Anthony the Reborn

Chapter 232
Anthony won the game against Puerto Rico, and it was a big victory. Anthony originally thought that this game had sounded a wake-up call for the players of the American team, but in the next two games, Anthony tried his best, but his teammates were completely gone. In terms of status, they actually lost to Greece and Lithuania successively, only a small victory over Australia and a big victory over Angola, and appeared in fourth place in the group.

This result caused an uproar in the international arena. You must know that since the US team participated in the international competition, they have lost two games in the previous international arena, and the dream team has never lost. In this way, his history was engraved on this national team.

Anthony looked very frustrated at the moment, and it was the first time he experienced the helplessness of many things. When he was in the Nuggets, he could give a pre-game speech as the team boss to encourage his teammates, but in the national team, All of them are big names, and there are so many big names. Even though he performed well on the field, he still has very little voice in the team.

He also realized why the US team lost so badly in history. In fact, the US team's style of play has not changed. What has changed is its strength. There is no absolute gap in strength. Coupled with the deep-rooted individual heroism of the Americans, as long as the game becomes anxious, it will be on its own.

Many times on the court, the players will not get the ball if they have a chance, because everyone is a big name, and you can't do anything to each other. The mutual trust is very low. It is strange that such a team can win the championship.

The opponent of the US team in the quarter-finals is the Spanish team. The Spaniard has won all four games in the previous games and appeared as the first in the group. He met the US team in the quarter-finals. To surprise the fans, you must know that both teams are popular teams in this competition.

The night before the game, Anthony volunteered to go to Coach Brown's office.

When Brown saw Anthony coming, he was taken aback again. Counting it, this was the second time that Anthony took the initiative to look for him. After welcoming him through the door, he directly asked, "Melo, are you looking for me today?" What's the matter?"

Anthony didn't hesitate at all, and said directly: "Coach, I want to start the game, and I want enough playing time."

After Anthony finished speaking, he looked at Brown with piercing eyes, and said no more.

When Brown heard what Anthony said, he was very surprised by his straightforward attitude. In fact, because the knockout game was very important, and Anthony played well in the previous game, he had already decided to let Anthony start, but he did not expect Anthony He came by himself, and also asked for more playing time. You must know that although Anthony performed very well, he has always been relatively low-key.

Brown pondered for a while, and then said: "Melo, can you tell me why you suddenly asked for this?"

Anthony didn't beat around the bush too much, and said directly: "Coach, we can't afford to lose. If we fail to win the championship in the end, I'm afraid we will become the object of condemnation by the fans after returning to China, and this will be forever imprinted in history. We can't afford to lose in the river."

Anthony said and looked straight at Brown: "Coach, I know that the main reason for the team now is the lack of tacit understanding, and I, Allen, and Tim are all friends in private, and the feeling of our team playing with each other will be much clearer. So I think it's the best decision for the team."

Brown frowned. He was a long-established coach in the league, and being asked by a rookie made him feel a little embarrassed.

Anthony naturally knew that this would make Brown lose face, but he had been choosing to accept it before, and now he had to do something desperate, so he continued: "Coach, I know what I said may be a bit too direct, but we really I can't afford to lose. The two games we lost now have already had a lot of public opinion in China. If we lose this championship in the end, then the pressure we will suffer will be unprecedented. I can't imagine what it will be like when we return to China."

After hearing what Anthony said, Brown suddenly fell silent. Indeed, he just led the Pistons to the championship. The Pistons are a team of civilians. This can be regarded as a miracle in the history of the league. This is why the Dream Team chose to recruit him. The reason is that this year's dream team is also very weak compared to the past, not to mention losing one of the two warm-up games in Europe before the start of the game.

The outside world's doubts about the Dream Team had already begun at that time, and his pressure also began. After losing two group matches, this doubt has reached a peak. The pressure he has to bear now can be said to be unprecedented. big.

Anthony saw that Brown was hesitating, and then continued: "Coach, I don't want to express myself, I just want to try to keep the players in the mentality at the beginning, our team, the current factors on the field affect the emotional impression. It’s very big. As long as you don’t play well at the beginning, it will be very difficult to play again later. This was obvious when you played against Puerto Rico, Greece, and Lithuania. So, I hope you can consider it. Take my proposal."

"Okay." Brown finally said, "But I also said my ugly words first. If you are too eager for quick success on the court, don't blame me for substituting you."

When Anthony heard that Brown agreed, he smiled and said, "You can rest assured coach, if that's the case, you are the coach and you can replace me at any time."

Brown nodded: "Okay, it's getting late today, go back and have a good rest."

Anthony nodded, took one last look at Brown, hesitated, then turned and left the room.

On the way back, Anthony was still a little worried. In fact, he didn’t say anything just now. He originally hoped that Brown could replace Marbury on the bench and put Wade in the starting lineup. If the time comes to grab the shot, even if he is on the court, it will be a helpless scene.

It's just that after seeing Brown's hesitant look, he still didn't speak. An elderly player like Brown is still quite stubborn. Baozi has to open his mouth. If he really can't fight, then he can only Mention it again at halftime.

On the second day, after simple tactical training, it was still 8 o'clock in the evening, and the quarter-finals between the US team and the Spanish team kicked off.

The early meeting of the two favorites to win the championship naturally attracted the attention of many fans. The entire arena was full, and even the large LED screen outside the arena was full of fans standing to watch the game. attention to this game.

The Spanish team has always been a strong team in the international arena. Although the Spanish team is far from reaching its peak at this time, it is also very strong. The performance in the group stage also reflects their strong strength. Gasol, Carl The combination of Deron and Navarro, coupled with the strong rise of Phillanders in this tournament, can be said to have the strength to challenge any team.

Players from both sides stepped onto the field after a simple warm-up. To Anthony's surprise, Coach Brown designated Wade, James, and Anthony to start together in the locker room before the game. Everyone was surprised, but Marbury, who Anthony was most worried about, didn't respond much.

Anthony quickly guessed that Coach Brown must have approached Marbury in private. This approach also changed Anthony's view of Coach Brown. It seems that he is not as stubborn as he imagined, but is easy to work around people, and the flexibility is somewhat surprising.

When the starting players of the US team came on the field, the head coach of the Spanish team, Hernandez, was also taken aback by this lineup. The lineup that the US team put up had all three positions as rookies, which was completely different from the previous starting lineup. , This approach caught him off guard.

Soon, the starting players of both sides stood on the court, and the jumpers were Gasol and Duncan. These two players who had played against each other in the league, stood on the international arena and played against each other again.

Duncan used his experience to grab the first ball. According to the coach's deployment, the ball quickly reached James' hands. Then James used a breakthrough to find his teammates. However, this is the first time James has taken on such an important role in the international arena. Some jerky dribbles were directly intercepted by Navarro, and then Spain launched a fast break. After Calderon broke through the penalty area, he hit the ground directly. Gasol, who received the ball, received the ball comfortably and jumped directly. Successful dunk.

Spain is already very popular in European basketball circles. This first ball played such a wonderful cooperation, which immediately aroused the fans on the scene bursting with emotions.

On the sidelines, Brown's face was a bit solemn. This is a knockout match, and if he loses, he will go home directly. At this time, if he loses, he will take the eighth rhythm. If he loses, Brown may really not have to mess around in the future.

Anthony also looked dignified and didn't speak when he saw James. It stands to reason that his best solution at this moment is to let Iverson hand over the ball to him and let him control the game, but Brown's arrangement at this moment is for James. In doing so, I am afraid that this lineup will be over without trying.

So, Anthony walked up to James at this moment: "LeBron, don't worry, there are 24 seconds left on the attack time, you can do it."

James glanced at Anthony strangely, saying that the relationship between the two of them was pretty good before the draft, but they became rivals unknowingly afterwards. This time, he was really at a loss.

After Anthony finished speaking, he ran towards the frontcourt, leaving only James, who was still a little confused, standing there in a daze.

(End of this chapter)