NBA backer king

Chapter 159 The Western Conference Finals Begin

The Eastern Conference Finals will start on May 5, while the Western Conference Finals will be on May 23.

The next day, on the 23rd, the Suns convened players, coaching staff and management for a tactical meeting in the morning and recovery training in the afternoon.

At 9 o'clock, Wang Tiejun came to the team on time.

"Old K, you have rested for 4 days, how is your physical condition?"

As soon as we met, the chief trainer Aaron Nelson asked with concern.

"Not bad." He smiled.

The head coach Westphal came over and asked with concern: "Old K, haven't you done anything that consumes your energy these days?"

"No, just do flexibility training at home, practice shooting and ball control, plus one hour of speed training, the amount is very small." He said.

Aaron Nelson nodded and said, "Proper training can keep you in better shape."

"Charles, announce the winner of the MVP at noon, treat me when you get it!"

"I didn't say anything, please."

Barkley and the others also came over, chatting while walking towards the meeting room.

Come to the meeting room, the management has arrived, and the meeting begins.

Assistant coach Lewis first introduced the situation of the Sonics, and said: "The roster for the playoffs is 12, and the Sonics basically rotate with 29 players. All the bench lineups averaged 15.6 points and [-] rebounds per game. This data exceeds our current bench lineup. Therefore, in the Western Conference Finals, the main players need to play more time to make up for the lack of bench lineups."

He also said: "The five main players all scored in double figures. The first scoring point is Rainman Sean Kemp, averaging 20.6 points per game. He is also the first rebounding player, averaging 9.3 points per game. The second scoring point is forward swingman Ricky Pierce, averaging 19.6 points per game. The third scoring point is Sam Perkins, 15.3 points. The fourth scoring point is Derek McKay, 12.7 points. The fifth is Payton, 12.1 points.

The Sonics' starting lineup consists of these five people. The back line is Payton and Ricky Pierce, the small forward is Derek McKay, and the inside line is Kemp and Perkins.

McKay is 206 cm tall and weighs 93 kg. He is good at mid-range shooting, average in long-range shooting and three-pointers, and his offense at the basket accounts for 28%.

The heights of Kemp and Perkins are 208 cm and 206 cm respectively, and the tonnage is 105 kg and 107 kg respectively. Both of them can play forwards and centers.

In addition, Perkins is capable of three-pointers, but rarely attacks at the basket, only 8%. The main shots are concentrated on near two points, far two points, and three-pointers. "

At this time, the head coach Westphal continued: "No matter how they arrange the position, Charles, if you face Perkins, he will definitely pull to the three-point line, you have to keep up.

Old K, you are playing against Kemp, pay attention to protect the rebounds, and be careful to protect our basket. "

Lao Wang felt a lot of pressure. The explosive power of Rainman's animal was terrifying, and the speed of the bullet was super fast. Before he jumped up, the animal was already in the sky.

During the regular season, he didn't match up with Yuren, and he rarely changed defenses. Standing on the sidelines and watching the excitement, he could feel the strength of the opponent.

Westphal added: "The Sonics scored fairly evenly, which made it difficult for the opponent's defense. We had to guard each of them and couldn't concentrate on double-teaming anyone.

In addition, the Sonics have another great feature, which is also a strong point. All five of their starters can score and pass the ball.

Payton averaged 4 assists in this playoffs, small forward McKay 4.3, he is somewhat similar to Pippen, Kemp 2.9, Ricky Pierce 2.4, Perkins 2.3.So everyone must stare at each other, five points, no one can let go.

Also, the defense of the five of them is very strong, only Ricky Pierce is slightly worse. When we are attacking, don't be careless. "

Then he began to introduce the Supersonic tactics, saying: "On the defensive end, Crazy Karl created a fierce flanking and quick defense tactic in the Supersonics. This flanking tactic is very advanced and can often force opponents to make mistakes. The Supersonics with strong mobility can play a lot of fast breaks based on this, which is why the Supersonics averaged 108 points per game this season.

We have such a strong lineup this year, and the scoring average is only 113 points per game, so everyone must be careful about their fast break.

On the offensive end, the Supersonics are still a typical team style of play. Crazy Karl has created an offensive form of free dynamic offense + multi-point three-pointers + blitzkrieg.

Blitzkrieg, as I said just now, fiercely pinches the opponent and steals the ball.

Three-pointers, among the five starters, shooting guard Ricky Pierce, small forward McKay, insider Perkins, all three of them can shoot.

Free and dynamic offense, the movement is very flexible and frequent, mainly relying on the control of the crazy driver Payton. Although he is only a third-year player, he has already played well. In addition, the first five players can shoot and pass suddenly. This kind of offense of the Sonics is very dazzling.

So I remind again, don't be careless, they are excellent offensive and defensive, we must give our best if we want to reach the finals. "

The tactical meeting lasted for nearly two hours and ended at noon, and there was still training in the afternoon.

In addition to recovery training, the main thing is tactical training, playing and rehearsing the offensive and defensive tactics just formulated.

"Hurry up, TNT channel."

"I bet Charles will have his dreams come true this time."

"MVP, Charles, if you get it, I want to treat you!"

"of course."

After the meeting ended, the atmosphere became lively immediately, and the TV on the wall was turned on immediately.

"yeah!"

"Charles, congratulations!"

A few minutes later, the conference room was boiling.

The management also sent congratulations to Barkley, and Colangelo was also very happy, because this is the first regular season MVP of the Suns since the team was founded 25 years ago.

"Thank you thank you, haha, this feels great..."

Barkley's face was about to burst into laughter, his mouth was about to split behind his ears, and he didn't stop laughing until lunch in the restaurant.

Comrade Lao Wang is a little envious. I heard that this is the most valuable personal honor in the NBA. Basically, those who receive this honor will have the opportunity to enter the Hall of Fame in the future.

However, what he envied was that he could get points for this honor. He didn't feel much about the honor itself now.

During lunch, Jordan called Barkley.

"Hey Michael, are you congratulating me? Thanks!"

"Charles, I don't care about that thing at all. I already have countless honors, three MVPs, I already have three, and you may only have this one in your life."

After saying this, Jordan hung up the phone directly.

Barkley was taken aback for a moment and smiled wryly.

He expressed his feelings wrongly. Jordan didn't want to congratulate him at all, but showed off + satirized him. This guy's ambition is too strong.

"What's the matter?" Comrade Wang asked.

"Nothing, Michael called to congratulate me." Barkley concealed.

"Will he congratulate you?"

Even if Lao Wang was killed, he wouldn't believe it.

Barkley sighed: "I used to envy Michael's talent, but once I trained with him, I no longer envied him."

"Why?" Old Wang asked suspiciously.

The others also looked over, obviously they were very interested in knowing about Jordan-related issues.

Barkley shook his head and said: "Michael will conduct uninterrupted, inhuman and cruel training no matter during the season or the offseason. I can't hold on for a day, but he is willing to do it. Such a Jordan, it's no wonder he didn't succeed."

Everyone nodded thoughtfully.

Lao Wang also felt it, but it was nothing more than that. He exchanged a lot of system training, and there was not much rest in the next offseason. If Jordan can do it, he can do it too.

In the evening, the G1 game of the Eastern Conference Finals started.

In the Eastern Conference finals, the Bulls played away against the Knicks. Both teams were highly concerned about the team, and they were in New York. There was also Jordan, the star of the league, and the game received a lot of attention.

Madison Square Garden is overcrowded inside and out, and the stars are shining everywhere, and there are stars everywhere.

Phoenix, Wang Tiejun's house, he and Zhang Lili prepared melon seeds and peanuts again, ready to watch a play.

To talk about the grievances between the Bulls and the Knicks, the drama between Jordan and Ewing is no less than that between Jordan and Barkley.

Jordan has reached the peak of his strength in the last four seasons, and the Bulls' lineup and tactics have gradually matured. With their strong strength, they have crushed Barkley's Philadelphia Digital Team and Ewing's Knicks to death.

But the three of them have been friends for many years off the court, so the grievances are hard to resolve.

In the 88/89 season, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks with a score of 89 to 90 in the second round. In the 90/91 season, the Bulls eliminated Philadelphia with a score of 91 to 92 in the second round.

In four seasons, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks three times and Philadelphia twice. This is the entanglement between Barkley, Ewing and Jordan, the three friends.

"Brother Zhang, who do you think can win?" Comrade Wang asked.

"The Knicks inside Ewing + Oakley, the Bulls' Cartwright + Grant, the Bulls' outside line Jordan + Pippen, but the Knicks' John Starks + Charles Smith, their strength and lineup are actually not sure wins, I think the win is [-]-[-], and whoever plays at home will win." Zhang Reasonable said.

"It's all about performance?" he said.

"Yes, it depends on who has a big heart. The stronger the will, the easier it is to perform wonderfully. In this regard, no one can compare with Jordan." Old Zhang said with admiration.

He has been in Chicago for several years and has long been a fan of Jordan. This admiration is not fake, he is a fan of Jordan from the bottom of his heart.

"Brother Zhang, are you a Bulls fan?" Lao Wang asked.

Lao Zhang smiled and said, "Yes, I am a fan of Jordan and Phil Jackson."

"Phil Jackson? Brother Zhang, he is a coach. If you are a fan of a coach, is he sick?" He asked suspiciously.

"You're the only one who is sick! They are so good, they have won two championships in a row. If they win again this year, they will be a dynasty!" Old Zhang said with admiration.

"Come on, I don't see what's so good about him. Doesn't he lose and win when we play against our Suns team? I admit that Jordan is great. He relies on Jordan." He said indifferently.

"You? Forget it, you're not a coach, so you can't see how good he is." Old Zhang said angrily.

Two hours later, the Eastern Conference Finals G1 game ended.

"Brother Zhang, you are amazing. After being talked about by you, I think you can change careers and become a commentator." Old Wang admired authentically.

"That's right, I don't have any confidence, dare to switch careers to commentary?" Lao Zhang laughed.

90:98, the Eastern Conference finals that the world is concerned about, and the Knicks, who have the advantage of home court, have the last laugh.

TNT TV broadcasted the Eastern Conference Finals across the United States. At this time, a lot of game data was announced on the TV.

乔丹27投10中，命中率只有37%，三分球4投2中，6罚5中，只拿到27分。

It is difficult to win the Knicks in this play, so it is not surprising to lose.

Ewing made 16 of 9 shots, 56% from the field, and 11 of 7 free throws. He scored 25 points and 17 rebounds, which was more efficient than Jordan.

Zhang Lili pointed to the TV and shouted: "Look, at 28:48, the Bulls lost 20 rebounds. It's no wonder if they don't lose. The internal strength is too bad. It's useless for Jordan to score 50+.

Another point is that the Knicks played at home today, and the feel is really overwhelming. The team's two-point shooting percentage is as high as 55%, while the Bulls only have 41%. With this feel, it is difficult for New York to lose. "

Lao Wang looked serious and authentic: "But the Bulls are better defensively. Jordan + Pippen made the Knicks make 23 turnovers, and I only had 15. Otherwise, I would lose more. If we reach the finals, the outside line will also be at a disadvantage."

Lao Zhang said: "You and the Knicks have the same model, focusing on the interior. You have to work hard on offensive efficiency, rebounding, and interior defense. Otherwise, it will be difficult to win the Bulls."

The Bulls lost the G1 game, which cast a shadow over the three consecutive championships. The next day, the media began to accuse Jordan of abnormal performance.

Especially the New York media attacked the Bulls and Jordan like crazy.

Even though Jordan is the signature of the league, the most famous basketball player in the United States, the 92 Olympics made him a world-renowned sports superstar. Everyone in the world knows the Dream Team, but the media has always been rude to him for the sake of sales and eyeballs. If there is a slight flaw, he will be ridiculed and blamed. The NBA cannot help him.

Compared with Jordan's current treatment, Comrade Wang feels that the previous attacks on him by the media are too childish.

On the 24th, the Western Conference Finals G1 match day.

The Eastern Conference Finals will be broadcast live across the United States by TNT, and the copyright of the Western Conference Finals belongs to ABC. In addition, ABC is also the all-live TV station for this year's finals.

On this day, the whole Phoenix is ​​like a festival, and the atmosphere is very warm.

A large number of fans drove from all over Arizona to Phoenix and gathered outside the American West Arena.

At noon, the Supersonics came to the American West Arena for training. Because there were too many fans, it took the bus almost an hour to enter the arena within a short distance of more than 100 meters.

In the evening, the bus of the Suns also came to the American West Arena.

"Oh oh oh oh……"

When approaching the arena, countless home fans burst into loud cheers.

A group of players stood up one after another and waved to the fans outside the window.

Coming up from the underground parking lot, the coaching staff, trainers, staff, security guards, and players, a total of five or sixty people, followed the sound of heavy footsteps, sweeping forward in the dark corridor like an army.

Some reporters stood on both sides of the corridor, clicking the shutter, asking some questions from time to time.

"Charles, are you nervous about playing in the final for the first time?" A reporter asked Barkley with a microphone.

"Impossible, I'm a veteran, how can I be nervous." Barkley said with clenched fists.

He even forgot to refute, this is not the first time he played in the final, but the second time.

Moreover, he will soon get the coveted MVP trophy, can you not be nervous?

"Old K, are you nervous?" The reporter turned the microphone and reached out to Wang Tiejun behind him.

"Why should I be nervous?"

Comrade Wang did not say a word, I am not Barkley, nor the core of the team. This is only the first season, and there are many chances of winning the championship in the future. I am not in a hurry, so there is no need to be nervous.

"Mr. Coach, are you nervous?" The reporter asked the rookie Westphal again as if creating a tense atmosphere.

Westphal shook his head and said, "I'm fine, nothing better."

While dealing with the reporters, the players entered the locker room after a while, closed the door, and kept the media out.

Lao Wang was a little dumbfounded. He watched several teammates scrambling into the bathroom, and head coach Westphal was also among them. He took out his big thermos and said to Barkley, "Brother, look at them, now you know the benefits of nourishing the kidney?"

"I'll go too, I drank too much water just now." Barkley also went into the bathroom after speaking.

Lao Wang didn't understand, he thought I was blind, you have not drank water for a long time, you obviously have kidney deficiency, who are you kidding?

Kevin Johnson walked to his side and whispered, "Old K, you are still stupid."

After speaking, he also went into the bathroom.

"Ha ha……"

Danny Angie shook his head and laughed while tidying up the closet.

In terms of tension, only he is the least nervous, in a state of complete relaxation.

Beside the door, Colangelo rubbed his hands from time to time, feeling a little nervous.

The Suns once reached the Western Conference Finals, but that was in the 70s, and the NBA is not the current format. The Suns have reached the Western Conference Finals twice, and even reached the Finals once.

Later, in the 83/84 season, he reached the Western Conference Finals again, but in these three Western Conference Finals, he was only the founder and general manager of the team, not the owner.

In 87, he and other shareholders invested 4400 million to buy the Suns. In the 88/89 season, his team reached the Western Conference Finals again, but unfortunately fell at the feet of the Lakers.

Throughout the history of the Suns, including this time, he has been to the Western Conference Finals five times, and he has witnessed it first-hand.

As the founder and owner of the Suns, as well as a witness, he expects the Suns to reach the finals for the second time and even go one step further than anyone else.

The game started at eight o'clock, and at 07:30, the two teams announced their starting lineup.

Sonics: Sam Perkins, Shawn Kemp, Derek McKay, Ricky Pierce, Payton

Suns: Wang Tiejun, Barkley, Ceballos, Dan Marley, Kevin Johnson

(End of this chapter)