The day before the Magic game, the NBA's Eastern and Western Conferences played four games. In the West, the Spurs faced the Grizzlies, the Rockets faced the Clippers, and in the East, the Pistons faced the Bucks, and the Cavaliers faced the Wizards.
The highlights of the four games are different. Some are to watch the performance of superstars. For example, the game between the Cavaliers and Wizards is to watch the battle between James and Arenas, the two leading scorers in the league. Some are to watch the tactical coordination.
, such as the game between the Spurs and the Grizzlies. Although both teams also have star players like Duncan and Gasol, in these two teams, individuals cannot override the team.
In addition to the different points of view, the situation of each game is also different. Some show a one-sided massacre from the beginning. For example, in the game between the Pistons and Bucks, according to the commentator, "during halftime, the fans were
You can change the channel to watch the other 3 games, there is no suspense in this game." Some have many twists and turns, and the suspense of the game is retained until the last offense, such as the last 4 seconds of the game between the Cavaliers and Wizards.
, James scored 2 points, the score was 103-101, leaving the Wizards with a last chance to attack, but it was a pity that Arenas' three-pointer missed and failed to stage a winning show.
Although the process of the game was different, the final result was the same. The high-ranking teams playing at home all started victoriously and won the first game.
A victory for the home team does not mean that the home team will win the next day. Everyone knows this truth, so the Magic still act cautiously and in a low-key manner, not daring to be careless in the slightest.
Unlike the Magic, who are low-key, the Bulls are very high-profile. Ben Gordon, who had a great performance in the last game against the Magic, made nonsense before the game and threatened to come to Orlando to win. Even under the influence of some unscrupulous reporters
With encouragement, he also made extremely arrogant remarks such as "I will score 30 points in tomorrow's game, and then try to end the series in Chicago."
As the saying goes, "Those who watch the excitement are not afraid of big troubles," and reporters are even more "not afraid of things happening, just afraid that nothing will happen." So as soon as Ben Gordon finished speaking, he poked Edison's ears here.
At this time, Edison is no longer the rookie coach he was last season. Whether it is his status in the league or his social status, it is no longer comparable to that of a small player like Ben Gordon. He is not in a hurry to show his face.
Arguing with him. So when faced with the reporter's question, Edison said lightly, "I don't know where his confidence comes from, but if you want to win from Orlando, you can't do it just by talking.
of."
When Edison said this, he was extremely calm, so calm that it made people feel scary. Just like the deep sea, there seems to be nothing, but there are many undercurrents. Once you are involved, you will be shattered to pieces.
Edison has the self-cultivation and demeanor to avoid arguing with the other team's players, but the Magic players can't do that.
The first person to stand up was none other than Brandon Roy. Facing reporters, Roy directly issued a challenge, "Didn't he say he wanted to score 30 points? Coincidentally, I think I can score 30 points too."
, then let’s see who can do it.”
When the reporter was interviewing, Howard happened to be nearby. After Roy finished speaking, he immediately added, "Because of the existence of 3-pointers, I can't guarantee that he won't score 30 points, but I guarantee that he will not score 30 points tomorrow."
Don't try to score a point under the basket."
When the reporter saw that the Magic's two core players, one on offense and one on defense, were speaking out, they immediately became excited, and the news instantly spread to all major media websites.
The warm-up work before the game has been done, and the long-awaited main show is about to begin.
At 6 o'clock in the evening on April 23, people began to crowd outside the Water House Center. Fans, wearing uniform white uniforms, were doing various encouraging activities outside the stadium, waiting for the arena to open. By 7 o'clock, the arena was officially open.
After the opening, 17,000 fans quickly poured into the stadium under the guidance of security personnel.
Different from the hustle and bustle of the standard passage, there are dozens of well-dressed people in the VIP passage, chatting with each other and walking to the box. Among them, Edison's chief assistant Wang Ziqiang also accompanied two people, a man and a woman, to the box reserved by Edison personally.
go.
This box is right on the center line of the arena. In front of it are the broadcast seats of various media. It has a very wide view and has a panoramic view of the entire stadium. Next to it is the DeVos family box, which can be said to be the best in the stadium.
One of the viewing positions.
Originally, this box belonged to the Disney Company, but with the rapid development of Edison's personal company, he discovered that the United States and many places in China are the same. For example, many business interests are completed at the negotiation table, but opportunities arise from personal relationships.
.And nouveau riche like Edison did not receive the so-called upper-class education and did not know many things. Fortunately, he had a unique advantage, that is, he was a celebrity in the sports circle. In modern society, although the sports circle
People may not necessarily have a particularly high status, but sports are definitely an enduring topic and the best platform for emotional exchanges.
From the President of the United States to children, sports are always a common topic among them. In this topic, you can get closer to others in the shortest time.
After Edison reacted, he immediately started to book a private room. The original magic box had already been booked. In the end, Edison relied on his good relationship with the Disney Company (remember, Edison's music videos were all released by Disney Records),
Ask the other person to give up their love and give you a box.
The time for the official game is getting closer and closer, and the fans in the stadium are getting more and more excited. They collectively shout "beatbull, beatbull, beatbull". Even the usually gentle doctors and rigorous lawyers are enjoying themselves at this time.
Venting their emotions, everyone felt like a lunatic. The entire stadium entered a manic state, but it was so harmonious and natural.
I don’t know when it started, and I don’t know who started. In short, after the fans got tired of shouting "beatbull", they suddenly shouted the names of the players. From Nash to Hill, who was retired for the season, 12 Magic players were
After shouting for the players, the fans couldn't get enough and started shouting "Paul Edison" again, and the shouting got louder and louder, lasting longer than any previous player.
"Look at the fanatical fans below and listen to the deafening shouts. Edison can be said to be one of the most beloved head coaches in the league by home team fans. There have been rumors before that if the Magic cannot win the championship this season, then the Magic's management will
The first floor will give up on Edison, and now all the fans are using their actions to support this leader who brought the Magic from the abyss to glory, and at the same time protesting against the Magic's uniform staff." Marv Albert sat in the commentary box and sighed.
Steve Kerr and Kevin Harlan on the side also nodded secretly.
"It seems that Paul is the absolute master here. This scene of tens of thousands of people cheering for one person from the bottom of their hearts makes people feel excited. It would be great if I could have such a day." Edison Box
The guests inside stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass of the box, looked at the fans below seriously, then closed their eyes and spread their arms as if they were enjoying themselves.
After a long time, he suddenly opened his eyes, turned around and said to Wang Ziqiang, "Kelly (Wang Ziqiang's English name), I am becoming more and more interested in Paul. I have a hunch that this cooperation with him will be a great success."
It will be very interesting and may even change the rest of my life.”
"We are very convinced that after this cooperation, you will usher in another peak in your business, a peak that you may have never thought of before." After hearing this, Wang Ziqiang nodded briefly, and then said decisively.
Answered.
"Haha, I admire your confidence."
At this moment, Edison was in the locker room doing pre-match instigation. It was meaningless to make tactical arrangements at this time. The drills had already been done. What he had to do now was to mobilize the enthusiasm of the players.
"We have worked for the past six months, trained hard and played for six months, just for this day to come, for this damn but fascinating playoffs. You already know and have seen it, I
Grant is on the roster. Although he can't play yet, at this moment, in this game, he is with you. What he wants, what he hopes for, I think you all know even if I don't say it.
"
······
"Okay guys, some of you may be playing in the playoffs for the first time, but don't think about it too much. This is just a battle. You have no chance or time to think about it. Now it's time to think about it.
What you do is to walk onto the court and knock down the guys wearing red uniforms on the opposite side, letting them know who is the master here and who is the strong one. Okay, tie your shoelaces and wear them.
Your clothes, don’t keep the fans waiting, it’s time for us to take the stage.”
At this moment, Edison was like a leader, affectionately fooling the dozen or so people below. When he made the decision, he suddenly waved his hand, and then these dozen big men stood up, shouted "Come on" together, and then filed out.
.
In the player tunnel, the Magic players were extremely excited. People like Howard and Josh, who were already muscular, didn't know how to leave. They all walked out sideways.
Players can be excited and excited, but Edison must remain calm, and at the same time, he must ensure that Nash remains calm. If these two people also lose their minds, then the Magic will undoubtedly fall into an abyss.
"Steve, don't look for Brand in the first few balls. You and Howard play a few pick-and-rolls, or let Roy play. Brand was too nervous before, and we need to let him gradually adapt to this state.
, we can’t put pressure on him all at once.”
Nash is also experienced. Although it has been almost 10 years, he still clearly remembers the state when he entered the playoffs for the first time, so he understands Brand very well and knows that Edison's approach is very targeted and will
Perfect for Brand.
"Good coach, I will let Brand run a few empty laps first to let him adapt to the atmosphere of the playoffs."
After hearing Nash's answer, Edison said nothing more and just patted him on the back to show his trust.