Chapter 1 The Beginning

The sky was azure blue.

Thankfully, there was Westbrook outside the window.

The first round of the Western Conference playoffs, with the series tied 2-2 after the first four games against the Grizzlies...

On May 1st, in the pivotal Game 5 between the two teams, thanks to Westbrook's outstanding performance of 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Seattle Young Guards came from behind to successfully take a 3-2 lead in the series and secure a match point.

After the grueling first four games, the Grizzlies players' stamina noticeably declined in the second half of Game 5.

And at this moment...

Westbrook, who had been "invisible" along with Durant in the first four games, became an unstoppable force.

Because compared to the increasingly crazed future version of himself, this Westbrook could not only use his explosive physicality to disrupt the opponent's defensive line with a dynamite pack...

Moreover, as the Grizzlies players' stamina declined on the court, even if Westbrook couldn't break through on his drives, he could use his body of reinforced concrete to draw two free throws for the Supersonics.

In front of the TV, the Lakers fans who were hoping for the Supersonics to lose were extremely disappointed that evening.

Because the Lakers' next playoff opponent would be either the Supersonics or the Grizzlies, and before the playoffs started, many experts believed that the Supersonics, with their explosive impact, were the kryptonite to the Lakers' "wheelchair team"...

So, in the eyes of many Lakers fans, if the Grizzlies could scratch the Supersonics to death, then Su Feng and Kobe's chances of leading the team to the championship this year would undoubtedly increase.

"What do you think?" In Los Angeles, after watching the game with Su Feng, Kobe turned to Su Feng and asked.

"I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?" Su Feng smiled.

"I have a tape that Gay sent me and a tape that Swartz sent me. Which one do you want to watch first?" Looking at Su Feng, who was trying to play him, Kobe said unhurriedly.

Upon hearing this...

Su Feng suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness, knowing that he would no longer be able to control Kobe...

"The good news is that the Grizzlies have already shown us a clear path to beat the Supersonics.

No matter who has the ball, the Supersonics' offense has to start from the outside.

Honestly, if Russell hadn't suddenly gone crazy in this game, their offense would have been constipated the whole time.

And the bad news is...

The current Kevin can't be defended by anyone."

In the living room, after taking a tactical board out from his two-dimensional crotch, Su Feng analyzed to Kobe while fiddling with the magnets on the board.

Although on the internet, Durant had been blasted into渣(slag) by nosy fans during this series...

He had not scored less than 20 points in any of the five consecutive games he had been "invisible."

There was no way around it.

Because Durant's scoring always relied on this kind of "piecemeal" accumulation.

So, in terms of perception, as long as his total score reached a certain threshold, it was easy to give people the illusion that he hadn't even played in the game.

In his previous life, it wasn't until the second half of 2014, when Durant strengthened his organization and dribbling skills, that his presence on the court began to increase significantly.

However, even though Durant's presence on the court was still lacking at the moment, you couldn't deny that...

In this series against the Grizzlies, it was his steady scoring that helped the Supersonics accumulate enough comeback advantages.

In the first five games, Roy, who was no longer conserving energy, Westbrook, who had a clear head, and Harden, who came off the bench, all proved that they had the ability to change the game.

Therefore, coupled with Durant's "piecemeal" scoring, even Su Feng believed that if the Lakers' next opponent was the Supersonics, it would inevitably be a tough battle.

Only...

Su Feng could "fool" others.

But he couldn't "fool" Kobe.

Because for Kobe, who knew everything about Su Feng, even how many body hairs he had...

Kobe knew.

Su Feng only analyzed the upcoming opponent so steadily when he was absolutely confident.

Sixteen years ago, why did Su Feng jump onto the technical table to show off in the game against the Chicago Bulls?

Because just like how he would become expressionless when he was most excited...

Su Feng would often use showing off to boost his confidence when he wasn't sure of himself.

So, looking at Su Feng, who was constantly emphasizing how difficult the Supersonics were to beat...

Kobe was very clear.

This guy was probably already starting to study the Lakers' Western Conference Finals opponent in his heart.

Moreover...

For Kobe, who also had extremely high basketball IQ...

He always felt that Su Feng was still treating him like the high school student he used to be.

Frankly speaking.

No matter how strong Durant was now and in the future...

In Kobe's eyes...

If Su Feng was a large supermarket with a sufficient supply of goods...

Then Durant...

Was at most a small store in a county town.

……

In the West, on the 1st, in addition to the Supersonics successfully winning Game 5 against the Grizzlies...

After eliminating the Kings with a score of 4-1, the Utah Jazz also met the Golden State Warriors, who had swept the Trail Blazers with a score of 4-0 on April 30th, in this year's Western Conference Semifinals.

The Trail Blazers' three elders couldn't stop the Warriors' "steel torrent."

And Yi Jianlian once again raised his value in the game against the Kings.

During the regular season, relying on Evans, Little Thomas, Lin Shuhao, and Cousins' chaotic playing style, the Kings had defeated many veterans.

But in the playoffs, facing the disciplined Jazz...

The Kings' chaotic punches were hitting a real steel plate.

In the game, Hornacek, who was guided by Sloan, put Yi Jianlian in the starting lineup in this series.

And its main purpose was to allow the well-coordinated Yi Jianlian and Deron to repeatedly pick and roll, switching Little Thomas and Lin Shuhao to face Deron Williams.

There was no doubt that...

This series was definitely Yi Jianlian's breakthrough performance.

On the court, facing the Jazz, who initially refused to switch on defense, Yi Jianlian first used a shooting percentage of 10 for 13, including 7 for 9 from three-point range, to punish D'Antoni's stubbornness in Game 1 between the two teams.

Then, in Game 2 between the two teams, Yi Jianlian, who was the focus of the Jazz players' attention, fully played the role of a "Buff" monster for Deron, realizing the tactical intentions of coach Sloan before the start of this series.

At the EnergySolutions Arena, Deron Williams, who always liked to use his physique to bully Chris Paul, used a career-high 47 points in a single game in the playoffs to directly eliminate half of the interest of those teams interested in Little Thomas.

Because Little Thomas' contract with the Kings was about to expire this summer...

So, although the Kings could renew his contract through the "Arenas Rule"...

After this game, there was also disagreement within the Kings management on whether to renew Little Thomas' contract.

After all...

Based on Little Thomas' performance in the playoffs...

Starting him was equivalent to having one less person on defense.

In contrast...

Yi Jianlian, who could be a "Buff" monster and could also help the team reduce the pressure of strong attacks at critical moments with his hit-and-fade ability, received unanimous praise from experts and fans.

A tree dies when moved, a man thrives when he moves.

Without the blind positioning of his own agency team.

Under the guidance of coach Sloan, Yi Jianlian, with his tactical execution and full tactical literacy, even if he didn't "soar to the sky" as some unscrupulous editors said, at least when negotiating a new contract this summer...

A high-paying long-term contract was definitely "chewing Wrigley's, easy peasy."

On the other side...

In the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, in addition to the Nets unexpectedly getting into a tough battle, the Heat, Hawks, and Celtics all easily advanced.

Facing Joe Johnson and his Pacers, who had just led the team to stage a "4730" miracle at Madison Square Garden...

The Heat smoothly advanced to the next round with a score of 4-1.

And in the game between the Hawks and the Bulls...

Perhaps because they were spoiled by "Mr. Jordan" back then.

The Chicagoans, who still regarded themselves as a "big club," launched a fierce bombardment of Rose for refusing to return before the start of this series.

Previously, Rose had missed half of the team's games due to a torn ACL.

However, because he was recovering well, many Chicago media published news in April of this year that Rose was likely to return in the playoffs.

However...

Not to mention that this life had Kobe's "King's Return" case as a precedent.

Even if Rose didn't care about his career, his agent wouldn't let him come back so quickly.

For professional basketball, most players' peak periods only lasted a few years...

Therefore, Rose hoped from the beginning to emulate Kobe, choosing to return after fully recovering from his injury.

Moreover, because Grover, who had a connection with the Bulls in this life, had never considered retirement under someone's money offensive, Rose also planned to completely change his style of play during his recovery period after receiving advice from Grover.

In Su Feng's previous life, after God took back his talent, Rose had proven countless times that he wasn't only capable of relying on speed to play.

Coupled with Grover's prestige and qualifications in the industry in this life, Rose was convinced that the clear path Grover pointed out to him would be more beneficial to prolonging his career...

Therefore, the Chicagoans were forcing Rose to return at this time...

Wasn't that just Wu Dalang eating milk, jumping and "seeking death?"

As for who leaked the news that Rose might return...

In addition to Rose's agent having to take the blame for avoiding Rose being forgotten during his recovery period, the Chicago management, who also hoped to use Rose's return to hype things up, also had to take the blame.

In short...

No matter how much the Bulls fans cried and screamed, the Bulls, without Rose, couldn't reverse the series against Wade and his Hawks, who had won the runner-up title for two consecutive years.

And in the face of Budenholzer's more advanced space theory, Thibodeau, who always liked to constantly put pressure on his players in the game, could only be praised for exploding Bogut, whom the Bulls had previously exchanged for through draft picks and some players.

In Game 4 against the Hawks, because he had been exhausted by Thibodeau for most of the season, coupled with the continuous pressure from Thibodeau on the sidelines...

With a loud noise coming from the United Center, Bogut, who was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee after an MRI scan, ushered in an indefinite period of rest.

No cap.

To quote professional terminology from FM:

Players with a physical fitness of less than 20 playing under Thibodeau, even if you don't get injured today, you'll have to order a wheelchair from the hospital sooner or later.

In Su Feng's previous life, in addition to Ji Ba and a few other players whose lives were hard enough, only "Mouth Bro" saw through Thibodeau's "tireless destruction" attribute!

As the "future first person in the basketball world," you laugh at Andrew Wiggins' "risk-averse ability" for not being willing to put in effort on the court...

Wiggins laughs at you for not understanding what keeping fit is all about!

On the other side, in the game against the Bobcats...

Leonard, who seemed to have opened his Ren and Du meridians after being beaten up by Su Feng this season...

Led the Celtics to a 4-0 sweep, beating the live out of "Mr. Jordan," who was originally looking forward to the Bobcats taking a further step, to the point of going to the casino to spend money.

Damn Su Feng and Su Feng's successor!

For "Mr. Jordan," Leonard's card-frame version of the pull-up jumper in this series reminded him of countless heartbreaking past events.

Of course...

Although Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and others attributed the credit for winning to Little Card after the end of this series.

But the Celtics' "three generals," who took turns resting during the regular season, were definitely the number one contributors to the Celtics' sweep of the Bobcats.

Look at Leonard's growth environment!

If you lose, just blame it on this bunch of old guys.

But if you win, the credit is all his!

Envious?

In Brooklyn...

Howard, who had been completely deprived of the right to breathe by the Nets fans in this series between the Nets and the Raptors, was extremely envious.

Because in the first five games that the Nets and the Raptors had played, the interior line guarded by Howard was poked out of ten thousand transparent holes by the Raptors' international corps led by Valanciunas...

So these days, Nets fans have started discussing online whether they can beg the Jazz to exchange Yi Jianlian for them through a sign-and-trade using Howard plus a few add-ons, and if not, then some draft picks...

As a result.

After this discussion, Nets fans unanimously believed that.

Unless the Jazz's management was包 (idiot).

Otherwise, even 2013 North Korea wouldn't let Howard go there to be a mining worker.

"Magic Beast"?

"First Center"?

Sorry.

This season, because the number of centers who had exploded Howard in the game could line up from Penglai East Road to Nantian Gate...

So now in the Nets' team committee, Howard's team弟位 (status)...

Was probably only a little higher than that of Da Mai-James, who didn't make the team's playoff roster.

So now the question is.

What exactly went wrong with Howard that caused his reputation to plummet?

Actually...

In addition to the fact that most power forwards and centers in today's league can pull Howard out to play and kite him due to the evolution of the game version...

The main reason why Howard was bullied in the game was because his tactical status in the Nets was different from that in Orlando.

Although at his peak, "Firework Honey" fans often boasted that Howard came with his own defensive system.

But on the basketball court, defense was never a one-man thing.

In the past, in Orlando, under Van Gundy's defensive system, Howard's teammates would not only help him take the blame by committing fouls in advance when Howard had too many fouls...

Because the Magic's defensive system was to let the opponent's outside players in to attack, Howard could also fully exert his outstanding help defense ability to help the team in the game.

In fact, in terms of one-on-one defense...

Howard, whose lower body strength was inherently insufficient, not to mention taking on monsters like Little Yao...

Even if you let Valanciunas, such a European big man, play him, he would be in trouble.

But in the Nets...

Because Griffin, who was born with short hands, couldn't become a top-notch interior defender no matter how hard he tried, Howard would inevitably have to undertake more face-up defensive tasks.

And originally...

Based on Howard's physical condition at this time...

This wasn't a big deal.

After all, at his peak...

You could criticize his offensive skills.

But you definitely couldn't criticize his muscles.

However...

Because this era's NBA version had accelerated in advance...

Teams were paying more and more attention to space theory and outside offensive tactics.

Therefore, in addition to having to undertake more face-up defensive tasks, Howard had to often fill in on the outside to take the blame for his teammates.

In Su Feng's previous life, Howard at his peak could indeed defend from the three-second zone to the three-point line.

But that was based on the premise that the team used him as the defensive core.

Moreover...

A center, being constantly pulled out to play, even if Howard was able to fill in, you couldn't expect him to grow wings and fly around the court, right?

In addition to the pressure on the defensive end being incomparable...

On the offensive end, Howard's own "negative effect" was also infinitely amplified in this Nets team.

Although under Kidd's whip, Howard wasn't as resistant to setting picks for his teammates as Su Feng remembered.

However, because he was too eager to prove himself with scoring...

This season, Howard's pick either wasn't solid enough before he already rolled to the basket, or he was absent-minded, causing the pick to turn into bringing the opponent's players over to double-team Paul.

As another on-court tactical master in today's league, Paul wasn't stupid.

Therefore, with the premise that pick-and-roll scoring with Griffin was more efficient, Paul would definitely prioritize calling Griffin over to set picks for him.

Only...

This season, when Paul and Griffin pick-and-rolled...

Because Howard often quietly stood in the paint, blocking Griffin's rolling path for the opponent...

So, Howard was miserable at this moment...

But he didn't deserve sympathy at all.

Fortunately, in Game 5 against the Raptors, Rivers successfully triggered his "must-BEEP in key battles" attribute.

Because before the game, the Raptors players had successively drunk the poisonous chicken soup that Rivers fed them.

So, with Gallinari and DeRozan only hitting 7 of their 41 shots combined...

Even Howard couldn't save the Raptors from losing that night.

……

On May 4th, the Lakers, who had been waiting in Los Angeles for nearly a week, finally welcomed their opponent in this year's Western Conference Semifinals.

In Game 6 against the Grizzlies, Harden, who had previously been labeled as a "white-eyed wolf" by Supersonics fans due to someone's interference, became the savior of the Supersonics.

Throughout the game, Harden, who came off the bench, contributed a very efficient 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Supersonics with 9 of 17 shots, including free throws and three-pointers, in just 31 minutes of playing time.

Helpless.

Because the gap between the Grizzlies' bench and the starters was too large...

So as this series went deeper, even if they wanted the local fans in Memphis to watch a few more playoff games...

The little Grizzlies were still unable to stop the fierce firepower of the Supersonics' four youngsters.

According to the schedule, the Lakers would host the Supersonics in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 6th.

And in the East, with the Nets struggling to eliminate the Raptors with a score of 4-2, the matchups for this year's Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals were also produced successively:

Lakers vs. Supersonics.

Warriors vs. Jazz.

Heat vs. Celtics.

Hawks vs. Nets.

Online, because this year's Eastern and Western Conference Semifinal matchups were not only full of topics, but also difficult to predict the direction of the games, people's attention to this year's Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals once again allowed Stern, who was about to officially retire next year, to see the prosperous age he had always been looking forward to.

The Seattle Four Youngsters face off against the Los Angeles Geriatric Combo.

Is it invincible youth.

Or is it old and strong?

The Cosmic Warriors battle the Civilian Team Jazz.

Will the Earthlings be defeated again...

Or will a miracle happen?

Heat and Celtics bloodbath.

A series that feels like it will cause casualties even if you don't watch it.

Hawks and Nets dispute.

Banana Boat brothers face another civil war.

Can Dwyane Wade break his two consecutive runner-up fate?

And can Chris Paul touch the Finals floor again?

On the evening of the 6th, when Los Angeles welcomed the imposing Seattle Four Youngsters.

After resting for a full week.

The Lakers officially ushered in their first game of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 12/13 season.

On the court, for the Lakers, Gasol, Su Feng, Green, Kobe, and Rondo lined up in a row.

And for the Supersonics, the starting lineup was led by Collison, Durant, Sefolosha, Roy, and Westbrook.

In the center of the court.

In the jump ball, Gasol was not polite to Collison, whose jumping ability was even worse than his own.

After jumping for the opening attack for the Lakers, Rondo quickly dribbled the ball over half court.

The Lakers started the game with a 122 formation, Su Feng sinking into the low post, and Gasol raising to the high post to receive the ball.

Although Durant appeared at the power forward position in the Supersonics' starting lineup, in order to allow him to focus on the offensive end, the Supersonics sent Sefolosha to take the beating tonight.

Sefolosha, who was 201 cm tall and weighed 100 kg, was a wing player known for his tough defense.

In addition, as a well-known "rich third generation," in order to support Sefolosha's basketball dream, his平亿近人(approachable and wealthy) grandfather even tried to acquire the team Sefolosha was on.

Therefore, on the court, when Su Feng's solid back leaned against Sefolosha's chest...

God knows, what was the value of this collision between these two people?

Bang!

In the low post, after bumping out some space, Su Feng immediately turned around, kicked back, and used a simple back-up jumper to score the first point for the Lakers.

And back on the other end, Rondo, whose data had shrunk significantly this season, took advantage of Westbrook's carelessness during his full-court defense and directly stole the basketball from his hand.

After being stolen, Westbrook was obviously anxious.

In this play, he revved up his engine to chase back, and then...

Was faked out of bounds by Rondo with a fake move.

No!

Rondo only didn't刷(pad) stats in the regular season because he had to give the ball to Kobe.

This was only 2013.

In the NBA's three-second zone, he should have asked who was the number one "center" in the league today.

In Su Feng's previous life, Rondo, who was only 185 cm tall, had a layup percentage of over 60%.

Moreover, unlike the traditional offensive methods of ordinary guards.

Rondo's finishing at the basket was not only diverse, but his footwork was enough to make most of the interior players in this league ashamed.

In this play, Rondo caught the ball with his left hand, and after stretching it up and deceiving, he immediately ducked down and avoided Westbrook's turtle-style chase-down block.

Bang, Swoosh!

0 to 4.

On CCTV, seeing this scene, Zhang said with a smile: "Rondo's hand is really big enough."

And on the side, Yu Jia added very unharmoniously: "If it was Kobe, he would have to use both hands to hold the ball steady."

The game continued.

Supersonics possession.

This time, Westbrook increased his vigilance when dribbling the ball over half court.

Roy raised to the top of the arc to meet him.

It had to be said.

Roy's existence in this life did reduce the number of times Westbrook went over the top in the game.

After all, in addition to being humble on the court.

Off the court, Roy's eight thousand little brothers weren't just for show. (Note 1)

On the wing, through running, Durant successfully ran out.

Swoosh!

Su Feng followed out on this play.

But Durant, who had developed a quick draw, completed his shot before Su Feng could block it.

Compared to the Durant who was casually dunked on by himself in "This Is Slam Dunk"...

This Durant had now become synonymous with "unstoppable."

But so what?

With this kind of piecemeal scoring...

The Lakers, who came prepared tonight, weren't flustered at all.

On the court, Rondo dribbled the ball over half court, still in a 122 formation.

Only this time, the player who sank into the low post became Kobe.

In the low post, after deceiving "Yellow Mamba" Roy...

"Black Mamba" Kobe scored two points for the Lakers with his signature fadeaway!

And after scoring, Kobe, as the "Lakers Leader," also smiled at Su Feng and said: "Don't worry, no matter how many points you lose tonight, I can help you chase them back."

Look!

What was "I have the tape in my hand, Su Feng I have?"

If you don't understand, just ask.

At this moment, did "Lakers Second Boss" Su Feng dare to talk back?

It was the Supersonics' turn to attack.

This time, Durant was in trouble.

Because he wanted to replicate the previous goal by using Collison's running position, but he was directly blocked by Su Feng in the right corner.

Although even Su Feng couldn't completely defend the current Durant.

But without paying a little bit of a price...

How could Su Feng let Durant complete his shot on the court?

On the court, facing Su Feng's strongman lock, Durant started again like a turtle moving house, unable to hold back.

However, no matter where he ran, Su Feng would chase him to the ends of the earth.

Seeing this at the top of the arc, Roy gave Durant a secret signal with his eyes.

Signaling that he could use his height advantage to receive the ball while holding his position.

Only...

Before Durant could hold his position, Su Feng, who followed from behind, almost bumped him off the court.

The referee didn't call a foul on this play.

Because if there was no physical contact at all in a basketball game...

Then what the hammer were they playing basketball for?

At the high post, Roy knew that the Supersonics' tactics had failed on this play, so he immediately passed the ball to Westbrook.

As a result, regardless of three or seven twenty-one, Westbrook, facing Rondo with a tortoise-style pull-up jumper...

His shot was directly rejected by the hoop at the Staples Center.

Clang!

Under Gasol's positioning, Kobe happily grabbed the rebound.

"Good job, keep up the good work."

On the court, Kobe said to Su Feng, who was running to the front court with him, while dribbling the ball over half court.

Alright!

Now...

Even Su Feng, who was an honest man, was angry.

And although he didn't have the ability to lose his temper at Kobe, who had all kinds of dirt on him...

He still had the ability to take his anger out on these young players of the Supersonics!

……

ps: The late but arrived 7.2k small chapter is here! Begging for subscriptions!