Basketball's most talented forward is on the left

Manu has always been the most important player on the Spurs' bench. Without him, the Spurs' starting lineup is much stronger, but the bench is completely useless. This season, the Spurs' bench can even be compared with the Heat next door. This also leads to the fact that for the sake of performance, Pop

Vic had to overuse his starters.

Popovich has never been called the main force in his entire coaching career, but this season, he does mean that.

This is also the main reason why the Spurs were eventually beaten by the Black Bears. Players such as Duncan and Ginobili all suffered injuries late in the season, which affected their state.

Of course, this season is still very important for the Spurs. First, they understand that Duncan is really old and their main offense is no longer good. They are no longer the ratings killer that used suffocating defense to win, but in the playoffs

In the game, Popovich discovered that his trump card was still not enough, GDP still occupied a large amount of playing time, and the entire team lacked suitable lubricants. These changes were slowly carried out after the 2010-2011 season.

.Second, being hacked also stimulated their nerves, so they have the motivation to rise again in the next game.

Of course, the exchange for the No. 15 pick is really worth it.

But now, the Spurs still have the best record in the Western Conference and are second only to the Knicks. Therefore, the game between the two teams in San Antonio on January 5th is definitely the focus of this round of focus.

The Spurs have been preparing since the New Year.

You may not believe it, but Popovich had already set his sights on the Knicks before the Christmas game.

Although Popovich said during the interview that he did not watch the game at all, the actual situation is that he not only watched the entire game, but also watched the video twice, which made the Spurs coaching staff watch the game minute by minute.

analysis.

Because in Popovich's mind, the Knicks are the opponent they are most likely to encounter in the finals, even surpassing the Heat, who is considered the favorite by the outside world.

Yes, Popovich is ambitious this season. From putting Manu in the starting lineup, the Spurs are trying to use Duncan's final peak to rush for a championship!

Of course he knows Ginobili's ability. Although he is called a super sixth man, many people even think that his style of play is not suitable for being a starter. However, Popovich knows that this is just because Manu does not compete.

A sacrifice for the Spurs as a collective.

Of course Ginobili has the ability to be a starter, and is even better than most of the league's second positions. The Argentinian demon was not blown out. Have you forgotten who broke the Dream Team?

The reason why Popovich has always asked Ginobili to play the sixth man is because the styles of Duncan and Ginobili do not match.

Ginobili plays more shooting guard, which will compromise the organization's connection with Duncan's axis, and it will be difficult for the Spurs' main tactical offensive system to reach its ideal state.

Watching Spurs games, you will see that when Ginobili and Duncan are on the court, Duncan's chances of getting the ball are greatly reduced, and the offense relies more on outside shots and breakthroughs.

Ginobili Only when Parker's condition is not good, or the cooperation between Parker and Duncan is limited, Ginobili comes on to replace Parker, or both of them come on at the same time, which can often play a good role.

Coupled with Ginobili's sharp breakthrough and strong outside three-point shooting, although it is very physical, it can often play a role in changing the world at a certain period of time. But if Ginobili starts and plays a long time

, it will reduce the efficiency of the Spurs' core offensive system, and the physical consumption will also increase, which is not conducive to the overall physical fitness and the maintenance of physical fitness throughout the season.

This is why Popovich uses Ginobili as the sixth man for a long time.

This season, the main reason why he was put into the starting lineup is that Popovich also understands that Duncan is old and needs someone to share his offensive shortcomings.

And just as Popovich thought, letting Duncan become the core of the defense and letting Parker and Manu become the two offensive arrows really made up for the Spurs' weak offense last season. The record at this time proves that this is feasible!

Moreover, Popovich feels that he has found a way to restrain the Knicks.

So on the 4th, the day before the game, Popovich called everyone for a meeting and emphasized the importance of the next day's game.

"We need to go all out in this game. Although they are not our direct opponents in the regular season, we need to treat them as our biggest enemies this year. They are very strong, but we are also good. Tim, this game may require

You take on greater responsibilities." Popovich pointed at Duncan.

Duncan nodded, his expression unwavering. No matter who he hit or what he did, Duncan would execute it 100%.

To be honest, if Duncan and the Spurs can be selected, no, no, no, the entire San Antonio ancestral grave will be smoking.

Popovich is not a god, and he cannot control all the stars. Kawhi's departure in the future proves Duncan's greatness. He may be the only superstar in history who does not care about his own data and serves the team wholeheartedly.

star.

In this game, Popovich also assigned Duncan a seemingly impossible task.

Beyond that, he also highlighted George Hill, who he hopes can bring energy to the Spurs off the bench.

There is no way, the Spurs really have no substitutes.

Everything is ready, Popovich and the Spurs are ready.

…

The Knicks naturally attach great importance to this battle. In addition to the opponent being the Spurs, this is also the first stop of the Knicks' long journey to the West. Of course, they all hope to use a victory to give a good start to the devil's schedule in the future.

After a night's rest in Chicago, the Knicks' plane landed in San Antonio across the entire United States the next morning.

Coming from the sin city of Chicago to the Holy Village of Texas, the style of the painting has changed a bit. Sitting on the bus and looking at the low-rise houses around me, I felt a little dazed for a moment.

But the good thing is that even the little princes in the nightclub have become stoic when they come here, so the first training after lunch is very effective. I know that there are no activities to participate in at night.

I try my best to release my energy on the training ground.

At this time, they didn't know that the Spurs had prepared an overwhelming net, and they didn't know that the Spurs had already targeted the Knicks and regarded the Knicks as their imaginary opponent in the finals. They also wanted to test whether they had the strength to win the championship.

Of course, it doesn't matter even if you know, because the Knicks have already prepared to give the Spurs an exciting opportunity!

On the evening of January 5th, the long-lost nightlife in the Holy City began. Fans from all over the world took to the streets tonight, ready to enjoy this contest between the East and the West.

Naturally, the Spurs home court was packed with people, and the Spurs boss was also sitting on the sidelines. This was a nationally broadcast game, so it would be good to promote your own excavator.

Starting lineups for both sides:

Spurs: Duncan, McDyess, Jefferson, Ginobili, Parker.

This is the Spurs' regular starting lineup this year.

Look at the Knicks again: Zuo Li, David Lee, Battier, Ke Liu, Dragic.

"What the fuck?! The Knicks changed three people!"