Pick Westbrook

Chapter 295 Top Three Point Guards in History
Hornets starting lineup: point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Leonard, small forward Vince Carter, power forward Rashard Lewis and center DeAndre Jordan.

Knicks starting lineup: Point guard Iman Shumpert, shooting guard Baron Davis, small forward Carmelo Anthony, power forward Amare Stoudemire and center Tyson Chandler Le.

Midfield jump ball.

Jordan and Tyson Chandler collided strongly, and finally the basketball was picked up by boxing champion Chandler in the hands of the Knicks.

Barkley said: "During the offseason, DeAndre Jordan was a restricted free agent and Tyson Chandler was an unrestricted free agent."

"The Hornets robbed the Clippers with a lot of salary space, and offered a completely unimaginable maximum salary contract."

"In order to repay his old club Mavericks, Tyson Chandler chose to sign-and-trade with a sub-maximum salary. The Mavericks also got a protected second-round pick in 2012 and a It is a special case of tens of millions of dollars in transactions.”

Kenny Smith naturally knew what his old partner wanted to say at this time, and he said it clearly without hesitation.

"In fact, if the Hornets are really willing to sign a center player with a max salary contract, why don't they choose to sign Tyson Chandler?"

"After all, Tyson Chandler ranked third on the DPOY list last season, supporting the entire defensive system of the Mavericks alone."

In the eyes of Barkley and Kenny Smith, Tyson Chandler is a stronger center than DeAndre Jordan, even Nene of the Nuggets is much better than DeAndre Jordan.

"DeAndre Jordan's technical ability and skills are really rough."

The Knicks attack.

Immediately after Iman Shumpert advanced with the ball, he passed the ball to Stoudemire, who caught the ball at the free throw line and then began to try a single.

Rashad Lewis knew that his defensive ability was difficult to limit Stoudemire, so he actively chose to defend Stoudemire's right hand to break through the space, and at the same time, he stepped up to prevent Stoudemire from shooting easily. Chance.

"It's not a good choice to be so defensive."

Barkley said with a frown.

Rashad Lewis, who was originally weak in defense, couldn't defend against an inside offensive master of Stoudemire's level. Now he also actively gives up the offensive space on the left side, so Stoudemire will Can comfortably break through to the left and get near the basket to score easily.

Kenny Smith nodded and said: "Even if Stoudemire is not good at breaking through to the left, he is a bully after all. Such a large offensive space will be easy for him to score."

on the field.

After seeing such a defensive space, Stoudemire smiled contemptuously, that's it?

After thinking that the Hornets are a team that has just announced its reconstruction, he can fully understand the opponent's defensive move.

Of course, even if Rashad Lewis tried his best to defend, Stoudemire didn't think the opponent could defend himself.

"It seems that tonight's game is another game where I Stoudemire killed the Quartet, Hornets, you should be honored for it."

Stoudemire chose to break through to the left, and his first step start speed is extremely fast among inside players.

Rashard Lewis did not follow the opponent at all, and was passed cleanly. At this time, he did not choose to continue to defend Stoudemire, but rushed in the direction of Tyson Chandler.

On the court, Stoudemire didn't realize the Hornets' defensive changes at all, but off the court, Knicks coach D'Antoni has discovered some clues.

D'Antoni stood up from his seat, walked to the center line and wanted to shout to remind the other party, but it was too late.

Stoudemire struggled to take off two steps from the free throw line, wanting to make a dunk dunk, but a figure appeared in front of him instantly.

"It's DeAndre Jordan!"

boom! ! !
The sudden sound of blocked shots resounded throughout the New Orleans Arena.

Little Jordan jumped high, and Stoudemire, who was soaring in the air, slammed his palms together.

At this time, both of them are in the air, and both of them are touching the basketball in their hands. Whoever has more strength will have the upper hand in the next competition.

Stoudemire knew very well that at this time he could use his strength to fly Jordan back, and then he could make a second take-off as he landed.

In terms of the ability to take off the second time, Stoudemire is full of confidence. He does not think that Jordan is his opponent.

Thinking of this, Stoudemire suddenly exerted force in the air, and added enough strength to his right hand.

Duang!

There was a sound of a heavy object falling to the ground.

Barkley couldn't help raising his eyebrows watching the bloody scene on the court.

Kenny Smith held the microphone in his hand and exclaimed: "Amar'e Stoudemire was slapped from the air to the ground by DeAndre Jordan!"

Lewis blocked Tyson Chandler at the same time, preventing the opponent from easily getting the opportunity to grab offensive rebounds.

Barkley was amazed to see these details on the court, and he was also very surprised by the orderliness of the Hornets' entire defensive system.

Leonard quickly grabbed the floor ball with quick eyes and hands, and the Hornets made a fast break.

"Kawhi!"

Paul yelled at Leonard, while he quickly ran towards the attacking direction.

Leonard passed the ball at halftime, Paul threw the ball into the sky with one hand after receiving the ball, Vince Carter went into the UFO from the right and took off for a dunk.

boom!
2: 0.

In the next round, the Knicks played an offensive tactic.

Anthony moved forcefully from the right to the left, drawing the attention of all defenders.

Tyson Chandler and Iman Shumpert run a high pick-and-roll to clear the effective offensive zone of the strong side.

At this time, Stoudemire began to move to the right for low post singles.

"Or singles Rashard Lewis."

Barkley nodded again and again, agreeing with this offensive choice very much.

"Coach D'Antoni is also worthy of being a well-known offensive master in the league. He knows very well that the defensive weakness of the Hornets on the court is the well-known defensive loophole of Rashad Lewis in this league."

During the Sonics' two-shot period, Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were forced to disband because they were also not good at defense and only the 04-05 season made the playoffs in four full seasons.

The Hornets now let Lewis serve as the team's starting power forward position, which is tantamount to infinitely magnifying the weakness of their own front line. No wonder they will be bullied by Stoudemire.

Iman Shumpert hit the ground to Stoudemire, who was in the waist. The latter raised his hand and looked around. After finding that no defensive player came up to double-team, Stoudemire immediately started back beat.

boom!
The sound of muscle collision suddenly sounded, and Lewis was pushed back a step in just one round.

When Stoudemire was about to turn to dunk or score a layup to score two points, Leonard on the weak side suddenly double-teamed him.

"This defensive double-team, very quickly!"

Kenny Smith clicked his tongue again and again, and immediately remembered this newcomer named Leonard deeply.

The extremely fast lateral movement speed, excellent defensive awareness, and decisive double-team support, coupled with the invisible coercion generated by a pair of long arms and big hands, instantly made Stoudemire unable to move.

Barkley was already shocked and speechless.

He's seen more than his old partner, Kenny Smith.

Leonard didn't double-team early or late, but at the moment when Stoudemire started to back the top man, he rushed to double-team. The timing was really good, and there was no Hornets coaching staff in it. Arrangement, Barkley would never believe it.

Moreover, Barkley also noticed that the Hornets sent Leonard to double-team, not Vince Carter, who was defending Anthony, to double-team.

At the same time, at the moment Leonard double-teamed, Chris Paul and Vince Carter both contracted to help defend.

Because the Knicks chose to clear the low singles on one side when executing this offense, so at this time, there was no opponent directly in front of Stoudemire to receive the ball, and he wanted to turn around and pass to the other side. The player is again on the defensive line.

"The Hornets have a beautiful defensive position."

Barkley couldn't help but praise.

Stoudemire doesn't have the ability to pass the ball past the defensive player, so he still wants to choose a strong play at this time. He doesn't think the rookie Leonard's double-team and a defensive hole Rashard Lewis will be too much. strong power.

call!
"Back the ball!"

Leonard took a lot of shots with his big hands like whack-a-mole, and the basketball was shot directly from Stoudemire's hands.

Leonard picked up the basketball, and the Hornets made another fast break.

Chris Paul and Vince Carter double-lined fast breaks, and only Iman Shumpert defended in front of them.

Vince Carter didn't even look at Paul, he went straight to the basket and threw his body into the sky, and the basketball fell into his hands naturally.

UFOs are flying!

boom!
One-handed gliding catch dunk.

After dunking, Carter raised his hands to the sky excitedly, dreaming of returning to his peak state.

The New Orleans fans at the scene were confused.

They were here to see Carmel Anthony, but the home team played so fiercely after the opening.

"This defense is too aggressive!"

"When can we have such a strong defense?!"

Hornets coaching bench.

Watching the performance of the players on the court, Stevens nodded again and again.

Although as early as in the preseason, he had already predicted that the Hornets' defense would be extremely brilliant, but in the regular season, the players who are really good at fighting can still show such a strong performance, which is a small surprise for Steven. Si was taken by surprise.

Although Du Feng also clearly saw the extremely strong defensive strength displayed by the Hornets players, he did not see the focus and key points of the team's defensive system.

Li Lai explained in a timely manner: "The Knicks are not a defensive strength team. Last season they stopped in the first round of the playoffs because of this reason."

"That's why the Knicks are eager to invite Tyson Chandler to join them during the off-season, preparing to reproduce the miracle of the Lone Ranger team that reached the NBA Finals last season."

"They also hope that Chandler can support the entire Knicks defense alone."

"That's why we focus on double-teaming and defensive counterattacks on the weak side."

After finishing speaking, Li Lai took a special look at Du Feng, and the latter did not disappoint him, and immediately reacted.

Du Feng said in surprise: "This is why we chose to use Leonard to double-team and lock Stoudemire and Anthony. After the defense is completed, we can also quickly push back and try not to let Tyson Chandler return. to familiar defensive positions."

"In this way, no matter how strong Chandler's defensive ability is, if he doesn't return to his familiar defensive position, it's like a scholar without a pen and a soldier without a gun!"

Li Lai nodded and smiled in satisfaction, Du Feng's metaphorical ability is very appropriate.

on the field.

Anthony tidied up his headband, and he glanced at Iman Shumpert in the frontcourt, indicating that he would play next.

Anthony has been angered by the Hornets' defense, and he can't bear to see his teammates being bullied like this.

Anthony is still very loyal.

The Knicks attack.

Anthony's waist turned his back and asked for the ball.

Vince Carter has played against the players of the 03 generation. Because of his playing position, he has also personally defended players such as Wade, Anthony and James.

Vince Carter can say with certainty that Anthony is definitely the strongest player of the 03 generation in terms of post-up skills and singles ability. Whether it is Wade or James in this ability, they are much worse than Anthony.

In terms of three-threat technical actions, Anthony is a well-deserved leader in the league. Even if he said that he is second, no one dares to say that he is the first.

Artest, who was as strong as back then, couldn't take much advantage when defending Anthony. One can imagine the opponent's singles ability.

Vince Carter knows very well that even at his peak, it is difficult to say that he can completely prevent Anthony in a game, let alone him at the age of 34.

"Co-defense!"

Seeing that Iman Shumpert had already lobbed the ball to Anthony, Vince Carter yelled behind him. At the same time, he actively chose to defend Anthony's bottom line and left the frontal attack area instead.

"Vince Carter is very experienced. If Anthony chooses to slip the bottom line, even if the Hornets have players to double-team, it will not help."

"But Vince Carter chose to block the baseline, and Anthony can only be forced to attack from the front or make a more difficult fadeaway shot."

"No matter which offensive option it is, it is better than Anthony directly singles Vince Carter to slip the bottom line."

Barkley was right.

Anthony was really helpless at this time.

Originally planning to slip the bottom line, he could only choose to attack frontally at this time.

But at exactly this time, Anthony saw Leonard rushing from the weak side.

Seeing that Paul was already standing in the help defense area, Anthony did not choose to pass the ball or choose a frontal attack, but chose a very difficult backward shot.

Smash the ball, turn around, lean back.

Swish!
Go in!

Leonard, who had already rushed over to double-team, was stunned. This fadeaway shot was quite difficult.

"What level of singles ability is this?!"

Vince Carter took the initiative to pat Leonard on the shoulder and said: "We have defended well, this is a good shot, and this is also the ability of a superstar."

Off the court, Li Lai gave a thumbs up to Leonard's double-teaming.

Of course, the current singles ability of Little Melon is so high that when he wants to go all out in a game, few people can defend him.

For Leonard, this is also a regular season in which tuition fees must be paid.

Being able to face the important task of defending Anthony in the first game of his career is a good thing for his entire career.

However, Li Lai, who has fought Anthony many times, is very clear that being stronger than Anthony also has several obvious shortcomings.

The lateral movement speed is too slow, the help defense is not timely, and it is difficult to ensure the stability of shooting.

Except when the Nuggets were defending against Kobe alone against the Lakers during the Nuggets period, Anthony devoted all his energy to defending. He has never devoted all his energy to the defensive end in other games.

"Let Anthony keep playing like this."

"If he can keep completing such difficult goals tonight, then I will admit it."

"If he can't finish it, then I will accept this game."

Stevens was startled when he heard Li Lai's words, and was a little surprised by Li Lai's courage in making defensive choices.

If Stevens is the head coach in this game, he will most likely choose a stronger defense to limit the opponent after Anthony completed such a difficult shot.

Stevens doesn't think there's anything wrong with his idea, it's just a choice between different people.

"After all, Anthony is also a ruthless man who can score 33 points in a single quarter."

The first quarter is over.

The Hornets took the lead with 26:21.

Anthony made 6 of 3 shots in a single quarter, and Stoudemire made 4 of 1 shots in a single quarter.

Because the Hornets' defensive strength is extremely strong, the rest of the Knicks players did not get an easy chance to score. Instead, boxing champion Tyson Chandler made 3 of 2 shots from the basket and played a good efficiency.

Barkley was a little surprised by the score on the court. He never thought that the Hornets could lead the Knicks in the first quarter.

More importantly, Paul sent 5 assists in a single quarter, and he has not yet used his offensive power to control the game.

In defense alone, the Hornets got 6 counterattack opportunities and successfully scored 5 times.

Barkley couldn't help but sighed and said: "This is a completely different Hornets team from last season."

"No matter the style of play, tactics or players, there have been great changes."

Kenny Smith nodded excitedly and looked forward to the next game.

"After all, the Knicks have an offensive combination of Anthony + Stoudemire. If there is no accident, one of the two will stay on the court in the second quarter."

"The next step is to see if the Hornets can continue to defend."

"After all, it is a substitute stage, and it is difficult for them to maintain that level of defensive strength."

The second game.

The Hornets took the bench lineup: point guard Patrick Beverley, shooting guard JR Smith, small forward Jimmy Butler, power forward Lou Amundson and center Jason Smith.

Knicks bench lineup: point guard Mike Bibby, shooting guard Landry Fields, small forward Anthony, power forward Steve Novak and center Jared Jeffries.

Stevens hurriedly reminded at this time: "Coach, Anthony is still on the court."

Stevens originally wanted Li Lai to continue to bring Paul to the court at this time. After all, without him, the overall offense of the Hornets would definitely have great problems.

But when he thought that Li Lai had confirmed Paul's playing time in the new season during the preseason, Stevens could only swallow this idea into his mouth.

Li Lai saw that Stevens hesitated to speak, and at this moment he finally revealed the reason why he used Paul so cautiously.

"Chris is a very vulnerable player because he is extremely competitive on the court, so as long as he can play, he will definitely contribute all of his abilities."

"Indeed, the Hornets are Paul's team. With him or without him, they are two completely different teams, so I have to use him more cautiously."

"It's not a good thing to fuck a player, and it's not a good thing to fuck a player with a vulnerable physique like Paul."

At this moment, Stevens remembered a sentence Li had said before.

The regular season in the NBA is like a marathon. It doesn't mean whoever runs fast and who runs ahead means who is good. The most important thing is who can run far and keep running without falling into trouble.

Game start.

Anthony played the game with a scoring task at this time, so he played very proactively from the beginning.

Receiving the ball with his back, Anthony immediately began to observe the Hornets' defensive strategy. After confirming that no one came to double-team, he began to play singles.

Standing behind someone, a library.

Um? !Did not move.

Second library.

Still didn't move!
Anthony glanced back in surprise, and after realizing that it was an unknown kid, he smiled contemptuously.

"A rookie still wants to guard me?"

Knowing that Jimmy Butler was holding up with strength, Anthony took a step back to stop the ball and turn to a frontal attack.

At this time, because he had already dribbled, Anthony couldn't make his signature three-threat move, but this did not affect his frontal singles against Jimmy Butler.

Dribble with low hands, fake shots with head up, break through and turn around, and then turn frontally to attack the frame.

Shoot!

Duang!

Anthony's continuous shaking quickly shook Jimmy Butler away, but when he turned to attack the frame and shoot, Jimmy Butler rushed forward without hesitation.

Anthony was thrown to the ground by the thugs at the same time.

Jimmy Butler didn't care about Anthony's situation, but quickly turned his head to look at the basketball that Anthony had already shot.

The basketball bounced out of the frame.

Jimmy Butler breathed a sigh of relief and was happy with his defense.

Anthony on the ground was not happy, he stood up and threw the hair band on his head, and wanted to fight Jimmy Butler.

"Who the hell told you to defend like this!"

"Don't bring your defensive skills on the field to the field, this is the NBA, you rookie!"

At this time, Bartley didn't care whether Anthony was a big player on the court, and responded without flinching: "That's how I played in my mother's womb, and my defense is also directed at the ball. Don't make a foul just like this. War, I am not afraid of you."

The referee had already blown his whistle, so he hurried over and pulled the two of them apart.

Du Feng on the coaching bench was dumbfounded. This is the first game of a rookie. How dare Jimmy Butler be so bold?

Anthony then walked to the free throw line and made two free throws, poked himself in the head and gave Butler a look.

"Brother can still score."

Switch offense.

Under this lineup, the Hornets also focus on JR Smith.

Landry Fields is a striker and guard swingman, his height has reached 201cm, coupled with Mike Bibby's experience, his defensive ability is also not bad.

So the Hornets did not choose the pick-and-roll at this time.

In fact, because there is no passer, the Hornets did not have the idea of ​​​​playing complicated tactics at this time.

It is handed over to JR Smith for the most primitive singles.

JR Smith accelerated his breakthrough, made a layup with one step, and made a hit.

"The Knicks' defense is not good. Without Tyson Chandler, the Hornets began to break through the basket. At this time, it is difficult for the Knicks players on the field to protect the frame."

Barkley would like to say that although Jared Jeffries is also a defensive center, he is far behind Chandler.

Steve Novak is another turret-type striker, and it is more difficult to provide Jared Jeffries with defensive help at this time.

The Knicks still face the same problem they had from last season, defense.

"The reason why the Mavericks' defense was not bad last season is that in addition to Tyson Chandler, there is also the help of Hacker Marion."

"But now this Knicks team they only have Tyson Chandler. His defense is good, but he can't stay on the court all the time."

"Once Chandler is off the court, the Knicks' defense will be in a state of being riddled with holes again."

D'Antoni also saw problems on the court.

A JR Smith can score so easily, one can imagine how bad the overall defense of the Knicks is.

At this time, D'Antoni naturally would not choose to take Chandler on the court in advance, so he decided to take the initiative to strengthen the offense and replace Stoudemire.

"With Anthony and Stoudemire on the court at the same time, JR Smith alone can't beat the Knicks."

Li Lai saw the substitutions and adjustments on the pitch.

At this time, he calmly took DeAndre Jordan and Leonard up at the same time.

Stevens originally thought that Li Lai's defense was to replace JR Smith, but he saw power forward Louis Amundson and center Jason Smith who came off the bench were taken down at the same time.

"Coach, who are we going to replace Stoudemire with this substitution?"

Stevens asked this question anxiously.

Because the Hornets' lineup on the court at this moment is Beverly, JR Smith, Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Jordan.

Naturally, Jordan wants to top the opponent's center player inside, so who will top Stoudemire?

Du Feng also had such doubts.

As a player, he knows very well that neither Leonard nor Jimmy Butler can defend Stoudemire, and the two of them go up to deliver food.

Stoudemire will go crazy!
"This is one big and four small." Li Lai said suddenly with his hands in his arms.

Stevens had heard of this lineup, but at this moment he had no idea why Li Lai wanted to play like this.

"The Knicks don't have a good passer, so Stoudemire doesn't have the pick-and-rolls like Nash and Billups at this time. He can only play alone."

"Jordan played to protect the frame and hit Stoudemire to the basket. As for the singles from the outside."

"Who said Leonard or Jimmy Butler went to guard?"

"It's two people defending!"

on the field.

Anthony, who has only rested for 2 minutes so far, took the initiative to give the ball to Stoudemire. He hopes that the opponent can stand up at this time to help the team regain the disadvantage.

Although Stoudemire's performance in the first quarter was not good, Anthony knew the opponent's ability very well. As long as he didn't beat the fire hydrant with his hands, Stoudemire was still at the level of an All-Star player in the league.

Stoudemire holds the ball in the low post, and Jimmy Butler guards him.

Facing Jimmy Butler, who was almost half a head shorter than himself and smaller in size, Stoudemire did not hesitate to hit back.

But this time, Beverly rushed in like a mad dog before Stoudemire had exerted his strength, slapping Stoudemire in various ways.

Gritting his teeth while defending as if he was in front of Beverly who owed him 80 creditors, Stoudemire was completely speechless.

"Where did this stupid thing come out of!"

Stoudemire could only pass the ball out, and the moment Mike Bibby caught the ball, JR Smith was already in place.

"The Hornets have defended again!"

Barkley was very surprised by the Hornets' defense in this game, which was a step up from their defense in the preseason.

The Knicks were completely guarded.

At the end of the third quarter, the Hornets had entered the final quarter with an 80:70 lead by 10 points.

Anthony turned on the killing mode in the fourth quarter, causing consecutive defensive fouls by Leonard and Jimmy Butler.

"Leonard and Jimmy Butler are still too immature, and it is difficult to limit Anthony in terms of defensive experience and defensive ability."

"However, this is the first game of their NBA careers. I believe they can make greater progress in the future."

Kenny Smith couldn't help but admire and said.

Barkley nodded, the two were able to restrain Anthony from breaking out, which is considered a very good achievement.

At this time, both Barkley and Kenny Smith had a premonition that the game was far from over. Anthony, who had turned on the killing mode, definitely had the ability to harvest the game alone.

beep!beep!
Li Lai suddenly called a timeout at this moment.

Rashard Lewis was replaced, JR Smith returned to the court, and Jimmy Butler moved to power forward.

"It's another big and four small lineup!"

Barkley thought of the flexible running ability and defense ability of this lineup in the first half of the game. At this time, he is also looking forward to what kind of performance the Hornets can play.

At the same time, Kenny Smith also discovered that Li Lai was saying something to Chris Paul on the sidelines after calling a timeout.

Kenny Smith frowned slightly.

He naturally knows Li Lai's strength, the champion coach, two real two consecutive championships, how can Li Lai be a person who is in vain.

So Kenny Smith is very curious about how Li Lai's edicts to Paul can bring about changes on the court for the Hornets.

Game start.

Hornets attack.

Chris Paul advanced with the ball, Leonard stood in the bottom corner, and JR Smith raised his hand to catch the ball at a 45° angle on the right.

Jimmy Butler cuts into the penalty area and then pulls to the weak side, while Jordan Jr. uses Butler's cut to cooperate immediately.

"The Hornets' high pick-and-roll tactics are here!"

Kenny Smith exclaimed, Paul and Jordan have completed the pick and roll.

Jordan went down, and Paul broke through from the right and entered the penalty area at the same time.

Because he is afraid of Jordan's alley-oop dunks, he has two defenders, Tyson Chandler and Iman Shumpert, on his body at this time.

Swish!
Paul made a slightly backward shot from the middle distance and made a steady hit!
"At this closing time of the game, Chris Paul started to take the initiative to attack."

Kenny Smith took a look at Paul's current statistics. Counting the ball he hit just now, Paul has now scored 10 points, 2 rebounds, 14 assists and 2 steals.

This scoring data is far from Paul's scoring performance of 18 points per game last season.

Kenny Smith suddenly remembered that Paul had been sorting out the team's offense throughout the first three quarters. Even for the inevitable score, he also assisted Vince Carter to complete the dunk.

"So, Chris Paul didn't exert his strength for almost the whole game. At this time, he has enough energy to close the game."

Barkley said with absolute certainty.

More importantly, the Hornets are taking a small lineup at this time, which is extremely threatening in terms of space and outside line. In addition, Jordan Jr. also mentions pick-and-roll outside, Paul will get more offensive opportunities.

"Jordan's alley-oop dunk had to be defended, JR Smith and Leonard's three-pointers had to be defended, and Jimmy Butler cut in and moved to the weak side. The defender had no chance to double-team Paul on the strong side. .”

"The Hornets play very well with this offensive tactic!"

Kenny Smith and Barkley are very familiar with the offensive tactics designed by Li Lai.

The tactical play designed by the opponent is that Popovich uses superstars to create space, and Zen master Phil Jackson creates space for superstars.

Otherwise, why would Jordan get an offensive opportunity, and why would Paul himself get an offensive opportunity?

"This tactic is really good."

Anthony immediately fought back, chasing points for the Knicks with a difficult turnaround jumper.

But then the Hornets used the same tactic again, and Paul was in the same position again, hitting a mid-range shot again.

"I hit again!"

"and also!"

"Chris Paul has hit three consecutive shots from the same position, will the Knicks still take it?"

"Don't let it go! Baron Davis on the strong side rushed to double-team, Paul passed the ball, and JR Smith made a three-pointer."

"Continuing to double-team Paul, Leonard hit another three-pointer from the corner."

"Stop it! Stop it!"

"Coach D'Antoni called a long timeout, and the Hornets stopped the Knicks in the final quarter!"

D'Antoni looked at Li Lai on the Hornets' bench with a look of dismay.

It was no longer the Bucks team that was too strong to be loved, but Li Lai still used his offensive and defensive tactics to make the Hornets extremely powerful.

Although compared with those championship teams, the current Hornets are far from reaching that actual height, but they are by no means at the level of weak teams in the league.

Facing the Hornets' highly targeted offensive lineup, D'Antoni couldn't think of any good ways to limit it. At this time, he can only strengthen the Knicks' own offense.

Stoudemire played extremely tough afterwards, and got a very good chance to score, and also played at a high efficiency level.

But at this time, the Hornets are leading by a full 16 points. How can the Knicks win the game just by attacking.

Finally, the game is over.

The Hornets won the regular season opener 106:94.

The New Orleans fans at the scene sounded enough to overturn the arena's MVP shouts.

Paul enjoyed the shouts from the entire New Orleans fans to him, and this cannonball, who has always gone his own way, couldn't help but get red eyes at this time.

"Three years, three full years, this is the first time the fans in New Orleans have called out MVP to a player at home."

"I feel like everything is coming back."

安东尼24投10中，罚球9罚8中，砍下了28分6篮板3助攻的数据。

斯塔德迈尔21投7中，罚球7罚5中，拿下了19分7篮板的数据。

保罗18分3篮板18助攻2抢断，小乔丹14分15篮板，JR史密斯15分3篮板2助攻，伦纳德13分2抢断，吉米巴特勒8分5篮板1盖帽，贝佛利6分5犯规。

Post-match interview.

Paul was asked by reporters what Li Lai whispered to him in the fourth quarter, and why he single-handedly overthrew the entire Knicks after that.

When Paul was asked this question, his cheeks blushed, and he couldn't say what Li Lai told him no matter what.

Seeing the embarrassment of the other party, Li Lai took the initiative to bring the microphone to his mouth and said: "What I said at that time was: Chris, do you know that in my mind you are the top three point guards in the entire history of the NBA. "

After hearing this sentence, there was an uproar at the scene, and some reporters immediately raised objections.

"Top three in history?"

"What about Magic Johnson? What about Big O Robertson? What about Jerry West? And Isiah Thomas, John Stockton, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd. "

Paul pursed his lips and said nothing.

On the court, he is a cannonball, but at this time he chose to remain silent.

Because Paul knows very well that he has no MVP, no championship, and it is difficult for him to compare with those famous point guards in all hard glory.

Li Lai kept smiling at this time and continued: "Point guard, point guard, is it true that only the point guard with the best pass is the strongest?"

"If you look at it this way, then Stockton, who is the leader in assists and steals in history, is the strongest point guard."

"So I don't think it's right. Looking at one or two abilities alone, it's hard to judge whether a player is really good."

"We should look at all abilities, defense, steals, assists, passing, mid-range, three-pointers, which of these is Paul not good at?"

"In terms of personal offensive ability and scoring ability at critical moments, Paul is also the strongest point guard I have ever seen. He has almost no offensive shortcomings."

"His mid-range shooting at the critical moment of this game is the best proof!"

The reporter who questioned Paul continued unconvinced at this time: "But Paul has nothing, no MVP, no championship, and he was often injured in his career."

"You rank such a player among the top three point guards in NBA history. It's not just me. I think everyone who read this interview at this time will disagree."

Li Lai looked at the live broadcast camera at this time, and said with certainty: "If you have to judge a player's ability by glory, then Paul will definitely win all the hard honors above!"

After the interview, Paul waited for Li Lai in the aisle of the stadium, and he gave Li Lai a strong hug without saying a word.

Paul didn't speak, all emotions were in this hug.

Li Lai patted Paul on the back and did not say a word, and all his words were in this pat of faith.

"Hornets, just start now."

(End of this chapter)