The Eastern Conference Finals will begin on May 23, while the Western Conference Finals will be on the 24th.
The next day, the 23rd, the Suns convened the players, coaching staff and management for a tactical meeting in the morning and recovery training in the afternoon.
At 9 o'clock, Wang Tiejun arrived at the team on time.
"Old K, you have rested for 4 days. How is your physical condition?"
As soon as they met, chief trainer Aaron Nelson asked with concern.
"Not bad." He smiled.
Head coach Westphal came over and asked with concern: "Old K, haven't you done anything that consumes your physical energy these days?"
"No, I just do some flexibility training at home, practice shooting and ball control, plus an hour of speed training, the amount is very small," he said.
Aaron Nelson nodded and said: "Proper training can keep you in better shape."
"Charles, the winner of the MVP will be announced at noon. I'll treat you to a treat when you get it!"
"I didn't say anything, I'll ask."
Buckley and the others also came over, chatting while walking towards the conference room.
When I came to the conference room, the management had already arrived and the meeting began.
Assistant coach Lewis first introduced the SuperSonics' situation and said: "The playoff roster has twelve people, and the SuperSonics basically rotate ten people. The entire bench lineup averages 29 points and 15.6 rebounds per game. This data exceeds what we have now.
The substitute lineup, so in the Western Conference Finals, our main players need to play more time to make up for the lack of substitute lineup."
He added: "The five main players all score in double figures. The first scoring point is Rainman Shawn Kemp, who averages 20.6 points per game. He is also the first rebounder, averaging 9.3 points per game. The second scoring point is the forward and guard.
Swingman Ricky Pierce averaged 19.6 points per game, the third scoring point was Sam Perkins with 15.3 points, the fourth scoring point was Derek McKay with 12.7 points, and fifth was Payton with 12.1 points.
The Sonics' starting lineup consists of these five players, with Payton and Ricky Pierce at the back, Derek McKay at the small forward, and Kemp and Perkins in the paint.
McKay's height is 206 centimeters and 93 kilograms. He is good at mid-range shooting, has average long-range shooting and three-point ability, and his offensive ratio at the basket reaches 28%.
The heights of Kemp and Perkins are 208 cm and 206 cm respectively, and their tonnage is 105 kg and 107 kg respectively. Both of them can play forward and center. In the fourth and fifth positions, the SuperSonics are not fixed and change defenses frequently.
.
In addition, Perkins is good at three-pointers, but rarely attacks the basket, only 8%. His main shots are concentrated on near two-pointers, far two-pointers, and three-pointers. The two-pointers in the middle are the least shot. His confrontation ability
not enough."
At this time, head coach Westphal continued: "No matter how they arrange the position, Charles, if you face Perkins, he will definitely pull to the three-point line, you have to follow closely.
Old K, when you are facing Rainman Kemp, pay attention to protecting the rebound and be careful to protect our basket."
Lao Wang felt a lot of pressure. The explosive power of Rain Man's animal was so terrifying, and its bullet speed was super fast. Before he could jump up, the animal was already in the sky.
During the regular season, he didn't play against Rainman and rarely switched defenses. Standing aside and watching the excitement, you can appreciate the strength of the opponent.
Westphal added: "SuperSonics' scoring is quite average, which makes it difficult for the opponent to defend. We have to guard each of them and cannot concentrate on double-teaming anyone.
In addition, the SuperSonics have another big feature and a strong point. All five of their starters can score and pass the ball.
Payton averaged 4 assists per game in this playoffs, and small forward McKay averaged 4.3 assists. He is somewhat similar to Pippen, Kemp 2.9 assists, Ricky Pierce 2.4 assists, and Perkins 2.3 assists. So everyone must
Keep an eye on the opponent, five points, no one can be released.
Also, the defense of the five of them is very strong, only Ricky Pierce is a little worse. When we attack, don't be careless."
Then he began to introduce the Sonics' tactics, saying: "On the defensive end, Crazy Carl created a fierce flanking and quick defensive switching tactics for the Sonics. This flanking tactic is very advanced and can often force opponents to make mistakes. It has strong mobility."
The Sonics can use this to play a lot of fast breaks, which is why the Sonics averaged 108 points per game this season.
We have such a strong lineup this year and only average 113 points per game, so everyone must be careful about their fast break.
On the offensive end, the Sonics still play a typical team style. Crazy Karl has created an offensive form of free and dynamic attack with multiple three-pointers and blitzes.
Blitz is what I just mentioned, a fast break after attacking the opponent fiercely and stealing the ball.
Three-pointers, among the five starters, shooting guard Ricky Pierce, small forward McKay, and interior lineman Perkins can all shoot.
Free and dynamic offense, very flexible and frequent movement, mainly relying on the control of the crazy driver Payton. Although he is only a third-year player, he is already playing well. In addition, the starting five can shoot, pass and pass suddenly. The SuperSonics
The offense is dazzling.
So I remind you again, don’t be careless, they are good at offense and defense, and if we want to reach the finals, we must give our best.”
The tactical meeting lasted for nearly two hours and ended near noon. There was still training in the afternoon.
In addition to recovery training, the main thing is tactical training, practicing the offensive and defensive tactics just formulated.
"Hurry up, tnt channel."
"I bet Charles' dream will come true this time."
"MVP, Charles, I want to treat you when you get it!"
"Of course."
After the meeting, the atmosphere immediately became lively and the TV set on the wall was immediately turned on.
"yeah!"
"Charles, congratulations!"
After a few minutes, the conference room was abuzz.
The management also sent congratulations to Barkley, and Colangelo was also particularly happy because this was the Suns' first regular season MVP in the 25 years since the team was founded.
"Thank you, thank you, haha, this feels great..."
Buckley's face was almost broken with laughter, and his mouth was almost split behind his ears. His laughter did not stop until lunch in the restaurant.
Comrade Lao Wang is a little envious. I heard that this is the most valuable personal honor in the NBA. Basically, those who receive this honor will have the opportunity to enter the Hall of Fame in the future.
But what he envies is actually the points he can get by getting this honor. He doesn't feel much about the honor itself now.
While eating lunch, Jordan called Barkley.
"Hey, Michael, are you congratulating me? Thanks!"
"Charles, I don't care about that stuff at all. I already have countless honors, three MVPs, I already have three, and you may only have this one in your life."
After saying this, Jordan hung up the phone directly.
Buckley was stunned and smiled bitterly.
He showed the wrong emotion. Jordan didn't want to congratulate him at all, but was trying to ridicule him. This guy was too competitive.
"What's the matter?" Comrade Lao Wang asked.
"Nothing, Michael called me to congratulate me." Barkley covered it up.
"He will congratulate you?"
Even if he beat Lao Wang to death, he wouldn't believe it.
Barkley sighed: "I used to envy Michael's talent, but after I trained with him once, I no longer envy him."
"Why?" Lao Wang asked doubtfully.
Everyone else also looked over, obviously very interested in knowing anything related to Jordan.
Barkley shook his head and said: "Michael will conduct non-stop, inhumane and cruel training whether during the season or the offseason. I can't persist for a day, but he is happy with it. Such a Jordan will only succeed if he fails.
Strange."
Everyone nodded thoughtfully.
Lao Wang also felt this, but it was nothing more than that. He also received a lot of systematic training, and there was not much rest in the following offseason. If Jordan could do it, he could do it too.
In the evening, the G1 game of the Eastern Conference Finals begins.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls played the Knicks away from home. Both teams were highly watched. Being in New York, and with Jordan, the league's signature player, the game attracted a lot of attention.
Madison Square Garden is packed with people inside and out, the stars are shining everywhere, and there are stars everywhere.
In Phoenix, at Wang Tiejun's house, he and Zhang Lili prepared melon seeds and peanuts, ready to watch a show.
When it comes to the feud between the Bulls and the Knicks, the drama between Jordan and Ewing is no less than that between Jordan and Barkley.
Gubi
Jordan's strength has reached its peak in the past four seasons, and the Bulls' lineup and tactics have gradually matured. With their strong strength, they have overwhelmed Barkley's Philadelphia Digital team and Ewing's Knicks.
of.
But the three of them have been friends for many years off the court, so their grievances are difficult to resolve.
In the 1988/89 season, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks in the second round with a score of 4 to 2. In the 1989/90 season, the Bulls eliminated Philadelphia in the second round with a score of 4 to 1. In the 1990/91 season, the Bulls defeated Philadelphia in the first round.
They swept the Knicks in the first round and eliminated Philadelphia again with a big score of 4 to 1 in the second round. In the 1991/92 season, they eliminated the Knicks in the second round with a big score of 4 to 3.
In four seasons, the Bulls eliminated the Knicks three times and Philadelphia twice. This is the grudge between Barkley, Ewing and Jordan, three friends.
"Brother Zhang, who do you think can win?" Comrade Lao Wang asked.
"The Knicks' inside man, Ewing Oakley, is better than the Bulls' Carter White Grant, and the Bulls' outside player, Jordan Pippen, is better than the Knicks' John Starks and Charles Smith. In fact, their strength and lineup are not guaranteed to win. I
I think it’s a 50-50 tie and whoever’s home field has the upper hand.” Zhang Lili said.
"It's all about performance?" he said.
"Yes, it depends on who has a big heart. The firmer the will, the easier it is for him to perform wonderfully. In this regard, no one can compare with Jordan." Lao Zhang said with admiration.
He has been in Chicago for several years and has long been a fan of Jordan. This admiration is not fake, it comes from the bottom of his heart.
"Brother Zhang, are you a Bulls fan?" Lao Wang asked.
Lao Zhang smiled and said: "Yes, I am a fan of Jordan and Phil Jackson."
"Phil Jackson? Brother Zhang, he is a coach, and you are a fan of a coach. Are you sick?" he asked doubtfully.
"You're the only one who's sick! They're so amazing. They've won two consecutive championships. If they win again this year, they'll be a dynasty!" Lao Zhang said with admiration on his face.
"Come on, I don't see what's so great about him. If we beat our Suns, we'll lose one and win one, right? I admit that Jordan is great, he just relies on Jordan." He said nonchalantly.
"You? Forget it, you're not a coach, so you can't see how good he is." Lao Zhang said angrily.
Two hours later, the G1 game of the Eastern Conference Finals ended.
"Brother Zhang, you are awesome. Since you said so much, I think you can change your career and become a commentator." Lao Wang said in admiration.
"That's because I don't have any confidence, so I dare to switch to commentary?" Lao Zhang said with a smile.
90:98, in this Eastern Conference Finals that the world is paying attention to, the Knicks, who finally had the home advantage, had the last laugh.
The Eastern Conference finals were broadcast live across the United States by TNT, which released a lot of game data on the TV.
Jordan made 10 of 27 shots, a shooting percentage of only 37%, 2 of 4 three-pointers, 5 of 6 free throws, and only scored 27 points.
With this performance, it is difficult to beat the Knicks, so losing is not surprising.
Ewing made 9 of 16 shots, a shooting percentage of 56%, and 7 of 11 free throws. He scored 25 points and 17 rebounds, which was more efficient than Jordan.
Zhang Liyi pointed at the TV and shouted: "Look, at 28:48, the Bulls are missing 20 rebounds. It would be weird if they don't lose. Their inside strength is so poor that even Jordan scoring 50 is useless."
Another point is that the Knicks are playing at home today and their touch is really strong. The team's two-point shooting percentage is as high as 55%, while the Bulls only have 41%. With this touch, it will be difficult for New York to lose."
Lao Wang looked a little solemn and said: "But the defense is better than the Bulls. Jordan Pippen caused the Knicks to commit 23 turnovers while he only made 15. Otherwise, we would lose more. If we reach the finals, we will be at a disadvantage on the outside.
.”
Lao Zhang said: "You have the same model as the Knicks. You have to be strong in the paint. You have to work hard on offensive efficiency, rebounding, and inside defense. Otherwise, it will be difficult to beat the Bulls."
The Bulls lost the G1 game, casting a shadow over their three consecutive championships. The next day, the media began to accuse Jordan of abnormal performance.
The New York media, in particular, attacked the Bulls and Jordan like crazy.
Regardless of the fact that Jordan is the signature of the league and the most famous basketball player in the United States, the 1992 Olympics made him a world-renowned sports superstar. Everyone in the world knows about the Dream Team. However, the media has always been dismissive of him for the sake of sales and eyeballs.
To be polite, if there is a slight flaw, he will be ridiculed and criticized, and the NBA cannot help him in this regard.
Compared with Jordan's current treatment, Comrade Wang feels that the attacks on him by the media in the past were too childish.
On the 24th, the game day of G1 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Eastern Conference finals will be broadcast live nationwide by TNT, and the copyright of the Western Conference finals belongs to ABC. In addition, ABC is also the all-live TV station for this year's finals.
On this day, the whole of Phoenix was like a festival, and the atmosphere was very lively.
A large number of fans drove from all over Arizona to Phoenix and gathered outside the American West Arena.
At noon, the Sonics came to the American West Arena for training. Because there were too many fans and the distance was just over 100 meters, it took the bus almost an hour to get into the arena.
In the evening, the Suns team's bus also arrived at America West Arena.
"Oh oh oh..."
As they approached the arena, countless home fans burst into loud cheers.
A group of players stood up one after another and waved to the fans outside the window.
Coming up from the underground parking lot, the coaching staff, trainers, staff, security, and players, a total of fifty or sixty people, followed the sound of heavy footsteps, like an army, moving forward in the dark corridor.
Sweep.
Some reporters stood on both sides of the corridor, clicking their shutters, asking questions from time to time.
"Charles, are you nervous about playing in the finals for the first time?" A reporter put the microphone to Barkley's mouth and asked.
"Impossible, I'm a veteran, how could I be nervous?" Barkley said, clenching his fists.
He even forgot to refute that this was not his first time in the finals, but his second time.
Moreover, he will soon win the coveted mvp trophy, can he not be nervous?
"Old K, are you nervous?" The reporter turned the microphone and reached out to Wang Tiejun behind him.
"Why should I be nervous?"
Comrade Lao Wang didn't say a word. I'm not Barkley, nor am I the core of the team. This is only the first season. There will be more opportunities to win the championship in the future. I'm not in a hurry, so there's no need to be nervous.
"Mr. Head Coach, are you nervous?" The reporter asked the rookie Westphal again as if he was creating a tense atmosphere.
Westphal shook his head and said: "I'm fine, I couldn't be better."
While dealing with reporters, the players soon entered the locker room and closed the door to keep the media out.
Lao Wang was a little dumbfounded. He watched several teammates rushing into the bathroom, including head coach Westphal. He took out his big thermos cup and said to Barkley: "Brother, look at them.
, now you know the benefits of nourishing the kidneys, right?"
"I'm going to go too. I drank too much water just now." After Barkley said that, he also entered the bathroom.
Lao Wang doesn't understand. He thinks I'm blind. You haven't drank water for a long time. You obviously have kidney failure. Who are you kidding?
Kevin Johnson walked up to him and whispered: "Old K, you are still too nervous."
After saying that, he also entered the bathroom.
"hehe……"
Danny Ainge shook his head and laughed while tidying up his closet.
When it comes to being nervous, he is the least nervous and is in a completely relaxed state.
Beside the door, Colangelo rubbed his hands from time to time, feeling a little nervous.
The Suns have reached the Western Conference Finals before, but that was in the 1970s, and the NBA was not in its current format. The Suns have reached the Western Conference Finals twice and even reached the Finals once.
Later, he reached the Western Conference Finals again in the 1983/84 season, but these three Western Conference Finals, he was only the founder and general manager of the team, not the owner.
In 1987, he and other shareholders invested 44 million to buy the Suns. In the 1988/89 season, his team once again reached the Western Conference Finals, but unfortunately fell at the feet of the Lakers.
He has witnessed the entire history of the Suns, including this time, reaching the Western Conference Finals five times.
As the founder and owner of the Suns, as well as a person who has experienced it, he hopes more than anyone else that the Suns can reach the Finals for the second time, or even go further.
The game started at eight o'clock, and at 7:30, the two teams announced their starting lineups.
SuperSonics: Sam Perkins, Shawn Kemp, Derek McKay, Ricky Pierce, Payton
Suns: Wang Tiejun, Barkley, Ceballos, Dan Maley, Kevin Johnson