Super Role Player

In December, the hot 76ers continued their winning streak. Anxi's quasi-win beat the Bobcats, and the winning streak reached 184 games. At the same time, the winning streak in December alone also reached 3 games, and the winning streak of the 76ers also reached 184. Starting to surpass the opponents in front, they first surpassed the Bulls.

After four consecutive victories, the 76ers' record became 12 wins and 8 losses. The 12 wins and 8 losses helped them surpass the 11 wins and 9 losses of the Bulls by one win and become fourth in the Eastern Conference.

After becoming fourth in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers' ranking has once again moved up a ladder. In the NBA playoffs, there is obviously a huge difference between the top four and the bottom four. The top four in the first round of the playoffs are It occupies the home court advantage, and it goes without saying that the home court advantage in the playoffs is so great, so after reaching the top four, the 76ers shouted the slogan that they must do their best to keep the top four.

On December 7, the 76ers returned to their home court again to face the invading Nuggets.

Although the Nuggets sent away Andre Iguodala and changed their head coach this season, they still played very well in the 20 games at the beginning of the season, with 11 wins and 9 losses in 20 games, ranking third in the Western Conference. Seven, it seems that former Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw is doing a good job in the Nuggets.

However, the Nuggets were defeated by the 76ers in this game.

In the home game against the Nuggets, McAway did not play due to injury, so Tony Wroten started in his place. As a result, in the first quarter, when Anxi had all the ball rights, the 76ers directly played a wave of 42 :19, leading the Nuggets by 23 points in the first quarter!

Anxi's explosive single quarter scored 13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, and the Nuggets were immediately blindsided.

The starting Tony Roten also performed extremely well, scoring 11 points in a single quarter. With Jae Crowder's three three-pointers, the new starting outside trio scored 33 points, directly tearing the Nuggets apart.

Then, in the second quarter, Evan Turner led the bench to a tie with the Nuggets, and then Anxi led the team to break out again in the second half.

The lead was expanded again in the third quarter, 33:22, and the lead was expanded to 11 points in the third quarter. In addition to the 23 points in the first quarter, the 76ers led the Nuggets by 34 points after three quarters.

As a result, the game entered garbage time early. Anxi scored 22 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 6 steals and 2 blocks in the three quarters. Anxi, who had full control of the ball, showed his efficiency...

In this way, the 76ers won 5 consecutive victories at their home court, and the team's record also became 13 wins and 8 losses. This time they once again completed the surpassing of the top four teams. The Eagles, who were third in the Eastern Conference, won in December. After the 7th, the record became 13 wins and 9 losses. A half-win gap forced the Hawks to give up their third place in the Eastern Conference.

In this way, the 76ers suddenly became the top three teams in the Eastern Conference. The first place is still the Indiana Pacers, who are in great form this season. So far, under the leadership of Frank Vogel, they have achieved a record of 18 wins and 2 losses. , only lost two games so far this season. The Heat, second in the Eastern Conference, also played 20 games, with 15 wins and 5 losses in 20 games, ranking second.

After getting the third place in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers once again shouted the slogan of keeping the top three in the Eastern Conference. However, unfortunately, they only sat in this position for 2 days. On December 9, they were still in Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Clippers were far away. Come and challenge the 76ers away from home.

The Clippers should be the strongest opponent the 76ers have encountered during this period. With the new coach Doc Rivers acquired in exchange for draft picks, and the introduction of JJ Redick and Darren Collison, the Clippers are in hot shape in the new season. , achieved 16 wins in the first 21 games and only lost 5 of them. Currently ranked third in the Western Conference, behind the Spurs and Thunder.

As a strong team in the Western Conference and a strong contender for the championship, although the Clippers are playing away from home, their goal is completely aimed at victory.

From the beginning of the game, the Clippers used their offense to defeat the 76ers' defense. JJ Redick hit consecutive 3-pointers, and Chris Paul continuously played Tony Roten. Fortunately, the 76ers' offense was not bad either. First At the end of the quarter, the two teams played a 36:32 game, with the Clippers leading by 4 points.

Then, in the second quarter, Blake Griffin also started to show off his power in the post. The city of alley-oops continued to perform dunks at Wachovia Arena. In the second quarter, the Clippers beat the 76ers again 27:25, half After the game, the 76ers were 6 points behind.

In the second half, the Clippers continued to show their strength and expanded their 2-point lead in two consecutive quarters. In the end, the score was 122:112. The Clippers beat the 76ers by 10 points in the away game and ended the 76ers' five-game winning streak.

The 76ers who lost were in a bad mood, because in addition to losing, the Eagles behind them were also catching up. The 76ers lost and the Eagles won. So with this victory, the Eagles overtook the 76ers and became third in the Eastern Conference.

The 76ers, who were depressed after losing, quickly went on a road trip. Their first opponent was the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves, who had been lottery winners for many years, finally improved their record this season, with 10 wins and 11 losses. The Timberwolves are currently ranked ninth in the Western Conference and still retain the hope of reaching the playoffs. This game against the 76ers is regarded by them as a must-win game because they need to use this victory to increase their winning rate. to fifty percent.

However, it backfired. The 76ers, who had just lost a game, were still depressed. When they came to Minnesota, they unceremoniously vented their depression on the Timberwolves.

Under the resentful gazes of the Timberwolves players, the 76ers continued to hit climaxes one after another. Attack waves like 10:2, 7:0, and 6:0 were not uncommon.

At the end of the third quarter, the 76ers, who did not give any face, directly changed the score to 88:56, leading by 32 points in the third quarter.

The super score difference of 32 points in the three quarters made the Timberwolves have no idea of ​​chasing points. They replaced all the main players and gave up the game directly.

The 76ers finally vented their frustrations after losing the last game. In the fourth quarter, several main players were talking and laughing on the bench. The Timberwolves fans on the sidelines felt depressed and soon booed. .

Just like that, after the game, the 76ers won another victory. The 76ers with 14 wins and 9 losses tied with the Eagles in terms of record...

After beating the Timberwolves, the 76ers rushed to Toronto. The last time the two teams played against each other, the 76ers were at a low point and lost the game. This time the two teams met, the 76ers showed no mercy and took the lead from the beginning of the game. The lead was maintained until the end of the game. In the end, they defeated the Raptors 108:100 away from home, and another two-game winning streak appeared.

The 76ers, who had 15 wins and 9 losses, once again surpassed the Hawks and occupied third place in the Eastern Conference because of one more game.

But this time, the 76ers' winning streak could not last long. Returning to the home game, they were defeated by the Trail Blazers, and the two-game winning streak ended.

Fortunately, the Eagles also lost subsequently, and the records of the two teams are still the same, both 16 wins and 10 losses.

Then, on December 16, the 76ers continued to play at home, and their opponent in this game happened to be the Hawks.

…

The Hawks arrived a day early, and Mike Budenholzer showed up directly at the 76ers' training facility. Fortunately, the 76ers' training had ended at this time, otherwise Brett Brown would have scolded him for spying on military intelligence. .

Anxi also stayed in Brett Brown's office after practice, and then watched Mike Budenholzer and Brett Brown bicker.

The content of the bickering was naturally related to the game. Mike Budenholzer was fierce. He said that the Hawks will definitely win at Wachovia Arena and he will lead the Hawks to complete a double play against the 76ers.

As a result, Brett Brown was unconvinced.

"Stop dreaming, Mike, there is only one winner in the end, and that is the 76ers."

"Come on, tell me your reasons, Brett." Mike Budenholzer waved his hand, seeming to let Brett Brown come over.

An Xi sat aside and shook his head and laughed. The two old guys were acting like two children at the moment, bickering with each other.

Brett Brown knew very well that Mike Budenholzer was teasing him, so he waved his hand directly: "No, Mike, I'm different from you. I'm not a child. I won't argue with you. Ann is here." Here, the reason I win is because we have security and you don’t.”

Mike Budenholzer scratched his hair. This was the thing he regretted the most. But now that Brett Brown said it, Mike Budenholzer became a little angry: "So what if Ann! DeMarre will Make An completely misfire!"

Anxi remained silent, and this time he really couldn't listen anymore because he didn't know who this Demarai was.

"Who is DeMarre?" Anxi asked this sentence suddenly. Mike Budenholzer choked. He didn't know what to say. Brett Brown laughed and then raised his head to Anxi. Thumbs up.

Mike Budenholzer could only reply "viciously": "You will find out during the game!"

In the evening, the three of them had a meal in a restaurant in downtown Philadelphia. The three old friends who had not seen each other for a long time had a good gathering. After dinner, Anxi drove Mike Budenholzer back to the hotel.

On December 16, 2013, Wachovia Arena was ablaze with lights again.

Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith appeared on the sidelines. They adjusted their clothes and signaled the director to turn on the camera. The next second, Charles Barkley began to commentate on the game.

"Dear viewers, welcome to the live broadcast of the NBA 2013-2014 regular season brought to you by Turner Sports. I am Charles Barkley, and my partner is still Kenny Smith." Charles Barkley said a long opening statement , then pointed to Kenny Smith beside him, Kenny Smith nodded towards the camera, and then Barkley continued: "The two teams played against in this game are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks. The teams have the same record, both are third in the Eastern Conference, the head coaches are both former Spurs assistant coaches, and they both use pick-and-cut tactics from the Spurs."

Charles Barkley turned to look at Kenny Smith: "Kenny, can you find any similarities?" Charles Barkley looked joking. He felt that he had exhausted all the similarities between the 76ers and the Hawks. He thought Let's see how his old partner responds to his difficulties.

Kenny Smith shrugged: "Charles, first I want to point out a mistake of yours."

"A mistake on my part?" Charles Barkley was stunned for a moment.

Kenny Smith continued: "After the 76ers lost five games in a row, they changed their style of play. Now their style of play is more like a pass-and-cut tactic, which mainly relies on Anxi's personal ability to open up the situation. It has nothing to do with the pick-and-roll, so it is more It’s not a pick-and-roll tactic.”

Charles Barkley looked embarrassed, and he started to change the topic: "That's it, okay, let's take a look at the referee of this game."

“The NBA Referee Committee has appointed Stephen Jarvie as the referee for this game. The two assistant referees are Lauren Hotkamp and John Gerber. This game will also be played by Lauren Hotkamp. This beautiful referee is officiating for the second time in her career. Lauren Holtkamp, ​​who has just signed a contract with the NBA Referees Committee, has caused heated discussions in North America..."

Kenny Smith looked at Charles Barkley helplessly. It must be said that this flying pig in the air has a strong ability to change the topic. As the current topical figure in the NBA, Lauren Holtkamp has become the most beautiful referee in the NBA, and Charles As soon as Barkley mentioned this most beautiful referee, people's attention suddenly shifted...

On the court, Anxi was already preparing to play. Stephen Jarvey walked to the center of the court holding a basketball and signaled the starting lineup of the two teams.

"The starting lineups of both teams have not changed. For the 76ers, the point guard is McAway, who has just returned from injury, shooting guard An Xi, small forward Jae Crowder, power forward Thaddeus Young and center Cole Aldrie. Odd, for the Hawks, point guard Jeff Teague, shooting guard Kyle Korver, small forward DeMarre Carroll, power forward Paul Millsap and center Al Horford.”

And Anxi didn't know who Mike Budenholzer was talking about DeMarre Carroll until before the game started.

Like Jae Crowder, DeMarre Carroll recently started for the Hawks. The previous starter was Lou Williams. DeMarre Carroll relied on his outside three-pointers and defense to counterattack and become the Hawks. ’s debut.

The two sides jumped the ball, Cole Aldridge won the ball back, and the game officially began.

In the 76ers' offense, McAway controls the ball, and he is defended by Jeff Teague.

And Anxi was stuck by DeMarre Carroll from the beginning. This kind of close defensive treatment Anxi has to enjoy in almost every game this season. DeMarre Carroll's defense is quite aggressive, and Mike Budden Holzer's reliance on DeMarre Carroll isn't entirely without reason.

On the first goal of the opening game, Anxi did not get the ball. McAway held the ball from the outside and attacked Jeff Teague. Jeff Teague's defense was not very good. He was passed by McAway in one step, but McAway broke into the inside. , when he started a layup, he suddenly discovered that Al Horford's help defense had come up, Jeff Teague was followed by a double team, and McAway was immediately surrounded.

He wanted to pass the ball, but as soon as he pressed the pass button, he was cut off by Jeff Teague.

The 76ers' first attack was in vain. Jeff Teague, who cut off the basketball, slowed down in the backcourt before advancing to the frontcourt with the ball.

The Hawks, who insist on the Spurs' pick-and-cut style of play, have also gained a rhythm advantage, that is, they can be fast or slow. Against the 76ers, a team that plays fast and fast breaks, the Hawks' style of play is completely dragging. Slow down the pace and try not to let the 76ers play fast breaks.

Jeff Teague's defense was average, and McAway's defense was even worse. So Jeff Teague rushed to the frontcourt, and after controlling the perimeter for a while, he accelerated past McAway, rushed to the inside, and after Cole Aldridge completed a layup before covering up the defense.

A layup was made, but the Eagles scored first.

The 76ers started the second offense of the game. McAway held the ball and advanced to the frontcourt. Anxi and McAway made a cross move at the top of the key. They cooperated hand-to-hand, and the basketball came to Anxi's hands.

Anxi, who was holding the ball, faced Jeff Teague who was switching defense. He made a cross step and shook Jeff Teague away. He took a big step to the right and made a pull-up jumper.

With a swish, Wachovia's long-suppressed cheers burst out.

The ball goes in! Anxi also scored two points in the opening game.

The game continued. During the Hawks' offense, Jeff Teague took the ball to the frontcourt and then broke through directly. After attracting the defense, he distributed the ball to Kyle Korver on the outside.

Korver catches the ball, and the league's super three-point shooter opens his hand to shoot a three-pointer.

Jae Crowder rushed over, stretched out his big hand, and pointed directly at the basketball. Korver immediately changed his movements in the air and switched to passing the ball.

Paul Millsap on one side of the basket caught the basketball and dunked directly.

There was a bang, and there was an exclamation in the Wachovia Arena.

"Paul Millsap's dunk, the Hawks played smart in the beginning and found an opportunity by moving the ball, and it seemed that the rhythm was controlled by the Hawks."

The 76ers continued to attack, McAway held the ball, and Anxi played without the ball.

However, DeMarre Carroll followed Anxi tightly, leaving Anxi with no chance to catch the ball.

McAway directly held the ball to start the breakthrough, and then made a point ball. Anxi received the basketball at the top of the arc, but there was still no chance. DeMarre Carroll never left.

So Anxi continued to pass the ball. He passed the ball to Thaddeus Young in the mid-range, and then Thaddeus Young continued to transfer the ball. Jack Crowder in the bottom corner received the ball and directly shot a three-pointer.

The ball didn't completely get away from the defender, and Jae Crowder was interfered with by Kyle Korver.

With a bang, the basketball bounced out of the frame. Paul Millsap in the paint grabbed the rebound, and the 76ers' offense once again failed.

The Hawks' offense showed no mercy at all. Jeff Teague advanced to the frontcourt, and Paul Millsap directly pulled down the high post and received the ball with his back to support.

Jeff Teague made a counter run towards the basket, attracting most of the 76ers' defense. At this time, Paul Millsap directly passed the ball to Al Horford. Horford stepped on his toes in the mid-range and made a light mid-range shot. Take the shot.

With a swish sound, he hit again.

Anxi is a little helpless outside the three-point line. The 76ers' defense is still a bit poor, but fortunately, Lloyd Pierce has begun to transform the team's defense. Defense cannot be done in a day. At least now the 76ers' defense is good. This shows a trend of development for the better.

The score became 6:2, and the 76ers attacked. In this round, the 76ers must score.

So Anxi took the ball himself and decided to play singles.

DeMarre Carroll continued to stick close to Anxi and put his hand on Anxi's back. As Anxi swayed, Anxi began to discover that DeMarre Carroll, who was previously unknown, was surprisingly good at defense. At least he can be compared with his teammate Jack Crowder...

Anxi turned around and then took a step back, but he was not able to completely shake off DeMarre Carroll. DeMarre Carroll's long arm still interfered with Anxi.

With a bang, Anxi's turnaround step-back jumper also ended in a strike.

Al Horford steadily picked off the rebound, and the Wachovia Arena was silent at the moment. At the beginning of the game, the 76ers were suppressed by the Hawks. It seemed that the situation of this game was very bad.

Jeff Teague took the ball to the frontcourt, and the Hawks directly pulled away, allowing your brother Jeff Teague to single out McAway.

Anxi was ready to make up the defense, but Jeff Teague was too fast. He passed McAway directly in the first step. By the time Anxi rushed over to make up the defense, Jeff Teague had already completed it. A long throw.

At 8:2, the Eagles started with great momentum, and the point difference further widened.

Anxi continued to do it on his own, asking for the ball directly from the backcourt, controlling the ball and rushing to the frontcourt. Without stopping for a moment, he rushed inside with the ball in his hand.

The Hawks were in chaos inside, but Al Horford still firmly protected the basket. Anxi felt that there were not many opportunities. He saw McAway who was completely open on the outside, so he passed the ball.

After receiving the ball, McAway did not take a direct shot. When the team failed to score in a row, McAway was a little anxious. Fortunately, he has not lost his mind yet. He also understands that his outside three-pointers are very unreliable. Yes, we can only continue to break through.

However, Jeff Teague did not appear in front of McAway in time, so McAway rushed to the free throw line with the ball and shot a completely open jump shot, seemingly full of confidence.

Unfortunately, bang, strike again.

There was a lamentation in the Wachovia Arena, and the 76ers fans seemed to see the point difference widening again.

There was a physical fight under the basket. With Cole Aldridge holding on to Al Horford, Anxi suddenly broke out, jumped up, directly grabbed the offensive rebound, and slammed the basketball into the basket!

With a bang, Wachovia Arena first exclaimed, and then cheers sounded like a tsunami.

"The 76ers finally scored! These 2 points are crucial!"

The commentator at the scene shouted that Anxi's 2 points broke the 76ers' scoring drought, and next, they need to further maintain their current feel.

And just when the Wachovia Arena was cheering, the Hawks poured cold water on it. Kyle Korver turned around and scored a three-pointer. The score difference suddenly became 11:4!

"Kyle Korver's three-pointer! It's in! The 76ers' defense was too relaxed, and Kyle Korver found an opening. With this kind of defense, you won't be able to go far even if you make the playoffs!" Charles Barkley shook his head, frustrated with the Sixers' defense.

Jack Crowder made a defensive mistake, and Anxi walked over and patted him, asking him to focus more and keep an eye on his own man.

In Anxi's view, this group of young players from the 76ers still need game experience to gradually improve. Jae Crowder is not as good as imagined, and now he can only be regarded as a qualified starting player. McAway Although the statistics are gorgeous, most of the time, he is unreliable.

This is especially true for Cole Aldridge inside. Although with Cole Aldridge on the court, the 76ers' rebounds and frame protection are guaranteed, it is obvious that Cole Aldridge's presence on the court did not improve the 76ers' defense. In terms of quality improvement, there is still a big gap between Cole Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, and Andrew Bogut.

This is why once Anxi and Evan Turner are paired together, the chemical reaction is even better. In the few games when McAway was injured, the 76ers were always able to beat their opponents.

At 11:4, Brett Brown called a timeout. In the opening confrontation, the 76ers lost slightly.

(To be continued.)