Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight: This Is Exactly the Thing I Am Least Worried About
21 points in a single quarter, 51 points in a single game, scoring 50+ points in the playoffs for the second time in his career
In the first game of the finals, Link showed his unparalleled dominance.
Despite being injured, and falling behind by 9 points with 8 minutes before the end of the game, and with James' superb performance, Link still led the team to victory.
This left all the Memphis fans in attendance mesmerized.
After Link's victory, he just stood in the middle of the field with his arms raised, and didn't do any special celebrations, but this already made the atmosphere at FedEx Arena boil.
Although it was only the first win of the series, it was a great win.
In just one game, Link clearly demonstrated his dominance. He made the people of Cleveland understand how difficult it is to steal a championship over their heads.
"For the Grizzlies, this undoubtedly takes them a big step towards their goal of three consecutive championships. Although the score difference in this game is not big, the power displayed by the Grizzlies is very disappointing." Mike .Brin shook his head.
Indeed, the score difference in this game is not big. The Cavaliers only lost by a few points and still looked like they had a lot of chances to win the game.
But in fact, the scary thing about this game is not the point difference, but the fact that Link and the Grizzlies showed their invincible strength!
A team aiming for three consecutive championships should have the kind of strength it needs!
At the post-game press conference, LeBron James, who was supposed to be the protagonist today, looked lonely.
This game was really demoralizing, because not only did he lose the game, he also completely lost to Link one on one.
The scene where he made a steal at the last moment but fell to the ground was even more shameful.
James left Miami and Dwyane Wade in order to defeat Link. He abandoned a lot and carried a lot.
But in the end, they still didn't even win a game.
Such a blow is very huge for James.
"LeBron, how do you evaluate Link's performance in the last eight minutes of the game? This time, there was almost no interruption in the duel between you. Do you think you have completely failed today?"
The reporter's question was very pointed. At this time, no one cared whether the person sitting on the commentary desk was LeBron James or some unknown person. Even when facing superstars, reporters will not be soft-spoken.
James was silent for a while, then slowly approached the microphone, "Link's performance was great. It was perhaps the best 8 minutes of his career in the Finals. But this was only the first game, and we will continue to work hard." .”
"You said the same thing last season, and the Miami Heat were swept in four games. Will tragedy happen again this year?"
As soon as James finished speaking, he was forcefully rebutted by the reporter.
"I'm with the Cleveland Cavaliers now, and things are a lot different than before."
"But you still lost today's game."
Before the reporter finished asking, James stood up, turned around and left the field angrily!
All along,
James is a model player in the league. He behaved well in public and was well-liked by reporters.
But today, LeBron, the nice guy, really couldn't stand it any longer.
He couldn't face such cruel problems again and again. After such a tragic defeat with a close score, James just wanted to be alone.
This time, he lost his temper.
Seeing James leaving the field angrily, the reporters were all dumbfounded.
There is no need to continue asking their questions, they have already received answers.
It seems that in this game, Link really broke James' mentality.
Yes, watching your opponent score 21 points in a single quarter in a variety of completely unreasonable ways, anyone who encounters this kind of thing will have a nervous breakdown.
If James cannot adjust his mentality before the start of the next game
So his ending this year may not be much better than last year.
※※※
When James returned to the locker room, all the Cavaliers players were still waiting for him, and no one left first.
James looked around the locker room, said nothing, and silently walked to his locker to pack his things.
"Sorry LeBron, we should have won the game."
At this time, Kelly Irving's voice broke the terrible silence.
James stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Irving. But before he could speak, Owen spoke again.
"We didn't help too much. We were too nervous and made a lot of mistakes. But today, we have learned from our experience. We will definitely be able to help you more in the next game. Hey, for Cleveland."
Irving seemed to be blaming himself. He and Love scored 21 points and 16 points respectively today, which seemed pretty good, but the two made a total of 8 turnovers together!
As Irving said, he and Love were not particularly comfortable playing today.
The intensity of the finals was something they had never seen before in their careers.
But after experiencing it once, Irving also gained great confidence. He believes that he and others can perform better in the next game.
Since James can't lead the team to victory in one-on-one situations, give him a helping hand!
Winning the championship is not just a matter of James alone.
"This game is not to blame on anyone, the responsibility is all mine. But we should not fall into the quagmire of failure, we should climb out. This game is over, we should start preparing for the next one. You are right Kelly, for Cleveland!"
James smiled slightly and seemed to be in a better mood.
Yes, the helpers around me haven't shown their power yet. It would be too early to admit defeat now!
Irving's words restored James' confidence. Since the Warriors can win at FedEx Arena, why can't the Cavaliers?
As long as we can win the next game, everything will return to where it started.
While James and his teammates were encouraging themselves in the locker room, Link, who scored 51 points today, walked into the Grizzlies general manager's office after taking a shower.
As soon as Link opened the office door, team owner Robert Pera and general manager Chris Wallace enthusiastically embraced the city's hero.
"Great job Link, it's wonderful!" Young Pera was very excited. He may be the most enjoyable team owner in the league in recent years.
The same new owner took over the team. Look at the Nets, which burned a lot of money but had no results, and then look at the Grizzlies, who won the championship and were soft-handed.
Pella obtained the greatest reward at almost the minimum cost. He spent the least money and won the most championships. Of course, the greatest economic benefits were also obtained.
"By the way, Pella, I came here to ask you a favor." After hugging the boss, Link was ready to get to the point.
He didn't come here to drink champagne with the boss.
"I agree to a hundred things, Link." Pella was not joking. As long as it could make Link happy, he would satisfy Link with anything within his capabilities.
"It won't take that much, just one piece. I think." Link paused, then scratched his head sheepishly, "I want to ask you, can you help me get the championship ring in advance."
Both Wallace and Pera were stunned for a moment, "Get the championship ring in advance?"
In the history of the NBA, no player has ever had such a requirement. Championship rings are usually awarded during the opening game of the regular season next season, and there is no precedent for rings being given out in advance.
"That's no problem, but can I ask why?" Pera was a little curious and made the championship ring in advance. This was not a matter of money, but it took a lot of courage.
If the Grizzlies fail to win the championship in the end, but the ring is made again, wouldn't it be an own goal?
Moreover, when will the championship rings be distributed? Why should they be issued in advance?
So Link told Pella that he wanted to propose to Rachel in the summer.
Pella immediately slapped her thigh, "Okay, just leave it to me. If you need anything else then, just tell me."
Pella did not go back on her promise and simply agreed to Link's request.
"Thank you so much, Pella. Then I will go back and enjoy the victory."
After Link left, Chris Wallace looked very shocked, "You just agreed?"
"Otherwise?" Pella smiled, not feeling anything wrong at all.
"I don't mean that we shouldn't satisfy Link. What I mean is, what if we can't win?"
"Can't win? Hahahaha, this is exactly what I'm least worried about! Be confident, Chris, think about it, if you have Michael Jordan at his peak in your team, would you still feel that you can't win? ?”
Wallace shook his head, "Of course not."
"That's right, Link is our Michael Jordan, man. So, I will deal with this matter tomorrow. The championship ring for the proposal, well, I should find a famous expert to design it. Right. By the way, let’s prepare the champagne for celebrating the championship as well.”
The young Pera got busy immediately. He never had any doubts about winning the championship.