NBA: I have 3, no D, and I can't dribble

Stephon Marbury was selected by the Bucks with the fourth overall pick in the first round of 1996, and was directly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he started his NBA career.

In three seasons with the Timberwolves, Marbury averaged 17 points, 8.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Although his shooting percentage was a bit low, his overall performance was definitely at a quasi-All-Star level.

But because the Timberwolves gave Garnett a billion-dollar contract in advance, Marbury was dissatisfied and eventually chose to leave the Timberwolves for the Nets.

In the three seasons with Garnett, the Timberwolves reached the playoffs in two seasons, but stopped in the first round. It can be said that the cooperation between the two did not achieve any results.

After Marbury's bad experiences with the Nets, Suns and Knicks, Timberwolves fans are even glad that Marbury didn't stay in the first place, otherwise he would have completely harmed the team.

As much as the Timberwolves fans disdain and ridicule Marbury, they love and revere Lin Fei.

After all, what Lin Fei brought to Timberwolves fans was not only an O'Brien Cup, but also countless classic moments in the 03-04 Western Conference Finals and the Finals.

Unlike the original "Three-Headed Monster" who lingered outside the playoffs for years after the collapse, today's Timberwolves have become a stable and powerful force in the Western Conference under the influence of winning the championship.
Together with Duncan's Spurs and Dirk Nowitzki's Mavericks, they are the three major teams in the Western Conference.

After the All-Star Game in January this year, with the financial support of Glen Taylor and the active trading of general manager McHale,

The Timberwolves acquired Puerto Rican star point guard Carlos Arroyo as a point guard, and traded for shooting guard Ricky Davis, who averaged 19 points per game. The back line has been upgraded to a certain extent.

Coupled with the three main players of Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest and Gerald Wallace, as well as Szebiak and the rapidly growing Danny Granger on the bench.

All this makes the Timberwolves strong and capable of both offense and defense.

Although they lost to the Dallas Mavericks led by Dirk Nowitzki in the Western Conference Finals last season, the main reason was Artest's suspension. Otherwise, the two teams would at least be evenly matched.

The Timberwolves maintained their original lineup during the offseason and ranked fourth on ESPN's team strength list for the new season, second only to the Heat, Mavericks and Spurs.

The 30-year-old Kevin Garnett has entered his peak period and is also ranked in the top three of the regular season MVP list for the new season.

It is reported that Timberwolves general manager McHale is negotiating with the Seattle SuperSonics, which has internal and external problems, and wants to acquire Ray Allen through a trade to further upgrade the team's backcourt strength.

In the first two games of the new season, the Timberwolves defeated the Jazz and the Spurs, showing their championship style.

Whether the Knicks led by Lin Fei can win three consecutive victories against the powerful Timberwolves will be a real test of the team's current strength.

However, the handicap given by the betting company was that the Timberwolves gave the Knicks 10.5 points.

It can be seen that mainstream media and experts believe that the overall strength of the Timberwolves is significantly higher than the Lakers and Rockets, and the Knicks are obviously no match.

Returning to Minneapolis, as soon as Lin Fei and the Knicks team got off the plane, they met many Timberwolves fans at the airport, including hundreds of people, who were picking them up.

These Timberwolves fans were wearing Lin Fei's former No. 22 Timberwolves jersey, holding signs high in their hands, waiting for Lin Fei's autograph and group photo.

When we took the bus to the hotel where we were staying, there were also many Timberwolves fans waiting at the door of the hotel to welcome Lin Fei.

The Knicks teammates were shocked and admired Lin Fei's treatment in the away game, and Marbury felt even more ashamed. I'm afraid not many Timberwolves fans remember that he played here for three seasons, right?

According to the NBA's regular season format, teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences meet twice each season and exchange home games.

Therefore, Lin Fei has only visited Minnesota twice in his two seasons with the Heat, and now this away game on behalf of the Knicks will also be the only time he visits the Target Center Arena throughout the season.

Unless the Knicks and Timberwolves can meet in the Finals next June.

That’s why Timberwolves fans are looking forward to and cherishing the Knicks VS Timberwolves game even more.

They naturally expect the home team to win, but they are even more looking forward to Lin Fei playing the familiar feeling on the court.

That night, as hosts, Garnett and Szebiak also drove to the hotel to pick up Lin Fei, and they went to Szebiak's family villa to have dinner together.

In Minneapolis in early November, the average temperature has reached 11 degrees, and the nighttime minimum temperature is minus 3 degrees.

Garnett's Rolls-Royce Phantom was driving on the brightly lit Ring Road, and the song playing on the car stereo was Swift's "Tim McGraw."

Lin Fei, wearing a gray trench coat, looked out the window at the familiar environment. Freighters were coming and going on the Mississippi River, which was quiet and bustling.

"Lin, I heard that you have been having an affair with Taylor Jr.? Could it be true? Otherwise, why would you abandon your brothers and insist on joining the New York Knicks?"

The gold earrings on the earlobes of "Wolf King" Garnett shone with a cunning light, and his heart of gossip was burning.

Lin Fei glanced at Garnett with contempt and chuckled: "Kevin, he is still a 16-year-old kid. Even if I really have any ideas, I have to wait until he turns 18, right?"

Garnett's eyes widened, obviously surprised by Lin Fei's thoughts:

"Lin, do you really think this is a girl from your dynasty? Do you know how open-minded girls in the United States are? Let alone 16 years old, they may have been in love at 15 or even earlier!"

"Especially for a girl like Taylor who is talented, has a figure, and is so pretty, do you think no one will chase her?"

"If I had waited until I was 18, I might have become a bus!"

Sizebiak, who was beside him, smiled first and said:

"Kevin, Lin and Qin are both talented and beautiful. They are childhood sweethearts according to the Chinese language. Not to mention the 16-year-old Taylor, even Amber and Scarlett, he doesn't like them!"

Although Garnett and his wife are also a model couple in the NBA, the "Wolf King" is an NBA superstar after all. How can he not be a philanderer in private?
Just not as often as Wade.

Lin Fei and Sizebiak are truly perfect men who are very dedicated to their girlfriends and wives and share the same love values.

Lin Fei joked: "Kevin, are you a little Taylor? But I'm afraid that people will look down on you, an old man!"

Garnett chuckled, his cunning eyes rolling around in his sockets, obviously harboring some evil intentions:

"Lin, you understand me, how can I like a teenage girl? But I heard that Amber Heard is also a good friend of you? Tsk tsk, that one is my cup of tea!"

Looking at Garnett's wretched expression, Lin Fei raised his eyebrows and smiled:

"Amber seems to be in a relationship with a guy named Aaron Musk recently. If you feel you have the ability to gain leverage, I can definitely give you her phone number!"

Garnett frowned and muttered: "Aaron Musk? Who is this guy? Is he famous? I have never heard of it!"

……

The next day at [-] p.m., Target Center Arena.

The auditoriums on all sides were already filled with Timberwolves fans, and many fans were still wearing the old No. 22 Timberwolves jerseys.

Since Lin Fei left, the Timberwolves have sealed the No. 22 jersey. Any newly joined players cannot use this number, which shows the respect and recognition of Lin Fei's contribution.

Timberwolves boss Glen Taylor has long claimed in front of the media that regardless of whether Lin Fei can return to the Timberwolves in the future, he will choose to retire his No. 22 jersey after Lin Fei retires.

Being able to have your jersey retired after playing only one season for an NBA team is not a treatment that just any superstar can get.

5 minutes before the start of the game,

The high-definition four-sided screen above the head also specially played a highlight of Lin Fei's goals in the Western Conference Finals and Finals in the 03-04 season, which was officially edited by the Timberwolves.
This is to welcome Lin Fei back to the Target Center Arena.

Looking up at the familiar jersey and figure from the past, Lin Fei couldn't help but feel moved. Although more than two years had passed, everything seemed to reappear yesterday.

Without those three-pointers that passed through the heart, there would not be the 03-04 championship flag flying over the Target Center Arena.

One of the most magical and classic championships in NBA history.

Many old Timberwolves fans at the scene were also filled with emotion. Lin Fei will be the team's eternal wealth and spiritual totem.

Soon, amid the cheers of the fans, the starting players of both teams also walked onto the court.

The Knicks’ starting five are:
Point Guard (PG): Stephon Marbury,

Shooting guard (SG): Lin Fei,

Small Forward (SF): Trevor Ariza,

Power forward (PF): David Lee,

Center (C): Eddie Curry.

The starting five for the Timberwolves are:
Point Guard (PG): Carlos Arroyo,

Shooting Guard (SG): Ricky Davis, Small Forward (SF): Gerald Wallace,

Power Forward (PF): Ron Artest,

Center (C): Kevin Garnett.

Starting from this season, Garnett has served as the starting center most of the time. This naturally has a lot to do with Lin Fei's promotion of the NBA's small ball era.

Although Garnett can't shoot three-pointers, his speed in transitioning from offense to defense is top-notch inside. After gaining appropriate weight, his personal dominance at the basket has become stronger.

In front of the courtside commentary desk.

Responsible for commentating on this focus game are still old acquaintances from ESPN, Mike Breen and Lightning Miller.

"The Knicks' start to the new season, under Lin's leadership, far exceeded the expectations of fans and experts. This also proves that Lin has grown into an excellent team leader!"

"Although the Knicks started with two consecutive victories, defeating the Lakers and Rockets, Lin also surpassed Kobe and Tracy McGrady in his personal performance, moving towards the throne of the league's No. [-] shooting guard!"

"But tonight, facing the Timberwolves with a well-organized lineup and fierce offense and defense, Lin and the Knicks truly encountered a formidable opponent!"

Eddie Curry and Kevin Garnett jumped the ball in the center circle. Garnett took the first step to fly the basketball. Carlos Arroyo advanced with the ball. The Timberwolves took the lead in attacking at the beginning.

Arriving at the top of the arc in the front court, Garnett and Arroyo started a pick-and-roll, and went down to the free throw line to catch the ball. Lin Fei decisively switched to defense, and his long arms provided effective interference.

Garnett faced Lin Fei out of position and did not directly choose to force the ball. Instead, he quickly gave the ball to Artest in the low post under the basket, who was resisting David Lee.

Although he is 2.01 meters tall and has played a role from small forward to power forward, Artest's 116 kilogram body is too strong, which makes the softer David Lee very uncomfortable in the confrontation, both in terms of tonnage and experience. Suffered a big loss.

"Whoosh!"

After receiving the ball, Artest directly pushed David Lee to the basket. He took off and released the basket with a not very coordinated movement. Although it was not beautiful, it was very practical. The basketball hit the board and went into the net.

"Shh!"

Artest held out his chest when he landed for a layup. When he turned around, he deliberately bumped David Lee with his shoulder and glared at him fiercely:

"White boy, if you don't want to be tortured badly by me tonight, you should just act like a grandson!"

Artest, who was originally brutal and brutal and not very good at trash-talking, has now been with the Timberwolves for more than a season and has learned a lot of trash-talking skills.

Although David Lee is a few centimeters taller than Artest, he weighs more than 30 pounds less, and his upper body strength is even crushed.

In the first confrontation under the basket just now, David Lee was very uncomfortable being pushed up by Artest. The bottom plate was unstable and he completely lost his defensive position. He lost momentum from the beginning.

At this time, faced with Artest's provocation and trash talk, he did not dare to speak for a while.

Lin Fei took the initiative and patted David Lee on the shoulder, encouraging him to adjust his mentality.

"David, you must not forcefully defend Artest. You must know your advantage in the confrontation and then amplify it!"

Ball transfer.

As soon as Lin Fei crossed the midfield line with the ball, Artest pounced on him like a wild beast, directly providing intensity of confrontation and interfering with Lin Fei's offensive rhythm.

"Lin, since Kobe can't guard you, let me take care of it!"

Timberwolves head coach McHale obviously laid out a clear defensive strategy, which was to let Artest dislocate and defend Lin Fei.

As the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, Artest was the first small forward in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. His defense was fierce, calm, tough, and very aggressive.

In terms of individual defense ability, Artest is definitely at the top of the league. From 1 to 4, it can be said that he is not afraid of fighting with any player at all.

Although Artest usually defends powerful small forwards such as Pierce, Anthony and James, against shooting guards such as Kobe, McGrady and Carter, he can also conduct full-court marking, and his lateral movement and running speed are not inferior to those of guards.

Faced with Artest's personal confrontation and iron-arm restraint, Lin Fei turned his back to protect the ball and signaled to the referee that Artest's defense was obviously suspected of fouling, but the referee was indifferent.

Quickly summoning Eddie Curry's pick-up screen, Lin Fei forced the dribble to throw away Artest, and faced Kevin Garnett who quickly switched defenses out of position. It was difficult to find a three-point opportunity to step back and take a shot.

Although Arroyo and Ricky Davis at the back are average defenders, Garnett, Artest and Gerald Wallace at positions 3-5 have built an unbreakable front line for the Timberwolves. Field defense line.

Seeing Marbury suddenly shake off Arroyo and cut into the penalty area, Lin Fei also quickly passed the ball and pushed it in while avoiding the Wolf King.

"Whoosh!"

After receiving the ball, Marbury went directly to the basket, and Gerald Wallace on the right quickly came up to defend.

Eddie Curry at the top of the arc followed him down the penalty area. Marbury faked a pass in the air and deceived Gerrard, quickly giving the ball to Eddie Curry.

The tall and powerful Eddie Curry roared, leaped up and was about to dunk.

And just before the basketball was about to be slammed into the basket, a strong figure behind him suddenly jumped up, swung his iron arm, and slapped the basketball in Eddie Curry's hand hard with his big hand.

"Snapped!"

It was Artest.

Even though Eddy Curry weighs more than 130 kilograms, he still can't resist Artest's flying shot.

The basketball bounced off the steel backboard and was just picked up by Carlos Arroyo, and the Timberwolves quickly launched a counterattack.

Lin Fei rushed up and failed to steal the ball for the first time. Arroyo, who was extremely vigilant, made a sudden change of direction. His exquisite skills were undoubtedly demonstrated. Then he quickly gave the ball to Ricky Davis who was rushing down the left wing. .

The Knicks' defense failed to keep up at all. Ricky Davis faced Marbury's pursuit and easily passed the ball to the Wolf King who was striding up the middle.

The Wolf King caught the ball and went straight to the basket, leaping up and launching a two-handed dunk.

"Boom!"

Knicks (0): (4) Timberwolves.

Garnett, who completed the fast break score, was arrogant and turned to Marbury, who had always been at odds with him, and shrugged:

"Stephen, even if you have Lin as your teammate, it still can't change the fact that you have cancer!"

Marbury was so angry that he wished he could just rush up and punch Garnett.

The scene erupted into cheers. The Timberwolves started with a 4-0 start, quickly showing their strong dominance on both offense and defense.

The Knicks attacked again.

Facing Artest's pressing defense on the outside, Lin Fei gritted his teeth and opened up a little space. Then he used a realistic half-turn to mislead Artest's defensive center, accelerated in reverse and broke through, leaving the opponent one position behind. .

"Whoosh!"

Quickly reaching the three-point line, feeling the beast chasing after him, Lin Fei suddenly stopped and changed direction, then changed hands under his crotch, and instantly shook Artest in front of him.

Then he stepped back and dribbled to the outside of the three-point line. Artest gritted his teeth and rushed forward again. He lowered his center of gravity and suddenly made another sharp double crossover.

His rapid breakthrough body shape and continuous sharp changes of direction made Artest, who was too large, exhausted. He was like a lion being teased by a rabbit. In another fast horizontal pursuit,

His ankle accidentally twisted and he fell to the ground.

"boom!"

Amidst the loud noise, Lin Fei faced Artest, who fell heavily on the floor in front of him. He calmly moved sideways, adjusted his rhythm, and jumped up to take a decisive shot.

"Shh!"

First.

Knicks (3): (4) Timberwolves.

Artest, who was knocked to the ground by Lin Fei, had a face full of pain, but Lin Fei, who landed gracefully, looked down at Artest and calmly spread his hands:

"Ron, I heard that you are also the best defensive player? I don't think so!" (End of Chapter)