The second quarter of the game.
Zhang Jun played, and the Trail Blazers players who played with him also included Steve Blake, James Jones, Channing Fry and Travis Outlaw.
The Sonics' bench lineup is point guard Luc Crednour, shooting guard Damien Wilkins, small forward Wallis Zebiak, power forward Nick Collison and center Kurt Thomas.
The game continues.
Zhang Jun held the ball and suddenly accelerated after halftime.
Wallis Zebiak is a white striker from Spain. His defense has always been criticized by fans. Because of his slow lateral movement and defensive steps, everyone thinks his defensive ability is poor, but in fact He's better defensively than anyone on the Sonics when it comes to guarding non-velocity players.
For example, when facing Anthony and James in the same position, his defensive effect is very good, but he is always beaten badly when defending Kobe.
Moreover, Wallis Zebiak was also an All-Star player in 2002, able to score, confront, and extremely accurate three-pointers.
"But let him defend Zhang Jun, the picture is probably worse than Kobe Bryant."
Barkley couldn't help but sighed and said.
Although many people think that Zhang Jun's draft template is Tracy McGrady, but Barkley wants to say that Zhang Jun's style of play is more like Iverson or Wade, carrying explosives and rushing inside.
The key is that Zhang Jun is taller than the two old brothers in front, so defending him will be more troublesome than defending Iverson and Wade.
Because the defender's defensive power against him is not as great as expected.
For example, Wade and Iverson will always be subject to some restrictions when they rush to the inside to face big men over 2 meters long, but Zhang Jun is not afraid at all.
"Teaming!"
Sonics head coach PJ Carlesimo's roar sounded on the court.
The Supersonics inside power forward Nick Collison and center Kurt Thomas doubled to help defend. They also made the same choice as other teams when defending Zhang Jun's breakthrough.
Double-team, assist, or catch defense.
Faced with a double team and Wallis Zebiak chasing after him, Zhang Jun did not choose to hit hard, but threw the ball directly to the bottom corner.
Channing Fry originally used to run from a 45° angle to the bottom corner, because this is a sense of position and space that a pitcher must have. Location is the most important point and the point where opportunities are most likely to appear.
Chen Ningfu raised his hand to catch the ball, he was a little surprised, as if he had a very familiar tacit understanding with Zhang Jun after playing basketball for many years.
His running position arrived, and Zhang Jun's pass arrived at the same time, but the pass was not perfect, with a bit of force and a bit of an angle.
But what surprised Qian Ningfu was that there was no one in front of him three meters away.
"This defense... is too exaggerated."
"I've been with the Knicks for two full seasons, and I've never had such a comfortable shooting space."
Zhang Jun's ability to attract double-teams made Fulai almost unbelievable. He even vaguely predicted that he would have a lot of such open shooting opportunities in the future.
Channing Fry, who was wearing the Trail Blazers jersey for the first time, was still a little nervous.
Tonight he warmed up and shot a lot of three-pointers. Monty Williams told him that his tactical goal tonight is to shoot three-pointers, grab rebounds, and then hand the ball to Zhang Jun.
It's just that Fry didn't expect that the offensive opportunity in the first round of the rotation lineup would come to him.
Hands up! Pull your wrist!
Like countless days and nights on the training ground, Fry threw the ball comfortably and naturally, followed by the crisp sound of the basketball hollowing into the net.
"nice shot!"
Zhang Jun excitedly shouted for encouragement.
Fry shook his fist too, satisfied that he had seized the opportunity.
This round of offense did not arouse the vigilance of the Sonics.
In the next round, Zhang Jun was double-teamed on the outside, and Travis Outlaw stepped up to cover.
Zhang Jun used the cover to quickly get rid of the two defenders and went straight to the basket.
"Go back to the inside and stop him for me!"
PJ Carlesimo's roar continued to sound on the court.
Zhang Jun once again encountered the defense of countless Trail Blazers players inside.
"Fry is empty again in the bottom corner!"
"Still in the same position!"
"Zhang Jun passed the ball, Fulai jumped up and received the pass, adjust it, and shoot!"
Swish!
Another hollow!
Two consecutive hollow three-pointers hit the net, and the players on the Sonics finally realized what happened.
"This guy can't let go!"
The Sonics' Damien Wilkins made a quick breakthrough to help the team score two points, which were also priceless.
Just when Damien Wilkins thought the two points would help the Sonics stabilize the situation, Zhang Jun went to the basket again, attracted double-teams and passed the ball to Fry.
This time Nick Collison rushed over very vigilantly, but Fry was crazy and threw passion, raising his hands and wrists very firmly.
"It's a shot against the defense!"
"Nick Collison's touch-up was very timely."
"Flai, can you seize this opportunity?!"
Swish!
The crisp sound of a basketball hitting the net sounded again, and the Sonics players on the field were stunned, and their head coach PJ Carlesimo was also at a loss.
Off the court, the Trail Blazers coaching bench.
Monty Williams' lips trembled and he was speechless.
Nate McMillan had already expected that Zhang Jun would be a good pitcher like LeBron James and Warcraft Howard, but it was really unexpected for him to be able to play such an exaggerated offense with a pitcher.
"If you continue to play like this, Zhang Jun may be able to assist more than double."
on the pitch.
Fry's efficient offense has made the Sonics feel very nervous up and down. Their head coach PJ Carlesimo gave the players a look and signaled them not to let the pitcher go.
That is to say, power forward Nick Collison can no longer help defend Zhang Jun, so the question is, can only a backup center Kurt Thomas prevent Zhang Jun's breakthrough?
The game continues.
Faced with Zhang Jun's breakthrough to the basket again like carrying a dynamite bag, the Sonics chose to let the weak side Damien Wilkins help the defense, but the price was that the weak side James Jones was also empty .
Whoosh!
Zhang Jun quickly passed the ball to the corner on the weak side, and James Jones couldn't help scolding his mother the moment he caught the ball.
"Zhang Jun, the passing angle is not accurate, and the strength is surprisingly strong. If I am not ready, I will not be able to catch this ball."
Complaints belong to complaints, and James Jones, who received the ball, immediately adjusted his posture and shot decisively.
Swish!
Another three-pointer!
"The Trail Blazers scored 4 consecutive three-pointers in less than three minutes of the second quarter, and hit a 12:2 offensive high slot! All of them came from Zhang Jun's breakthrough points!"
"My God, the offensive efficiency of this team is too scary."
"This is still their substitute lineup!"
Amidst Kenny Smith's astonishment, Barkley opened up the efficiency value of the Trail Blazers this season.
"Prior to tonight's game, the Trail Blazers were sixth in the league in offensive efficiency, 20th in defensive efficiency, and 10th in offensive efficiency in rotation."
"It's not that there are any bench gangsters in the Trail Blazers' rotation, it's just because Zhang Jun is on the court at this time."
"I can guarantee that with the addition of Fry, the overall offensive efficiency of the Trail Blazers can definitely break into the top five in the league, or even follow the top position."
"And the offensive efficiency of the rotation lineup may also increase significantly."
"The league is about to have a super offensive team that can keep pace with the Suns, Warriors, and Nuggets."
All! All!
On the court, Zhang Jun excitedly clapped hands with Fry and James Jones to celebrate.
"4 assists in 3 minutes, if you keep playing like this, you won't be able to easily reach double figures in assists per game."
Fry and James Jones couldn't help but glanced at Zhang Jun at the same time.
"You guys really think you are good at passing the ball. If it weren't for me and Fry who are both professional shooters with great adjustment ability, you might not even have the rhythm of shooting if you change someone to catch the ball."
James Jones patted Zhang Jun's head and said angrily.
Fulai looked at the two of them in shock, and couldn't help but said, "Can you say that?"
In his opinion, Zhang Jun is the leading scorer in the Trail Blazers. As a rookie, he can score more than 30 points per game. Take it off easily.
To put it bluntly, Zhang Jun is the favorite of the Trail Blazers, and he is still very popular among fans in the United States. He is completely a popular fried chicken.
Is such a character something you can talk about James Jones as much as you want?
Seeing Fry's surprised expression, James Jones proudly said, "Why can't you say that? I still dare to pat his head."
After speaking, James Jones patted Zhang Jun's head vigorously again.
Zhang Jun opened James Jones's hand, and at the same time patted the opponent's head vigorously 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 reaching out and patting Zhang Jun's head.
This feels so good!
Feeling that his head has lost a few hairs recently, Zhang Jun is a little worried that he will be bald by these teammates one day.
After the timeout ended, the Sonics replaced Durant in advance, and at the same time their head coach PJ Carlesimo signaled the players not to be so desperate to defend Zhang Jun.
And the result of this is that Zhang Jun hit the basket continuously and staged a tomahawk dunk. Fortunately, Durant frequently used the mid-range to fight back.
But he can't stand how many people the Trail Blazers can score.
At the end of the second quarter, the Trail Blazers blasted a 36:24 super attack wave in a single quarter, directly playing the game without any suspense.
The second half of the game was completed and had nothing to do with winning or losing. It directly became a fight between Zhang Jun and Durant.
But the score has been maintained at 15 points difference.
Finally the game is over.
The Trail Blazers beat the Sonics 120:104.
The 120 score is also the highest score in a single game for the Trail Blazers this season.
Zhang Jun scored the first double-double of his career, with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists. New aid Fry made 5 of 10 shots and 5 of 8 three-pointers, scoring 15 points and 5 rebounds.
It was a good start for the new club.
The Trail Blazers scored in double figures with 6 players, playing the most hearty performance since the season.
"This Trail Blazers team may become the biggest exception in the Western Conference this season."
Pj Carlesimo couldn't help but sigh after the game.
…
Steve Francis was long overdue.
He hasn't played a game so far this season because of ankle and knee injuries, but he still has a big contract of 34 million on his back.
Steve Patterson didn't expect Francis to play for the Trail Blazers, and for the coaching staff headed by Nate McMillan, they also didn't expect Francis to enter the Trail Blazers' rotation.
Although the backup point guard Steve Blake has average ability, averaging only 7 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists per game, he has a 39% three-point shooting percentage, and does not occupy the ball, which is very suitable for Zhang Jun's partner.
"The Knicks have almost given up on you. They haven't even prepared a decent recovery plan for you. They probably have already prepared to mess with you."
"But the Trail Blazers will not give up on you. Our team doctor will participate in your recovery throughout the process, and try to help you play a few games at the end of your career."
Steve Patterson said sincerely.
Francis is no longer that kind of fledgling young man. He is well aware of the team's operating system and working methods, so he is sure that there is no free lunch in the world. In the NBA, loyalty must never be talked about. Of course, there is still a little human touch.
Still, 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 can't tolerate me staying in the locker room."
Steve Patterson is very satisfied with Francis' sensibleness. The opponent has experienced four teams in his career, and teammates have changed one after another. Francis knows what is going on in the locker room and teammates better than anyone else.
In other words,,,..version. 】
However, Steve Patterson heard from the 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.
I want to laugh when I hear this Steve Patterson, but the three are the young core of the Trail Blazers, and Steve Patterson will let them go.
"Coach Nate McMillan told me that he wants to improve Zhang Jun's passing ability, and he wants to find a player who is very capable in this area to teach him."
"The Trail Blazers are not as ancestral as the Lakers. We can hire Clyde Drexler, but he averaged only 5 passes per game in his entire career, and he is not a point guard player. , There are very few players who can hand over field control, passing rhythm and passing accuracy to Zhang Jun.”
"You are a three-time All-Star point guard, and you averaged up to 7 assists per game in the season. I think you will definitely bring a lot of experience to Zhang Jun in this regard."
Francis thought of the hottest rookie in the league recently. Even Iverson praised him after the game for his breakthrough. He even knocked Kobe down in the opening game. Breaking Iverson's rookie season scoring record of 30+ points in a row.
Francis frowned and said: "I'm not a traditional point guard either. I can't teach him much in passing."
Steve Patterson frowned, and his friendly expression took a 180° turn.
If it was a few years ago, Francis, who saw this scene, would immediately jump up and point to Steve Patterson's nose and yell: Who are you with!
But now, he chose to explain: "It's not that I don't want to teach, but 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 contract of 34 million. The team has no idea of buying you out or trading you."
"Do your best to guide Zhang Jun's passing. This is 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. Originally, he 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. , Mixing a championship is also good.
Although such an approach is a bit embarrassing, if he can really hold a championship ring at the end of his career, Francis will also be able to draw a perfect end to his career.
It now appears that Francis can only say goodbye to the nba after the two-year contract expires.
"Steve, I'll teach him well."
.........
After a few days.
The management of the Grizzlies and the Lakers 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 picks in 2008 and 2010.
They traded Pau Gasol and a 2010 second-round pick from the Grizzlies. UU reading www.uukanshu.com
As soon as this deal came out, it immediately caused an uproar across the United States, and the management of all teams in the league were deeply shocked.
Popovich of the Spurs even jumped up and stomped his feet, and even scolded the Lakers for robbery during the interview.
Although Pau Gasol has been injured frequently in recent years, and his average data per game has dropped to 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, after all, the single-core team has led the team to the Western Conference playoffs. Husband is completely different.
More importantly, Pau Gasol is a better big man on both ends of the floor, and he can still pass the ball!
Popovich understands Phil Jackson, the Zen master of the Lakers, what it means to give the opponent a big man who can pass the ball and has such an excellent comprehensive ability. Popovich knows better than anyone else.
If you want to find a big man who is very similar to Pau Gasol to compare, Popovich can only think of Duncan and Garnett.
"As long as Pau Gasol stays out of injury trouble, the Lakers are definitely a championship-caliber team."
This is the unanimous thought of all general managers and team coaches in the league.
"This Lakers team is finally going to cause trouble for the league."
.........
The situation in the west is becoming more and more turbulent.
The situation where there are already strong players has become more and more complicated because of the rise of the Trail Blazers, a youth army, and the Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol to officially become a championship-level team.
The Spurs, who were originally the top card in the West, also felt more and more pressure from behind.
Under such pressure, the Lakers are about to usher in Gasol's first show after joining.
"The Christmas War is finally coming!"
"This year's Christmas battle has a total of three duels!"