Nineteen: Anti-Humiliation

Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana after Polis.

Of course, there is also a professional basketball team in Indiana second only to the Pacers, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

The Fort Wayne Ants may be one of the few G League teams that Link knows about. This is not because Link used to follow G League news, but the single player mode of NBA 2K19, where the protagonist is in Fort Wayne. Mad Ant effect.

However, Link's knowledge of the Mad Ants was limited to that. After all, one game can't have every aspect of a G League team.

Today, scouts from countless NBA teams gather in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, home of the Mad Ants.

As a result, everyone wanted to see how the magical Chinese player who scored a triple-double in the last game performed today.

Second, whether Lance Stephenson can dominate the D-League is what scouts are looking forward to.

Unlike Link, who suddenly appeared in the public eye, Stephenson became famous early in his youth. Originally from New York, he shamed many grown-up streetball players when he was still in high school, and his talent once earned him a place on the U18 national team.

However, as he is now delegated to the G League, Stephenson has repeatedly self-sabotaged his career for various off-court incidents.

But overall, Stephenson remains a genius in the minds of most scouts. Therefore, the duel between him and Link has become much-anticipated.

"Today's game, Link, you start and go to the 3! Although you play the 3, I need you to mark Stephenson on the defensive end. There is no doubt that the bad guy is the number one of the Mad Ants. Scorer. But I'm sure you can freeze him like you did Luke Babbitt the last game."

Before the game, Conor put his tactical focus on Link.

Although Link only played one good game, he was the only person Conor could trust.

Upshaw is conscientious, but has limited ability. Well, Brockman...that guy will be turned into a fool by the streetball Stephenson.

Therefore, no matter whether Link's last game was a flash in the pan or a real strength, Conor can only choose to try.

The opponent is an NBA-level player, a player who was sent down because of his bad temper!

"Brockman, like last game, I want you to set up more screens for Link. When he calls for screen, you have to put me in place right away!"

Conor then turned his attention to Brockman. There is no doubt that Brockman's tactical status has changed from core to blue-collar. Now, Brockman doesn't need to play with the ball, he just needs to do the simple work of defending, screening and cutting for dunks.

Conor thought that Brockman would resist fiercely, so his tone was a little heavy. As everyone knows, Brockman nodded obediently and agreed.

"Well, I see."

Although there was some reluctance in his tone, Brockman always agreed.

True, he didn't like Link. But it turns out that if you cooperate with Link well, you can get good data and win the game by the way.

Therefore, as long as Brockman is not mentally retarded, there will be no more conflicts with Link.

Seeing that his teammates were willing to cooperate with his work, Link smiled slightly. Next, he finally had to experience what it was like to confront James and Stephenson back then.

※※※

Although the D-League game is not at the same level as the NBA, the basic procedures still have to be followed. It is impossible to omit the warm-up before the game.

Link's shooting percentage from open shots is still very high today, and Grant Hill's shooting stability is still very good during this period.

If the shooting stability of the old Hill can be combined with the physical quality of Peak Hill... Link swallowed, I hope his system can really be so powerful.

"You are Link!?"

Just as Link was thinking while shooting, he heard someone calling him.

Turning his head, he saw that it was none other than the infamous "Born Ready", Lance Stephenson.

Face-to-face with Stephenson in person, Link's first impression was that the other party was full of murderous aura.

His eyes were round, like a venomous snake staring at its prey.

"Lance, you just rushed to our warm-up half, I'm afraid it's not good." Link looked around, he found that several teammates had gathered.

Crazy Ants coach Steve Gansey was undoubtedly the most nervous person, and if Stephenson had made trouble before the game, he would have vomited blood.

"What's wrong, the league does not stipulate that the opponent's players must not cross the midfield line during warm-up. I often hear George mention you, you are stronger than I thought, Link."

"Really? Thanks for the compliment, Lance, I..."

"But basketball is not a tougher game, I know you have a high opinion of George, but that's only because you and he were college teammates. I'll show you how cruel the NBA is, boy. If you My coach happened to let you guard me, so you're out of luck."

After speaking, Stephenson turned and left.

Everyone was confused. Today was the first time Link and Stephenson met, and the two had no grievances before. Why did Stephenson come over to provoke him?

But that's Stephenson, and if he's thinking like a normal person, he wouldn't have fallen to the second round.

Link shook his head, unaffected by Stephenson. He is very aware that there are many scouts coming today, so naturally he will not miss this opportunity to shine.

"The game is about to start, which is undoubtedly the highlight of this season's G League game! The former son of New York, Lance Stephenson, played against Chinese Light Link. The match between the two is very exciting."

As soon as the commentator finished speaking, the referee threw a basketball and the game started!

The 2.16-meter white center of the Crazy Ants won the basketball, and this behemoth looked just as intimidating as Whiteside.

Link couldn't help but sigh, maybe in a few more years, such a slow-moving big center might have a hard time finding a market in the G League.

Lance Stephenson received the basketball, and he directly controlled the ball past half court. Stephenson is an all-around guard, 1.96 meters tall, he can play the one and two positions at the same time. He can even step up to the 3 when needed.

Stephenson thought that Link would not come up to defend himself so quickly, but just after half court, he was pressed closely by Link.

"Link went directly to Stephenson! The big matchup in this game started early!"

Stephenson smiled slightly, he didn't believe that a Chinese with average athletic ability could defend himself. He used to be able to dazzle a lot of opponents in Rock Park, and he can also do this in the G League.

Stephenson does have a weird personality, but he's not stupid. He knew that Larry Bird valued himself very much, and he knew that Bird also hated iron when he let himself go.

So, in the G League, he didn't want to let Bird down.

Stephenson dribbled the ball alternately with his left and right hands, and was about to break through. But in the first step, the more athletic Stephenson did not complete the breakthrough!

"The prediction is correct in advance, don't worry, Link's defense is flawless!"

The commentator cheered, and the Chinese No. 5 on the field has attracted the attention of too many people. Even a commentary can't help interpreting the game from his point of view.

"hateful!"

Stephenson gritted his teeth angrily, turned around quickly, leaned on Link with his back to force a breakthrough, and raised the basketball after reaching the free throw line.

A realistic fake shot, so realistic that even Brockman is ready to fight for rebounds. However, Link was still not deceived, he was not picked up and jumped on Stephenson, his body was always close.

At this moment, even the head coach of the Crazy Ants, Stephen Gansey shook his head. If any college player wanted to ask the coach what a textbook perimeter defense was, Gansey would definitely give the video of this round to him. Student players watch.

Don't shake, don't lose position, don't take off easily, Stephenson must have never encountered such a defense in the streets of New York.

Stephenson was forced to stop, so he began to look anxiously for his teammates. But the wily Link did not give him a chance. Seizing the opportunity, Link started everything.

Stephenson lost control of the basketball and got a steal. At the beginning of the game, Stephen gave Link a big gift with a mistake!

"The steal, can you fight back!?" The commentator stood up excitedly.

On the court, Link was still slow and leisurely. At this time, many fans have already discovered that he has the shadow of Grant Hill.

Link knew that he didn't have the ability to run fast break, so he just dribbled the ball two steps before he shot a long pass.

Brockman rushed to the front, and when he received the basketball, there was no one in front of him!

The next thing is simple, Brockman showed his hands to dunk, the blue team won the first point of the game in the most exciting way!

Another successful pie, which is why Brockman isn't fighting Link now. With Link around, Brockman would have an easier time scoring.

"Beautiful dunk, but the offense is mainly due to Link's beautiful defense. He stopped Stephenson in the first round, and I don't know what Stephenson will do in the game after that."

After seeing Brockman complete the dunk, Link opened his hand to Stephenson.

"You're right, being strong is not the key to winning basketball, it's your brain." Link pointed to his head, his actions and words undoubtedly angered Stephenson.

Because everyone said that he has a problem with his brain?

Stephenson must be in a very bad mood at this time when he wanted to give the other party a slap in the face, but was humiliated instead.

At the same time in the stands, I don't know how many scouts have secretly written a sentence in their notebooks.

"Anyway, he deserves a shot at a 10-day short contract."