At 6 o'clock in the morning, it was still rainy in Portland, and Taiyuan was hiding outside the clouds, making the whole city look a little dull.
However, in the small suburban gymnasium, the gasping sounds of the two men continued for a long time and never stopped.
"Fuck, do you think I'm sick? I won't sleep, and I have to go crazy with you."
Yi Jianlian lay facelessly on the chair, with not a drop of Gatorade left in his hand.
"Hey, let's continue tomorrow."
Wang Zelin did not answer directly, but directly announced the arrangements for tomorrow.
"roll!"
Having said that, on the 12th, Yi Jianlian did not ask Wang Zelin to find him at home, but came to the training hall in advance.
After morning practice, the Trail Blazers gathered at noon and came to Sacramento to prepare to challenge the Kings.
Of course, this challenge is putting it mildly.
The Kings were as bad as ever, except for the opening game where Cousins showed off his power, scoring a game-high 30 points and blocking Ty Lawson's jumper at the last minute to help the Kings score 90 at home:
88, narrowly passed the Nuggets.
In the next five games, they faced five teams: the Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Hawks and Pistons, and they all lost.
With a record of 6 losses and 1 win, the "Glory" ranks at the bottom of the league. The only thing worthy of praise is the performance of the star Demarcus.
In the last year of his rookie contract, Cousins has undergone a transformation, scoring more than 30 points in two of his six games. He is the most talked about center player among fans recently besides Wang Zelin.
However, Cousins' state fluctuates a bit. When he is good, he can score more than 30 points. When he is in bad form, he also has 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 fouls. In addition, he is in a bad team, many people still don't understand.
I really appreciate the value of his data.
How could our "unhappy" man endure this? He said harshly before the game: "I want to score 30 points in front of the King of China, and I want Portlanders to go home crying in Arco Arena."
The fact is.
At the Arco Arena, home of the Kings, the Trail Blazers continued their winning streak and won 7 consecutive games, defeating the Kings 104:91.
Yi Jianlian, who has attracted much attention, continued to shine in the rotation after Aldridge returned.
However, the playing time in this game has increased compared to before, a full 24 minutes!
He himself was also quite impressive, seizing all the open opportunities tonight, scoring 10 points and 3 rebounds on 5-of-5 shooting, with the best win-loss ratio in the game.
However, the best player of the game was still given to Wang Zelin, who made 10 of 16 shots, 5 of 8 free throws, 25 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks.
Tonight, he dealt with his opponent Cousins very well, allowing the latter to only score 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 fatal turnovers.
By the way, Wang Zelin was able to have 4 blocks, and Cousins' friendly sponsorship accounted for half of it. Unsurprisingly, the latter was unhappy again today.
It's not over yet.
After winning against the Kings and participating in the interview after the game, Wang Zelin rejected Ajiali's request to learn Chinese again, so she rushed back to Portland overnight.
In Portland, they will face the Kings for a revenge game, the second back-to-back at home this season.
November 13th.
Having learned the lesson from the previous game, Cousins was a lot more cautious during today's pre-game interview. He had a grimace and a gloomy look on his face throughout the whole process, and responded to the reporter's questions in a perfunctory manner.
During the game, Cousins once again confirmed that his cautious words and actions before the game were correct.
This event was broadcast live on the imperial court, and Wang Zelin did not disappoint the people of the country. He still maintained a high level of performance in front of the cameras of the imperial court.
He made 12 of 20 shots from the field, a 60% shooting rate, and scored 28 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. His opponent Cousins made 9 of 20 shots, 2 of 5 outside three-pointers, and scored 22 points and 10 rebounds, at least in the game.
Comparing the data, it is not as bad as yesterday.
But the Kings lost even worse than yesterday, 106:85, and the Trail Blazers beat their opponents by 21 points.
When Cousins, the core center they relied on most, was beaten and could only choose to shoot like an outside player, for the Kings, it was tantamount to a death sentence.
This is the reason why Wang Zelin only recorded one block tonight: the King has been floating outside and he can't help defend outside the three-point line.
After a 7-game losing streak, Cousins was no longer in the mood for interviews, and drove back to Sacramento alone after the game. The Trail Blazers started the season with a 9-game winning streak, and their position as the league's number one record became more and more secure.
After the game, the media reporters did not even consider the king's feelings, and the news reports after the game only took up a very small amount of space.
Here are the pioneers.
In addition to a wave of 9-game winning streak reports, the latest transaction with Mosaic also appeared on the front pages of various media:
On the night of November 13th, the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Mosaic completed a 1-for-1 trade: the Trail Blazers traded post player Joel Freeland for Mosaic guard Patrick Beverley
In addition, Houston Mosaic also paid a 2014 second-round draft pick and some cash.
Although Patrick Beverley had some outstanding performances in the playoffs last season, he just signed a three-year basic salary contract with Houston Mosaic last season, worth about 2 million yuan.
Joel Freeland is different. He just signed a three-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, worth about 9 million yuan, and his salary is far more than Beverley.
Similarly, Joel Freeland also had two double-digit scoring performances in the playoffs, which made the Mosaic management willing to pay some price.
According to the expert evaluation of a reporter from the Mi Media: It is obvious that Mosaic continues to strengthen the thickness of the inside lineup. The Trail Blazers need this young guard who has initially shown the potential of a defensive hero to strengthen the outside defense. This is a deal where everyone gets what they need.
.As for who wins and who loses in the future, let’s leave it to time.
In the final analysis, this is just an education between two role players, and the impact of changes on a team is limited.
No one would have thought that Beverley, who is only 185cm tall, would be selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team three times in the future, including once for the first team and twice for the second team.
Later, when everyone suddenly woke up, they discovered that the Blazers management only spent more than 1 million yuan in exchange for a fighter.
In fact, Portland's current interior players are enough, even a little bloated, to be able to get rid of the more than 5 million remaining in Joel Freeland's contract in time. They made money from this deal from the beginning.
In the main lineup, Wang Zelin and Lillard are still in the rookie bonus period, so there is no need to consider it for the time being. The remaining three of Aldridge, Matthews and Batum will only have one year left if this season is not included.
Contracts.
The three of them are in their prime, and future team building cannot be separated from them. The management is taking precautions and considering the long-term interests of the team.
…
Two days later.
During the tactical meeting on court 15, the team’s new players finally arrived.
Patrick Beverley, the future famous Mad Dog, passed the physical test. After the physical test reports of the Trail Blazers and Mosaic were submitted to the league last night, the transaction was officially approved.
The purpose of this tactical meeting is very simple. Beverley's defense is strong, his style is tenacious, and he has a certain ability to shoot open shots. He is a necessary supplement to the Trail Blazers' back line.
Both Lillard and Mo Williams are good at offense, so the defensive end naturally lacks a true defensive bodyguard in the backcourt, so Terry Stotts took a fancy to Beverley.
In Mosaic, the backcourt combination of Harden and Jeremy Lin is both good at holding the ball, and his admiration can quickly rise from the Development League to an important rotation of the team, relying on the defense that he relies on for survival.
In Portland, his position remains unchanged.
Terry Stotts decided to try a backup backcourt combination of Mo Williams and Beverley, or the combination he had in mind that was taking shape:
Beverley Matthews, Batum, Aldridge, and Wang Zelin, together with the center, serve as the core organization, and are supplemented by four other players.
"Player:Patrick Beverley
Location: Portland Trail Blazers
Height:185cm
…
Hidden attributes of the body
Speed: 84 Explosive power: 85
Agility: 80 Jump: 72
…
Offensive ability
Layups: 77 Mid-range shots: 65
Long shots: 62 Passes: 68
Ball possession: 75 Free throws: 82
Breakthrough: 64
…
defensive ability
External defense: 89 Internal defense: 60
Rebounds: 73 Blocks: 50
Steals:81
Overall score:72
Player evaluation: Defensive expert, single functionality”
Looking at Beverley with messy hair and unshaven beard, his strengths and weaknesses are very obvious. His ball control, organization, scoring and other abilities are not up to the standard of the back line... His external defense ability is just shy of reaching 90, his steals are over 81, and his defense is strong.
, and this is enough.
No matter what, Wang Zelin understood that the team's back line defense had finally reached a barrier. Eight consecutive wins were not enough, he wanted more.
…
After lunch, Wang Zelin and his teammates came to the Rose Garden Arena.
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the Trail Blazers held a press conference for Beverley's joining. Since Matthews was wearing jersey No. 2, Beverley appeared at the press conference wearing jersey No. 3.
Everyone once again exclaimed this guy's boldness. Who doesn't know that the No. 1 and No. 3 jerseys are the favorites of NBA guards.
Representatives No. 1 include Tracy McGrady, who was one of the big shooting guards back then, Pistons Finals MVP Pups, Shaquille O'Neal's partner in the Magic back then, Hardaway, and the ancient great O Robertson. It can be said that there are many stars gathered here.
After Tracy McGrady was traded by Mosaic, Ariza put on Mosaic's No. 1 jersey, which immediately aroused the interest of many fans.
As for the No. 3 jersey, it was once great because of one person, and he was "The Answer" Allen Iverson. He is the idol of countless children playing basketball and the idol of many NBA players.
In addition to him, Wade, Paul, Political Commissar Ma, Boss Fu...
There is a rumor in the world that if you don't have certain ball control skills and breakthrough skills on the field, you will be looked down upon if you dare to wear No. 3.
There is also "Big Ben" Ben Wallace, who is one of the few famous inside players wearing the No. 3 jersey.
In the original history, someone from the Trail Blazers wore the No. 3 jersey, and that person was CI McCollum.
However, when he decided to wear the No. 3 jersey, he was also questioned by many fans and media. Until he later became famous, those doubts gradually dissipated.
Beverley is an insignificant player in the league. If he dares to wear the No. 3 jersey, he must be prepared to face the challenges of many defenders in the league.
However, considering this guy's strengths and future achievements, I'm afraid it's his next opponent who should be wary.
Even before the game started, there was already a lot of heated discussion, and the media people liked it the most.
On the night of the 15th, the Trail Blazers will face the challenge of the Celtics in the Rose Garden at home. The Celtics have now entered the era of Rajon Rondo as the leader.
It is a pity that the new captain has had a bad year. He only played 38 games last season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. As a result, he will miss most of the regular season this season and will have to wait until the end of the season to return.
As a result, the Celtics started the new season on a four-game losing streak, and it wasn't until they won against the Jazz in Game 5 that they regained some warmth.
What's amazing is that this victory seems to have also allowed the players to find the key to victory.
Facing the Magic at home, it was normal to win, and Daji could understand it; in the next game against the Heat, Jeff Green made a buzzer-beating three-pointer with 0.6 seconds... This was a bit outrageous.
When the Magic played away from home, Jeff Greenford and Avery Bradley each scored 16 points and the other scored 24 points. The two brothers led the team to flourish more offensively. In the end, the Celtics, who scored with 7 players,
Defeated the Magic 120:105.
At this time, people were surprised to find that the Celtics had won four consecutive games!
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! With four wins and four losses, the Celtics are ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference, and they no longer feel like they want to fail at the start of the game.
In view of the fact that the Celtics are currently on a very strong upward trajectory, Terry Stotts led the coaching staff to conduct a careful study before the game.
After the press conference, Wang Zelin's teammates went to the home team's training ground at the Rose Garden Arena to prepare for the evening game.
The main players were bragging and spanking on the sidelines, but on Beverly's side... no one seemed to pay attention.
At this time, Wang Zelin noticed Beverly sitting silently, looked through the data stored in the system space, and learned about Beverly's current situation.
Originally playing well in Mosaic, he saw Jeremy Lin getting more and more broken and gradually turning into a fake. Beverley, who felt that he was not far behind, played harder and harder, and got everyone on the team except Jeremy Lin.
People recognize it.
The development of his entire career showed an upward trend, and as a result, he joined a brand new team midway...
Damian Lillard and Mo Williams occupy almost all the playing time. I just feel that I am about to take over in Mosaic. I have played three games in the last 8 games and my playing time has been stable for about 30 minutes. Beverley,
It's time to start over with a new team...
After reading Beverly's recent information, Wang Zelin felt uncomfortable and wronged for him.
It seems that it’s time for me to unite my teammates, Ze, be kind, and Lin to take action again.
Wang Zelin came to Beverly's side and asked: "Patrick, why don't we train together?"
"Are you calling me?" Beverley pointed at himself. He never thought that Wang Zelin, the team's number one boss, would come to greet him.
Wang Zhelin lowered his head and looked directly into Beverly's eyes, and said sincerely: "Yes, from the moment you step into the land of Portland, you are a member of the Trail Blazers family and my comrade-in-arms! What follows?
Zhengcheng, we need you very much!"
Beverly looked slightly stunned after listening to Wang Zelin's words.
This is the first time he has heard the word "need" from someone else's mouth. Will he, a substitute among substitutes and a supporting role among supporting roles, be needed by others?
When he played in Mosaic, he was rejected by the Development League as soon as he came. He returned to the NBA because of his desperate defense and tough game style.
Beverley is very grateful for the appreciation of team general manager Mo G, but he also believes that it is because of his desperate performance that others know that he is valuable.
Passivity and initiative are never the same.
On the first day he came to the Portland Trail Blazers to officially report, he was actually appreciated by the team boss and heard the words he had dreamed of from the latter's mouth.
People who have not experienced darkness can never imagine the value of light; for some people, even a ray of light is a luxury.
At this time, Beverly said in surprise: "Wang, do you really need me?"
"Man, you should first learn to control your emotions, especially an emotion as precious as surprise. At least... it should be reserved for more important occasions!"
Wang Zelin stretched out his right hand and patted Beverly on the shoulder.
"A more important occasion?" Beverly was stunned again.
Is it because I don’t read enough?
Why are your transitions always so sudden?
Not noticing Beverly's slander, Wang Zelin replied: "Yes, more important occasions! For example, the Western Conference finals, and for example... the championship stage, O'Brien Cup, championship parade ceremony, that is the most suitable time.
The occasion to send out a surprised expression!”
As he talked about it, Wang Zelin's tone became more positive.
Because...this is exactly what he wants to achieve in his heart, and it is what he is working hard for now, and it is definitely not just lip service.
When the words "championship" came into his ears, Beverly realized that the kid in front of him actually had such lofty ambitions.
Ask yourself, have you ever experienced this?
maybe.
But what Beverley knows better is that they only choose basketball because basketball is a weapon for him to turn around.
Like many black players, Beverley was born in a single-parent family on a certain street in Chicago. He did not know who his biological father was. He lived a poor life with his mother since he was a child, and lived in danger every day and every night.
His stepfather was a local gang member. He took 15 bullets and passed away in his senior year of high school... From then on, in order to get ahead, basketball became Beverly's sustenance and the only way for him to get ahead.
The reason why I practice hard every day and dream of entering the NBA all stems from a simple idea, which is to let my mother say goodbye to the dirty little shabby house with lack of water and electricity, and move into a large villa, so that she can live without worries about food and clothing.
life.
Even though he has entered the NBA, his biggest goal is still to work hard for the next contract. For a person like him, a championship is really too far away, so far away that he dare not even think about it.
But now, someone said something in front of him that he never dared to dream of...
"Do you think we can do it?" Beverly asked.
"Of course!" Excited, Wang Zelin raised his head and pointed to a flag on the dome of the Rose Garden, and Beverly looked over.
That flag was the championship flag that hung high on the home dome in the 1976-1977 season after the Blazers won the only championship in team history under the leadership of Bill Walton, the leader of the Blazers during that period.
Wang Zelin couldn't see Beverly's expression, but he knew that the latter was looking at him at the moment, and an excited voice came from his mouth:
"I believe we can do it, and it will never be like Bill Walton's only one time... Man, let's win a championship together!"
"Championship?" Beverly shook his head and murmured: "Then add me to the list!"
…
The boy seemed to have changed.
Coach Terry didn't know what Wang Zelin said to Beverley, but he saw all the enthusiasm Beverley showed on the training field.
Undoubtedly, this is a good change.
And this is enough.
The overall atmosphere of the team has always been very good, which makes Coach Terry very happy.
Tonight's opponent, the Celtics, is coming fiercely, but he is not afraid, because the Trail Blazers, who have won 9 consecutive victories, are no longer afraid of any opponent in terms of morale.
On the contrary, all members of the Trail Blazers are like a pack of howling wolves. No matter who the challenger is, there is only one ending waiting for him, and that is to be completely torn apart by the wolves.
Last year, he fell in the Western Conference Finals and fell at the last threshold before the finals. Coach Terry's statement that he had no regrets was a lie.
But he understands that everything last season is in the past, and the team should now play well in the new season.
This year, the Trail Blazers worked together and got off to a dream start, which made them even more determined to aim for the championship!