Chapter 613 34 points in a single quarter, breaking the personal scoring record in a single quarter!
On the plane, D'Antoni held a tactical meeting and formulated the tactics for tomorrow's game. He did what he promised to Lao Wang and returned to the style of play last season.
Lao Wang observed the reactions of others and didn't see anything for the time being.
But he is certain that without him, the Suns reached third place in the Western Conference. Now his teammates' thoughts must be different from before.
As soon as he comes back, he will definitely take away some of the ball rights and the number of shots taken by the team. Not to mention the substitutes, the data of several main players will definitely decline. In addition, the change of tactics will also be a problem. Can his teammates calmly
Accept it?
It's easy to live in luxury but hard to live in frugality. Now several main players of the Suns are facing this situation.
In his second year, Stoudemire's offense at the basket has decreased a bit and he has added some mid-range shots. However, his field goal percentage is about the same as in his rookie season, 47%. His defense is average, and he is still not up to the level of an excellent power forward.
Joe Johnson is better than last year. His shooting percentage reached 43%, which is considered passing. He has increased his three-point shots, but his shooting percentage is not good, only 30%.
The other two rookies, Zhu Fangyu and Josh Howard, are both good defensively and provide defensive energy for the team's perimeter.
Overall, this Suns lineup, with his return, has truly reached championship level.
However, with his return, Stoudemire will return to the fourth position and Marion to the third position, so Zhu Fangyu and Josh Howard lost their starting positions in the rotation.
Zhu Fangyu should be Marion's first substitute at the third position, and Josh Howard should be Joe Johnson's first substitute at the second position.
At this time, D'Antoni said: "Let me talk about tomorrow's starting lineup, Lao K, Amare, Sean, Joe, Steve."
Zhu Fangyu and Josh Howard were not disappointed. They were mentally prepared. As long as Old K came back, they would definitely not be able to play the main position.
Two old classmates sat together, in the back seat, and were very excited because they finally had the opportunity to play ball next to old K.
Especially Zhu Fangyu, who has participated in the Tiejun summer camp since he was a child. Old K is a god in his heart, and being able to play beside the god is more satisfying to him than playing as the main force for any team.
He suddenly shouted: "Josh, do you know that the Knicks and Old K are mortal enemies?"
Josh Howard was startled and nodded quickly: "Of course I know, when Old K entered the league, in the first game, the 1993 Christmas Day game, the Suns faced the Knicks at home, and Old K stole John Starks'
Wear shorts and spank his ass..."
"Ha ha……"
Zhu Fangyu hid behind and laughed while hugging his belly, but he did not dare to laugh. He laughed so painfully that Josh Howard also laughed.
After laughing, Zhu Fangyu said seriously: "The Knicks are our mortal enemy. Let me tell you, Josh, if they want to cause trouble for Old K, we, the younger brothers, must be the first to take action. Otherwise, why should Old K.
Cover us?"
"Yeah, right." Josh Howard nodded.
"When the time comes, I will take action first, and you will follow." Zhu Fangyu said.
The two rookies were muttering in the back, and their voices were not necessarily very quiet, but they were heard by Marion Stoudemire and the others in front.
"Rookies, don't mess around, you will be banned." Stoudemire warned.
Zhu Fangyu's nickname is Zhu Bingdao, and with Old K behind him, he is not afraid of veterans like Stoudemire at all. He argued with reason: "If someone beat O'Neal in front of Old K last season, how could he be suspended? You would have gotten it a long time ago
It’s time for the championship.”
When Stoudemire, Marion, and Nash heard this, they couldn't help but look at each other, because this was really true.
Zhu Fangyu added: "I know that NBA teams used to have one or two thugs. If the Suns had such a person last season, how could they let K. do it himself?"
Nash stopped talking, and Colangelo couldn't help but nod. This is right. It was like this before, and it is like this even now, but Old K's combat effectiveness is too high, and he always rushes to the front if anything happens, so he ignored this.
"Zhu, if you have the courage, then you can be this person from now on. Don't worry, the team will not treat people like you badly. After the rookie contract ends, they will definitely give you a good contract extension." He
He immediately said to Zhu Fangyu.
"Don't worry, leave it to me, I've practiced it before." Zhu Fangyu said excitedly.
Lao Wang looked at Zhu Fangyu with a smile and nodded secretly, this kid is fierce enough and has a bright future.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, the Suns arrived in New York.
"Old K, do you think your presence has suppressed your teammates?"
"Old K, do you think you can still maintain your peak condition?"
"Old K, do you think you can still rule the league?"
A large number of media surrounded the Suns at the airport and asked all kinds of questions.
"Three."
Lao Wang chose three questions to answer and said: "The first question, if my presence suppresses the performance of my teammates, then doesn't any star of any team also suppress their teammates?
The ball rights and shots are limited. If you think that I have suppressed my teammates, then why don't you suggest to the league that everyone fight one-on-one, or let the league expel all the superstars? How about the remaining people distribute the ball rights and shots equally?
good?
Your question is so ridiculous! So please don’t ask me this ridiculous question again in the future. This question will only reveal your intelligence and prejudice.
The second question, regarding my status, I'm sorry, you will see it tomorrow night, I will not answer you now.
The third question is, there is no doubt that I will continue to dominate this league for many years."
His words did not give any face to the media. After he finished speaking, he pushed away the media and left.
Just after making arrangements at the hotel, Buckley called.
"Old K, will one explode tomorrow?"
"Of course."
"Haha, there will be a good show tomorrow."
"TNT live broadcast tomorrow?"
"Yes, it's me and Kenny."
Less than twenty minutes after making the call, Buckley appeared in front of Lao Wang.
Lao Wang called Zhu Fangyu, then Nash, Stoudemire, Joe Johnson, and Marion, and they went to the K-era Club to have dinner together.
While waiting for the food to be served, Lao Wang told him his plan for tomorrow's game. He wanted to have a big game and needed the support of these main teammates. They all agreed to him without hesitation.
Lao Wang smiled and asked: "Aren't you worried that the data will fall in the future? In fact, this is for sure, your data will all decline."
Nash smiled and said: "Old K, this was originally your team. When you were gone, we shared your shots and ball rights. Now that you are back, what we took from you, of course, we must return to you.
Should I let you sit on the bench? I'm afraid that when the boss gets angry, he will put all of us on the shelf."
"Ha ha……"
Lao Wang laughed, and the others also laughed.
Stoudemire said: "Boss, actually, don't look at our current record, but as long as we encounter a team with good defense, we will lose more and win less.
We played against the Pistons in the Eastern Conference, and with their broken lineup, we lost both home and away games, and our tactics were completely ineffective."
Marion nodded and said: "The current style of play has no defense and no rebounds. Although the record is currently good, I actually feel unsure.
Although we were only fourth in the Western Conference in the regular season last season, it was our first season together and it took time to develop and hone our skills and tactics before our record could improve.
And if you weren’t suspended, K., we would have definitely won the Western Conference Finals by beating the Lakers and reaching the Finals. The Nets would not have been our opponent. I think last season’s tactics were better and more promising.”
Lao Wang was a little surprised. Such a good record didn't make these guys complacent?
In fact, he ignored one thing. As Marion said, the Suns performed so well in the playoffs last season. It was not that he was suspended. The championship was 90% likely to be won. Last season's tactics gave Marion and the others a win.
They have a lot of confidence, and although the run-and-gun tactics have achieved good results this season, they have not been tested in the playoffs, so everyone is still unsure.
The main problem is that last season's tactics have been proven, but the run-and-gun tactics have not been proven in the playoffs.
Moreover, among the main players of the Suns, who dares to ignore his existence?
Barkley said at this time: "Old K, what are you worried about? You are the number one player in history. Even if you are suspended for half a season, who can take away your position as the number one active player? You are still the boss of the Suns.
Six championships in 10 years, a dynasty, 10 Western Conference Finals in 10 years, this is your qualifications. As long as you are here, the Western Conference Finals is stable, there is a 60% chance of winning, so don't say that you have never proven yourself in the playoffs.
A run-and-gun tactic, even a triangle tactic that has proven itself in the playoffs, isn't it going to be your defeat?
As long as you come back, the Suns should change back to the tactics you are good at, and there is nothing to discuss about this."
Of course Lao Wang agrees with Barkley, but he still cares about what his teammates think because he needs their support and he cannot conquer the world by himself.
From the current point of view, the situation is not bad. It just depends on the thoughts of these main players after the data really declines.
But it shouldn’t drop too much, because the time he occupies belongs to Zhu Fangyu and Josh Howard. The playing time of Stoudemire, Marion, Nash, and Joe Johnson will not be affected, but his shots and ball rights will be affected.
.
On January 31, 2004, the Suns challenged the Knicks away from home.
At 7:30, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Suns: Wang Tiejun, Amar'e Stoudemire, Marion, Joe Johnson, Nash
Knicks: Mutombo, Van Horn, Kurt Thomas, Alan Houston, Marbury
In the TNT live broadcast, Barkley said: "The Knicks are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, with a winning rate of less than 50% and a record that is not as good as the Suns. The media is more optimistic about the Suns winning this game.
The only question is how well K will perform, this is the only issue that the media is paying attention to. Kenny, what kind of performance do you think K will have?"
Kenny Smith chuckled and said: "I think 20 10 should be fine, right?"
Buckley looked horrified and said: "20 10? God, Kenny, how much do you look down on old K?"
Kenny Smith smiled and said: "What, Charles, do you think Old K will score 70 points in three quarters like he did when he came back last season?"
"Ha ha……"
Barkley burst into laughter and said, "Looking at the New York media's coverage of Old K, I'm even worried about the Knicks!"
"You must have got the news from Lao K. Tell it quickly." Kenny Smith urged.
"That won't work. The suspense must be left until the end." Buckley said with a smile.
At 7:40, the starting lineup begins.
"Lao Mu, why are you in the Knicks?"
When he saw Mutombo from a distance, Lao Wang shouted at the top of his lungs.
"It's coming this season!" Mutombo said with a smile.
"The Knicks are a great place to get big contracts..."
Lao Wang nodded and was about to say something when he suddenly saw another person and said in surprise: "Xiao Ma, why are you here?"
"Pony, me?" Marbury pointed at himself.
"Of course, who else could it be?" Lao Wang said.
Marbury said angrily: "The Mavericks traded me."
Lao Wang laughed loudly and said: "Mavericks trade ponies, haha, you are a veritable alliance wanderer."
Marbury's face turned black with anger. It was not what I wanted. I did all the transactions passively and never took the initiative to apply for a transaction.
Lao Wang saw Alan Houston again and couldn't help but feel happy. Didn't this guy go to the Bulls because of Jordan's trade? And he's back again?
Alan Houston saw Old K looking at him and immediately explained: "I came here during the offseason. The Bulls no longer need me."
Lao Wang nodded, the Bulls have Tracy McGrady, Alan Houston is not very important, and there are injury problems.
However, McGrady seems to have injury problems, and congenital diseases are also a big hidden danger. Why don't the Bulls trade McGrady?
At this time, the game begins, with the away team going first.
Pharaoh made the finale and strolled towards the court at Madison Square Garden.
Many years ago, he led the Suns to a bloodbath against the Knicks, beat Ewing and Oakley, and took the basket off their heads. The basket is still hanging on the wall of his honor room.
Today, he will still be here to announce his return from suspension to the league.
"Old K is on the stage!" Barkley shouted in high spirits in the TNT commentary box.
"The Iron Army is here!" Zhang Lili said happily in the CCTV commentary box.
"Pa bang bang..."
There was warm applause.
Lao Wang waved to the fans very skillfully. In the regular season, he received applause and cheers in away games. This has long been the standard for him as the first player in history and current service.
David Stern has been paying attention to this game. When he saw this, he couldn't help but sigh. The four shooting guards he strongly praised still did not have such a lineup as Old K. In the history of the league, only two stars have this.
There are two kinds of noodles, one is Michael Jordan and the other is Lao K.
At eight o'clock, the game starts.
Lao Wang won the jump ball and the Suns attacked.
For the first goal, as a comeback, Lao Wang did his part and came to the low post on the left wing to ask for the ball.
Stoudemire has increased his mid-range shooting this season, including two-pointers from far away. Although his shooting rate is very low, only 30%, he still has a stronger ability to open up than in his rookie season.
He moved one step inside the three-point line on the right wing. The one guarding him was Van Horn, who was guarding just outside the right waist. The two were one step apart.
At the top of the arc, Nash suddenly pulled to the left wing and with a flick of his hand, the ball flew low like a meteor.
Lao Wang accurately completed the ball with his right hand. In the next moment, he stood up, held the ball with his right hand and raised it towards the basket. The hook action was very realistic. This time, Mutombo also moved upward, preparing to take off and block the ball.
build.
But in the next moment, Lao Wang turned around to collect the ball, turned around and slid down. With a bang, he dribbled the ball once, entered the paint area in one step, and then flew up.
Mutombo's official age is 37 years old, and he is about to turn 38. Moreover, after suffering a serious injury in 2002, his condition is no longer what it used to be. How can he keep up with his pace?
"Bang!"
With one hand, he knocked over the Knicks' basket.
"Pa bang..."
In the audience, New York elites applauded.
"Ho ho ho, old K still looks as good as ever, and his condition is still extremely strong!" Barkley roared excitedly.
"The Knicks are going to be bad today!" Kenny Smith said with a smile.
Barkley said: "The Knicks seem to have a strong lineup, but it's just superficial. There are too many injuries and the record is not good.
Mutombo is injured, Marbury is also injured, Alan Houston is also injured, and so is Van Horn. Needless to say, Anfernee Hardaway has been recuperating since coming to New York and has not played a game yet, that is.
Kurt Thomas is fine and has no injuries."
"Bang!"
Marbury rushed to the right wing with the ball and made a sudden jump shot, but missed.
Lao Wang protected the backcourt rebound and the Suns attacked.
"Bang!"
This time, he caught the ball in the low post on the left wing, arched his back twice in a row, pushed Mutombo into a reasonable collision area, and then turned around and dunked directly over the opponent.
"Bah bang bang..." This time, the applause and cheers were even more enthusiastic.
"Mutombo could still resist in his prime, but now he can't stop Old K at all. No matter what kind of attack he uses, he can't stop him." Su Qun said excitedly.
"Bang!"
Returning to the defensive end, Van Horn pulled to the three-point line for a jumper, but missed under Stoudemire's defense. Lao Wang protected the backcourt rebound.
"Bang!"
Returning to the low post, he dunked again after sliding down the court, blasting the Knicks' basket for the third time.
"boom!"
This time, in Madison Square Garden, the cheers and applause were like thunder, making him feel like he was back at Mercy Arena in Phoenix.
"Three times he attacked the basket. Old K really has a strong desire to attack today." Barkley said excitedly.
"Knicks fans, no, New York fans, have completely rebelled, haha..." Kenny Smith laughed.
After the first quarter, 41:20, the Suns led their opponents by 21 points in the away quarter, doubling the score.
Wang played the entire first quarter and took crazy shots, taking 70% of the team's shots and making 13 of 15 shots. He reduced the half-disabled Mutombo and a Knicks backup center to nothing, and it was useless to double-team him in advance.
, his powerful movement ability allows him to avoid early double-teaming to a large extent.
In addition to making 8 of 9 free throws, he scored an eye-popping 34 points in the first quarter, as well as 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
In the TNT commentary box, Barkley was in excitement for the entire quarter and shouted excitedly: "Congratulations, Old K, you broke the Iceman's personal record of 33 points in a single quarter. You are now the NBA's all-time single-quarter scorer."
First in scoring.”
Kenny Smith smiled excitedly: "Congratulations, Old K, you have made a successful comeback and have successfully turned Madison Square Garden into your home court. Everyone is cheering for you."
In the CCTV commentary box, Zhang Lili said happily: "In just one game, the Tiejun proved that they are still as outstanding, powerful and invincible as last season."
Su Qun said excitedly: "The wolf is coming! All teams and superstars in the league who are interested in the championship, your most powerful opponents are back!"
…
David Stern was half lying on the sofa, taking off his glasses with one hand and pinching the bridge of his nose with the other, feeling very tired.
Old K, you monster, how long do you have left to reach your peak? Tell me so that I can formulate policies towards you!
He calculated Lao K’s age and found out that he took action on June 1, 1973. He is now almost 31 years old.
"It should be almost there. No matter how good his physical fitness is and how well he takes care of himself, this should be his last peak period. Even if he is not injured, it will only last one to two years at most."
His calculation was really accurate. Lao Wang really only had one and a half years of fixed period left, and his physical fitness would decline at a rate of 2% per year.
However, it is only 2%, and a five-year decline adds up to 10%. Even if he plays until 2010, he can maintain 90% of his current athletic quality, when he is 37 years old.
