NBA: I am a master dealer

Chapter 230 Increased Breakthrough Ability, Shaking Noah Down

And at the press conference after the Bulls successfully advanced.

Butler was interviewed by reporters.

Reporter: "ESPN predicts that you will play a tiebreaker against the Miami Heat in the next round. What do you think of this?"

Butler: "Yes, as analyzed by ESPN, our strengths are very close, but I have the confidence to take this round of the series and break into the Eastern Conference Finals."

Reporter: "But many fans think ESPN's analysis and predictions are a joke. They don't think you can compete with the Miami Heat."

Butler said coldly: "We are always underestimated, I am used to it, but I will prove to them who is the joke."

Reporter: "Can you look forward to the next duel between you and Xue Liancheng?"

Butler: "Xue's strength is very strong. There is no doubt about it. His passing can always catch people off guard, and he has great power when breaking through. The next thing I want to do is to make him less comfortable in the game. As long as we get him, then we have unlimited possibilities, and it is not impossible to sweep Miami out 4-0."

The wild words of Butler's 4:0 sweep quickly spread and were reproduced by major media.

But Butler's weight is still a bit low, and he didn't even appear on the front page, only scrolling through the news items.

The reaction of the fans was even more direct, they were all laughing at Butler talking in his sleep during the day.

Sweep Miami?
How the hell can you say this?
You are not confident, you are out of your mind.

Miami is the Big Three!
According to reports from various sources, Xue Liancheng is definitely a team member, and there is a high probability that he will be the MVP of this season.

Gasol will also occupy another position for a team by virtue of his super frame protection and defensive ability.

If Wade hadn't missed too many games, he would have a very high possibility of entering the best team.

It is equivalent to saying that a team has three players who have entered the best team, a proper combination of the Big Three.

As for Butler, it's already interesting enough to win three battles.

even……

Gasol also has a better chance of entering the best team than you, Butler.

Because there are too many excellent backcourt players, Harden, Curry, Paul, and Westbrook are definitely going to be in the best team, plus Xue Liancheng.

Then there is only the last seat left for the best team player in the backcourt.

Owen, Wall, Thompson, Lowry and others, which one is not extremely competitive?
Are you sure Butler can occupy the last seat?
On the contrary, frontcourt players and top players at the center position are relatively poor, especially at the center position. At present, only Gasol Jr. and Cousins ​​are the top players.

Therefore, the Bulls' Gasol seems to have a better chance.

Taking a ten thousand step back, let's not talk about the individual players, but the overall strength of the team.

What level is your bull?
What is the level of enthusiasm?
Did the record of 67 wins fall from the sky?

Sweep?

Are you an idiot talking about what dreams are?
Everyone only regarded Butler as a sudden, cruel words to boost morale.

after all……

It's not surprising that many players will talk about all kinds of things before the game and say all kinds of bold words.

In addition, Butler's weight was too light, and the response was not particularly sensational.

If it was Xue Liancheng who said he wanted to sweep the Bulls, there would definitely be a stormy wave, no matter if it was a fan who liked Xue Liancheng or a fan who hated Xue Liancheng, they would all jump out and respond.

This is influence.

of course.

Butler's words did reach Xue Liancheng's ears very quickly.

But he didn't respond.

After experiencing the turmoil that threatened to sweep the Celtics, he has gradually realized that there are some things that he should not say, or there is no need to say them.

Especially as his rank is getting higher and higher, and his influence is getting bigger and bigger, the repercussions caused by his words are immeasurable.

At this time, he should keep a low profile all the more.

In addition to preventing people from grabbing the conversation, the most important thing is to let yourself stabilize your compulsion.

otherwise.

If any cat or dog stood up to challenge him, he would respond with fury, and he would have to respond endlessly.

If you do this, how can you still look like a superstar?

Like LeBron or Kobe a few years ago, he never clamored before the game to sweep or overthrow anyone.

As superiors, they are waiting to challenge them all at once, and they look at you with a condescending attitude as the challenged.

Of course I won’t tell you what’s there or what’s not.

Like the media booing him at the beginning of the season and comparing him with James, James did not mention him in public at all, which is also the reason.

But now, it was his turn to be in the challenged position, so he naturally didn't have to respond.

Only when the opponent's level has risen and has a certain influence, can the opponent's provocation be authoritative and valuable.

Or more accurately, that's the real challenge, not the provocation...

As for the current Butler, although he has won the Most Improved Award and was also selected as an All-Star this season, he is still a little tasteless.

If Butler continues to be the boss next season, lead the Bulls to the playoffs again, be selected as an All-Star, and become a member of the best team.

That's a bit of status.

He has the qualifications to challenge the league's top stars.

now?
just ignore...

……

……

Three days passed in a flash.

While the other group series are in full swing, the second round series between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls has seamlessly connected.

First round.

American Airlines Center.

The Heat sit against Chicago.

The Heat's starting lineup is still the same: Xue Liancheng, Wade, PJ-Tucker, Ibaka, Gasol Jr.

Bulls: Rose, Butler, Dunleavy, Gasol, Noah.

The biggest highlight of this duel is actually the brothers' civil war.

Gasol and Gasol, these two brothers have made a name for themselves in the NBA.

Especially Gasol, who landed in the NBA as a prospect in 01, scored 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his first season, and won the Rookie of the Year award.

Then, starting from the 03-04 season, he led the Grizzlies, who had just moved from Vancouver to Memphis, to the playoffs for three consecutive years.

but……

What's more embarrassing is that Gasol never won a game in the playoffs.

In 6 and a half years, it can be said that nothing has been accomplished.

The best team has never been selected, and the All-Star was only selected once as a substitute in the 05-06 season. There are almost no other awards and honors.

It wasn't until he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers that Gasol officially entered the public eye. In the 09 and 10 seasons, he helped the team win the championship, All-Star, Best Team and other honors one after another. He was considered successful.

Coming to the Chicago Bulls this year, he still led the team to the playoffs with the fourth record in the Eastern Conference as an All-Star starter.

An absolute Hall of Fame player.

As for Gasol Jr., the data is inferior, but the defense is better.

In these years, he has also entered the All-Star in the Grizzlies, was selected to the best team, and even won the best defensive player DPOY. The honors are all in one, and he can be regarded as a well-known figure in the league.

The duel between the two is undoubtedly very worth looking forward to.

As for the result of the first match between the two teams?
Except for ESPN, other media basically predict 4:2, or 4:1, and the Heat will advance to the next round smoothly.

So, the point of view is actually not here.

The game is about to start.

Xue Liancheng just took a position near the middle circle.

Butler suddenly came up, "I'm very happy to meet you in the playoffs."

Xue Liancheng remained calm, "What then?"

Butler was not as arrogant as when they first met this time, but he was still mad when he said, "Then I'll send you home to fish."

Xue Liancheng was a little amused, "You have a really bad memory, have you forgotten that you are a clown so quickly?"

When the two met for the first time in the regular season, they were tit for tat and almost had a real fight.

After the loss, Butler admitted that he was a clown very openly.

Tell the truth.

Although Butler is a loudmouth, his mental attributes can indeed be clearly felt, and he is very tough.

Butler is full of confidence: "In that game, I was indeed a loser, but in this series, I will make you that loser."

Xue Liancheng: "The Most Improved Player Award really motivates you a lot. Do you think you can do it again?"

Butler's growth this season is indeed visible to the naked eye.

In the first confrontation at the beginning of the season, Butler had very few offensive rounds with the ball. They were all fast downs, grabbing second rebounds, fast breaks, and off-ball screen cuts, relying on these simple scoring methods to score.

At the end of the season, Butler's back is already in shape, and he has made great progress in carrying people in front of the frame. The addition of these offensive methods makes Butler look more like a star.

The biggest change is that the kid Butler will also use physical contact to touch porcelain. The number of free throws this season is 7.1 and he can hit 5.9 goals.

Butler: "Can I do it, don't you know after a while?"

Xue Liancheng smiled noncommittally, and did not continue to respond.

And asked him if he could do it?

Ha ha……

According to the historical trajectory, with Thibodeau's departure next season, the Bulls couldn't even break into the playoffs.

Although Butler could still contribute 20+5+5, he failed to lead the team to more wins.

This illustrates a point.

Now the soul of this powerful Chicago Bulls is Thibodeau, not Butler.

With a whistle.

Gasol beat Noah and jumped to the ball.

The Heat won the first attack.

The bulls seemed very cautious and all retreated.

Even Butler quickly stepped back two steps beyond the three-point line, waiting for Xue Liancheng there.

This time.

Xue Liancheng was surprised.

In the past, the defensive strategy against him was the pressing mode.

No matter how bad it is, he will always maintain physical contact and consume his physical energy.

And like the bull is doing now, he retreated neatly and shrunk into a circle, which still surprised him.

He wasn't sure if the Bulls wanted to test their offensive options this first possession.

Or, the Bulls are adopting a zone defense tightening tactic?

if it is like this……

That Thibodeau is really bold!

Xue Liancheng restrained himself and quickly pushed up.

Beckoning.

Gasol Jr. quickly put up the pick-and-roll.

result.

Butler did not chase after him.

Noah brought it up directly and chose to switch defenses.

Unlimited defense?

Austerity tactics?

Hey……

Thibodeau is really courageous, choosing to take a different approach and take a different approach.

But will he be afraid?

As long as there are no double teams, he is not afraid of any defensive tactics.

Thinking of this, he pulled back directly, and stretched out his hand to signal everyone to back up.

——He wants military training for Noah.

Everyone stood still, only Noah was alone at the top of the arc.

Xue Liancheng finally moved.

Step forward.

Pull back.

After Noah's center of gravity shifted, he quickly pulled it back forcefully.

Xue Liancheng changed direction again.

After such a flash, Nuoah lost his rhythm and his footsteps were chaotic. Seeing that Xue Liancheng was about to attack from the other side.

He then forcibly moved his body in a cross-step manner, trying to block Xue Liancheng's way.

result.

Xue Liancheng pulled back again.

then.

When Noah tried to get back, he did a split on the spot and fell in front of Xue Liancheng.

A smile appeared on the corner of Xue Liancheng's mouth.

If there is any hesitation, just take a three-point shot.

Cum on the spot...

The ball draws a beautiful arc.

Swish!
middle!

The audience fell silent for 0.01 second, and then suddenly erupted.

Even knocked down the defender?

If it's other speedy defenders who do it, that's fine.

Do not……

It is difficult for ordinary speed guards to knock people down. Unless you have a particularly fast pace, like Irving, you can knock down defensive players by controlling movement and ceiling.

But even Irving rarely creates such famous scenes.

One can imagine how difficult it is to knock down a player.

What's more, the person who knocked him down was Xue Liancheng.

It is a shocking anecdote that a powerful defender who needs to rely on horizontal push can knock down the defender.

Xue Liancheng has played for a whole season, not to mention knocking people down, but there are very few scenes of simply changing his direction quickly.

And now, Xue Liancheng has actually done this, doesn't it surprise everyone?

The commentator of this game directly exclaimed: "Oh my God! Xue knocked down Noah on the best defensive team? It's simply unbelievable..."

The commentator was also inexplicably shocked, "A scene like knocking down a defensive player shouldn't have happened to Xue Liancheng, this... this... what happened?"

As for Noah, who just got up from the ground, he looked dazed.

Plus six points of embarrassment and three points of blushing.

I boil...

He was actually knocked down by the other party?

Even at this moment, he couldn't believe it.

He is a member of the defensive team!

Although it is not his strong point to defend against small people, but he has some experience, coupled with his light body, he has never been overwhelmed by others.

Yup……

This was the first time in his career that he was knocked to the ground by a player holding the ball.

That's right.

Lie directly on the ground.

It's really embarrassing to throw it at grandma's house!

Thinking of this, his face turned red again.

As for Thibodeau on the sidelines, his brows had already been twisted into a thread, looking at Xue Liancheng on the court, a bad premonition rose in his heart inexplicably.

Butler was also a little confused.

He has been playing against Xue Liancheng this season. In his impression, Xue Liancheng's changing rhythm and breakthrough speed are not magical enough to knock a player to the ground.

Is it...

Noah slipped and fell by himself?

Full of doubts, he took a deep look at Xue Liancheng who had retreated.

I don't know.

There is a saying that "Scholar farewell for three days, you should look at it with admiration."

After the 0.6-second boost, Xue Liancheng's ability to change direction has risen to a new level.

For a big man like Noah, when he stands up, not to mention strolling around, it is also relaxed and happy.

of course.

When Noah was knocked down, the most important thing was to treat the current Xue Liancheng as the previous Xue Liancheng.

This is how this famous scene was born.

Off-site attack and defense.

Noah didn't seem to have recovered from the embarrassment of being knocked down, and he made a mistake after catching the ball.

Fortunately.

The Bulls returned to defense very quickly, preventing the Heat's fast-break counterattack.

Xue Liancheng once again took the ball at the top of the arc.

Gasol was also asked to pull out the pick-and-roll.

This time.

The Bulls also chose to switch defenses.

It can be seen how resolute the Bulls' defensive strategy of infinite switching and tightening is.

Xue Liancheng pulled it out again, and said to the dark-faced Noah, "Be careful this time, don't slip and fall again."

Noah's old face was flushed again, but he was still very stubborn, "Come here."

Xue Liancheng didn't say much.

start up.

Lean forward.

The dribble process changed direction again.

Just a moment.

Noah tilted his whole body directly.

Xue Liancheng took advantage of the situation and turned around, passing Noah cleanly.

then.

Just rushed to the basket.

Just when Gasol was about to bring it up.

Xue Liancheng suddenly took two steps across.

Shoot directly from the middle distance.

There was no one in front of me.

Again!

Everyone in the Bulls was a little confused.

what is this?
Xue Liancheng passing people is like passing a wooden stake. Is this the Xue Liancheng they know?

Don't say the opponent is confused.

Even the Heat players were surprised.

They all clearly felt that the current Xue Liancheng was different from before.

And only Shiba, his eyes were shining.

As the person who knows Xue Liancheng best, he naturally knows what level his disciple is at.

From these two rounds, he clearly felt that Xue Liancheng had evolved.

wrong.

In the last two games with the Celtics, he already had this feeling faintly.

But these two rounds now have turned the feeling into reality.

His disciple has indeed evolved a lot.

And obviously.

Especially when it comes to breaking through, Xue Liancheng was not so calm in the past.

Even the skill of changing direction is very rigid because of the speed.

In the first two games of the series against the Celtics, Xue Liancheng still used bulldozing as his main means of breakthrough.

And now...

Xue Liancheng surpassed others so easily.

What is this not evolution?
In fact.

The reason why Xue Liancheng's evolution is so obvious is that he specially found a trainer for extra training during his rest time.

He was not too used to predicting the evolution of his ability at the time.

After the last two games of the Celtics series, coupled with the adaptation during the rest period, he has slowly put his 0.6-second prediction ability to his own use.

This was able to embarrass Noah in the first two rounds of this game.

Ok……

The 0.6 foreknowledge is indeed stronger than the 0.3 foreknowledge.

Although he had foreseen it before, he couldn't move.

Now he not only foresees it, but also moves relatively smoothly.

This advantage directly increased his breakthrough ability.

Especially when facing big players, it is even more useful.

(End of this chapter)