Zhiba NBA

Chapter 43 (42) Proud Soldiers vs Sad Soldiers

The 7-game winning streak of the Rockets did not laugh for long. They lost to the Suns at home on the second day of their victory over the Mavericks, and suffered their first defeat at the Toyota Center.The former Rockets player Magloire scored a 10+12 double-double, Yao Ming's rival Stoudemire scored 18+9 in the same period, Marion also contributed 14+9, and the scoring arrow Marbury scored 33+5+6.Although Yao Ming played 21+14, the Rockets were still completely suppressed by the Suns in rebounding, and finally lost by 4 points.

After a day's rest, the Rocket Expedition went to the icy Toronto.Francis and Carter each played well, McGrady scored 37 points, and the Rockets lost by 3 points.

After the two-game losing streak, the Rockets ushered in a looser schedule, and the players were in good shape, winning 5 consecutive victories.The Rockets still lead the Western Conference with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses, and their record is second only to the Pacers who lead the East at 13 wins and 2 losses.

11月28日，他们终于迎来了一个重量级的对手——10胜4负紧随火箭湖人（12-3）身后的萨克拉门托国王队。

"What do you think of the Kings?" The elegant Tang Shuai has always advocated giving players room to play freely in coaching, and he often encourages players to exchange ideas with each other.

"They are a traditional strong team with strength." At this time, Dayao's English was not good enough, and his statement was relatively brief.

"King's core Chris Webber is absent due to injury, which has a greater impact on them. So we should be stronger." Jefferson expressed optimism.

"What about McGrady? What does our top player in Houston think about this?" Tang Shuai asked.

"I'm sorry, I was a little distracted." McGrady's sleepy eyes seemed to have just focused on Tang Shuai, "I was just thinking about the previous game against the Jazz. The Russian left a deep impression on me."

“安德烈.基里连科，马龙离队后爵士队树立的新核心。今年22周岁，现在只是他的第三个赛季。上一场他打出了23分6篮板4助攻5盖帽的全面数据。”史密斯助教马上补充道。

"It was precisely because of his wonderful performance that we fell into a hard fight and only won by 4 points." McGrady said worriedly: "We were behind a rebuilding team like the Jazz for most of the game. Against a strong team like the Kings, we really need to raise our spirits and play hard."

McGrady's concerns are not unreasonable, but most players did not listen.Some young players believe that the King with Webber couldn't even beat the Mavericks last season (losing to the Mavericks in the playoffs), and the Rockets, who are in a good 5-game winning streak, have won the Mavericks before. Are you afraid that there will be no King with Webber?

***
Yuan Fei, who was far away in Houston at this time, didn't know what the players were thinking, otherwise he would have warned them—the king lacked the number one star Webber at this time, but their morale was unprecedentedly high.

Kings coach Rick Adelman is the coach who the Rockets are going to entrust to the next coach. In a sense, his and Tomjanovich's coaching styles are similar.Ah Shuai is good at turning stones into gold and discovering the potential of young players, but in terms of on-the-spot scheduling and detailed tactical design, he seems to be slightly inferior to super famous coaches like Zen Master.

The absence of Webb at the beginning of this season first tested the nerves of the Kings and Ashuai's ability to dispatch players.At present, the Kings are clearly developing in a good direction.The loss of the main player instead allowed the players to let go of their ideological burdens, play every ball solidly, and play a gorgeous Princeton system offense (this term will be introduced later).

In addition, Webber's absence did not make the King's five tigers lack a corner. Brad Miller, who was recruited heavily in the summer, happened to be an insider who was good at passing the ball (in line with the King's tactical requirements).In the absence of Webber, the scoring responsibility fell to the starting small forward Stujakovic. His scoring has skyrocketed this season, and he is trying to compete with Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Kobe Bryant.Coupled with the defensive expert Christie and Bobby Jackson who was just elected the best sixth man, the depth of the king's lineup is still the strength of the league's first line.

In a sense, Weber was too flamboyant.His presence was too eye-catching and even covered up the talents of his teammates. It was not until he fell that many fans discovered that the other Kings players were still very strong.And Miller, who replaced Webber, exceeded the expectations of the fans. In the game against the Magic a few days ago, Miller even scored a triple-double of 22+14+10, leading the team to a 30-point victory over the opponent.The victory over the powerful Timberwolves relied on Stojakovic's solid performance of 19 points on 11 of 34 shots.The number one hero in winning the Pistons was Bibby who scored a game-high 23 points.

The Kings without Webber have no superstars, but every player is dangerous.The Rockets dare to underestimate such an opponent, so naturally they will suffer.

***
The sweaty McGrady sat on the sidelines, taking small sips of water.He glanced at the scoreboard in confusion—30:52, the first half of the game was coming to an end.

Mike Bibby assisted Anthony Peeler for a three-pointer, and the Sacramento fans cheered again.The lack of the number one superstar of the Kings will kill the leaders in the West, of course, the home fans love to see it.

The Rockets have been in a mess, after all, the players are still very young.

"Give me the ball!" Yao Ming shouted and stretched out his hand for the ball.Although he was flustered, his sense of responsibility told him that he must stand up and score the last goal in the first half.

After receiving Parker's pass, Yao Ming dribbled twice to turn around and hook.Peeler suddenly slashed diagonally and cut off the ball.Yao Ming pounced on it, but failed to grab it.Bibby got the ball.

The Kings made a fast break, but Yao Ming just stood up after falling to the ground, but he couldn't get back in place.Bibby clearly sees the open Miller and makes the pass.Miller opened his hand for a three-pointer and scored! At 30:58, the score was almost doubled.

At the end of the first half, Brad Miller made 10 of 5 shots after making the three-pointer, scoring 15+4.In the first half of the Rockets, only Yao Mai played normally. Yao Ming contributed 10+6, and McGrady scored 13 points.

***
"Let's take a break for the main players in the second half, and give up the game." Tang Shuai announced calmly.

"Isn't it? Coach!" Several main players were anxious.

"It's true that 28 points is hard to chase, but you haven't completely lost yet? Why don't you try again in the third quarter?" Even the calm Billups couldn't figure it out.

"This is just a regular season. We played very well in the previous games. We can afford to lose this game. But I hope you will watch the second half from the sidelines and remember this lesson well." Tang Shuai taught the players without changing his face: "The King, who lacks the number one star, beat our well-equipped and proud Rockets to the ground. Are you ashamed? Remember the disastrous defeat at this moment, and use this energy for the next game and future games."

Olajuwon stood between Bosh and Wallace, the youngest members of the team, hugged them and said: "Remember what the coach said, you still have a long career, take your time to experience it."

Wallace pursed his lips unwillingly, while Bosh nodded heavily.

As soon as it appeared in the second half, the King was stunned.Battelle, Bosh, Turkoglu, Johnson and Parker debut.Soon Ah Shuai realized that the Rockets had given up.

The final score was 78:108, and the Rockets were bloodbathed by the Kings with 30 points.

　Since the writing must be detailed, (except for the Rockets) I have focused on the Lakers, Spurs, and Mavericks before. I have little ink on the powerful kings in those years, and now I will focus on making up for it.Maybe the fans are more impressed by the king who dragged the Lakers into the 01th game in the 02-7 season and almost ended the Lakers dynasty, but I want to write about the twists and turns of the king in the 03-04 season.What's next?Those who are interested can look through the historical records, and those who are too lazy to check it, please wait for the update.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)