Pick Westbrook

Chapter 156 Come Come Come Come

3 month 1 day.

The Bucks host the Spurs.

There are still 20 games before the end of the regular season. At present, the Bucks have achieved a record of 51 wins and 13 losses, and after winning the game against the Bulls, they have locked in the playoffs in advance.

Now there is no playoff pressure for the Bucks. Of course, the Bucks coaching staff headed by Li Lai has never had such pressure, and they will not even take the initiative to choose the next opponent in the playoffs.

Because Li Lai emphasized to the players more than once that the championship will only belong to the strongest team, and what they want is not the playoffs, but the championship.

Contrary to the Bucks, the Charlotte Bobcats, currently ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference, are desperately trying to squeeze in. They desperately want to become the seventh team in the Eastern Conference, so that they can avoid meeting in the first round. Bucks.

before the game starts.

Li Lai deliberately gathered all the players together in the locker room.

"At the beginning of the season, I said that our goal this season is to win the championship. At that time, many commentators and guest commentators questioned us, but as a result, we have been occupying the first place in the league record since the beginning of the season. Up until now, that position has never been lost."

"So, first of all, congratulations to us, we made it all."

Headed by Dragic, the Bucks players applauded excitedly and punched each other to encourage each other.

Westbrook smiled happily at this moment, and Yi Jianlian still smiled shyly, but he was talking and laughing with Francisco Elson and Austin Crocier beside him.

Artest looked determined. He and Reggie Miller still remembered Li Lai's promise to them, and Li Lai did not let them down. Only the second season of joining gave the Bucks such hope.

Iverson raised his head slightly, no matter how others looked at him at this time, he still looked like a fool, but only he knew that he was thinking about his daughter lying on the hospital bed.

Curry was pressed by O'Neill and Rasheed next to the closet and beaten for a while.

The primary school student was still yelling, "I didn't do anything."

O'Neill showed a big row of teeth and smiled: "I know you want to dance ass again, so I won't give you such a chance."

Li Lai smiled and let the players' farce go, and then continued on his own: "I heard that the management of the Bobcats has been trying their best to avoid us recently. It seems that our strength has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, which is good. ,But this is not enough."

"I'm going to make the whole league shake like this when it comes to us."

"So, it's not enough to secure the playoffs in advance. Our final goal will always be the O'Brien Cup, which symbolizes the supreme glory."

"Then in the next 20 games, we must first win the league record first, and then stay healthy. At the same time, I want you to win the MVP of the regular season!"

The last sentence was specifically said by Li Lai to Westbrook.

Howard once again played phenomenal defensive dominance this season, so Artest will miss DPOY for the second time.

Of course, Artest's second place in the DPOY list is already the biggest recognition of his defense, but the league's reputation for Artest still seems not good enough, so Artest has long missed DPOY inevitable.

The only season awards that the entire Bucks players can get are Westbrook's regular season MVP and Curry's Rookie of the Year.

But Curry averaged 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season, and made 44% of his three-pointers, and averaged 3 per game. He has broken Ray Allen's three-pointers in a single season in the last game Record, so now every three-pointer he shoots is writing his own record.

Even if Harden of the Kings next door can score 20+5+5 per game, it will be difficult to grab Curry's best rookie.

In other words, the Bucks still have suspense only in the regular season MVP award.

Now James ranks first in the MVP rankings, his average data is 30 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists per game.

James this season is even more terrifying than the season when he was elected MVP last season.

And Westbrook's average data is 22 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists per game. He is only 1 assist per game away from the achievement of averaging a triple-double per game.

But it seems that there is only one, but it is an extremely terrifying statistic after being spread over the entire regular season.

There are already more and more commentators and media reporters talking about it. If Westbrook can really score the miracle of averaging a triple-double, then they will not hesitate to vote for each other with their precious votes.

Now, it depends on whether Westbrook can do it.

Of course, even if this is achieved, it may not be possible to win this award from James with this data.

"I'll work hard, coach." Westbrook nodded and said.

He knew that the Bucks were still fighting for every game even though the playoffs had already been confirmed, because Li Lai wanted to help him win the first regular season MVP of his career.

Westbrook thought of his crazy hard training last summer, and then raised his right hand to look at the prominent KB3 mark on his wrist.

It was the glory he and he wanted.

Li Lai didn't know what kind of sensation a rookie who won the regular season MVP in the second season of his career would cause, but he thought it should be similar to Fengchen Rose who drove the whole world into madness in his previous life.

On the court, Popovich raised the corner of his mouth and hugged Li Lai.

The Spurs currently have a record of 41 wins and 23 losses, ranking sixth in the Western Conference. This can be regarded as the worst season for the Spurs in the past ten years.

Of course, this record is inseparable from Parker's 20-game truce due to injury, but it's not entirely the only reason.

It is said that the Spurs are not old. The core players are already at this age and can lead the team to the championship. But it has to be admitted that Duncan is 34 years old, Ginobili is 32 years old, and Parker is the youngest at only 28 years old. age.

But the combined GDP of the three is almost 100 years old. It is difficult for you to ask their bodies to never have problems on the court.

Ginobili rested nearly 10 games this season, Duncan also had 7 games, and the three carriages played together at the same time did not even exceed 20 games.

Of course, with the cooperation and tacit understanding of the three of them playing together for many years, they don't need to have too much running-in in the regular season.

It’s just that the Spurs have introduced new aids Richard Jefferson, Garnett Temple, Antonio McDyess, Keith Bogans, Marcus Hislip, Cedri Jackson and Theo Ratliff, and drafted rookie DeJuan Blair.

These 8 players have never played against GDP, and they have not even understood the complex offensive system of the Spurs. Now coupled with the lack of cooperation with GDP, this has allowed the Spurs to play very well in the regular season. Difficult, and more importantly, even now Popovich still hasn't been able to solve this.

This is a big mistake made by the management of the Spurs. They really adjusted the lineup too much during the off-season last season. In addition, they did not think about the injuries of the three carriages at all, which led to a serious lack of running-in. .

This is also one of the most important reasons for their record decline.

"Boy, is it okay to let this game go after getting a place in the playoffs?" Popovich said with a smirk.

Li Lai naturally knows that the Spurs' record is very uncomfortable in the Western Conference where there are many heroes. In addition, they only lost to the rival Suns in the last game. Excessively.

"Old man, I don't intend to let you. I was brutalized by the Spurs in the preseason, and I still remember it deeply."

"So the Bucks also need to beat the Spurs to prove themselves."

Li Lai said seriously.

Popovich pursed his mouth, he really wanted to give this ignorant boy a bun, but after seeing George Hill and Dragic on the Bucks court, his eyes couldn't help it. Stay sour.

"How well these two players are playing in the Bucks now, they were all snatched away by that bastard Li Lai."

"I, Popovich, swear, the next time I find a target in the draft, I will definitely get a higher pick than the Bucks."

Game start.

Bucks starting lineup: Westbrook, Curry, Artest, Rasheed Wallace and Yi Jianlian.

Spurs starting lineup: point guard Tony Parker, shooting guard Keith Bogans, small forward Richard Jefferson, power forward Tim Duncan and center Antonio McDyess.

The midfielder jumped the ball, and Yi Jianlian jumped off the ball.

The Bucks were ready to play an elevator door tactic as soon as they came up.

Yi Jianlian and Rasheed double-screened from the free throw line, and Curry went around the baseline Artest's off-ball screen and ran back directly.

The elevator closed successfully.

Just the moment Curry received a pass from Westbrook, Keith Bogans' defense arrived.

"This defense is so fast!"

Tyronn Lue looked at Li Lai and said, "Bogans didn't go through the middle of the elevator door, but followed Curry from the side around the pillar. His speed is fast enough, so he can catch up with Curry with such a curve and defense." The speed at which he catches the ball."

Li Lai would like to say that Keith Bogans' defense is of course very good, which is why the Spurs won the opponent in the free market. Partner with a shooting guard with strong defensive ability.

In addition, there is one of the best shooting guards in the league in the playoffs in the Western Conference, so whether it is because of the team lineup or planning for the forward-looking playoffs, the Spurs have to reinforce a strong defensive player. shooting guard.

But the successful defense just now was not entirely due to Keith Bogans alone. To be precise, it was the common effect of the Spurs' overall defensive tactics.

When Duncan and McDyess faced Rasheed Wallace and Yi Jianlian's double free throw line, they took the initiative to choose to interfere with Curry's off-ball movement. This is how Keith Bogans can go around the curve The reason why he can keep up with Curry in the case of Renzhu.

"This is also the first time that the elevator door tactic has been restricted by the opponent. Since then, I am afraid that more teams have begun to follow this defensive tactic."

"Popovich is indeed the coach with the most balanced offense and defense."

Li Lai said extremely worriedly.

He has a hunch that because of the successful defense of the Spurs, countless teams in the future will adopt such defensive tactics to limit the Bucks' elevator closing, which will also be extremely detrimental to the Bucks' next playoffs. The performance in the game will even be greatly affected.

on the field.

There was someone in front of Curry, and he wanted to make a strong shot, but Westbrook quickly stopped him by raising his hand.

Although this is only the first offensive round of the game, even if a strong shot is missed, it will be difficult to affect the result of the game, but Westbrook is still so cautious.

After all, he had already played against the Spurs last season. Westbrook knows how tenacious and sharp this team is, and any exposed weakness will be firmly grasped by them.

So no surprise, if Curry misses a strong shot, with Duncan and McDyess in the penalty area occupying a favorable position, the Spurs will inevitably grab a defensive rebound, and then it is very likely that a fast break will follow.

Don't really think that all the Spurs players are old people. The French sports car Parker's fast break speed and ability to finish at the basket are among the top players in the league.

Westbrook didn't hesitate after receiving the ball, and directly attacked Parker.

At this time, Keith Bogans was firmly sticking to Curry, and it was too late to assist the defense. In addition, Duncan and McDyess on the inside had been moved away from the free throw line by Rasheed Wallace and Yi Jianlian Nearby, the restricted area step completely wide open.

Westbrook pushed Parker away with one step with his body, and then rushed to the basket with a one-handed tomahawk.

Tyronn Lue off the court couldn't help applauding, and Li Lai also nodded in satisfaction on the court.

Compared with the rampage of the Bucks last season, the players of this season already have a lot of experience. The previous Westbrook would never stop Curry's shot, and even find it immediately. Parker attacked this weakness.

"This is the difference between us and last season!"

"Except for Westbrook, George Hill, Dragic, and Yi Jianlian, these Bucks players who have experienced the playoffs of last season have all become better at playing this season."

Of course, Curry has not yet had such court experience, but Li Lai is very satisfied with his growth this season.

On the coaching bench of the Spurs, Popovich was smiling when he saw the players on the field defending the elevator door tactics, but after seeing Westbrook then use another attack to disintegrate such a defense, Zhu Gewei It's getting harder and harder to look on the face.

He looked at the player named Westbrook. The opponent was so versatile and excellent. Although there were still some problems in handling the ball, his strong impact ability perfectly covered up this problem.

To be precise, it should be that the Bucks covered up this problem very well.

Westbrook holds the ball as a big core, but when he doesn't find his teammates in the first place or finds a favorable breakthrough opportunity, he will immediately distribute the ball to Yi Jianlian to play high cards or become a tactical executor and pass the ball to To Curry running off the ball.

And Westbrook will always only play the role of carrying the explosive package on the court.

Popovich looked at Li Lai.

It is said that the Bucks' offensive tactics are so good, even he and Zen Master Phil Jackson have said such things, but to this day Popovich still feels that he underestimated the kid on the opposite side.

"How can a rookie sophomore win the regular season MVP, but if this sophomore is in the Bucks, I take it for granted, because Li Lai covered up his shortcomings and infinitely magnified his advantages."

"So, Westbrook determines the lower limit of the Bucks. With him, the Bucks must be a team that can go further in the playoffs."

But can we make it to the stage of the finals?
Popovich inspected all the players of the Bucks, including O'Neal and Iverson who were sitting on the bench.

Then he shook his head.

In the end, Popovich turned his attention to Curry, who had just executed the elevator door tactic, and shook his head again.

"The Bucks are still a little off."

"Even if it is difficult for the Spurs to reach the Finals this season due to coordination problems, a certain team is not something they can stop."

"This year's championship, no surprise, is the No.1 in the league again."

The first half is over.

Relying on Westbrook's continuous impact on Parker and the Spurs inside, the Bucks achieved a 60:54 lead.

Keith Bogans was very helpless. Originally, his figure was the most suitable player to defend Westbrook, but Curry was so annoying that Parker couldn't defend him at all.

Therefore, when the Spurs faced the Bucks, they could only choose to release Westbrook or Curry. It is not realistic at all to limit the two at the same time.

In addition, Yi Jianlian often shot cold arrows from the outside and sent wonderful passes. Artest almost prevented Jefferson from constipation. Although Duncan had no solution, the defense given by Rasheed Wallace gave him Duncan is extremely limited.

It is difficult for the Spurs to have an advantage over the Bucks in the starting lineup.

Of course, the Spurs have never been a starting lineup winning team, and they have the second-best scoring bench in the league.

Ginobili led the Spurs' bench lineup.

Popovich crossed his arms off the court.

He is very clear that whether the Spurs can win this game depends on whether the bench lineup led by Ginobili can turn the Bucks' bench lineup upside down.

Li Lai also looked at the court with great interest.

Although the Bucks' bench scoring ability only ranks fourth in the league and behind the Spurs, he is not convinced.

Because the Ginobili guy is a fake starter, averaging 32 minutes per game, and none of the Bucks' bench players has played more than 25 minutes.

"So sometimes statistics can be deceiving, old man, now let's see who is better in your bench lineup or mine."

Game start.

Dragic hit the basket as soon as he came up, and then looked back at the basket and passed it to O'Neal in the penalty area.

boom!
O'Neill's classic two-handed blow-up scored!
"Idiot, bastard!"

"How dare you let the big sharks catch the ball so comfortably inside, you are looking for death!"

The Spurs' backup center Matt Bonner covered his ears and complained of a headache. O'Neill rapped so badly, and still smugly thought he was an NWA, what an asshole.

Switch offense.

Ginobili played Iverson in singles, and the two have faced each other countless times in their careers. Naturally, Iverson couldn't guard against each other.

Ginobili snaked his way to the basket, and Villanueva had expected to shrink the inside line to help defend.

The Bucks have only one defensive strategy before the game, that is, infinitely target Ginobili, and try to let the Spurs substitute others to end the game.

Because these substitute players have not formed a good tacit understanding with GDP at all, there are still many problems in positioning, shooting and tactical cooperation.

Especially for a team like the Spurs whose offensive tactics are coordinated like precision instruments, just a little bit of tactical coordination is not in place, and the effect displayed on the court will be greatly deviated.

No, this time Ginobili chose to pass the ball to Roger Mason on the bottom line. The latter did not choose to shoot the ball immediately after receiving the ball, but looked for the position of other players and looked at Gino Does Billy have any intention of continuing to ask for the ball?

This look allowed Dragic to make up the defense in time, and the Spurs' tactics stopped.

This also wasted a good opportunity for Ginobili to pass the ball suddenly.

Duang!

If you cast again, you can only hit the iron.

Iverson took advantage of the rebound and made a fast break.

It was Ginobili who bullied him on the offensive end just now, and now it's time for him to bully Ginobili on the offensive end.

Iverson rushed to the basket and Ginobili chased after him, but Iverson still scored with a layup.

The third quarter of the game.

Both Li Lai and Popovich had a tacit understanding and only used the substitute lineup, and the result of the final offense was that the Bucks continued to take a weak lead with 32:26.

The starter was defeated by the Bucks, and the bench was also defeated.

The Spurs have shown signs of decline.

Fortunately, Li Lai did not underestimate the Spurs team until the last minute. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili teamed up to set off a 22:10 offensive wave in the last quarter.

Just when Popovich thought they could come back in this game, Westbrook and Curry teamed up to return a 15:5 offensive shock wave.

The Bucks won the game 117:107.

When shaking hands after the game, Popovich waved his hand again, showing an angry look like an old urchin.

Both he and Li Lai knew exactly what was going on in the third quarter. Both of them were coaches in the league who were very good at training the bench lineup, but this time the seasoned Popovich lost.

"But I only admit that I lost in the player configuration."

Popovich said shamelessly.

Li Lai didn't really embarrass the old man at this time. He smiled and said, "It's just bullying you without O'Neal and Iverson. How about it? O'Neal still has a 2000 million contract, how about it? What if you are not convinced?"

Popovich: Did you embarrass me by calling that?Come on, let me see what your embarrassment is, bastard boy.

(End of this chapter)