Chapter 181 Were you caught by the boss?

On the field, the game continues.

The two sides fought a fierce offensive battle, and the score reached 10:10 just in the fourth minute of the first quarter.

206公分的佩贾3投2中，以大打小，在196公分的邦奇威尔斯头上连得4分。

Mike Bibby also scored two goals over Nash. His offense was very simple. He could easily shake off Nash with a fake breakthrough and a real shot.

Fortunately, the Knicks' own offense also played well. Nash made two assists, one to He Zhongqiu and one to the mid-range shooting king.

Rick Carlisle and Thibodeau were also helpless. Nash's defense really could not be improved and he could only rely on his teammates to make up for it.

Wells was at a huge height disadvantage against Peja, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Fortunately, the Kings' No. 2 position is not strong, and the mid-range shooting king has not lost this position tonight.

But out of five positions, two were being targeted, and the defense also looked very awkward.

They tried to build a defensive system, but the two main players in the back line had no defense, and the number four position was too weak, so the effect was not good and they were unable to build a strong defensive system.

Rick Carlisle can only try to save Mutombo's energy now, prevent him from getting injured, and then release him in the playoffs. That way the Knicks' defense will be improved to a higher level.

In addition, rookie Josh Howard has a positive attitude towards defense, has good speed and wingspan, and has defensive talent.

This gave him some hope, and he planned to give him more playing time, hoping that he could use it in the playoffs.

After the first quarter, the Knicks led by 24 points, 28:4.

He Zhongqiu played for ten minutes in the first quarter, made 7 of 5 shots, 3 of 3 free throws, and scored 13 points.

The situation in the second quarter was the same as the first quarter. Both sides continued to play offensive basketball, with a score of 27:31. At the end of the first half, the score was 51:59, with the Knicks leading by 8 points.

In this quarter, Alan Houston exploded, making 5 of 4 shots and 5 of 5 free throws over Doug Christie's head, scoring 14 points in a single quarter.

Seeing that his teammates were so strong, He Zhongqiu took a break in this quarter and did not attack much, only scoring 3 points.

In the third quarter, Peja exploded.

He beat Wells in a single quarter, making 9 of 7 shots, 3 of 2 three-pointers, and 1 of 1 free throw, scoring 17 points.

But in this quarter, He Zhongqiu took over the offense, beat Divac and Brad Miller, scored 15 points in a single quarter, and stabilized the situation.

In this quarter, the two sides played with a score of 36:37, and the total score reached 87:96, with the Knicks leading by 9 points.

In the final quarter, the jump shots from the outside of both sides finally lost their accuracy, and then He Zhongqiu took control of the situation in the low post, scoring 14 points in a single quarter. The two sides scored 24:34 in the final quarter and won the game in one fell swoop.

"111:130, the Knicks won by 19 points and won five consecutive games. The offense this season is really strong." Barkley praised after the game.

Kenny Smith said: "Wolverine played 40 minutes and scored 45 points, breaking his regular season single-game scoring record, and scored 30+ for the fifth consecutive game, averaging 35.6 points per game."

Dream said: "Nash only scored 15 points tonight, but Alan Houston was good, scoring 31 points with a hit rate of 45.9%, showing his charisma as the king of mid-range shots.

For the Kings, Peja scored 39 points with a shooting percentage of nearly 7%. He made 3 of 42.9 three-pointers with a shooting percentage of %, which was also a very good performance.

But Brad Miller's performance was average. He made five turnovers, was blocked by the Wolverines, had three blocks, had two shots intercepted, and shot 6 for 0. "

"It would be strange if he could perform well since Wolverine is watching him."

Barkley said jokingly: "If he could play well against Wolverine, he would not be traded by the Pacers."

"Ha ha……"

The other two understood and couldn't help laughing.

Dream said: "The Wolverines are much stronger than last season. Both their physical fitness and basketball skills have made great progress."

Barkley praised: "The speed, the pace, the low post and facing the basket, the finishing skills of the rebounds, the blocks, these have all improved.

And he's improving very quickly. In just one offseason, he's already left Stoudemire and Yao behind."

Dream said: "The faster and more sensitive footwork makes him more flexible and easier in the low post. It also provides a better foundation for his low post offensive skills and saves him a lot of physical energy.

If he continues to play like this, in the playoffs next year, his physical fitness problem will not be as much of a problem for him as it was in the last playoffs, and the quality of his offense and defense will be higher.”

Kenny Smith said: "I feel like he's a little bit bigger and should have gained some weight, which means he may be stronger."

Da Meng nodded and said, "With more power, he can stand more firmly in the low post."

Barkley asked: "Hakeem, do you think the Nets and Pistons in the Eastern Conference can stop the Knicks this season? Do the Knicks have a chance to break out of the Eastern Conference?"

Da Meng thought for a moment and said, "The Pistons haven't solved the weakness of the fourth position. Without strong help defense, Ben Wallace can't limit Wolverine by single defense.

However, their perimeter defense is definitely stronger than last season. If they can limit Nash, they have a good chance of beating the Knicks. "

Kenny Smith said: "This is the second season for Billups and Hamilton with the Pistons. Their defensive system must be more mature and their strength is definitely stronger than last season.

The head coach was replaced by Larry Brown, a more defensive head coach who was very suitable for the Pistons.

And what about the Knicks' perimeter defense? Except for Bonzi Wells, the other two positions are all filled in. They are fine against ordinary teams, but they will be beaten into a sieve against teams with strong perimeter defense.

So I agree with Hakeem that it will be hard for the Knicks to get past the Pistons."

"What about the Nets?" Barkley asked.

Dream said: "Kidd vs. Nash, the Knicks are in trouble!"

Kenny Smith immediately found the information of the two and said, "They have no experience of playing against each other in the playoffs, only regular season records.

上赛季两场常规赛，基德场均17.5分8篮板8.5助攻3抢断4.5失误，命中率40%，助攻失误比1.9。

纳什是27分1篮板8.5助攻1.5抢断2失误，命中率64.7%，助攻失误比4.25。”

Dream was a little surprised and said: "Kidd's offensive efficiency is indeed not good, but Nash's hit rate is so high under Kidd's defense?"

“That’s the data.”

Kenny Smith nodded and said, "And in terms of assist-to-turnover ratio, Nash has an absolute advantage, while Kidd makes more mistakes."

Barkley said with a smile: "So although Nash is a defensive loophole, he may not be completely at a disadvantage when facing Kidd, whose career shooting percentage is only 40%.

His offense and passing are very strong. He is definitely at the top level at the point guard position. Kidd may not be able to defend him. I believe the Knicks will have an advantage over the Nets last season."

After returning to the locker room, He Zhongqiu took a shower and asked Wells to rub his back for half an hour before he went to the press conference comfortably.

"We agreed that there would be no bullying and no hidden rules, damn it!"

Wells was tired like a dog. He swore to run away after this season. If he stayed here, he would be killed by Wolverine sooner or later.

"Rookie, you are the rookie, come next time," he said to Josh Howard.

"But Bunchy, the boss didn't ask me to rub his back." Josh Howard said cautiously.

"Be more proactive. You are a rookie and should take the initiative to help the boss rub his back." Wells coaxed.

"Okay then." Josh Howard nodded.

Wells immediately became happy and said enthusiastically: "Rookie, let me tell you how to rub your back. I am already very experienced.

I tell you, rubbing the boss's back can help you exercise your physical fitness. You see, my physical fitness is getting better and better now. I have completely replaced physical training with back rubbing.

The key to this skill is to use the power of the palm and the whole body at the same time. Otherwise, if the power is not enough, the boss will scold you, and he might even scratch you to pieces with his backhand claw... you know, that thing."

"Bunchy, have you been caught by the boss?" Josh Howard asked, staring at Wells with curiosity.

"of course not."

Wells' legs tightened and he cursed in frustration.

"Haha..." Everyone else in the locker room burst into laughter.

……

On the 8th, the NBA officially announced the first MVP rankings.

He Zhongqiu ranked first with an average of 30+10 personal data and a five-game winning streak.

This is also the first time he has entered the top five of the MVP rankings, directly ranking first.

At the same time, he also won the Eastern Conference Player of the Week this week.

That night, the Knicks defeated the Bucks twice on the road. He Zhongqiu scored 30+ for the sixth consecutive game and led the team to a six-game winning streak.

"The improved Wolverines will dominate the Eastern Conference," reported the New York Times.

"The Wolverine will begin his bid for the scoring title in his second season in his career," ESPN reported.

"Wolverine has proved with his actions that he is more suitable to be the leader of the Knicks than mid-range shooting king Alan Houston," TNT reported.

"Led by our famous action actor Wolverine He Zhongqiu, the Knicks are leading the Eastern Conference in the NBA and are currently ranked first in the entire league," Xinhua Daily reported.

The next morning, countless media outlets praised the Knicks and He Zhongqiu highly.

This afternoon, the Knicks arrived in Cleveland and will challenge the Cavaliers away on the 10th.

The Cavaliers were second to last in the Eastern Conference and second to last in the league last season.

The Cavaliers had lost five games in a row before, but on the 8th they defeated the Wizards at home in a back-to-back game, ending the losing streak. Their current record is 1 win and 5 losses.

The media believes that the only highlight of this game is the performance of Wolverine and the Little Emperor.

This game is a nationwide live broadcast of the Cavaliers, and TNT has the broadcasting rights. The commentators are still TNT's current ace combination of Barkley and Kenny Smith.

On November 11th, at 10 pm, the TV broadcast began at the Gund Arena.

At this time, both sides announced their starting lineups, and the list appeared on the huge live TV screen.

Cavaliers: Big Z, Carlos Boozer, Darius Miles, Ricky Davis, LeBron James

Knicks: He Zhongqiu, Harrington, Bonzi Wells, Alan Houston, Nash
In the live studio at TNT's headquarters in Los Angeles, Barkley took a look at the list and said:
"The little emperor James made his debut against the Kings, playing as a shooting guard, then playing at the three position, and tonight he was scheduled to play at the one position. In seven games, he played all three perimeter positions. It seems that the Cavaliers have not figured out how to use him."

Kenny Smith said: "Before the draft, our Logo said that LeBron James is a once-in-a-century talent and he has the potential to become the best and greatest player in this league."

巴克利道：“目前骑士1胜5负，詹姆斯在六场比赛中场均17分7.7篮板7助攻，投篮命中率43.3%，表现非常全能。

篮下的进攻占比和命中率分别是31.5%和60%，近投是16.8%和35%，中投37.3%和33%，三分14.4%和29%。

The offensive efficiency in the restricted area is still good, the mid-range and three-point shots are a little bit worse, and the main offensive threat is in the restricted area. "

Kenny Smith said: "Wolverine created the record of being the only undrafted player in the league's history to win the best rookie. Even though the little emperor's talent is so amazing, in the media's comments, he is only comparable to Wolverine.

This season, Wolverine is more mature, his qualities have been further improved, and his skills have made great progress. His strength is much stronger than his rookie season, and he is fulfilling his talent.

Charles, who do you think will be better in the future of these two young men? Do they have a chance to become the greatest player in history that Jerry West said they would be? "

Barkley shook his head and said, "Let me first say that Wolverine's failure to be selected was not unexpected, because when he participated in the draft, he was in a period of rapid growth. At that time, he was only a little over 1.9 meters tall, and his draft position was small forward."

Kenny Smith nodded and said, "If he had the height, wingspan, and athleticism that he had when he joined the league, even if he had no professional experience, based on his talent, the scouts and general managers of various teams would not have let him fall through the cracks."

Barkley joked: "I even suspect that his draft information was written casually."

"Then let our reporters go ask him, haha!" Kenny Smith laughed.

Barkley continued: "Okay, Kenny, what are you asking just now? Who has a better future and who has a chance to become the best in history?"

"almost."

"Then let me tell you, I don't know who will have a better future, but I know who will become the best in history." Barkley said, shaking his head.

"Who is it?" Kenny Smith said.

"It's the guy with six championship rings. His name is Michael Jordan. He has two three-peat dynasties. I think he is the best in history and the goat of the NBA," Barkley said.

Kenny Smith smiled and the topic ended there.

In the player tunnel, the visiting team arrived first, and the home team arrived a step later.

He Zhongqiu, who was standing at the back, turned around and glanced at the old man curiously. LeBron James was also looking at him, and their eyes met.

"Hey, Wolverine."

James called out tentatively.

From the media reports, this is a violent player who destroyed the Pacers alone, but the media also reported that this person prohibited unspoken rules and bullying in the locker room.

In his impression, Wolverine is a man full of contradictions.

You know, when he came to the Cavaliers, Ricky Davis asked him to carry his shoes, but this kind of thing would not happen in the Knicks locker room, so he has a good impression of Wolverine.

(Bunchy Wells: Rookie, you are doomed to be disappointed, because he doesn't bully rookies, but he bullies veterans.

"Hello, No. 1 pick."

He Zhongqiu nodded and said.

Twenty minutes later, the game was about to begin. He Zhongqiu and Big Z jumped the ball and the Knicks attacked.

Big Z is 221cm tall and weighs 118kg, 7cm taller than him and onekg heavier. He is a white Lithuanian and his jumping ability is far inferior to his.

Coming to the low post on the left wing, with Big Z defending, he immediately squeezed in.

"What a power!"

Big Z tried the hardtop, but was immediately pushed out.

He Zhongqiu carried Big Z directly into the basket, then turned around and positioned himself right in front of the basket.

"This position is too domineering and fatal." Barkley shook his head and laughed.

At this time, Nash, who was facing LeBron James, suddenly took two steps to the left. After getting rid of his opponent, he immediately waved his left hand and passed the basketball to the basket.

LeBron James is very fast in a straight line, but his turning and lateral speed are average, and he failed to block Nash's pass.

He Zhongqiu jumped sideways under the basket, caught the ball with both hands, twisted his waist and smashed it towards the basket.

Big Z tried his best to jump up to block the shot, but his defensive height was not enough. Even though he was taller, his arm span and jumping ability were too disadvantageous.

"boom!"

The next moment, the basketball hoop above his head made a loud bang.

"alley-oop!"

Kenny Smith roared excitedly: "It comes from the connection between Wolverine and Steve Nash."

Barkley shouted: "Big Z is responsible for this goal because he adopted a defensive style that he is not good at."

"Yes, his muscle type is destined to lack the ability to confront," said Kenny Smith.

Barkley continued: “When he is not as physically fit as others, he should use his experience to defend instead of fighting with Wolverine.

You have to know that in today's league, the only ones who can fight Wolverine are Shaq and Ben Wallace."

(End of this chapter)