The godfather of basketball started from conquering the NBA

Chapter 32: "Calm Turtle" Coming Soon

Then the Timberwolves started a wave of losing streak.

Against the Thunder, Westbrook almost let this year's No. 52 pick, Rose, beat him one-on-one. Against the Spurs, Tony Parker scored a career-high [-] points, and then was revenged by the Kings, losing to the Warriors without a point guard.

This series of losing streaks directly broke the defenses of the fans who were still speaking for Xu Xiao. Coupled with the fanning of the media and some "professionals", there was endless abuse.

"Steve, the Timberwolves seem to value this rookie very much. Do you think the Timberwolves have misjudged this time, or we have misjudged it." Mark Smith is looking at Steve Kerr in the commentary with a proud face. The two Warriors head coaches are teasing Minnesota unscrupulously.

"Man, can't you see this record? Just look at the No. 4 picks at the same position this year. The Thunder has achieved 6 wins and 1 losses. This was the bottom team last year. Although they failed to enter the top eight now, But at least we are going to get rid of the name of the underdog, you look at Minnesota, 10 win and [-] losses, [-] consecutive losses, haha, Russell can't see the potential of Rose." Cole also said unscrupulously.

"Indeed, but I think with the Timberwolves lineup, the core problem is not Russell. What do you think?"

"Of course, the core problem of the Timberwolves lies in that stupid coach. If he really likes basketball, he should let some professionals run the team. He can be a good boss himself. If he has to be a coach, their team Obviously full of potential.

Oden, last year's No. [-] pick, has made great progress this year. Both his shooting ability and defensive positioning are better than last year. Outlaw's defensive ability on the front line has improved a lot. This year, he has a chance to hit the best defensive team. I believe Not just me, fans can see it, but only the coach can't see it, haha, I don't know what kind of magic this Russell used to make this head coach so fascinated. "

"Maybe he gave him some fruit basket."

"Hahahahahahahahaha, the Timberwolves are desperate."

The ridicule by the media made the fans even more angry and desperate. Usually, the pressure from the fans and the pressure from the public opinion would force the team to change the head coach.

"I hope you can be a human being and get out of here quickly? Don't f*ck with our team, are you an undercover agent sent by China?"

"Before the game, you vowed to make the playoffs, and you use this performance to give us back? You are a super liar, get out of Minnesota, you are not welcome here." A huge poster made by the fans spontaneously hung on the Timberwolves Outside the arena, but there is nothing to do.

Even the alliance has no way to do anything, because Xu Xiao has always been cautious in his words and deeds, and did not give the alliance a chance to expel him. Several times, there were people around him who wanted to deliberately lure Xu Xiao to say some racially discriminatory words, but fortunately Xu Xiao was witty, dodged.

Although he didn't fall into the trap these few times, Xu Xiao also saw the methods of these gangsters. A group of black people surrounded him all day long, trying to force him to say some unfavorable remarks. Needless to say, these people are designated as people The gun worked.

However, seeing his beloved coach and boss being scolded like this, the players became a little angry, and Oden even replied directly: "Look carefully, we believe in the coach, he has abilities that ordinary people can't match. I believe we are bound to become a strong team this season.”

But it's not a problem all the time. Now that ten games have passed, it's time to try the results. I happened to meet Russell Westbrook who was training extra.

"Russell, you should get used to the intensity of the NBA. We don't have much time left for you. We will change our tactics in five games at most."

"Don't worry coach, I have no problem at all, I just hope to change tactics soon."

"Huh?" Xu Xiao didn't expect Westbrook to say that, and asked curiously:

"You can't stand this style of play anymore? Or are your teammates complaining about you?" Xu Xiao was also afraid that there would be problems with Westbrook's psychology or the locker room, either of which would be fatal. He didn't want the grand blueprint just launched, It's over.

"It's not a coach, I just don't want you to be scolded anymore, I'm not afraid of outside comments, I will always be me, but I don't want you to be hurt because of me.

And my teammates are very tolerant to me. I am very grateful to them. They have been supporting me and helping me recently. I am really grateful here. Although I hope to change my style of play, because I believe that with me I can be that key figure in any system. "

Hearing Westbrook's answer like this, Xu Xiao was satisfied. This is the young master who is worthy of all people. As long as Westbrook can find that kind of tough temperament and match his + Billups' abilities, then The future of the Timberwolves is really promising.

In the next five games, Westbrook's situation recovered. When facing the Thunder, he scored a season-high 24 points and 9 assists against Rose. It was the double-double data of 16 points and 10 assists that helped the Timberwolves win two games. Although the Timberwolves only achieved a record of 11 wins and 3 losses throughout November, Xu Xiao felt that it was completely acceptable.

It’s not impossible to chase after this record. Xu Xiao remembers that this year’s Western Conference is not as scary as last year. If they can get 48 wins, they will basically enter the playoffs steadily. In other words, as long as they get a record of 45 wins and 22 losses, That's it.

It should not be too late, because to chase the record, Xu Xiao directly used the star card to Westbrook, and the players who get the star ability will be convinced by Xu Xiao unconditionally.

Next, it's time for the entire league to slap their faces.

The first game in December was against the Orlando Magic, which is in the limelight in the East. It can be regarded as a strong opponent. The little black bean Brooks, who was traded this year, played well in the Orlando Magic. , and the former genius Darius Myers from the Timberwolves, under the strict Van Gundy, he also continued his previous good habits, not lazy in training, and more active in defense.

Before this game, Xu Xiao was doing tactical deployment in the locker room.

"Listen guys, starting today, we're going to enter a new rhythm, our era begins."

Hearing what Xu Xiao said, everyone immediately regained their spirits. This is a new tactic. Xu Xiao asked them to practice a lot of new tactical systems before, but in order for Westbrook to better adapt to the rhythm of the NBA, they always It was useless, so when they heard the outside world say that Xu Xiao's level was not good, they wanted to refute it, and now they had to prove it for themselves.

"Russell, you have no objection, your privilege is over here." Xu Xiao looked at Russell and said.

"Of course, I have adapted to this venue a long time ago. I am ready. No matter what kind of system, I am me, Russell Westbrook." Westbrook didn't know why today, looking at Xu Xiao's eyes It's all clear.

And I feel warm all the time, and my hands are much softer. During the warm-up, I can easily throw in the three-pointers that I usually can’t get in. I also understand the tactics that I usually don’t understand, and I can even easily judge the situation on the field. Off-the-ball running and defense, the organization of positional warfare, these things that I would not do at all, suddenly became enlightened.

"Haha, of course we know you, now it's time for those people outside to know you too." Roy said jokingly.

And Xu Xiao said with a little worry: "Russell, always believe in your own ability, you may not know it, but as an outsider, I see it very clearly, you will definitely break out in this game, and this is your start .”

Then Xu Xiaoqi said passionately: "Not only him, each of us, I am a witness of your growth, I am clear about your abilities, maybe we will be far apart in the future, but now, we are here Here we are the Timberwolves, we're brothers, we're buddies, a team fighting for each other, now from this moment on, we're baring our fangs, it's meat time guys, tell 'em who's the joke of the league .”

The story of the counterattack is always the most passionate, not to mention that the Timberwolves are a group of young people, and a little flame is enough to ignite their emotions.

"Okay guys, here we go!"

The Magic's home commentator was broadcasting the start of the two sides. Now he just wants to get off work quickly. He doesn't know what to do with this kind of funny bad team. And the fans have been waiting to see the home team blast their opponents. Just want to bet on how many points the Magic can win.

The Timberwolves are the regular starters, Westbrook, Roy, Ariza, Milicic and Oden.

The Magic guards are Nelson and McCante. McCante was also traded from the Timberwolves in the 05 lottery pick. He was the target of Xu Xiao's treatment as soon as he took office. He played well in the Magic for the past two years and now he has become a ball The team's starting lineup is Turkoglu and Lewis on the front line, and Howard on the inside line.

The most important thing the Magic need to pay attention to is their striker. Lewis and Turkoglu are two long spears. This is also the key reason for their victory over the Cavaliers. No one can match these two.

In the opening game, Oden jumped to the basketball first. Westbrook dribbled the ball for half court. Unlike usual, this time he did not come up and gave Westbrook a pick-and-roll. Instead, Milicic and Roy made an off-ball pick-and-roll, and Roy ran off the ball. At a waist position of 45 degrees, Westbrook delivered the ball directly, and the Timberwolves gave Roy the first ball.

"Oh, the Timberwolves finally changed their tactics, and finally realized their stupidity?" The commentator said casually.

Facing McCante's defense from the waist position, Roy made a back-up shot. McCante's defense was very average, and it was impossible for Roy not to seize this opportunity.

The Timberwolves scored first.

Afterwards, the Magic started with the pick-and-roll between Turkoglu and World of Warcraft. Milicic quickly returned to the basket and did not give them a chance to catch the ball. Turkoglu had no choice but to pass the ball to Lewis. Ariza was quick He made up for it, and didn't give him a second chance, and Nelson scored the ball.

At this time, Westbrook suddenly started and blocked Nelson directly in front of Nelson, so that Nelson didn't see the passing route and wanted to run forward, but Lewis's strength was obviously passed backwards.

A direct mistake and the ball flew to the backcourt. At this time, Westbrook's terrifying speed was reflected. No one can match Westbrook in a straight line sprint.

Westbrook started directly, picked up the ball and dunked quickly, all in one go, which is an ability that Billups does not have.

After the goal, Westbrook slapped his chest and roared.

But this time the Magic didn't care.

Howard signaled that he would come back to find the court for the next shot, but facing Oden's decent defense, Howard was really difficult to play. After all, in terms of body, Oden is no worse than Howard, and his foot is more stable. higher.

Howard wanted to hit one with his footsteps, but found that Oden was not out of position at all, and the continuous shaking did not shake Oden, which made Warcraft feel uncomfortable, because he remembered Oden last year, and he got up with a light touch under the basket up.

Just kidding, Daluo has a lot of defensive experience. Daluo's lack of movement and jumping is Oden's advantage, so no matter whether Howard wants to use his dexterous speed or strength to eat raw, he has no choice but to pass it on. Kanci hit two points at the buzzer to save the offense from being in vain.

Westbrook dribbled the ball across the half court. At this time, Oden asked for the ball at a 45-degree waist. Everyone knew that Oden had a shot this season, so Warcraft had to follow suit. The bottom line of the corner ran and emptied the side.

Ariza slipped the baseline and was screened to the corner on the same side. At this time, Oden also moved and squeezed directly to the basket. It was not easy for the sparks to beat Oden, but again, the same is true for Oden at this time. It's easy to play. Although Oden's body is dominant, Warcraft is the pinnacle after all. Oden saw no chance, and directly scored Roy at 45 degrees. Roy used Milicic's cover to break through again. At this time, the Magic Choose to shrink the defense.

But no one noticed that Westbrook was waiting for an opportunity on the bottom line. Westbrook, who was about to make an empty cut, saw the Magic's shrinking formation and decisively chose to run back to the three-point line.

Roy saw Westbrook, who was already at the point guard, and passed the ball without hesitation.

Because Westbrook's three-point shooting rate was terrible before, no one noticed that Westbrook was already open, or the Magic's strategy was to release Westbrook's three-pointers.

But they didn't know that Westbrook's three-pointer was improved by Billups' skills, and he was no longer the person who was not worthy of attention before, and he directly hit it with his hand.

"Damn, that guy is a little abnormal today." Big Van Gundy on the coach's bench spit out lotus flowers.

Although the next game is not in the hands of Westbrook like before, Westbrook will dominate the ball, but Westbrook will be involved in all the balls.

Air cut dunks, this is the ability combined with Billups, air cuts are Chauncey's consciousness, and dunks are Westbrook's ability.

The same is true when defending. Although Billups is not fast, he is the best at using his body to bully small guards. He uses excellent positioning to prevent opponents from breaking through. The most typical is that although Paul is fast, he can Every time I live uncleanly, I can always be entangled by Billups, but Westbrook is different. Westbrook's speed is the best in the league, especially the starting speed, which directly strengthens Billups' defense. The only weakness left.

This is why Paul scolded his mother when he came, let alone Nelson, who was directly kneeled by Westbrook.

The offense is also the same. Billups is good at bullying small guards with his body. The effect of this game is that Westbrook does not hold the ball and changes without the ball, but he has been bullying the Magic guards with his strong body. Coincidentally, the Magic There are two guards, a little Nelson and a little black bean Brooks. This makes Westbrook have to find a beating. Today is miserable.

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