Four Hundred and Seventy-Five: There Is Such a Team

The chemistry and locker room atmosphere of a team is created by everyone working together.

And the Grizzlies' chemistry and locker room vibe now strikes an excellent balance, especially after what Link said.

He is indeed the most dazzling star of the Grizzlies, but he has not forgotten his teammates who also contributed a lot to the team. What Link said after the last game against the 76ers in January might not have sounded to fans, but it was heartwarming to the rest of the Grizzlies.

Now, everyone feels that they are not working with "colleagues", but with a group of brothers working hard for the same goal.

They are all a group of people who are "scorned", and they all fell into the "countryside" of Memphis for various reasons.

Iguodala was sold by the 76ers because he was not "core" enough. Gasol was sent to Memphis as a complete addition. What about Link? He is a famous rocket abandoner. There are many other people who have more or less the same experience...

But it is this group of people who have been abandoned elsewhere that this year is poised to upend their status in the league. This similar experience has brought them closer together.

On the second day of training after the game, the training ground was full of joy. Stevens and his two assistant coaches crossed their hips in relief, knowing that a winning team wasn't difficult to form. But a team that can win and stick together is very rare.

"How old is that boy Link this year? 24 years old, he will be 25 years old in June. Although he is an older rookie, he is actually very young." Stevens looked at Link, who was arguing with Randolph. Talked to himself.

"Yeah, I know what you're trying to say, Brad. Link is already a leader at a young age. He's going to be the Grizzlies' most prestigious player as he gets older, he's going to be the Grizzlies. The team's flag. It's like Kobe is to the Lakers, Wade is to the Heat." Elston Turner nodded, he must admit that when he took over Link from Jeff Austin, he didn't think about it. Guys will be so successful.

"That's right, a flag, a team spirit. As long as a team has such a character, it is not afraid of a downturn. Well, cheer up, we have a lot of opportunities this year, but we can't lose the chain halfway."

After Stevens finished speaking, he blew his chest whistle to announce the end of the break.

Elston Turner and Dave Jogel smiled at each other. They both knew what Stevens meant by "a chance".

※※※

February 1,

The Grizzlies continue their fight at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Grizzlies and Thunder, this is the enduring favorite matchup in the West. Earlier this season, the two sides met for the first time, and the winner was the Grizzlies.

So this time, the Thunder played very hard. They won't allow themselves to be beaten by the Grizzlies again, and they don't want the Grizzlies to get any worse.

So today, Durant and Westbrook a 27 points, a 21 points. One hit rate is 62.5%, one hit rate is 52.9%, and the efficiency is extremely high.

In addition, Kevin Martin on the Thunder's bench also made 3 of 4 three-pointers today, scoring the team's third-highest 16 points.

With the Thunder playing so well, it's really hard for the Grizzlies to win.

Link had 27 points and 7 assists, and Randolph had 12 points and 19 rebounds. Everyone did their best. But basketball games are won and lost. This time, the Thunder succeeded in revenge. 106 to 101, 5 points difference, the Grizzlies' four-game winning streak ended tragically.

This year's regular season, and the Grizzlies played the most difficult two teams, is the Thunder and the Spurs. And these two teams are precisely the two biggest opponents of the Grizzlies in the playoffs.

Stevens wasn't too upset about the loss. Because in his opinion, the Grizzlies played nothing bad, but the Thunder played too well. And the Thunder's excellence is beyond their strength. So, it can't happen all the time.

For example, there were several balls, and both Link and Iguodala were sealed in Durant's face, but he could still score. Westbrook had a few extremely difficult forced layups, all of which were miraculous hits.

This kind of game is lost, and Stevens admits it. After all, in the playoffs, the Thunder can't have such good luck at any time.

After the game, Link got everyone together and cheered. Seeing this scene, Stevens was even more relieved.

Losing is not scary, what is scary is fear of losing. For now, the loss doesn't seem to have had any effect on the morale of the Grizzlies' players.

Anyway, now everyone's regular season match record is 1 to 1. It's a big deal to fight again next time.

Back in the locker room today, Stevens heard the players discussing one thing. Tomorrow morning, they all seem to be gathering in Link's room, waiting for the announcement of the All-Star bench.

"No one is allowed to sleep in tomorrow. Arrive half an hour early, and don't be late!"

"Don't worry, I'll get up at half past six tomorrow!"

"I'm at six!"

"I think you might as well stop sleeping tonight."

"Okay, look Zach, we have so many people supporting you. If you are really selected, do you want to show it?" Link ended everyone's chatter and looked at him with a smirk. Randolph.

Usually Randolph takes advantage of others, but this time he has to make Randolph bleed!

"If I'm really selected for the All-Star team, I'll say Lawrence one by one." Randolph patted his chest, only to realize that Link's phone had the recording function turned on.

This time, Randolph couldn't deny it.

※※※

On the morning of February 2, the Grizzlies gathered in Link and Randolph's room early in the morning.

Since everyone has not returned to Memphis, they can only wait in the hotel for the league to announce the roster of the All-Star bench.

Iguodala was in high spirits and looked very formal in a suit. Nick Young had sleepy eyes and came wearing pajamas. Tony Allen picked up a bottle of wine, but he probably didn't use it to drink it, but to spray it.

Everyone's mental state is different, but they all got together in advance as agreed.

Link stood at the front with his phone and took this casual group photo. He believes that this will become one of his fond memories.

In a short while, the small hotel room was filled to the brim by a group of big men.

"Listen, guys. Really thank you guys, I've been in the NBA for 12 years and I've never had an experience like this. Thank you guys, it's probably the most memorable day of my career. Of course, gotta Thanks Link, you could cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Randolph said a simple sentence, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Half an hour later, ESPN announced the full 2013 Houston All-Star lineup.

The starting lineup has long been announced, and the seven substitutes for the West team are Harden, Duncan, Aldridge, Parker, Westbrook and...

Zach Randolph, who beat David Lee to the All-Star Game!

A second after the results were announced, Randolph felt a sudden chill on the top of his head, the smell of wine!

At that moment he knew that he would lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But who cares? He just wants to hug his brothers now.