113 Three-Pointers

In the post-match interview, Zhang Jun was asked by reporters about his changes in the second half of the game.

"You seemed to be getting used to Chuck Hayes and Mutombo defending you in the second half. How did you adjust in the process?"

Zhang Jun said: "Read the game, read the referee's penalty scale, and of course, the more important thing is to be tougher than your opponent."

"I don't know what you think, but in my opinion, the NBA basketball court is a battlefield for beasts, where the weak prey on the strong."

"I know this survival rule, so I will be tougher than my opponent."

The reporter who asked the question nodded in agreement and continued: "In this game, you made 9 of 18 shots and 13 of 16 free throws. You scored 31 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists."

"This is your second consecutive game with 30+ points. I don't know if any other rookie has done this before. What I want to ask is, will your hot touch continue?"

Nate McMillan immediately reminded the reporter: "In the history of the NBA, there is a player who scored 30+ points in 6 consecutive games in his rookie season. This is also the best rookie performance in NBA records."

"That player is Allen Iverson, and I think Zhang Jun can do the same."

After Nate McMillan finished speaking, he smiled at Zhang Jun. He also very much expected his disciple to break such a record, which would be the glory of the entire Portland.

Zhang Jun was silent for a while and said: "My first goal is always to win. If the team loses, then I won't be happy even if I score 60 points."

"Of course, I will try to look back at a certain stage of my career and see what glory I have created. It will definitely be a very different feeling."

"But I'm definitely not going to chase numbers, that's who I am."

Trail Blazers locker room.

Randolph sat by his closet a little unhappy, and the TV next to him was still playing Zhang Jun's live interview.

His performance tonight was not very good. He was blocked by Yao Ming and only made 5 of 13 shots. He scored 12 points and 8 rebounds.

This data is somewhat different from his performance of 24 points and 10 rebounds per game last season. So far, Randolph has averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game, which is also a significant decline from last season.

"The reason is because of Zhang Jun!"

Randolph said angrily.

Before Zhang Jun came to the Trail Blazers, Randolph was the team's first offensive option, second was Brandon Luo Yin, and third was Jarrett Jack.

This season, sophomore Brandon Luo Yin plays an increasingly important role in the team, and he has a faint tendency to be the team's first offensive option.

If it was Brandon Luo Yin, Randolph would have to endure it, because the opponent is not that easy to mess with, and the situation behind him is also very complicated.

Randolph is a little afraid of Brandon Royce.

"But you, Zhang Jun, are nothing like me. You are not as tall or strong as me and there is no one behind you. You are so arrogant all day long!"

Travis Outlaw reminded in a low voice: "Zhang Jun has played very hotly in these two games, scoring 30+ points in two consecutive games. Nate McMillan likes him very much. I heard this on the bench many times. Te McMillan and Monty Williams were praising him."

"I guess Zhang Jun has now become a favorite in the eyes of the management."

"Zach, forget it, I feel like Zhang Jun is pretty good too."

When Zhang Jun led the bench, Travis Outlaw became a beneficiary.

The opponent's powerful breakthrough can always provide Travis Outlaw with an open space or a chance to score under the basket.

Although his average data per game has not changed significantly compared to last season, still 8 points and 3 rebounds, his shooting percentage has increased from 43% to 47%.

This season, Nate McMillan put him on the bench without any explanation, but with LaMarcus Aldridge currently averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds per game, Travis Outlaw has long since lost his battle with his opponent. The idea of ​​competing for the starting power forward spot.

He even thinks that his current statistics and efficiency are quite good.

Randolph glared at him and said stiffly: "So what? I am the highest paid player in the Trail Blazers, and I am the player with the best chance of becoming an All-Star in the team this season."

"Tell me, in what way am I worse than Zhang Jun?"

"He has only scored 30+ points in two games. I have exceeded 10 30+ games in my entire career. You must finally settle this score."

At this time, Zhang Jun and Luo Yin, who had finished the interview, happened to return to the locker room.

Randolph immediately stood up with an unkind look on his face.

"Boy, I warned you, it's not going to be that good back in the Trail Blazers locker room."

Zhang Jun, who was happily chatting with Luo Yin about their tacit cooperation tonight, his face immediately darkened.

He had tolerated Randolph's troubles before, and he had tolerated stuffing random things into his car. Rookies always have to be bullied by veterans.

But the opponent kept causing trouble for him again and again, and it was not the kind of trouble that a veteran would take care of a rookie at all. He really couldn't bear it anymore.

Luo Yin stood in front of Zhang Jun and warned: "That's enough Zach, you have already done the rules of veterans bullying rookies, don't cause trouble for my brother anymore."

Randolph breathed out angrily and said, "This is our business and has nothing to do with you."

"Don't think you're not afraid of anyone just because you have the support of the Gambino family. Your hand is too broad."

Zhang Jun stopped Luo Yin who stood up for him. He had not yet reached the point where he could only survive under the protection of others.

Zhang Jun looked at Randolph and said, "Tell me what you want."

Randolph pointed to the sneakers he had just taken off under his closet and said, "Bring these shoes to San Antonio for me. I want them to be like new before the game starts."

"And this season, I will leave my backpack to you. You will be responsible for delivering it to the visiting team's locker for me in every game."

Zhang Jun looked at the smelly shoes, shook his head and said, "I won't do it."

Hold.

Randolph rolled up his sleeves and was about to start a fight. Why don't you stop after seeing a pair of smelly shoes and a backpack?

Zhang Jun was absolutely right, and he beat Randolph hard, even if the opponent was a lot bigger than him.

At this time, both Aldridge and Jarrett Jack returned to the locker room. They immediately stopped Randolph and obviously sided with Zhang Jun.

Randolph has bullied many people in the locker room over the years.

Seeing that the fight could no longer continue, Randolph simply stopped and said, "You can't be so lucky every night. Let your bodyguards be with you every day."

Zhang Jun hummed and said, "Don't think I'm not convinced by you. If you want me to convince you, you can challenge me to a duel. Let's talk with basketball."

"If you beat me with 21 goals, I will obey you and carry your shoes and backpack for you this season."

Randolph remembered that Zhang Jun had picked almost every player on the team from the training camp until now, and without any surprise, everyone had won.

Even Luo Yin lost to Zhang Jun in a duel.

According to Luo Yin's original words, as long as Zhang Jun touches the ball, you have no chance. His skills and abilities are invincible in a one-on-one bullfight.

Randolph's face turned extremely red under the attention of all his teammates, and he finally choked out a sentence.

"I won't do it!"

...........

The Trail Blazers have one game left against the San Antonio Spurs before ending their trip against the Western Conference powerhouse.

Nate McMillan reminded the players that playing the Spurs is a tough game.

Because they are the defending champions.

Hearing the name of the defending champion, newcomers like Aldridge and Luo Yin naturally feel fear, because that is a team that has already accepted the championship test.

Zhang Jun is also looking forward to playing against this silver and black team, and it is also the 2007 San Antonio Spurs.

In previous lives, many fans were debating who was the better Spurs team in 2007 or 2014.

In Zhang Jun's opinion, the 2007 Spurs were the most balanced year. They could be fast or slow, they could fight the sun without falling into a disadvantage and win, they could take advantage of the Jazz's muscle collision and fight, and use 4 Easily deal with the invading Nuggets double guns than 1.

When dealing with the Cavaliers' half-court offense and offense-defense transition, this Spurs team performed best because they withstood James' impact and allowed the opponent to post their worst data since the playoffs.

Many people say it's because Popovich chose to short James from the outside in order to make a profit.

But the Spurs didn't just leave James open on the outside, but also cut off James' connection with his teammates, forcing the opponent to make up to 6 turnovers per game, and also placed heavy shackles on Duncan and Bruce Bowen on the inside and outside.

"The 2014 Spurs were certainly the most gorgeous and smoothest year overall offensively."

"But this Spurs team has changed a bit and lacks a lot of the traditional style of play, so I still like to play the 2007 Spurs team."

...........

San Antonio.

The joy of the championship is still rippling in the city, with the championship trophy flags still flying on both sides of the streets. Fans rushing to the AT&T Center Arena are even wearing the jerseys they wore after winning the championship last season.

After all, they had just handed out championship rings, and the fans were still excited.

Live commentary desk.

Kenny Smith was very excited and said: "After the last game, Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan reminded everyone that Iverson set a record of 6 consecutive 30+ points as a rookie."

"I don't know what he meant when he said this, but I am now looking forward to whether Zhang Jun can do the same thing as Iverson."

Barkley said: "It's still a bit too difficult. Iverson entered the NBA at full level and averaged 24 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists in his first season."

"This is basically as good a performance as an All-Star player can get."

"Zhang Jun's breakthrough may be comparable to that of Allen Iverson as a rookie, but his scoring ability in other aspects is far behind."

"At least Zhang Jun has no shooting ability. He has only made 32% of his three-pointers so far, while Iverson shot 34% of his three-pointers in his rookie season."

"In terms of mid-range shooting, the rookie Allen Iverson even surpassed Zhang Jun. Mid-range shooting is Zhang Jun's strength."

"So, as long as there is a team in the league that can prevent Zhang Jun's breakthrough, then this rookie can almost be completely locked up."

Kenny Smith was very curious and said: "But which team can completely prevent Zhang Jun's breakthrough?"

"In the last game, the Rockets used Chuck Hayes and Mutombo, both of whom were unable to limit Zhang Jun's breakthrough, and sent the opponent to the free throw line 16 times."

"Is there any team in the league that can do better than the Rockets' Chuck Hayes and Mutombo?"

Barkley looked forward to it and said: "Tonight, it's Bruce Bowen and Duncan of the Spurs."

The game is about to begin.

Regular starter for the Trail Blazers.

The Spurs starting lineup: point guard Tony Parker, shooting guard Bruce Bowen, small forward Michael Finley, power forward Tim Duncan and center Fabricio Oberto.

Nate McMillan crossed his arms and was very confident in preparing for tonight's game.

After defeating the Lakers and Rockets in two consecutive games, Monty Williams has more expectations for the Trail Blazers.

"If we win against Spurs tonight, we'll have won three games in a row and beat the defending champions."

"Our future is bright."

Nate McMillan nodded. The reason why the Trail Blazers have been able to perform so well this season is that, in addition to the growth of Luo Yin and Aldridge, the most important thing is that they supplemented the team's weakest shortcomings.

A player who can determine victory or defeat at critical moments.

Zhang Jun's breakthrough kills helped the team a lot at critical moments.

All! All!

The referee blew the whistle and the ball jumped in the middle.

Randolph won the offensive ball in the first possession, and he seemed ready to come out firing tonight.

Trail Blazers offense.

Randolph blocked Fabricio Oberto inside.

Jarrett Jack passed the ball inside.

Randolph beat Fabricio Oberto in the low post.

A library!

Two libraries!

Randolph forcefully knocked away Fabricio Oberto and scored with a throw from the basket.

"This ball is hit hard!"

After scoring the goal, Randolph was dressed in black and walked toward the backcourt with his braces on his teeth.

He wanted to show Zhang Jun that you are not the only one who can score 30+, I can too.

Kenny Smith praised: "Randolph will start to show strength tonight. Although the Trail Blazers won the first two games, his performance was not particularly impressive."

"The team's rookies Luo Yin and Zhang Jun both stole his limelight."

"But Randolph is still capable, so let's see what he does tonight."

Switch offense.

The Spurs' offensive tactics are very strange. It's not that it's a mess, but it's obviously very orderly and organized, but you just can't understand what they are playing.

Tony Parker holds the ball from the outside, and Duncan moves up the pick-and-roll.

Duncan's speed after the pick-and-roll was not fast. Parker broke through quickly in the first step, but was immediately assisted by Luo Yin.

Facing the assist defense, Parker passed the ball very steadily to Bruce Bowen on the outside.

This passing choice is very interesting. Luo Yin assisted in defense, and Parker immediately passed to Bruce Bowen, Luo Yin's opponent, as if he had been prepared for it.

Zhang Jun arrived in time and followed Bruce Bowen.

In coach Nate McMillan's pre-game arrangements, the opponent repeatedly reminded Bruce Bowen that he averaged 39% three-point shooting last season, which was ridiculously high.

So far this season, he has shot 41% from three-point range.

Bowen's three-pointer was accurate.

Zhang Jun followed Bruce Bowen. The opponent had no intention of playing hard and looked for his teammates with the ball.

Duncan moved from the right to the left to hold the ball again, and then turned his back from the free throw line with a fake shot and directly hit the paint area.

This position is very dangerous.

Randolph came over to help defend, leaving Fabricio Oberto free inside.

The entire Trail Blazers team immediately tightened their defense.

Uh-huh!

Fabricio Oberto passed the ball to Michael Finley on the outside, who hit a three-pointer.