wjnovel Chapter 234 The Final Battle (1)
Chapter 234 The Final Battle (1)
Chapter 234 The Final Battle ([-])
Fortunately, the Timberwolves were strong enough, and they won the two games before the finale. They first defeated the Spurs 105-97, and then defeated the Pistons 95-90.Although these two games look difficult, a victory is a victory, and the final victory after such a stalemate is easier to improve the players' self-confidence.
However, what makes the Timberwolves feel a little regretful is that the Blazers also maintained a complete victory, which means that they must compete in the final final game, and whoever wins can advance to the playoffs If you lose, you can only pack up and go home in despair.The only good news is that this game is at the Timberwolves' home court, and the Trail Blazers' away record this season is mediocre, with a winning percentage of less than 50%. If the Timberwolves can make the Target Center the devil's home court, the possibility of winning is high. some.
In order for the players to face the Trail Blazers in the best condition, McHale specially gave them a day off the day before the game, and told them to take a good rest and relax, and they were not allowed to go back to the training hall for practice without permission.But at the same time, McHale also warned them very seriously that rest is not indulgence. On the day of the game, as long as he sees someone who is sluggish, just sit on the bench. Maybe even if they make the playoffs, The playing time will also be greatly reduced, which is a tragedy.
Xu Hao didn't go anywhere. After getting up in the morning and going for a run, he video chatted with his girlfriend for a long time. The rest of the time he either read books, watched TV, or simply lay on the bed.Although he had plenty of physical strength, he was already at the end of his strength by the final stage. If he didn't take this opportunity to take a good rest, it would be hard for him to imagine how much strength he could still exert tomorrow.
The game is scheduled for 4 pm local time on April 14. However, in order to cheer for the Timberwolves, local fans in Minneapolis began to enter the venue at 8 pm, and many fans drove from nearby cities. I came here just to watch the game live.After all, there is only one NBA team in Minnesota, and everyone is their fan.
When Xu Hao walked into the stadium to warm up, he was startled by the huge noise in the stadium. Even though he was very experienced, he was almost frightened to stop his heart.It can be seen that the fans love the Timberwolves from the bottom of their hearts. Although Garnett has left for Boston, this team seems to be full of hope. This is also an important reason why the Timberwolves have good ticket sales this season.
The enthusiasm of the fans moved the Timberwolves players very much. They secretly made up their minds to repay these lovely fans with a victory.The last time the Timberwolves made the playoffs was in the 2002-04 season. They were the best team in the West that year, but after the peak, there was an abyss. Such a poor record also led Garnett to join the Celtics to form the Big Three. .
If the Timberwolves can reach the playoffs this season, it will undoubtedly be of extraordinary significance. This means that the young people they selected have enough strength and are very hopeful to introduce other big-name stars and become a powerful force in the Western Conference again.
Xu Hao and the others had just warmed up for more than ten minutes, and the Blazers players also entered the field to warm up one after another.The players on both sides don't have much friendship, so naturally they won't go up and chat. In fact, even if there is friendship, it's not wise to show it now. The two teams are obviously going to fight for life and death in this game. At this time Go to chat, it may be difficult to start during the game.
During the warm-up, Xu Hao glanced at the Blazers players and focused all his attention on Roy.Although he doesn't need to face Roy in a normal matchup, this guy known as the Yellow Mamba is obviously the most threatening point for the Blazers.
In the two previous regular season games between the two sides, Roy averaged 27.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7 assists per game, while also contributing 2 steals. It can be said that he is the main pain of the Timberwolves.However, Xu Hao has full confidence in Ellington, who is also growing rapidly. Although he was not selected for the Rookie Challenge, he is already a qualified 3D player that the team needs.
Of course, it would be fanciful for Ellington to want to lock Roy down now, but Xu Hao believes that he has such potential.And with Ellington's current level, he is enough to cause trouble to Roy. He just needs to provide help at the appropriate time.
Sure enough, after warming up and returning to the locker room, McHale immediately assigned tasks to Ellington.If the Timberwolves want to win, Ellington must entangle Roy, and he must not commit too many fouls. If he is off the field, he can only let Gomez top him, but Gomez's defense is obviously not on the same level. Asking him to defend against Roy was nothing more than delivering food to the other party.
In addition, Love and Jordan also need to be cautious on the inside. Although the Blazers' No. [-] center Oden was reimbursed for the season, they got Jordan's former teammate Camby through a trade before, and Aldridge re-formed one offense and one defense. The strength of the inside combination cannot be underestimated.The Timberwolves' starting insider is actually not bad, but in terms of experience, they have to be outnumbered by their opponents.
After talking about the precautions and setting up the tactics, McHale said slowly: "Children, this is the last game of the regular season of this season. If you want to go to the playoffs, then Just don't let it be the last game of this season! This is our home court, as long as you can play normally, the Blazers are definitely not opponents!"
"Think about all the hard work you have put in this season! Are you willing to let everything you have done to improve yourself be in vain? I see every drop of your sweat, go out and beat your opponent, don't waste it Your efforts!"
After filling the team members with a full bowl of chicken soup, McHale waved his hand for everyone to make final preparations.Ellington poked Xu Hao and asked in a low voice: "Chris, why don't you feel nervous at all? Look, my palms are already sweaty..."
Xu Hao patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "It's normal to be nervous. In fact, I am also very nervous, but I have worked hard to overcome such emotions, because nervousness is of no use to the game. Wayne, sit up straight , take a few deep breaths, think about the previous wins, especially when we beat the Blazers for the first time, and you will find that you are not so nervous."
Ellington took a deep breath dubiously, while Xu Hao began to think desperately about countermeasures in his mind.Anyway, the Blazers are not an opponent that can be defeated casually. They have to find a way to help the team establish an advantage in the game...
(End of this chapter)