The older superstars of the NBA

With the end of the regular season, each club's playoff spots are officially determined.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, without exception, made it to the playoffs in second place in the Western Conference, while their opponents, the Houston Rockets, advanced to seventh place in the Western Conference.

Before the official arrival of the playoffs, both sides entered the rest period.

However, the officials did not rest because of this, but instead began to prepare various promotions for the playoffs.

The duel between the Timberwolves and the Rockets is naturally in the planning of the propaganda department.

Regarding the mental state of the two teams, some media people and celebrities also began to speculate and discuss.

"I think the Rockets are actually stronger than they look ... They have James Harden and Trevor Ariza on the team, no surprises, they should be able to win , of course the situation may be a little more difficult..."

"They made it to the Western Conference finals last season. Although the lineup has changed this season, I think they can still advance to the first round..."

"I think the Timberwolves are stronger. The team has a core like Zhao, Dwight who was traded, and young people like Kevin Martin and Zach LaVine..."

"No, I don't agree. Is Dwight very strong? If he is really that important, will he be traded by the Rockets? Kevin is too old, about the same age as Zhao, and their age and physical fitness must be great." The problem is that Zac is too young, mainly because a team like them doesn't have much experience in the playoffs..."

"Didn't all the experience come from playing? Before the Warriors won the championship, they didn't have enough experience in the playoffs, and they didn't have the experience of playing against each other in the finals at all, but didn't they still win the championship?"

"The Timberwolves have the best record in team history this season. Isn't this the best proof of their strength?"

"No, I still don't agree. The record can only show that they worked hard in the regular season, but the playoffs don't just rely on hard work. I still agree with James Harden. He must be able to lead the team to fight back.. ...."

Regarding the outcome of the two teams, there were constant quarrels from the outside world.

Many fans and industry insiders hold different opinions, but what is generally certain is that the Timberwolves with the highest record did not give them much confidence. On the contrary, the Rockets with a worse record gave them quite a lot of trust.

The Timberwolves players also chose to ignore this kind of controversy from the outside world. Of course they can see various comments on the Internet, but they don't care.

Team leader Zhao Feiyang didn't take these comments seriously. During the few days of vacation, he and his teammates cut down on extra training to help their bodies recover. However, they would gather together to watch game videos every day.

Especially the various videos of the Rockets this season, including James Harden's scoring performance on the court, have been studied one by one by everyone.

"Guys, the outside world thinks we can't beat the Rockets! Then let the outside world see how we got rid of the Rockets..."

"Believe me, they are definitely studying us at this time, so we must become more familiar with them..."

Zhao Feiyang shouted to his teammates while taking the lead in watching the video analysis.

As the leader of the team, he did not indulge in private, and others could only restrain their desires and follow the rules.

In the past, Howard would be all kinds of presumptuous during this kind of vacation time. This time, he not only was very sensible and did not go out to mess around, but also specially told his teammates some things about him in the Rockets to help them analyze.

Soon, vacation time is over.

The playoffs are officially here.

According to the playoff system, the first game will be held at the Target Center Arena in Minneapolis.

This is also the Timberwolves' first home court advantage.

On the evening of the game day, fans entered the arena half an hour earlier.After reaching the playoffs last season, the Timberwolves made it to the playoffs again.

However, what is more exciting than last season is that this season they have a better record and a higher ranking. If there is no accident, it is entirely possible for them to reach the Western Conference Finals.

Because of this, this time, Timberwolves fans rarely entered the arena wearing jersey jackets of the same color. In order to cheer for their home team, the arena almost turned into a sea of ​​winks.

Before the start of the game, the Timberwolves' locker room was also full of excitement.

"Brothers, we finally got to this point! This season we must impress the whole league!"

"I know that not everyone cares about the championship, but I have to remind you that even if it is not for honor, the bonuses for the playoffs are quite a lot. As long as we advance enough times, the bonuses we get will be more many......"

As soon as Zhao Feiyang said this, many substitute players felt as if they had been beaten to death.

For low-level players, such things as honor cannot fully attract them. After all, what they have to consider is how to play longer in the league. Only when this is satisfied, can they think about other things.

But the bonus is different!

For these substitute players on the team, the temptation of bonuses is too great, and they need to pay too much in daily training. With the support of these bonuses, their lives will undoubtedly improve a lot.

"Zhao is right!"

"The team management has already said that if we can make it to the Western Conference Finals this time, then the boss will give a reward of no less than $300 million! All of this money belongs to you..."

"If you can reach the finals, the prize money will be doubled..."

The opening of the head coach Norman Thomas made the players' emotions reach their peak.

After the team played full of blood, Coach Norman quickly arranged the team's tactics and lineup.

This time the starting lineup has not changed much. Howard and Adrian are in the fifth and fourth positions. Naturally, Howard's ability need not be said. There has been improvement.

At the end of the regular season, he has been able to average 12.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Therefore, he has been able to sit firmly in the starting position after entering the playoffs.

In the third position, Andrew Wiggins is naturally the best candidate. This season, he still maintains the previous "Buddhist" style. However, with teammates like Zhao Feiyang constantly encouraging and monitoring, Wiggins' scoring performance And the defensive attitude has changed significantly.

The second position continues to be handed over to Zhao Feiyang, while the first position is in charge of Zach LaVine.

It's just that these two positions are not fixed. Under the arrangement of Coach Norman, Kevin Martin and Ricky Rubio are also important components of these two positions. Players go to different positions.

beep.

The timer sounded on the field, and the players on both sides began to make final preparations.

Under the watchful eyes of the fans, the Rockets also sent their own starting lineup.The back line is dominated by Patrick Beverley and James Harden, Trevor Ariza is at the third position, and Clint Capela and Motiejunas are at the fourth and fifth positions Responsible.

call out.

The referee's whistle sounded, and the two sides stood in position to prepare for the jump ball.

Before the referee threw the basketball, Howard, who was in charge of jumping up the ball, also took the initiative to chat with the opponent.

"James, Clint, long time no see!"

"I didn't expect us to meet in the playoffs! When I left the team, I remember you guys didn't like my transfer...oh! I didn't expect everything to change now. We played A better record, but you are the one with a worse record..."

Howard said with a smile.

Although there was no anger on his face, anyone could tell that something had happened to Howard, and he was very worried about those things.

Harden didn't react at all, but Clint standing in front of him was obviously interested. He looked at Howard with a sneer on his face, and the words in his mouth were not polite at all.

"Dwight, it's too early to say this!"

"Save what you want to say until you get swept! We made it to the Western Conference finals last year, and we can do the same this year, and you... will only be stepping stones for us..."

Snapped.

The referee throws the ball.

Howard and Clint jumped up at the same time, and both reached out and slapped the basketball.

With both of them exerting force at the same time, the basketball flew out to the left. In the end, LaVine was lucky and took the lead to grab the flying basketball.

The Timberwolves attack with the ball.

LaVine dribbled the ball across half court, and just after he crossed the center line, Beverly slammed it up.When the two met each other, Beverley didn't have the slightest thought of saving energy, and kept interfering with LaVine's hand holding the ball.

Snapped.

LaVine gave the ball to Zhao Feiyang who ran up from the wing to meet him.

Zhao Feiyang, who got the basketball, stood on the three-point line and planned to attack. Harden came up to defend him.

As soon as the two met, Zhao Feiyang suddenly dribbled the ball and rushed to the right.Harden stretched out his hand to interfere, Zhao Feiyang made a change of direction and pulled the ball back again, before Harden could make another reaction, Zhao Feiyang made another change of direction from right to left.

This time Harden was directly swayed away, and Zhao Feiyang took advantage of the situation to dribble the ball into the basket.

The opponent's big man Clint planned to defend, but Zhao Feiyang deliberately made a false throw. Clint thought that Zhao Feiyang was going to catch a pass, so he had to stand still and follow Howard behind him.

In the next second, Zhao Feiyang threw the ball with a throw in the penalty area.

Snapped.

Basketball hits the backboard and falls into the hoop.

Soon the Rockets fought back.

After halftime, Harden also took the ball and played one-on-one. Maybe Zhao Feiyang shook him off before and made him uncomfortable. Harden also chose singles to deal with it this time.

The two met each other, and Harden suddenly sprinted forward with the ball. As soon as Zhao Feiyang moved his feet, Beverly next to him stepped up to defend Harden and blocked it.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Harden suddenly took a step back. Even though Zhao Feiyang had taken precautions, he still couldn't block Harden's shot space.

Swish.

Harden stepped back and opened his shot, and scored a three-pointer steadily.