daly showed a satisfied smile. This was the scene he was looking forward to.

He regretted that he did not witness the scene when "Cameron Madman" shouted "we need meng" in unison, and now he made it up for himself.

Being a head coach is sometimes too boring and you need to find some fun for yourself.

"It seems it will be difficult for me to put you on the bench again!" Chuck Daly asked Meng Lang to play with the starters.

"I believe that after many years, you will definitely become a big villain, and these bitches in Orlando will be the key to my ability to start!"

This is the power of "History of Time"!

Daley disagreed: "Anyway, my reputation is not very good anymore..."

The phrase "I want blood" not only reflected the NBA's defensive standards in the 80s, but also imprinted Chuck Daly's coaching style.

But in fact, compared to tactical adjustments and iron-blooded defense, the most outstanding aspect of Chuck Daly's coaching ability is that he knows people well and can put players in positions that suit him.

Of course, he is indeed a head coach who likes to watch the excitement.

"Speed ​​up and don't give them time to stop and think!"

Meng Lang followed the main players on the court, and Chuck Daly made key arrangements for the Magic's offensive style of play.

The assistant teacher next to me was a little worried.

Many later fans had certain misunderstandings about the 90s.

It is believed that the defense intensity during this period, coupled with the fact that it is the era of traditional centers, the total points scored by the two teams in each game are generally not very high.

This is a bit of an impression.

In fact, there were many teams that averaged more than 90 points per game in the 100s.

A series of teams such as the Bulls and SuperSonics have averaged more than 100 points per game all year round.

In the 90-91 season, the Bulls averaged 110 points per game.

The so-called view of low scoring teams in the "traditional center era" was actually brought about by the dominance of Larry Brown head coaches in the league. This suffocating defense reached its peak in the 05 Finals.

In order to improve this game environment, David Stern has just continued to strengthen the dominance of offensive players.

"Three-second zone", cancel hand-check...

There are actually many teams that play fast-paced offense and defense.

The Phoenix Suns also enjoy fast-paced offense. They relied on this style of play to reach the Finals last season, averaging 113.4 points per game.

It's just that he didn't express this concern. This is Chuck Daley's authority.

Suns coach Paul Westphal clearly didn't expect the Magic to change their style of play in the second half.

When Hardaway and Shaq are on the court, the Magic are no different from other teams with big centers. All Hardaway does is attract double-teams and then allow Shaq to catch the ball comfortably.

Hardaway, who has a gorgeous playing style, is still a traditional number one position.

The first thing engraved in the head of the No. [-] player in this era is to pass the ball and help his teammates score.

Shaquille O'Neal is eager for his arrival for this reason.

So even if Meng Lang came on the court, Paul Westphal didn't think much about it.

This is the inherent impression of pitchers.

In his opinion, Meng Lang came up to open up space for Shaq.

But this was his idea. He underestimated Meng Lang's status in Chuck Daly's heart.

Who is Meng Lang?

It was the entire college training group in the training camp that gave him unlimited cover, so he could compete with Jordan and complete the "3 plus 1" killer against Michael Jordan at the critical moment!
  It's not like there are no teams in this league that are pitcher-centric.

The first thing Nelson did when he joined the Warriors was to make Mullin the core of the tactics, and "God's left hand" completely transformed.

The core of the current Pacers is also a pitcher:
  Reggie Miller, who talks viciously and likes to kick his legs to get fouled when shooting three-pointers!

Chuck Daly would not think that Meng Lang's role is only to open up space.

His shooting can kill games.

Because of this carelessness, the Suns' first attack of the second half failed. Shaquille O'Neal grabbed the rebound and gave the ball to Hardaway.

The Suns, who watched him quickly cross the midline, did not immediately "mark man", but first established their defensive position.

Shaq hasn't even passed halftime yet, so I don't believe that you dare to take a direct shot.

Nick Anderson may not dare, and Denis Scott certainly doesn't dare, but Meng Lang does!
  Hardaway gave him the ball. He glanced at Shaq and jumped up to take the shot.

Dan Marley, who was standing in front of him, was misled by his eyes. When he threw the ball, he slowed down a beat and made a forward movement.

The ball crashed into the basket.

You little rookie, you really dare to vote!

Meng Lang's shot selection subverted Dan Marley's understanding of the "hidden rules" of the court.

There was a huge cheer at the scene.

They don't care whether they take action reasonably or unreasonably, whether they should take action or who will take action. As long as the ball goes into the damn basket, it's a good shot!
  "threeeeeeeeeeee!"

"From Meng-lang!"

Before his vocal cords were completely torn, the Suns had just finished serving, and the Magic actually maintained a "full-court press" defensive position.

This is……

Want to play fast break with us?
  After Kevin Johnson confirmed this, determination flashed in his eyes.

Come on then!

His explosive physical fitness was displayed at this moment. He passed two people in a row, rushed to the basket, jumped up against Shaquille O'Neal, and hit the board with a high shot. Meng Lang thought of the future Westbrook.

If he had the height of the "Turtle", would the competition for the "Historical Triple-Double King" become more intense?
  There was a scramble under the basket, and in the end Barkley used his famous big butt to get into a favorable position, jump on consecutive points, and control the rebound in his hands. His lower body strength can be described as "historic."

Shaquille O'Neal held back the first half and ushered in his first head-to-head confrontation with Barkley under the basket.    He is confident in himself.

As a result, he was mercilessly crushed under Barkley's butt for eight or nine seconds, and then watched him turn around and hit the board, completing the "second attack."

Meng Lang really wanted to suggest that a "five seconds of back hitting" rule should be introduced now.

This big ass is too bad!
  Regardless of height and tonnage, the "big shark" was crushed into "small dried fish".

Dan Marley paid special attention to Meng Lang's position this time. He was so close that the entire flank was opened.

Hardaway used his "Hardaway Change of Direction", using long strides to distance himself from Kevin Johnson and rushing inside. Facing a double team, from the gap between the two people, a beautiful pass was passed that made people couldn't help but exclaim.

The ball bounced high, and a pair of hands big enough to hold four or five bottles of mineral water covered it.

"Bah!"

A strong pull from both hands.

The distinctive Shaq-style hanging frame caused the entire basket to shake violently.

The photographer who was standing under the basket to take a close-up shot quickly moved to the side.

I really don't blame him.

Who allowed Shaq to dunk on three baskets last season?

It can be said that photographers in this era are considered to be in a high-risk industry. Not only must they be careful of the basket frame that may break at any time, but they must also be careful of someone breaking through the defense and kicking them directly in the balls.

What a "Valley of Evil"!

Kevin Johnson, who rushed inside when he got the ball, did not become Westbrook's template in the end. A very important reason is that he is always calm. He missed a shot and gave the ball to Barkley.

Chuck Daly decisively made a double-team gesture on the sidelines.

This gesture was made towards Meng Lang, and he had no unnecessary instructions.

After "Flying Pig" received the ball in the right elbow area, he faced Shaquille O'Neal and started to play with his back. Meng Lang did not go up immediately, but waited for Barkley to focus all his energy on O'Neal. Then he stepped forward, caught Barkley's blind spot, and slapped the ball out.

Hardaway grabbed the ball and the Magic began to counterattack.

Chuck Daly smiled. This was the double-teaming effect he hoped to see. Meng Lang fully understood his double-teaming intention.

Meng Lang stretched space to the right of the three-point line and clapped his hands very resolutely, allowing Hardaway to pass the ball and forcing the Suns' defensive players to shift their attention to him.

After getting the ball, he threw it away. After his ball feel improved, his passing became much smoother.

Shaquille O'Neal rushed to the free throw line and had another dunk.

To tell a joke, the "small ball era" outruns the "big shark".

That's because you haven't seen a "magic shark" before!
  The score difference was only one point, and Paul Westphal wanted to call a timeout.

But the ball was in Barkley's hands, and he planned to watch another play.

Barkley at the top of the arc held the ball and slowly observed, and suddenly made a through ball towards the basket, helping his teammates easily score two points.

The all-round skills of "Flying Pig" were demonstrated.

But Paul Westphal had just breathed a sigh of relief. Meng Lang, who had the ball, took the ball and shot from the three-point line, forcing his opponent to defend. Then he stepped forward and made a mid-to-long jump shot, quickly helping the Magic. The team then narrowed the point difference to 1 point.

Not anymore!
  Paul Westphal quickly raised his hand and called a timeout. Meng Lang was in such a hot state that he had to call a timeout to interrupt.

The assistant coach who just had doubts had a look of astonishment on his face. He didn't expect that the Suns, who were good at playing at a fast pace, would take the lead in calling a timeout during a fast-paced attack.

After Meng Lang came on the court, his role was obviously not just to open up space.

He also drives the rhythm of the entire team to a certain extent.

If the two shots were replaced by Anderson and Denis Scott, they might hesitate and let the opportunity slip away.

Meng Lang doesn't know how. As long as he feels the ball can be taken, he will take it firmly.

This is traceable. In the game against the Spurs, he only played 10 minutes, but took 10 shots!
  Even when his shooting condition was not good in the past, he never hesitated in his shots.

If you can make a shot, of course you have to make more shots. It feels so good, why not make it?

If you can't make a shot... Of course you have to shoot more. If you don't shoot more, where will the touch come from?

Ok……

Form permanent motion!

This is a relatively extreme example, but it can also illustrate Meng Lang's decisiveness to a certain extent.

And his place in Chuck Daly's mind.

Although he was playing as a substitute, Daly did not restrict his shots at all.

"Let's change the rhythm next..."

However, Chuck Daly did not continue to ask for a faster offensive and defensive rhythm.

Just now he was attacking the opponent's unexpected side, and now he is also attacking his opponent's unexpected side.

Dan Marley could clearly see how much he cared about Meng Lang when he was on defense.

Meng Lang caught on to his mentality and scored consecutive goals.

Expands his shooting threat.

Next, the Suns will definitely arrange Meng Lang on the defensive end.

Returning to positional combat, you can catch your opponent off guard again.

result……

all hit!

The Suns' formation began to expand. This is the most classic tactic to limit pitchers, and Shaquille O'Neal also gained a leisurely shooting space.

The Lakers' "three consecutive championships" proved Shaquille O'Neal's 1v1 dominance under the basket. Although he has not reached his peak yet, this kind of dominance has always been innate. Time and age only make it easier. This dominance becomes stronger.

To simply describe Shaquille O'Neal's state under the basket during the following period, there is only one word:

Cool!
  This feels so good!

So cool!

Vaguely, he felt his most comfortable style of play, but he couldn't put it into words.

If Meng Lang knew his doubts, he would definitely be able to answer him:

For Shaquille O'Neal, the most important thing is not a defender who can pass the ball. Although this can enhance his inside damage, the most important thing to him is the space under the basket!

Meng Lang came to the starting lineup and used three-pointers, which were not valued in this era, to achieve these.

Shaq scored 9 points in the remainder of the third quarter.

Scored 13 points in a single quarter.

Under his performance, the Magic's point difference advantage gradually consolidated.

At 8 minutes and 34 seconds of the fourth quarter, with Meng Lang hitting a three-pointer, the Magic's lead reached 10 points, basically killing the game.

Meng Lang, who made this shot, shook his head slightly. This was his first shot in the fourth quarter. He missed all three previous shots.

In this era where hand-checks are rampant, even though he almost missed the shot tonight, there were still ups and downs in his touch.

Of course, Meng Lang would not attribute the reason to this. For him, there is only one reason for the ups and downs of the hand:
  Still not strong enough!

　First update today.

　　
  　
  (End of this chapter)