129 Christmas War

Second quarter of the game.

Zhang Jun came on the court, and he was joined by Trail Blazers players Steve Blake, James Jones, Channing Fletcher and Travis Outlaw.

The Sonics' substitute lineup is point guard Luke Ridnour, shooting guard Damien Wilkins, small forward Wally Szczerbiak, power forward Nick Collison and center Ko. Thomas.

The game continues.

Zhang Jun holds the ball and suddenly accelerates after halftime.

Wally Szczerbiak is a white striker from Spain. His defense has been criticized by fans. Because of his slow lateral movement and defensive footsteps, everyone thinks that his defensive ability is poor, but in fact When it comes to defending non-speed players, his defensive effect is better than any player on the Sonics team.

For example, when facing Anthony and James at the same position, his defensive effect was very good, but he was always beaten badly when defending Kobe.

Moreover, Wally Szczerbiak was an All-Star in 2002. He could score, fight, and was extremely accurate in three-pointers.

"But if you let him defend Zhang Jun, the scene will probably be worse than facing Kobe."

Buckley couldn't help but sigh and said.

Although many people think that Zhang Jun's draft template is Tracy McGrady, Barkley would rather say that Zhang Jun's playing style is more like Iverson or Wade, rushing inside with a bag of explosives.

The key is that Zhang Jun is taller than the two old guys in front, so guarding him will be more troublesome than guarding Iverson and Wade.

Because the defensive players' defensive power against him is not as great as imagined.

Wade and Iverson are always subject to some restrictions when they rush inside to face a big man over 2 meters tall, but Zhang Jun is not afraid at all. Even if the opponent is a center who comes to help defend him, he may not be able to interfere with him.

"Double team!"

The roar of Sonics head coach P.J. Carlesimo rang out on the court.

The Sonics' interior power forward Nick Collison and center Kurt Thomas both contracted to help defend. They also made the same choice as other teams when defending Zhang Jun's breakthrough.

Double team, help defense or prevent the ball.

Facing a double team with Wally Szczerbiak chasing behind him, Zhang Jun did not choose to hit hard, but threw the ball directly to the bottom corner.

Channing Freeborn is used to running from a 45° angle to the bottom corner, because this is the sense of position and space that a pitcher must have. When a teammate breaks through, he must try his best to run to find the catching point, and there are two corners in the bottom corner. Location is the most important and most likely point where opportunities arise.

Qian Ning Fulai raised his hand to catch the ball. He was a little surprised, as if he and Zhang Jun had played basketball for many years and had a very familiar understanding.

His movement arrived, and Zhang Jun's pass arrived at the same time, but the pass was not perfect, the force was a bit strong and the angle was a bit off.

But what surprised Qian Ningfu Lai was that there was no one in front of him.

"This defense...is too exaggerated."

"I've played two full seasons with the Knicks, and I've never had such a comfortable shooting space."

Zhang Jun's ability to attract double-teams made Fulai almost unbelievable. He had even vaguely predicted that he would have many such open shooting opportunities in the future.

Chan Ning Fu was still a little nervous when he put on a Trail Blazers jersey for the first time.

Tonight he warmed up and shot a lot of three-pointers. Monty Williams told him that his tactical goal tonight was to shoot three-pointers, grab rebounds, and then hand the ball to Zhang Jun.

It's just that Fulei didn't expect that the offensive opportunity in the first round of the rotation would come to him.

Raise your hand! Turn your wrist!

Like countless days and nights at the training ground, Fletcher threw the ball comfortably and naturally, and then there was the crisp sound of the basketball hitting the net.

"nice shot!"

Zhang Jun shouted excitedly to encourage him.

Fulai also clenched his fists, very satisfied that he had seized this opportunity.

This offense did not alarm the Sonics.

In the next round, Zhang Jun was double-teamed on the outside, and Travis Outlaw stepped up to cover.

Zhang Jun took advantage of the screen to quickly get rid of the two defenders and went straight to the basket.

"Go back inside quickly and stop him!"

P.J. Carlesimo's roar continued to ring out on the court.

Zhang Jun once again encountered the defense of numerous Trail Blazers players in the paint.

"Fly is empty in the bottom corner again!"

"Still in the same position!"

"Zhang Jun passed the ball. Fulai jumped up and caught the pass. He adjusted and took action!"

Uh-huh!

Another hollow!

After two consecutive hollow three-pointers hit the net, the Sonics players finally realized something.

"You can't let this guy go!"

Damien Wilkins of the SuperSonics quickly broke through to help the team score two points, which were priceless.

Just when Damien Wilkins thought this two-pointer would help the Sonics stabilize the situation, Zhang Jun reached the basket again, attracted double-teams, and passed the ball to Fulai.

This time Nick Collison pounced on him very alertly, but Fletcher was already throwing with passion and raised his hand very firmly.

"It's a shot against the defense!"

"Nick Collison's defense was very timely."

"Fu Lai, can you seize this opportunity?!"

Uh-huh!

The crisp sound of the basketball entering the net sounded again. The Sonics players on the court were stunned, and their head coach P.J. Carlesimo also looked at a loss.

Off the court, the Trail Blazers' coaching bench.

Monty Williams' mouth trembled and he was speechless.

Nate McMillan had already expected that Zhang Jun would be a pitcher like LeBron James and Howard Howard, but he was really surprised that a pitcher could play such an exaggerated offense.

"If we continue playing like this, Zhang Jun may be able to achieve double assists."

On the court.

Fletcher's efficient offense has made everyone in the Sonics team very nervous. Their head coach P.J. Carlesimo gave his players a look, indicating that they should not let this pitcher go.

In other words, power forward Nick Collison can no longer help defend Zhang Jun. So the question is, can only backup center Kurt Thomas prevent Zhang Jun's breakthrough?

The game continues.

Facing Zhang Jun's explosive breakthrough to the basket again, the Sonics chose to let Damien Wilkins on the weak side help defend, but at the cost of James Jones on the weak side. empty.

Whoosh!

Zhang Jun quickly passed the ball to the weak side corner. James Jones couldn't help but cursed the moment he caught the ball.

"Zhang Jun, the angle of the pass is not accurate, and the force is surprisingly strong. If I were not prepared, I would not be able to catch the ball."

Complaints are complaints. James Jones, who caught the ball, immediately adjusted his posture and took a decisive shot.

Uh-huh!

Another three-pointer!

"The Trail Blazers scored 4 three-pointers in less than three minutes in the second quarter and hit a 12:2 offensive high! All of them came from Zhang Jun's breakthrough goals!"

"God, the offensive efficiency of this team is terrible."

"This is still their substitute lineup!"

To Kenny Smith's surprise, Barkley opened the Trail Blazers' efficiency rating this season.

"Prior to tonight's game, the Trail Blazers were sixth in the league in offensive efficiency, 20th in defensive efficiency, and tenth in the league in offensive efficiency when rotating their lineups."

"It's not that there are any bench gangsters in the Trail Blazers' rotation, it's just because Zhang Jun is here at this time."

"I can guarantee that with the addition of Fletcher, the Trail Blazers' overall offensive efficiency will definitely be in the top five in the league, or even close to the top."

"And the offensive efficiency of the rotation lineup will probably increase significantly."

"The league is about to have a super offensive team that is on par with the Suns, Warriors, and Nuggets."

All! All!

The Sonics called a timeout!

Zhang Jun excitedly high-fived Fulai and James Jones on the court.

"Four assists in 3 minutes. If I keep playing like this, averaging double figures in assists per game will not be easy."

Fulai and James Jones couldn't help but glance at Zhang Jun at the same time.

"You guys really think you are good at passing the ball. If Fulai and I weren't both professional shooters with very strong adjustment abilities, you might not even have the rhythm to shoot if you asked someone else to catch the ball."

James Jones rubbed Zhang Jun's head and said unhappily.

Fulai looked at the two of them in shock and couldn't help but said: "Can this be said?"

In his opinion, Zhang Jun is the scoring leader of the Trail Blazers. As a rookie, he can average 30+ points per game. This average score is a statistic that many top scorers in the league cannot match. However, Zhang Jun was ignored by Zhang Jun. Take it easily.

To put it bluntly, Zhang Jun is the star of the Trail Blazers, and he is still very popular among fans across the United States. He is completely a popular fried chicken.

Is this a character that you, James Jones, can just say what you want?

Seeing the surprised look on Fulai's face, James Jones said proudly: "Why can't you say it? I dare to slap his head."

After saying that, James Jones stroked Zhang Jun's head hard again.

Zhang Jun opened James Jones's hand and at the same time stroked the opponent's head hard and said: "That's enough. I know my passing ability is average, but I passed it anyway."

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere in the team, Fulai couldn't help but reach out and pat Zhang Jun's head.

It feels so good!

It felt like a few hairs had been missing from his head recently, and Zhang Jun was a little worried that one day he would be shaved bald by these teammates.

After the timeout, the Sonics replaced Durant in advance. At the same time, their head coach P-J Carlesimo signaled the players not to be so desperate to defend Zhang Jun.

The result was that Zhang Jun continuously hit the basket and performed tomahawk dunks. Fortunately, Durant frequently used mid-range to retaliate.

But he can't hold off the Blazers, who have so many who can score.

At the end of the second quarter, the Trail Blazers launched a super attack wave of 36:24 in a single quarter, directly putting the game away without any suspense.

In the second half, the game had nothing to do with winning or losing. It turned directly into a magical fight between Zhang Jun and Durant. The two of them frequently staged high-scoring duels.

But the score remained at 15 points.

Finally the game is over.

The Trail Blazers defeated the SuperSonics 120:104.

The score of 120 is also the Blazers' highest score in a single game this season.

Zhang Jun scored his first career double-double, with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists. New aid Fulai made 5 of 10 shots and 5 of 8 three-pointers, scoring 15 points and 5 rebounds.

It can be considered a good start for the new club.

Six players from the Trail Blazers scored in double figures, playing their most exciting performance of the season.

"This Trail Blazers team may become the biggest exception in the Western Conference this season."

P.J. Carlesimo couldn't help but sigh after the game.

........

Steve Francis arrived belatedly.

He has not played a game so far this season due to ankle injuries and knee injuries, but he still carries a large contract of 34 million.

Steve Patterson did not expect Francis to play for the Trail Blazers. For the coaching staff headed by Nate McMillan, they also did not expect Francis to enter the Trail Blazers' rotation.

Although backup point guard Steve Blake has mediocre abilities, averaging only 7 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists per game, he is better because he has a 39% three-point shooting rate and does not occupy the ball. He is very suitable to partner with Zhang Jun. .

"The Knicks have almost given up on you. They haven't even prepared a decent rehabilitation plan for you. They are probably ready to mess with you."

"But the Trail Blazers will not give up on you. Our team doctors will be fully involved in your recovery and try to help you play a few games at the end of your career."

Steve Patterson said with sincerity.

Francis is no longer the kind of young man who is just starting out. He is well aware of the team's operating system and working methods, so he is very sure that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Loyalty cannot be discussed in the NBA. Of course, there is still a bit of human touch.

However, Francis doesn’t see any human connection between himself and Steve Patterson.

"Just tell me what you need me to do. After all, I still have a 34 million contract in my hand. If I don't do anything in the team, my teammates won't tolerate me staying in the locker room."

Steve Patterson is very satisfied with Francis' understanding. The opponent has experienced four teams in his career, and his teammates have changed one after another. Francis knows what is going on in the locker room and his teammates better than anyone else.

However, Steve Patterson heard from people below that Zhang Jun, Luo Yin, and Aldridge wanted to create a new culture for the team, a team culture of fraternity, tolerance, and mutual understanding.

Steve Patterson wanted to laugh when he heard this, but the three of them were the young core of the Trail Blazers, so Steve Patterson let them go.

"Coach Nate McMillan told me that he wanted to improve Zhang Jun's passing ability and wanted to find a player with very good ability in this area to teach him."

"The Trail Blazers don't have the legacy of the Lakers. The only one we can hire is Clyde Drexler, but he only averaged 5 passes per game in his entire career, and he's not a point guard. "There are very few people who can give Zhang Jun the control, passing rhythm and passing accuracy."

"You are a three-time All-Star point guard, and you have averaged up to 7 assists per game in a season. I think you can definitely bring a lot of experience to Zhang Jun in this regard."

Francis thought of the hot rookie in the league recently. Even Iverson praised him after the game for his breakthrough. He even knocked down Kobe in the opening game. He averaged 30+ data per game in his rookie season and Breaking Iverson's consecutive 30+ scoring record in his rookie season.

Francis frowned and said, "I'm not a traditional point guard either. There's not much I can teach him about passing."

Steve Patterson frowned, and his friendly expression made a 180° turn.

If it had been a few years ago, Francis would have jumped up and pointed at Steve Patterson's nose when he saw this scene and yelled: Who are you with?

But now, he chose to explain: “It’s not that I don’t want to teach, it’s just that I really don’t have much to teach.”

Steve Patterson smiled and said: "As you said, you can't do nothing with a two-year, 34 million contract. The team currently has no idea of ​​buying you out or trading you."

"Try your best to guide Zhang Jun's passing. That's what you need to do now. After all, you are already the best point guard we can find."

The best you can find..........

Francis nodded helplessly. He also knew that there was not much left in his career. He originally thought that the young team of the Trail Blazers would buy him out so that he could join those championship-level teams as a free agent. , it might as well be a championship.

Although this approach is a bit embarrassing, if he can really hold a championship ring in the final years of his career, Francis will be able to draw a perfect end to his career.

Now it seems that Francis can only say goodbye to the NBA after the two-year contract expires.

"Steve, I will teach him well."

.............

A few days later.

The management of the Grizzlies and Lakers each announced the completion of the transaction.

The chips given by the Lakers are the signing rights of Kwame Brown + Crittenton + Aaron McGee + Marc Gasol, as well as two first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010.

They traded Pau Gasol and a 2010 second-round pick from the Grizzlies.

This deal immediately caused an uproar across the United States as soon as it came out, and the management of every team in the league was deeply shocked.

Popovich of the Spurs even jumped up and stamped his feet, and even yelled that the Lakers were robbing during the interview.

Although Pau Gasol has been injured frequently in the past few years, and his average data per game has dropped to 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, after all, he has led the team to the Western Conference playoffs with the Blazers' Zach Lan. Dove is completely different.

More importantly, Pau Gasol is a better inside big man on both offense and defense, and he can still pass the ball!

Popovich understands the Lakers' Zen Master Phil Jackson very well. What it means to give the opponent a big man who can pass the ball so well and has such excellent comprehensive abilities, Popovich knows better than anyone else.

If you want to compare a big man who is very similar to Pau Gasol, Popovich can only think of Duncan and Garnett.

"As long as Pau Gasol stays away from injuries, the Lakers will definitely be a championship-level team."

This is the unanimous sentiment of all general managers and team coaches in the league.

"This Lakers team is finally going to cause trouble for the entire league."

...........

The situation in the west was becoming increasingly volatile.

The situation that was already full of strong players has become more complicated due to the rise of the Blazers' youth team and the Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol to officially become a championship-level team.

The Spurs, originally the top team in the Western Conference, are also feeling more and more pressure from behind.

Under such pressure, the Lakers are about to usher in Gasol's first show since joining.

"The Christmas War is finally here!"

"This year's Christmas war has three groups of duels!"