NBA Backer King

  Chapter 623 Sharks are about to swim east

  It was also on this day that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak began to contact some teams, preparing to trade O'Neal.

  The news that O'Neal was put on the shelves quickly spread to all the teams in the league.

  The Mavericks reacted quickly, and immediately contacted the Lakers to send their own offer. Except for Nowitzki, everyone can be a bargaining chip.

   Then the Timberwolves also sent an offer list, except for Garnett, everyone else is a bargaining chip.

   The Grizzlies also sent an offer list, Gasol + Mike Miller + White Chocolate + 2004 first-round pick.

   This is an offer from three Western Conference teams. Although the Lakers don't want to keep O'Neal in the Western Conference, it is not impossible to consider if the chips are right.

   For example, Nowitzki of the Mavericks is what the Lakers want.

   After thinking about it, Kupchak returned an offer to the Mavericks, as long as Nowitzki was offered, but the Mavericks didn't consider it and rejected it directly, and the deal failed.

  The general manager of the Mavericks, Nelson Jr., knows very well that O'Neal has begun to age, his condition is declining, and his weight is not easy to control. It is not worthwhile to trade Nowitzki.

   Then the Lakers contacted the Timberwolves again, and what they wanted was the only person in the Timberwolves who was not on the quotation list, Garnett, who was also rejected.

  Kupchak studied the Grizzlies’ offer again and found it to be pretty good. After contacting the other party, everything was ready. He finally called Phil Jackson to ask his opinion on the deal.

  Phil Jackson immediately expressed his objection, saying: "If the Lakers still want to make a difference, they cannot keep O'Neal in the West.

  He and old K are both in the West. No matter what our new lineup is, there is no chance to break out of the West. There is no chance. At least, not within three years. "

  The head coach disagrees. As the general manager who has just taken office for one year, Kupchak is not easy to force a deal, so he can only terminate the deal with the Grizzlies.

   At this time, several Eastern teams sent quotations, including the Green Team, Wizards, and Heat.

   Kupchak studied the green team's offer list, not bad, Ricky Davis + Mike James + three first-round picks in the future.

  The Wizards were a bit worse, and he threw them aside.

   Picking up the Heat's offer list, he also thinks it's not bad, Caron Butler + Odom + Brian Grant + 2006 first-round pick.

There is no All-Star, but the three players are very reliable main players, all are forwards, Odom can even play five positions, Butler averaged 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, Grant averaged 8.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Odom averaged 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. With these three players in hand, the Lakers can directly complete the lineup.

   "It's the Heat."

  After much deliberation, Kupchak made a decision.

There is another factor that makes him make a decision. Pat Riley is the meritorious coach of the Lakers. Under his leadership, the Lakers played a Showtime era. The Lakers are willing to send Shaquille O'Neal to Pat Riley under the command of

  After he negotiated with Pat Riley, the transaction was finalized, and it was only to be announced later, and O'Neill was not notified in advance of the chips being traded.

   On the night of the 10th, the Nets defeated the Heat, leading 2-1. The Blazers beat the Timberwolves 3-1 and got the match point.

   On the 11th, the Pistons defeated the Pacers, 3-1, and got the match point.

   On the 12th, the Blazers lost, 3 to 2, and the Timberwolves saved a season point.

  On the same night, the Nets beat the Heat 3-1 and got the match point.

   On the 13th, the Pacers defeated the Pistons, two to three, saving a match point.

   On the 14th, the Trail Blazers defeated the Timberwolves, 4-2, and joined the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. The second round of the Western Conference ended.

  In the same night, Dayao failed to play, and the Nets lost to the Heat, 3-2, still with match point in hand.

   On the 15th, the Pacers defeated the Pistons and saved another season, three to three, and the two sides will have a tiebreaker.

   On the 16th, Dayao broke out, scoring 38 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks, defeating the Heat, and with a score of 4-2, reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive season.

   On the 17th, the Pacers and the Pistons tied for a tiebreaker. In the end, the Pistons defeated the Pacers and joined forces with the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals. The second round of the Eastern Conference ended.

   This afternoon, the Blazers arrived in Phoenix.

   On this day, ESPN announced the latest prediction of the probability of winning.

  The Suns rank first, with a 45% chance of winning.

  The Blazers are second, with a 40% chance of winning.

   The Nets are third, with a 10% chance of winning.

  The Pistons are the lowest, with a 5% chance of winning.

  This prediction has been supported by the mainstream media and most fans.

  Everyone knows that the current situation is that the East is weaker than the West. The Nets picked up a bargain this season. Unless there is another change in the Western Conference Finals this season, it is almost impossible for the Nets or the Pistons to beat the Suns or the Trail Blazers in the Finals.

Lao Wang made a phone call to Dayao and told him: "Be careful with the piston, especially you. Big Ben holds you back, and the sprayer will come to you in no time. You can't hit it in the low position, and you can't open it outside." , don’t get killed by the piston.”

   "Understood, brother, I will be careful." Dayao said cautiously.

   On the 18th, the Western Conference finals began.

   At eight o'clock, the two sides announced the starting lineup.

   Blazers: Duncan, Zach Randolph, Darius Mikes, Derek Anderson, Payton

  Suns: Wang Tiejun, Amare Stoudemire, Marion, Joe Johnson, Nash

  The Western Conference Finals will be broadcast live across the United States by TNT, with Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith as the narrators.

   Barkley analyzed: "After the old K came back in the regular season, the Blazers did not perform at their full strength due to too many injuries earlier on the inside, so the records of the two teams in the regular season cannot be used as the basis for evaluating the Western Conference Finals.

  The record of the two teams in the playoffs in the past is meaningless, because the Blazers have one more Payton, and his offense is nothing, but the Suns should pay attention to the defense of the glove. "

  Kenny Smith said: "It's okay, Payton is in a mediocre state this year, especially after entering the playoffs, his performance is obviously not as good as the regular season, he is obviously old, or caused by injuries.

  Nash's speed is very fast. Gloves can't lock him in positional battles, and fast breaks can't keep up with him. Anyway, gloves basically can't lock Nash, and gloves in the peak period are still possible. "

   Barkley laughed: "The strongest point of the Blazers is the low-post offense. Both Duncan and Randolph are good at low-post offense.

  Then, if the Suns want to win, they must strengthen their low-post offense. If old K still reduces his shots like in the second round, it will definitely not work. If he takes more outside shots, the overall efficiency will not be as good as the Blazers.

   The Blazers want to defend the old K, I think it is very difficult. Although Duncan's defense is top-notch, Randolph's defense is average.

   It is also quite difficult for the Blazers to win against the Suns. They have to face K's strong defense on the offensive end, limit K's offense on the defensive end, and guard against the Suns' fast break. "

Kenny Smith said with a smile: "Duncan's current tonnage should be 118 kilograms, and old K's is 130 kilograms. However, comparing the mobility, the old K with a larger tonnage is obviously faster. This is also determined by talent, so the old K is very fast. Might still play Duncan like Shaq."

   "It's possible." Barkley nodded.

   At half past eight, the game begins.

   Jumping the ball, Lao Wang jumped a little earlier, and the Blazers attacked.

   Payton pushed Nash to the top of the arc and observed the situation. Duncan was blocked by the old K and couldn't get in. He immediately moved to the right wing and suddenly passed the ball to Randolph in the low post on the right wing.

   Randolph received the ball, and during the dribble, he used his strong body to arch inward twice. Stoudemire couldn't hold it. After entering the paint area and getting closer to the basket, he immediately turned around flexibly and hit a ball with a small throw.

  Old Wang had already returned to the basket, but he didn't expect Randolph not to go in, so he couldn't get out in time.

  The Suns attacked, opened up, and Wang Tiejun singled Duncan in the low post on the left wing.

   Randolph was also pulled to the right waist in the paint by Stoudemire. He wanted to double-team the low post on the left wing. It took time to cross the paint that was close to five meters.

  Payton strengthened his defense. He was the first hurdle to defend the old K. He directly cut off the old K's offense from the source and prevented him from receiving the ball.

  So he blocked the front of Nash, and the sides were exposed.

  Nash pushed the ball casually and gave the ball to Marion on the left wing. After the latter got the ball, he quickly hung the ball to the low post through the defender Max.

  Pharaoh's left elbow is stuck, and he catches the ball with his right hand. The next moment, the attack begins.

While receiving the ball, he took a step back to face the basket, and quickly raised his right hand holding the ball to make a fake hook. After shaking Duncan, he immediately received the ball and broke through with a low body. Stick to the bottom line and start to break through.

   "Suddenly!"

   Barkley shouted excitedly.

Duncan knew that old K was likely to break through, but old K's mid-range hook is also very powerful now, and he took a lot of shots. He was still shaken by a fake move. By the time he reacted, old K was already full of energy The wind rushed from his lower side.

   Right waist position, Randolph quickly defended the basket.

   Lao Wang didn't even look at Randolph, and took off directly.

   "Squeak!"

   Randolph is not a defensive champion. Seeing the old K take off, he hurriedly stopped.

"boom!"

  The next moment, under the ferocious dunk, there was a violent sound of exploding baskets in the Meixi Arena.

   "Boom!"

  Suddenly, high cheers sounded instantly.

   "Great job! The Sun King broke through the stakes Tim Duncan, frightened the coward Zach Randolph with a look, and then dunked the Blazers basket."

   A live commentator roared excitedly.

"Ha ha…"

   Another narrator hears his partner and laughs.

Barkley said with a smile: "Old K has the speed of a top admiral and the technique of attacking the basket from the front, coupled with a larger tonnage and impact, this kind of extremely fierce attacking the basket, let alone Randolph, even now O'Neal, except for fouls, is very difficult to stop."

Shaking his head, Kenny Smith said: "No player is willing to take the risk of being hit and injured to defend such an attack head-on. Same as tanks.

   To be honest, Charles, the old K often does this, but he has few or no injuries in this kind of attack. I have to say that he is very lucky and very strong. "

Barkley said with a smile: "Of course, his physical strength is rare in history. Michael, Hakim, Chamberlain, there are only a few people who can maintain health for many years like old K. Even if they are seriously injured in an accident, they can recover well very good."

  Kenny Smith nodded and said: "For example, Michael Jordan was seriously injured and fractured in the second year of his career. After his comeback in the new season, he was in a brave state. He averaged 37.1 points per game, forcing the league to introduce anti-isolation singles rules.

   And the old K is the same. After his comeback in 2002, he is also in a brave state. But he is more abnormal than Jordan. Jordan was injured at the age of 22, and he was injured at the age of 28. The injury is more than ten times heavier than Jordan, and his recovery ability is even more abnormal. "

   On the field, Duncan has already played back and forth. Duncan missed a shot and was almost capped by the old king.

   Turning back to the Suns attack, Lao Wang missed a mid-range hook two steps away from the paint.

  The reason why he shot a mid-range hook is that he hopes to use this kind of attack to continue to pull Duncan out, leaving the penalty area empty, which is conducive to the breakthrough of his teammates.

  At this time, the Blazers were attacking, and Duncan wanted the ball in the low post on the left wing.

  The Suns didn't play zone defense, because the Blazers' outside breakthrough ability is average, so they don't need to play zone defense, and man-to-man is the most suitable.

   Payton is old and can't move suddenly.

  Anderson is also injured. Although he can still break through, the damage is limited.

  Small forward Max doesn't have three-pointers, and the mid-range shot is not very good. He mainly scores breakthroughs, but his strength is average, and he is a role player.

   Now Max is only two steps away from Duncan, without a three-point shot, he must go deep into the flank to be a threat, and standing on the three-point line is useless.

  Because of this, Marion is only one step closer to Duncan's position.

   Payton passed the ball, but before he got it, Duncan was double-teamed by Marion and Lao Wang in advance.

"Snapped!"

  Marion steals the ball successfully.

  The Suns counterattacked immediately. Nash threw off Payton, received the ball from Marion, went into the paint and hit a layup.

  Michael Dunleavy yelled angrily: "Max, stay away from Tim."

  Max was embarrassed for a while, I was farther away, and I don’t have long-range shooting ability, Marion will just let me go, what’s the use?

   At this time, Dunleavy continued to shout: "You go to the right wing."

  Right-wing low post, Randolph received the ball, squeezed Stoudemire away, and when he was about to make a layup, Lao Wang quickly completed the defense, flew the ball under the block, and then took off for the second time to catch the ball.

  At this moment, the Suns' outside line began to go down quickly.

  When the Blazers saw it, they immediately returned to the defense with all their strength, including Duncan, who were running desperately, for fear that the Suns would play a fast break.

  When Lao Wang saw it, he immediately controlled the rhythm and switched to positional warfare.

   After passing the ball, he ran forward slowly, admiring the 100-meter sprint of Duncan and Randolph.

  Duncan and Randolph ran to the basket angrily. When they looked back, Old K was strolling in the backcourt.

  Nash controls the ball outside, waiting for the old K to slowly settle down, not in a hurry at all, which is completely different from when he is playing fast break.

After playing for the Suns for two seasons, he has adapted to this style of play. In the fast break, he can play the organizational role of the setter. It can make his physical energy distribution reach an excellent state, and he has plenty of physical energy until the end of the quarter, without lying on the floor to recover his physical energy.

  Zhang rationally said with a smile: "This is the power of the Suns' fast break, which requires the opponent to return to the defense with all their strength, and consumes more energy.

   If you don't run fast, the Suns' fast break will really come out, so you must try your best to return to the defense every time. "

  Su Qun said with a smile: "Especially the inside line, it is very difficult."

   Lao Wang walked to the frontcourt, then ran, ran into the paint area, and after being blocked by Duncan, he immediately pulled to the left wing.

  At this time Nash suddenly shook his hand, Payton couldn't react in time, and the ball flew in from above his head.

"Snapped!"

  Old Wang just came out of the paint, the ball arrived, he received it, and the next moment, he suddenly turned around and slipped to the bottom, just avoiding Duncan who was following up, and went to the basket.

  Randolph was still in the paint, on the right side of the basket, seeing the old K come in, but he didn't make it up in time.

"boom!"

  Wang Tiejun dunked with one hand, and the Blazers' basket slammed.

  Amid the cheers of the audience, Dunleavy yelled at Randolph angrily: "Zach, are you defending with your eyes? Didn't you see it? Bastard! Are you afraid of old K?"

   Randolph's face turned black. As the bad boy of the Blazers, he gave Dunleavy a dissatisfied look, and ignored it, as if he didn't care.

   "It's the second time, you bastard!" Dunleavy cursed fiercely.

  He regretted it. He shouldn't have agreed to the management's trade of Rasheed Wallace in the first place. The **** Randolph didn't dare to defend the old K.

  On the field, Duncan, who was running upfield, deliberately ran to Randolph's side and said to him: "Zach, you don't need to block Old K from the front, you can interfere and block shots from the side."

   "I will do it." Randolph replied stiffly.

"brush!"

  The Blazers attacked, Payton didn't pass this time, and suddenly shot a three-pointer on Nash's head. Coincidentally, he made it.

  5:6, the Blazers were only one point behind, and the Suns attacked.

  (end of this chapter)