One Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Six: Recognized Successor

After more than half of the fourth quarter, the game has entered garbage time.

At this time, both sides had sent out full substitute lineups, and the game no longer had the intense atmosphere it had in the first half.

A score difference of more than 20 points hung over the Mavericks' heads, making them difficult to move forward.

For Mavericks players, time suddenly seems very long.

At this time, the basketball went out of bounds and the game was interrupted. The on-site camera lens also took the opportunity to give Luka Doncic a close-up.

Doncic, who usually smiles a lot even on the bench, was very depressed today.

He held his chin with one hand and frowned.

A week ago in Dallas, facing the Los Angeles Lakers and James, he scored 31 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. In the end, the team was just one point away from stealing the victory from the Lakers.

And today, 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, which seems pretty good at first glance.

But so far in the second half, Doncic has only scored 5 points in total! Of his 28 points, 23 came in the first half.

From the beginning of the third quarter to now, he has been in a state of being completely locked by Link.

In addition, Doncic made as many as 8 mistakes today.

As a ball handler, Doncic has averaged 3.6 turnovers per game so far this season.

Today, his number of turnovers has almost doubled.

This is all thanks to Link.

His seemingly gorgeous statistics really can't make him happy.

Because in front of Link, his performance was so bleak.

If his performance is as good as the statistics, the Mavericks will not be directly thrown into garbage time.

Doncic shook his head. He really didn't expect that Link could defend to that extent.

Chasing someone from behind... This kind of operation can only be performed by a player with super physical talent like Porzingis.

However,

Link's height of 2.03 meters really doesn't seem like a height that allows him to impersonate others at will.

You know, Doncic is only two centimeters shorter than Link.

But Link did it, and it was that catch that made Doncic completely lose confidence.

After being suppressed by Link at the beginning of the third quarter, Doncic actually still wanted to win and fight hard.

But that catch made Doncic completely give up.

Although this is not the game where Doncic scored the least points today, Doncic feels that this is the most desperate game he has ever played.

Doncic has been a super talent since he was a teenager. No matter what the situation, it won't let him stop.

He is always capable of resolving various crises.

But today, Link made Doncic realize the full meaning of the word "helpless".

Recalling the second half of the game against Link, Doncic felt terrified.

It was as if Link could read his mind and correctly predict his intentions every time.

Doncic shook his head. People said he was Link's successor.

But looking at it now, I am still far from Link.

Link didn't lie. When Doncic was ignored by the fans yesterday, Link said it was not time to lose heart yet.

Sure enough, Doncic is now a hundred times more discouraged than yesterday afternoon.

"It was really a high-end, low-end game. We were hoping for a good second half. But unfortunately, our hopes were dashed in the end."

Jeff Van Gundy shook his head. Link was really ruthless in the second half of the game.

The score difference was completely widened in a few seconds.

Thinking of this, Van Gundy couldn't help but look at Link's data today.

31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, another near-triple-double.

You know, this was achieved when Link didn't play much in the fourth quarter.

Although Link's brilliance was somewhat overshadowed by Doncic in the first half, in the second half, Link directly "blacked out" Doncic.

This is how Link handles things.

Speaking of which, this may be why Link and Jordan are great.

Link and Jordan are a few superstar players in NBA history who will go all out in the regular season.

Take a look at James' "health" skills in the regular season, and then look at how young people like Wiggins treat the regular season.

You know how valuable Link and Jordan's performance in the regular season is.

They both deserve to be so popular.

If Link knew that Jeff Van Gundy thought of him this way, he would definitely be very embarrassed.

I really wanted to paddle today...but I didn't expect that Doncic would be so powerful.

There is no other way, so we have to kill him first and then paddle slowly.

But Link must admit that Doncic is indeed different from other newcomers.

Being able to score 23 points at halftime against the Grizzlies is an incredible achievement.

Even though Conley's defensive ability has declined this season, the Grizzlies' overall defense is still very good.

But even in this kind of defense, Doncic can still come and go with ease.

It has to be said that this is already a manifestation of his extremely strong talent.

It's a pity that Doncic's opponent today is himself.

"Beep~~~"

Link was still sighing when the buzzer sound at the end of the game ripped through the air.

128 to 102, the Dallas Mavericks fell behind by only 5 points in the first half, collapsed at halftime, and ultimately lost by 26 points!

26 points, the worst defeat the Mavericks have ever experienced this season.

People were originally looking forward to Doncic's performance, but Link told everyone with practical actions that it would be better to have less such expectations in the future.

Because most of these expectations will eventually turn into disappointment.

At the end of the game, Doncic stood up helplessly.

He found Link walking towards him, and Doncic took a deep breath.

He thought to himself that getting sprayed by Link would definitely be inevitable.

A guy who can learn a few words in Slovenian just to talk trash, what kind words can he say after winning the game?

However, when Link approached Doncic, he opened his arms and hugged Doncic.

Doncic was a little confused. Has Link ever been so friendly to his opponents after the game?

"You played well, kid. You were two points away from breaking 30 points. Not everyone can score 30 points at FedEx Arena. Your performance was great."

Doncic's eyes widened.

Is this what Link would say?

Is this the legendary encouragement from seniors? Doncic felt tears welling up in his eyes.

However, what Link said next made Doncic's mood instantly turn from sunny to cloudy.

"Although you were badly beaten by me in the second half and could hardly score, this is normal. After all, you are not the only one who has experienced this. You are already very strong, kid. Keep up the good work."

"Pfft!" Dongciqi was speechless. He was a pusher, and he never forgot to show off when trying to comfort others.

"Hahaha, I'm just kidding. Your performance is really good. From now on, this league will be yours. Don't let me down. After retirement, I will also keep an eye on you, kid."

After Link finished speaking, he patted Doncic on the shoulder, then turned and left.

Doncic smiled and shook his head. Link is indeed a unique player.

Although it was a pity to lose to him, Doncic was a little excited when he thought that he was recognized by Link.

Did you hand this alliance over to me? Then just wait and see!

At the post-game press conference, Link also praised Doncic's performance.

But at the same time, Link also said: "He is still very young and still has a long way to go. So, give him some room to grow."

On the other hand, Doncic instantly transformed into Link's little fanboy at the press conference.

“I learned a lot from playing against Link and benefited a lot.”

"Link did trash-talk me in Slovenian, but I have to keep it secret."

"Link is definitely the strongest star in this league. His strength can only be realized after playing against him."

"I think Link can win four consecutive championships. Many people say that four consecutive championships are impossible because no one has ever done it in modern NBA history. So why can't Link be the first person to do it? Woolen cloth?"

The reporters below were all stunned. Doncic may be the first player in history who kept saying good things about him after being brutally beaten by Link.

On the court, the two men obviously played so fiercely and showed no mercy.

But off the court, they are very sure of each other.

It’s clear that a connection has been established between Doncic and Link.

Yesterday, the NBA officially filmed an advertisement for Link and Doncic with the theme of "Heritage".

But the real inheritance is likely to officially begin today.

Reporters couldn't help but wonder about a successor who was favored by the harsh Link himself?

The future of the NBA seems to be getting more and more exciting.