NBA: I am the card dealer

In this regard.

Xue Liancheng was also helpless.

Although the fans' criticisms were sharp and somewhat arbitrary, they did not actually say anything wrong.

It is indisputable that without him to connect the team and launch an effective offense, the Nets' offensive firepower will be greatly reduced.

But then again, the Nets' team-building idea is to take him as the core and build around him. If he is gone, there is no chance that they can play well.

Without an engine and a core, they naturally cannot launch an effective attack. This is common sense and there is nothing to blame.

It’s just that the fans have a low tolerance for losing and think that others are holding him back.

Actually not.

They are all screws, and together they form a machine that can operate efficiently.

Without their help, he might not have been able to perform so well.

rest for a day.

The Nets faced another major challenge as they traveled to Toronto to challenge the Raptors.

Although Xue Liancheng felt better, he was still absent due to injury for the sake of safety.

The Nets players worked together and fought back and forth with the second-placed Raptors in the Eastern Conference, but in the end they were one step behind and suffered two consecutive defeats with a score of 112:116.

Anunoby made 21 of 8 shots and zero three-pointers, scoring a total of 18 points. His efficiency is hard to describe, but fortunately he still had 11 rebounds to make up for it.

Sabonis finally showed his strength in this game, making 11 of 8 shots and getting comprehensive statistics of 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. He did not lose to Valanciunas in the confrontation.

Crabbe finally had a chance to show off his skills, making 10 of 6 shots, 8 of 5 three-pointers, and scoring 18 points.

Covington scored 14 points, James Johnson scored 13 points, Hart scored 10 points, and David West scored 9 points. They all played well.

But no matter how hard everyone tried, they were still no match for the other person's three axes.

The Raptors' first move was Kyle Lowry, who made 11 of 7 shots, 6 of 5 three-pointers, and 6 of 6 free throws, scoring 25 points, in addition to a top triple-double of 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

The second trick was played by Valanciunas, who made 14 of 8 shots, scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. He fought with Sabonis Jr. in the interior and made great contributions to the victory.

The third player was DeRozan, who made 21 of 8 shots, with the same efficiency as Anunoby. He also made zero three-pointers, but he scored 21 points from free throws.

Three Raptors scored 20+ points, which was obviously much more ferocious than the Nets.

At the same time, Jeremy Lin scored 16 points, VanVleet scored 11 points, and Ibaka scored 10 points. Their performance also played a positive role, helping the Raptors win this precious victory.

Avoiding being swept by the Nets will help relieve their psychological pressure. If they meet in the playoffs, they can at least use their 1:3 record in the regular season to tell the world that they are capable of fighting.

of course.

This winning game did not include Vonleh, Joe Harris, Powell, or even Xue Liancheng.

Therefore, only they themselves know what is going on.

This is the end.

The Nets' record is 58 wins and 14 losses, still the leader of the league, but the voices of doubt from the outside world are becoming more and more heated.

"Two consecutive defeats, haha~~"

"Besides the difficulties encountered in the opening stage, this is the most difficult challenge the Nets have faced so far."

"It's enough for Xue Liancheng to come back. What's so difficult about that?"

"Losing to the Raptors proves that we can't do without Xue Liancheng."

"We lost this game, and we really lost it at the last minute."

"This is another role of Xue Liancheng. He can often kill the game at critical moments."

"Without Xue Liancheng, we not only lost 35 points, but also lost a historical offensive coordinator. I think it is normal to lose. Otherwise, how can Xue Liancheng be considered a historically dominant team."

"It's the end of the season, Xue should take a rest and not bring his injury risk into the playoffs. Losing two games is actually acceptable. Anyway, the first place in the Eastern Conference should be stable."

"It's better not to lose so much. Xue should get the MVP!"

"Is there anything more important than a championship?"

Public opinion is mixed.

But compared to the previous meeting with Anunoby and others, they were much calmer this time. They also felt that Xue Liancheng's health was the most important, and everything else was fine.

the next day.

The Nets returned to their home court to face the Cavaliers, and Xue Liancheng finally returned.

Not only did Xue Liancheng return, but Feng Lai also returned in this game.

People outside said that the Cavaliers were unlucky. They had just made it back to the top eight and encountered the Nets with a relatively complete lineup. This was really a head-on blow!

But they had no way to avoid it and could only face the challenge head-on.

However, there was indeed a big gap in strength between the two sides, and the Nets had the home-court advantage. After four fierce quarters, the Nets finally defeated the Cavaliers 121:114 and finally stopped the decline.

Irving went completely crazy, making 19 of 14 shots, 7 of 3 three-pointers, and 8 of 6 free throws, scoring 37 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds. Such a performance was absolutely impeccable, but he still couldn't win the game.

Love made 14 of 6 shots, 6 of 3 three-pointers, and 5 of 5 free throws, and still got 20 points, and also had 15 rebounds, which was a very good performance.

Both core players played at their best, but the Nets had stronger players.

Xue Liancheng made 24 of 16 shots, 13 of 8 three-pointers, and 10 of 10 free throws. He scored 50 points and also had 14 assists and 7 rebounds. He dominated the game in his first game after his comeback.

We can only blame the Cavaliers for their bad luck.

Anunoby made 11 of 5 shots and scored 15 points.

小萨博尼斯12中5，拿到了14分11篮板5助攻。

The two's performance was not very good, but it was not bad either.

After the game ended, the voices from outside not only did not die down, but became even more intense.

"Haha! As expected, once Xue Liancheng returns, victory will come, right?"

"The knight really ran into the muzzle of the gun!"

"No one can doubt Xue's dominance."

"Without Xue, the Nets are just an ordinary team. It will be difficult for them to compete for a playoff spot. Am I right?"

"Xue Liancheng's joining directly brought the Nets to a height that did not belong to them."

"If the Nets can still win the championship, the league will probably explode!"

"Four championships in four consecutive years, can you imagine it?"

No matter how turbulent the outside world is.

None of this will affect the Nets' progress.

The next day, they defeated the Magic, and then defeated the Hawks back to back. After three consecutive wins, the Nets' record reached 61 wins and 14 losses, and their position as the leader of the Eastern Conference was secured.

After all, the second-placed Raptors in the Eastern Conference have 52 wins and 22 losses, 8.5 wins behind the Nets. Even if the Raptors win all their next games, they will still only be in second place.

But they are still some distance away from being first in the league.

Because the Rockets in the Western Conference are still very strong, currently with 60 wins and 15 losses, only one win behind the Nets.

With seven games left, it’s hard to say who will win in the end.

The Nets players are obsessed with being the first in the league.

First of all, this is the first time for many of them to enjoy this honor, including Atkinson.

Secondly, if Xue Liancheng wants to compete for the MVP, it would be best for him to win the first place in the league, which would be more convincing.

Finally, the Nets' schedule is relatively easy compared to the Rockets.

but.

After three consecutive wins, the Nets faced a challenge.

Challenge the Heat away in Miami.

The Heat are currently in the critical moment of competing for a playoff spot, with a record of 40 wins and 36 losses. They are in a group with the Bucks, Wizards, and Cavaliers, and they can't tell each other apart. Often after a day's game, the rankings will change a lot.

So, with only a few games left, every one of them is extremely important.

However, Xue Liancheng did not give face to his old club and led the team to win another game with 120:109.

His performance was normal, with 20 of 12 shots, 11 of 6 three-pointers, and 9 of 8 free throws, and he got 38 points, 16 assists and 7 rebounds. It was a very ordinary performance.

But for the Heat, it was a huge blow.

Anunoby made 13 of 7 shots, 6 of 3 three-pointers, and scored 19 points easily and happily. He returned to his familiar role and became the team's efficient finisher.

Sabonis Jr. made 16 of 7 shots, 9 of 7 free throws, and made a three-pointer, scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Although his efficiency was not very good, he was brave and fought hard. He was very tough when he took the ball and charged forward to play one-on-one. His lethality in the penalty area was still very strong.

As for the Heat.

Wade was indeed down and out. He made 15 of 6 shots and only got 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He no longer had the majestic performance of the Flash.

Porzingis made 13 of 8 shots, scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He performed very well and has grown into the new successor of Miami.

Dragic scored 17 points with 7 of 18 shots, a decent performance.

Whiteside made 10 of 5 shots and scored 14 points and 6 rebounds, which is not too good, but not bad either.

Others included Olynyk with 16 points, Richardson with 13 points, and Winslow with 11 points.

A total of seven players scored in double digits, and the team's performance was still very strong, but they no longer have the super offensive ability and deterrence they once had on the court.

This is the current situation of the Heat.

However, they still have an advantage over other teams competing for playoff spots, after all, their lineup depth is there.

Looking ahead to next year, as long as George can recover to 80% of his peak, their future will be promising. If nothing else, at least they will be very competitive in the Eastern Conference.

After beating the Heat.

They immediately went to Detroit and defeated the Pistons 118-96 on the road in a back-to-back game, completing a sweep of the Pistons.

After the Pistons lost the game, their record has dropped to 34 wins and 43 losses, and they have lost the qualification for the playoffs.

So losing the game doesn't matter to them anymore.

That's the situation.

The Pistons failed to continue their dark horse status and this season has come to an end early.

The most embarrassing thing is that it is too late for them to give up now, and they can only stay in the eleventh position.

After a day of rest, the Nets met the digital man again.

Before the game, Digital Man's record was 44 wins and 32 losses. Under normal circumstances, their playoffs should be secure, but sometimes it's so strange that you can never be sure whether others will create a miracle until the last moment.

Furthermore, they have lost to the Nets three times this season. As a newcomer to the playoffs, they must have some ideas and want to prove themselves.

Before the playoffs, if they can beat the Nets, who are ranked first in the league, it will definitely be a huge help to their morale.

Therefore, in this game, Digital Man must try his best.

But sometimes you can't win just by trying hard.

After four fierce quarters, the Nets defeated Digital Man 126:120, also completing a sweep of Digital Man.

Xue Liancheng did not have a strong desire to attack in this game. He only took 17 shots, making 10 of them, 9 of 5 three-pointers, and 7 of 7 free throws. He also scored 32 points, but he also had a season-high 24 assists.

Anunoby had a great time, making 15 of 10 shots and scoring 24 points.

Sabonis Jr. made 17 of 8 shots and also had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Others can also get a piece of the pie to a greater or lesser extent.

Although the digital people are working very hard.

But the two leaders did not perform well.

Embiid made 15 of 7 shots and only got 20 points and 8 rebounds.

本-西蒙斯也很潦草，11中5，只得到了12分7篮板4助攻。

JJ Redick performed very well, making 20 of 13 shots and scoring 31 points.

Saric also scored 15 points and Carroll had 13 points.

The overall performance was still very good, but at the crucial moment, neither of the two emperors could be relied upon.

After defeating the Numbers Man, the Nets only have the last four games left.

Facing the regular season that is about to end, everyone is still very excited, only Xue Liancheng does not have too many feelings.

After all, he was past the excitement stage.

The Nets' next opponent is the Bucks led by Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks' current record is 40 wins and 38 losses, and they are already one step behind, which is not a good situation.

What's worse is that they met the Nets at this time.

The result speaks for itself. The Nets defeated the Bucks 129:111 on the road and continued their winning streak.

Xue Liancheng made 18 of 11 shots, not many shots, 10 of 6 three-pointers, and his overall efficiency was still very good. He made 5 of 5 free throws and scored 33 points, and also had 21 assists.

In the final stages, he deliberately passed the ball to everyone so that everyone could find the feeling of scoring a goal and increase their confidence.

So far, the effect is quite good.

Sabonis Jr., Anunoby, Vonleh, Covington and others had a lot of fun eating cakes, shooting all kinds of three-pointers and bombing the basket, and they were much calmer than before.

It would be terrible if the Bucks lost this game. With 40 wins and 39 losses, they have fallen to the tenth place. The Wizards, Cavaliers, and Heat ahead of them all have a win advantage over them. If nothing unexpected happens, their playoff spot is likely to be in jeopardy.

Middleton made 14 of 9 shots and scored 31 points, attacking the inside line very fiercely.

Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo failed, shooting 21 of 7 and scoring only 19 points.

After working hard for a whole season, he personally destroyed the team's playoff spot. The helplessness he felt was beyond words.

And the Nets are still moving forward. Defeating the Bulls twice was just a piece of cake and it took no effort at all.

Then in the last game, the team that had basically secured a place in the playoffs had no intention of continuing the fight. They defeated the Celtics on the road and successfully completed the season with ten consecutive wins. Their record of 68 wins and 14 losses was the best in the entire league.

The regular season of the 17-18 season has officially ended.