Chapter 32 The Team Needs You
On November 11th, the Magic played back-to-back at home against the Hawks, who are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

During the pre-game press conference, a reporter from the Sentinel asked Rivers a pointed question: "Coach, our Orlando is a small ball market. We can't compare to New York and Los Angeles, but in the summer, we still use the maximum salary. Signed two stars to form a dream twin."

"But since the start of the season, our record has been a mess, especially in the last few games. We have lost five games in a row. Many fans are dissatisfied with the team's performance. Do you think this has something to do with your coaching?"

The reporter who asked the question stared at Rivers intently.

The surrounding reporters instantly became energetic.

Is this a shot at Rivers?
Last season, you led a group of unknowns and won the best coach. At that time, you told the media with high spirits that if there were stars in the team, you would lead the Magic to go further.

Well, this summer, as you wished, the team signed two major stars one after another.

As a result, the Eastern Conference is last in the Eastern Conference and now has lost five games in a row.

If it’s not your responsibility, then whose responsibility is it?
It’s true that you are the best head coach, but you are still a rookie coach after all. If you don’t take the blame, who will take the blame?

On the stage, Rivers had a stern expression. After thinking for a moment, he explained: "Since the start of the season, we have experienced a bad schedule and lost many games, but I don't think this has anything to do with my coaching. , after all, our lineup is not complete enough, and our biggest star is still on the injury list."

"Of course." Rivers changed his tone: "I'm not blaming anyone, I just hope that the fans can be more understanding and understand how serious the situation the team is facing now."

After answering, Rivers stood up and left without waiting for reporters to ask further questions.

Only a group of reporters were left looking at each other.

"Actually, what Rivers said is fine. Hill was injured after playing two games, and there was nothing he could do."

"How serious is Hill's injury? Isn't it just an ankle sprain? It's been three weeks and there's still no sign of a comeback."

"When he participated in charity activities two days ago, wasn't he already functioning normally? It stands to reason that he can start training together within the team."

Rivers' words suddenly shifted the focus of reporters' attention to the injured Hill.

On the other side, Rivers returned to the locker room.

Clapping his hands, Rivers motioned for everyone to gather around, and then announced the starting lineup for this game.

"Tracey."

Rivers looked at McGrady with an ice pack on his shoulder.

Yesterday, when playing against the Celtics, Tracy McGrady contributed a wonderful goal. He hit a back-up shot from the baseline, feinted away from Paul Pierce, who was defending him, and reached the basket. Facing Tony Barty, who was covering the defense, he completed the goal. A tough one-handed dunk.

This shot was exciting, but after the game, McGrady had some soreness in his right shoulder.

After checking it, Billings thought the problem was not serious and had already dealt with it today.

"I know you are tired." After all, it is home and away back-to-back: "But we have lost five games in a row. We can't lose anymore. The team needs you, do you understand?"

Everyone present looked at McGrady.

Maddie's tired eyes gradually became firm and she nodded vigorously.

This summer, he said goodbye without saying goodbye and left the Raptors to join the Magic because he was unwilling to live under the wings of his cousin.

It was obvious that he advanced to the league, and it was obviously his suggestion to the Raptors management to acquire Carter.

As a result, he became the starter and he became the first All-Star.

He was like a dazzling sun, taking away all his brilliance.

So when he came to the Magic this year, McGrady had a desperate mentality, wanting the world to see that he was not just Vincent Carter's cousin, but Tracy McGrady!

Even if your body is very tired and your shoulders still hurt, as long as the team needs you, you have to play and lead the team to win the game.

Rivers nodded with satisfaction and announced the starting lineup.

At [-] p.m., players from both sides took the stage.

Just as the players from both sides were doing their final warm-up, the originally silent stands suddenly erupted into amazing cheers.

Maddie and others turned to look.In the player tunnel, the white-haired Magic boss Richie DeVos appeared with Hill.

Wearing a decent suit and a kind smile on his face, he moved elegantly like a gentleman. He casually waved to the stands, which triggered a flood of responses.

McGrady on the court couldn't help but take a second look.

This is the star. He knows that many fans buy tickets to see Hill.

Hill came to the sidelines and hugged Rivers and his teammates one by one.

"Aren't you recovering from your injuries? Why did you come here suddenly?" Monty asked in a low voice while hugging Hill.

Hill's smile remained unchanged: "It was Rich who invited me here, and I'm recovering well now, so I can do normal activities."

Monty nodded and asked no more questions.

The media was also excited, and the cameras never left Hill.

Hill also ran to the opposite side and chatted with Dikambe Mutombo, and the two were considered acquaintances.

Finally, Hill took the host's microphone.

The host asked him to say something to the fans at the scene.

Holding the microphone, Hill was at a loss for words. He was completely unprepared, but after thinking for a moment, he said: "I want to thank my teammates for their hard work during my injury. I also want to thank all the fans. We Every victory is inseparable from your support.”

"As for me, I will return to the team as soon as possible and help the team win the game."

Chen Yudu said that he has recovered well. It has been three weeks now and he should be able to return to the competition soon.

There was thunderous applause, and Hill's name echoed throughout the arena.

At 07:30, the game officially started.

Hill sat on the sidelines and looked at Gabriel in confusion: "John, you are saying that during the halftime break, I will go on the court to play a game with the children of St. Mark's Primary School."

Why didn't anyone inform me beforehand?

Gabriel smiled and said: "This is Rich's idea. If you lead the children to win, he will donate 10 US dollars to hire a psychologist for these children. At the same time, it will also allow these children to It’s a good thing to experience the atmosphere of an NBA game.”

St. Mark's Elementary School is the same elementary school that was hit by gunfire a few days ago.

"Okay." Hill nodded helplessly.

Like Gabriel said, it's for the kids.

It’s your own state.

Hill subconsciously glanced down at his left ankle.

At this stage, on Chen Yu's rehabilitation schedule, he has already begun some running, jumping, and single-leg support training.

So Hill didn't think it was a big problem. After all, it wasn't really a fight, just a joke.

There was a sound of regret in the stands behind him.

Hill turned to look at the field.

It was McGrady who missed a long two-point shot.

The Magic are last in the Eastern Conference, but the Hawks' record is even worse. They are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are obviously ready to sprint towards the No. [-] pick.

But even so, the score on the court was still behind the Magic.

Hill couldn't help but frown.

If even the bad Hawks lose, then there is no talk of returning to the playoffs this season.

(End of this chapter)

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