Chapter 295 Second Round
"Yao, play well and try to win the match point. The Mavericks are a crappy team with only that much strength. You can do it." Before the game, He Zhongqiu really encouraged Yao.

"Look at mine."

Dayao said confidently.

However, the wishes are good and the results are cruel.

Yao Ming was in foul trouble again at home, with 5 fouls and 4 turnovers in 34 minutes.

But the main problem was that Dampier defended from the front, Yao Ming took too few shots and couldn't get the pass. He made 11 of 7 shots and only got 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Although McGrady and Sura scored 28 and 21 points respectively, the Rockets still lost at home, 106:102, by only 4 points.

At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets were leading by 5 points, but ended up losing by 9 points in the final quarter.

McGrady made 5 of 1 shots in the final quarter, and Yao Ming made 3 of 1 shots in the final quarter. Neither of them played well in the final quarter.

He Zhongqiu was so breathless that he was holding his breath. As the starting center and the core of the team's inside line, he only took 34 shots in 11 minutes.

"Hey?"

"Fuck you, Yao Ming, you only took 11 shots in one game, are you just a spectator?"

"Me? I can't catch the ball!"

"Isn't it better to go back to the locker room at halftime and pin the point guard to the floor and beat him up? That's called helping teammates correct their mistakes."

"No, it was Dampier who went around."

"Then you cut back to the basket!"

"It was cut, but Sura still couldn't pass the ball in. In less than a second, Dampier arrived. Do you think Sura is Nash?"

"Bullshit! I think he just doesn't want to pass the ball to you. He can just go around and pass the ball to you from behind."

"Oh! I made several mistakes in catching the ball. My hands are not as big as yours, so it's easy to lose the ball when I catch it with one hand. Later, he stopped passing the ball to me."

"You guys are like this, and you still want to advance to the second round? If you lose again, get ready to go home and go fishing."

"That may not be the case. We are still one game ahead."

"Not sure? You said before that you were sure to get into the second round, but now it's not certain. Are you not sure about that anymore?"

"That one, which one, eh!"

On the evening of the 29th, the Knicks defeated the 76ers on the road, achieved three consecutive victories, and got the match point.

Similarly, the Spurs defeated the Grizzlies and got the match point with a score of 3-0.

The Heat and the Pacers were tied 2-1, and the Supersonics and the Suns were also tied 2-1.

On the 30th, the Rockets will face the Mavericks at home, this is Game 4.

For the Rockets, this is a very crucial battle. If they win, they will get the match point. With a score of 3 to 1, the chances of advancing to the second round are very high.

But if they lose, the score will be 2-2. After winning two away games, the Rockets' morale will definitely drop sharply if they are tied by their opponents.

The two teams were equally strong and tied at 77 in the first three quarters, but the Rockets only scored 16 points in the final quarter and lost the crucial G4 game by four points, tying with the Mavericks.

Yao Ming only played for 25 minutes in total, committed 5 fouls and 5 turnovers. The referee frequently called the pick-and-roll between Yao Ming and McGrady at the Rockets' home court.

But when he was on the court, he performed very well on both offense and defense, making 7 of 6 shots for a hit rate of 85.7%. He also made 10 of 8 free throws, scored 20 points, 5 rebounds, and delivered 5 blocks.

"Mid-Autumn Festival, what should we do?" Yao Ming called after the game.

"Only 7 shots per game, plus free throws, that's about a dozen possessions, too little! Yao Ming, don't go back to China this offseason, just lose weight in the U.S."

"Yes, does it matter?"

"You are too heavy now. If you lose 10 kilograms, you can definitely pull out to catch the ball and kill Dampier with a mid-range shot. His forward movement can't limit you."

"No, I did a lot of pick-and-rolls with McGrady tonight, but I was called for moving screens twice."

"What the hell is this pick-and-roll? You're so heavy, pulling out to set a screen is just a waste of energy. You might as well go straight to the basket and get a position."

"Well, I feel like I really need to lose weight and increase my mid-range shots. The tactics Van Gundy gave me were either low-post singles or pull-out pick-and-rolls."

"You are an offensive center and he is a defensive coach. His offensive system is definitely not suitable for you. Let your agent talk to the management. If the head coach does not agree with you losing weight, then replace him."

"Yeah. But I think he's okay."

"You play ball, not make friends."

"I see."

On May 5, the Knicks completed a sweep of the 1ers on the road.

Iverson averaged 27.5 points per game in the series, but his shooting percentage was only 38.5%.

Nash averaged 18.5 points and 12.5 assists per game, shooting 51.6%.

贺中秋场均32分13篮板2抢断4盖帽，命中率62%，打76人队，他根本不需要全力。

The Spurs also swept the Grizzlies on the same night, and the two teams advanced to the second round in a sweep.

The other teams' first round games have not yet been completed, so the Knicks and Spurs have gained more rest time.

On May 5, the Mavericks returned to their home court to compete with the Rockets in Game 2.

In G3G4, Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson used the front-following tactic, and this game was no exception.

The biggest benefit of Dampier's defense against Yao Ming is to limit Yao Ming's reception of the ball, but as long as Yao Ming receives the ball, his success rate is very high.

In order to win the game, Yao Ming tried his best to play low-post offense. The Mavericks defended him from the front and double-teamed him as soon as he received the ball under the basket.

全场13投10中，命中率76.9%，16罚10中，轰下30分8篮板3盖帽，仅有两次失误和四次犯规。

But McGrady performed poorly in this game, making only 22 of 7 shots, with a shooting percentage of only a pitiful 31.8%.

In the end, the score was 100:103, the Rockets lost by 3 points and lost the match point.

Nowitzki's performance was also average, with a shooting percentage of 40.9%, 23 points and 13 rebounds, but 4 steals and 1 block.

The Mavericks had six players scoring in double digits, while the Rockets only had three players scoring in double digits. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets by virtue of the depth of their lineup.

"Yao, you are in danger in the first round. McGrady is unreliable in the crucial moment, am I right? If he had scored two more goals with a 40% hit rate, you would have won."

"No help!"

After the game, Yao Ming called He Zhongqiu, expressing his frustration and disappointment.

"Replace Tracy McGrady with Kobe Bryant, ahem, maybe they'll be even more loyal."

"How could Kobe come to the Rockets?"

"Idiot! Can't you go to the Lakers?"

"No, Zhongqiu, can you give me some reliable advice? I'm in a state of annoyance here."

"Reliable? I heard from Da Meng that your boss Alexander is very stingy. Why don't you apply for a trade and leave?"

"it's not good?"

"Then force the management to strengthen the team."

"I haven't even talked about losing weight yet."

"Okay, you don't have to step in. Leave these two matters to your agent. Oh, and get McGrady's agent to pressure the management to change their mind."

"Then I, talk to Maddie?"

"Let the agent contact his agent directly. Why are you coming forward to say something? Isn't that what an agent does?"

"well."

"Dayao, I suddenly remembered something. I will not participate in this year's Asian Championships. I have already informed the center. Can you take care of it for a while?"

"No, you just asked me to lose weight in the United States, so I won't fight either." "If you don't fight, I won't fight. How can the national team survive by relying on a bus? Besides, you were trained by the country, so you have to play even if you break your legs!"

"Well, that's okay."

"You have to do it even if you can't. Do you think you are me? Can you ask for leave?"

"Zhongqiu, if we lose to the South Korean team again this time, you will be the sinner of the men's basketball team."

"Why am I a sinner? I've already said that I will only compete in the Olympics and the World Championships. Besides, you guys can't even handle the sticks, and you still have the nerve to call me a sinner."

"Alright, alright, I'm going to kill that guy even if it costs me my life, damn it!"

"That's right, work your ass off. Also, you should lose weight during the national team training camp, and bring a reliable strength trainer and nutritionist from the United States."

……

Next, the first round series continues.

On May 5th, at the Rockets’ home court, this is also a life-and-death battle, if they lose they’re out.

The final score was 83:101, the Rockets equalized the score and the game was tied at -.

诺维茨基22投仅5中，命中率只有22.7%，得到19分13篮板。

But Yao Ming's performance was even worse. He played for 27 minutes, made only 8 of 3 shots and 6 of 2 free throws, which was far below his standard. He only got 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls. He was in very bad condition and became a bystander and supporting role in the life-and-death battle.

McGrady broke out and dominated the victory of this game, scoring 37 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

The five main players and the other four including Yao Ming scored a total of 19 points, with Sura scoring 0 points.

In addition, guard Mike James stepped up from the bench and scored 22 points, while Jon Barry scored 14 points.

He Zhongqiu was too embarrassed to encourage Yao Ming anymore. The more he encouraged this fool, the worse he played.

Dayao didn't call again.

On the 7th, the Rockets played a decisive game on the road.

In the first quarter, McGrady shot wildly, making 9 of 3 shots, which seemed to foreshadow his condition in this game.

Yao Ming made 5 of 3 shots, which was better than in Game 6.

In addition, David Wesley scored 6 points in the first quarter.

However, only these three players of the Rockets scored in the first quarter. The other seven players, including three main players, made 7 of 6 shots and did not score a single point.

The Mavericks were in excellent form, with six players scoring a total of 32 points in the first quarter, leading the Rockets by 12 points in the quarter.

"It's over. The rocket collapsed."

As soon as He Zhongqiu saw the condition of the Rockets players, he knew that Yao Ming had no chance of advancing to the second round.

Sure enough, in the next three quarters, the Rockets did not perform better than the Mavericks in any quarter and were completely defeated, 76:116, losing a full 40 points.

Yao Ming tried his best, making 23 of 13 shots and 8 of 7 free throws, scoring 33 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks, but it was of no use.

McGrady scored 27 points, but the other three main players only made 17 of 3 shots and scored a total of only 10 points, and Sura scored 0 points again.

The five substitutes combined for 16 of 3 shots and a total of 6 points, a performance similar to that of the three main players, Sura, Scott Padgett, and David Wesley.

Mike James and Jon Barry, who stood out in the last game, were no longer magical, with one scoring 4 points and the other scoring 2 points.

In contrast, the Mavericks' six substitutes scored a total of 29 points, four of the five main players scored in double digits, and the lowest scorer, Dampier, scored 4 points.

"Mid-Autumn Festival, I lost."

After the game, Yao Ming called and sounded very bad and spoke weakly.

He Zhongqiu said: "Two consecutive years of first-round elimination, Yao Ming, it seems that even if you bring in Tracy McGrady, it's useless. The lineup is too bad."

Yao Ming said: "I plan to talk to McGrady first, and then let the agent come to the management to find reinforcements."

"can."

He Zhongqiu then asked, "By the way, do you want to come and see me win the championship? I'll teach you how to win the championship. I have more experience in this.

I tell you, Yao Ming, after winning the championship, you will have an overwhelming sense of happiness and accomplishment, and something else..."

"Beep beep..."

"Damn it! I was just pretending and you died again. Do you still want me to pretend? Dayao is such a jerk!"

……

On the morning of the 8th, He Zhongqiu went to practice shooting again.

"Bang! Bang!"

At the shooting range, he was wearing headphones and shooting skeet with a double-barreled shotgun and double skeet. He fired 66 shots and hit 11 of them.

There is no skeet shooting event entered into the system panel, so the level must be below 20.

That is to say, the upgrade of this shooting event should be different from the level 5 of the martial arts routine, and may be the same as basketball skills.

Three guns were rotated, Philip and two staff members helped him load the bullets, and an instructor was there to teach him.

"do not fight."

It was almost noon when he put down his gun.

I practice this mainly for fun. Once I have mastered the shooting skills, I can go hunting.

"Are you coming tomorrow?" Philip asked.

"No, the second round is about to start. We have all had a week off and it's so boring." He Zhongqiu shook his head.

That night, with the last game of the first-round series played, the entire first round ended.

In the East, the Celtics defeated the Bulls 4-3, the Heat defeated the Pacers 4-1, and the Pistons defeated the Wizards 4-1.

In the West, the Supersonics defeated the Suns 4-3, and the Kings defeated the Nuggets 4-3.

After the first round, the league announced the second round schedule and time.

In the East, the Knicks will play against the Celtics (starting on the 10th), and the Heat will play against the Pistons (starting on the 9th), with the former having home-court advantage.

In the West, the Spurs vs. the Mavericks (No. 10), the SuperSonics vs. the Kings (starting at No. 10).

The media's assessment of the second round series was very consistent.

In the East, the Knicks will continue to advance easily, while the Heat and the Pistons will have a life-and-death series.

In the West, the Spurs have a greater chance of advancing. Some media even believe that the Spurs have a 70% chance of advancing, while the Mavericks have only a 30% chance of advancing.

There will also be a tough series between the SuperSonics and the Kings.

Magic Johnson said in an interview with the media: "The Knicks are very lucky, they can only feel the pressure in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Spurs are also lucky. They have a chance to win against the Mavericks, but the advantage is not as big as the Knicks against the Celtics. "

"So, Erving, who do you think has a better chance of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and the Pistons?" the reporter asked.

Magic Johnson thought about it and said, "It's hard to say. The odds are pretty even. I even think they might have to go to Game 7 to decide the winner."

"What about the finals? Which two teams from the East and West do you think are most likely to make it to the finals?" the reporter asked again.

Magic Johnson said without hesitation: "In the East, there is no doubt that neither the Pistons nor the Heat have a decisive advantage over the Knicks, and the Knicks have the best chance of reaching the finals.

As for the West, of course it's the Spurs. If the Spurs eliminate the Mavericks and advance to the Western Conference Finals, I even think that their chances of advancing to the Finals are even higher than the Knicks' chances of advancing to the Finals."

The reporter laughed and asked, "Are you so pessimistic about the SuperSonics and the Kings?"

Magic Johnson shrugged and smiled: "When Duncan is very healthy, I can't help but be optimistic about the Spurs."

(End of this chapter)