Chapter 190 Larry Brown vs. Rick Carlisle

Kenny Smith said loudly: "The Lakers' performance tonight can be described in one word, chaos."

Barkley said loudly: "If, I say if, these two teams meet in the finals, the Lakers with four superstars really don't have the strength to beat the Knicks.

Of course, it is not ruled out that the Lakers have some targeted tactics that have not been implemented. Coach Phil Jackson is a very patient person.

He didn't use double-team or zone defense tonight. If he did, the Knicks' offense would definitely be limited."

"There must be some reservations. It's just a regular season game."

Kenny Smith nodded and said, "The Mailman is indeed old. Under the single defense of the Wolverines, he only made 9 of 2 shots and had only 4 points and 7 rebounds.

His current state is no longer able to shoulder the responsibility of the Big Four. Injuries have made his confrontation ability far less than before, and also affected his shooting percentage. "

Barkley chuckled, "His elbows can't handle Wolverine."

肯尼史密斯又道：“大鲨鱼只有15次出手，15投仅7中，加上19罚9中，拿到了23分11篮板。”

Barkley went on to say: "Kobe was double-teamed and turned into a blacksmith, making only 22 of 7 shots, a hit rate of 31.8%, plus 6 of 5 free throws, and got 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals."

Kenny Smith added: "The Lakers' fourth superstar, Gary Payton, made 17 of 8 shots, 3 of 2 free throws, scored 18 points, and also sent out 7 assists and 2 steals. His performance was the best for the Lakers.

The Lakers' four superstars combined to contribute 65 points, plus Devin George's 13 points, the five main players scored a total of 78 points, and the four substitutes scored a total of 14 points. "

Barkley said: "For the Knicks, Nash made 20 of 10 shots, including 4 of 2 three-pointers, and scored 22 points and 12 assists, which was a better performance."

Kenny Smith said: “Bonzi Wells scored 14 points, Josh Howard scored 10 points, Wolverine scored 28 points, Mutombo scored 5 points, and the five main players scored 79 points.

The Knicks also had a nine-man rotation, and the four substitutes scored a total of 9 points. In comparison, the Lakers' bench lineup performed much worse. "

Barkley said: "The Lakers have a big problem internally. Kobe and O'Neal had no interaction at all throughout the game, rarely passed the ball, and almost no cooperation.

If they can cooperate, the Knicks' double-team tactics against Kobe may not be successful.

Just now, Kobe only passed the ball to Payton and the Mailman, but not to O'Neal. Even though O'Neal was in a one-on-one advantage under the basket, he did not get a single assist from O'Neal. "

Kenny Smith said: "The Knicks double-teamed Kobe instead of O'Neal, who was more threatening. Rick Carlisle played this defensive tactic, which was really surprising and unexpected."

"We still have a little time, let's talk about Wolverine."

Barkley finally talked about He Zhongqiu's performance, saying: "He only made 24 of 13 shots tonight, which is far below his normal level.

Among them, his close-range offense accounted for 51%, mid-range shooting accounted for 11%, and the offense at the basket accounted for only 38%. This change in shooting distance should be purposeful. "

Kenny Smith said: "I intentionally increased the number of shots, increased close shots and mid-range shots, and reduced the number of attacks under the basket. I think this is for the purpose of reducing physical exertion."

Barkley nodded and said, "The last time the Knicks were eliminated by the Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals, his physical fitness was an important reason."

The Lakers lost the game and were in a bad mood. After returning to the locker room, the atmosphere was very depressing.

That is O'Neal, who talked to his teammates from time to time, and even showed interest in making a few jokes.

Kobe Bryant can't stand O'Neal even more. He doesn't work hard in training and is not happy after losing.

O'Neal was even more upset with Kobe. The words "Shaq did it too" hurt him deeply, causing him to be "beaten up" by his wife. Now he has to be careful when going out to play.

The Mailman and the Glove were not in the mood to talk. The Lakers were defeated by the Knicks, whom they had previously looked down upon. The OK combination played a shitty performance, which made them regret it even more.

Now they only hope that the OK combination can resolve their conflicts and unite as one, so that they will have a chance to defeat strong teams like the Spurs and Knicks and compete for the championship.

In order to encourage morale, Phil Jackson said at this time: "Don't worry, as long as you do what I say, we have a chance to beat the Knicks."

The postman and the gloves looked over immediately, as well as O'Neal, Kobe and others.

The first two didn’t say anything, they came here just for the championship.

Needless to say, Kobe is born paranoid. He wants to defeat every opponent in every game and even in every training.

Even the somewhat lazy O'Neal didn't want to lose, because he wanted to prove that he was not old yet and that he was still the boss of the Lakers. He didn't want to lose to Kobe.

At least, he is one of the two bosses.

But there are also some people who have no interest at all. These are some veterans from the three consecutive championship period. As role players and marginal people, they have no pursuit of honor.

Phil Jackson said: "They kept double-teaming Kobe, and we didn't use double-team tactics. That's what I want to say."

"Double-team Wolverine?" The postman perked up.

In the previous game, he was beaten by Wolverine on both offense and defense, forcing him to admit his age, so he hopes that a helper will stand up and help him deal with Wolverine.

"NO, the one we need to double-team is Nash."

Unfortunately, Phil Jackson immediately disappointed the Postman.

"What?" Everyone was stunned.

"Good, double-team Nash."

Kobe nodded immediately, a murderous look flashing across his face.

"Strangle the Knicks' offensive engine."

Gary Payton also nodded and reacted immediately.

Phil Jackson nodded to Kobe and Payton in appreciation, and said with a smile: "The Wolverines don't have to worry about him. Just like they defended Shaq one-on-one today, we will also defend him one-on-one."

In the home team locker room, Rick Carlisle was also summarizing the game.

"Gentlemen, even though we beat the Lakers tonight, this was not a complete Lakers team."

"I mean, they have a complete lineup, but the OK combination is not one, they are divided."

"I believe that when the OK combination is combined, it will be a complete Lakers team, a Lakers team full of fighting spirit."

"Also, I believe in coach Phil Jackson, he should be more reserved in the use of tactics."

"At least they didn't use double teams or zone defenses on any of our guys."

……

In New York in November, the highest daytime temperature was around 10 degrees Celsius. He Zhongqiu wore a thin sweater and a windbreaker over his casual suit jacket.

At ten o'clock in the morning, he met with Guillermo del Toro at a restaurant in Chinatown, accompanied by Philip, Ross Lewis and Zhang Jin.

Director Toro has signed a contract with Lewis, the crew has been officially established and has entered the preparation stage.

Lewis served as the executive producer, and several other investing film companies also sent producers.

As a director, Toro hopes to meet and have a chat with He Zhongqiu first.

Although Iron Eagle King is disguised as a magical adventure and treasure hunting film, it is actually an action film at its core. As the protagonist, he thinks he needs to communicate with He Zhongqiu first.

After the greetings, He Zhongqiu first introduced Zhang Jin and said, "Director Toro, Zhang Jin is a member of the Yuan Clan and has directed Night Devil and... He will be one of the martial arts directors of Iron Eagle King."

"How does he compare to Mako Dan?"

Director Toro had worked with Makoto Dan on Blade 2, so he asked directly.

He Zhongqiu introduced: "They all belong to the Yuan family, but their martial arts styles are different. Zhen Zidan's style is more modern fighting, while he prefers the traditional martial arts style.

I also hope to cooperate with the Yuan family. If you want Zhen Zidan to join the Iron Eagle King, you can discuss it with Ross. "

Director Toro nodded. Actually, he didn't know much about these things, so he needed a good martial arts team. "Boss, the post-production of Blade 3 is almost finished and we are currently scheduling it."

Ross Lewis introduced himself first, and then said: "In order to let Director Toro better understand your film style, I have contacted New Line Cinema. As the investor of our film, they agreed. Director Toro has seen the finished film of Blade 3."

Toro said excitedly: "Wolverine, your fighting scenes in Blade 3 were amazing, it was a fighting style that Hollywood had never seen before, it was so explosive and amazing!
As the director of Blade 2, I think your fighting scenes in Blade 3 have surpassed those in Blade 2 and have their own novelties and creativity.

Mako Dan’s style is indeed good, but your style is more violent, the kind of style that kills with one blow, which makes people addicted.

Of course, the overall effect of the movie is not as good as the first two, but your role is definitely a plus.”

Ross Lewis smiled and said, “So before Blade 3 is even released, several major film companies are willing to invest in Boss’s film.”

Next, He Zhongqiu started chatting with Toro.

He said: "Director Toro, my character is a martial arts master, so I hope to show the use of various martial arts and weapons in the movie."

"OK."

Director Toro nodded and said, “I hope the martial arts team can be in place earlier, and then you can take time during the season to work out the details with them, and then we can write the storyboards and build the sets.

Of course, before that, I have to figure out the settings for the monsters first, otherwise you won’t have the opponents you imagine, and the actions you design won’t be realistic.”

He Zhongqiu added: “Director, first of all, I hope to have a weapon box that I can carry on my back and can hold a variety of weapons.

It can be transformed, is easy to use, and has a modern and automated style, and looks cool and chill.”

"Oh, that sounds cool."

Director Toro nodded excitedly and said, "The movie definitely needs very good and very creative props, just like designing monsters, this is a good idea.

I like to design something unique and surprising, so leave it to me, I’m good at it.”

He Zhongqiu added: "As for weapons, I am good at swords, swords, sticks, hidden weapons, etc."

Speaking of weapons, he had never practiced much before, but there is still half a year before the filming of the movie. In the future, he will spend one or two hours practicing every day, focusing on practicing several weapons and routines required for the movie. With the speed of upgrading the routines, everything should not be a problem.

At this point, he added: "I'm not very good at modern weapons. I need to learn this."

Director Toro nodded and said, "The timeline of the movie is 1995, so there must be modern weapons, otherwise it would not make sense."

"Mid-Autumn Festival, your locust stone must be included."

Zhang Jin also joined the discussion and said excitedly: "In all the movies and TV shows I've watched, there are no long shots of hidden weapons. It will definitely be eye-catching if it is shot."

After learning about it, Toro said excitedly: "We can combine this hidden weapon with hot weapons, such as designing a hidden weapon bomb..."

The few of them chatted until two o'clock in the afternoon, when He Zhongqiu left and returned to the Tali Town training base for the team's collective training.

On the 21st, the Knicks faced the Pistons at home.

This is an interesting game because the Knicks head coach Rick Carlisle is the former head coach abandoned by the Pistons.

Another point of interest is that the Knicks eliminated the Pistons in the second round.

When the two head coaches shook hands before the game, their eyes were solemn.

Rick Carlisle built a defensive system in the Pistons, and when it was about to produce results, he was abandoned by the team. It was impossible for him not to feel resentful.

In his eyes, Coach Larry Brown was the one who picked his peaches.

He hopes to lead the team to replicate the Knicks' record last season, eliminate the Pistons in the series, complete revenge, and then tell the Pistons management that their choice was wrong.

Larry Brown seemed to see the meaning in Carlisle's eyes, and he snorted in his heart with disdain in his eyes.

Coming from an academic background, he looked down upon Rick Carlisle, the player-turned-head coach.

Of course, the defensive system created by Carlisle was okay, so he reluctantly accepted it and could use it after some minor adjustments.

In addition, because the team's start record was not as good as the Knicks, he hoped to defeat the Knicks in this game to prove his coaching ability.

"Coach Brown, I hope you enjoy coaching the Pistons." Rick Carlisle offered his congratulations.

"I hope you enjoy coaching the Knicks."

Larry Brown snorted in his heart and thought to himself, "Am I as stupid as you? I will leave immediately after working for two years as long as I have achieved results and my status has risen. I won't give the management a chance to fire me."

Rick Carlisle turned to General Manager Joe Thomas and nodded, smiling and said, "Joe, I hope the Pistons can make some progress in the new season."

"I believe it will happen, and we will definitely be the winner."

Joe Dumars, who single-handedly fired Rick Carlisle, said with confidence.

Rick Carlisle gritted his teeth secretly, nodded to Ben Wallace and several other Pistons players, then turned and walked towards the Knicks bench.

However, in this game that Carlisle wanted to win very much, due to the Pistons' strong perimeter defense, Nash played poorly and the performances of others were also average, and they ultimately lost.

The Pistons played a three-two zone defense, and Nash was locked down by Billups, Hamilton and Prince. No matter where he attacked from, he would be double-teamed by the two defensive stalwarts.

Nash played poorly, resulting in He Zhongqiu not getting enough support in the low post. The Knicks' winning streak was interrupted, and they are still first in the league with 11 wins and 1 loss.

He Zhongqiu was "addicted" to close-range offense, coupled with a small number of mid-range shots, resulting in lower offensive efficiency than before, which was also one of the reasons why the Knicks lost.

This was the Knicks' first loss this season and their first home loss.

"Rick, I told you, we are the winners."

After the game, the personable Joe Dumars smiled and told Rick Carlisle.

"Coach Carlisle, it looks like we are the winners."

After winning the game, Larry Brown was in a very happy mood and his tone became more sharp.

"Let's see who has the last laugh."

Rick Carlisle left after saying a few words.

"Coach Carlisle, as the former head coach of the Pistons, can you comment on this season's Pistons team?"

When Carlisle and the players were leaving the court, they were followed by a reporter in the player tunnel. The reporter's questions made him a little uncomfortable, but he still made his comments on the Pistons.

He spoke frankly: "Although the Pistons' current record is not outstanding, this game shows that they are stronger than last season.

I mean the defensive system is more mature. After a season of training, Billups, Hamilton and Prince have all been more integrated into the defensive system. "

"Coach Carlisle, do you think this Pistons team will pose a threat to the Knicks in the playoffs?" the reporter asked again.

After considering it, Carlisle said: "This team still has weaknesses. Without a strong weak-side defense at the No. 4 position, it still cannot really limit the performance of the Wolverines."

"Joe, he's right, we still need a trade."

Larry Brown, who was walking by, said to Pistons general manager Joe Dumars.

Joe Dumars nodded. He was full of confidence in this season. The more mature Pistons and the better head coach made him more confident than last season.

This season, he wants to defeat the Knicks in the series and get his revenge.

At the same time, the Knicks and Wolverine played a trick on his good friend, the Smiling Assassin, and he also hoped to help Thomas vent his anger by eliminating the Knicks.

Overnight, the Knicks went to Philadelphia and will challenge the Digital Team in a back-to-back away game tomorrow night.

(End of this chapter)