69novels Chapter 182: Stage 1 All-Star Voting Results Announced! More to come!
Chapter 182: Stage 1 All-Star Voting Results Announced! More to come!
Chapter 182: First Stage All-Star Voting Results Announced! Let's go after Jordan again!
"You're grinning so slyly, Rob. Tell me, what are you so happy about?" Lin Tian heard great news from Pelinka's smile.
"Ten minutes ago, the league announced the rankings for the first phase of All-Star voting. Guess what the results were?" Pelinka kept the outcome a secret.
"I've become the top vote-getter?" Lin Tian thought of the promise Su Qun had made to him and casually guessed.
"Vote King? You're underestimating yourself, aren't you?" Pelinka's tone surprisingly carried a hint of disdain upon hearing those two words.
"Not only are you the top vote-getter, but your vote count has almost doubled Michael's!" Pelinka exclaimed excitedly. "You now have 114 million votes, while Michael only has 60. Don't you think that's almost a complete domination?"
"Don't forget, last year you only got around 110 million votes by the end, but this year you've already surpassed your previous performance in the very first stage!"
"Or rather, in the first phase of this year, you've already surpassed the career-high vote records of almost everyone except Jordan!"
"It's not that exaggerated. Grant and his team have both received 120 million votes." Lin Tian waved his hand, indicating that he was being modest.
"FUXX! Stop pretending with me! You know perfectly well what this vote count means!" Pelinka was extremely annoyed by Lin Tian's pretentious behavior.
That's so annoying!
What does this first phase of 114 million votes mean?
Lin Tian certainly knew what this meant.
This means that Chinese fans have started to exert their efforts!
Back then, rookie Yao Ming was able to beat Shaquille O'Neal at his peak to become the All-Star starting center, and rookie Yi Jianlian almost squeezed out Kevin Garnett to become a starter with his 9+6 stat line...
My Lord Lin, without playing a single match, directly became the top vote-getter—perfectly reasonable! Perfectly logical!
The voting power of Chinese football fans is truly astounding, even on a global scale!
Nothing more: There are many people, they are united, and there's no need to worry about splitting the votes!
However, the speed at which this vote was cast was truly a bit too exaggerated.
It's worth noting that before last year, the peak number of votes for the NBA All-Star Game was around 120 million, and only Grant Hill and Michael Jordan had ever received that number of votes.
Last year, due to the incredible impact of Jordan's comeback, he doubled his All-Star vote count to 240 million! And with Jordan's surge in votes, the votes of other NBA players also skyrocketed, experiencing a surge in popularity.
For example, Grant Hill and Barkley both received more than 180 million votes, while Olajuwon and Scottie Pippen both received more than 150 million votes!
This meant that although Lin Tian received 113 million votes last year, which was the level of the previous year's top vote-getter, he only barely met the selection threshold under the crazy circumstances last year, and was almost the lowest vote-getter among the 10 starters.
However, this year, the hype surrounding Jordan's comeback should have died down, and fans' enthusiasm for voting should have dropped significantly. Many professionals predict that the number of All-Star votes this year will be greatly reduced, and the number of votes for the top vote-getter will almost certainly not exceed 150 million!
However, with the release of the first All-Star vote count, the figure of 150 million seemed so conservative.
Lin Tian received 114 million votes in the first stage, which is an astonishing number!
Meanwhile, Lin Tian wasn't the only one whose votes skyrocketed, because in this era, All-Star voting involves voting for an entire starting lineup, meaning fans can't just vote for one player.
If a vote is cast, five people from the East and five from the West will receive ballots, for a total of 10 votes!
Therefore, Lin Tian's surge in votes naturally brought a large number of votes to the other players!
This year's All-Star voting will definitely surpass last year's!
Moreover, after the results of the first phase of voting were announced, many people felt that this year, several people would likely receive more than 200 million votes, and to become an All-Star starter, one would need at least 150 million votes!
Don't forget, there are still a full 45 days until the voting ends! It's impossible to estimate how much Lin Tian and the others' votes can increase during this period!
Even now, Lin Tian hasn't played a single game! What if he comes back and puts on a few more spectacular performances? What if the Pacers go on a winning streak and achieve an incredibly terrifying record after his return?
Will his votes surge again?
Based on the current voting trend, Lin Tian will definitely break the all-star record for the most votes this year!
And it's definitely an unimaginable number!
When Jordan's 240 million votes were announced last year, they seemed so unattainable and out of reach.
But just one year later, Lin Tian's vote count this year is guaranteed to be over 400 million!
This is even more powerful than Yao Ming's momentum back then!
However, after a little analysis, Lin Tian found it to be quite reasonable.
First of all, Lin Tian's playing style is far superior to Yao Ming's, and his popularity base is incomparable to Yao Ming's. Based on the commotion Lin Tian made during the offseason and his outstanding performance over the past two years, Lin Tian has a guaranteed base of at least 100 million votes in the United States!
In the entire Eastern Conference, apart from Jordan and Hill, there really isn't a third person who can rival Lin Tian's popularity!
Secondly, during Yao Ming's era, the internet had become more accessible, and Chinese fans had gained a deeper understanding of the NBA. Many players already had a considerable following in China, which led to a split in Yao Ming's votes.
In addition, many rebellious fans believed that Yao Ming was not good enough to be an All-Star starter and that voting for him would be a brainless and shameful act, so they refused to vote for him. This resulted in Yao Ming having more votes than Shaquille O'Neal, but not such an exaggerated number of votes.
He didn't even get his first All-Star vote leader until 05, after O'Neal moved to Miami and no one in the West took away his votes!
And what about Lin Tian? Because of Lin Tian's sudden emergence, Stern launched the idea of globalizing the NBA a few years earlier than planned.
For Asia and China, the NBA entered their lives almost suddenly. Most fans didn't have much access to information about NBA teams and their star players, including their names, skills, and abilities.
They just watch whatever China Sports Channel broadcasts.
It could even be said that at this point, more than half of the Chinese fans couldn't recognize the names and logos of the 29 NBA teams at all. Those who could recognize half of them were considered die-hard fans!
Not to mention that at that time, the Chinese people were filled with all sorts of incredible legends, like urban ghost stories!
How could Garnett touch the coin on the top edge of the backboard, then take it off, and do that 50 times in a row?
What? Jordan hangs in the air for 3 seconds and can sign autographs in mid-air after jumping.
What? Chamberlain and Malone were both Chinese...?
These incredibly strange legends spread throughout the country through unknown channels and methods, reaching the ears of the general public.
But one thing is certain: many fans believe these legends to be true!
It was only in this era that fans were able to unite as one, with almost no trolls or haters insisting that Lin Tian was no good; everyone voted for Lin Tian!
Of course, the most important thing is that Lin Tian himself has the popularity and ability of an All-Star starter!
He truly deserves the title; there is no question of him being unworthy of it.
I don't feel any psychological burden when I cast my vote!
Just do it!
All these factors combined are the reason why Lin Tian's vote count is so terrifying!
Last year's seemingly unattainable record will almost certainly be broken by a large margin this year!
"Besides, you're not the only All-Star starter this year. Do you want to know who the remaining starters in the Eastern Conference are as of now?"
Pelinka paused here, then couldn't help but chuckle, clearly very pleased with himself, before continuing, "Dibeken Mutombo, Grant Hill, and also..."
"Charles and Reggie!"
"What? Charles and Reggie?" Lin Tian was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Charles and Reggie! Hahaha, let me laugh for a while, Charles and Reggie! What about Michael? How many votes did he get?"
"Reggie currently has 63 votes, while Michael has 60! Reggie's lead isn't large and he could be overtaken at any time, but if All-Star voting closes today, Reggie will surpass Michael and make the All-Star starting lineup!"
"Reggie!" Lin Tian hung up Pelinka's phone impatiently and shouted to Miller, who was already walking back, "I have good news, guess what?"
"Are you planning to take me along for some group activities tonight?" Miller looked at Lin Tian with anticipation.
"Get lost! Stop dreaming." Lin Tian first gave him the middle finger, then grinned mischievously, "You've never been an All-Star starter in your life, have you?"
"Who said that! I did it! Just 3 years ago!" Miller curled his lip. His information was a little slower than Lin Tian's, and now Lin Tian was destined to use the information gap to suppress him!
"Michael wasn't in the league that year, right? You have the nerve to include that?" Lin Tian patted Miller on the shoulder and said, "Come on, give me a couple of nice words. This year, how about I get you an All-Star starter to have some fun?"
"Are you planning to withdraw from the game?" Miller glanced at Lin Tian. Clearly, this foul-mouthed guy didn't think he could surpass Jordan to become an All-Star starter.
"Why are you quitting! Show some backbone, Reggie! How about we team up and form an All-Star backcourt?" Lin Tian patted Miller on the shoulder and said, "Let's see if you're willing to go all out!"
Normally, Miller would have unleashed a torrent of trash talk at Lin Tian without hesitation, but now, he hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, "What do you want me to do?"
"Call me Dad!" Lin Tian said seriously. "I'll handle the rest for you."
"Fuck!" By this point, Miller finally realized Lin Tian was playing a trick on him. He gave him the middle finger and couldn't help but ask curiously, "What exactly happened?"
"The All-Star voting results for the first phase are in." At this point, Lin Tian didn't hide anything from Miller: "Among the Eastern Conference guards, I'm first, you're second, and Michael is third."
"What the hell?!" Miller never dreamed that he would ever have someone more popular than Jordan.
"But you're only leading by 2 to 3 votes. If Michael's fans get going, they could easily floor the gas and overtake you! Your current lead is all thanks to my fans!" Lin Tian said smugly. "That's why I wasn't kidding when I said I'd help you get an All-Star starter!"
"I'm confident I can make you surpass Michael and become the starter!"
"How much money do you want!" Miller looked at Lin Tian and asked directly, "What kind of connections do you need? I know a few people in the black market who might be able to help you. What are you planning to do? Steal votes, commit fraud, or some other method?"
"Reggie, have you been watching too many Mission: Impossible movies? Do you think I'm Ethan Hunt? I don't do that kind of spy work. My methods are simpler and more practical, but absolutely effective!"
"What's your plan?" Miller became increasingly anxious. Defeating Jordan, surpassing Jordan, and outperforming Jordan was his dream throughout his career, and also the goal he could never achieve.
Miller knew very well that he could never rival Jordan in popularity. Outside of Indiana, he didn't have many fans. Compared to making the All-Star starting lineup, Miller felt it was more likely that he would teach Jordan a lesson twice in the playoffs.
But now, the dream has become a reality!
"Call me Dad!" Lin Tian patted Miller on the shoulder, indicating that he wasn't joking.
"Are you never going to stop?" Miller looked at Lin Tian, already feeling the urge to punch him a couple of times.
But there's nothing I can do; at this moment, Master Lin is completely caught up in ethical dilemmas!
We have to shout it!
Otherwise, if Iverson and Jordan are giving me experience every day, how can you, as a teammate, not give me any benefits or experience points?
"Reggie Miller's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 50 experience points!"
"Lin, enough with the jokes. Let's talk about our plan." Miller looked at Lin Tian, suppressing the urge to smash Lin Tian's nose.
"The moment you call me 'Dad,' that's the start of our plan!" Lin Tian continued, a lewd grin on his face as he looked at Miller.
"Reggie Miller's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 70 experience points!"
Wow! His anger is rising!
"If I yell and then find out you're messing with me, I'll break your legs!" Miller said, taking three or four deep breaths and opening his mouth several times, but ultimately couldn't yell out: "Fuck you! Lin, if you're not messing with me, I'll break my own legs!"
Seeing Miller's exasperated expression, Lin Tian knew it was about time.
There's a limit to joking; it should make people angry, but not annoyed.
Just kidding, that's enough for now!
Lin Tian looked at Miller and said casually, "I just had an exclusive interview with someone from China last week. The person who interviewed me is a good friend of mine, and his newspaper has the highest sales volume among all sports newspapers in China! I can ask him to make a few minor changes to the content."
"For example, how close we are like father and son, and our shared dream is to be selected for the All-Star team together. Our biggest wish this season, besides winning the championship, is to stand side by side on the All-Star stage."
"Next, you'll do an exclusive interview with this newspaper, telling us stories about the two of us, like our brotherhood, or the little details of supporting each other on the court..."
"Then, just wait for your votes to skyrocket!"
"It's that simple?" Miller looked at Lin Tian in disbelief, completely distrusting his plan.
"Want to hear how many votes I have right now?" Lin Tian looked at Miller and gestured two 1s!
"11 votes? You think you can become an All-Star starter?"
"Screw you! You bastard, you have no imagination whatsoever, and you're such a coward, you deserve to be beaten up by Michael!"
Lin Tian's two index fingers turned into two middle fingers, still forming two 1s: "110 million votes! Not even the odd amount!"
"Now tell me, do you believe my fans can get you into the All-Star starting lineup?"
Even Miller, who was used to big events, couldn't help but widen his eyes when he heard the number 110 million.
He knew very well how outrageous that number was!
If things continue like this, Lin Tian's total votes might even exceed 400 million!
Too scary!
Unbelievable! Incredible! A must-see!
Yes, you can't miss it!
"Have your reporter come to me anytime. If he has time, I can give him an interview tonight!" Miller patted Lin Tian, indicating that these things should be done sooner rather than later!
"I'll have him call you."
Seeing Miller leave, who seemed impatient, Lin Tian also took out his phone and made a call.
"Half-City, I've done what I promised you. You promised me..."
"Brother Lin, what are you calling Half-City?! Don't joke with me, everyone knows you're the real Half-City! Just call me Xiao Duan! As long as I can interview Reggie Miller, I'll do you that little favor, no problem! I'll get it done in no time!"
After dealing with this die-hard Miller fan and fulfilling his dream, Lin Tian thought for a moment and then made another phone call.
He felt that on such a joyous day, it would be a waste not to have a few media outlets and reporters interview him and perhaps even bump into him!
"Rob, find a few reporters to come to where I'm doing community service, bump into me, and ask me a few questions about the All-Star voting. What do you think? I'm a little worried that Michael's information isn't timely or accurate enough, and that he might not receive the news immediately!"
"Lin, sometimes I really wonder if your relationship with Michael is good or bad." Pelinka knows Jordan and Lin Tian's personalities very well. Lin Tian contacted the reporters to provoke Jordan! And Jordan, after being provoked, will definitely go crazy!
This relationship... Pelinka really doesn't know how to describe it.
If he asked Lin Tian, Lin Tian would tell him that this is called a love-hate relationship!
……
The next morning, Lin Tian had just woken up groggily when he sensed that the system had already started working!
"Michael Jordan's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 30 experience points!"
"Michael Jordan's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 40 experience points!"
"Michael Jordan's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 50 experience points!"
Wow! Those guys from yesterday were pretty quick!
Lin Tian got out of bed, found the newspaper that had just been delivered by the door, and started reading it.
Lin Tian stated frankly that every vote he received was worthwhile!
"Becoming the top vote-getter without even playing a match? Lin Tian feels no pressure; he says he deserves it!"
Leaving the Bulls made me stronger! My previous teammates hindered my progress!
How satisfying is it to snatch the top vote-getter from Jordan? Lin Tian: It's nowhere near as good as snatching the championship trophy from him!
Lin Tian says his best friend in the league is Reggie Miller!
Lin Tian expressed his heartache over Jordan being squeezed out of the starting lineup, saying that times are changing.
Selfless! Lin Tian says he would give up his spot if Jordan ultimately fails to make the All-Star starting lineup!
It has to be said that Lin Tian is incredibly skilled at provoking Jordan!
Just like eating and drinking, it's ingrained in Lin Tian's DNA, making it a piece of cake!
During this interview, Lin Tian gained nearly 300 more experience points from Jordan!
All I can say is that Michael will always be my best partner, Lin Tian!
As for what the media said...
Hehe, it definitely won't affect my friendship with Jordan!
What Lin Tian didn't know was that in Chicago, Jordan had already thrown all the newspapers of the day into the trash can. If it weren't for the fact that there were two little Jordans at home, Jordan would definitely have poured gasoline on the trash can and burned it to ashes!
That's disgusting!
Lin, that bastard! He's disgusting!
Reggie is my best friend? The best thing is that he snatched the championship trophy from my hands? And with the changing times, he even had to give up his All-Star starting position?
I'd better go to hell with your rock candy cola!
Do you think Michael Jordan needs anyone to defer to him?
Christmas!
This Christmas, let those damn Indians know what it means to be someone they can never mess with!
Whether Lin Tian is around or not, you bunch of bastards can't afford to mess with me!
No matter how unhappy Jordan is, after the two interviews were published in Basketball Pioneer and became wildly popular among fans, Lin Tian and Miller's votes will definitely continue to grow rapidly!
Along with this rapid increase, Barkley's votes are also growing rapidly. This guy hasn't done anything, but he's almost guaranteed a starting spot in the next All-Star game!
It's as stable as a mountain!
However, compared to the rapidly growing and rock-solid All-Star voting, the Pacers' recent record can hardly be described as good!
In their game in October and 14 games in November, they only managed a record of 8 wins and 7 losses, barely making it past the halfway mark and barely managing to stay in eighth place in the Eastern Conference!
The Pacers' problems are intractable. Their roster issues force them to rely solely on offense to fight their opponents, resulting in a situation where they can battle all opponents to the very end, but their poor defense always allows their opponents to pull away.
Simply put: Be strong when facing strong opponents, and be weak when facing weak opponents!
Entering December, the Pacers' record still did not improve much. Before December 17, when Lin Tian returned to the court, the Pacers played a total of 22 games and achieved a record of 12 wins and 10 losses.
Judging from the games played in the first month and a half, this team, which looks like it has a very luxurious lineup, is just a team on the edge of the playoffs.
Mid-tier teams can at best fight their way to the divisional semifinals.
Although the Pacers' statistics in these 22 games were actually very good, especially on the offensive end.
Barkley is the team's leading scorer, averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. Miller is the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 18.8 points with 2.2 three-pointers per game. In addition, there is Rose with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game, and Schmitz with 12 points and 6 rebounds per game.
And Dumars, who did his best to support the team's backcourt when Lin Tian was absent, averaging 14 points and 5 assists per game.
The team's five starters average over 80 points per game! Yet they were completely helpless against their opponents. The Pacers have the league's highest average points per game, the fastest pace, and the best three-point shooters, but they can't stop any opponent and always let their opponents score high points.
A team with a strong offense but weak defense, currently ranked seventh in the Eastern Conference, and whose strength is only in the middle of the league.
Of course, this is the Pacers team without Lin Tian.
On December 17th, the Pacers hosted the Houston Rockets, a strong team from the Western Conference, at City Square Arena!
This season's Rockets are far worse off than last season's team, which won 57 games and made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Not only did Barkley leave the team, but the team also failed to make any reliable reinforcements. Instead, the team suffered a significant wave of injuries early on, with several players sidelined due to injuries from the beginning of the season.
This also includes their absolute core, Hakeem Olajuwon!
Throughout November, Hakeem Olajuwon only played one game, and the Rockets had a dismal 4-11 record in November, dropping them to the bottom of the Western Conference.
Fortunately, Hakeem Olajuwon returned in December and led the team on a winning streak. The Rockets are currently on a six-game winning streak. If they can win today's game against the Pacers, they can bring their winning percentage back to 50%!
Unfortunately, tonight the Rockets are facing Lin Tian, who is about to make his season debut. The Pacers will definitely not allow victory to slip away from them again!
The Pacers are going to win tonight! They're aiming for a big victory to welcome Lin Tian and boost the team's morale!
Their goal this year isn't just to make the playoffs, it's the championship!
Soon, the starting players from both sides took to the court. Lin Tian made his first official appearance at the City Plaza Arena this season, playing his first regular season game for the team!
When Lin Tian put on his number 7 jersey and stepped onto the court, the entire City Square Arena erupted in cheers! Countless fans chanted Lin Tian's name, celebrating wildly and roaring with abandon!
After waiting for two months, they finally got what they had been looking forward to all year!
Next, it will be time to see whether Lin Tian is worth 1.4 million over 7 years!
"They're back!" CBS certainly knew which games had the highest ratings, and they had already booked a nationwide live broadcast of this highly anticipated match!
Smith watched Lin Tian walk back onto the court and exclaimed excitedly, "Lin's last appearance in an official NBA game was six months ago in the Finals! That night, Lin gave us an unforgettable and indescribable game!"
"Although it's unforgettable, it's best not to mention that match again. I sincerely hope that something like that never happens again on the field!" Marcus added, "Yeah, but I think after that incident, unless someone thinks they're going to live forever, no player or team would dare to attack Lin's team again!"
"Haha, not bad! In a sense, the Pacers will most likely be the team with the fewest conflicts this season!" Smith laughed heartily. "Alright, let's look back at the game. After losing Barkley, the Rockets haven't been able to bring in any outstanding reinforcements this season. They are still playing with the same roster as last season."
"But at the beginning of the season they suffered very serious injuries, especially Hakeem Olajuwon's injury, which caused their record to plummet. Although the Rockets have won six straight games since Olajuwon's return, I think most fans now have to accept the fact."
"This Western Conference powerhouse, which won two consecutive championships three years ago, has entered the twilight of its glory. It's only a matter of time before they disband."
Marcus quickly added, "But even so, anyone who dares to underestimate 'The Dream' and 'The Glide' will definitely be severely punished! Alright, look, the referee has walked onto the field, the match is about to officially begin!"
On the court, Barkley first hugged his old buddies from last year one by one. Although they had been eliminated in the Western Conference Finals last year and had only played together for one year, Barkley was still very nostalgic!
The Rockets' starting lineup tonight consists of the twin towers of Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Willis, plus Clyde Drexler and Mario Elie, the only Rockets guard who has ever played alongside Olajuwon to win two consecutive championships, and second-year point guard Matt Maloney.
This lineup is truly showing its age. Of the five starters, apart from Marlonny, the other four are all over 34 years old and are already in the twilight of their careers. They are also the oldest starting five in the entire league.
But head coach Tomjanovich had no better options. He had no choice; these five players were the strongest five he could field at the moment, and the rest were simply not worth mentioning!
Tomjanovich, who once famously said, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion," knows very well that the current Rockets team cannot be saved by "a champion's heart." The only things that can save this team are rebuilding or an elixir of immortality.
"Hi Marlon, long time no see." Lin Tian greeted Marlonny with a smile as he looked at him standing next to him.
"My name is Matt! Matt Maroney!"
"Okay, Mani, no problem, Mani."
"Are you ever going to stop! Every time we meet, you make jokes about my name. Can't you come up with something different?"
"I don't want to change it. I think it's very interesting." Lin Tian said very offensively, "You don't like it?"
"Of course I don't like it!" Marloni looked at Lin Tian, his eyes full of rejection.
"But I don't care!" Lin Tian said, and suddenly pushed Maloney as he got closer, making him take half a step back. Then Schmitz had already won the first possession and passed the basketball to Lin Tian!
The fact that Hakeem Olajuwon could lose to Schmitz in a contest for the ball already says a lot!
If we add the fact that Rose shakes off Drexler, who is known for his fast breaks and drives, and then receives a pass from Lin Tian and drives straight to the basket for a dunk, then the Rockets' aging look becomes even more obvious.
Who is Clyde Drexler? He is widely regarded as the best fast break player in the league during the 8s and 90s. His long strides and gliding distances on fast breaks are undoubtedly one of the most classic images of the early 90s NBA.
But now, he was outmaneuvered by the unknown Ross, who easily completed a fast break.
The glider can't glide anymore!
After easily scoring 2 points at the start, the most excited people were neither the Pacers fans nor Lin Tian, who delivered his signature assist immediately after returning from injury.
The happiest person was Jalen Rose!
It's back! That comfortable feeling is back!
Rose is finally running again!
During the preseason, Rose was the team's leading scorer, a fact he was always proud of. However, once the regular season began and Lin Tian was out, the Pacers lost their source of the ball and first pass, causing Rose's efficiency and stats to plummet. He never regained his preseason prowess.
But now...
That feeling is back!
I, Jalen Rose, have indeed been held back by those old guys on the team. Running is the style I should be playing!
The Rockets' offense clearly favored Hakeem Olajuwon. Facing Schmitz, Olajuwon didn't bother with any fakes, simply turning around and hooking the ball in for an easy 2 points!
But as soon as he put the ball in, Barkley immediately stepped back from the baseline and quickly passed the ball to Lin Tian!
Lin Tian dribbled the ball up the court at high speed, pushing past Marlonny all the way to the frontcourt. Then, when he was close to the three-second zone, he suddenly made a behind-the-back bounce pass. The basketball flew straight to the other side of the basket, where Rose was following up. He caught the ball and once again slammed it in with both hands!
Exciting! So good!
The entire city square stadium erupted in cheers!
This kind of attack is truly pleasing to the eye and very satisfying to watch!
After a series of meaningless passes, the Rockets' offense once again found itself with Hakeem Olajuwon.
Unfortunately, the Rockets nowadays have no reliable options in half-court offense other than passing the ball to Olajuwon. Drexler is getting older and his ability to break down opponents' defenses is not what it used to be, and his three-point shooting is inconsistent. As for Mario Elie, he has long since degenerated into a pure shooter.
The only player on the team with any ability to break through the opponent's defense was Marlonny, but Marlonny was facing Lin Tian. Breaking through? He really had no way to do so.
The only solution is to give the ball to Olajuwon.
Fortunately, Olajuwon played with ease against the frontcourt duo of Barkley and Schmitz, and after another layup, the Rockets continued to keep the score close.
But this time it was exactly the same as before. After Olajuwon scored, Barkley didn't give the Rockets a chance to catch their breath or slowly get back on defense. He quickly passed the ball out again, and this time it was Rose who received it. His speed was also very fast!
After chasing the aging Ellie all the way to the frontcourt, Rose suddenly sent the ball into the air with both hands. On the other side, Lin Tian ignored everything and forced Marlonny to jump. After catching the basketball in the air, he slammed it towards the basket!
"boom!"
After a loud bang, Lin Tian slammed the ball into the basket with both hands, while simultaneously knocking down Maloney, who was stubbornly blocking him and trying to stop him from dunking!
After scoring, Lin Tian waved his hands wildly up and down and roared loudly, plunging the entire City Square stadium into a frenzy once again!
How could anyone not like this style of play?
In the first half of the first quarter, the Pacers adhered to the tactical principle of not double-teaming on the defensive end and running like crazy on the offensive end, leading the Rockets' group of old men to run like madmen!
At the same time, it forced Hakeem Olajuwon to keep playing one-on-one, and the veteran's stamina was being rapidly depleted and declining.
With 6 minutes played in the first quarter, the score was temporarily tied at 14-10, with the Pacers leading by 4 points. Lin Tian had 4 points and 3 assists, Rose had 5 points, and Olajuwon contributed a game-high 8 points!
At this point, the game entered its first pause.
"That was fantastic! Since Lin's return, the Pacers' playing style and passion have improved so much compared to when he wasn't there! Lin himself is a system; he can get the whole team running alongside him!"
After watching for six minutes, Smith couldn't help but say, "In NBA history, which other point guard can bring such a system to the team and change an entire team on his own? Besides Magic Johnson, it's Lin! Most other point guards serve the system, making that system more complete and powerful."
"But Lin truly has the ability to create a completely new system!"
"I completely agree with everything Smith said. Lin is the kind of person who can make the game simple and make his teammates play comfortably. With Lin, you just need to run! The rest is up to Lin! I think the Pacers player who most wants Lin to return is Rose."
"Before Lin returned, Rose's efficiency and stats were far worse than during the preseason, but after Lin's return, this guy quickly found his rhythm. He might actually become the most improved player in the entire league this year!"
On the court, Bird half-squatted on the floor and addressed his players: "Guys, let's put some pressure on the Houstonians! Ben, you're in. You're in charge of holding off Olajuwon! Ignore his footwork, ignore his fakes, your job is not to jump and hold him off!"
"He gets the points? No problem, don't worry! Just let him fight back and wear down his stamina!"
"Lin, Jaylen, whichever of you is on the same side as Olajuwon, look for an opportunity to help defend! Force him to make a quick decision and finish the attack quickly, instead of just sitting there holding the ball and slowly observing!"
"The same goes for everyone else! Whoever sees Olajuwon, give him a run for his money! Let him feel our passion! As for the offense, don't overthink it, just keep running! Lin won't let you down!"
After giving instructions on tactics, the Pacers substituted Ben Wallace for Charles Barkley, while the other four players remained unchanged and continued to walk onto the court.
The first offensive possession after their return was still with the Pacers. Lin Tian received the ball at the top of the arc, patted his head, and signaled to the inside player to come up and set a screen for him.
Malone reacted very quickly, taking half a step back while glancing left and right to observe which direction the player setting the screen was coming from.
But just as he noticed Ben running towards him, Lin Tian took advantage of his half-step back and decisively launched a three-pointer!
"Whoosh!"
Lin Tian successfully launched a sneak attack and scored 3 points!
After Lin Tian hit a three-pointer, Malone cursed and then turned around to try to continue dribbling forward, but this time, it wasn't so easy for him!
(End of this chapter)