Coach: Coaching the Grizzlies at the beginning, playing the bantam

In the following period, the Nets stole the limelight from almost all teams in the league, and soon became popular in the eyes of the media.

In sharp contrast is the Knicks. Anthony and the team played the entire preseason amid doubts from fans.

The same goes for Knicks head coach Hornacek. From the day he took over the mess in New York, the rumors surrounding him have not stopped.

After losing to the Nets in the New York Derby, Hornacek was even criticized by the fans, which made people think that he might not even last in the regular season. He was the team coach closest to being dismissed.

In addition, the three strong teams of the Cavaliers, Celtics and Rockets, which had greatly strengthened during the offseason, also lost, which shocked the fans who had been crazy about bragging for them in the summer.

Among them, the Cavaliers suffered three consecutive losses in the preseason, and another 96-121 defeat to the SuperSonics.

Stars including LeBron James left the game early to rest, and their best efforts failed to bring the Cavaliers a victory.

There are many reasons for the Cavaliers' poor preseason performance. The most important one is that Thomas, who swapped clubs with Irving, is absent due to a hip injury and will not be able to return until January at the earliest.

Last season, the Cavaliers configured with the Big Three became a Big Two. Even though Wade joined with a minimum salary, his current strength is far inferior to that of Irving, causing the Cavaliers' overall strength to decline.

In the preseason, each team focused on warming up and had some reservations about their strength. However, the Cavaliers, who had lost three consecutive games, were inevitably looked down upon by fans and fell to sixth in the league in the latest strength rankings.

Everyone feels that the Cavaliers should not be struggling so much even if they lack Thomas. This is obviously not the performance of a championship team.

On the other hand, the Nets, which are in the rebuilding period, have shown a new look since the preseason. It is difficult not to recall what Lu Yong said. The Nets have the strength to stir up trouble in the East.

In the remaining preseason games, the main players such as Russell, Mitchell, Millsap and Lopez played about 25 minutes in each game. They used their limited playing time to fine-tune their tactics and did everything Lu Yong asked.

Lopez is one of the best centers in the league at protecting the rim and can also shoot from beyond the arc.

But the reason why the Nets have a good record is not because of Lopez's great power, but because of the strong offensive firepower of young outsiders such as Russell, Mitchell and Dinwiddie. No matter who controls the ball, the Nets can create opportunities through screens and runs. The offensive points are scattered throughout the court, bringing the team basketball style of play to its fullest.

Mitchell breaks through the frame very quickly, and can use his physical fitness to make difficult dodges in the air when encountering help. Like the young Wade, it is difficult for opponents to defend him when he rushes forward.

The offensive power of the three substitutes Dinwiddie, Hardaway and LeVert is also very good. In the second quarter, they can always launch a wave of offensive attacks to take away the game. The young people are confident enough and will not be frightened when they meet the stars.

At the end of the preseason, the Nets posted a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. They looked like a mechanized team that had been working together for many years. They averaged 116.5 points per game, and all the main players played less than 30 minutes. Use all your strength.

The only loss was to the Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers' Lillard and McCollum performed well in the backcourt, and forward Maurice Harkless also performed beyond his level. He made 8 of 6 three-pointers. With seven players on the team scoring in double figures, they luckily defeated the Nets. .

Under the guidance of Stotts, the Blazers' offense is not weak. Once the role players find their touch, they have the strength to defeat any team.

However, entering the playoffs, there is a high probability that the Trail Blazers will not be able to pull it off. In the best-of-seven games, role players cannot break out every game. In the end, the only thing they can rely on is the double guns in the backcourt.

Lu Yong has never regarded the Trail Blazers as a potential opponent, because the chance of Lillard leading the team to the finals is very small, so there is no need to worry at all.

Each team was given three days to rest, and the outside media released a lot of news praising the Nets. In the latest strength rankings released by ESPN, the Nets ranked higher than the Cavaliers, jumping from last place in the league last season to fifth place.

The SuperSonics, which introduced Paul George during the offseason, and formed the Big Three of "Widjo", ranked first. Although the Western Conference champion Warriors lost two games, they still ranked second, third, and fourth respectively. The Rockets and Kyle Special person.

The Nets ranking fifth exceeded many people's expectations. The main reason why experts are optimistic about the Nets entering the playoffs is mostly because of Lu Yong's face.

The Cavaliers ranked sixth, and the Knicks, who had 3 wins and 3 losses in the preseason, were only ranked 11th, not as good as the Toronto Raptors led by the "Garbage Brothers", which embarrassed Hornacek.

Before the new season has even started, fans generally believe that the Knicks have fallen from the altar. To use two words to describe it, they are useless.

The Nets' overall strength is better than that of the Knicks. It sounds funny, but it is the consensus reached by experts.

As soon as the strength list was announced, it attracted countless fans to complain, but Lu Yong did not expect the direction of the fans' complaints.

There are fans who question the Nets' high ranking, but most of the comments online are making fun of the Knicks and Cavaliers.

Since losing the New York Derby, Anthony has closed his social media and does not want to read any news online.

He has been under tremendous pressure this season, including the New York media, who have questioned him, and there are more and more messages persuading management to trade him, which makes Anthony feel very complicated.

The title of King of New York has brought him too much halo. Anthony doesn't want to be reduced to an ordinary player so early. This is his last chance to prove himself.

As long as the Knicks fail to reach the finals this year, they will be a failure. Not only will Hornacek lose his job in his coaching career, Anthony will also be drowned in the fans' saliva, and his value will plummet.

On October 10, the NBA's new season opener kicked off.

Nets VS Celtics were broadcast live across the United States, and the popularity completely overshadowed the Knicks VS Cavaliers next door.

Fans of "Niqi War" have watched too many games, and they have become vaguely tired of aesthetics in the past two years.

On the other hand, Lu Yong led the Nets in the rebuilding period to fight against the Big Three of the Green Army. Not only was it full of gimmicks, but it also brought a sense of freshness to the fans.

Before the game, Lu Yong gathered the players together in the locker room and encouraged him loudly: "Guys, I believe everyone knows what winning or losing in the opening game means. The Celtics are better than us in the first period's strength rankings. Gao, the outside world is optimistic that the Green Army will win. No one wants to be the background in the opening game. It is time for the Nets to prove themselves in front of the fans and crush all doubts with facts."

Seeing that the Nets players in front of him were all excited, Lu Yong held a tactical board and talked about offense. "The Celtics' forwards have great athletic talent, but they lack a real defensive sharpshooter and their defense level is limited. In this game, we mainly focus on pick-and-rolls, pay more attention to screens and air cuts from the wings, and try to use the ball to break through. The opponent’s defense finds the openings with the best opportunities.”

Lu Yong understands the characteristics of this Celtics team. Although there is no guarantee that the Nets will win, the real gap between the two sides is far less huge than it seems on the surface.

Tatum and Jaylen Brown are only first- and second-year rookies respectively. They have not yet entered their prime, and their scoring average barely reaches double digits.

Hayward and Horford are both versatile, but they are not top scorers and have average attack abilities.

The biggest threat to the entire Green Army is Irving. As long as Irving can be suppressed as much as possible, the Nets still have a good chance of winning.

During the warm-up, many Nets shooters scored three-pointers in a row and seemed to have a good shooting touch.

The Celtics are also practicing shooting, but except for Irving, everyone else is not very good, and there is still a long way to go before becoming a top shooter.

Especially for Tatum, his scoring in his rookie season mainly relied on mid-range shots. He imitated Kobe's behind-the-back jump shot and needed the ball in his hands.

Let Tatum serve as a spot-up shooter next to Irving. Not only will his offensive threat be greatly reduced, but his enthusiasm will also be waned.

The game was broadcast live on TNT TV. Barkley said: "The Nets delivered a very good record in the preseason, and were only one place lower than the Celtics in the first period's strength rankings. Today's game is against It is very important for both teams. If the Nets get a good start, they may be able to complete the counterattack in the next period's strength rankings."

Kenny Smith smiled: "The Celtics are under a lot of pressure. They have just undergone a large-scale reinforcement in the summer, and they will face the Nets led by Lu Yong in the first game. If they lose, the Green Army locker room will definitely make a statement. Some discordant voices are a fatal blow to the Big Three."

Nets starting lineup: Russell, Mitchell, Joe Harris, Millsap, Lopez.

Johar's three-point shooting percentage in the preseason was as high as 55%, and his defensive efficiency was higher than the league average. Unless he encounters a scorer of Durant's level, he is more suitable to be the starter than LeVert. Celtics starting lineup: Irving, Jaylen Brown, Hayward, Tatum, Horford.

Stevens is also an thoughtful coach. He sent a lineup with five players who can shoot three-pointers, which can compete with the Nets.

Lopez beat Horford with a jump ball, and the Nets attacked first.

Russell caught the ball and dribbled across half court, gesturing for his teammates to pull away.

Lopez stepped out of the three-point line to cover Russell. The latter broke through from the left and blocked half of Irving with his body. He controlled the rhythm very well.

Seeing Horford on the weak side standing on the defensive line, Russell did not force the ball and took a sudden step to distribute the ball to the middle.

Da Luo did not take any outside shots. He caught the ball in the middle and faked a layup. He did not shake the blind ball detector and directly used his height advantage to hit the ball high. He hit the ball with his right hand and hit the board. Whoa, 2-0.

Lu Yong sat on the sidelines and applauded. Daluo's judgment of the situation was very accurate.

The height of 2 meters is an advantage that Horford does not have. He is decisive in attacking the basket and his shooting percentage is as high as ever.

When the Celtics attacked, Irving went to the frontcourt to face Russell for a one-on-one challenge. He signaled his teammates not to pick and roll, and he continued to dribble under his crotch and shake his shoulders.

Russell lowered his center of gravity and stood slanted on his front and rear feet to ensure that he could react as soon as Irving made a move.

Irving's fancy dribbling suddenly changed direction, he went to the left and suddenly stopped at the free throw line, and his jump shot missed the basket in the face of Mitchell's defense.

Lopez protected the backboard, and Russell brought the ball to the frontcourt and passed it to Millsap, who stepped forward to receive the ball.

Milsap took a moment to shoot a three-pointer, but it missed due to Tatum's personal interference. The rebound was grabbed by Jaylen Brown.

After landing, Brown immediately launched a counterattack, reached the three-point line to attract the defense, and passed the ball to Hayward. Joe Harris failed to follow up and was freed from the defense in the chaos.

Hayward European-stepped past Mitchell and scored an easy layup, 2-2.

Lu Yong stood up and shouted a few words on the court, instructing Millsap not to float outside and shoot jumpers, and try to hit Tatum to the basket as much as possible.

Tatum playing the fourth position can improve the team's mobility. He is not short at 2 meters tall, but he weighs only 03 kilograms and has weak confrontation ability.

Millsap's height is only 2 meters, but his weight reaches 03 kilograms. He loses blood in jump shots while floating outside. It is tactically correct to hit Tatum to the basket.

Russell dribbled the ball directly to Irving's side to break through. Following Lu Yong's instructions, Russell lobbed the ball to Millsap who was in a position under the basket.

This time Mi Shen chose to hit the basket, receive the ball with his back, bumped twice, then turned around and rushed into the basket relying on Tatum.

Jaylen Brown was too late to make up the defense. Millsap turned around completely, with muscles in his arms bulging, and dunked with one hand in the penalty area. Bang, 4-2.

After the goal, Millsap had no extra celebrations and immediately lowered his head and returned to the backcourt to defend.

The Celtics were unable to counterattack, so Irving took the ball in the middle and made two fake moves, then took a step and forced his way to the left.

Russell defended without losing his position, and Mitchell on the weak side stepped forward to help defend again, blocking Irving in the middle with a hamburger.

Mitchell's athletic talent is amazing, he can help his teammates on a large scale, and he has a positive attitude.

His defensive level is not high, but he can't stand up to his physical fitness, so he is perfect as a help defender.

Irving was flanked and took two steps to the sideline, jumped up and passed the ball to Brown at a 45-degree angle on the right.

Jaylen Brown was free and took a look at a three-point jumper, making it 4-5.

When the Nets attacked, Russell and Lopez played a pick-and-roll, went to the left to attract the defense, and passed to Mitchell from the outside.

Mitchell received the ball and rushed to the basket. His super-fast first step did not waste the opportunity. He passed the two ghost shots of Brown and Tatum in the gap, took off with all his strength, and met Horford with a headshot. Flat frame bow dunk!

"boom!"

6:5.

Horford stepped aside in time and didn't jump. No matter how good he was in protecting the frame, he couldn't block this kind of ball. If he was not careful, he could easily get fouled.

Reason told Horford that he had to get out of the way of the ball, otherwise Mitchell would easily pull up his collar and dunk it.

The Celtics attacked, but Irving failed to break through and pass to Hayward. Hayward singled out Joe Harris and failed to break through, and then passed to Jayson Tatum.

Although Russell's athleticism is a bit stretched, his defensive attitude this year is very positive, and his teammates' help in defense will not be easily passed.

Seeing that there was not much attack time, Tatum faced the frame and made a sudden jump shot. He was brave enough to challenge Millsap head-on.

The result was as expected, Mi Shen easily defended it, and Lopez grabbed the backboard.

After playing for a few more rounds, the offensive efficiency of both teams was not high, but the defense was very good.

The more Nets fans watched, the more excited they became. They couldn't believe that the team that was last in the league last season could maintain a stalemate with the Celtics and even take an advantage.

Even if the Green Army does not form the Big Three, the Celtics are far stronger than the Nets.

The Nets can play back and forth with the Celtics, and the team's strength has really become stronger.

In the first quarter, the Nets' defensive thinking was very clear, which was to rely on double attacks to target Irving, forcing the opponent to go to the basket with Lopez in the paint, and occasionally shooting a few three-pointers, which gave the defense a sense of pressure.

Lu Yong used Millsap and Lopez's defense. If the Celtics had a hot three-pointer from the outside, he would admit to losing. But the Celtics' three-point jumpers tonight were obviously not very good. They made a few in wide open spaces, but they all hit hard shots in the face of the defense, which was not very efficient.

At this time, if Jabari Bird is replaced to add a three-pointer, the Celtics' offensive pressure will be much less.

Unfortunately, Stevens did not dare to do this. Jabari Bird's defense was too stretched. Once he came on, the balance between the two teams would be broken.

The decision to reuse Bird would be fine if the score was widened, but if the Nets took the opportunity to create a climax, he would have to be sprayed to death by the fans.

Stevens did not dare to take the risk of being replaced, so he could only stand on the sidelines and observe silently, keeping the same in response to changes.

Lu Yong's coaching style is too weird. Every time the young coach makes changes in personnel, he is afraid of falling into a trap.

At the end of the first quarter, 25 to 24, the Nets led by 1 point. (End of chapter)