harleyscars Chapter 91 Lin Tian Becomes a Hot Commodity, and Jordan Gets Jealous! [10,000-word update, begging f
Chapter 91 Lin Tian Becomes a Hot Commodity, and Jordan Gets Jealous! [10,000-word update, begging f
Chapter 92 Lin Tian Becomes a Hot Commodity, and Jordan Gets Jealous! [10,000-word update, begging for monthly votes and subscriptions]
Su Qun's interview lasted much longer than Lin Tian had imagined. This guy started by asking about Lin Tian's age, hometown, personality, hobbies, what he liked to eat, what colors and small animals he liked, and he wanted to keep asking until he knew what Lin Tian's ancestors for the past three generations did!
They asked about everything, big and small, in great detail.
In Su Qun's words, this is the first time that domestic audiences have come to know Lin Tian; they knew nothing about him before.
But now, after witnessing Lin Tian's phenomenal performance in the rookie game, fans are undoubtedly eager to learn every detail about Lin Tian and everything about him!
Therefore, this interview must be thorough, so that people can understand what kind of person Lin Tian is just by looking at it.
Lin Tian did not refute Su Qun's words, and cooperated with him for several hours during the interview.
After all, Lin Tian was still thinking about finding an opportunity to recruit Su Qun!
Ideally, he should also recruit Su Qun's group of younger brothers. Then, he could control the basketball news in China.
Anyone who offends me, Master Lin, will be smeared to death!
By the time Su Qun finally put away his equipment with satisfaction, the dunk contest had long since ended, and Barry had become the pride of the white people!
Seeing that Su Qun had finished, Lin Tian warmly invited him to experience the local customs and unique entertainment of San Antonio. Upon hearing that he could see Lamborghini tractors and various types of agricultural machinery, Su Qun immediately perked up and went with Lin Tian.
Then....
After realizing where he was, the guy didn't say a word, turned around, and ran away.
The 1996 NBA All-Star Game is definitely one of the most memorable in history. Not only did it feature Jordan's comeback and return to the All-Star arena to win the MVP award, but it also saw a group of young players challenging the veterans, trying to seize power and make their own mark.
Of course, the most important thing is this year's All-Star Game, which is the 50th anniversary celebration of the NBA!
During the All-Star Game that year, the NBA officially selected 50 stars from its 50-year history, which later became known as the NBA's 50 Greatest Players!
From George Mikan, hailed as the first NBA superstar, to Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell who dominated the 60s, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson who entered the league in the 70s, and from the ABA...
Julius Erving, Jordan's idol, switched allegiance to the team.
Then came Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 80s, who truly put the NBA on the right track and made it a top league. After that, there are the four centers who are still active in the league today, Barkley, Malone, and Jordan, among others.
Being selected as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players means you are at least one of the league's top stars, which is an unparalleled honor for any player!
Even those long-retired old guys came out in droves and all came to San Antonio!
It's safe to say that all the other NBA legends who didn't end up meeting God or Satan were present!
This year's NBA All-Star Game was absolutely historic! Legends, reporters, celebrities, stars, and politicians all came to the event. Some even said that this weekend in San Antonio, you could point to any star player or celebrity on the street!
Just two days ago, those retired stars actually had a lot of interactions and activities with current stars like Jordan, Pippen, and Olajuwon. The reason Lin Tian didn't participate was simply because he wasn't famous enough and his status was too low!
Rookies aren't eligible to participate in the All-Star Game!
Lin Tian had absolutely no interest in this kind of event and couldn't be bothered to join in the fun. He didn't even watch the All-Star Game.
Lin Tian couldn't be bothered to watch a single minute of that long and tedious opening ceremony and tribute celebration. He'd rather spend that time experiencing the passion of San Antonio.
He spent the last two days exploring San Antonio, experiencing all the local customs and unique attractions of this small southwestern city!
After leaving behind countless legends in San Antonio, Lin Tian was ready to set off and return to Chicago with the Iron Triangle and Phil Jackson.
While the Chicago group was waiting for their flight at the San Antonio airport, a familiar figure suddenly flashed outside the VIP lounge, and then the tall figure walked right in.
"Hey Michael, long time no see, what are you guys doing here?"
"Larry, can you stop being stupid?" Jordan glanced at the tall white man in front of him and said impatiently, "We just saw each other at the All-Star Game yesterday! I even shook your hand!"
The newcomer was none other than Larry Bird, one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players, the absolute king of the 80s, and the Celtics' signature star!
"Okay, I just wanted to find a random opening line. After all, we have a good relationship, and I can't just ignore you." Bird, who is usually very sharp-tongued, didn't say much to Jordan this time. Instead, he was very familiar with Lin Tian and sat down next to him with a smile, saying, "Hey, Lin, actually I came to see you."
Looking at this top-tier trash-talking master and pretentious king of the league, known as the "King of Pretentiousness," Lin Tian immediately understood his purpose: "Mr. Larry, but my coach and teammates are all here. Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to directly poach and recruit them?"
Hmm, Lin Tian immediately understood. Bird was definitely not looking for him to ask about the girls in San Antonio!
He's here to recruit himself for the Celtics!
"There's nothing inappropriate about it. I don't hold any position with any team, nor do I belong to any team or organization. I'm just a fan!"
Bird completely ignored the angry glares from Jordan, Jackson, and others around him, and casually said, "Just an ordinary fan who likes both the Celtics and Lin, I'm here to support my idols!"
"Larry, you should get out of here right now! You need to know that you're not welcome here at all!" Jordan showed no mercy to Bird!
The reason is very simple: of all the opponents Jordan has faced in his life, only Bird has never been able to defeat him in the playoffs!
As is well known, Jordan had two major nemesis in the early part of his career: the Celtics, who defeated him twice, and the Pistons, who defeated him three times.
But after defeating Jordan three times in a row, the Pistons were swept by Jordan in the Eastern Conference Finals, and then the Pistons almost disintegrated!
Jordan essentially dismantled the Pistons, avenging his earlier defeat.
But what about Bird's Celtics?
Just when Jordan was leading the Bulls to rise to prominence and sweeping the league, Bird retired immediately. He didn't give Jordan any chance to get revenge or defeat him!
Therefore, Bird is the only top star in this league who completely overwhelmed Jordan in the playoffs!
Given Jordan's competitiveness and pettiness, it would be strange if he gave Bird a friendly look!
Bird, of course, ignored Jordan's almost dismissive remarks and continued to say to Lin Tian, "Boston is the best place I've ever been! It has giant lobsters, the best strip clubs, and the greatest super team in history!"
"Join the best team and let your name be forever etched in Boston! Lead this team to a resurgence, and you'll be a legend on par with Russell and me! Lin, think it over. If you're willing to join Boston next year, I can train with you! I can teach you a lot of my tricks! Honestly, I think we're the same type of player."
"You're both annoying and know how to make people angry, aren't you?" Lin Tian smiled at Bird, grinning mischievously. "But you still can't get a job in Boston, Larry? Honestly, I think it's so unfair to you! Auerbach can't treat someone as accomplished as you like this!"
"This old man is just hogging the job, completely disregarding the thoughts and talents of those below him. If even someone as meritorious as you is like this, the others must be even worse off! Larry, I really feel sorry for you! How about this, I'll show you a way!"
"Come to Chicago! Chicago will give you everything you want! I can even conspire with Michael to rebel and oust that fat bastard Krause we both dislike, and make you the general manager! How about it? Compared to joining a team that's already a top club, isn't it more satisfying to transform an ordinary team into a top club yourself?"
"Chicago, there will always be a place for you!"
Bird was dumbfounded by Lin Tian's words. After staring at him for a long time, Bird gave Lin Tian a thumbs up and said, "You really are just as annoying as I am! I've never seen anyone try to recruit players and get recruited instead!"
"You're wrong about Larry, he's much more annoying than you!" Just then, a chuckling voice suddenly came from outside. The magician strolled in from outside, and judging from his appearance, he had obviously been eavesdropping at the door for a long time!
"You really don't understand Lin at all. Could Lin even go to that backwater place like Boston? The best place for him is Los Angeles!" Magic Johnson said, looking at Jordan, Jackson, and others. "I don't work for any team either; I'm just a fan of both Lin and the Lakers!"
"Lin, honestly, the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles is perfect for you! There are countless female celebrities there, and you can absolutely achieve Dennis's dream! The Lakers are the closest you'll ever get to your dream!"
"You're the closest place to the virus, aren't you, you old AIDS!" Bird showed no mercy to his old rival, giving Magic Johnson the middle finger.
"Keep talking? If you keep talking, do you believe I'll bite you?" The magician flashed a set of big white teeth, his expression full of threat.
"Excuse me, has anyone seen David Robinson?" Another voice came from behind. Everyone turned around and saw a middle-aged man who looked somewhat familiar but they couldn't quite place walking in.
Apart from Lin Tian, everyone else at the scene racked their brains for a long time but couldn't remember who this person was.
However, Lin Tian recognized him at a glance.
Popovich!
The current general manager of the Spurs will become the head coach of the Spurs next season, thus beginning a top-level coaching career that will last for more than 20 or even 30 years.
"Excuse me, this is Gregg Popovich, the general manager of the Spurs. Gentlemen, has anyone seen David?" Popovich didn't seem to find his presence at all odd, and said with a smile, "David said he wanted to talk to his favorite point guard, so I thought he was here, but it seems he's not?"
"Stop talking nonsense!" Jackson, who had been silent until now, suddenly stood up and retorted, "The Spurs are playing their next three games at home, how could David possibly be at the airport? Those two guys claim they have no official position and are just recruiting, but you, the official general manager, are showing up too? I'm reporting you!"
Jackson was driven mad by these guys!
What is that?
I'm still breathing! You're seducing my players right in front of me?
They really don't take me seriously!
"I'm leaving now." Popovich shrugged, greeted Lin Tian again, and then turned and walked towards the door. He knew very well that he couldn't recruit Lin Tian here.
He came here just to make an impression on Lin Tian!
That way, when I chat with Lin Tian next summer, I can use this chance encounter at the airport as an example to talk to him for at least half an hour!
That's how relationships are built!
Popovich even bought a plane ticket just to sneak in!
Where is the plane ticket flying to again?
It seems to be Winston-Salem, a historic city in North Carolina?
Why don't we go and take a look there while we're at it?
Wake Forest University seems to be playing there in preparation for March Madness!
Since we're already here, we might as well make the best of it and take a look. That seems like a good option!
Popovich boarded the plane to North Carolina with a flourish and left first, but Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, those two rivals, showed no intention of leaving.
"You didn't know, did you! Lin is planning to train with me this summer!" the magician said smugly.
"So what if we train together? I still sleep with your mom, did you call me Dad?" Bird started swearing right off the bat!
"He'll never go to Boston in his life!" Magic Johnson was furious with Bird! That filthy white man, his mouth is so dirty!
"Ridiculous, what's so great about Los Angeles? It's full of flesh and blood infected with the virus!" Bird continued his scathing attack.
"What does Boston have? Lobsters and dockworkers?" The magician was already starting to lose ground.
"There's no virus in Boston! It's that simple." Bird continued to relentlessly attack Magic's weak points.
"FUXX! You weakling! I've won five championships!" Magic Johnson was clearly outmatched and started bringing up his championship record.
"I've won three MVPs in a row! And you, you have two championships but no Finals MVP, and you even win by clinging to others? So you only have a maximum of three championships!" Bird immediately retorted!
"You also have a championship but no Finals MVP!"
"As everyone knows, that was because I was injured! I played much better than Cedric throughout the entire playoffs!"
"You can't possibly win an MVP every other year! What's so great about winning it consecutively! Winning it every other year is the hardest!" The Magician started spouting nonsense and rants!
"Don't you want to listen to what you're saying, you old AIDS patient?" Bird said, crossing his legs with an air of utter confidence. "Look at Yao Lin. This guy can't even trash talk properly, and he's recruiting you? Come with me!"
I guarantee I'll make you the number one troll in the league!
"I can make him the best point guard in the league!" Magic Johnson retorted defiantly.
"I'll make you two old men into two piles of shit in the league!" Jordan had completely lost his temper. Showing no respect for the veterans, he stood up and roared at the two men, "Now I'm giving you two a choice: get out of here right now, or I'll throw you both out!"
"Your words can only threaten me, Michael!" Bird stood up, laughing. "I might indeed be thrown out by you, so I'll leave on my own. But this old AIDS patient weighs 130 kilograms and is riddled with viruses. He's definitely not afraid of you! He thinks you wouldn't dare throw him, and you couldn't even lift him!"
"Shut up, you old white dog!" The Magician gave Bird the middle finger and said, "What kind of nickname is 'Big Hook Eight'?! Are you afraid people won't know your dick is tiny?"
"Yeah, I'm not like you, I can't do magic." Bird got up and walked outside, spewing one last thing at the magician: "One magic trick! *snap*, the healthy person is gone, AIDS has arrived! Hahahaha!"
After Bird finished speaking, he turned and ran away, leaving the scene immediately. Magic Johnson also didn't stay there any longer. Muttering curses, he walked out of the VIP lounge!
Throughout his life, he never backed down from Bird when playing basketball; in fact, he often had the upper hand.
But when it comes to trash-talking and insults, he's never won in his entire life!
Bird completely dominated him!
He couldn't win an argument, and he couldn't resort to violence, so he was helpless!
After Magic Johnson left, Jordan angrily grabbed a sofa and shoved it into the doorway, then locked it from the inside, yelling, "A bunch of old bastards! If they ever dare come back to the league, I'll beat them to a pulp!"
"Phil!" Jordan said, then looked at Jackson and said, "You think of something! These bastards have no shame whatsoever!"
"This is just the beginning, Michael! This is just the beginning," Jackson shrugged. "Have you ever thought about how many people will be chasing after Lin by this time next year? Until he re-signs, he'll always be a hot commodity, always in demand. Who can blame him for being so outstanding?"
Lin Tian felt a little embarrassed by Jackson's praise, and he raised his hand and said, "Actually, I'm not that outstanding."
"Shut up!" Jordan was incredibly agitated. Being poached so blatantly, and completely disregarded, he was furious. "Go back! I'm going to find Krause and make him extend Lin's contract early! Lin, I will make Krause give you a max contract! I will make him give you everything you deserve!"
"Fuck! If anyone tries to recruit Lin in front of me again, I'll beat them so badly they won't be able to pee themselves!"
On the flight from San Antonio to Chicago, Jordan barely said a word; he was absolutely furious!
After the plane landed, Jordan didn't hesitate and drove straight to the Bulls' headquarters, knocking on Krause's office door.
He needs to have a good talk with Klaus!
This time, Jordan went alone, while Lin Tian, Pippen, and others chose to go home.
However, no one noticed that a slight smile appeared on Phil Jackson's lips.
What he wanted was for Jordan and Krause to fall out!
The bigger the commotion, the better. Ideally, Krause should be fired, then he would have a chance to succeed Krause as the general manager of the Bulls!
In Krause's office, Jordan's aggressive demeanor puzzled Krause greatly.
Is this guy having another episode?
"Michael, congratulations on winning another All-Star MVP! What's up? Why did you come to see me this time?"
Are you asking about your contract renewal this summer? Don't worry! I've already prepared a super-max contract! I guarantee you'll be satisfied!
"I know you're really unhappy about Ewing's $1800 million contract! Don't worry, your contract will only be higher! I guarantee that starting next year, you'll be the highest-paid player in the league!"
"Let me tell you something: Ewing is the first player in the league to earn ten million a year, right? That's nothing! Next year, you'll be the first player in the league to earn two hundred million!"
After saying those words, Klaus was extremely pleased with himself!
See? I've shown you my sincerity! Everyone says I'm stingy, everyone says I'm a miser, but look at me now? You don't even need to say anything, Jordan, I'll give you the highest salary in the league! It's absolutely worthy of your status!
Krause had a very good plan in mind. He knew Jordan well and was also very clear about the relationship between Jordan and Ewing, the Knicks' star player.
These two have a good relationship, but they are also very direct competitors! Although Ewing never beat Jordan in the playoffs, he signed a league-leading $1800 million annual salary contract last summer! This contract not only made Ewing the highest-paid player in the league, but also made him the first player in NBA history to have a multi-million dollar contract!
Knowing Jordan as Klaus does, he's been unhappy ever since Ewing signed that contract! This All-Star game, without a doubt, Jordan spent the entire weekend with Ewing and the others, inevitably bragging about their salaries.
This must be why Jordan was unhappy, and also why he knocked on Krause's office door!
Krause believed that his words would satisfy Jordan and make him leave, while he would also gain a reputation for generosity!
Unfortunately, Klaus was completely wrong!
Jordan didn't come for his contract at all!
"Of course I know how much I deserve! I deserve the highest salary in the league! If you can't even give me this, then I won't continue playing for the Bulls!" Jordan's reaction completely surprised Krause. He looked at the still angry Jordan in shock, wondering why he was so angry.
"Lin! Renew Lin's contract immediately! Do you know that several teams' management and players have already started recruiting him for this All-Star game? Do you know that these teams are asking Lin to join their teams right in front of us? I can't stand this! I don't want to be treated like an idiot!"
"So, Klaus, renew Lin's contract immediately! Keep him in Chicago for good! Shut those bastards up!"
You still say you're not an idiot?
Klaus inwardly scoffed, but maintained a forced smile on his face. "Michael, of course I'd like to renew Lin's contract early; I'd prefer him to continue partnering with you. But, but Michael, his contract hasn't expired yet, how can I renew it?"
Klaus shrugged and said, "I can only guarantee that I will do everything in my power and show all my sincerity to keep Lin next summer! But I really can't renew Lin's contract now unless David Stern changes his rules at the last minute."
After Krause finished speaking, Jordan finally realized he had done something stupid. He knew Krause wasn't just talking nonsense, so he could only nod helplessly and say, "I hope you keep your word, Krause! For me, for Lin! I don't want this team to break up. We need to win another three-peat, you understand?"
"Of course I understand! Only if you keep winning can I stay in this position securely! More than anyone else, I want you to stay strong!"
At this point, Jordan lost interest in talking to the fat man he had never liked. He waved his hand, turned around, and walked out of the office, leaving Krause alone with a resentful look on his face, staring intently at Jordan's back.
"You arrogant bastard! Who do you think you are? Trying to teach me how to do things? Don't give me the chance! If you do, I'll make sure you disappear from this alliance the moment you see it!"
After leaving Krause's office, Jordan thought for a while and then called Lin Tian's home: "Hey Lin! I have to say, I couldn't reach an agreement with Krause. Due to the rules, we can't renew your contract early."
"I know Michael, no, wait, you don't even know this?" Lin Tian's gloating tone came through the phone. "You don't know the contract renewal rules and the various salary clauses in the league, do you? Or did you read them but not understand them at all? I think you don't understand them, after all, you—"
Lin Tian ended his sentence there, and Jordan angrily hung up the phone!
That bastard!
Fuck! I'm so angry!
I even got into a fight with someone for him, and this bastard's focus was on some labor agreement.
We're going to crush him in training tomorrow!
They had to beat Lin Tian to a pulp to vent their anger!
Time flew by, and the first game after the All-Star Game arrived quickly!
The Chicago Bulls hosted the league's lowest-ranked team, the Minnesota Timberwolves!
This year marks the seventh anniversary of the Timberwolves' founding, but the team's record has not improved at all, and their first-ever playoff appearance still seems a long way off!
Their team's leading scorer is Isaiah Riddle, an offensive-minded, high-scoring guard who is a stat padder whose ceiling is clearly visible and who is incapable of leading the team any further.
The rest of the team also lacked any highlights or hope.
The team's only hope and the most beloved player in all of Minnesota is their fifth overall pick in this year's draft: Kevin Garnett, a high school prodigy!
Although it's only his first year as a professional, and Garnett is just 19 years old, he's still a rough gem. But all Minnesota fans have already seen the talent in Garnett!
With his perfect physique, quick movement, passing agility, and top-notch ball control, coupled with his explosive athleticism, almost everyone in Minnesota believed that Garnett was their hope for the future and the core of their rise!
Garnett himself lived up to expectations. In the first half of the season, he was just a substitute for the team, but with the improvement of his form and the rapid progress of his statistics, he has secured the starting power forward position since January! And his statistics have also been steadily improving!
Tonight, the Timberwolves, who are third from the bottom in the Western Conference, will face off against the league champions, the Bulls, who are on a 19-game winning streak!
Well, while it's called a showdown, it would be more accurate to say that this game was a chance for Garnett to experience the gap between himself and the league's top players!
From the very beginning, Rodman had his eye on him! "The Worm" taught Garnett a lesson with his endless tricks and ubiquitous knees and elbows!
Poor Garnett, when facing Rodman, he couldn't even stand up properly, let alone gain an advantage!
What puzzled Garnett even more was Jordan's attitude!
When Jordan came on the court, his expression was as if I owed him a lot of money, he looked fierce and menacing!
Moreover, from the very beginning, Jordan relentlessly attacked the paint, repeatedly driving to the basket and challenging Garnett's defense!
After each successful shot, Jordan would grumble, "Come on! You think you can touch the top of the backboard? You want to block me and beat me? Is that all you've got? What are you going to do to me?"
Jordan's words made Garnett feel extremely wronged!
Innocent!
When did I say I was going to block you, Jordan? Who said that? You can chase after whoever you want, beat them to a pulp, pin them to the ground! But why are you coming after me?!
"Achoo!"
Lin Tian, sitting on the sidelines, couldn't help but sneeze.
He felt that someone must be secretly criticizing him, otherwise he would never have suddenly sneezed.
"Lin, get on the court! Widen the score gap as quickly as possible, and get off work as soon as possible!" Jackson called Lin Tian's name at that moment, urging him to get on the court and play.
Lin Tian immediately stood up and walked onto the court.
He had been waiting for this moment! Especially with Garnett still on the court, Lin Tian had to seize the opportunity!
This is your only chance to beat Garnett!
At this point, the score was 20-13.
The Bulls were already leading by 7 points halfway through the quarter!
As soon as Lin Tian entered the game, he took the basketball and dribbled it towards the frontcourt.
As he pushed forward, he called out to Jordan, "McClean, remember our bet? You still owe me!"
"I remember! Stop nagging!" Jordan waved his hand impatiently, signaling Lin Tian to give him the ball.
Lin Tian didn't hesitate any longer. After quickly passing the ball, he stood at the top of the arc, ready to look for an opportunity!
Jordan dribbled past Ryder with a few crossovers and drove straight into the paint!
With his agile footwork and aggressive defense, Garnett immediately stepped up to block Jordan's attack. However, Jordan was not afraid at all. He rushed into the paint and collided heavily with Garnett, leaving the slender Garnett dizzy. Then, he suddenly made a bounce pass!
At this moment, Lin Tian at the top of the arc has already accelerated and cut through from the middle lane!
After receiving the ball, Lin Tian took advantage of Garnett's unsteady footing and slammed it in!
"boom!"
With a crisp sound, Lin Tianyan dunked on Garnett, scoring his first 2 points!
"Kevin! I'm going to destroy you! You're dead tonight!" After scoring, Lin Tian started trash-talking Garnett: "You skinny, soft noodle, did you write your will before you went on the court?"
What? What is all of this?
Garnett, who hadn't yet evolved into the fierce and domineering wolf king, was extremely aggrieved.
How did I offend these people?
Why are they beating you to death like you owe them a lot of money?
On offense, Garnett had just received the ball in his favorite high position, and before he could even assess the situation, Lin Tian had already rushed over at lightning speed, blocking his lower body, while simultaneously shouting, "Michael!"
Jordan immediately abandoned his defender and ran in that direction.
Are they going to double-team me?
Garnett was taken aback!
Just as Garnett was about to pass the ball to his teammate not far away, Lin Tian had already made his move! Taking advantage of Garnett's distraction, he stole the basketball from his hand, then drove the length of the court and scored a layup!
"Come on, noodles! I'm going to beat you up! I'm going to completely beat you up!" After scoring, Lin Tian continued to berate Garnett!
Since we're going to beat him up anyway, why not just blast him even more and make Garnett drop some gear or something?
Show no mercy!
Anyway, no matter where Lin Tian goes in the future, he will not go to cold Minnesota. He is not afraid of offending Garnett, nor is he afraid that Garnett will hold a grudge!
In the next few minutes, Garnett's confidence was completely shattered by Lin Tian and Jordan!
On offense, the two players attacked his defense one after another. With no one else on the team defending, Garnett, who was trying his best to defend, looked so pitiful. He was powerless against Lin Tian and Jordan's repeated attacks and could only watch as the two of them kept scoring over his head.
Either Lin Tian rushes in to draw Garnett's defense, then passes the ball to Jordan who scores over Garnett; or the reverse, with Jordan rushing into the paint to draw Garnett's defense and passing the ball to Lin Tian, who scores over Garnett's head!
Garnett repeatedly spread his hands, signaling to his teammates to defend properly, at least to prevent those two guys from getting in so easily, but he received no response whatsoever.
Kid, you're not even fully grown yet, and you already want to teach the older guys how to do things? After the match, go buy 10...
Let me tell you about the hamburger!
Yes, those veteran Timberwolves players didn't take this high schooler seriously at all! They couldn't be bothered to defend him!
With that kind of stamina, wouldn't it be better for him to score more points on offense?
Faced with his teammates' staring defense, Garnett was so angry that he really didn't want to defend anymore. He thought he might as well just keep an eye on the rebounds, grab one if he gets one, and if not, oh well.
Unfortunately, he was a person who loved defense. Several times he told himself that he wanted to quit, but every time he saw someone rushing in, he would reflexively rush over to interfere, and then he would be humiliated by Jordan and Lin Tian, the two sharp knives!
One person simply can't defend against it!
On the defensive end, Lin Tian chose to defend Garnett by mismatch, constantly using his lower center of gravity and greater strength to squeeze Garnett's offensive space. As soon as Garnett got the ball and was not far away, Jordan would immediately run over to double-team him!
Even if no one comes to help defend, Garnett doesn't have many options. He's not particularly good at post-up play; his main strengths are mid-range jump shots and fadeaway jumpers after a dribble.
Garnett was helpless against Lin Tian's tight defense and constant attempts to steal the ball.
Several times when Garnett had the ball at the high post, Lin Tian stole it once. Another time, although Lin Tian fouled him when he was cutting the ball, Garnett was slapped on the hand by Lin Tian and almost cried out in pain!
Garnett decisively abandoned the idea of dribbling and attacking from the high post, and his eyes were full of grievance as he looked at Lin Tian.
What grudge could you possibly have against someone to be so ruthless!
Unable to initiate attacks from the high post, he's hesitant to dribble, and his low-post skills aren't diverse enough. All Garnett can do now is wait for his teammates to pass him the ball after a pick-and-roll, and then pull up for a shot.
But what guard combination does the Timberwolves have now?
One Ryder, one Lux.
Putting aside their skill level, the way these two play is truly something else. Even Marbury, Garnett's good partner next year, is a model of selfless dedication compared to them!
Once the ball is in their hands, Garnett can forget about ever getting it back!
The "pass" button simply doesn't exist in their minds!
Therefore, during the few minutes in the first quarter when Garnett was mismatched with Lin Tian, he not only failed to score a single point, but also had two steals.
This time, it can be said that there was absolutely no contribution!
Garnett played so unfairly tonight!
What made him even more aggrieved was that with none of his teammates providing much support, Garnett was relentlessly attacked by the Bulls. Halfway through the third quarter, he picked up his fifth foul and was substituted off the court by the coach!
In this game, Garnett shot 3-for-10 from the field and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, scoring only 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, along with 5 turnovers and 5 fouls! This game was definitely the worst and most targeted game of Garnett's career in the past six months!
What's worse, he had no idea why Jordan and Lin Tian were targeting him like this!
What did I do to offend these two people?
But there is also good news.
That means he can probably take a break now!
At this point, the score difference between the two sides had exceeded 25 points, and the game had entered garbage time.
Jordan and Lin Tian have once again clocked out after three quarters!
这场比赛，乔丹18投9中，罚球10罚全中，3分球3投2中拿下30分9助攻，林天则是15投8中，罚球4罚3中，3分球2投1中，拿下20分8次助攻的漂亮数据！
With the strong performance of their backcourt duo, the Bulls secured another victory, extending their winning streak to 20 games!
Their 20-game winning streak has broken the Bulls' franchise record! While they are still far from matching the Lakers' 33-game winning streak, they have made history for their team!
After the game, an excited Jordan once again organized a post-game party for the entire team, and all the Bulls players had a blast!
Then, the Bulls lost!