I'm really strong in basketball

Chapter 58 Ma Long was seriously injured and his hands were hot
Facing the attack of Garnett fans, Liu He's fans, including Los Angeles fans and Chinese fans, naturally started to fight back.

The two sides had just had a "fierce battle" because of the selection of the best player in the Western Conference, and the anger between each other has not disappeared.

There was no time to rest, and the second "fierce battle" started again.

All of a sudden, the new hatred added to the old hatred, and the fans of both sides "fighted" hard.

The match between the two sides has not yet started, but the smoke of gunpowder is already filling the air.

Being in the center of the vortex, Liu He was naturally not immune, and was soon chased and intercepted by the media.

Liu He is very calm, the honor of All-Star seems to be important.But for him, it's really better to make one more three-pointer, or play one more conflict, or even suffer one more injury.

Look, does this speak human words?

So in the face of the media, Liu He just stated: "The All-Star is a stage to compete for popularity. If I can be selected as the All-Star starter, it means that I have won the love of enough fans. I will work hard and never let my fans down."

This is also a very common phrase.

But to Garnett's ears, it became "Garnett's popularity is not as good as my Liu He", Garnett became angry again, and started to toss things in the team again.

In the end, it was Cassell and Sprewell who stood up and helped Garnett to settle the matter.

Liu He didn't know about all this.

Even if he knew, Liu He would only sneer.

At this stage, in terms of statistics and strength, Liu He is definitely not as good as Garnett.

But in the voting competition, three Garnetts are no match for one Liu He, and there are countless Chinese fans behind him.

With the backing of the whole of China, Liu He is not afraid of anyone!
The vast majority of Chinese fans will definitely support Yao Ming and Liu He. Some fans may be more serious and feel that Liu He is not as good as Garnett, so they are embarrassed to support Liu He.

What Liu He has to do is also very simple. After playing a wonderful performance against the Timberwolves, he can naturally reverse the thinking of this part of the Chinese fans.

Of course, there are still a very small number of people with unique ideas, and Liu He doesn't need to care about them, after all, they are very few people.

Therefore, for Garnett, this game is a good opportunity for him to beat Liu He and show off his skills.

For Liu He, isn't it a good opportunity to defeat Garnett and show his potential?
……

In this way, 2003 came to yesterday in the noise.

Here comes 2004!
Liu He is 20 years old!

Likewise, the old Lakers are getting older.

Karl Malone is 41, Gary Payton is 36, Shaquille O’Neal is 32, Horace Grant is 39, Rick Fox is 35…

Even "little fish" Derek Fisher is 30 years old and can no longer be called a little fish.

In the first game of the new year, O'Neal returned, and the Lakers easily defeated their opponents.

Malone played extremely well in this game, scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

He seems to be declaring war against the years, never bowing to age.

In the second game, Malone scored 33 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

In the third game, Malone scored 29 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Malone is crazy!

连续三场比赛，马龙场均砍下30分11篮板3.3助攻1抢断0.7盖帽。

This is the 41-year-old Ma Long!
All of a sudden, the media went crazy.

"A miracle in sports!"

"The Ageless Karl Malone!"

"Back to the top!"

"Old soldiers don't die, they only...be stronger!"

"The postman forever!"

……

Compared with the amazement of the outside world, the Lakers are not so happy.

After these three games, everyone on the team could notice that Ma Long was panting badly.

Phil Jackson was very worried, and he and Payton talked to Malone in turn, hoping that Malone could cooperate and reduce playing time to ensure that he would stay away from injuries.

However, Ma Long, who was physically tired but extremely excited, did not feel tired at all, and protested against it.

"This is my 19th season, and I know how to avoid injuries better than anyone else. Besides, in these 19 years, I only missed 11 games, 5 of which were injuries, and 6 were suspensions. Who else has a better body than my brother?"

This word blocked everyone's mouth!

Indeed, when it comes to Bi Nai, even a body bug like James has to bow to Malone.

In his 18-year career, he has never had a serious injury.

Throughout NBA history, Malone is also the leader.

This experience made Malone extremely conceited.

Coupled with the outstanding performance in early January, Ma Long's self-esteem has increased to a higher level, and no one can listen to what he says.

But arrogant soldiers are bound to lose, and people will stumble when they are most conceited.

In the fourth game in January, Malone fell to the ground at the end of the game against the Suns, curled up in pain, and hugged his right knee.

After the team doctor's examination, the situation is very serious and needs to be sent to the hospital for further examination.

After a detailed examination, it was confirmed that Malone's injury was very serious and he would need to miss at least three months of the game.

Malone's absence is naturally a bad news for the Lakers, who have no bench depth.

For a while, a dark cloud hung over the Lakers.

It was under such circumstances that the Lakers ushered in their first matchup with the Timberwolves this season.

2004 1 Month 7 Day.

The Lakers are a guest in Minnesota to challenge the Timberwolves led by the three-headed monster.

Along the way, the vibe for the Lakers was like a cold Minnesota day, with snow falling.

Especially head coach Phil Jackson.

Some fans blamed Phil's inaction for Malone's injury.

"What is Phil Jackson capable of other than fucking stars?"

"Malone hasn't suffered a serious injury in 18 seasons. He suffered such a serious injury as soon as he arrived at the Lakers. If it's not Phil's fault, whose fault is it?"

"The Big Three Bulls, the OK combination of the Lakers, with such a lineup, let me lead the team to win the championship. Phil is just lucky."

A few days ago, it was these people who crazily praised Ma Long, which made Ma Long more conceited and did not listen to Phil's suggestion at all.

Now that Malone was injured, these people immediately turned their guns and attacked Phil.

Really good job Nima!
At the same time, Garnett was interviewed by the media again, saying: "I express infinite regrets about Carl's matter. But injuries are part of the game, and no one can avoid it. What can I do? I must go all out and win. This is the respect for everyone in the Lakers and the respect for the fans. Moreover, I am full of confidence in the victory, I will win, and we will beat the Lakers!"

This is the first time this season that an opponent dared to say so confidently before the game that he would beat the Lakers.

It seems that Malone's injury made some monsters think they had seized the opportunity.

Phil can play too.

He brought the newspaper that reported "Garnett's remarks" to the team and deliberately let the team read it.

O'Neill and Kobe looked a little ugly.

Without Malone, and the OK combination plus Payton, Garnett dared to underestimate them so much.

Looking at 2001, which team didn't tremble when encountering the OK combination? Times have changed?
O'Neill and Kobe looked at each other silently, didn't say anything, and seemed to say everything.

In an instant, the mood on the Lakers changed.

And Garnett, who was waiting at the Target Center, didn't know what he had provoked.

That night.

Target Center Arena.

The Lakers, as the visiting team, played first.

Fifth position: Shaq O'Neal.

Fourth position: Stanislav Medvedenko.

Number three: Liu He.

Number two: Kobe Bryant.

Number one: Gary Payton.

Except for Medvedenko replacing Malone's starting position, the Lakers have no other adjustments.

Then came the Timberwolves, starting lineup:

Fifth position: Elvin Johnson.

Number four: "Wolf King" Kevin Garnett.

The third spot: Trenton Hassell.

Second position: "Madman" Latrell Sprewell.

Number one: "Alien" Sam Cassell.

The Target Center erupted in deafening cheers as the home team came out.

This season, the Timberwolves have achieved an excellent record of 21 wins and 11 losses, and are very likely to create the best record in team history.

The Timberwolves' excellent lineup also has the possibility of winning the championship.

But this season, the Galaxy Battleship Lakers have been pressing on top of the Timberwolves, which makes it almost impossible for the Timberwolves to win the championship.

But now, with Karl Malone injured, the Timberwolves feel hopeful.

Especially Garnett's speech before the game made the Timberwolves fans full of confidence and also greatly increased the morale of the Timberwolves players.

During the warm-up phase, Garnett showed a few dunks, each time accompanied by roars, which made the Minnesota fans extremely excited.

I don't know if it's an illusion, but Liu He always felt that Garnett would inadvertently look at him every time he dunked, with a bad look in his eyes.

Liu He was a little puzzled: Do I have any trouble with Garnett?

The game was about to start, Liu He took a last look at the system.

[The Last Stand Badge is being triggered, the time limit is 3 minutes]

The second-level hundred-step piercing Yang badge, plus the triggered first-level desperate badge.

The basket at this moment is as vast as the sea in Liu He's eyes.

"Guys, my hands are burning hot right now!"

When playing, Liu He said to the other four.

O'Neill smiled happily. As long as Liu He feels good, he will play comfortably.

Kobe looked serious.

Payton looked at the Timberwolves players with a sneer.

Only Medvedenko is still a little confused.

In the jump ball stage, Garnett defeated O'Neal and dialed the ball to his own half.

Timberwolves offense.

Cassel dribbles to the frontcourt and deals the card directly to Garnett, who is asking for the ball in the low post.

It seems that the Timberwolves are also well prepared. While you are sick, I will kill you!
Without Malone, they stared at the Lakers' breakthrough at the fourth position.

Relying on his absolute physical advantage, Garnett sat with his back against Medvedenko and burrowed in.

Medvedenko has never been good at strength and confrontation, and there is nothing he can do about Garnett.

Garnett took whatever he wanted, chiseled not far from the basket, and easily hit the first goal of the game with a turnaround jumper.

Swish!
0: 2.

"Ho! Minnesota, this is for you!"

Garnett, who scored the goal, roared up to the sky. This mental attribute is really nothing to say, it is worthy of a big jumper.

Then he started to spout at the opposing Medvedenko again.

"Boy, your defense is as soft as my stool when I have diarrhea."

"You can't prevent me at all!"

"I'm going to score 30 points on you tonight!"

Medvedenko, who was in the fourth grade, was sprayed until his head exploded.

Lakers offense.

The Timberwolves have already set up a defensive formation,

"Fake Magician" Elvin Johnson defended against O'Neal, and Garnett kept harassing and going around to prevent O'Neal from receiving the ball.

As for Kobe, "Madman" Sprewell defended one-on-one.

Sprewell entered the first team of the best team and the second team of the best defensive team when he was in the second grade. He is a star who combines offense and defense and can cause Kobe a lot of trouble.

It looks like Coach Flip Saunders has been well prepared for the game.

But when he puts his defensive focus on the middle and low distances, the pressure on the outside line will naturally be less.

Liu He ran outside and passed Payton, and the two handed the ball.

The experienced Payton immediately stopped the chasing Trenton Hassell.

The Timberwolves could only switch defenses, and Kassel pounced on Liu He.

But the height gap between the two is too big.

Liu He is 204cm, and Kassel is 191cm. There is only a momentary time difference. Liu He takes off and shoots, and Kassel can only watch Liu He shoot.

The basketball crossed a high parabola and drilled into the basket with precision.

Swish!
3: 2.

Compared to Garnett's passion, Liu He's expression was indifferent, he turned and ran to the backcourt without saying a word, ready to defend.

Timberwolves offense.

Garnett, who was running, glanced at Liu He's back, went to the frontcourt and continued to get stuck for the ball, and then forced Medvedenko.

Medvedenko still had nothing to do, was chiseled into the low post by Garnett, turned over again and hit a jumper.

Swish!
3: 4.

Garnett is not the kind of big man who is particularly good at hard chiseling, but Medvedenko's strength and confrontation are weaker, which makes Garnett seem omnipotent in the low post.

"Roar!"

Garnett, who scored consecutive goals, threw his fist and roared again, making the Minnesota fans on the scene gradually burn with passion.

Lakers offense.

Almost like a withdrawal.

Liu He crossed positions with Payton again, and the two passed the ball hand in hand.

Payton blocks Hassel, forcing Kassel to switch.

Relying on his absolute height and wingspan advantages, Liu He ignored Cassel and directly shot a jump shot.

Swish!
and also.

6: 4.

Timberwolves offense.

It was still Garnett who took Medvedenko in a low position.

Seeing that Medvedenko was retreating steadily, Kobe immediately went up to help defend.

Garnett held the basketball high, evaded Kobe's pressure, and then quickly passed the ball to Sprewell.

Sprewell immediately shot a jumper.

Swish!
There are also.

6: 6.

Garnett not only has offense, but also passes.In this era, Garnett is synonymous with omnipotence.

He waved his arms, leading the Minnesota fans to cheer in unison.

"Timberwolves, defend!"

"Defend, Timberwolves!"

"Timberwolves, defend!"

……

The huge decibels encouraged the players of the home team, and they also tried to limit the Lakers' offense with this overwhelming momentum.

Lakers offense.

Liu He continued to cross positions with Payton.

Trenton Hassel, who was encouraged by the morale of the fans, quickly squeezed past Payton and followed Liu He.

Unexpectedly, Liu He suddenly ran back and went back.

Hassell squeezed past Payton again. Encouraged by the fans, his defensive enthusiasm soared.

However, relying on the time difference accumulated between the two runs, Liu He still received a pass from Payton, pulled up and shot.

Hassel pounced, leaping high, trying to block the shot.

But Liu He is 204cm tall and has a wingspan of 214cm, which is a bit taller than Hassel who is only 196cm tall.

Hassell was active enough, but still couldn't reach Liu He's shooting point.

That's why tall shooters are welcomed by all teams.

Rashard Lewis, Peja Stojakovic, Hedo Turkoglu.

Swish!
The basketball hits the rim with precision again.

9: 6.

Liu He started with a big three, and the enthusiastic Minnesota fans were half-cooled.

(End of this chapter)