strokinit Chapter 91 Pre-match preparations
Chapter 91 Pre-match preparations
Chapter 91 Pre-match preparations
On November 11, all members of the Mavericks returned to Dallas.
After returning, Old Nelson immediately called all the players into the combat conference room, and began to arrange the offensive and defensive tactics for the next game, which shows that he attaches great importance to the next game.
"In the next game, we can't give up defense like we did with the Warriors and devote ourselves to offense.
The Timberwolves are a very good offensive and defensive team, and they have Kevin Garnett, a multiple defensive first team selection, who will have a serious impact on our offense.
In terms of perimeter, the Timberwolves signed Cassell and Sprewell in the summer. The backcourt composed of these two cannot be underestimated, and their scoring ability is very good, which needs our attention. "
After Nelson introduced the core players of the Timberwolves, he began to assign tasks.
"Lee, use your strengths in assisting defense. Garnett is the core of the Timberwolves' tactics. We must limit him. When he breaks through the basket, I hope you can assist in defense in time and help Dirk together. Protect the restricted area."
Li Xuan nodded. This is similar to the task of playing the Spurs, and it should be completed.
His role in the team is becoming more and more important now, and the tasks are getting heavier.
However, it is actually a good thing to be able to gain a higher tactical status in the team, which shows that the head coach values himself, and it may not be impossible to adjust to the starting lineup in the near future.
On the other side, in the multi-purpose conference hall of the Target Center Arena, Philip Sanders is also convening players to study the Mavericks, a strong rival that has won three consecutive victories.
"Defense, this is what we should pay most attention to in the next game." Sanders said.
As an academic head coach, most of his coaching styles are conservative, stubborn and defensive.
"Especially with the 13th pick this year, we have to be careful with him.
Some of you may not know him, but it doesn't matter, you just need to know that he has averaged 25 points per game in the past three games, and he has a very high efficiency.
And his defensive ability is very good, even if he is not as good as Kevin, it is not much worse. Don't be negligent just because he is a rookie. Duncan of the Spurs is your lesson.
Kevin, I want you to spend more energy on him tomorrow. If he gets a chance, you have to defend as soon as possible, and you can't give him a chance to shoot. "
Sanders specifically emphasized Li Xuan, he doesn't want to be killed by a rookie like the Spurs.
Garnett nodded: "Leave it to me, let me say that sentence to him: Rookie, welcome to the NBA."
Sanders nodded with satisfaction after hearing this, full of confidence in defeating the Mavericks.
The strength of the Timberwolves this season has improved several stages compared to last season.
Under Garnett's strong request, the team management traded "Alien" Sam Cassell and Eagle County owner "Madman" Sprewell in the summer.
The Timberwolves, which formed the "three-headed monster" lineup, were naturally optimistic before the start of the regular season.
Under the leadership of "Wolf King" Garnett, they are bound to stir up troubles in the league and defeat every opponent who stands in their way.
The Mavericks, who defeated the defending champion before, became the target of the Timberwolves eager to defeat. They want to prove to the outside world that this year's Timberwolves will be the most powerful contender for the championship.
……
……
On May 11, at the American Airlines Center Arena.
At this time, the arena was already full of voices, and the auditorium was full of fans who came to watch the game.
In the pre-match interview, Garnett, who has been selected to the best defensive team for four consecutive times, made a bold statement that the Timberwolves' restricted area will become a no-fly zone for Mavericks players.
"You said that the No. 13 rookie's defense ability is as good as mine. You are joking. In tonight's game, I will let you see how I ravage the rookie."
The media reporters didn't think it was a big deal. After interviewing Garnett, they interviewed the "madman" Sprewell who was abandoned by the Mavericks one after another.
"The Mavericks didn't do well to dump me, I could have brought them a championship, but now I'm in Minnesota, and I'm going to win a championship here.
In this game, I will let the Mavericks pay the due price. I think their outside players are all softballs. They can't guard me at all. I can score at will. "
The members of the Mavericks who were changing their jerseys and pants in the locker room naturally heard the pre-match speeches of the two core players of the Timberwolves by watching the TV screen.
"These two guys are so arrogant, I really think they will win this game."
Finley said angrily, then looked at his teammates who were changing clothes and asked, "Don't you think these two are arrogant? Don't you feel angry about their remarks?"
"Michael, Kevin has always had a bad mouth. Don't bother with him, just ignore his words."
After Nash persuaded Finley, he whispered beside Li Xuan: "Li, if you are facing Kevin on the field, don't be irritated by his trash talk. He likes to bully the rookies who just entered the league. Don't worry about it." He will do."
Li Xuan nodded after hearing this, and responded: "Don't worry, Steve, I won't be affected."
At the same time, the head coach Nelson pushed open the door of the locker room. Seeing the heavy atmosphere of the team, he said: "Don't pay attention to the outside world's remarks, we can just be ourselves and devote ourselves to the game. The result of the game will tell external facts."
Old Nelson continued to say after finishing his breath: "Okay, warriors, go out with me and win the victory that belongs to us!"
"Victory will belong to us!" After the Mavericks players shouted their slogans, they followed the head coach Nelson out of the locker room.
Amid the cheers and shouts of the fans in the audience, the Mavericks players ran out of the player channel one by one with their heads held high and came to the playing field.
The Timberwolves players came to the court with boos all over the sky, and the difference between home and away games is so big.
After a simple entrance ceremony, players from both sides came to the competition field to do warm-up activities before the game.
This time Li Xuan did not warm up with high-profile long shots, but was doing regular warm-up activities. He looked at the Timberwolves players who were warming up in the half court, and focused on the big man wearing the No. 21 jersey.
In the memory of Li Xuan's previous life, Garnett seems to have won the regular season MVP this season.
There is one thing to say, Garnett during this period is indeed super tough.
No dead-end mid-range shots, excellent field vision, historical-level defense, and explosive athletic ability. Except that he is not as dominant in the low post as Duncan, O'Neal and others, and his singles ability with the ball is slightly lower than among NBA superstars. There are few downsides.
Just as Li Xuan was recalling, Garnett looked over and happened to meet Li Xuan's eyes.
In order to tease the Mavericks rookie, Garnett stared intently with his eyes wide open, making a fierce look.
Li Xuan came back to his senses, and suddenly saw the vicious look on the other side, he was startled, and couldn't help complaining in his heart: "Damn! Why is this guy so vicious, I scared me!"
Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Garnett made a provocative gesture. When he turned around and wanted to continue the warm-up activities, he saw the rookie on the opposite side make the same gesture in return. In the game, he can bully rookies with peace of mind.
Li Xuan knew that he had already entered Garnett's small book, but he was not guilty at all. He didn't start the game, and he didn't have to play against Garnett, so there was nothing to be afraid of.
After this episode, the two sides continued their warm-up activities.
After the warm-up activities, the players from both sides returned to the bench, and the starters were preparing for the game.
The big screen at the scene showed the list of starting players of the two teams.
Mavericks starting lineup: center Rasu Nesterovic, power forward Dirk Nowitzki, small forward Antawn Jamison, shooting guard Michael Finley, point guard Steve Nash .
Timberwolves starting lineup: center Michael - Olowokandi, power forward Kevin - Garnett, small forward Gary - Trent, shooting guard Sprewell, point guard Sam - Cassell.
Not long after, the referee blew his whistle to signal the starting players of both sides to come to the middle circle to prepare for a jump ball.
Amid the cheers of the fans, the referee threw the basketball into the air, and the game officially started!
(End of this chapter)