basketball never sleeps

Chapter 334 Above the Super Giant

With the second round of All-Star voting about to end, stars eager for this stage, which boasts the highest level of attention besides the playoffs, are pulling out all the stops to generate news and gain exposure.

Recently, the top 10 plays have become exceptionally violent, consisting almost entirely of dunks. The basketball section of the news has also become extremely crowded. In the past, an individual score of 30+ would have been enough to be featured at the top, but now it can only struggle to be found in ordinary small print news.

Vince Carter, who had said three times that he would never dunk again, broke his promise once more, or perhaps his amnesia had relapsed, as he dunked three times in one game against the Thunder.

Originally planning to play it safe and develop his skills, Du Xiaoshuai got frustrated when his own basket was repeatedly dunked on. In a fit of anger, he gave Harden two more blocks. Before Du Xiaoshuai could recover from his dazed state, his opponent, Paul Pierce, hit him with a three-pointer and then showed off his muscles in front of the camera.

He kept saying he wouldn't dunk, but he did dunk three times. He made a regular mid-range shot and then dramatically pounded his chest. He casually threw a three-pointer and then flexed his muscles.

You guys are invincible, really.

Seeing the old guys' shameless performance on the field, Du Xiaoshuai thought that was their limit. Unexpectedly, after the game, the three of them came over to exchange jerseys with him and posed for photos with him in front of the reporters.

Carter: "Kevin is a very talented kid. He has already shown control of the game as a rookie, and I believe he will become an All-Star in the near future."

Kevin Durant - fake smile.jpg: 'Don't fucking call me Kevin, we're not that close!'

Garnett: "He is the bravest player I have ever seen. Many rookies break down under our pressure, but he can rise to the challenge. He will be a major problem for the league in the next few years."

Durant - Keeping a fake smile.jpg: 'I have to thank you for eating two hot pot meals, right?'

Pierce: "I like his style of play. His innate fluidity reminds me of myself when I was younger."

Durant - Almost in Bengbu.jpg: 'You old dog who plays the floor, what right do you have to say I look like you when I was a rookie?'

Du Xiaoshuai really wanted to refute something, but his mother had taught him so well that he could only manage a forced smile in front of the camera with all his might.

Finally, the reporter noticed his presence and handed him the microphone.

"KD, what are your thoughts on today's game?"

As the most watched rookie in the league right now, Durant's popularity is not much less than that of an ordinary All-Star player. This is why the Celtics' Big Three put aside their airs and "interact" with him. His agent, Goodwin, had previously managed LeBron James and Dwight Howard and knows the importance of image building, so he also had him memorize "emotional intelligence".

Faced with the current situation, Durant could find nine formulas in his mind, but he didn't want to be a puppet to be manipulated. Especially when he felt the three beams of light from Old Deng behind him, he was even more indignant. It was one thing to beat him one-on-one, but what was so great about three people beating a rookie like me?

His mind raced, and soon he came up with a brilliant answer.

"Well, I feel like I've learned a lot from those three. They are a top-tier combination in the league. I'd only ever seen the Heat's Big Three play on TV before. In my opinion, they're probably not much worse than the Heat back then. And I felt immense pressure playing against them. The pressure from these three veterans was the same as when I played against Mo. These are all valuable experiences."

The reporter holding the microphone was prepared to listen to a bunch of empty platitudes and then go home, but as he listened... um... um?

Hey buddy, you're not being honest!

On the surface, it seems like a compliment, but upon closer inspection, it reveals the implication that these three old guys are ganging up on me, a young man, just like the Heat, and they're not even as good as Mo alone.

The fake smile didn't disappear; it just shifted to Carter's face. As for Garnett and Pierce, they switched to serious faces without even trying.

Du Xiaoshuai, who was skilled at making threats and then running away, did not linger to give the Celtics' Big Three a chance to speak. He picked up his backpack, called out to his mother on the sidelines, and used the "Mom Escape - My mom is calling me home for dinner" to leave the court.

At the post-game press conference, the few reporters present were surprised to find that the Celtics' Big Three, who had easily won the game, did not seem happy, making Rivers, who was holding the microphone and talking boastfully, seem like an outsider.

"What happened, KG?" Rivers asked as he sat down next to Garnett on the bus to the airport. He was only so-so when it came to tactical matters, but he was incredibly perceptive and insightful when it came to psychological issues.

"It's nothing," the man wearing sunglasses said indifferently.

"Then why do you all look so unhappy today?"

"What's so great about winning a game against a rookie?"

Rivers seemed to be deep in thought.

It seems the problem lies with that rookie. His performance today was only so-so. What did he say that made the three big shots unhappy?

"These rookies nowadays, ha, they know nothing, they've played a few games and think they know everything." Pierce's words confirmed Rivers's guess.

"Isn't that how all rookies are? What did we know when we were rookies? I didn't like it when people said I looked like Michael Jordan." Carter has adjusted his mindset. He has always been very open-minded about these things. Mainly, he suffered from having a father and receiving a good education. He was raised with a full stomach and a cunning mind.

Rivers was confused again. He didn't think a rookie could upset three of the team's stars at the same time. Durant was, after all, a different level from the Big Three. They won the game easily, and the rookie's complaints shouldn't have caused such a big reaction.

Rivers was thinking of chatting with Carter, who was the most talkative person, but Garnett, who was next to him, called out to him.

"Coach, how much longer is our game against the Supersonics?"

Supersonic?

Rivers seems to have finally figured it out. He was a player for over a decade. What can I do if I can't beat you but want to talk trash?

We should hire outside help.

The SuperSonics, currently ranked first in the league, are indeed a good weapon, especially with a "chosen one" like Morten, who has been a trophy collector since entering the league. He can definitely break through the defense and inflict real damage on the three old guys from the Celtics who have been mediocre in the playoffs.

"It's still early, we won't see each other until after the All-Star game."

In order to create suspense, the league usually schedules games between teams from the East and West that are predicted to be champions before the season starts, after the All-Star break.

The East vs. West matchups between the SuperSonics and Lakers, and the Cavaliers and Celtics, were all scheduled for February and March, partly to capitalize on the popularity of the NCAA's "March Madness" by featuring strong teams in these matchups.

"Don't worry about the SuperSonics. Their good record right now is mainly due to Morey. In reality, their defense and offense are a level weaker than last season. It's fine if they play like this in the regular season, but once they get to the playoffs, even an idiot would know to target Morey with specific defense and wear him down. It's hard to say whether they can even beat the Lakers. Even if they make it out of the West, how much energy will he have left? Not to mention we have three superstars waiting for him."

Rivers's lips twitched slightly, his hoarse voice carrying a hint of flippancy, his tone exuding the composure of someone who could win from afar.

He doesn't deny Mo Wen's strength. After all, with 30+10 stats, and the fact that he got those honors by luck, it's as if he was under a spell. But no matter how good the skills are, you still need the right lineup and teammates to achieve results.

Don't even mention Mo Wen and Ray Allen. Theoretically, they're no less than the Jordan-Pippen duo. Those duos are a thing of the past. Jordan only managed to beat the duos of his era. He didn't sweep any of his six championships, but in the past three years, the Big Three teams have won every championship without a sweep. Now it's the Big Three winning the championship.

What? The Cavaliers were also a Big Three last year? The Cavaliers can be considered a Big Three? The Cavaliers deserve to be called a Big Three?

"In conclusion, the advantage is on my side," Rivers concluded definitively.

The feedback from the people around me was... basically nothing.

They are long past the age of being swayed by slogans, and are eager to prove the value of their summer decision with a real victory.

……

If there's one team that's not interested in the All-Star game, it's the Spurs.

Duncan doesn't need much marketing; he consistently gets the votes he deserves every year, just like... Duncan.

During the previous GDP era, Ginobili and Parker signed up every year, but they didn't get many votes. The main point was to participate. Moreover, due to the influence of Mo Wen, the two who had lost two championships were much less popular than in the original timeline, and their All-Star votes were basically at the bottom.

The media is willing to dig into the stories behind the champions, to interview the champions with ordinary statistics, and to praise the champions for their inability to reflect their value with statistics. However, if the champion's halo is removed, the player's popularity can be basically equated with the statistics.

This year, the Spurs are in a different situation because McGrady has arrived. His dazzling personal statistics in the first half of the season, combined with the Spurs' good record, have brought McGrady back to the level of the "Big Four shooting guards" in the media's eyes.

After rediscovering the winning touch, McGrady naturally wanted to reclaim the popularity and honors that rightfully belonged to him. However, relying solely on the votes of San Antonio, a small city with just over a million inhabitants, was clearly no match for Kobe Bryant, who dominated Los Angeles, and Mo Wen, who was based in Seattle. If he wanted to make a name for himself, there was only one feasible path: he had accumulated a wealth of experience with the Magic and could simply score points.

However, McGrady's intention to take more shots to achieve better stats is fundamentally at odds with Popovich's basketball philosophy.

Popovich only wants to see players perform well, but he doesn't like to see anyone steal the spotlight, especially disliking actions that negatively impact the team in pursuit of better individual stats. He inherited Larry Brown's basketball values, believing that 10-15 points per player from the starting five is enough, and it would be even better if those points came through teamwork.

He pushed for the trade to bring in McGrady for two reasons: first, to stabilize Duncan, who felt he was wasting his prime due to not winning a championship; and second, to use McGrady's top talent and individual ability to offset Mo Wen's influence on the perimeter.

As a pragmatist, Popovich doesn't mind McGrady taking over the game at times, and he's used the tactic of giving the ball to the best player quite often. However, he's unwilling to make this special-situation choice the norm, as it would affect team culture, tactical discipline, and his control over the team.

Thus, a conflict arose.

After Christmas, rumors first circulated that McGrady and the head coach had a falling out and had argued.

The Spurs' press officer promptly clarified the rumors, but the subsequent news of McGrady's absence due to injury was particularly intriguing.

McGrady only rested for two games before returning to the court, and he seemed to be playing without any major problems. However, after that, he seemed to be barely recovering, playing two games and then needing to rest for another. Until the game against the SuperSonics, McGrady was unable to play due to injury again.

The San Antonio media, which initially noticed the conflict between the two, chose to believe it and focused their discussion only on what exactly McGrady was injured and how long it would take for him to fully recover.

But as one of the league's top teams and a newly formed Big Three, the Spurs received no shortage of media attention. Soon, the issue of discord between the coach and players was discovered by the New York media, followed up by the Los Angeles media, and celebrated by the Dallas media.

By the time the story reached Seattle, McGrady and Popovich's saga had almost evolved from Larry Brown to Iverson to Sprewell to Carlesimo.

"Greg has had it too easy before, so much so that he still doesn't know how to get along with a normal superstar."

Holding the newspaper, old Hill commented on his former colleagues with a smile.

McGrady is seen as a superstar by fans and a top-paid player by management, but coaches would call him a "privileged player."

The so-called privileges are theoretically within the head coach's jurisdiction, but the relationship between the two is no longer that of a superior and subordinate who can give orders at will. Instead, it is more like that of a food delivery customer and a crowdsourced delivery service. Most customers can act like gods, but if you really piss them off, your food will taste terrible.

Judging from recent interviews, although both of them maintained considerable restraint in their wording, and even made many friendly remarks with a public relations flavor, they are both shrewd and know exactly what the other is up to.

"Isn't TD a normal superstar?" the assistant coach asked, somewhat puzzled.

“TD is a normal, good guy, but he’s not a normal superstar. Just think about the superstars of the past and present and you’ll understand,” Old Hill shook his head.

The distinction between superstars and individual character is not inherent to a classification of ability. However, a superstar's ability needs to be proven in the playoffs. To perform at one's best under the pressure of the playoffs, a strong mental core is required. This mental core, like a persona, is more likely to stand out the most.

Therefore, it is normal for superstars to have some personality flaws. Duncan, with his moderate, peaceful, and mentally sound personality, is an outlier in this group.

"So what about you, Coach? How do you view the relationship between a coach and a superstar?" Payton, who joined the coaching staff this year, suddenly asked.

Old Hill, who had been relaxed, instantly became serious upon hearing the question, and then gave Payton a scrutinizing look.

What is your purpose in asking this question? What is your motivation? What do you want to do? What do you want to subvert?

He only gradually felt relieved when he saw that Payton was still as carefree as ever.

Old Hill wanted to say that Mo was also a good person, but when he thought of Mo's endless dirty tricks in training, some tactical dirty tricks, and his tough attitude of having the final say when it came to the team's arrangements, he swallowed his words.

"Let me answer your second question first. Just look at those dynasty teams and you'll see that the most stable way for coaches and superstars to get along is through open and honest cooperation. Increasing the superstars' involvement can prevent the disconnect between theory and practice caused by empty talk, and it can also make the superstars more responsible. But this rule doesn't apply to our team."

"Why?" Payton continued to ask.

"Now the question comes back to the first one you asked. It's very simple. Mo's strength has already surpassed the level of a superstar. He's above a superstar." Old Hill casually picked up his coffee and took a sip, displaying the demeanor of a renowned coach.

Payton couldn't help but click his tongue. No wonder the old man was able to be re-elected as the SuperSonics' head coach. This flattery made him feel truly inferior.

On January 11, the SuperSonics easily defeated the Spurs, who were missing McGrady.

Teams that form a Big Three are generally frugal in other personnel configurations. The Spurs system with Duncan as the core can empower role players, but Popovich does not have the Midas touch that Coach Spoelstra had in the future.

邓肯再次面对斯科拉21投中11，罚球6中4，拿到26分13篮板3助攻1盖帽。

Parker faced the SuperSonics' tight defense and got plenty of open mid-range shots, shooting 9-for-18 from the field, 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line, scoring the second-highest points for the team with 23 points.

In an era when the average score was less than 100 points per game, the two combined for 49 points, which was quite good. The Spurs' role players were also in good form today, with Brent and Barry both scoring 16 points. The team's total score of 101 points was not much different from when McGrady played.

However, the SuperSonics continued their usual offensive firepower, making 13 of 28 three-pointers today and scoring 39 points, for a total of 116 points, winning by 15 points against the Spurs.

Mo Wen scored his 33rd point at the end of the third quarter, leading his team to a 21-point lead before clocking out.

McGrady was also present today, sitting courtside in a suit, exuding a relaxed and stylish vibe. However, reporters who follow the Spurs' coaching issues noticed that McGrady didn't communicate with the coaching staff as often as the injured players. He didn't even communicate much with other Spurs players, as if he were isolated. Only Duncan and Parker would chat with him when they were resting off the court.

After the game, when Mo Wen shook hands with Parker, whom he had a fairly good relationship with, he secretly asked him a question.

"Is Tmac really injured, or did he have a fight with your old man?"

"Of course he's really injured. Sigh, it's all just media hype. What do they know? With such intense training and competitions, injuries are normal."

“Yes, isn’t it normal to get injured?” Mo Wen said meaningfully, but he heard another layer of meaning in his words.

In the away team's locker room, McGrady, wearing headphones, listened to the coaching staff's post-game debriefing. He smiled rarely, joked with Duncan, and then casually turned to Parker and asked:

"By the way, I saw you and Mo chatting for quite a while earlier. Are you two close?"

"It's alright. You know we're both international players, and we even have the same agent. We occasionally contact each other during holidays."

"I heard he's getting married soon?"

"Yeah, I read in the newspapers that he was some kind of good Eastern man, different from Western men, haha, but he still got that girl pregnant before they even got married." Parker took the opportunity to make fun of Mo Wen.

"Oh, yeah, haha." McGrady forced a smile and then turned his head away. Parker then realized that McGrady hadn't been keen on discussing pregnancy and childbirth since he was ripped off by the female model who successfully conceived through artificial insemination at the beginning of the season.

On the return bus, Parker saw McGrady struggling to move away from the seat in pain due to the bumpy ride. Suddenly, he remembered the rumor that Mo Wen's team had a top sports expert, so he found Mo Wen's phone and sent him a text message.

Parker: [Mo, I forgot to ask earlier, do you know any back injuries that are difficult to diagnose and tend to recur?]

Mo Wen: [Yes, brother, yes.]

Parker: [Really? That's great! Do you know how to treat it, or are there any specialists you could recommend? We really need them!]

Mo Wen: [I know who you're asking. I asked the professor before. Treatment is possible, but relapses are still possible after intense treatment. She only knows some conventional treatment methods.]

Parker: [Is there really no cure?]

Mo Wen: [There is indeed a way to cure it completely.]

Parker: [Don't force me to beg you, bro!]

Mo Wen: [It's simple, if you can't solve the problem, then send the person who raised it away.]

"Bitch!" Parker cursed instinctively after reading Mo Wen's reply, but this caught the attention of Stone Buddha beside him.

The big-headed guy quietly crept over and quickly read most of the small text on the screen. When Parker reacted and looked at him, the guy secretly swiped the screen with his big hand to complete the chat.

"Hey, what interesting thing are you guys watching?" The two's playful antics piqued Maddie's curiosity.

At this moment, Duncan displayed his exceptional mental fortitude, shoving the phone into Parker's hand and then replying with a somewhat sinister smile.

"You definitely don't want to see this."

"Oh, what is it? I don't believe it." McGrady raised an eyebrow, his sleepy eyelids widening even more.

"Someone sent Tony a photo on MSN, a photo of a naked old lady."

"hiss!"

The players around Duncan who heard his words couldn't help but gasp.

Parker felt a little ashamed, but fearing that McGrady would see the last text message he exchanged with Mo Wen, he had no choice but to admit it.

However, when Parker put his phone away and looked ahead, he met the gaze of one of the team's veteran assistant coaches—a look of approval that came between men.

Damn, there's a real freak on the team! (End of Chapter)