25. The Elegy of the Warriors
The second half of the first quarter became the Warriors' opening show, and Chamberlain became the iron gate in the inside line, and even Duncan faced him one-on-one. The most important thing is that Chamberlain not only has excellent defense against one-on-one, but also relies on his flexible footsteps, broad vision and explosive power, but his assisted defense is even better.
Chamberlain gave out three hot hats in the first quarter. With his Warriors' stretched defense, the Spurs were hindered several consecutive attacks, and Chamberlain's defense brought them tremendous pressure.
With Chamberlain's outstanding performance on the defensive end, others can concentrate on attacking. It just so happened that the three outsiders of the Warriors came today. Davis, Azubuk and Ellis took turns firing, one more accurate, and the Spurs were extremely ecstatic.
At the end of the first quarter, the Spurs were one of the few behind, and they were behind by a big score of 28:36.
Taking advantage of the rest, the Warriors' commentator began to comment on the first quarter of the game between the two sides. Barry was a rare mouth of praise and praised: "Z did a pretty job, this little guy performed well on the defensive end. I bet that as long as he can maintain half of the defensive level of this game this season, the best defensive player must be his!"
Fitz nodded and said, "You're completely right. Barry, Z is the best defensive expert I've ever met..."
Barnet laughed and said, "It may be a bit exaggerating to say this, but I think it's not too much for us to praise him no matter how exaggerated it is. Who was the one who could perform so well in the defensive end in the last rookie season?"
"Dwight Howard?" Fitz deliberately speculated that in fact, Howard is indeed very good on the defensive end now. Although he has not won the title of Best Defensive Player, anyone with a discerning eye knows that without the rise of a talented defensive expert, he will become the league's new ruler on the defense end of the penalty area.
After hearing Fitz's guess, Barry had just drank the mineral water from his mouth and sprayed it into his crotch. He curled his lips and said, "What kind of bird feather Howard is? Is he worthy of comparison with Z? If Z didn't appear, he could still make a difference. Now that Z is here, I bet this kid will have a tragedy!"
"That's Hakeim Olajuwon?" Barnett said with a smile. He was already overestimating Chamberlain. Olajuwon's defensive kung fu can rank among the top three in NBA history.
Fitz smiled and shook his head, saying, "Okay, we can't play puzzles anymore. In fact, you know who I'm talking about. I'm talking about what I see from Z the shadow of Bill Russell in defense!"
Hearing this sentence, the fans in front of the TV immediately took a breath. Who is Bill Russell? He is one of the most legendary basketball superstars in the NBA. He won the Olympic basketball gold medal in 1956 and won 11 NBA championships in the thirteen seasons he played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, including an eight-game championship that seems extremely cruel now!
Russell is known as the best defensive center in NBA history. He claims to help the team win the championship by just defense. How strong is he? Just look at the NBA's respect for him. Now the prototype of that person in the NBA's best defensive player of the year trophy uses Russell's classic defensive moves. In addition, two years later, in 2009, in order to commend Russell's outstanding contribution and immortal legend, the "FMVP" will be officially renamed the "Bill Russell Award". But one thing you need to know is that Russell himself has never won the Finals MVP in his life!
Nowadays, there are countless successors in the NBA, including Garnett, Duncan, Ewing's successor and even Olajuwon's successor, but no one has ever dared to be called Russell's successor, except for this year's center pick Greg Oden.
How famous is Oden now? Chamberlain scored a historic triple-double in his debut, and almost broke 20+ rebounds, but even the media person who is most optimistic about him is just a call that he will become an Oden's great opponent!
Oden is known as the first local super center in the United States in the 21st century. He has O'Neal's power, Olajuwon's pace, Garnett's skills, and Duncan's mentality... But he is much better than O'Neal's free throws. He has the sprint speed that Olajuwon will envy. His bounce looks higher than the Wolf King, and he is more peaceful than the Stone Buddha when he is quiet. So until now, he has been defined by senior ESPN experts as "the center that will only be seen in twenty years."
LeBron James is so powerful? He has been used to compare Jordan since he entered the league, but so far, his nickname is just the "Little" Emperor, but what about Oden? Since middle school, he has been called "Oden the Great"!
The three people in the commentary table did not expect Oden. In fact, in the eyes of these three people, Oden, who has not played a game in the NBA, cannot catch their eyes. After hearing Fitz's praise, Barry frowned and murmured: "Bill Russell? No, you don't have the shadow of Russell on you. If you have to compare him with one person, I think this person should be the perverted guy Wilt Chamberlain!"
Among the commentary of the three commentators, the second quarter began, and the energetic Chamberlain still made his debut again. This time, in addition to him, the starting players, Davis and Ellis, also played. The other two were substitutes, one was Barnes and the other was Pitrus.
Popovich also changed the lineup, but replaced Elson with Oberto. In this way, GDP + Bowen + Olsen and the Spurs sent the strongest lineup. It can be seen that Popovich is going to make a difference in the second quarter.
The Spurs players did not disappoint Popovich's arrangement. At the beginning of the second quarter, Duncan singled Chamberlain with his back and scored two points with a clever turn. Then Parker stole Barnes' pass, and he broke through Davis's throw and made a hit, and the Spurs snatched back four points in a row.
Seeing this, Old Nelson was furious under the court. As the boss of the Warriors, Davis immediately showed his super offensive firepower when he saw that the old man was really popular. He first broke through and passed the ball to Barnes outside the three-point line to help the latter hit a three-pointer. After the second attack, he made a beautiful aerial relay with Chamberlain, which stabilized the score on the court.
In the next few minutes, both sides had their own rules on offense and defense, but the Warriors have always maintained a leading advantage. Chamberlain has helped the Warriors too much. With him on the defensive end, other Warriors players can fully focus on the offensive end. Their attacks are extremely sharp, and they won't be able to defend themselves even if they are as strong as the Spurs.
Popovich called two timeouts and changed players twice, but he still couldn't curb the crazy Warriors. By the ten minutes of the second quarter, the Warriors had already led by double digits with 60:48.
The fans at Oracle Stadium were so happy that their sharp whistles and cheers continued, turning the stadium into a sea of joy.
The encouragement of fans helped the Warriors players to become crazy. These people are all crazy. The best thing they are to play is a match-wind ball. In the subsequent attack, Davis broke through Parker with the ball, made two consecutive steps, then pulled out of the three-point line, jumped high and swung his hand, and hit a three-pointer happily!
48:63, the difference between the two teams is even bigger. What makes Spurs fans most worry is that the Warriors have already shown momentum. In terms of momentum, they are now unstoppable.
Popovich had to call a timeout again, and the Warriors players ended happily. Davis shook his hands and laughed: "Damn it, my hands seemed to have turned into a microwave tonight, and it was so hot that I could make teppanyaki!"
Jackson pinched his shoulder and laughed, "Teppanyaki? Who loves teppanyaki pork paws?"
Old Nelson held his arms and squinted his eyes. He looked at the Spurs bench and looked at the calm Popovich with an anxious and panic expression. He was proud.
The Warriors can afford to lose in this game but the Spurs can't afford to lose because both sides are not at the same heavyweight level. Fans have different expectations for them, and even the players have different expectations for themselves. Except for Chamberlain, no one in the Warriors thinks they can win the championship, and the Spurs all believe that they can win the championship this season.
After returning from the timeout, Popovich set up a very troublesome tactic. First, Parker passed the ball to Oberto on the right wing, cut into the basket, circled around the basket and then fell to the weak side of the left wing. Duncan used Ginobili's horizontal cover to run to the main penalty area on the left.
Bowen, who was at the top of the three-point line, received a pass from Oberto and transferred the ball to Parker, who had just fallen on the left wing, and then mentioned that he helped Ginobili do pick-and-roll. Ginobili ran out of the open position to attract the Warriors' defensive attention. Parker passed the ball to Duncan. Duncan forced Chamberlain. Parker used the two bodies to throw Davis away, rushed out of the three-point line and received Duncan's pass. He turned around and scored a three-pointer.
It has to be admitted that the Spurs' offensive organization is very well organized this time, and Parker's last move is also very reasonable, completely breaking away from the Warriors' defense.
However, the momentum of the game is completely on the Warriors' side. Parker's open three-pointer failed to hit, hitting the inside of the ring and bounced high again.
"My!" Chamberlain shouted loudly and jumped up. Duncan jumped up unyieldingly, and Davis, who was beside the two, also jumped up to compete for rebounds.
Bowen, who also entered the penalty area, also wanted to jump up and grab the rebound, but after seeing Davis jump first, a trace of cold light emitted from his eyes, and he did not continue to jump up, but put his feet under Davis calmly.
Chamberlain pressed Duncan with his broad body, and took the rebound with his arm. He landed proudly on the ground. As a result, he was about to make a statement and mock Duncan, he first heard a shrill scream behind him: "Ah, God, my ankle!"
Hearing this scream, Chamberlain subconsciously turned around, but saw Davis, who had always been a tough guy, curled up on the floor like a shrimp and rolled with his right foot. At the same time, his hands were empty, and Bowen took the opportunity to snatch the basketball away, who quickly made a layup and stuffed the ball into the ring.
However, Chamberlain did not care about Bowen's layup. Davis's change made him feel at a loss. He quickly fell to his knees and helped Davis up and asked anxiously: "What's wrong, man, what's wrong with you?"
Old Nelson decisively asked for a timeout, which was the Warriors' home court, so two team doctors rushed up immediately.
Beadlings and Jackson rushed up together. They punched Bowen, and Jackson roared: "Fuck you, you bastard, do you want to make a living for my brother? I'll fuck you, you bastard!"
Chapter completed!