Chapter 159 Western Finals Begin

  The East Finals will start on May 23, while the Western Finals will be on the 24th.

   The next day, on the 23rd, the Suns convened the players, coaching staff and management for a tactical meeting in the morning and recovery training in the afternoon.

   At 9:00, Wang Tiejun came to the team on time.

   "Old K, how is your health after 4 days of rest?"

   As soon as we met, chief trainer Aaron Nelson asked with concern.

   "Not bad." He smiled.

   Coach Westphal came over and asked with concern: "Old K, haven't you done anything that consumes physical strength these days?"

   "No, just do flexibility training at home, practice shooting and ball control, plus an hour of speed training, the amount is very small." He said.

   Aaron Nelson nodded and said, "Proper training can keep you in better shape."

   "Charles, announce the winner of the MVP at noon, treat yourself when you get it!"

   "I didn't say anything, please."

   Several of Buckley also came over, and while chatting, they walked to the conference room.

   Came to the conference room, the management has arrived, and the meeting started.

Assistant coach Lewis first introduced the situation of the Sonics, saying: "The playoffs have 12 players on the roster, and the Supersonics are basically a ten-man rotation. All the bench lineups are scoring 29 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, which is more than what we have now. The bench lineup, so in the Western Conference finals, the main players need to play more time to make up for the lack of the bench lineup."

He added: "Five main players, all scored in double figures, the first scoring point is Rain Man Sean Kemp, averaging 20.6 points per game, he is also the first rebounder, averaging 9.3 points per game, the second scoring point is the forward guard Swingman Ricky Pierce, averaging 19.6 points, the third scoring point is Sam Perkins, 15.3 points, the fourth scoring point is Derek McKay, 12.7 points, the fifth is Payton, 12.1 points.

  The Sonics' starting lineup consists of these five people. The guard is Payton and Ricky Pierce, the small forward is Derrick McKay, and the interior is Kemp and Perkins.

   McKay's height is 206 cm and 93 kg. He is good at mid-range shooting, with average long-range shooting and three-pointer ability, and his attack at the basket accounts for 28%.

Kemp and Perkins are 208 cm and 206 cm in height respectively, and their tonnage is 105 kg and 107 kg respectively. Both of them can play forward and center. In positions 4 and 5, the Supersonics are not fixed, and they switch defenses very often. .

In addition, Perkins has one-handed three-pointers, but very few shots at the basket, only 8%. The main shots are concentrated in the near two points, the far two points, and the three points. not enough. "

   At this time, head coach Westphal continued: "No matter how they arrange their positions, Charles, if you play against Perkins, he will definitely pull to the three-point line, you have to follow closely.

  Old K, you are against Kemp, the Rain Man, pay attention to protecting the rebound, and be careful to protect our basket. "

  Pharaoh felt a lot of pressure. The explosive power of Yuren's animal was too terrifying, and the speed of the bullet was super fast. Before he jumped up, the animal was already in the sky.

   During the regular season, he did not play against the Rain Man, and he rarely switched defenses. Standing on the side and watching the excitement, he could appreciate the strength of the opponent.

   Westphal added: "The Sonics' scoring is pretty average, which makes it difficult for the opponent to defend, we have to guard each of them, and we can't concentrate on double-teaming any one of them.

   In addition, the SuperSonics also have a great feature, which is also a strong point. Their five starters can score and pass the ball.

   Payton averaged 4 assists per game in this postseason, small forward McKay 4.3, he is somewhat similar to Pippen, Kemp 2.9, Ricky Pierce 2.4, Perkins 2.3. So everyone must stare at each other, five points, no one can let go.

   Also, the defense of the five of them is very strong, only Ricky Pierce is slightly worse, we should not be careless when we attack. "

Then he began to introduce the Supersonic tactics, saying: "On the defensive end, Crazy Carl created a fierce flanking and quick defense switching tactics in the Supersonics. This flanking tactic is very advanced and can often force opponents to make mistakes, with strong maneuverability. The SuperSonics can play a lot of fast breaks with this, which is why the SuperSonics are averaging 108 points per game this season.

   We have such a strong lineup this year, and the average score is only 113 points, so everyone must be careful about their fast break.

   On the offensive end, the Supersonics are still a typical team play style. Crazy Karl has created an offensive form of free dynamic attack + multi-point three-point shooting + blitz.

  Blitz is what I just said, flanking opponents fiercely, fast break after stealing the ball.

  Three-pointers, five starters, shooting guard Ricky Pierce, small forward McKay, inside Perkins, all three can shoot.

Free and dynamic attack, very flexible and frequent movements, mainly relying on the control of crazy driver Peyton. Although he is only a third grader, he has already played well. In addition, the five starting players can shoot, burst, and pass. This kind of supersonic speed The offense is dazzling.

   So let me remind you again, don’t be careless, they are excellent offense and defense, we have to give our best to reach the finals. "

The    tactical meeting lasted for nearly two hours and ended near noon, with training in the afternoon.

   In addition to restorative training, the main thing is tactical training, playing the offensive and defensive tactics just formulated.

   "Come on, TNT channel."

   "I bet Charles' dream will come true this time."

   "MVP, Charles, get a treat!"

"of course."

   After the meeting, the atmosphere immediately became lively, and the TV on the wall was turned on immediately.

"yeah!"

   "Charles, congratulations!"

   After a few minutes, the meeting room was boiling.

  The management also congratulated Barkley, and Colangelo is also very happy, because this is the first regular season MVP since the Suns team was established 25 years ago.

   "Thank you thank you haha, this feels great..."

  Buckley's face was about to burst into laughter, his mouth nearly split behind his ears, and he didn't stop laughing until lunch in the restaurant.

   Comrade Pharaoh is a little envious. I heard that this is the most valuable personal honor in the NBA. Basically, those who have won this honor will have the opportunity to enter the Hall of Fame in the future.

   But what he envies is that he can get points by getting this honor. He doesn't feel much about the honor itself now.

   During lunch, Jordan called Barkley.

   "Hey Michael, are you congratulating me? Thank you!"

   "Charles, I don't care about that stuff at all, I already have countless honors, three MVPs, I already have three, and you may only have this one in your life."

   After saying this, Jordan hung up the phone directly.

  Buckley was taken aback for a moment, then smiled wryly.

   He expressed the wrong feeling, Jordan didn't want to congratulate him at all, but to show off + ridicule him, this guy is too competitive.

   "What's the matter?" Comrade Lao Wang asked.

   "Nothing, Michael called to congratulate me." Barkley concealed.

   "Will he congratulate you?"

   beat Pharaoh to death, he didn't believe it.

   Barkley sighed: "I used to envy Michael's talent, but once I followed him to train, I didn't envy it anymore."

   "Why?" Pharaoh asked suspiciously.

  Other people also looked over, obviously as long as there are questions related to Jordan, they are very interested to know.

Barkley shook his head and said, "Michael would conduct uninterrupted and inhuman cruel training, whether during the season or in the offseason. I couldn't hold on to it for a day, but he was happy. Such a Jordan, only if he didn't succeed. Strange."

   Everyone nodded thoughtfully.

  Pharaoh also felt something, but that's all, he also exchanged a lot of systematic training, and when there is not much rest in the next offseason, what Jordan can do, he can do it too.

   In the evening, the G1 battle of the Eastern Finals started.

  Eastern Finals, the Bulls played away to the Knicks, both teams were highly concerned teams, and it was in New York, and Jordan, the league's signboard, received a lot of attention.

  Madison Square Garden is full of people inside and out, and there are stars everywhere.

  Phoenix, Wang Tiejun's home, he and Zhang Lili have prepared melon seeds and peanuts again, ready to watch the play.

  To talk about the grievances between the Bulls and the Knicks, the play between Jordan and Ewing is no less than the one between Jordan and Barkley.

Jordan's strength has reached the peak in the last four seasons, and the Bulls' lineup and tactics have gradually matured. With their strong strength, they have crushed Barkley's Philadelphia digital team and Ewing's Knicks to death. of.

   The three of them have been friends for many years off the court, so their grievances are hard to solve.

In the 1988/89 season, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks with a 4-2 score in the second round. In the 1989/90 season, the Bulls eliminated Philadelphia with a 4-1 score in the second round. In the 1990/91 season, the Bulls won the first The Knicks were swept in the second round, and Philadelphia was eliminated by a big score of four to one in the second round. In the 91/92 season, the Knicks were eliminated by a big score of four to three in the second round.

   In four seasons, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks three times and Philadelphia twice, respectively. This is the grudge between the three friends of Barkley, Ewing and Jordan.

   "Brother Zhang, who do you think will win?" Comrade Lao Wang asked.

"The Knicks' Ewing + Oakley, the Bulls' Cartwright + Grant, the Bulls' outside Jordan + Pippen, but the Knicks' John Starks + Charles Smith, their strength and lineup are not stable. If you win, I think you win or lose 50-50, and whoever plays at home will have the upper hand." Zhang Lili said.

   "Where is the performance?" he said.

   "Yes, see who has the big heart. The stronger the will, the easier it is to perform brilliantly. No one can compare to Jordan in this regard." Lao Zhang said with admiration on his face.

   He has been in Chicago for several years and has long become a fan of Jordan. This admiration is not a fake, a Joe fan from the heart.

   "Brother Zhang, are you a Bulls fan?" Pharaoh asked.

   Lao Zhang laughed: "Yes, I'm a Jordan and Phil Jackson fan."

   "Phil Jackson? Brother Zhang, he's a coach, you're a coach, are you sick?" He asked suspiciously.

   "You're only sick! How powerful they are, they have won two consecutive championships. If they win the championship again this year, it will be a dynasty!" Lao Zhang said with admiration on his face.

   "Come on, I don't see what he's good at. Don't we lose and win when we play against the Suns? Jordan is great, I admit, he relies on Jordan." He didn't care about the authentic.

   "You? Forget it, you're not a coach, you can't see how powerful he is." Lao Zhang said angrily.

   Two hours later, this Eastern Finals G1 battle ended.

   "Brother Zhang, you are amazing. You said it. I think you can change careers. Go as a commentator." Old Wang said with admiration.

   "That's right, I don't have any confidence, do I dare to switch careers to explain?" Lao Zhang said with a smile.

  90:98, in the Eastern Conference finals that the world is concerned about, the Knicks, who finally had the advantage of being at home, had the last laugh.

  The Eastern Finals were broadcast live in the United States on TNT TV. At this time, a lot of game data was announced on the TV.

   Jordan made 10 of 27 shots, only 37% from the field, 2 of 4 three-pointers, 5 of 6 free throws, and only scored 27 points.

   This play is hard to beat the Knicks, so losing is not surprising.

  Ewing made 9 of 16 shots, 56% from the field, 7 of 11 free throws, and scored 25 points and 17 rebounds, which is more efficient than Jordan.

   Zhang Lili pointed at the TV and shouted: "Look, at 28:48, the Bulls lost 20 rebounds, it's no wonder that they didn't lose, the inside strength is too bad, it's useless for Jordan to score 50+.

   Another point is that the Knicks are playing at home today, and the feel is really overwhelming. The team's two-point shooting rate is as high as 55%, while the Bulls are only 41%. This feeling makes it difficult for New York to lose. "

Pharaoh said solemnly: "But the defense is still better for the Bulls, Jordan + Pippen, made the Knicks 23 turnovers, only 15 times, or lose more. If we make it to the finals, the outside will also be in the Downwind."

  Old Zhang said: "You have the same model as the Knicks. You must be strong in the interior. You must work **** offensive efficiency, rebounding, and interior defense. Otherwise, it will be difficult to win the Bulls."

  The Bulls lost the G1 game, casting a shadow over the three-peat, and the next day, the media began to accuse Jordan of playing abnormally.

  Especially the New York media, attacked the Bulls and Jordan like crazy.

Don't look at Jordan as the league's signature, the most well-known basketball player in the United States. The 1992 Olympic Games made him a world-renowned sports superstar. Everyone in the world knows about the Dream Team, but the media has always treated him badly for sales and attention. Be polite, if there is a little flaw, he will be ridiculed and blamed, and the NBA can't help him at this point.

Comparing    with Jordan's current treatment, Comrade Pharaoh felt that the previous attacks on him by the media were too childish.

   No. 24, the game day of the Western Finals G1 match.

  The East Finals will be broadcast live in the United States by TNT, and the copyright of the Western Finals belongs to ABC. In addition, ABC is also the live broadcast TV station of this year's finals.

   On this day, the whole Phoenix is ​​like a festival, and the atmosphere is very warm.

   A large number of fans drove from all over Arizona to Phoenix and gathered outside the American West Arena.

  At noon, the Supersonics came to the US West Arena for training. Because there were too many fans, it took almost an hour for the bus to enter the arena because of the short distance of more than 100 meters.

   In the evening, the bus of the Suns also came to the American West Arena.

"Oh oh oh oh…"

   When approaching the arena, countless home fans burst into huge cheers.

   All the players stood up one after another and waved to the fans outside the window.

Coming up from the underground parking lot, the coaching staff, trainers, staff, security, plus players, a total of fifty or sixty people, with the sound of heavy footsteps, like an army, moving forward in the dim corridor constantly swept.

  Some reporters stood on both sides of the corridor, clicking the shutter, asking some questions from time to time.

   "Charles, are you nervous about playing the final for the first time?" A reporter asked Barkley, holding the microphone to his mouth.

   "Impossible, I'm a veteran, how can I be nervous." Barkley said, clenching his fists tightly.

   He forgot to refute, this is not the first time he has played in the final, it is the second time.

   And, he's going to win the coveted MVP trophy soon, can you not be nervous?

   "Old K, are you nervous?" The reporter turned the microphone and reached out to Wang Tiejun behind him.

   "Why should I be nervous?"

   Comrade Pharaoh did not say a word. I am not Barkley, nor the core of the team. This is only the first season. There will be more chances to win the championship in the future. I am not in a hurry, so there is no need to be nervous.

   "Mr. Head Coach, are you nervous?" The reporter asked the rookie Westphal again as if creating a tense atmosphere.

   Westphal shook his head and said, "I'm fine, I couldn't be better."

  The player was dealing with reporters, and after a while, he entered the locker room, closed the door, and kept the media out.

Pharaoh was a little dumbfounded, watching several teammates rush into the bathroom, head coach Westphal also mixed in, he took out his big thermos again, and said to Barkley: "Brother, look at them Now, do you know the benefits of nourishing the kidneys?"

   "I'll go too, I drank too much water just now." Buckley went into the bathroom after saying that.

  Pharaoh doesn't understand, thinks I'm blind, you haven't had water for a long time, obviously it's a kidney deficiency, who are you kidding?

  Kevin Johnson walked to his side and whispered, "Old K, you are still nervous."

   After saying that, he also went into the bathroom.

"Ha ha…"

   Danny Angie shook his head and laughed as he sorted out the wardrobe.

   To say that he is nervous, only he is the least nervous and is in a state of complete relaxation.

   By the door, Colangelo rubbed his hands from time to time, feeling a little nervous in his heart.

  The Suns have reached the Western Conference Finals once, but it was in the 1970s, and the NBA is not the current format. The Suns have reached the Western Conference Finals twice and even the Finals once.

   Later, in the 1983/84 season, he reached the Western Conference Finals again, but in these three Western Conference finals, he was only the founder and general manager of the team, not the owner.

   In 1987, he and other shareholders invested 44 million to buy the Suns. In the 1988/89 season, his team reached the Western Conference Finals again, but unfortunately fell at the feet of the Lakers.

  The entire history of the Suns, plus this time, he has been a witness to the five times he has reached the Western Conference Finals.

   As the founder and owner of the Suns, as well as a witness, he expects the Suns to reach the finals for the second time, or even further.

   The game started at 8:30, and at 7:30, the two teams announced their starters.

  Sonics: Sam Perkins, Sean Kemp, Derek McKay, Ricky Pierce, Payton

  Sun: Wang Tiejun, Barkley, Ceballos, Dan Marley, Kevin Johnson

   (end of this chapter)