(The American habit is to call him by his first name instead of his last name. For example, Wade is usually called Dwayne. In order to make it clear to readers, in many cases, he is called by his last name. Please explain here.)
At the last moment of the first half, Chen Jie hit a super long three-pointer!
In Chen Jie's opinion, this goal was an atonement for the goal he failed to guard against Wade just now.
However, others don't see it that way. Although Chen Jie was passed by Wade's ball, it was normal, and this super long three-pointer was an unexpected surprise.
Even Lao K smiled. Chen Jie raised his hands and accepted the cheers from the audience.
The Marquette players were already walking back to the locker room with a sigh.
Hey, what can be done with this ball? Wade has done a good job, forcing Chen Jie to be unable to advance to the three-point line and can only get it in the midfield once, but who let Chen Jie get lucky enough to get it?
This is a crime other than war.
Wade was not depressed.
He looked back at Chen Jie and saw that Chen Jie's face was not actually ecstatic. He nodded slightly, then turned and walked into the players' tunnel, his back slowly disappearing.
Duke University also immediately retreated to the locker room.
Although there was such an unexpected surprise at the end of the first half, overall, Duke's performance in the first half was still unsatisfactory.
The point of restricting Novak was extremely bad at the beginning. If Chen Jie hadn't given that advice, I'm afraid the score would have been widened by now.
Also, during the offense, after Novak was replaced and a black small forward came up, Duke University obviously had no good way to attack and began to rely on Redick's three-pointers and mid-range shots.
Shelton beat Novak down, which not only exhausted Novak's physical strength, but also caused him to commit three fouls. However, he himself is not an iron man, and he is tired from playing in singles all the time.
Due to the energy consumed by Chen Jie defending Wade, the offensive end has not been open.
The team's two insiders, Xiao Hei and Sai Ya, have no ability to attack with the ball. They can only rely on their teammates' breakthrough points and dunks or secondary rebounds. Everything seems to be back to when Chen Jie was pushed to the bench.
The situation when Duke University played against North Carolina.
After returning to the locker room, when the players were all sitting down to rest, Old K walked in front of these people, stood in front of the tactical board, and said: "Boys, I saw your hard work in the first half, you worked hard.
Already."
This is the custom of Lao K. Every time he speaks, he must first praise the players and give encouragement. In fact, this is very important for these college players who have not yet fully matured their minds.
More encouragement, more advice and less criticism is one of the secrets why Mr. K has been able to gain a foothold in the NCAA for a long time.
At least all the players at Duke University, including Chen Jie, appreciate this aspect of Old K.
"However, boys, now you have seen that the situation on the field is not optimistic. Although we are still only two points behind, the opponent obviously has a strong fighting spirit. Boys, do you have the confidence to win in the second half?
Fight with them to the end, win the final victory, and advance to the quarterfinals? Break through last year's results!" Old K's question was very passionate, and his tone of voice was also a little excited.
"Yes!" Chen Jie shouted out loudly, as if he had returned to the moment when the instructor lectured during military training.
All the Duke University players also answered Old K’s question like this with Chen Jie, and they were very motivated!
They are Duke people. They have their own spirit and their own basketball soul. Last year, they were only in the Sweet Sixteen. This year, they want to reach the top eight, the final four, and win the championship. They are willing to work hard for this.
Fighting, no matter what the relationship is off the court, this is their common goal.
Duhon, Redick, Sheldon, Xiao Hei, Sai Ya, Billy, everyone seemed to be in the same heart at this moment. Their eyes were extremely firm.
At this moment, Chen Jie finally realized what Old K said: Basketball is for five people and a team. Basketball is a team sport.
Only by working hard for a goal on the court can you win.
Team basketball, what is team basketball.
Chen Jie feels that the current scene is the best interpretation of this definition.
"Very good! Boys, I am very satisfied with your fighting spirit!" Old K nodded with satisfaction and smiled.
Then, he pointed to the tactical board and said: "In the second half, our starting lineup will not change!"
After saying this, Chen Jie subconsciously glanced at Du Hong, only to find that he didn't feel any displeasure or disappointment. Instead, he was smiling encouragingly at Chen Jie.
"Jay still defended Wade. You did a good job in the first half. For such a player, it is a great achievement if you can limit his performance. It is not a big problem to let him score a few points. Don't lose confidence!"
His words are praise, encouragement, and even more encouragement.
Chen Jie nodded, thinking that this would definitely not change.
"**, take the shot when there is an opening, don't hesitate, you have to know that you are the best three-point shooter, have confidence in yourself!"
After Old K finished speaking about Chen Jie, he turned to Redick.
Redick also nodded firmly.
"Sheldon, you still have to play more inside in the second half. The main task of Saiya and Brown is to protect rebounds, and also pay attention to defense." When Old K said this, he looked at Xiao Hei specifically and said: "
When Brown and Wade break through to the inside, they must pay attention to help defend and give Jay a certain amount of support. It is not easy for one person to defend Wade alone!"
Xiao Hei nodded quickly and said: "Okay, coach, I know!"
"Well, I'm still relieved about your physical strength. Sheldon, do you have any questions?" Old K looked at Sheldon Williams, who was still out of breath, and asked.
Although Sheldon looked very tired, he still raised his head and said: "Coach, it's nothing, I can persevere!"
Old K nodded slightly, but felt a little uneasy in his heart.
Perhaps, we can try a new lineup in the second half. Looking at Du Hong, who was sitting next to him with an expectant but not dissatisfied look on his face, Old K suddenly thought of a brand new lineup.
Maybe, two point guards?
Let Jay be freed to concentrate on defending Wade and offense, leaving the organizational tasks to Duhon, and then let Redick return to the small forward position?
Thinking of this, Old K secretly thought that if Sheldon couldn't hold on physically in the second half, he could really give this a try!
After saying a few more words of encouragement, the halftime break came. Old K walked out of the locker room first and walked toward the court, leaving a determined figure behind.
Chen Jie just stood up and saw Du Hong coming next to him. At this time, Chen Jie heard Du Hong's voice.
"Man, you played very well in the first half. To be honest, I admire you very much. You can defend Dwayne and also provide assists on the offensive end! Keep working hard in the second half. You must win this game, you know?"
Chen Jie looked at Du Hong in disbelief.
He had received countless encouragements, but this one he felt was the most special.
Because, after all, Du Hong is his competitor.
My identity as the starting point guard was stolen from him.
However, at this moment, looking at Du Hong's sincere eyes, Chen Jie believed that his words came from the heart.
Chen Jie smiled, stretched out his hand and gave Du Hong a light blow, saying: "I will do it! Chris!"
Du Hong smiled slightly, and then continued to walk forward.
