Super Role Player

The reason why the Miami Heat are ranked second in the Eastern Conference is because they performed well in the preseason.

In 8 preseason games, they won 8 games and had a strong momentum. Luer Deng averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 8 games, which can be regarded as a successful replacement for LeBron James to a certain extent, but in the end What surprises the Heat is that Luol Deng and Chris Bosh are not as incompatible as LeBron James. While Luol Deng averages 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game, Chris Bosh also averages 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Scored 24 points and 7 rebounds.

With the Big Three's strengths fully unleashed, it's not surprising that Zach Lowe is more optimistic about the Heat.

All statistics of the 76ers who tested tactics in the preseason were very poor. The reason why Zach Lowe ranked the 76ers third was naturally because the 76ers practiced tactics, otherwise the ranking would be even lower.

Zach Lowe has always been known for his authority, but this time’s predicted ranking is shocking. Therefore, many people cannot understand the direction of the 76ers’ new season. After all, whether it is from signings or tactical changes, the new It seems that the 76ers have not changed much this season. Even if there are changes, they are all changes with unknown effects. It is still unknown how the 76ers will perform in the new season.

After all eight games in the preseason, the regular season schedule for the new season has also been released.

Coincidentally, the 76ers' opponent in the first game of the season is last season's finals opponent, Anxi's old team, the Spurs. However, in the first game of the season, the 76ers are playing away from home. They have to beat the Spurs and then return home to face the New York Knicks. Only when he joins the team can he receive his own championship ring.

Although Anxi already has two championship rings, this does not prevent him from looking forward to the third championship ring. In order to celebrate this hard-won championship, Josh Harris specially hired someone to design it. Except for a unique championship ring.

Before the first game of the regular season, the 76ers' fifteen-man roster was released.

Ishmael Smith finally stayed on the team. His stay on the team relied on his activity and defense on the court.

The final ones to be eliminated were naturally Ronny Turiaf and Glenn Robinson III.

The final fifteen-man roster for the 76ers is as follows:

Point Guards: McAway, Lou Williams, Shaun Livingston, Ishmael Smith;

Shooting guards: An Xi, James Anderson, Troy Daniels;

Small forwards: Jae Crowder, Evan Turner, Francisco Garcia;

Power forwards: Pau Gasol, Channing Frye;

Center: Nerlens Noel, Cole Aldridge, Joel Embiid.

Sam Hinkie decided not to use the injury exception on Joel Embiid for the time being, and the 15-man roster was filled.

And Brett Brown is also working hard to formulate the team's rotation plan for the new season.

The 76ers' signings in the new season almost all revolve around the team's bench. The newly introduced Lou Williams, Evan Turner and Channing Frye have all strengthened the team's bench depth.

Therefore, here comes the thing that worries Brett Brown. Last season, the 76ers' main rotation was not lost. In the new season, there are three more players who can enter the main rotation. Obviously, Brett Brown needs to consider it. Who are the main rotation players?

For the time being, Brett Brown is planning to use a one-time substitution method. Whoever plays well will be replaced. Subtly, a streamlining of the rotation lineup will be completed.

So, before the first game of the new season, Brett Brown made an announcement in the locker room.

"Each of you will have a chance to play in this game. The first few games of the season will be your chance to prove yourself. After a few games, I will determine an eight- or nine-man rotation lineup."

Brett Brown made it very clear that the first few games of the season are opportunities for rotation players to prove themselves.

Therefore, everyone is holding back their energy and preparing to prove themselves in the next game.

ATT Arena, the opening game between the 76ers and the Spurs begins here.

There are two more opening games that start on the same day, namely the Magic vs. Pelicans and the Rockets vs. Lakers. Therefore, in comparison, the 76ers vs. Spurs game is the highlight of the day.

Before the game, after Anxi played at the Spurs' home court, there was still a lot of noise, including cheers and boos. Obviously, the Spurs and Spurs fans have complicated feelings towards Anxi. On the one hand, they look back on Anxi's performance in the Spurs. On the other hand, they cannot forget the tragic failure of last season.

Some people still remember Anxi's achievements, so they cheered for Anxi; others only remember that Anxi defeated them last season, so they booed.

When I came to my hometown, Anxi naturally had some exchanges with my old friends.

Anxi personally defeated the Spurs last season, and the two teams had some differences, but the relationship between Anxi and the Spurs' old players is still very good.

After the two sides chatted for a few words, the game began.

In the new season, there are also new players in the 76ers' starting lineup. However, compared to last season, the overall changes in the 76ers' lineup are not big, and only one center has been replaced.

The point guard is still Mcaway, shooting guard Anxi, small forward Jae Crowder, power forward Pau Gasol and center Nerlens Noel. The only change is Noel. The 76ers value Noel very much. Noel The lower limit must be at least a qualified starting-level center.

As for the Spurs, their starting lineup is also fixed, with point guard Tony Parker, shooting guard Danny Green, small forward Kawhi Leonard, power forward Boris Diaw and center Tim Duncan.

The original starting center Tiago Splitter missed the game due to injury, so the Spurs let Diaw appear in the starting lineup. Therefore, for the 76ers, this game is the biggest challenge they have to face. It's the Spurs' offense.

Sure enough, at the beginning of the game, the Spurs won the jump ball. After Tony Parker held the ball, an unexpected pass was passed to Boris Diaw, who cut through and entered the inside. With just this pass, the 76ers' defense was completely ripped open.

Boris Diaw rushed into the penalty area, attracted the defense and then distributed the ball.

Duncan caught the ball in the mid-range, took a mid-range shot, and made a successful hit with a bang!

The Spurs scored, and the 76ers' defense also caused some fans to complain: Is the 76ers' defense so papery?

This wave of defense by the 76ers was indeed too poor. The Spurs' three-two pass was an opportunity. Fortunately, the 76ers' offense followed, and the 76ers could return this goal on the offensive end.

Amid the cheers of the fans on the sidelines, McAway held the ball through halftime and then handed the basketball to Anxi.

Anxi opened the game in singles. This was his first singles game this season. Everything was familiar. The defender he faced was still Kawhi Leonard. The two had played against each other several times in the Finals. Now, a summer has passed, and Kawhi Leonard Leonard continues to improve, but Anxi, who has reached his peak, has not improved so much.

Therefore, Anxi was unexpectedly guarded by Kawhi Leonard in the first singles at the beginning. Anxi broke through, then turned his back, slid backwards, then turned his back to take a shot, but at the moment Anxi turned his back , Kawhi Leonard quickly shot the basketball down with a snap.

There were exclamations in the ATT Arena at first, and when the Spurs fans saw clearly what happened on the court, cheers suddenly started.

"Kawhi Leonard defended Anxi's offense! Beautiful chip! The offense and defense transitioned!"

On-site commentator Sean Elliott was very excited. This was a successful defense.

Immediately afterwards, the game continued.

After Kawhi Leonard cut the ball, the Spurs seized the ball and the counterattack began immediately.

After a fast break counterattack, the Spurs scored another 2 points, making the opening 4:0.

The 76ers' offense still gave Anxi the ball.

Kawhi Leonard's defense began to put pressure on Anxi. Anxi clearly felt the improvement of Kawhi Leonard compared to last season's finals. It seemed that Kawhi Leonard put pressure on Anxi on the defensive end. Bigger.

However, Anxi did not back down. The 76ers' tactics were determined at the beginning of this game. They mainly used pick-and-roll tactics. Brett Brown also asked Anxi to pass the ball more.

Therefore, Anxi sought a pick-and-roll screen for this ball, and with the help of Pau Gasol's screen, he accelerated and rushed in.

Kawhi Leonard pestered Anxi, and he showed his progress over the summer. Anxi's pick-and-roll pass was unexpectedly unable to completely pass Kawhi Leonard.

After Anxi rushed into the paint in two steps, he realized the pressure from Kawhi Leonard behind him. Anxi gave up the idea of ​​forcing a shot and jumped up inside, avoiding Kawhi Leonard's interference and passing the basketball. Got out.

Score the ball! It was given to Pau Gasol in the high post. Gasol's mid-range jumper also missed.

The crowd cheered again.

Although Kawhi Leonard did not directly defend Anxi's attack on this ball, Anxi passed the ball. In the eyes of many people, Anxi felt the pressure from Kawhi Leonard and avoided his edge.

So, a group of people cheered with excitement.

Kawhi Leonard's successful defense is not over yet. Two consecutive waves of offense were unfavorable, and Anxi also started to think of a strong attack.

Therefore, facing Kawhi Leonard's defense, Anxi forced his back to advance, then turned his back, shook off Kawhi Leonard and rushed into the paint, and then connected with a pull-up jumper.

But the next second, there was a bang. Kawhi Leonard came from behind Anxi and made a big shot, knocking the basketball down.

With a bang, fanatical cheers erupted in the ATT Arena.

Kawhi Leonard also waved his arms excitedly, another successful defense! Compared with being completely defeated by Anxi in the finals of last season, he can be said to have completely won the first three duels in this game.

Sean Elliott is also very happy. He has seen Kawhi Leonard's progress. Three successful defenses and Kawhi Leonard's restraint against Anxi are what the Spurs need very much now.

And Magic Johnson, the commentator of Turner Sports, shouted a title at this time: "Anxi Terminator!"

"Three successful defenses, Kawhi Leonard may become the first Anxi terminator!"

Every NBA superstar who has dominated a period of time has a group of terminators, such as Kobe Bryant terminator Sean Battier, Laga Bell and Aaron Afflalo, and James terminator, and the former Anxi and JJ Barea. .

Now, after Kawhi Leonard successfully defended three times in a row, he is expected to become the first closer in Anxi's career.

But at this time, on the court, the Spurs beat the 76ers 6:0 in the opening game. Anxi's subsequent strong attack was missed by Kawhi Leonard. At this moment, Anxi became serious. Of course, he felt that Kawhi Leonard Leonard's progress, but Anxi also knows that even if Kawhi Leonard continues to improve, he can still break through Kawhi Leonard's defense, because Anxi now is a kaleidoscope on the offensive end...

There were 7 seconds left in the 76ers' attack time, and they served from the sideline.

Anxi still insisted on asking for the ball, and the 76ers did not hesitate and continued to hand the ball to Anxi.

In 7 seconds, Anxi held the ball outside the three-point line. When the time expired to the last 3 seconds, Anxi suddenly pulled out and took the shot!

With this ball, Kawhi Leonard naturally couldn't cover Anxi, but he tried his best to interfere and still had some impact on Anxi.

It's just that Anxi's current three-point score is 99 points, which is very strong and cannot be interfered with by ordinary interference.

So, a moment later, there was a swipe, a crisp sound of net wiping, and the ball was scored!

Anxi hit a three-pointer. He shot this shot too strongly. After being continuously defended by Kawhi Leonard, Anxi chose to make a strong shot and scored!

The whole court was silent, except for the excitement on the 76ers bench.

The ball goes in! At 3:6, the 76ers were 3 points behind.

Then came the Spurs' attack.

Tony Parker gave the basketball to Kawhi Leonard. At this time, Leonard faced Jae Crowder's defense and took the ball with his back. After slowly advancing for two steps, he suddenly turned his back and swayed with a fake move. , then slowly jumped up and threw the basketball.

This was a stuck version of a turnaround jump shot after a post-up. Although the action didn't look smooth, it still went in.

Only a swish sound was heard, and the basketball passed through the net.

The ball goes in! 8:3.

Popovich clapped his hands on the sidelines. Kawhi Leonard made his first independent attack of the game, and he was very satisfied with the result.

In fact, since Anxi's popularity in the finals last season, Popovich has also begun to reflect on himself. Did he suppress the stars in the team too much? If Anxi had been given more opportunities to perform, or Anxi wanted to leave At that time, if some promises of ball rights were given, Anxi might be able to stay with the Spurs.

Unfortunately, there is no if.

Therefore, Popovich feels that he should cherish the present, and Kawhi Leonard is now.

No matter how good Anxi's current performance is, no matter how Kawhi Leonard is completely destroyed by Anxi, Popovich always believes that Kawhi Leonard will become a historical superstar. Now, Popovich has decided, Giving Kawhi Leonard more opportunities to display his personal abilities is also one of Popovich's biggest changes this season.

From the beginning of this game, Popovich made the right decision...