NBA: I am a master dealer

Chapter 348 The role of veterans!

of course.

The most important thing is that the record cannot be pulled too far by the Warriors.

After beating the numbers man, the Knicks' record reached 34 wins and 9 losses, firmly securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The top spot in the Western Conference is undoubtedly the Golden State Warriors, who dominate the league with a record of 37 wins and 5 losses.

The gap is not big, only 3.5 wins.

But having said that, it is also very shocking to achieve such results.

Because based on the halfway point of the schedule, the Warriors' performance this season is very likely to be close to the 72-win Bulls that shocked the past.

If such an achievement is really achieved, then the Warriors this season will definitely be called great, and as the head of the team, this achievement will definitely become a super plus point for Curry to compete for MVP.

but……

This thing is also difficult to say.

The Warriors achieved a record of 37 wins and 5 losses halfway through the season, which is indeed impressive, but considering that they started the season with a 24-game winning streak.

This comparison means that they lost 18 of the next 5 games.

A record of 13 wins and 5 losses doesn’t look that amazing.

Especially during the period from Christmas to the recent period, there have been a lot of losses.

Therefore, it is not easy for the Warriors to achieve this great achievement.

After the halfway point of the schedule, the situation in the east and west is basically clear.

The first place in the Eastern Conference is firmly controlled by the Knicks, and the second place is naturally the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their record has reached 27 wins and 12 losses, with a winning rate of 69.2%. Their momentum is no longer so fierce. They are one body length behind the Knicks. It is still very difficult to catch up now.

The most important thing is that their schedule in the first half of the season was relatively easy and they played several fewer games.

Next, they will play several more games in the same period of time, and the second half of the schedule will become very intensive.

At this time, the overall toughness of the Cavaliers is tested.

of course.

It also tests the newly appointed head coach Francois, who was the original assistant coach of the Cavaliers and can be regarded as a temporary replacement.

At present, the head coach's position is not very stable.

Because today, they lost to the Golden State Warriors at home by a huge score, losing by a full 34 points.

And it was at home, so I was beaten to pieces.

The Warriors are regarded by them as their main rival for the championship. It is naturally an unacceptable fact that they lost so miserably.

But compared to the historical trajectory, this time is much better.

Because according to the historical trajectory, last season's finals was the Cavaliers vs. the Warriors, and their grudges were buried. When the new season starts again, the Warriors will naturally be the Cavaliers' biggest opponent. Such a disastrous defeat will undoubtedly cause a huge reaction.

But that is no longer the case.

The Cavaliers were defeated in the Eastern Conference finals last season, and they didn't even meet the Warriors, so there was no grudge.

The Cavaliers' goal this season is to break out of the Eastern Conference.

Their biggest opponents are the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.

warrior?

That's something you have to rush out of the east to consider.

So after losing to the Warriors, the reaction from Cavaliers fans is not that big now.

The third-place Miami Heat, with 27 wins and 14 losses, a winning rate of 65.8%, is actually not far away from the Cavaliers.

In recent times, my performance has been pretty good.

But they are not stable.

Because the fourth-ranked Toronto Raptors, with 26 wins and 15 losses, a winning rate of 63.4%, are chasing the Heat.

If the Heat are not careful, they may be kicked out by the Toronto Raptors.

Because there is only one win between them.

The fifth place is the Atlanta Hawks, with 24 wins and 17 losses, a winning rate of 58.5%. They are only 2 wins away from the Toronto Raptors, which is also a very dangerous distance.

Sixth is the Detroit Pistons, with 23 wins and 18 losses, and a winning rate of 56%. They are also not far away from the Hawks, only one win away. They are very close and may jump up and give the Hawks a dunk at any time.

Although they were subdued by the Knicks, they are still very resilient and have slowly improved in recent times.

It really feels like a black hole.

The seventh Chicago Bulls, with 21 wins and 18 losses, a winning rate of 53.8%, are also one win behind the Pistons. Their form has improved recently.

However, if you win thrillingly, you will lose completely.

Everyone could see that the Bull was at the end of its tether.

The eighth Indiana Pacers have 22 wins and 19 losses, with a winning rate of 53.6%. The winning margin is the same as the Bulls, but the winning rate is slightly lower.

This is the current playoff queue in the Eastern Conference, like an echelon, going back one step at a time.

In fact, the gap between the eighth-place Pacers and the second-place Cavaliers is not too far away.

一个22胜19负，一个27胜12负，也就5个胜场差而已。

After a losing streak, it is very possible to fall behind.

This is the current situation in the East.

The distance between the Pacers and the Knicks is a bit far.

一个22胜19负，一个34胜9负，足足有11个胜场差。

In other words, the Pacers need to win 11 consecutive games and the Knicks need to suffer 11 consecutive losses before their records can be even.

but……

Judging from the current situation, it is difficult for this to happen.

and so……

Looking at the top eight in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are undoubtedly the most stable and do not have much pressure.

Then, from second to eighth, everything is very close. This is one of the few chaos in the East.

The competition for the top eight can be said to be extremely fierce. If you are not careful, you may fall behind immediately.

Ninth is the Orlando Magic, with 19 wins and 20 losses, and a winning rate of 48.7%. Recently, the Magic's head coach put Will Barton on the bench, and the effect was immediate.

It is quite rare to be close to the playoff threshold.

It can also be seen that after trading Oladipo, they officially established Vucevic's status and ensured Harris's ball rights, which allowed the offensive firepower of their young people to be released.

I don’t know if that deal is a win-win?

Anyway, for the Knicks, it is definitely a pure profit.

What about magic?

For now, it can be regarded as a consolation prize. After all, I have gained a bench gangster, and I don't have to worry about who should be used to build the team.

The 20th Boston Celtics, 22 wins and 47.6 losses, winning rate [-]%.

After being defeated by the Knicks twice in a row, they finally fell out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference and no longer had the arrogance to clamor.

Eleventh place Washington Wizards, 19 wins and 21 losses, winning rate 47.5%.

In recent times, Wall has finally led the Wizards to regain some vitality.

of course.

The most important thing is that Bill has recovered from injury and has found some form.

The twelfth-place Charlotte Hornets, with 19 wins and 22 losses, have a winning rate of 46.3%.

A dark horse rises quickly and falls quickly.

But judging from the historical trajectory, their strength is far more than that.

What's more...

They are not very far away from the top eight.

The thirteenth-place Milwaukee Bucks, with 17 wins and 26 losses, a winning rate of 39.5%, have fallen off a cliff here.

Basically, this should be it for the Bucks this season, and forget about the playoffs.

The Brooklyn Nets, the 11th last deputy squad leader, have 31 wins and 26.1 losses, a winning rate of [-]%, and are the representative of a bad team.

But such a bad team ended the Knicks' fifteen-game winning streak.

The 5th Philadelphia Digital Man from the bottom of the squad, with 37 wins and 11.9 losses, a winning rate of [-]%. He is determined to make bad things and specializes in giving benefits to people.

Such is the case in the East.

Except for the Knicks, who sit firmly on the Diaoyutai, second to eighth are all in a state of contention.

From ninth to twelfth, they are still a force that cannot be ignored in the fight for playoff spots and must not be underestimated.

Especially the Celtics and Hornets, they have the same record as the Heat and Hawks in their historical trajectory.

Needless to say, the Heat's newly formed Big Three model has allowed them to jump out of the historical trajectory.

Just this month, the Celtics and Hawks have been defeated by the Knicks. It is understandable that their records have been affected to a certain extent, but the Hornets should not...

That can only be one reason.

The Hornets exploded in the second half.

In the west, the situation is relatively clear.

The Golden State Warriors are first with 37 wins and 5 losses. Their combat effectiveness is undoubtedly the strongest in the league.

The San Antonio Spurs, with 35 wins and 7 losses, are ranked second. They are only 2 games behind the Warriors, which is also a very scary existence. However, their loss to the Knicks made their momentum less fierce.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, which has 30 wins and 12 losses, is ranked third. With double MVPs leading the team, it is expected that they will perform at the top level.

At this time, the media finally reacted and included them in the championship queue.

In other words, the Eastern Knicks, Heat, Cavaliers, Western Warriors, Spurs, and Thunder, these six teams are currently the most competitive in the league.

The Los Angeles Clippers, with 25 wins and 15 losses, are ranked fourth, and the city of lobs is still in an embarrassing position.

He rushed up, but he couldn't. I want to drop it, but I can’t.

The most important thing is that they have been teaming up for so many years and they still have not been able to get to the Western Conference Finals, which is really disappointing.

This season may be their last chance.

The Dallas Mavericks, who have 23 wins and 19 losses, are in fifth place. Nowitzki is really the best. Lian Po is old and can still make a living...

The Memphis Grizzlies, with 22 wins and 20 losses, are ranked sixth. Bosh is gone, but they still performed well and can still stay in the playoffs. I have to say that this is not a big deal. Miracle.

The seventh place is the Rockets with 22 wins and 21 losses. Such a record is far from expectations.

Last season they ranked second in the Western Conference, but this season their winning rate is only about [-]%. It's really a cliff-like decline!

This is also the reason why Harden has beautiful statistics but fails to attract public attention.

With this record, who has time to pay attention?

The eighth place is the Utah Jazz. Their record is only 18 wins and 23 losses. They can reach the quarterfinals even if they pull their hips. This is something no one expected.

This shows that the situation of the strong west and the weak east has been subversively changed this season?

Anyway, the twelfth-place Hornets can get a playoff spot if they take it to the Western Conference.

of course.

The most important factor is that the performance of the Warriors and Spurs this season is so crazy that other teams in the Western Conference have changed their minds and naturally cannot improve their record.

After all... these are two battle vampire girls!

If they don't lose, how could the Warriors and Spurs win so much.

On the other hand, the teams they mainly lost to were the Warriors and Spurs.

As for the top eight, except for the Trail Blazers, who are still a little bit alive, the other teams are not worth mentioning at all.

The once powerful Los Angeles Lakers, with 9 wins and 33 losses, are once again overlooking the Western Conference lottery.

At present, the Eastern Conference is more promising, more competitive, and has greater pressure.

Except for the relatively stable Knicks, no other team dares to pat their chests.

but……

Opening champagne at half-time is unreasonable.

After all, there are still more than [-] games in the second half of the season. Who can guarantee that they can't have a carp fight?

Who can guarantee that they will always be able to stand out from the crowd?

Like now, the Knicks have a problem.

The large-scale wave of injuries has caused a significant decline in their overall strength. Otherwise... they have no reason to lose to the Nets.

At this time, many media began to take stock of the mid-season.

In addition to performance analysis, they also make predictions for major awards and All-Stars.

For example, when it comes to the Rookie of the Year award, reporters and media are all relatively unanimous, that is, they are unanimously optimistic about Towns.

For example, for the Most Improved Award, some people think it’s Oladipo, while others think it’s CJ McCollum.

For example, the best team, Xue Liancheng, Curry, James, Durant, Cousins?

What fans pay most attention to is the MVP.

Xue Liancheng and Curry, basically the ultimate prize this season will happen between the two.

The voting shows that Xue Liancheng's chance of consecutive betting has risen to nearly [-]%.

That is half and half.

The public believes that it still depends on who the scoring champion is...

If Xue Liancheng is the scoring leader, then if the record is not far apart, the MVP is guaranteed.

If Curry is the scoring champion, then Curry can beat Xue Liancheng by virtue of his record advantage and scoring title.

Currently, Curry is averaging 30.8 points per game. After Xue Liancheng's two consecutive big outbursts, his scoring average has risen to 30.2 points, finally breaking through the 30+ mark, and he is officially going to compete with Curry on the bayonet.

As for the other two top scorers, they are already falling behind.

Harden averaged 29.1 points per game, which is already 1 point behind Xue Liancheng. It seems that the distance is not big, but it is not easy to catch up.

Unless they break out continuously and get 50+ like crazy, they can still catch up.

Durant lags even further behind, averaging only 28.3 points per game.

Du Shubao stopped arguing with Xue Liancheng this time. After all, the team continued to win, and he could not destroy the team's good chemical reaction just to improve statistics.

and so.

The final scoring champion will most likely come between Xue Liancheng and Curry.

And this affects the ownership of MVP.

This caused fans from both sides to offer suggestions and teach their idols how to quickly score points.

of course.

Xue Liancheng didn't know this.

After he returned to New York, he continued to immerse himself in the training gym.

the next day.

At Madison Square Garden, they face the challenge of the Utah Jazz, who are ranked eighth in the Western Conference.

The current Jazz are said to be in the top eight, but in fact they are benefiting from the weak back row of the Western Conference. They can enter the playoffs with 18 wins and 23 losses, which is comparable to the Eastern Conference in previous years.

But in Xue Liancheng's memory, the record of the top eight in the Western Conference this season should be over [-]%.

Ok……

In addition to the Utah Jazz, the teams that worked hard in the second half were the Trail Blazers, who rushed to fifth place in the Western Conference.

That's right...

The Trail Blazers' current record is 19 wins and 25 losses, which means that with 38 games left in the second half, they will have to win at least twenty games, and their combat effectiveness is quite terrifying.

The Jazz are not bad either. A few games before the end of the season, they were leading the Rockets and had an advantage.

But in the end, they still failed to have the last laugh and were killed by the Rockets.

The main reason is that Hayward has indeed grown and Gobert has gradually become the defensive pillar of the Jazz.

The latter, in particular, had a great influence on Jazz.

this match.

Xue Liancheng also experienced Gobert's terrifying coverage.

He blocked his position and rushed in. It stands to reason that he could lay up with an underhand shot. He used this trick to deal with James before.

But after the ball was thrown, Gobert still slapped the ball away.

You can imagine how amazing Gobert's coverage is.

In fact, Xue Liancheng is okay, after all, his pick-and-roll play can also cure Gobert, and even adjusting the rhythm from the outside to make step-back shots, it also makes Gobert unable to do anything.

To say that the biggest victim is none other than Lopez.

Because of the matchup, Lopez's low post and straight-arm shooting were affected to varying degrees.

The footwork that Lopez is good at also lost its effect at this time.

After the whole game, he made 18 of 6 shots and only scored 15 points. Fortunately, he had 12 rebounds to make up for it.

otherwise……

Lopez's performance was nothing short of a war criminal.

Xue Liancheng still used his vision and ability to read the game to drive his teammates to rush forward.

The score was deadlocked.

Finally, he stood up to reap the rewards.

The final score was 118:111, which was not a big win, but fortunately it was a win.

Xue Liancheng was not in very good shape in this game. He made 22 of 11 shots and only scored 30 points.

You know, the number of shots he takes is usually below 20, and it is rare that he takes 20+ shots to qualify for a 30-point performance.

This shows that, excluding three 19% hits, his efficiency is not very good, only 8 out of [-], which is definitely not good.

In addition to 30 points, he also had 15 assists.

If the ability to hit [-]% of the ball is his trump card, then passing is definitely his magic weapon to win.

Without the dynamic images and predictive abilities in his brain, it would be really difficult for him to lead the team to maintain the score.

Feng Lai performed well in this game. He scored 23 points, 14 of 10, and three three-pointers.

He is one of the biggest contributors to the team's win.

He is also the main contributor to Xue Liancheng's 15 assists.

Crowder's condition improved a bit, scoring 7 points on 4 of 9 shots.

PJ Tucker made 9 of 3 and made two three-pointers, which is already very good.

On the bench, only two people stepped up to score.

Tyler Johnson scored 13 points and performed well.

The other one was David West, who scored 18 points. The role of the veteran was reflected at this time.

When the team's offense reached a stalemate and Lopez was at a loss, David West used his singles ability to eat several opponents alive.

This is also the reason why they can maintain the score.

Especially in fierce competitions, David West becomes more and more popular. He has rich experience, the courage to take responsibility, and good ability. When these factors are present, he can also give encouragement and confidence to his teammates.

This is the veteran.

If it comes to the playoffs, David West will be even more useful, and even play the role of a talisman.

In this regard, David West has done a good job in assisting the psychological construction of his teammates.

There is a faint tendency to become a leader in the locker room.

(End of this chapter)