Chapter 217 That Man’s Legend

The Staples Center on the night of the 28th was a sea of people, with gongs and drums resonating, and firecrackers crackling.

Everyone wanted to witness the birth of a new NBA winning streak record with their own eyes...

The number of Hollywood stars at the arena tonight was almost enough to mistake it for the Academy Awards ceremony.

On the court, as the Lakers players began to warm up, the cheers from the crowd grew louder and louder, even affecting Kobe's pre-game shooting practice.

"Please, can you not use such a tired excuse to justify yourself, my dear Kobe?" Su Feng said, spreading his hands, as he looked at Kobe, who had been in poor form recently.

Hearing this, Kobe frowned slightly and couldn't help but retort, "Didn't you used to use lack of sleep as an excuse for your bad performances?"

Su Feng shrugged and said, "I really didn't sleep well back then, but can you compare?"

Kobe curled his lips and said, "Please, what's the difference?"

Su Feng smiled and said, "Of course there's a difference.

Because when have you ever seen a team's leader complain that the cheers at home are too loud?"

Kobe: "......"

After the entrance ceremony and warm-up, the starting lineups for the two teams tonight were as follows:

Bulls: Noah, Dunleavy, Deng, Harden, Rose.

Lakers: Gasol, Su Feng, Middleton, Kobe, Rondo.

Last summer, when Dunleavy chose to join the Bulls, many fans couldn't believe that Thibodeau, known for his iron-blooded defense, would extend an olive branch to this famous NBA "softie."

But soon...

The Chicagoans were won over.

Because in this era that increasingly emphasizes court spacing, Dunleavy may be soft...

But you can't deny that he's accurate!

In Su Feng's previous life, although Dunleavy, who entered the NBA with Bird as a template, never caught up with the cigar that Bird held in his mouth...

His three-point shooting percentage consistently hovered around 40% in the later stages of his career.

Therefore, although the learning curve was a bit slow, with the team's management acquiring Harden, Thibodeau also realized that the Bulls' offensive system needed to change.

This season, the Bulls have firmly secured a top-three seed in the East, not only because they continued their excellent defense from last season, but also because their average three-point attempts have surged from 17.4 to 27.4, providing Rose, who was recovering from a major injury, with unprecedented offensive space.

In the center of the court, Gasol and Noah were responsible for the tip-off to start the game.

As a strong contender for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award this season, Noah has averaged 4.1 and 5.5 assists in the past two seasons, often moving up to organize the offense in Thibodeau's system.

Perhaps this is a bit fantastical for fans who have a preconceived notion of Noah in the future.

But just like how "Burger King" Hazard had performed countless solo runs before joining Real Madrid...

If you completely leave Noah open near the free-throw line during this period...

He really dares to make you pay with his awkward shooting.

As of now in the 13/14 season, Noah is averaging nearly 2 long two-point attempts per game.

Although the accuracy is only around 40%...

For a player like Noah, who isn't known for his offense, this has greatly enriched the Bulls' offensive options.

In the tip-off, Gasol, whose hand was slapped hard by Noah, won the opening possession for the Lakers, bringing tears to Ben Wallace's eyes.

In the NBA, many people like Noah's passionate style of play.

But as everyone knows...

In the NBA, "passion" often has another layer of meaning.

Lakers possession.

Middleton received the ball at the right wing after a elevator screen.

This was a carefully designed opening play by the Lakers.

Because even if Thibodeau were stupid, he wouldn't use Dunleavy to guard Su Feng.

So Coach Lue entrusted Middleton with the main offensive responsibility for the Lakers tonight.

Clang!

Unfortunately...

Perhaps because he was burdened by his idol status, "Mi God" has clearly been producing more bricks since returning from New Orleans.

On CCTV, Zhang指导 joked as the camera focused on Middleton, "So, why do we often say that 'people are afraid of fame, and pigs are afraid of being fat'?

Because once you become famous, you will inevitably carry a mental burden."

Bulls' offensive possession.

Harden circled out to receive the ball and actively sought physical contact.

Kobe wasn't fooled, deliberately giving Harden a step at the last moment.

As a result, Harden, who was already waiting for the Academy Awards ceremony, was left awkwardly in place.

Because he never expected that...

Kobe wouldn't cooperate with his performance!

But, you think just because you gave way, I can't draw a foul?

As the saying goes, excellent foul-drawing athletes can create opportunities for themselves even when there are none.

On the court, taking advantage of the NBA's generally accepted unwritten rule that as long as the movement is fluid, you can take an extra step when driving to the basket, and with Harden's signature gather-step, as he cut to the basket, Harden used his non-dribbling hand to grab Kobe's iron elbow while screaming, and then threw the basketball towards the hoop.

On the sidelines, even Su Feng couldn't help but applaud Harden's skillful and smooth foul-drawing.

No joke.

In the NBA, some referees might not understand the rules as thoroughly as Harden.

Admittedly.

This blatant foul-drawing style is not only lacking in aesthetics, but also easily disrupts the flow of the game.

But you can't deny that...

Harden's basketball IQ is far beyond ordinary people.

In Su Feng's opinion, the reason why Rose has been able to stay healthy this season, besides receiving Grover's health regimen, is also related to Harden's style of play.

Because in the game, in order to avoid Harden going to the free-throw line repeatedly, defenders inevitably try to restrain their defensive movements when defending.

So Rose, who can always finish in a relatively relaxed environment, naturally has fewer burdens.

These two are a perfect match, truly!

Just...

Just as Harden was about to turn to the free-throw line, the referees' whistles didn't sound on time.

Because die-hard Feng fans, referee Kerlen Martin and his team, saw through Harden's foul-drawing intention at a glance.

For this kind of foul that could be called or not, the referees chose not to favor Harden's ticky-tack foul.

Seeing this.

Harden, who felt like he was a star, immediately expressed his dissatisfaction to the referees.

Then...

He was called for a technical foul.

Young man, do you have a lot of little question marks?

Wake up!

Even if you were selected for the recent New Orleans All-Star Game...

You wouldn't think you can get away with this behavior in front of Su Feng and Kobe, right?

At Staples Center, nearly 20,000 Laker fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Harden, who dared to complain after failing to act.

In Su Feng's previous life, a large part of the reason why Harden was unpopular with fans was because of his style of play.

Secondly, it was his beard that resembled a terrorist.

On the free-throw line, Su Feng scored the team's first point of the night for the Lakers by executing the technical foul free throw.

0 to 1.

Back on the other end, it was still the Lakers' possession.

Kobe, who had almost been tricked into a foul by Harden's shenanigans, was getting anxious.

As a senior who likes to guide young players, Kobe, feeling that Harden was going astray, thought it was necessary to teach this fatty what true foul-drawing was.

Hey! Take my Lao Ke's fake!

Look at that agile waist.

And those wise eyes.

Eh...

Wait!

Young man, why aren't you jumping?

On the wing, Kobe, who was trying to bait Harden into jumping with a shot, was stunned.

Because he never expected that Harden's defense only existed in his eyes.

This season, Harden has become a well-known "囧王" (king of derps) on Shaquille O'Neal's "Shaqtin' a Fool" segment.

Although, when defending seriously, Harden's defensive ability is definitely above average.

But, if he doesn't use Sharingan to defend...

How can Harden live up to the Byakugan that Artest opened for him with his elbows in the past few years?

Clang!

On the court, Kobe's pull-up jumper missed its target after failing to bait Harden.

On CCTV, Yu Jia couldn't help but complain, "It seems that young Kobe has also hit the rookie wall recently.

This is already the 76th shot Kobe has missed in the last five games."

Zhang指导, slightly dissatisfied, said, "Discussing data alone doesn't mean much in basketball.

Because some players' value doesn't lie in how many shots they make for the team."

In the paint, Noah secured the rebound, and Rose immediately dribbled the ball and drove straight to the basket, scoring two points for the Bulls with an explosive, folding layup.

This play was a rare full-speed sprint from Rose this season.

Because under Grover's advice, Rose strictly controls his sprinting speed and frequency most of the time this season...

So, you rarely see these kinds of plays, where he sprints at full speed and finishes with his talent, on Rose anymore.

Obviously.

Rose really wanted to win this game.

After all, as an energetic young man.

How many young people don't like to go against the grain?

Before this game started, knowing that if the Lakers won, they would set a new NBA winning streak record, Rose not only wanted to leave pain for the Lakers fans on this night...

And on this night, which was destined to be recorded in history whether the Lakers won or lost, Rose also wanted to put on his best performance to prove himself.

I wasn't born strong.

I just want to leave behind my own legend in this NBA world...

Before that man retires!

Clang!

On the court, Su Feng was starting to have a myocardial infarction.

Because Middleton, who was shouldering the main offensive responsibility for my Lakers, was like Kobe possessed at this moment!

On the left wing, Middleton's three-pointer bounced off the rim after he ran out for an open look.

The Bulls secured the defensive rebound, and Rose dribbled the ball to start the fast break.

Harden followed up and hit a three-pointer.

5 to 1.

What a pair of "Sleeping Dragons and Phoenix Chicks" who can't score and can't defend.

In the Lakers' half-court, looking at Kobe and Middleton, Su Feng felt like these two had agreed to something...

Are they really just trying to brick at the same time, on the same day, in the same month, in the same year?

Staples Center.

Halfway through the first quarter, the Laker fans who had just turned on the TV were completely dumbfounded.

On the scoreboard, 17 to 4.

Seriously!

34 consecutive wins are right in front of us...

Lakers, can you wake up!

This is a crucial battle that will be recorded in history!

On the sidelines, as the first quarter entered the official timeout, looking at Middleton, who was 0 for 5 to start the game, and Kobe, who was 0 for 4 to start the game...

If it weren't for the fact that he had gotten used to this "Iron Flower Brothers" duo recently...

Su Feng might have really thought that they were setting the stage for him.

Good heavens!

Forcing me to be the hero, huh?

After the timeout, the game resumed.

Lakers possession.

Su Feng, who had been forced to become the protagonist, raised four fingers directly after getting the ball.

At his peak, Deng, who was good on both offense and defense, failed to control the distance between him and Su Feng.

Because he was too close, Deng lost control of Su Feng as soon as he accelerated.

Inside, Noah hurriedly postured to cover Deng.

However, how could a paper tiger like Noah scare a real tiger like Su Feng?

Gather the ball, accelerate!

First step, take it with fierce power!

Lean on the defender, maintain body balance.

Second step, take it with rapid speed!

Send the ball, lick it.

Third step, hit it with the feeling of another world!

Bee——!

Staples Center, after being silent for most of the quarter, the Los Angeles fans finally vented their anger.

Because Su Feng's shot was good, the whistle blew, and there was a free throw!

On the sidelines, when the close-up camera focused on Coach Lue...

Although this American coach clearly said "Well done," in the eyes of Chinese fans...

Coach Lue was definitely saying "My GOAT father" at this moment.

On CCTV, Zhang指导 said with emotion as Su Feng stepped to the free-throw line, "This is what we often call a superstar.

No matter what, as long as you give him the ball, that's the right thing to do!"

Yu Jia echoed, "Middleton in smooth situations, Kobe in difficult situations, Su Feng in desperate situations."

In the second half of the first quarter, Su Feng, who made 6 of 7 shots, successfully reduced the point difference between the two teams to 4 points before the end of the first quarter, thanks to his excellent performance of scoring 16 points for the Lakers in the second half of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Su Feng and Kobe rested.

Middleton continued to stay on the court to find his rhythm.

However, rhythm is sometimes so mysterious.

Amidst that series of pleasant clanging sounds, Middleton was approaching the 10-straight-misses mark in the blink of an eye.

One-third of Kobe's level, truly.

Off the court, Kobe, worried about Middleton, couldn't help but say, "How can this kid's pressure resistance be so poor?

Isn't it just a little more attention than usual? Is it really that bad?"

Hearing this, Su Feng nodded thoughtfully and added, "Indeed.

Chris's performance on the court has been like a different person since he returned from All-Star Weekend.

However...

How can someone who is 0 for 6 have the nerve to say that someone else's pressure resistance is poor?"

Kobe: "......"

Who are you subtly criticizing?

Just wait, just wait, Feng dog!

When I come back on the court later, I'll show you what "the Lakers leader's explosive scoring efficiency" is all about!

Clang di-clang!

Clang di-clang!

In the second half of the second quarter, Kobe, who surpassed Middleton's number of misses in less than 2 minutes, truly opened Su Feng's eyes.

Sure enough.

When it comes to missing shots...

As long as Kobe wants to.

There's no shot he can't miss.

Fortunately, the Bulls also fell into a scoring drought in this quarter.

After all, the Lakers' defensive skills are still there.

As the Bulls' three-pronged attack was gradually figured out by the Lakers, Noah, standing at the high post and staring blankly, really didn't expect that both Gasol and Adams dared to leave him open.

First of all, because Noah's extremely ugly shooting posture has a very low release point.

Therefore, even if you're a little slow to close out, you can still interfere with his shot.

Secondly, because Noah's 40% accuracy on long two-pointers is basically made when the opponent completely leaves him open...

So, in terms of his scoring efficiency and Noah's offensive desire...

You can completely understand that...

Even if you give him the opportunity, he may not be able to make use of it.

In Su Feng's original timeline, the reason why Noah's high post offense didn't work in the playoffs was precisely because of this.

And on the court, without being able to use Noah's high post offense to open up the situation...

Harden also encountered some trouble.

Because he had already received a technical foul earlier...

Harden, feeling that the referee wasn't on his side tonight, chose to pass the ball more often when breaking through.

But...

Whether it was Deng or Dunleavy.

Neither of them could find their shooting touch in the second quarter.

So, after two of his offensive weapons were disabled, the Bulls were left with only Rose.

However, it was precisely this most lethal weapon that secured the Bulls' lead before the end of the first half.

Twisting and turning.

Pull-up floater.

When Derrick Rose learns to slow down...

It proves that.

Even a slightly slower Rose is still a thorny rose.

At the end of the first half, at Staples Center, the score between the two teams was 59 to 58.

In the last three minutes of the second quarter, when the close-up camera focused on Middleton, who had already sat back on the bench to rest...

Like Coach Lue earlier.

Chinese fans in front of the TV felt that this guy was shouting "My GOAT father."

After the halftime break, the game continued.

At the beginning of the third quarter, Kobe, who made all three of his first shots, successfully created the illusion that he was about to turn on the "Mamba Mentality."

On the sidelines, Adams was even more annoyed watching Gasol miss offensive rebounds time and time again on the court.

No joke.

If he, Adams, could play 48 minutes tonight.

He would even have the confidence to break the NBA's all-time offensive rebound record.

Fortunately.

The "GOAT father," who was steady from beginning to end, once again helped the Lakers get through the difficult situation.

In the third quarter, Su Feng, who combined drives and shots, scored another 15 points for the Lakers.

At the end of the first three quarters, the Lakers, who had successfully turned the game around, entered the final quarter with a 4-point lead.

In the final quarter, Kobe demonstrated what it means to not try the same thing more than twice.

In this quarter, Kobe scored 13 of his 19 points for the game.

Your Mamba, although late, has arrived!

In the end, 109 to 119.

The Bulls failed to complete the feat of sniping the Lakers on this night.

On the court, as the clock ticked to zero in the final quarter, nearly 20,000 Laker fans at the arena chanted "34, 34, 34" in unison!

And on TNT, Barkley announced murderously to all of North America, "Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps when you hear the number 34, you might think the Laker fans are chanting Shaq's number.

But here, I must emphasize to you...

Shaq's only connection to this game is...

He is here with me to provide commentary."

O'Neal: "......"

In the game, Su Feng, who had a stable performance in all four quarters, scored a total of 51 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Early in his career, when he scored 50+ for the first time, Su Feng said with emotion that even if Jordan and he were combined, they might not be able to surpass Wilt Chamberlain's record of 108 career 50+ games.

But at this moment, when Su Feng looked back on the past...

In a daze, Su Feng realized...

His imagination couldn't keep up with his progress at all.

Because after the Lakers successfully created a new NBA regular season winning streak record on this night...

Right now, Su Feng was only 10 games away from Wilt Chamberlain's earth-shattering regular season 50+ record!

In the post-match interview, Coach Lue, who had successfully written another brilliant chapter in his coaching career, couldn't help but say with emotion, "Ten years ago, when I was still an active player, I often heard people around me say that basketball is a sport where ten people compete against each other, and in the end, Su emerges victorious.

What else can I say about this past night?

Anyway, no matter how envious you are of me...

Besides 4 NBA championships and the best regular season record in NBA history...

Now, the longest winning streak in the NBA also belongs to me!"

Previously, after Davis led the Mavericks to the championship, many fans believed that it was precisely because he received guidance from Davis that Su Feng was able to soar.

But at this moment...

After reviewing Su Feng's career resume, people realized that...

Su Feng was simply a "famous coach manufacturer."

On the night of the 28th, Laker fans from all over the world sent congratulatory messages to Los Angeles.

With the playoffs approaching, fans around the world are optimistic that the Lakers can repeat as champions this year.

But in the final sprint stage of the regular season...

In Su Feng's opinion...

The Lakers must solve Middleton's recent form problem.

Because unlike Kobe...

Middleton clearly had psychological problems.

"What do you mean, when other people brick, it's a psychological problem, but when I brick, it's a lack of skill?" Kobe asked, looking at Su Feng with a frustrated expression that day.

"Then, are you saying that you also admit that your mental strength is not enough to be the leader of this Lakers team?" Su Feng asked back.

Kobe: "......"

"I've never worried that you'll screw up at a critical moment.

But you can also see that Chris has been under a lot of pressure recently.

So, as his senior and half a teacher, we have to find a way to help him get back to his previous form." Su Feng said, putting his arm around Kobe's shoulder.

"Then, do you have any good ideas?" Kobe asked, who was coaxed over in an instant by Su Feng's sweet talk.

"We can do this..."

……

ps: Two days, a whole two days, and you actually... wow, you actually came up with such a big chapter! Awesome, invincible and beautiful! Handsome!