Sixty-Two: The Fourth Rookie to Score 20+ Points

In the tenth minute of the fourth quarter, the FedEx Arena in Memphis was still overcrowded.

At this point, the difference between the two sides has become 20 points. With only two minutes left in the game, the outcome was already decided.

Contrary to what most people think, the 20-point lead is not the Utah Jazz, who have a stronger lineup on paper, but the Memphis Grizzlies, who are considered to be sure to lose today after losing their star.

Had the game been played at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, half of the fans would have left early. But in Memphis, no fans left because the game was over.

Because at FedEx Arena, people haven't enjoyed such a big win in a long time.

At this time, on the court, Link got the basketball, and he is the offensive core of the current lineup. Because the outcome of the game was already determined, Lionel Hollins replaced the other starters early. After all, tomorrow the Grizzlies have to play back-to-back against the defending champion Lakers in Los Angeles.

Hollins kept Link on the court in order to avoid the Grizzlies from overturning at the last minute.

As it turns out, Link has done his job well. In the final minutes, Link took on the dual responsibility of scoring and defense. He successfully defended Millsap twice in a row, completely ruining the hope of the Jazz's counterattack.

Seeing Link's possession, the Grizzlies fans collectively climaxed. Today, this first-time starting No. 0 rookie did not disappoint them. If the first half of this match belongs to the black and white bears, then the second half belongs to Link.

His superb offensive skills and accurate three-pointers can always attract cheers. In the second half, Link made 3 three-pointers in one go. So far, he has scored a career-high 22 points.

The score exceeded 20, and Link reached his small goal three minutes ago.

Therefore, seeing Link holding the ball again, Memphis fans only have love in the eyes. The fans here only care about whether you can contribute to the team, not whether you are yellow.

At this point, Hollins had asked Sam Young to go to the sidelines to prepare. He no longer has to worry about the Jazz being able to reverse the score, and Link's mission is over.

Sam Young reluctantly stood on the sidelines. It was only a few games ago that he was going to be a substitute for an undrafted pick...

But before that, Link had to complete this attack.

At this time, the Jazz have no resistance. Anyway, we have to lose, and everyone wants to fight and leave Memphis.

Therefore, the defense that Link encountered was not tough. The person guarding him at this time was called Kyle Weaver, a temporary worker just like Link.

That's right, Gordon Hayward and Russian Kirilenko have both been defeated by Link. Jerry Sloan didn't let his two forwards go up and die in garbage time. If Link continues to abuse him like this, the morale of these two guys will definitely be hit.

Kirilenko and Hayward, one is too old, the other is too young. And Link is precisely the combination of seasoned experience and young and healthy body, which makes Kirilenko and Hayward very embarrassed.

Faced with the defense of a G League player, Link didn't even call a screen, and easily got out of the shot. Link is a player who can score 52 points in the G League, so he is very handy against an NBA temp like Kyle Weaver.

Shake out of the gap, enter the inside line, sideways to avoid the block, and lightly layup. Link's movements are done in one go, his offense is always calm, but he can score goals.

"With 24 points, Link became the Grizzlies' second-highest-scoring player today, surpassing even Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. The Jazz were stopped, and it looks like Jerry Sloan wants to replace them too. An all-reserve lineup, he conceded his defeat, and the Jazz lost what was a must-win game.

"

After Kerr finished speaking, he picked up Link's data sheet. 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. All five technical statistics have data. The only fly in the ointment is that Link made 2 turnovers, a pass error, and Hayward scooped the ball once.

But overall, it's still flawless. In the history of the NBA, there have been many undrafted candidates who have successfully counterattacked, such as Ben Wallace, Raja Bell, Bruce Bowen and others. They didn't start out high, but now they're all famous.

Kerr believes Link will be the most successful of the names if he can keep up that performance.

Because he is the most comprehensive one in this group of drafts. Not only can he defend, he can not only do the dirty work, but he can also score 24 points on rookies much higher than him.

"Kerr, what do you think of this game? Is the Jazz lack of preparation? Or is it all because of the conflict between Deron and Sloan?" Kerr concluded after the game.

"Insufficient preparation? Contradictions? Neither, is it so difficult to admit that the Grizzlies win by strength? This is a victory worthy of affirmation, and the Memphis have not given up their dream of hitting the playoffs." Colburn I also want to say that Link's excellent performance helped the Grizzlies win a big victory, but after thinking about it, let's give Reggie Miller some face.

After all, before the second half of the game, this guy said that Hayward had successfully contained Link... what? 30 points to contain an undrafted pick?

In this way, Link walked through the final minutes of the game on the bench. It was the first time to play as a starter, the first time to have a good rest in garbage time, and the first time to be praised by all teammates off the court.

Although his performance today is not great in the entire NBA, it still gives Link a great sense of accomplishment.

"Boy, when did you sign a guaranteed contract with the team?" Randolph, who was sitting beside Link, asked earnestly before the game ended.

The big black bear scored 27 points and 17 rebounds today, and another large double-double, which is the highest score of the Grizzlies today.

Link reached out and counted the time. The second ten-day short contract had already been executed for five days. In other words, after five days, if all goes well, he will be able to win a multi-million dollar contract!

"About five days later." Link answered honestly.

"Really? At that time, we have to celebrate." Randolph blinked from Link, wondering what bad idea this guy had.

During the chat, the electronic buzzer sounded and the game was over. 118 to 96, the Utah Jazz were slaughtered in Memphis. After the game, a reporter found that Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan quarreled. It seems that the loss of this game may hasten the disbandment of the Jazz.

Link, as the Grizzlies' best player other than Randolph, was naturally sought after by reporters.

"How do you feel about beating another lottery pick?"

"You scored 24 points in your first start, how did you do that?"

"Do you think you'll be able to play so well tomorrow at Staples?"

Faced with these questions, Link was a little overwhelmed. He didn't want to think about it, he just knew that he was getting closer and closer to a formal contract.

At the end of the live broadcast, Link was also talked about the most by Kerr, "Up to now, Link is the fourth first-year rookie to score 20+ points in the NBA besides Griffin, Wall and Cousins. However, two of the above three are No. 1 picks, and one has almost unlimited shooting power. It's not easy for Link to be on this list. But the fact is, he is indeed one of the best rookies this year."

Cole's conclusion undoubtedly gave a lot of material to the media to trumpet Link. The fourth rookie to score 20+ points this season is actually an undrafted pick. Just thinking about it is topical.

Rudy Gay, who was watching the game in a suit, watched the team's four-game winning streak, but was not very happy. Instead, he was a little anxious. As soon as the game was over, he found the team doctor and head coach Hollins, saying that he must play tomorrow's game. Even if the injury is not good enough, it must be played.

This guy is afraid that he will end up with Sam Young in the end. The threat of the undrafted is approaching the starting position.