Bulldozer of the NBA’s Restricted Area

The Jazz's current record is 33 wins and 22 losses, temporarily ranking sixth in the Western Conference.

More than half of the regular season, the level of each team has basically been reflected. Taking the Western Conference as an example, several strong teams have already locked up playoff spots, and the rest are still trying to squeeze into the top eight. The Jazz have already He set his sights on several strong teams in the West.

Phoenix Suns, 40 wins and 12 losses.

Seattle SuperSonics, 37 wins and 17 losses.

San Antonio Spurs, 35 wins and 18 losses.

Portland Trail Blazers, 34 wins and 19 wins.

Houston Rockets, 33 wins and 21 losses.

Due to scheduling issues, the number of games played by each team is uneven, but counting the sixth-place Jazz... As expected, the six playoff tickets have been divided up, and the remaining two seats will be given to other teams. The team will fight for it, but there is a high probability that it will land in Los Angeles, where the Clippers and Lakers are waiting.

…

Next schedule.

The Jazz defeated the Hornets on March 1st, and until mid-to-late March, the Jazz played ten games, home and away, strong and weak, with a record of 8 wins and 2 losses, and a total record of 41 wins and 24 losses. Ranked fourth in the Western Conference.

The powerful inside combination of Li Shengli and Malone, coupled with the top point guard Stockton, Utah's two evils are a thing of the past. Today's Utah three evils are definitely qualified to sweep the Western Conference.

Although everyone was always worried about the distribution of ball rights inside at the beginning, after ten games... this consideration is really unnecessary.

You must know that Li Shengli and Ma Long have initially formed a tacit understanding of their cooperation, and their private relationship has gradually warmed up. They don't care about trivial matters such as who is playing more and who is playing less. And Malone... what he wants is a championship ring, and he is happy to see Li Shengli share his offensive pressure.

…

On the evening of March 21st.

The Jazz will arrive in San Antonio, Texas, to prepare for the 66th game of the regular season against the Spurs. Since the game is on the 22nd of the next day,... the Jazz will take the airport bus and arrive at the hotel to rest first.

Perhaps because of the relationship between the two evil spirits, the atmosphere of the entire Jazz team is very good. When staying at the hotel, except for coach Jerry Sloan's single room, everyone else shared a room with two people. Malone and Stockton were together, and the others were in two rooms. Two pairs.

It's not that the Jazz are stingy. On the contrary, owner Larry Miller is really willing to spend money. But Malone and Stockton live together, and of course no one else dares to take the lead.

As for Li Shengli, not to mention that when he was in the Hornets, he either lived with the snoring Curry or the smelly Bogues. He has long been used to it, and this time, his new roommate is... Gram Roti.

Speaking of Crotty, his ten-game suspension has ended, and because of that crazy battle, his position in the Jazz has undergone a...subtle change.

First, the teammates... Although the atmosphere of the Jazz team is good, it is relative to a few main players. Who cares about Crotty, a newcomer who has no sense of existence at all? However, when everyone witnessed Crotty's astonishing transformation, who would dare to provoke such a madman?

Followed by Malone and Stockton. As the core of the team, they see everyone the same, but Crotty... is a water cooler when he is quiet, and a madman when he is angry. When training, compare yourself Johnson was also cruel, and everyone saw it.

As for head coach Jerry Sloan, because the bargaining chip for Li Shengli's trade was Jeff Malone, it was equivalent to weakening the Jazz's outside line. But if Crotty, a suddenly emerging guard, can be put to great use, it will be a blessing to the Jazz. Slightly make up for the outside disadvantage.

Based on this, Crotty's status has been greatly improved. Although he diligently delivers towels and water in every game, the difference from before is... everyone will say thank you.

If a person is not ruthless, he cannot stand firm.

Crotty got the respect that belonged to him.

…

When we arrived at the hotel and everyone got off the bus.

Crotty had a lot of big and small bags hanging on his body, and he took all the salutes from Li Shengli, Malone and Stockton. Although Li Shengli couldn't stand it, he didn't say anything in front of everyone.

He still understands the ways of the world.

If you don’t say anything, everyone will pretend that nothing happened, but if Crotty is really asked to unload his bags, on the one hand it will make Crotty very embarrassed, and on the other hand...these bags are not just for him, Malone and Stockton's face is even worse.

Li Shengli waited until he entered the room before taking the salute from Crotty's hand.

"Crotty, when you play away games from now on, don't help me with the salutes. I'll talk to Malone and Stockton, and... don't always get into trouble with the water fountain."

"It doesn't matter, I'm used to it." Crotty put the salute in place. It's not that he's used to it. He was more helpless. Although his performance in the last game was amazing, he wasn't sure whether Jerry Sloan would. Will give him another chance.

"Don't worry, this habit is not good." Li Shengli frowned.

During the ten-game suspension, Crotty's training intensity could only be described as terrifying, as if he was determined to train himself to death. Although he had been like this before, after beating the Hornets, he attracted everyone's attention. Li Shengli, who has always prided himself on training hard, also suffered from toothache.

He wants to get ahead!

Those who work hard will always have good luck.

Li Shengli could understand Crotty and he was willing to help.

"Crotty, I'm going to talk to the coach later. Maybe...the coach can let you start for a try. Anyway, Jeff Malone has gone to the Hornets and is the Jazz's starting shooting guard. You have a chance."

"Li, thank you!" Crotty couldn't hide his excitement. He didn't refuse Li Shengli, and he couldn't refuse. "I don't need to start. If you can, give me ten minutes. I only need...ten minutes!"

"Just ten minutes?"

"Yes, that's right."

"This time... is a bit short, right?" Li Shengli scratched his head, "Even if you are a substitute, it is very simple to ask for ten minutes. I don't even need to say it. And based on your performance in the last game, it is not a big deal. .”

"No, the request you made with the coach is... different from what I said, very different!"

"Li, I don't just want ten minutes, I want the right to take the initiative to fire within these ten minutes. I hope you can help me this time!" Crotty looked at Li Shengli sincerely.

A substitute?

The right to initiate fire within ten minutes?

Unless it's garbage time, who would give you such fun?

You know, this time the opponent is the Spurs, a strong team in the Western Conference. They have a big lead and enter garbage time, and there are still ten minutes of garbage time. This is really difficult.

"you sure?"

"I am sure!"

"Brother, you're taking a gamble, putting all your hopes in these ten minutes. It's okay if you win the bet, but if you mess up, I'm really afraid that you won't be able to hold your head up in the future." Li Shengli frowned, "It's better to be slow. Take your time and I'll try to get you more playing time?"

"No, I have to bet!" Crotty said through gritted teeth.

It's true that Jeff Malone left, but Jan Verhenris picked up the starting lineup, and behind him was Tim Legler in the same position. He wanted to stand out by playing single-digit garbage time, and paired with a group of Only a substitute who wants to stand out will be given a chance.

"This request is a bit difficult."

"It doesn't matter, the time can be less, as long as you can't restrict me when you take action!"

Li Shengli was really in a bit of trouble.

The most important thing in life is to position yourself correctly. As a new Jazz player, even if he performs well and is highly valued by the coach, it is really too much to ask Jerry Sloan like this.

As for Crotty.

Although he also knew that his demands were excessive, he also knew that...success is achieved by seizing every opportunity, and he was already hungry and thirsty.

"let me try?"

"Thanks!"

"Brother, you are so polite, I hate your thank you!" After saying that, Li Shengli turned his back and walked out of the room, Crotty's eyes became even more fanatical.

…

ten minutes later.

Li Shengli went back to the room to meet with Crotty with a grimace on his face. Crotty looked at Li Shengli's face as if he had guessed the result, and felt a little disappointed.

"Li, it's okay, I can wait!"

"Wait a minute, the coach agreed." Li Shengli rolled his eyes, "Tsk, how should I put it, this isn't really a promise, it's just..."

"What is it?" Crotty was confused and didn't know whether Jerry Sloan agreed or not. "Lee, please tell me quickly."

"You can play, and it's okay to fire at ten, but the premise is... I have to complete his mission in exchange for your time."

"What mission?"

"Blow the Spurs center... David Robinson!"