I'm really strong in basketball

Howard was furious!

Howard had just come out of the hospital when he saw the two cities New York and Charlotte jointly promoting:

Okafor is the strongest rookie in 04, and the Magic chose the wrong person!

Such news is overwhelming.

How could the childish Howard not explode?
The Magic management tried to reassure Howard before he calmed down.

but……

A week later, Howard returned and the Magic visited Los Angeles to challenge the defending champion Lakers.

In this game, Marbury was absent due to an ankle sprain, and Kobe was instantly excited.

Liu He scored 52 points before, beating Kobe by a head.

Considering Marbury's feelings, Kobe couldn't just throw wild shots throughout the game. His scoring was limited and he couldn't respond to Liu He, which made Kobe very unhappy.

But now, with Marbury absent, the opportunity has come.

In this game, Kobe showed off his might and scored 61 points.

To be honest, Liu He was not surprised at all.

It's really not that Kobe is too strong, but that the Magic's perimeter defense is too bad.

Francis, a franchise player at No. [-], certainly won't do the dirty and tiring work of defense.

How could No. [-] Alan Houston, a veteran with a broken leg, be able to guard Peter Pan?

No. 208 Turkoglu, a 8cm Turkish agent, is destined to be unable to guard against speedy defenders, and No. [-] Kobe happens to be extremely fast.

No. [-] substitute Jameer Nelson is too short!
The No. [-] substitute for "Old Cat" Mobley is too short.

Substitute Stevenson at the third position, which is the Magic's only defensive gate on the outside.

……

But you wouldn’t expect a substitute to be able to guard last season’s FMVP, right?
In fact, if Hill had not been traded, the Magic team's perimeter defense could have been strengthened, but it was a pity that Hill was also sent away.

This is why, facing this Magic team, Liu He scored 52 points and Kobe Bryant scored 61 points.

During the game, Kobe was always able to easily get into the penalty area and score points. The Magic's perimeter gave him too little resistance.

Kobe even dunked on Howard once during the game.

The Lakers, accustomed to big scenes, played the video on the Staples Center big screen more than a dozen times on the spot.

After the game, this video appeared on sports channels around the world and was played on a loop.

At the post-game press conference, when Kobe was asked how he felt about dunking on Howard, Kobe just shrugged, spread his hands and said... don't do it for sex.

It's just a dunk on Howard, not worth mentioning.

"That guy Liu He can defeat Howard in infinite duels. Isn't it normal for me to dunk Howard on my back?"

Kobe then dissed Liu He from afar, which has been a habit of the two this season.

As long as one side scores higher points, there will inevitably be some diss. This is also the show that the media and fans are most looking forward to.

Suddenly, the scene flashed into a flash.

Later, the reporter asked: "Howard has outstanding talent. Do you think he can become O'Neal?"

Kobe picked his ears and asked in surprise: "What did you ask just now? Howard, O'Neal? Oh, are you kidding? No! I must have heard wrong! How can anyone think that Howard can become O'Neal? Impossible , absolutely impossible!”

Although the OK group turned against each other, Kobe only questioned O'Neal's professional attitude, but never questioned O'Neal's strength.

Interestingly, these words from Kobe are sure to annoy Howard.

I don’t know if the two people who have collaborated in history will still be able to collaborate after this time.

But it doesn’t matter if these two people don’t cooperate. One wants to win, the other just wants to play... If they don’t share the same goals, why should they cooperate?
Howard should team up with Harden!
How nice to play together!

……

However, Howard had no time to respond to Kobe, because in the second game of the Magic's road trip, the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony once again scored 45 points.

At this time, there were more voices questioning Howard.

Once was a coincidence.

Twice is such a coincidence!

three times?
Immediately, a large number of people questioned Howard's defensive ability.

"Howard seems to be extremely talented, but he loses every time he plays and lets his opponent's core score high points every time. This is wrong!"

"What else can I say? Howard is just a paper tiger. He looks strong but is actually incompetent! The top pick in parallel imports!"

"It seems that the Magic really chose the wrong person this time! After all, no matter how lucky they are, they can only get O'Neal once."

"You don't know how to cherish O'Neal when you get him. You deserve to choose Howard, a parallel import!"

……

Suddenly, amid the overwhelming rumors, not only Howard himself was shaken, but even the Magic management was wondering: Did we really make the wrong choice this time?
Of course, there are people who know the game and quickly pointed out that this is not Howard's problem, but the Magic's poor perimeter defense.

This relieved Howard and the Magic front office.

then……

In the third game of the Magic's road trip, they ushered in the Rockets led by Yao Mai.

In this game, facing Howard, Yao Ming scored 36 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, making 18 of 12 field goals and 12 of 12 free throws.

霍华德6分7篮板6犯规，其中投篮9投2中，罚球5中2。

The Magic defeated Houston 98:117.

After the game, the fans asked: Who is to blame this time?Or is it the Magic's perimeter?Is it their fault that they couldn't guard Yao Ming?
Some fans sharply pointed out: The real O'Neal will not be beaten by Yao Ming, even in his rookie season!

Howard: ...

Magic management:…

On this day, Howard fell into the darkest moment of his life.

But...he just felt it was the darkest, and even darker things were yet to come.

On the other side, the Knicks continue their long season.

12 month 7 day.

The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 118:105.

12 month 8 day.

The Knicks defeated the Hornets 99:91.

12 month 10 day.

The Knicks lost to the Wizards 106:112.

12 month 12 day.

Anthony led the Nuggets to attack, scoring 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Liu He played at home and scored 36 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

The Knicks defeated the Nuggets 115:111 to defend the Devils' home court.

The total record is 15 wins and 5 losses.

12 month 14 day.

The Knicks defeated the Nets 88:79, with a total record of 16 wins and 5 losses.

12 month 15 day.

The Knicks once again face a back-to-back game against last season's Eastern Conference champion Pistons, a true championship-level team.

The Pistons' starting lineup tonight is still the top five:
Big Ben, Rasheed, Prince, Hamilton, Billups.

The starting lineup of the home team Knicks is:

Pachulia, Thomas, Liu He, Ariza, White Chocolate.

Coach Nelson strictly followed the team doctor's instructions and rested Hill as long as there were back-to-back games.

This also makes the Knicks' already weaker paper lineup even weaker.

During the jump ball stage, Ben jumped high and moved the basketball into the Pistons' half.

In the first offensive round, Rasheed turned over and shot a straight-arm jumper with Thomas on his back.

Swish!
0: 2.

Although Thomas' defense is very strong, his height of 206cm is a flaw. It is really difficult to guard against a 211th position like Rasheed who is [-]cm and has strong independent offensive ability.

During the transition between offense and defense, Rashid specifically found Liu He:

"Without O'Neal and Kobe, you are just a naked nightclub bitch in front of me. Tonight I will pin you down and fuck you to death!"

Faced with Rashid's trash talk, Liu He raised his eyebrows and replied with a smile:
"Did the summer finals hurt you so deeply? You can't forget it even now? I'm really sorry, I didn't want to, but who told you to be so weak? You can't win even if I give you Karl Malone. .Ah trash!"

Rashid's cheek twitched and he almost burst out.

In other words, Rashid, who is 30 years old, has become more mature and can control his emotions.

If he were just a few years younger, this guy would have to blow himself up on the spot.

Rashid was bullied to the point of being autistic, but Liu He would not let go of this opportunity. He was almost close to Rashid's face. The two were face to face, and the distance was no more than 3cm. They could kiss him even if they moved a little.

Liu He pursued the victory and deliberately provoked Rasheed's emotions: "Tonight, I gave you another Grant Hill. You still can't win, right? If you can lose in this, just retire!"

"Oh, you said you wouldn't retire! That's right. You're used to losing anyway, and you don't even have to lose face. What else do you have to be afraid of?"

Faced with Liu He's emotional teasing, Rashid finally exploded and was about to have an attack.

Prince and Billups rushed up and grabbed Rasheed.

"He is deliberately provoking you, Rashid, don't be fooled!"

"This is New York, don't do anything!"

The two of them said something to each other, and then Rashid was persuaded to stop.

Rasheed looked at the Knicks bench. Malone, Big Dog, Hardaway, and Payton looked disappointed.

On the court, Pachulia and Thomas are also eager to try.

Only then did Rashid feel frightened.

If he had taken action just now, wouldn't he have become the second Howard?

Big Ben is indeed very capable, but facing the New York gang led by Malone, there is absolutely no way he can protect Rashid.

What's more, Liu He himself is a devil with many evil deeds, and his "combat ability" is extremely strong. In his rookie year, he defeated Horry, Bowen, Camby, Cook, and Sangela.

If playing ball, Rashid is confident of defeating Liu He.

But in the fight, Rashid is really a bit weak.

What's more, New York fans are not easy to mess with.

It is said that on the day of Howard's trouble, when the Magic were leaving, the bus was blocked by New York fans who were not afraid of trouble.

If the police had not arrived in time, the consequences would have been disastrous.

Thinking of this, Rashid calmed down completely.

On the court, the three referees on duty silently praised Rashid. This kid knows how to advance and retreat.

If Rashid had really taken action just now, they would be afraid too!

He was afraid that he could not stop the New York gang and would kill Rasheed on the spot.

However, the New York fans at the scene were not used to Rashid, and they burst into overwhelming boos on the spot.

"Rashid, you really look like a pussy!"

"Rashid, is your third leg still there?"

"Would you like me to introduce you to play in the WNBA? I know the scouts from that league."

These New York fans are not afraid of the home team fighting, they are afraid that the home team will be idle and eager to start a fight.

Anyway, in a real fight, the New York gangsters are invincible.

But even so, Rashid did not dare to have any temper.

Therefore, even the "Roaring God" can control his temper, as long as the opponent is scary enough.

On the court, Liu He saw that Rashid had controlled his emotions and stopped talking trash.

His purpose is to provoke Rasheed, the most irritable among the Pistons' five tigers. If Rasheed is sent off, the Knicks' hope of winning tonight will be greatly improved.

But since this trick was useless, Liu He was too lazy to waste his words.

On the Knicks bench, Payton looked at Malone and said, "It's just a little bit worse. This guy's trash talk now is so terrible. He is simply playing with people's hearts. He is worthy of being a devil."

Ma Long thought to himself: You taught me all this!

Less than 1 minute into the game, a conflict almost broke out between the two sides.This start also makes the fans more excited, especially the New York fans who have always been restless, and they are looking forward to what else will happen in the game.

The Knicks attack.

White Chocolate and Liu He were in a pick-and-roll. After breaking up, White Chocolate pushed in and Liu He bounced out.

Prince gagged the white chocolate.

White Chocolate wanted to find Liu He, but found that on Liu He's side, not only Billups switched to Liu He, but Hamilton also pounced on him.

The Pistons were on target tonight.

With Hill taking a rest, they chose to double-team Liu He directly.

So, White Chocolate found Ariza who was left empty on the other side.

Ariza took an open shot from outside the three-point line.

Bang!

"Tieza" is indeed well-deserved. Although Ariza has been practicing three-pointers crazily in the past few months under the arrangement of the coaching staff, the time is too short after all.

Ben, who was under the basket, got a board.

The Pistons took the opportunity to launch a fast break, and Billups assisted Hamilton in the frontcourt for a layup.

0: 4.

The Knicks attack.

White Chocolate read the defensive formation and then distributed the ball to Liu He.

Liu He and Thomas played pick-and-roll at the free throw line.

However, the Pistons' attack was very determined. After Rasheed switched to Liu He, Hamilton pounced from the flank immediately.

Liu He glanced at the center line. Thomas was also entangled by Prince, who looked thin but was actually very strong, and failed to pass down.

Liu He then chose to pass the ball to Ariza who was left open.

Ariza took another shot when he was free.

Bang!

In the opening two irons, Ariza really has the potential to be a blacksmith.

And because Ariza kept hitting the ball and couldn't shoot, Hamilton more decisively left Ariza open and double-teamed Liu He.

Under such circumstances, the Knicks had a very rough start.

Liu He was never able to score smoothly, and the Knicks' offense seemed very difficult.

The game lasted 7 minutes, 10:17.

The Knicks are already 7 points behind.

Nelson called a timeout and replaced Crawford, the team's sixth man, in advance, replacing Ariza.

With Crawford on the court, the Knicks' defense will be weaker.Of course the offense will be improved a lot.

Nelson saw clearly that the Knicks were no match for the Pistons when it came to defense.

Of course, there are few teams in the league that can match the defense of the Pistons.

In this case, it is better to give up part of the defense and fight the Pistons offensively, so that there is still a glimmer of hope.

The game restarts.

White Chocolate continued to play pick-and-roll with Liu He. After the split, the Pistons still resolutely flanked Liu He.

White Chocolate immediately distributed the ball to Crawford who was left open on the wing.

Historically, Crawford's three-point shooting percentage this season is as high as 36.1%, averaging 7.3 three-pointers per game and hitting 2.6.

In this time and space, with the restraints of Liu He and Hill (during the rotation, Nelson will arrange for Liu He or Hill to partner with Crawford to lead the bench together), Crawford has averaged three points per game so far this season. The ball count dropped to 6.1 and the hits also dropped to 2.4.

The output has dropped, but the shooting rate has increased to 39.3%, which is already the efficiency of a top shooter in this era.

Crawford caught the ball in an open position, pulled up and shot.

Swish!
13: 17.

The Pistons paid the price for their slight.

Pistons attack.

Rasheed beat Thomas in the low post and missed a straight-arm jumper.

Bang!

Although he suffers from a height disadvantage, Thomas has his own set of defensive principles.

If they are not as high as you, they will provide confrontation and aggression in the lower plate to interfere with your hit rate.

This move is of no use to Duncan, who is solid in the bottom plate, nor to Nowitzki, who is floating on the outside.

But it worked for Rasheed.

Rashid's hard-solving ability is still a level lower than that of Duncan and Nowitzki.

Throughout his career, Nowitzki averaged 23.3 points per game against Thomas and Duncan averaged 23.8 points.

Rashid only scored 15 points and shot only 44.8% from the field, which was lower than his career average of 46.7%.

Pachulia protected the rebound and the Knicks wanted to play a fast break.

Unfortunately, the Pistons recovered quickly and had already set up a defensive formation.

Seeing this, White Chocolate decisively sought stability, slowed down, slowly advanced to the frontcourt, and continued to run tactics with his teammates.

The Pistons are still resolutely attacking Liu He, which gives Crawford an opportunity to take an open shot.

Swish!
16: 17.

As soon as Crawford came up, he hit two three-pointers to help the Knicks tighten the score.

Looking back, Rasheed's wing breakthrough failed to get rid of Thomas, and the mid-range jumper continued to misfire.

Liu He grabbed the rebound and immediately found Crawford who was already on a fast break.

Billups pestered Crawford in an attempt to stop the Knicks' fast break.

But he is Crawford!
Crawford made an elegant behind-the-back dribble, passed Billups smoothly, then rushed to the frontcourt and scored with a one-handed basket.

Swish!
18: 17.

This is Crawford's impact. Once he feels it, he is completely unstoppable.

As soon as Crawford came on, he scored 8 points in a row to help the Knicks overtake the score. The Madison Square Garden Arena immediately burst into cheers.

Larry Brown quickly called a timeout and rearranged the setup.

After the timeout, Billups holds the ball at the top of the arc.

Rasheed mentioned the wing and helped Hamilton set up a screen to block Crawford.

Crawford's weak body was unable to squeeze through, and Hamilton broke away from the defense in an instant, ran out of the open space, received the pass from Billups, and shot.

Swish!
18: 19.

The Pistons began to take advantage of Crawford's defensive problems.

But Nelson remained calm.

When Crawford came on, he was already prepared.

The Knicks' lineup does not intend to defend well, but wants to fight the Pistons offensively.

The Knicks attack.

Crawford attacks with the ball.

The Pistons obviously strengthened their defense on this side, and Ben's position blocked Crawford's breakthrough route.

Hamilton defended Crawford closely and did not give Crawford a chance to shoot, forcing Crawford to break through.

Crawford almost fell into the Pistons' trick, but fortunately passed the ball in time.

Liu He caught the ball and slammed it directly into the basket.

Before Ben could pounce back, Pachulia dunked easily.

boom!
20: 19.

Pistons attack.

Hamilton continued to catch and shoot, and his mid-range shot was steady.

20: 21.

The Knicks attack.

Seeing that the opportunity was not good, Crawford passed the ball to Liu He and squatted in the bottom corner.

Crawford, who can shoot three-pointers, is completely different from Ariza, who is constantly hitting the iron.

As soon as Crawford came up, Liu He felt that the pressure was much less, and the Pistons no longer dared to double-team him.

Liu He summoned Pachulia at the top of the arc and asked Pachulia to hold the ball at the free throw line to provide support.

Liu He suddenly started running past Pachulia, and the two passed the ball hand in hand.

As soon as Liu He got the ball, he accelerated towards the penalty area.

Because Ben followed Pachulia out, the Pistons' penalty area was empty.

Liu He rushed into the penalty area, jumped into the air, and completed a dunk in an instant.

boom!
22: 21.

Pistons attack.

Thomas helped Crawford with defense this time, and Hamilton finally missed.

back.

Pachulia continued to support from the free throw line.

Liu He caught the ball hand-in-hand and continued to attack the penalty area.

Ben failed to defend in time, and Rashid made up for it.

Liu He took his time and waited until the two of them jumped into the air at the same time before passing the ball to Thomas on one side.

After Thomas got the ball, no one was guarding him, and he jumped up and dunked.

boom!
24: 21.

The Knicks led by 3 points with only 11 seconds left.

The Knicks increased their defensive intensity and wanted to keep the lead until the second quarter.

However, Billups suddenly fired a cold arrow from the outside.

Swish!
24: 24.

At the end of the first quarter, both sides returned to the same starting line.

In the second quarter, both sides rotated their lineups to fight.

The drawbacks of Crawford's early appearance emerged.

Crawford, who has been fighting for a while, no longer has the physical advantage and his impact is weakened.

In desperation, Nelson replaced Hardaway and Big Dog and took turns attacking.

But these two former super scorers have reached the end of their careers. Hardaway is suffering from injuries, and Big Dog has damaged his body due to alcoholism. Both of them are mentally weak.

Fortunately, Payton is still getting stronger. He first scored a goal with a post-up shot, and then assisted Chandler in an alley-oop.

Halfway through the second quarter, 28:32.

The Pistons led by 4 points.

After that, the two sides changed their generals and returned to the main lineup to continue the battle.

Liu He showed off his power and scored 14 points in a row in the second half.

It's a pity that the Knicks' offense went smoothly, but they failed to limit the opponent's offense.

The end of the first half, 42:48.

The Knicks are still 6 points behind.

By the third quarter, the Knicks, who were playing back-to-back games, showed their exhaustion.

Liu He made only 5 of 1 shots in the third quarter. Thomas was good at missing the mid-range shot. Pachulia's rebound under the basket was actually able to bounce out...

55: 70.

At the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were already 15 points behind. (End of chapter)