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

Chapter 287 [287] S-curve defense, the unbeatable Timberwolves!

Although Lin Fei's record-breaking performance of 32 points in the first quarter tonight is undisputed and once again raised the level of superstars in the Finals, Marbury's sudden absence ultimately laid a huge foundation for the Knicks' lineup depth throughout the game. Hidden danger.

In the surrounding auditorium, many New York fans were also worried and started talking:

"Stephen is the second in command of the team after all. Without him, the burden of organization and offense can only fall on Lin alone, and the team basically has no second point on the outside that can attack independently!"

"Although Nate Robinson is not bad at passing and shooting, his defense is too thin, and his accuracy is not as high as Marbury's!"

"Stephen's father is the same. He won't have heart disease sooner or later. But he got sick at this time. I'm really speechless!"

"Isn't it inappropriate to talk like this? The old man's illness is more important. Although the NBA is a business league, after all, it can't be devoid of any human touch, right?"

"Made, the main reason is that I bought the Knicks for 20 US dollars tonight and won the bet. Without Stephen, the Knicks will obviously suffer even more!"

"So what if Stephen is gone? I have a hunch that Lin is likely to break his record of 1 points in G63 tonight!"

"In the 60-year history of the NBA, the stars shine in the finals, but only Elgin Baylor scored 61 points once. How do you feel that scoring in the finals has become so easy here?"

"32 points in a single quarter, what does this mean? Before Lin, there had never been a 30+ individual performance in a single quarter in the NBA Finals, right?"

"That lunatic Riley, my old arms and legs can't stand his perverted management. Dwayne, if you ask me, let's force the palace together. If we can't send Riley away, we can ask for a trade together. When it comes to other teams, in It’s easier to win the championship anywhere than in Miami!”

"With a three-point shooting rate of over 70%, the true shooting rate is close to 100%. It would be strange if Lin like this doesn't break the record!"

McHale's defensive strategy against Lin Fei tonight was very clear. He no longer double-teamed outside the three-point line and always let Gerald Wallace defend alone.

Once Lin Fei enters the fan-shaped area between the three-point line and the basket, the defender can completely let Lin Fei go and choose to intercept his retreat behind him, forcing him to make a mid-range shot.

The gold content of this crown can be said to be matched only by Dirk Nowitzki in 11 years, LeBron James in 16 years and Stephen Curry in 22 years.

"Don't forget that Isaiah has been selected as an All-Star for 12 consecutive seasons. He has always been one of the top three point guards in the league in my mind!"

However, in the history of the NBA, Willis Reed's historical status has always been questioned. Originally, his two championships + 1 MVP + 2 FMVP were comparable to a big dream.

But Olajuwon's historical status has always been among the top ten in the league, while Willis Reed can only be ranked near 20th in history.

The rapid decline of the Heat and the subsequent rise of the Knicks have also made more fans realize Lin Fei's value to a team.

Even if the Sharks want to stay with the Heat, I'm afraid they no longer have the right to speak in this regard.

After all, the latest big contract he signed does not include the privilege of trade immunity. But fortunately, he has already played for three teams: the Magic, the Lakers and the Heat, and has long since lost the obsession of young stars with one person and one city. and faith.

After Lin Fei reaches the basket, the Timberwolves must try their best to limit and double-team his layup, and at the same time try to cut off his outside passes.

"The NBA's previous single-quarter scoring record holder was the 1988 points in a single quarter set by head coach Isaiah Thomas in 25. Now, as Thomas's disciple, Lin's 32 points in a single quarter are far behind the previous record. record, this should be considered a master-disciple story in the NBA, right?"

Now there are still two years left on O'Neal's $2000 million contract with the Heat. He will be 37 years old after finishing his career. If he still wants to play, he can choose to sign a veteran mid-level player with a championship team. If he can give Lin Fei another leg, he can become a No. 6 player. crowns would be even more perfect.

Knicks (41): (35) Timberwolves.

Although O'Neal only has one regular season MVP in his career, he has four Finals MVPs, ranking second in history behind Michael Jordan.

Kevin McHale also gave this defensive plan against Lin Fei a very vivid name: S-curve defense.

Also watching the game from the sidelines was a retired Knicks legend, none other than Walter Frazier, the legendary New York point guard in the 70s.

S-curve defense may sound difficult to understand at first, but if you think of it based on the perfect S-curve of a sexy beauty’s bulging figure, it will suddenly become clear to you.

With Frazier's words, he obviously believes that as long as Lin Fei plays three seasons with the Knicks and brings honors to the team, he has a great chance to surpass Willis Reed.

As Lin Fei's teammates with the Heat for two consecutive years, Wade and O'Neal will naturally not miss the opportunity to watch the game live tonight.

Randolph, who was in the wide open space, calmly jumped up and shot a 17-foot jumper. The basketball flew through the void and hit the net.

"It seems that as long as Lin plays for the Knicks for more than three seasons, he will become the well-deserved first player in the history of the Knicks!"

Willis Reed's best season was in 1969-1970. That year he not only won the MVP+FMVP+AMVP, defeated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the playoffs, and even eliminated players like Wilt Chamberlain and Jay B in the Finals in a tiebreaker. Lee West and Elgin Baylor's Lakers Terror.

The No. 10 jersey flying from the top of Madison Square Garden belongs to Walter Frazier.

It can be said that the overall strength of the defending champion has been greatly affected. This year's playoffs also had no choice but to stop in the second round and failed to defend the title.

In the NBA's historical rankings of point guards, Frazier has always been in the top ten.

"Shh!"

Facing Wade's puffed-up self-deprecation, O'Neal seemed more calm. As a 35-year-old veteran with five championships and four FMVPs, O'Neal can be said to be honored.

In the latest NBA history super giant ranking selected by the US media, O'Neal also ranks fifth on the list, second only to Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, "Magic" Johnson and "Lord of the Rings" Russell, beating Larry Super giants such as Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Tim Duncan.

"Shaquille, I still want to stay with the Heat. If it hadn't been for this damn injury, we could have at least played seven games with Lin in the finals!"

In other words, Frazier believes that Lin Fei has the opportunity to bring two championships to the Knicks within three years. Such an evaluation is unbearable for even the top Michael Jordan and "Sky Hook" Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in their careers.

After reviewing the game, the majority of fans discovered that whether it was the Heat's first championship or their second championship that year, Lin Fei was the leader with the greatest contribution among the Big Three, and his influence on the outcome of the game was greater than that of Lin Fei. Wade and O'Neal.

Walter Frazier's words of praise are full of gold. After all, there have been many retired superstars in the history of the Knicks.

"As a 20-year old fan, I really feel that the career of the 'Smiling Assassin' is a pity. If it were not for the impact of injuries and negative news, he would have received more honors and a higher historical status!"

O'Neal curled his lips and said no more. As the saying goes, differences do not lead to mutual gains, and according to internal sources, Riley is already planning a deal for O'Neal in advance.

Looking back at the court, Lin Fei made an immediate impact after coming on the court. He used the pick-and-roll to force his way into the penalty area. After encountering Garnett's defensive interception, he passed the ball without looking at anyone, and accurately distributed the ball from his armpit to Zach in the high position on the right. Randolph.

In addition to Frazier, there is also legendary center, two-time FMVP and one-time MVP winner Willis Reed.

Single defense on the outside, emptying in the mid-range, and double-teaming under the basket to prevent the enemy from catching the enemy. This is the optimal defense plan for Lin Fei analyzed and summarized by the Timberwolves coaching staff.

After the Heat's Big Three won consecutive NBA championships in 05 and 06, with the departure of Lin Fei, the recurrence of Wade's injury, and the fact that O'Neal was no longer at his peak,

Frazier is the greatest point guard in the history of the New York Knicks. He helped the team win two NBA championships. He also has an All-Star MVP, four All-NBA First Teams and two All-NBA Second Teams. Seven-time All-Defensive first team selection, seven-time All-Star selection and all starters.

"Dwayne, then I can only wish you good luck!"

"Shaquille, if Lin can lead the current Knicks to a championship, then I think our reputation will continue to decline!"

After hearing O'Neal's rants, the honest Wade finally became more down-to-earth. He and O'Neal were in different positions after all.

The measurements represent the perimeter, mid-range and basket respectively. The slender waist is the area where defense is lax, while the upper and lower chest and buttocks naturally need to be heavily guarded.

Garnett's defensive double-teaming this time was actually very good. He followed Lin Fei's back right side. He had a clear line of sight from a high position and could easily give out spicy hot pot at any time.

But Lin Fei's court vision and feel for the ball are still too abnormal after all. The basketball is so elusive that it is difficult for the two-time DPOY to intercept accurately.

After dominating the ball and scoring 32 points in the first quarter, Lin Fei quickly switched modes and tried his best to motivate his teammates. Without Marbury, the team must rely on the unity and progress of all members if it wants to win against the Timberwolves.

In the Knicks' subsequent attack, Lin Fei once again broke through to attract a double-team and passed the ball from the wing. Quentin Richardson, who was left in the bottom corner, caught the ball and shot. The trajectory was very positive, but the strength was still a little bit Smaller.

"Bang!"

The long backboard popped out and was grabbed by Eddie Curry, who jumped up and dunked against Olowokandi.

"Bang!"

Eddie Curry also dunked the ball out, but the referee blew the whistle and Olowokandi fouled Eddie Curry's shooting hand and got two free throws.

Lin Fei excitedly pumped his fist and high-fived Eddie Curry, shouted loudly to encourage his teammates to cheer up, and was full of leadership.

Eddie Curry, who stepped to the free throw line, made both free throws. "Uh-huh!"

"Shh!"

The Timberwolves continued their tenacity and advantage in the first quarter. After continuous cover runs, Szebiak got a chance from the outside, caught the ball and shot a three-pointer in one go.

"Shh!"

Szebiak performed very well tonight. He has scored 8 points off the bench so far, second only to "Wolf King" Garnett in the team.

As Lin Fei's first and best foreign friend in the NBA, Szebiak, who has just turned 30, is in excellent condition. Without the impact of ankle injuries, he has always maintained the level of an All-Star substitute and the best sixth man.

As a contributor to the Timberwolves' championship win in 04, Szebiak has greater loyalty to the team and is eagerly looking forward to winning the second championship in team history with the Wolf King.

When the ball was transferred, Lin Fei once again showed his personal ability this time. With the help of the pick-and-roll cover of his two inside teammates, he dribbled sideways and quickly found an opportunity before decisively pulling up a three-pointer and shooting again.

"Shh!"

The eighth.

After hitting 7 three-pointers in the first quarter, Lin Fei continued to feel invincible, and Madison Square Garden was buzzing with excitement.

Knicks (46): (38) Timberwolves.

"That's 35 points? I feel like if Lin lets go, he can score 50+ again in the first half, right?"

"Is this still the finals? Lin made this finals feel like a regular season game!"

In response to Lin Fei's continued outburst, McHale on the sidelines gritted his teeth and determined not to change his defensive strategy and carry out the S-curve defense to the end.

If Lin Fei can really hit 10+ or ​​more three-pointers in the finals tonight, then no matter how the Timberwolves change, they will inevitably lose.

Because this is life.

McHale is a theist, and he also believes in the God of sports, but God should never be like Lin Fei tonight.

Sure enough, under the Timberwolves' continued strong S-curve defense, the effects are gradually showing. After all, Lin Fei cannot surpass the gods. No matter how strong he is, he must adapt within the rules and logic of competitive sports itself.

At the same time, without Marbury, the Knicks are left with Lin Fei alone to take care of organization and offense, and the defense is also tight.

As Lin Fei's efficiency in consecutive singles against Gerald Wallace on the outside began to decline, the Timberwolves also focused more on cutting off the connection between Lin Fei and his teammates.

Quentin Richardson and Trevor Ariza basically have no ability to attack with the ball. Although "Little Potato" can hold the ball, he often needs to use screens to make jump shots or strong breakthroughs, and the ability to organize and distribute the ball. Very limited.

Randolph and Eddie Curry on the inside are also limited by the Timberwolves' stubborn defense of the penalty area. It is difficult to get scoring opportunities at the basket, and the efficiency of mid-range shots is also average.

Since then, Lin Fei can only rely more on his personal ability to solve the battle, but he has to admit that Gerald Wallace's defense tonight was really desperate.

Throughout the second quarter, Lin Fei made 12 of 7 shots, 8 of 3 three-pointers, and scored another 19 points. After halftime, his personal score had reached a terrifying 51 points.

With 50+ points in the first half of the finals, Lin Fei once again set a super record for the finals.

But Lin Fei was really unsatisfied with 8 of 3 three-pointers in a single quarter.

Knicks (60): (54) Timberwolves.

Under the leadership of the "Wolf King", the Timberwolves always clung to the score, and their defense and rebounding steadily suppressed the Knicks. It felt like killing someone with a blunt knife.

Seeing that the score difference could not be widened, the New York fans at the scene began to worry.

Lin Fei's 51 points in the first half of the Finals is destined to be a great miracle, but the Knicks' current overall strength is far inferior to the Timberwolves. This is also an indisputable fact.

"Oh my god, this forest wolf is really terrifying. It feels like it will never be killed!"

"After all, basketball is still a team sport of five people. If Lin hadn't scored 51 points at halftime, the Timberwolves might have lost the game by now!"

At the New York State Hospital, five kilometers away from Madison Square Garden, Marbury's father was undergoing resuscitation in the ICU ward, while Marbury and his sister were waiting anxiously outside.

While worrying about his father's condition, Marbury will inevitably think of the ongoing finals.

If it weren't for his father being seriously ill and even life-threatening, Marbury would never have left the battlefield that belonged to him and his teammates.

After all, this round is the first finals of Marbury's career, and it may even be the only one.

If the Knicks lose because of his absence, Marbury will never forgive himself.

But if Marbury is not around when his father is seriously ill or even in danger of his life, he will regret it for the rest of his life.

Now Marbury can only pray in his heart at the same time, hoping that his father can be rescued and safe, and that Lin Fei can lead the Knicks to another victory.

In a state of confusion, Marbury took out his cell phone and refreshed the game scores on ESPN's website. At halftime, the Knicks led the Timberwolves by 6 points.

Naturally, Marbury did not know the specific details of the second quarter. Seeing that the team was still leading by 6 points, he was temporarily relieved.

At this time, two doctors in the ICU ward were performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Don Marbury, and the situation was not optimistic.

One of the white doctors' mouth moved slightly under the mask, with a slight complaint in his tone:

"Hey, I was ready to get off work and hurry up to watch the second half of the Knicks Finals. This patient really doesn't come early and doesn't come late, but he's here now!"

"John, you probably don't know yet, right? This patient is Stephen Marbury's father, and the person waiting outside is Stephen himself!"

"What? Is this his father? He...shouldn't he be playing in the Finals now? If he leaves the game without permission, it will be even harder for the Knicks to beat the Timberwolves!"

Although being a doctor should be a great profession, not every doctor has a great mind.

Facing the endless number of patients and patients' families day after day, no matter how gentle the heart is, it may become insensitive.

An hour later, two doctors pushed out the door from the ICU ward, took off their masks, with helpless expressions on their faces, sighed softly, and said to Marbury and her sister who were approaching anxiously:

"I'm so sorry, we've tried our best!"

Marbury's heart suddenly trembled, and what instantly came to mind was the memory of his father taking him to Rucker Park to play basketball when he was 5 years old.

Marbury has always wanted to get his own championship trophy in the NBA and give his championship ring to his father.

Now is the time when Marbury is closest to this dream, but his father can no longer wait for him to win the championship.

Five minutes later, G4 of the Finals at Madison Square Garden also came to an end after several twists and turns. In the end, the Knicks lost at home by one point, 108:109.

The big score in the finals was also tied 2:2 by the Timberwolves, regaining the home court advantage again.

Although the Knicks lost, Lin Fei won the respect of more fans around the world, because tonight, he rewritten and refreshed too many personal historical records in the finals.

Even after the game, the legendary Jerry West, who was watching the game at the scene, could not hide his excitement and publicly stated in front of the media:

"No matter what the final outcome is, Lin is the only MVP of this round of finals. Even if the Timberwolves win the championship, I will still vote for Lin in the finals MVP selection!"

(End of this chapter)