I am the Warden Chapter 49 Impossible! This is impossible!
After the game against the Kings, Kevin Pritchard felt that Liu Xiu had the potential to become Glen Rice at the point guard position. He was strong, had shooting talent, and could both control and pass.
Tonight, Liu Xiu was on the court standing next to Baron Davis. Kevin Pritchard discovered that Liu Xiu, who claimed to be 193cm tall, had similar body shapes to Baron Davis, especially the bulging belly before the game started. They were both so strong and powerful.
Now, Liu Xiu, who played for 7 minutes and 49 seconds, made 1 of 3 shots and got 2 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal, Kevin Pritchard is disillusioned... Why does he look a bit like Jason Kidd?
A rookie with shooting talent, a build like Baron Davis, and a play style like Jason Kidd?
Maurice Cheeks' idea was much simpler - it was genius.
Just looking at what Liu Xiu had accomplished, it did not exceed his perception of Liu Xiu's abilities, it was just that Liu Xiu had accomplished it too well.
Maurice Cheeks patted Liu Xiu's shoulder who was sitting on the bench and said, "Jace, take a break. That guy needs a break too. Rest well and continue to deal with him!"
Liu Xiu nodded, and decided to have a good rest.
He estimated that his physical condition after playing for nearly 8 minutes in the first quarter tonight was slightly worse than when he usually played for half a quarter in the second half of the first quarter.
But he was very satisfied. If he hadn't had the bonus of the "template" to temporarily raise his physical strength to the top level, he would not have been able to hold on for so long.
The current physical energy consumption is just a little more than the usual "just right" playing style, which is already very good.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Trail Blazers replaced Damon Stoudemire, Matt Carroll, Wesley Person, Dale Davis and Spantinya.
The Hornets sent out a combination of David Wesley, Darrell Armstrong, Steve Smith, David West and Sean Lux.
Hornets head coach Tim Floyd is not a famous coach. Before this season, his coaching record was more than three seasons, and he won a total of 49 games. However, he left a very deep impression on NBA fans of this era because he coached the Bulls for more than three seasons before that.
In 1998, after the Zen Master's contract with the Bulls expired, the Bulls directly signed a long-term contract with Tim Floyd, which made the Bulls fans breathless...
Tim Floyd is also impressive in his coaching - he is obsessed with double point guards.
To be honest, Tim Floyd has some ability. He has good defensive command ability and his double point guard tactics are also remarkable. Without him, it is impossible to unleash the scoring ability of Baron Davis.
It's mainly based on the players' abilities. In the 1997-98 season, the main role players of that Bulls team were already aging. After winning the championship, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Steve Kerr... all left. Even if they brought in Red Cardinal and the fortune teller, they couldn't save the dynasty that was bound to collapse.
Now, although the Hornets' lineup is a bit aging, they still have enough manpower and are strong. If Mashburn had not been seriously injured, the Hornets' strength would not have declined so quickly.
After the start of the second quarter, the Hornets' double point guards showed their strength again!
David Wesley and Darrell Armstrong, two offensive point guards, teamed up to score 7 to 2 right from the start!
31 to 32, the Hornets narrowed the gap to 1 point!
It's not easy for the little flying squirrel to beat David Wesley.
Maurice Cheeks had a really sharp eye. When he was rotating for more than four minutes in the first quarter, he concluded that it would be difficult for the Little Flying Squirrel to play against David Wesley. Not to mention the Little Flying Squirrel, even David Wesley was able to defend well against Iverson.
It was the Blazers' turn to attack again. Under the guidance of David Wesley, the flying squirrel was blocked on the left side of the free throw line, looking for teammates and passing the ball...
Matt Carroll received a pass from the Flying Squirrel and encountered West's backup defense. He dribbled and jumped, but was knocked down by West. However, he had already thrown the ball out before the contact. With the referee's whistle, Matt Carroll's shot went in!
Immediately after the free throw, Matt Carroll made a four-point shot, 36 to 31, and the score difference came to 5 points again.
Liu Xiu on the sidelines stood up and applauded Matt Carroll!
Flying Squirrel, Butcher, Tianzun... Even if it was Kobe Terminator or Outlaw, Liu Xiu would not be too excited when these people put on some outstanding performances. He felt it was as it should be.
But Matt Carroll always gives enthusiastic cheers and encourages the other team.
He always shines a light in some unexpected places that makes his friends yearn for him.
Liu Xiu remembered that this was not the first time Matt Carroll scored four points. Matt Carroll scored once before when they were suspended.
Maurice Cheeks is in a bit of a dilemma now, as the opponent's Baron Davis has completely disrupted the rotation of their Trail Blazers team.
The current situation seems that the Flying Squirrel is unable to deal with David Wesley and cannot lead the team.
But in fact, the Trail Blazers scored 6 points in 4 rounds in the second quarter, which was very good, with a hit rate of 2 out of 4. Although Matt Carroll's four-point shot was a stroke of genius, they performed well on the offensive end.
The focus is on defense. Baron Davis scored 12 points and 3 assists in the first quarter. Even in the second half when he seemed to be restricted by Liu Xiu, he still scored 8 points and 1 assist. What Liu Xiu restricted was not Baron Davis' personal performance, but just made it a little more difficult for Baron Davis to play and reduce the consumption in the interior.
But with Baron Davis on the court, Maurice Cheeks didn't dare to replace Randolph and Rasheed Wallace, the former to maintain the necessary offensive deterrence in the restricted area, and the latter to ensure the ability to protect the rim, so the two played the full game.
This is when the two major problems arose during the rotation phase: Dale Davis's inability to protect the rim and his lack of scoring ability in the offense.
Of course, the main reason why the Flying Squirrels couldn't run fast and lead the team was that they encountered David Wesley, who was good at dealing with speed-type short guards.
Matt Carroll's four points helped the Trail Blazers struggle for a while. In the middle of the second quarter, the Hornets scored two goals in a row. Steve Smith made a three-pointer and West made a mid-range shot after receiving the ball. They beat the Trail Blazers 5 to 1. The score came to 42 to 41. The Hornets overtook the Trail Blazers by 1 point and stopped the Trail Blazers!
Steve Smith showed no mercy when facing his old club.
He was one of the key players in the 1999-00 season when the Trail Blazers reached the Western Conference Finals and won a Game 7 against the Lakers. Last season, he won a championship ring with the Spurs, and his career was complete.
The Trail Blazers also offered Steve Smith a one-year contract during the offseason, but it was rejected.
Entering the timeout, Maurice Cheeks felt sorry for Steve Smith being surrounded by opposing players celebrating. The veteran was really suitable for their Trail Blazers, but he was a gentleman and looked down on his old club which had turned into a prison.
We can only envy other players, but our enthusiasm should be placed on our own players.
Maurice Cheeks got excited and shouted, "Jace, gogogo, come on, that bearded guy is coming on the court, go and guard him!"
The head coach's behavior almost hurt Liu Xiu's waist!
After Maurice Cheeks finished shouting, his face also turned red. Fortunately, he was dark-skinned , had not shaved, and had a sloppy appearance, otherwise his embarrassment would have been discovered by others.
Liu Xiu took a deep breath and clenched his fists on his chest: "I know, I will do my best! Guard him to death!"
There is no vitality at all, and the idea that they are forced to do business in a perfunctory manner is not concealed at all.
"Healing value +99, from Morris Cheeks."
Morris Cheeks originally thought that as long as he was not embarrassed, it would be others who would be embarrassed. Now, he wanted to be strangled to death by Liu Xiu!
At this time, Liu Xiu's system prompt came!
“Talent: Template.
The time the host and Baron Davis were on the court at the same time: 7 minutes and 49 seconds, the time the host and Baron Davis were facing each other: 7 minutes and 3 seconds.
During the matchup: The host successfully defended Baron Davis: 3 times, the host scored or got assists under Baron Davis' defense: 4 times, the host rebounded: 7, Baron Davis rebounded: 2...
Activated bonuses:
Physical Fitness: Stamina +3, Speed +1, Bounce +5. The host's temporary stamina is 90, the temporary speed is 88, and the temporary bounce is 79.
Skills: Cross-body drive (80), pull-up jumper (75).
For a moment, Liu Xiu lost consciousness and gained some "memory" in his mind. He also "knew" that he had gained some " muscle memory". The magical thing was that he could clearly know that after this game, these temporary things would disappear.
The bonus of the talent "Template" has been improved!
First the physical strength, then the front-end change of direction and the quick stop jump shot...
"It seems that the bearded man showed stronger abilities or characteristics than me during the time he faced me. As the time we faced each other increased, the bonus I received began to increase?"
However, there is still a big gap from the original! The Beard's stamina is 95+, and he can play 40+ minutes per game. After his bonus, it is only 90; the Beard's front-end change of direction breakthrough is 86 first-class level, and the emergency stop jump shot is 89 close to the top level.
At this time, another task came!
"The host's name as a genius has been highly recognized within the team. Let the name of genius begin to shine! I am the Jailer series of tasks: The name of genius is triggered."
"The Name of Genius: I am the Warden series of quests.
Objective: Demonstrate the host's talent of "learning at a glance" in front of Barang Davis. Every time Barang Davis demonstrates a powerful skill, the host must successfully demonstrate it at least once after the next break. After each successful demonstration, the host must actively inform Barang Davis that the host is learning from him.
Reward: Baron Davis designated technical training method (first-class).
Skills to be demonstrated: 1. Change of direction in front of the body, 2. Pull-up jump shot. "
Liu Xiu took a deep breath and roared in his heart - Damn: System!
Liu Xiu looked at another task.
"Template: I am the Warden series of tasks. Objective: When the host and Baron Davis are on the court at the same time, you must actively defend Baron Davis. During the matchup with Baron Davis, the host's total score + rebounds + assists must be higher than Baron Davis. (Host 2 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, Baron Davis 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, to be completed)..."
I looked at the talent bonus improvement just now...
I instantly felt like Alexander!
…
Stepping onto the court, Liu Xiu quickly calmed down.
This damn competitive spirit makes his first goal when he steps onto the court to find a way to help the team win.
The Hornets' starting lineup of David Wesley, Baron Davis, George Lynch, P.J. Brown and Magloire returned to the game.
The Trail Blazers' combination of Jeff McGinnis, Liu Xiu, Travis Outlaw, Randolph, and Rasheed Wallace came on the court.
After the timeout, the Trail Blazers attacked and Liu Xiu advanced with the ball.
George Lynch and PJ Brown were on the front line, Magloire was protecting the rim, Liu Xiu gave up the singles and passed the ball to Jeff McGinnis.
It is impossible to break through. Although the Hornets' frontcourt is a bit old, even if they let the flying squirrel come, they will be beaten. Baron Davis has a hard time playing by himself, let alone him.
Just rush for the ball, run and cut in to see if there is a chance to connect. As a role player, you should do your job honestly.
This is definitely not cowardice!
Liu Xiu is so smart, and his teammates can play comfortably.
Even though Baron Davis came on and scored 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, raising his stats during the matchup to 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Liu Xiu was not anxious.
Because, the Trail Blazers have gained the advantage!
The advantage lies in rebounding protection. This time it is not about how many rebounds Liu Xiu Chong grabbed, but the Hornets have greatly increased their attention to rebounding protection!
When it comes to a game, one move often affects the entire body. Strengthening the rebound protection means actively shrinking towards the three-second zone. The center defense is better, and the rebound protection is indeed better. Liu Xiu, who was the most valued, did not get the offensive rebounds anymore, and there were problems with the defense on both sides of the Hornets' baseline.
After playing two rounds, Liu Xiu signaled to change tactics. Tianzun went to the high position to coordinate, Travis Outlaw attacked and threatened, Liu Xiu rushed to threaten himself, Randolph took the lead, and Jeff McGinnis received the shot from the sideline.
With David Wesley as the backup, Baron Davis led the Hornets to 9 points in more than 3 minutes with 4 points and 1 assist, which was really good.
But the Trail Blazers scored 11 points during this period!
At 10 minutes and 6 seconds into the second quarter, the score was 52 to 51, and the Trail Blazers overtook by 1 point!
The Hornets attacked, David Wesley made a pass error, P.J. Brown didn't catch the ball, and the two veterans were obviously tired, so Tim Floyd could only replace Shammond Williams and Robert Traylor.
The Trail Blazers also took the opportunity to make substitutions, with Flying Squirrel and Reuben Patterson coming on, while Liu Xiu, Randolph and Rasheed Wallace continued to play.
Liu Xiu received the serve in the backcourt, went to the frontcourt, and gestured, indicating that he wanted to play singles!
It doesn't fit Liu Xiu's style, but his teammates still pulled away.
PJ-Brown left the team, Liu Xiu waited for a long time, and the opportunity came!
The one defending Liu Xiu was Baron Davis. This was the arrangement made by Tim Floyd. His players didn't understand it, but he was a coach and knew that Liu Xiu had excellent back-to-the-basket skills and that only Baron Davis could handle the defense in the back line. However, Baron Davis was willing to do so and defended very hard.
Baron Davis was not as overly aggressive in defending Liu Xiu as Liu Xiu. He moved back one step in defense. He felt it was reasonable for him to be defended so closely. He has averaged 2.1 three-pointers per game so far this season, while Liu Xiu only had a handful of shots tonight.
Liu Xiu slowly pressed forward, and Baron Davis slowly retreated, allowing Liu Xiu to shoot but not break through. It was not until Liu Xiu approached the free throw line that Baron Davis approached him. He was still not as close as Liu Xiu, so he just needed to provide enough interference.
Liu Xiu dribbled the ball quickly and pulled it to the left. Baron Davis quickly moved. Liu Xiu pulled the ball back to the right with his right hand. Baron Davis relied on his powerful explosive power to turn abruptly and dive to the left... At this moment, he didn't know why he felt something was wrong and felt that he had been fooled. Sure enough, the next moment, his eyes widened!
Liu Xiu leaned over, using his strong body to block his position with his right shoulder. He stretched out his left hand to the right, and before the ball fully bounced up, he touched the ball and pulled it to the left. The ball hit the ground again and bounced faster. Liu Xiu took advantage of the tilt of his center of gravity caused by leaning over and jumped out to the front left!
This scene is too familiar to Baron Davis! His crossover move!
The following scene is equally familiar!
Liu Xiu broke through from the left again with two steps, and stopped abruptly a little more than one meter inside the top corner on the left side of the free throw line. Before the fat man tractor could make up for the defense, he collected the ball and stopped abruptly, and shot a jump shot...
The ball hit the rim and bounced into the basket!
For this ball, how much luck the shot depended on was not important to Baron Davis.
The bearded man was confused. Isn't this his skill?
What he couldn't believe the most was that Liu Xiu's skills were obviously more unfamiliar than his, so there was a possibility... No! He didn't believe it!
Not only the bearded man himself, but all the players on the field were shocked to see this scene.
The players of the Trail Blazers did have some resistance. Some of the legends about Liu Xiu were exaggerated within the team and were much more exaggerated than the facts... but this time it still made his teammates feel it was too much!
I really learned it just by watching it!
The frivolous, casual, and annoying voice was heard by the people around him: "Big Beard, this technique doesn't work. Can you show me some other techniques?"
