Chapter 264 Am I not qualified to provoke you?

  Sun attack.

   "Boom!"

   Danny Manning took the ball on the right wing and made a false shot. At this time, Barkley came up to make up the defense, and he hit him head-on.

   "Ouch!"

   Then, he hugged his left knee and fell to the floor, screaming in pain.

"Oops!"

  The Suns are all heartbroken.

   "I didn't mean to!" Buckley quickly explained.

   "Shhh!"

   But there was still a lot of boos in the audience.

   "Traitor!"

   "Get out of Phoenix!"

   Even some radical fans began to abuse Barkley.

  John Hanks laughed: "Barkley ran away after winning the championship here. He is not very popular here. It can be seen from this."

Bill Walton nodded and said: "Kevin Johnson was in really good form last season, even better than the previous two seasons. If Barkley stayed here last season, then the Suns would definitely reach the finals and maybe achieve a consecutive championship. It's really a pity."

   "But some things are just unpredictable, and no one thought that Lightning's state would be so good." John Hanks laughed.

   nodded, and Bill Walton analyzed: "Danny Manning's left knee cruciate ligament ruptured once. This time his left knee is injured again. It's really troublesome. I hope he can come back."

  John Tanks shook his head and said, "If it is a serious injury this time, then it is very likely that his career will be reimbursed. No one's knee can come back after two serious injuries, never."

  Danny Manning was carried to the sidelines on a stretcher and finished his physical examination.

  The team doctor Andrew John made a judgment that the once ruptured cruciate ligament had a big problem again, which made Danny Manning fall directly into despair.

   This ligament had some problems some time ago. He did not agree with Dr. Carter's surgical plan and took defensive treatment. Now he regrets it.

   Colangelo comforted: "It's okay, Danny, our Suns have the best knee injury expert in the United States, Dr. Thomas Carter, who will give you the best knee surgery and you will recover."

   Danny Manning was then carried away and sent directly to Dr. Carter's clinic, where a careful examination was required. If surgery was required, the surgery should be performed within a few days.

   Before the first quarter was over, the Suns lost a general. Although Danny Manning did not play the main force, he was the absolute sixth man, and the loss was huge.

   Fortunately, Mosaic's bench lineup is also average. Although Manning was lost, the Suns still played well.

  Under Drexler's pull, Pharaoh frequently single-played Da Meng, making Da Meng pale. Although Da Meng's confrontation ability is strong, it can't stop him.

   In the end, the game was won by the Suns.

  Barkley was booed by the Sun fans, and he did nothing. He made 4 of 18 shots, and the shooting percentage was only over 20%. He only scored 12 points on the free throw, and his face turned white when he was booed. His inefficiency was the main reason why the Mosaic team lost the game.

   After the game, he said aggrievedly to Pharaoh: "Brother, you find a chance to tell the fans, I really didn't mean it."

   "Don't worry, it's alright." Pharaoh comforted.

   "Brother, if I retire, will the Suns retire my jersey?" Barkley suddenly asked in a low voice.

   Old Wang was startled and said angrily: "What are you thinking? You've only played here for one season, can you retire your jersey?"

"Ugh!"

   Barkley groaned.

   He would like to retire his jersey from the Suns in the future, because he won the championship here. Unfortunately, this wish should not be fulfilled.

   defeated the Mosaic team, and the Suns' record surpassed the Mosaic team, only half a game.

   Since the Spurs also won, the Suns and Spurs are tied for first place in the Western Conference, Mosaic is third, and the Jazz are fourth.

   The wins and losses of the four teams are very small, and it is possible for anyone to overtake anyone in the next schedule.

  On the 6th, the Suns left Phoenix and flew to Dallas, where they will challenge the Mavericks on the 7th and then the Jazz on the 8th.

  7, the Suns defeated the Mavericks three times and achieved a regular season record of 34 wins and 13 losses.

   On the same day, the Spurs lost to Mosaic at home, so the Suns ranked first in the Western Conference alone, Mosaic overtook the Spurs, ranking second, and the Spurs third, all a difference of half a game.

  It was also on this day that Danny Manning underwent surgery, with a recovery period of up to eight months, and officially determined the season reimbursement.

   He only has a one-year contract with the Suns, which means that if he returns, he is already a free agent. Fortunately, he also joined the Suns as a free agent, so the Suns did not lose.

   After playing the Mavericks, the Suns arrived in Salt Lake City overnight.

  8, match day.

The   Jazz are fourth in the Western Conference and dominate the Northwest Division, and have had their best year in the past few seasons.

   And Mosaic and the Spurs are competing in the Southwest Division. Even if the Jazz can't rush into the top three in the Western Conference in the regular season, it doesn't matter, and they will eventually enter the top three in the Western Conference playoffs.

  Although they can make it to the top three as long as they keep it up, the Jazz also want to win this game very much.

   First, the second team is the mortal enemy.

Secondly, the record of the Suns is not much better than that of the Jazz. If they can defeat the Suns in a direct confrontation and pull the Suns down, the Jazz will have a chance to hit the top spot in the Western Conference, and at the same time in the playoffs with the Suns Have home-field advantage in a duel.

   As for the Suns, this is a back-to-back game. Although Pharaoh doesn’t want to lose, the coaching staff and management don’t require a win.

The game was broadcast live by TNT in the United States, and the commentator Dort said at this time: "This is the second regular season game between the Suns and the Jazz. In the first game, the Suns defeated the Jazz on the road by 23 points, and the second game was the Suns. The team's away game, the latter two teams have two regular season games, will be played at the home court of the Suns.

   In this game, if the Jazz want to pull back, the old K must be limited. It's just that in the last game, Old K blew up the postman, and the postman with a tonnage of 127 kilograms couldn't stand Old K's reliance. It was really shocking! "

Latham laughed: "It's not surprising, because O'Neal, who weighs 140kg, can't stop the old K's attacking. His thick layer of fat has a certain defensive effect, but it can't make him really defend against the old man. K."

   Duotuo nodded and said: "O'Neal and Old K are considered to be exploding each other, the efficiency of the low post is similar, and the defensive efficiency is similar.

  Old K's current athletic quality is also a lot worse than that of the big shark, but it is really surprising that he can match O'Neal like this. "

   Latham laughed: "I have analyzed Old K. He has three strong points, two of which are invincible in the league."

  Dot said excitedly: "Oh, I would like to hear the details."

  At this time, the fans watching the game in front of countless TVs in the United States also focused their attention and wanted to hear what Dortmund had to say.

"First…"

  Letham raised his right index finger and said, "Confrontation ability." After he finished speaking, he added: "Strong confrontation ability.

"Yes, Not Bad."

   Dot and the countless people in front of the TV nodded at the same time.

Latham explained: "Strong confrontation ability allows him to gain a great advantage in the low post. When his athletic quality is far inferior to that of the big shark, he can get closer to the basket, and he can get more stable shots. Let him get a more consistent hit rate.

   With a strong confrontation, he can effectively and extremely harshly hit his opponent.

   Even formidable opponents such as O'Neal and the Postman suffer a lot under his attack, and even the three super centers have to seek double-teams under his attack, and have to avoid strong confrontation.

  Then the second strong point is the low post play that is integrated with the confrontation. "

   Duoting headed: "Actually, his strong confrontation is achieved through fighting, and his fighting skills can be said to be unparalleled in the world, the only one.

   That kind of weird power-generating technique allows him to burst into a strong enough power in a narrow space and when he is completely close to the body. This force technique largely makes up for the weakness of his lack of explosive power. "

   Latham laughed: "Among all the post players in this league, it's hard to find a post player who didn't fall at his feet.

   The first two strengths are invincible, so the third strength is his hook. Although it is good, it is not as unique as the first two strengths. "

   Duotuo nodded and said: "His hook is also unique, and with his extremely high shot height, he can rarely be blocked."

  Letham laughed: "So far, his hooks have never been blocked more than ten times, and all of them are frontal hooks, and side hooks have never been blocked.

   Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 42% of his nearly two-point shooting per game, and this season it has reached 44%, which is a pretty good shooting percentage and very stable.

   I once said that his hook will never reach the level of a sky hook, of course I still think so..."

   "Haha..." Dot laughed.

  Letham also laughed: "But I mean, in terms of hooking, he is only under the skyhook."

  …

   At this time, eight o'clock arrived, and the two sides announced the starting lineup.

  Suns: Wang Tiejun, AC Green, Drexler, Dan Marley, Elliott Perry

  Sir: James Donaldson, Karl Malone, David Bennott, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton

  TNT commentary box, Latham said at this time: "The last time I played against the Suns, Jazz center Felton Spencer was injured by old K and was directly reimbursed for the season. Now it is backup center Donaldson who has stepped up.

  Donaldson was the 7th pick in the fourth round in 1979. He is 38 years old this year. He is a real veteran, and the Jazz have no choice. Is it really good to use Donaldson to match the old K? I'll bet he'll be at Old K's feet soon. "

Dort smiled and said: "His height is 218 cm, 135 kg, the tonnage is larger and higher, but his wingspan is not as good as that of the old K, and his mobility is far inferior to that of the old K. It must be impossible to prevent, the Jazz should still let the postman Come and match up with the old K."

   Latham smiled eccentrically and said, "Dort, you said that Sir did this to protect the postman?"

   "Protect the postman?"

   Dot was startled, and suddenly burst into laughter.

   At this time, the game started, Wang Tiejun won the jump ball, and the Sun attacked.

  Wang Tiejun quickly bypassed Donaldson and ran to the top of the arc, trying to go straight into the paint from the free throw line. The postman came over and blocked it first to buy time for the slow-moving center Donaldson.

   However, AC Green immediately took the opportunity to rush to the basket and got the gap under the basket.

   However, Perry failed to pass the ball in, and under the tight defense of John Stockton's many small moves, he had some difficulty in protecting the ball.

Stockton is almost 33 years old. Not only is he the 7-time assist leader, but his defense is also very strong. He has won the steals twice. He has been selected to the All-Defensive Second Team three times before, and has averaged 2.4 steals per game this season. This data Has surpassed Jordan this season.

  Green didn't get the ball at the basket and had to leave. At this time, Donaldson entered the paint area and blocked in front of Pharaoh. The postman also returned to Green's side.

   At the beginning of the game, the Jazz completed a successful defense and switch, showing its strong defensive system.

   At this time, Perry's ball finally hoisted in, and Pharaoh had his back against Donaldson and received the ball two meters in front of the basket.

   The next moment, he couldn't help but startled.

  Because Donaldson, who was behind him, pulled back a little and didn't hold him dead, so there was a little space between the two.

   "Retreat?"

   This thought flashed in his mind, and at the same time, he turned left, dribbled the ball once, and wanted to break in and dunk.

But at this time, Donaldson, who had taken a small step back, elbowed him horizontally and gave him a hand. He was in the middle of turning, and his center of gravity was pushed. .

   At this time, the postman on the right wing had already rushed to his side and took the opportunity to **** the ball away.

   "Haha, a beautiful defense! Donaldson has a lot of experience, he made old K suffer." Latham laughed.

  Dott said with a smile: "Now I understand why the Jazz went to Donaldson. Using Donaldson's tonnage and height to delay the attacking speed of the old K, buy time for the postman's help defense."

"Yes, that's right. Donaldson's tonnage, height and size are huge, and he can block a lot of space by standing still. It takes more time and slower for K to get around him and get to the basket. .But what if the old K chooses to play hard? I think the Jazz will still have a headache." Latham laughed.

   At this time, the Jazz advanced to the frontcourt, and the Postman pulled up to a high position to do a pick-and-roll for John Stockton. After separating, the latter took the ball into the paint area, and the former stayed in the high position and did not go down.

The   Jazz's pick-and-roll tactics were too skilled, Perry was blocked by the Postman, the Suns had to switch defenses, and Green chased Stockton.

  Wang Tiejun ignored Donaldson and stood directly in front of the basket. This is where he can prevent dunks. If the opponent implements the flank cutting tactics, he can turn around and make a block. It is his favorite defensive position under the basket.

  Stockton doesn't have the ball-handling ability, which is the biggest weakness of him and the Jazz. When the Postman is restricted, he has no ability to finish offense.

  Old K was sitting at the basket, he had no idea of ​​attacking at all, he pulled to the left, and then a sudden pass, the ball flew to the high postman.

   Old Donaldson was right below, but he didn't dare to give it. With the speed of this veteran's shot, it was enough for Old K to return to the defense.

   But he was wrong. At this time, Pharaoh did not return to defend Donaldson. He missed an opportunity.

  Isn't this a joke when Perry sees Perry switch to the postman?

   So he moved up immediately as Stockton switched to the left wing, and when the Postman got the ball, he arrived just in time and got in the way.

   And Green also switched, ran to Donaldson's side, replaced Pharaoh's defensive position, and Perry ran to Stockton on the left wing.

   "The pick-and-roll strategy failed." Seeing this, Dort shouted.

   "Boom!"

  The postman clasped the ball with both hands, before turning around, he gave Pharaoh an elbow.

   However, Pharaoh still posted it toughly, and did not give him a chance to get up and space to shoot. In desperation, he could only pass the ball back to Stockton, who had withdrawn from the three-point line, and the Jazz began to reorganize the attack.

   On the Suns side, they also switched defenses again, Green ran up and re-matched the postman.

   "Boom!"

   There was going back and forth. Before leaving, Pharaoh took advantage of turning around and quietly gave the postman a cubit.

"asshole!"

   the postman cursed angrily.

"boom!"

   Beyond the three-point line on the right wing, Jeff Hornacek got the ball, and Drexler confronted him and forced a three-point jumper, which missed.

  Pharaoh got a backcourt rebound on Donaldson's head, and the Suns attacked.

   He ran forward quickly and dropped Donaldson. After entering the frontcourt, the postman could only make up for it, and AC Green was empty again.

  Green cuts to the basket from the right wing and gets the gap.

   "Quick pass!"

  Suns bench, coach Westphal shouted.

   "Whoosh!"

   But at this moment, the weakness of the point guard's lack of strength broke out. Stockton forced Perry to make a pass error through a fierce steal. The ball flew out of the baseline, and Green didn't catch it.

   shook his head helplessly, Westphal felt that the team could only look forward to the return of Lightning.

   Perry is a substitute, and a team that is not very good at the back line can barely play a game, but playing a team with a strong back line, the weakness of insufficient ability will be infinitely magnified.

  The strongest competitors in the West, Mosaic, the Spurs, and the Jazz, if the Lightning returns, the Suns' perimeter will not be worse than them, but if they can't return, it will be a little troublesome.

   And once he reaches the finals, if there is no lightning, he can't imagine the scene when the current back line faces Jordan + Pippen.

  Even if the Lightning is there, Jordan and Pippen are struggling, and he and the glider are at a significant disadvantage, not to mention the absence of Lightning.

  Jazz attack.

  Drexler is still the strongest offense on the Jazz's perimeter by switching to Jeff Hornacek, and Dan Marley is facing small forward David Banteno.

  Through a continuous pick-and-roll, Postman caught the ball one step outside the paint on the left wing, AC Green was blocked by small forward David Banteno, and Dan Marley switched to Postman.

   Huhu, after the postman caught the ball, he smashed the ball with both hands on his chest, turned around, swept his elbows, forced Dan Marley back, and then took off and shot.

"Snapped!"

   It was just that he was too close to the paint area. Pharaoh arrived in two steps and slapped him. Under the big **** hat, the ball flew upside down like a shooting star and went straight into the audience.

   "Hey, you'll be safer away from the paint area." He slapped the postman, and Pharaoh's trash-talking attack began.

   "Are you provoking me?" The postman's face flashed with anger, and he pushed up with his chest out.

With a    sound, the two of them slammed into each other's chests.

   "Am I not qualified to provoke you?"

  Pharaoh raised the postman by 10 centimeters, slammed his head down, and a headbutt hit the postman on the forehead.

   "Boom!"

  The two of them were in pain and cracked their teeth at the same time.

   "What's so special!"

   "Shet!"

   The two of them stretched out their hands and pushed each other away at the same time.

   "Hey, everyone calm down."

   Peacemaker Jeff Hornacek hurriedly intervened between the two, and by the way called Dan Marley over to help him turn off the fire together.

   On the bench, Tom Chambers also stood up and looked at the court with a worried look. If there was a fight, would he go up, or would he sit and watch the fun?

   did not suffer, a little verbal skirmish quickly passed, and the Jazz began to attack again.

   (end of this chapter)