Bishop of the Abyss

Chapter 62 62. The Two Most Violent Teams in the League

The time has entered March, and the Timberwolves in March are still in a strong state. First, they defeated the Nuggets and Mavericks at home.

Afterwards, they flew to the away game and defeated many Eastern teams such as the Cavaliers and Bucks. As of March 3, the Timberwolves had a record of 11 wins and 52 losses.

The state shown by the Timberwolves has caused headaches for many teams in the league. The Timberwolves, who originally ranked first in the league, are currently the biggest favorites to win the championship.

Now that the overall state and cohesion of the Timberwolves have become so tough, it is really not a good thing for other teams.

As the saying goes, the big tree attracts the wind. When the Timberwolves have clearly opened up the gap with other teams in the league, the hatred value attracted by the Timberwolves is far beyond people's imagination.

If it weren't for the lunatic Luke sitting in Minnesota, I believe the situation of the Timberwolves must be even more difficult than it is now.

But Luke's on-court methods this season really frightened other teams. I am afraid that except for a few teams, others are unwilling to cause this trouble.

As long as the Timberwolves don't stand in their way of making money, then for a team that has no chance to compete for the championship, the strength of the Timberwolves is at best depressing!
...............

On March 3, the league ushered in a focus battle.

The Timberwolves, ranked first in the league in this game, will sit at home to meet the challenge of the Indiana Pacers.

If the butterfly effect of Luke's waving is the team that benefits the most besides the Timberwolves, then this team must be the Indiana Pacers.

Due to Luke's sudden appearance, the infamous "Palace of Auburn Hills incident" that should have happened this season in history did not happen as expected.

This has led to the fact that Artest, "Martial Saint" Jackson and O'Neal have not been suspended, and the Pacers with a complete lineup are still the first team in the East.

At present, the Pacers have surpassed the Pistons in terms of team record, second only to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

As the retirement season of "Pacers legend" Reggie Miller, the Pacers' lineup this season is luxurious.

Artest, "Martial Saint" Jackson, O'Neal, Jamal Jensley, Reggie Miller, and Fred Jones and so on.

If the Timberwolves hadn't risen like a shooting star this season, the Pacers' names would definitely appear on the championship list, on par with teams such as the Pistons, Suns, Spurs and Heat.

After all, this Pacers team, like the Pistons, is a team that can play both on and off the court!

And relatively speaking, the overall offensive efficiency of the Pacers is much better than that of the Pistons. If the two sides have a neat lineup and play a real game in the playoffs, the Pistons may not be able to eliminate the Pacers and advance.

Because this Pacers team is really both offensive and defensive, and the overall depth of the team is not much better than that of the Timberwolves.

However, the large-scale suspension of the "Palace of Auburn Hills" directly caused the Pacers to withdraw from the championship on the original historical track.

Especially the team's top scorer Artest was banned for a whole season at this point, which was a huge blow to the Pacers.

The matchup between the Timberwolves and the Pacers in this game has long been awaited by the fan community.

It's not that the fans expect the Pacers to defeat the Timberwolves and end the Timberwolves' winning streak, but the Pacers are a hot-tempered team that is on par with the Pistons in terms of fights.

This season, Artest and "Martial Saint" Jackson have caused more troubles. Not only can they not stop on the court, but they have also been banned by the Pacers many times off the court.

In addition, before the game started, some media interviewed Artest about how he viewed the Timberwolves this season, and whether he would be afraid of the Timberwolves because of their violent and bloody methods.

Faced with the reporter's digging questions, the 26-year-old Artest waved his hands impatiently, saying that he has never been afraid of anyone on the court. If the Timberwolves dare to trouble him, then he does not mind personally Smash the Timberwolves' teeth.

At that time, Artest's answer directly exploded in the fan group. Many people secretly complained about Artest's ignorance, and some people supported Artest not to bow to the evil forces.

All in all, this incident is why the fans are looking forward to this game. As for the Timberwolves, they did not respond to Artest, as if they had not heard it.

Some fans speculated that the Timberwolves are too lazy to have the same knowledge as Artest. After all, Artest has a bad mind, which is well known in the league.

There are also fans who think that the Timberwolves' failure to respond is to give Artest some color during the game, so that Artest knows what it means to be dangerous on the court.

As the saying goes, watching the excitement is not afraid of big things. No matter who wins the game, for the fans, this is an intense game worth looking forward to!
In the TNT studio, the commentator Coney Flake said with a smile on his face: "The strength and deterrence displayed by the Timberwolves this season is definitely the top of the league. If you want to find a team in today's league that is not afraid of the Timberwolves team, then the Pacers can definitely be selected."

"Actually, the offensive and defensive systems of the Pacers and Timberwolves this season are somewhat similar. Both teams have both offense and defense, and can find a balance between the penalty area and the three-point line on the offensive end."

"This is incomparable to the Spurs, Suns and Pistons. The Spurs and Pistons rely purely on defense, while the Suns rely purely on offense. Strictly speaking, only the Pacers can compete with the Timberwolves on both offense and defense."

"As of now, the Pacers' offensive efficiency ranks seventh in the league, and their defensive efficiency ranks sixth in the league. Both of these points are not much different from the Timberwolves."

"I'm really starting to look forward to this game now."

Coney Flake's words were recognized by his partner Tom Horvath: "Yes, Jermaine's progress this season is very obvious. Compared with last season, Jermaine has once again been upgraded on the offensive end."

"At present, if Jermaine faces Kevin, even Kevin will suffer a lot."

"Of course, if there is no accident, Jermaine will still be placed in the fifth position by Rick. It is indeed a pity that Jermaine and Kevin cannot see a head-to-head confrontation."

Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle gathered his players together and seemed to say something out loud.

When the camera is zoomed in, people find that Carlisle is not telling the tactics, but telling the players to calm down and not to conflict with the Timberwolves on the court.

"Guys, please calm down in this game and don't conflict with the opponent on the court."

"I know everyone is young and it's difficult to restrain their temper, but what I want to say is that this Timberwolves is different from the Pistons."

"The Pistons are completely ruthless on the court, but this Timberwolves are all lunatics. From coaches to players, their brains are not normal!"

"If possible, don't provoke them. The playoffs are approaching now. I hope everyone can hold back their temper and focus on the overall situation!"

"The team has a great chance of winning the championship this season. I don't want this game to ruin the team's championship plan. The Pistons are a good example!"

As Carlisle stood on the sidelines and kept telling the players not to be impulsive, Artest's expression was obviously impatient.

Obviously, Artest hates Carlisle's attitude of surrendering without fighting. In Artest's view, Carlisle is a coward.

As for "Martial Saint" Jackson's expression, he didn't restrain himself at all. Before Carlisle finished speaking, Jackson's face was already full of disdain.

If it wasn't for the fact that he just signed the next long-term contract with the Pacers during the offseason, Jackson would have to spend the next few years in Indiana. I'm afraid Jackson would have left by now and stopped listening to the nonsense of Carlisle.

"Martial Saint" Jackson's attitude made Carlisle a little angry, but there was nothing Carlisle could do about this guy, because Jackson's character was just like this, and he was an undisciplined bastard since he was a child.

"Reggie, you must always pay attention to Ron and Stephen when you are on the court. They obviously don't listen to these words, but you should be very clear that a conflict with the Timberwolves will not benefit the team at all."

"So we must keep an eye on them today, and don't let them mess up on the court." Sighing helplessly, Carlisle explained to Reggie Miller beside him.

This season is Reggie Miller's retirement season. For this meritorious veteran who turned 40 this year, Miller is very clear that Carlisle's proposal is for the team.

Even if Carlisle really sounds like a coward, it feels like a lick.dog!
"Don't worry, Rick, Ron is just acting impulsively, but he won't take the initiative to trouble the Timberwolves. I can assure you of that."

"As for Stephen, this guy is a little troublesome. You know, he only listens to Ron's advice in the team."

"But Ron's brain is always coming up with some bad ideas, hey, it's really a headache." Stretching out his hand to pinch his forehead, Reggie Miller only felt that his team was exhausting.

It seems that the strength of the team is obtained by the players with their brains!
After the start of the game, the Pacers' starting lineup for this game is: Jamal Jensley, Reggie Miller, "Martial Saint" Jackson, Artest, and O'Neal.

The Timberwolves are: Cassel, Szczerbiak, Salmons, Garnett, and Karl Malone.

Luke chose Salmons as the starting small forward. "Martial Saint" Jackson is a player with excellent offensive ability and rich offensive methods.

Compared with Nehbar, Salmons' excellent defensive ability can better limit Jackson.

Even if it is difficult for Salmons to lock the "Wu Sheng" in one-on-one, it is much better than Nehbar being ruthlessly beaten up.

What's more, since the "madman" was injured, as long as Kassel was placed in the starting lineup by Luke, then Nehbar must stay on the bench, otherwise the Timberwolves' rotation will be weakened a lot.

Except for "Penny" Hardaway on the entire bench, there is no second person who can sort out the offense.

That guy Hudson is always in a convulsion. When the ball is in his hands for more than ten seconds, even Luke becomes scared, afraid that this guy is messing around on the court.

O'Neal and Malone jumped the ball in the middle circle. O'Neal bounced very fast. At least in today's league, few people can win O'Neal in terms of jump balls.

The Pacers get the ball. This season, the Pacers mainly play the pick-and-rolls of Jensley and O'Neal. When the two cannot come out, Jackson and Artest can also use their personal abilities to play freely on the court. .

In short, the Pacers have many offensive methods. Whether it is inside or outside, the Pacers have a way to score the ball. Even if it is to fight for personal ability, this Pacers is worthy of any team in the league.

Jensley is 1.9 meters tall and weighs 88 kilograms. He is very similar to Kassel in terms of body shape, and the 27-year-old Jensley is at the peak of his career. Facing the "alien" Kassel, he occupies the footsteps. Advantage.

Taking advantage of Jermaine O'Neal's pick-and-roll, Jensley, who has more agile feet, has been leading Cassel by half a body.

It wasn't until he was in Garnett's help zone that Jensley leaned against Cassell and hopped to the right for a jumper.

"Shu~"

At the beginning of the game, Jensley used the pick-and-roll to hit Cassel. It seems that Jensley's personal touch in this game is pretty good.

Timberwolves attack, the Pacers' defensive strength lies in Artest, Artest can assist defense between the inside and outside, which is very important to the entire Pacers' defensive system.

This is somewhat similar to Garnett's defensive position in the Timberwolves. Both of them are the kind who keep wiping their butts for their teammates.

But the defensive flaws of this Pacers team are also obvious, that is, the 40-year-old Reggie Miller and O'Neal only weigh 103 kilograms when they play center.

本赛季40岁的雷吉米勒场均依然可以砍下15分2篮板以及2次助攻，即使三分球命中率已经跌至32%，但在进攻端的威胁仍然不减当年。

However, the increase in age has made Reggie Miller's defense more and more worn down. Reggie Miller's defense in his peak season is very average, and his weight of only 84 kilograms is often eaten by others.

Even if Reggie Miller had a few classic moments of one-on-one defense against Jordan, most of the time Miller was a loophole on the defensive end.

The 40-year-old Miller's footsteps are already slow like an uncle. Even Sczerbiak, who has experienced many serious injuries, can easily get rid of the defense on the offensive end.

With the help of Garnett's off-ball screen, Szczerbiak easily got rid of Reggie Miller, and then before Artest helped defend, Szczerbiak made a decisive shot from beyond the three-point line.

"Shu~"

There is no doubt that the basketball hits the net. Szczerbiak's three-point shooting percentage can reach 43% this season, and he can reach more than 75% in the face of such open opportunities.

As long as there is a chance, Szczerbiak, the boy in white, will definitely make the defender pay the price.

"Why are you here to guard me, rookie, how much your coach looks down on me, and thinks you can guard me!" Reaching out to the point guard Jensley for the ball, "Martial Saint" Jackson taunted Salmons.

Even though Salmons has played well in the recent period, for Jackson, who averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season, Salmons is indeed a rookie.

"Shut up, you bastard, the coach is right, your mouth stinks to death, it will make me faint when you speak."

"To convey a word to you, if you want to walk out of the court by yourself, then you'd better keep your stinky mouth shut!"

When Luke decided to let Salmons defend "Martial Saint" Jackson, he knew that Jackson would verbally mock Salmons.

After all, Jackson's mouth has always been stinky, and he has been a well-known trash talker since his second season in the league.

Although trash talk can't cause substantial harm to people, it has to be said that trash talk really messes up people's mentality.

So before playing, Luke explained to Salmons that if Jackson made a mockery on the court, don't hesitate to slap him back!
If Jackson dares to do something on the field, the entire team will stand behind Salmons unconditionally.

Luke's words obviously gave Salmons enough sense of security. Salmons has been a good boy since college. Under normal circumstances, if Jackson made a mockery of Salmons, Salmons would most likely Swallow your breath.

But now, Salmons only feels very happy in his heart!
"court death!"

"Martial Saint" Jackson showed a fierce face, and the offensive end signaled his teammates to pull away, and then chose to pull Salmons one-on-one at the horn.

"boom!"

The shot was too strong, and the defensive rebound was firmly accepted by the strong Karl Malone.

O'Neal's body is too thin, and he can't compete with Karl Malone in the rebounding position, so he can only push and shove Malone symbolically.

"Hey, isn't this Stephen, who only shot 40% of the field this season, and let his teammates pull away from his singles. I don't know who gave you the courage."

"God? Or your friends from the dump?"

"Sorry, I forgot, now many of your friends have gone to see God!" Garnett spoke sarcastically as he passed by Stephen Jackson.

If anyone in this league is more trash-talking than Stephen Jackson, it's Garnett's name on this list.

When it comes to fighting, Garnett may not be ranked at all, but when it comes to talking trash, Garnett dares to be the second, and no one in the league dares to be the first!

"Fuck! You're courting death!" Jackson clenched his fists suddenly, his eyes blazing at Garnett who passed by him.

For Stephen Jackson, who grew up in a slum, many friends around him committed crimes since childhood.

This also led to the accidental death of many friends every day when he was growing up, and these have always been topics that Jackson did not want to face.

Looking at Garnett with a sarcastic look on his face, Jackson really wanted to punch him in the face, if the game hadn't just started!
The Pacers retreated quickly, and the Timberwolves, who protected the backcourt rebounds, could only be forced to suppress the fast break.

In the positional battle, the Timberwolves mainly targeted Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal, but compared to O'Neal, Reggie Miller was obviously the first target of the Timberwolves.

On the offensive end, the Timberwolves will pull Reggie Miller out through non-stop pick-and-rolls, but if Miller can be drawn out of Artest's defense range, then no matter who faces Miller, the Timberwolves will decisively choose singles.

There is no way, Miller is like a piece of red cloth being put into the bullring, and it is too obvious in the entire Pacers' defensive system.

"Shhh!" With Szczerbiak backing Reggie Miller and hitting another turnaround jumper, the Timberwolves have widened the point difference to 16:7, and 16 of the 13 points were scored against Reggie Miller of.

This scene on the court made Rick Carlisle really unbearable to look directly at. It is not that no team has targeted Reggie Miller before, but there is really no team that is as frantic as the Timberwolves.

On the offensive end, he completely gave up his regular style of play, aiming to target Miller in order to target Miller. This made Carlisle really unable to stand the Timberwolves' non-compliance with the routine, and had to call a timeout five and a half minutes into the game.

"I warn you, keep your mouth clean, you bastard!" Jackson warned Garnett in the end stage after the timeout, with a fierce look on his face.

"Waste doesn't deserve to have the right to speak!" Garnett waved his hand at Jackson with a smile on his face, without hiding the irony in his words.

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(End of this chapter)