My basketball vision is different

In April, before the first game of the countdown to the regular season, fans all over the United States began to pay attention to this highlight.

ESPN even boasted that this is an early preview of this season's finals.

For such remarks, the reporter from the brick platform deeply agrees. After all, the Pacers at this time occupy the first record in the league. Although the Spurs are not as good as the Pacers, their position in the Western Conference has become more and more stable, with 57 wins and 16 losses. Ranked second in the league and first in the West.

The two teams are equally strong and strong, with a solid background in the bench.

The two coaches, one old and one young, attach great importance to the team's offense and defense, and they implement the rotation system even more.

In terms of player configuration:

Duncan "the old man talked about being a teenager," and he didn't know how many springs he encountered in his career;

The rookie Leonard, who was snatched from the Pacers, has become the most important player in the Spurs' offensive lineup since he learned how to shoot mid-range.

Just like Rondo standing behind the scenes during the Big Three of the Celtics, this expressionless "Kawaii" level player can eat people on the court.

The same physical talent, suffocating defense, and an unpretentious mid-range shot, in a team like the Spurs, he is almost a clone of "Stone Buddha".

And such a highly anticipated player was snatched from the Pacers...

Looking at the Pacers again, after Hibbert signed the last big contract in his life, he did not fail, but became more and more vigorous;

Paul George's condition is getting better and better. As the second master, he can be regarded as hardworking, and he is still one of the few players in the league who can defend LeBron alone;

As for Lin Shaojie, he didn't try out the Pacers at the beginning. Instead, he passed a hand in the hands of Popovich of the Spurs. As for why the information about the tryout was leaked, it was learned by Larry Bird.

In the end, No. 13 of the Pacers was abducted by "Big Bird", and what happened in it, such alliance secrets are widely circulated.

Anyway, the match between the two sides has not yet been played, but various rumors are flying everywhere.

The Spurs had spent more than a week in the West before coming to Indiana.

The game against the Pacers is regarded as a big collision in the media and is highly anticipated, but for players who are even numb to the game, this is just a regular season.

Everyone is playing up the Pacers and Spurs, and even Larry Bird and Popovich.

In fact, for both parties, it is far from the life and death enemy that everyone described.

Whether it is "kawaii" or "Huaguo people", before the real strength is not shown, it is just the vision and recognition of both parties, and there is no question of right and wrong.

It's just that these two people just met at the right time, one is firmly established as the starter of the old strong team, and the other has helped the Eastern powerhouse win the crown.

In Popovich's mind, if Lin Shaojie can join the Spurs smoothly, the ending may not be as good as expected.

In Bobo's eyes, Lin Shaojie should be one of the few players in the league who can understand and implement the coach's tactical intentions, but this player has a bad problem, which cannot be seen in regular games, but in the playoffs, or Those key games can give people a glimpse of what's going on.

He seems to be the "Rondo of the Pacers." He believes in his own judgment at critical moments. He belongs to a player who has a stubborn temper, but "will not accept the fate of the king outside." It is only under various covers that this temper not shown.

Back in the early days of the trial training, a fledgling unknown player dared to make a condition in front of Popovich, did he really think he would agree?

So Popovich is sometimes even rejoicing that the No. 13 did not join the Spurs, which may be a blessing.

At least Leonard is now trained by himself very well, the kind of overjoyed.

When GDP is about to grow old, the Spurs have found his successor, maybe not as good as the NO.13, but looking at the entire league, this is definitely one of the most underrated players, Popovich has such confidence.

Look at the Pacers again. Although they are brilliant, Popovich believes that the longer the time, the more damage they will suffer. No matter how brilliant the Pacers are, as the coach, Frank's authority will gradually decline.

One day, when the uniform team has a new choice, Frank may not be the best person, and maybe the Chinese man can even challenge the authority of the coach, because there are too many facts to show that even if the Pacers do not have Frank, they will still be able to win. Definitely can't live without that Lynn.

Popovich is well aware of this.

Because he knows very well that Frank is not that kind of "smart" coach, and his on-the-spot command ability is not good. Coupled with his status as a "young coach", he does not have the prestige among the players like himself.

After a long time, who to listen to is an essential question. Popovich would rather lose the game than let such a player appear in his team.

But on second thought, if one day Lin Shaojie considers joining the Spurs, will he agree?

At that time, I was already old and weak, and my energy was low. Do I also need such a player, a player who can support at critical moments?

In the office of the Pacers training base, Frank and other members of the coaching staff sat with Lin Shaojie to discuss tomorrow's tactical arrangements.

Lin Shaojie also held a file in his hand, which was the only one among the players.

"In the last game of the Spurs, they killed the Pelicans. Only Belinelli, the new guard who joined the team, played the most minutes, 32 minutes. No other player, including Duncan and Parker, played more than 25 minutes. In spite of time, our implementation of rotation tactics is still not thorough enough."

Lin Shaojie understood what Frank meant. Although the Spurs were playing away, they were not afraid of the pressure of the league. The rotation was the rotation. There was no negotiation, even losing the game.

Of the dozen or so games the Spurs have lost, many of them were able to grit their teeth and win, but it is a pity that Popovich does not pursue a winning streak. If he loses, he loses, regardless of whether the opponent appears The result of a sudden explosion by a player like a ticking time bomb.

The Spurs never cared, they just won all the games that should be won, and they didn't care about the outside world's eyes, because there was an old Bobo standing in front of the players to protect the players from the wind and rain, and the players only needed to obey the orders and play the game.

"Beyond their playing time, the Spurs have won 17 straight games before and after the All-Star break, and they're another team with a full month of wins.

In terms of lineup, the average efficiency value of players is also among the highest in the league.

In addition to the GDP and other starters that we need to pay attention to, Diaw only played one-third of the time this season as a starter, and he is the most important striker on the Spurs bench.

There is also that Mills from Australia, who is also a small guard. We must pay attention to his impact. , even stronger than our George Hill..."

......

Popovich led his players to stay in the hotel. Tomorrow's game was not a battle of life and death, and there were no passionate fans from India to make trouble. Fewer Spurs fans.

You know, although the Spurs are not a superstar-studded team, nor do they have any star flavor, but as the core Duncan, they have many fans in the United States, even in Indian City.

The Spurs' pre-match tactical arrangement started shortly after check-in. In the large conference room provided by the hotel, the members of the uniform team had already prepared relevant materials.

Popovich, the leader, said nothing, watching the players gradually take their seats.

The whole team, except for "Kawaii", most of the players are smiling.In private China, the Spurs are also one of the few players in the league with an outstanding atmosphere, and even Popovich, who is like a "strict father", can make some jokes with the players.

March has completely passed, and the Spurs have become another team that won the whole month. Such an honor is not easy to come by.

"For us, there are not many opportunities to enjoy the national broadcast, because we all know that we are not very popular. …"

Popovich spread his hands and said indifferently, everyone knows he was joking. Although this has been the case in the past, considering the Spurs' record this year, the number of games they can be broadcast live is not too small, even because of the Lakers' record. Instead, the Spurs took away a lot of the opponent's share.

The "senior group" composed of the three members of GDP has become more and more sharp. This season has surprised a group of old fans. Everyone is speculating whether the Spurs will be able to achieve another glory this year.

Right now, standing in front of their "brilliant" road is the official stumbling block - the Pacers.

Everyone understands that the only thing that can cause them trouble in the East at present is the Pacers.

"We didn't lose a single game last month, while the Pacers lost two games in a row. If you think our strength is better than the other, I think you should die as soon as possible.

Now our record is far inferior to that of our opponents. This is not because we have given up some games, but in terms of strength, we are indeed inferior to our opponents. They are far better than us in some positions, which we must admit.

How to improve, how to deal with opponents, this is what we have to do, and this game, I hope to make a good start for our last month..."

Popovich, who had a short meeting, did not deny the Pacers' season results. He emphasized the threat posed by the Pacers, especially on the perimeter.

Everyone understands that if the Pacers want to rely on an insider like Hibbert to compare with Duncan, it is undoubtedly asking for trouble.

"...You all understand, and I have reminded you, that double-teaming is useless for Lynn, who is the most talented player I and you have ever seen.

Maybe even more difficult than Kobe at his peak. "

When he said this, Popovich's eyes were fixed on Leonard, and the other players' hearts trembled when they heard it.

In Popovich's mouth, such an evaluation is not too high.

"I am not exaggerating the opponent's strength. From the perspective of sharing the ball, Kobe has lost a lot. If Kobe knows how to share, he is definitely the most terrifying opponent. Of course, in that case, he is not Kobe.

And now, what we are facing is a super rookie who is not inferior to Kobe in heads-up, but knows how to share players. Are you ready?

Kawhi (Leonard), your task is the heaviest, or the old saying I said before, I would rather you not score a point in this game, but you have to watch No. 13 on the opposite side, as long as he stands On the court, your job is to stay with him, whether he has the ball or not. "

Popovich did not use double-team tactics, at least not yet, and he paid more attention to Lin Shaojie than Kobe.

The head star of the Lakers has entered the end of his career. After several injuries, his condition is not as good as before. The No. 13 has not yet experienced the injury test of the league. He is in good physical condition and is playing better and better on the court.

And the Pacers are not the only one, double-teaming will inevitably lead to loopholes, it is better to lose a player and follow from the beginning to the end.

Popovich's idea is very simple. As long as the guy can score less than 30 points and assist less than 10, the Spurs have a great chance to beat their opponents.

After the meeting was over, a group of people walked downstairs and saw Lin Shaojie standing not far away, very conspicuous.

The reporters dispersed in twos and threes, obviously completing their mission.

Popovich, who led the team, smiled at each other and greeted several players.

"Hi, Lynn!"

Parker was the most enthusiastic, followed by Ginobili, perhaps because everyone is an overseas player.

Duncan wanted to touch the opponent's hair, but was avoided by Lin Shaojie. The latter always felt that Duncan's hands were poisonous. Just look at Ginobili, and you will know that the boy chasing the wind is now rippling in the "Mediterranean Sea". , "It was touched every day, it looked so pitiful.

Lin Shaojie greeted the people on the opposite side one by one, and the other Spurs players also bumped their chests and bumped their fists in order to come over.

When he finally saw the old man Bobo, Lin Shaojie yelled:

"Hi, Greg!"

"I think it's more appropriate for you to call me Mr. Coach!"

Popovich relied on the old to sell the old, Lin Shaojie was noncommittal.

"Where are we going for dinner, I'm so hungry."

Lin Shaojie waved to show that he was ready, and led a group of people to set off.

The group of reporters in front of the hotel foyer raised their cameras to take pictures one after another, and no one took it seriously.

After these two seasons, "Lynn's Dinner Party" is well known in the league. Those who can be invited by the other party are never unknown people, at least they are potential rookies. Anyway, everyone is trying to discover the significance of Lin Shaojie's guest list .

Perhaps for some potential new stars, being able to participate in such a dinner party is a shortcut to increase their reputation. Even if it is not visible for a while, it will always make people discover the bright spots after a long time.

Even if most of those dinner parties ended in failure, the coach of the losing side does not exclude his players from participating.

If they encounter an opponent like the Spurs, it is relatively rare for them to even leave the coach. The last time they looked like this was when the Nuggets came to Indian City, but that was the friendship of Brian Shaw returning to the Pacers. It doesn't make much sense for friends to reminisce about the old days.

Lin Shaojie chose the location for the dinner, the most prosperous place in the city center of Yincheng. The group didn't touch any high-end wine, just tasted it.On the contrary, Popovich drank it by himself and persuaded Lin Shaojie to have a drink by the way, but Lin Shaojie refused.

Anyway, at first glance, Popovich is the kind of uneasy and kind, wanting to get Lin Shaojie drunk.

The Spurs team is a little special in Lin Shaojie's heart. After all, they are his opponents in the finals, and they are also the team that had tried out that year.

Among all the old blacks that Lin Shaojie has known so far, no matter how they appear on the stage, no matter how loud they are on and off the field, and even the louder they are, the faster they will be cowarded after being defeated.

The "Stone Buddha" in front of him should be the only exception that Lin Shaojie has ever seen, and "Kawaii" is only half of it.

Duncan's psychological efforts obviously have other plans. His personal behavior on the court can be regarded as very appealing among the players, at least more attractive than some superstars boasted by the media.

Lin Shaojie at the dinner party was the only one among the players who couldn't see through.

Think about it, too, for so many years, Duncan and the Spurs are the achievements of both sides complementing each other, and it is not easy to achieve such a level with each other.

Duncan is definitely not as easy to be seen through as his appearance.

The two sides didn't pay too much attention to what happened on the court the next day, and they didn't meet a few times in a season, but they were very familiar with each other.

Information collection and collation are definitely what the uniform team must do, and the players receive such information from time to time.

What Parker and others are concerned about is the situation of Lin Shaojie in the offseason World Championships, and the same is true for Ginobili and others.

Spain participated directly as the host, while the beautiful country was selected at the same time as the Olympic champion. France and Argentina, due to their strength, took it for granted.

Only the Hua Guo team, which had been a blockbuster in the London arena, fell in the divisional preliminaries, and finally paid a lot of money to participate with a wild card.

Originally, Finland was also interested in participating, but there were too many European teams, and Hua Guo was finally selected by relying on its huge fan "strength".

The wild card holders with the Hua Guo team, as well as Brazil in the Americas, can be regarded as difficult brothers.

Parker and the others indicated that they would rest for a period of time after the game, and then participate in the training camp.Several people talked about it, but they still thought that after the end of the season, it would be best if Lin Shaojie wanted to participate.

But Lin Shaojie said that he would return to the team as soon as possible after the end of the season and train with the team to prepare for the World Championships, so he let it go.

Presumably I wanted to meet again at that time, probably in the Spanish arena.

After they were full of wine and food, Lin Shaojie sent them away as the host, and the reporters outside the hotel who hadn't left pressed the shutter again.

The "love-hate entanglement" between Lin Shaojie and the Spurs may be a long-term topic. In short, everyone feels that the relationship between the two parties is much closer than outsiders imagine, but it is difficult to touch each other.

This is especially true for the Spurs as a team with overseas ancestry. Everyone can see Popovich's preference for Lin Shaojie. This can be seen from the battle between the Spurs and the Pacers.

But thinking about the strength and style of play of the Spurs, the old Bobo wants to use this to attract Lin Shaojie to join him, let alone the Pacers disagree, even the top leaders of the league do not agree.

In the eyes of those people, it is a waste for a superstar to go to the Spurs. Back then, Duncan was blinded and let Duncan go to that crappy place. After you see, is there any "popular little fresh meat" in the past?

None, even if there is such a mentality, it has been stopped. The "war" between Popovich and the league's top management is almost an annual highlight.