NBA: I am the card dealer

Chapter 230 Increased breakthrough ability, knocking out Noah

And just at the press conference after the Bulls successfully advanced.

Butler was interviewed by reporters.

Reporter: "ESPN predicts that your next game against the Miami Heat will be a tiebreaker. What do you think of this?"

Butler: "Yes, as analyzed by ESPN, our strengths are very close, but I am confident that we can take away this series and enter the Eastern Conference finals."

Reporter: "But many fans think ESPN's analysis and predictions are a joke. They don't think you can compete with the Miami Heat."

Butler said coldly: "We are always underestimated. I am used to it, but I will prove to them who is the joke."

Reporter: "Can you look forward to the next showdown between you and Xue Liancheng?"

Butler: "Xue is very powerful, there is no doubt about it. His passing can always catch people off guard, and his power when breaking through is very powerful. What I have to do next is to make him feel less comfortable in the game. As long as we can get him, we have endless possibilities, and it is not impossible to sweep Miami out 4-0."

Butler's 4-0 sweep was widely rumored, and it quickly spread and was reproduced by major media.

But Butler's weight is still a bit low. He didn't even appear on the front page, only scrolling in those news items.

The fans' reaction was even more direct, laughing at Butler for talking in his sleep during the day.

Sweeping Miami?

How the hell can you say this?

You are not confident, you are losing your mind and going crazy.

Miami is the Big Three!

According to current reports from all parties, Xue Liancheng is definitely a member of the first team, and there is a high probability that he will be the MVP of this season.

Gasol will also occupy another first-team position with his super frame protection and defensive abilities.

Had Wade not missed too many games, he would have been very likely to make the All-NBA team.

It is equivalent to saying that a team has three players in the best lineup, a complete combination of the Big Three.

As for Butler, it's already interesting enough to win three battles.

even……

Gasol also has a better chance of making the All-NBA team than Butler.

Because there are too many excellent backcourt players, Harden, Curry, Paul, and Westbrook are definitely going to be in the best team, plus Xue Liancheng.

Then there is only the last spot left for the All-NBA players in the backcourt.

Irving, Wall, Thompson, Lowry and others, which one is not extremely competitive?

Are you sure Butler can occupy the last spot?

On the contrary, the frontcourt players and top players at the center position are relatively poor, especially at the center position. Currently, only Gasol and Cousins ​​​​are the top players.

Therefore, the Bulls' Gasol seems to have a better chance.

Taking a step back, let’s not talk about individual players, but the overall strength of the team.

What's your bull level?

What is the level of the Heat?

Did the 67-win record fall from the sky?

Sweep?

Are you an idiot talking about what dreams are?

Everyone just regarded Butler as a sniper, a harsh word he said to boost morale.

after all……

It’s not surprising that many players will nag and make all kinds of shocking remarks before the game.

In addition, Butler's weight was too light, and the response was not particularly sensational.

If Xue Liancheng says he wants to sweep the Bulls, it will definitely set off a storm. Whether it is fans who like Xue Liancheng or fans who hate Xue Liancheng, they will jump out and respond.

This is influence.

of course.

Butler's words did reach Xue Liancheng's ears very quickly.

But he made no response.

After experiencing the turmoil that threatened to sweep the Celtics, he has gradually realized that there are some things that he should not say, or there is no need to say them.

Especially as his level becomes higher and his influence becomes greater, the repercussions caused by his words are immeasurable.

At this time, he should keep a low profile.

In addition to preventing others from taking advantage of the topic, the most important thing is to allow yourself to stabilize your character.

otherwise.

If any cat or dog stood up to challenge him, he would respond with fury, and he would have to respond endlessly.

Doing this will make you look like a superstar.

Like LeBron or Kobe in the past few years, they never clamored about who they wanted to sweep or defeat before the game.

As superiors, they are waiting to challenge them all at once, and they look at you with a condescending attitude as the challenged.

Of course I won’t tell you what’s there or what’s not.

At the beginning of the season, the media started comparing him to James, but James did not mention him in public at all. This is also the reason.

But now, it was his turn to be in the challenged position, so he naturally didn't have to respond.

Only when the opponent's level has risen and has a certain degree of influence can the opponent's provocation be authoritative and valuable.

Or more accurately, that is the real challenge, not the provocation...

The current Butler, although he won the Most Improved Award and was also selected as an All-Star this season, is still not good enough.

If Butler continues to be the boss next season, lead the Bulls to the playoffs again, be selected as an All-Star, and become a member of the best team.

That's a bit of status.

He has the qualifications to challenge the league's top stars.

now?

Just ignore it...

……

……

Three days passed by in a flash.

While the other group series are in full swing, the second round series between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls has seamlessly connected.

First round.

American Airlines Center.

The Heat sit down to face Chicago.

The Heat's starting lineup is still the same: Xue Liancheng, Wade, PJ Tucker, Ibaka, Gasol.

Bulls: Rose, Butler, Dunleavy, Gasol, Noah.

The biggest highlight of this showdown is actually the civil war between brothers.

Gasol and Gasol, both brothers have made a name for themselves in the NBA.

Gasol, in particular, landed in the NBA as the third overall pick in 01. In his first season, he scored 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, and won the Rookie of the Year award.

Later, starting in the 03-04 season, he led the Grizzlies, who had just moved from Vancouver to Memphis, to the playoffs for three consecutive years. His personal data was also impeccable, approaching 20+10.

but……

What is more embarrassing is that Gasol has not won a game in the playoffs.

In 6 and a half years, it can be said that nothing has been achieved.

He has never been selected to the best team, and he was only selected as an All-Star once as a substitute in the 05-06 season. He has almost no other awards and honors.

It was not until he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers that Gasol officially entered the public eye. In the 09 and 10 seasons, he helped the team win the championship, All-Star, Best Team and other honors one after another. He was considered successful.

Coming to the Chicago Bulls this year, he still served as an All-Star starter and led the team to the playoffs with the fourth record in the Eastern Conference.

An absolute Hall of Fame player.

As for Gasol Jr., the data is inferior, but the defense is better.

In these years, he has also entered the All-Star in the Grizzlies, was selected to the best team, and even won the best defensive player DPOY. The honors are all in one, and he can be regarded as a well-known figure in the league.

The duel between the two is undoubtedly worth looking forward to.

As for the result of the first match between the two teams?

Except for ESPN, other media basically predicted 4:2 or 4:1, and the Heat successfully advanced to the next round.

So, the point of interest is actually not here.

The game is about to start.

Xue Liancheng had just taken a position near the center circle.

Butler suddenly came up and said, "I'm very happy to meet you in the playoffs."

Xue Liancheng remained calm, "What then?"

Butler was not as arrogant this time as when they first met, but he was still very arrogant when he said, "Then I will send you home to fish."

Xue Liancheng was a little amused, "You have a really bad memory. Did you forget that you were a clown so quickly?"

When the two met for the first time in the regular season, they were tit for tat and almost had a real fight.

After Butler lost, he admitted that he was a clown very openly.

Tell the truth.

Although Butler is a loudmouth, his mental attributes can indeed be clearly felt, and he is very tough.

Butler is full of confidence: "In that game, I was indeed the loser, but in this series, I will make you the loser."

Xue Liancheng: "The Most Improved Player Award really inspires you a lot. Do you think you can do it again?"

Butler's growth this season is indeed visible to the naked eye.

In the first confrontation at the beginning of the season, Butler had very few offensive rounds with the ball. They were all fast downs, grabbing second rebounds, fast breaks, and off-ball screen cuts, relying on these simple scoring methods to score.

Towards the end of the season, Butler's back-up was already in shape, and he had made great progress in carrying people in front of the frame. The addition of these offensive methods made Butler look more like a star.

The biggest change is that Butler can also use physical contact to make trouble. This season, he has taken 7.1 free throws and hit 5.9 goals.

Butler: "Wouldn't you know if I can do it later?"

Xue Liancheng smiled noncommittally and did not respond any further.

And asked him if he could do it?

Ha ha……

According to the historical trajectory, with Thibodeau leaving next season, the Bulls will not even make it to the playoffs.

Although Butler could still contribute 20+5+5, he failed to lead the team to more wins.

This illustrates something.

Now the soul of this powerful Chicago Bulls is Thibodeau, not Butler.

With a whistle.

Gasol beat Noah and jumped to the ball.

The Heat won the first attack.

The bulls seemed very cautious and all retreated.

Even Butler quickly stepped back two steps beyond the three-point line, waiting for Xue Liancheng there.

This time.

Xue Liancheng was surprised.

In the past, the opponent's defensive strategy against him was pressing mode.

No matter how bad it is, he will always maintain physical contact and consume his physical energy.

But it was a bit surprising to him that the bull simply retreated and shrank into a circle like this.

He wasn't sure if the Bulls wanted to test their offensive options this first possession.

Or are the Bulls adopting a tighter zone defense strategy?

if it is like this……

That Thibodeau is really bold!

Xue Liancheng calmed down and quickly pushed up.

Beckoning.

Gasol quickly brought up the pick-and-roll.

result.

Butler didn't chase after him.

Noah directly brought it up and chose to switch defense.

Unlimited defense changes?

Austerity tactics?

Hey……

Thibodeau is really courageous, choosing to take a different approach and take a different approach.

But will he be afraid?

As long as there are no double teams, he is not afraid of any defensive tactics.

Thinking of this, he pulled back directly, and stretched out his hand to signal everyone to back up.

——He wants military training for Noah.

Everyone stood still, only Noah was alone at the top of the arc.

Xue Liancheng finally moved.

Step forward.

Pull back.

After Noah's center of gravity shifted, he quickly forced it back.

Xue Liancheng changed direction again.

In such a flash, Noah lost his rhythm, his steps were chaotic, and he saw that Xue Liancheng was about to attack him from the other side.

He then forcibly moved his body in a cross-step manner, trying to block Xue Liancheng's way.

result.

Xue Liancheng pulled back again.

then.

When Noah tried to get back, he did a split on the spot and fell in front of Xue Liancheng.

A smile appeared on Xue Liancheng's lips.

If there is any hesitation, just take a three-point shot.

Cum on the spot...

The ball drew a beautiful arc.

Swish!

middle!

The audience was silent for 0.01 seconds, and then burst into excitement.

He actually knocked down the defensive player?

If another speed guard does it, so be it.

Do not……

It is difficult for ordinary speed guards to knock people down. Unless you have a particularly fast pace, like Irving, you can knock down defensive players by controlling movement and ceiling.

But even Irving rarely creates such famous scenes.

You can imagine how difficult it is to knock down a player.

What's more, the person who knocked him down was Xue Liancheng.

It is simply astonishing that a powerful defender who relies on lateral push to pass the ball can actually knock the defensive player down.

Xue Liancheng has been playing for a whole season, and there are very few scenes of him simply changing direction quickly, let alone knocking people down.

And now, Xue Liancheng has actually done this, doesn't it surprise everyone?

The commentator of this game directly exclaimed: "Oh my God! Xue knocked down Noah on the best defensive team? It's simply unbelievable..."

The commentator was also inexplicably shocked, "A scene like knocking down a defensive player shouldn't have happened to Xue Liancheng, this... this... what happened?"

And Noah, who had just gotten up from the ground, looked confused.

Plus six points of embarrassment and three points of blushing.

I blanch...

Was he knocked down by the other party?

Even at this moment, he was a little unbelievable.

He is a member of the defensive team!

Although guarding small men is not his strong point, he has his own experience. Coupled with his light body, he has never been knocked down by others.

yes……

This was the first time in his career that he was knocked to the ground by a player holding the ball.

That's right.

He just fell down on the ground.

It’s really embarrassing to be thrown into grandma’s house!

Thinking of this, his face turned red again.

On the sidelines, Thibodeau's brows were knitted into a thin line. Looking at Xue Liancheng on the court, a bad feeling suddenly rose in his heart.

Butler was also a little confused.

He has been playing against Xue Liancheng this season. In his impression, Xue Liancheng's changing rhythm and breakthrough speed are not magical enough to knock a player to the ground.

Is it...

Noah slipped on his own?

Full of doubts, he took a deep look at Xue Liancheng, who had retreated.

I don't know.

There is a saying that "Scholar farewell for three days, you should look at it with admiration."

After strengthening for 0.6 seconds, Xue Liancheng's ability to change directions has risen to a new level.

For a big man like Noah, when he stands up, not to mention strolling around, it is also relaxed and happy.

of course.

When Noah was knocked down, the most important thing was to treat the current Xue Liancheng as the previous Xue Liancheng.

This is how this famous scene was born.

Off-site attack and defense.

Noah didn't seem to have recovered from the embarrassment of being knocked down, and he made a mistake after catching the ball.

Fortunately.

The Bulls returned to defense very quickly, preventing the Heat's fast break counterattack.

Xue Liancheng once again took the ball at the top of the arc.

Gasol was also asked to pull out the pick-and-roll.

This time.

The Bulls also chose to switch defenses.

It can be seen how resolute the Bulls' defensive strategy of unlimited switching and tightening is.

Xue Liancheng pulled it out again and said to the dark-faced Noah, "Be careful this time. Don't slip again."

Noah's old face turned red again, but he was still very tough, "Come here."

Xue Liancheng didn't say much.

start up.

Lean forward.

The dribbling process changes direction again.

Just once.

Noah's whole body tilted directly.

Xue Liancheng took advantage of the situation and turned around, passing Noah cleanly.

then.

Just rush to the basket.

Just when Gasol was about to bring it up.

Xue Liancheng suddenly took two steps across.

Direct shot from mid-range.

There was no one in front of me.

Hit again!

Everyone on the Bulls team was a little confused.

What's going on?

Xue Liancheng passed people like a wooden stake. Is this still the Xue Liancheng they knew?

Don't say the opponent is confused.

Even the Heat players were very surprised.

They all clearly felt that Xue Liancheng was different now from before.

And only Shiba, his eyes were shining.

As the person who knows Xue Liancheng best, he naturally knows what level his disciple is at.

From these two rounds, he clearly felt that Xue Liancheng had evolved.

wrong.

He had already vaguely felt this way in the last two games against the Celtics.

But now these two rounds have turned the feeling into reality.

This disciple of his has indeed evolved a lot.

And it's obvious.

Especially when it comes to breaking through, Xue Liancheng was not so calm in the past.

Even the skill of changing directions is very rigid due to speed.

In the first two games of the series with the Celtics, Xue Liancheng still used the bulldozer style as his main breakthrough method.

And now...

Xue Liancheng surpassed others so easily.

What is this if not evolution?

In fact.

The reason why Xue Liancheng's evolution is so obvious is because he specially found a trainer for additional training during his rest time.

His ability to predict things evolved, but he wasn't really used to it at the time.

After the last two games of the Celtics series, coupled with the adaptation during the rest period, he has slowly put his 0.6-second prediction ability to his own use.

This allowed Noah to embarrass Noah in the first two rounds of this game.

Ok……

0.6 Prediction is indeed much better than 0.3 Prediction.

Although he had foreseen it before, he couldn't move.

Now he not only foresees it, but also moves relatively smoothly.

This advantage directly increases his breakthrough ability.

Especially when facing big players, it is even more useful.