Chapter 32 The Subtle Changes Before the Playoffs

Using a "pseudo-zone defense" as precise as clockwork to construct a defensive line that gives opponents a headache...

In the 97/98 season, the 76ers' defense, which limited opponents to below 87 points per game on average, was already a near-perfect answer sheet in Larry Brown's eyes.

However, before the playoffs began, Brown firmly believed that the 76ers' defense...

Still had room for improvement.

Because in assistant coach Cheeks' statistics, Brown noticed a very interesting set of data.

That was, in the 30 regular-season games that the 76ers lost this season, Su Feng's three-point shooting percentage was only 30.5%, missing nearly 5 three-pointers per game.

Different from Ben, Ratliff, Snow, McGee, and others...

If Iverson was a light and agile sword, an endless blade that needed freedom to be unleashed, then in Brown's view, Su Feng was also an indestructible Overlord Spear.

In Brown's planning, Su Feng, with a finishing rate of around 60% under the basket and a mid-range shooting percentage of over 40%, would become the second-best choice for breaking through formations in the 76ers' playoff journey this year, besides Iverson.

Therefore, in the regular season, Brown let Su Feng play however he wanted.

But in the playoffs, Brown believed that Su Feng had to reduce those damn three-point attempts.

Because too many three-point attempts often lead to an unconscious acceleration of the game's pace.

Especially after the NBA extended the three-point line this season, NBA three-pointers are prone to bouncing out long rebounds due to the extra force required when shooting.

And once you fail to grab the offensive rebound, the consequence is being directly countered by the opponent.

Don't look at how the NBA rules and versions of the future are different from now, but the reason why Kerr encouraged Curry and Klay to shoot some unreasonable transition offense three-pointers in the future was precisely because the Warriors hoped that their opponents could speed up and go toe-to-toe with them.

And the old Nelson, who liked to do the opposite, had already used his strength to interpret, even if it was the disciplined Little General Johnson, he had to let the Mavericks run and gun with the Golden State bandits.

However, for Brown's defensive philosophy, an overly fast game pace would cause the defense to lose its original precision.

Brown has never liked chaotic battles, because in his view, that kind of back-and-forth running battle easily leads to the game getting out of control.

To put it simply, if you understand Brown's tactics as operation, then he hopes that the 76ers can methodically grind their opponents to death.

Therefore, the 76ers can no longer play the kind of miracle team they played last season.

According to the schedule, if the 76ers can successfully get past the defending champion Hawks, then their opponent in the Eastern Conference semifinals will be the Pacers.

And this is an opponent that Larry Brown doesn't want to lose to under any circumstances.

In Brown's planning, as long as Su Feng is willing to make changes, the 76ers can at least reach the Eastern Conference Finals this season.

As for whether they can go further in the Eastern Conference Finals, it depends on who the 76ers' opponent is and how well the 76ers can play...

...

And it is worth mentioning that just before Brown talked to Su Feng, Su Feng was preparing to use the "Great忽悠 Technique" (Great Deceiving Technique) to get this "Answer" (Iverson's nickname) to shoot more three-pointers in the playoffs, in order to alleviate the impact of his ankle sprain.

Although Su Feng had never said it to Iverson, he really hoped to win a championship with Iverson once.

Perhaps in his previous life, Su Feng loved Yao Ming and Kobe more, but in this life, in Philadelphia, after becoming "partners in crime" with Iverson, how could Iverson have no influence on Su Feng?

As the saying goes, everyone has a heart made of flesh.

In this era of tense relations between labor and management, under the premise of not knowing whether the "Wandering Iron" plan will be initiated, whether it will be Brown wandering or himself wandering, grasping the present is all that Su Feng can do.

And after reviewing the games against the Bulls, Celtics, Jazz, Lakers, and other teams this season, Su Feng is very clear that this 76ers team still has potential to be tapped.

Don't look at how Iverson's three-point attempts have dropped a lot this season, and his training volume is not as good as last season.

But in this era where everyone's three-point percentage in the playoffs is generally around 40%, even if Iverson only has a three-point percentage of around 30%, Su Feng thinks it's not a loss.

Different versions and rules do not mean that the 76ers cannot play a miracle team that surpasses this era by half a step.

As long as the 76ers can appropriately increase their three-point attempts and speed up the offensive rhythm, then with the defensive abilities of Su Feng, Ben, Snow, Ratliff, and others, even if they often double-team three or three-team four in chaotic battles, it will be enough for their opponents to suffer.

And to stabilize and operate, to play positional warfare with these top teams that have been running for many years, then in Su Feng's view, isn't that sick?

According to the schedule, if the 76ers can successfully get past the Hawks and the Pacers, then their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals, in Su Feng's view, has more than 99.99% probability of being the Bulls.

And this is an opponent that Su Feng really wants to brush twice, no matter what.

Because once Su Feng can brush Jordan twice, then the "Wandering Iron" plan can be successfully transformed into the "Wandering Brown" plan in his planning.

In Su Feng's planning, only children make choices.

Leveling up while winning the championship, and even getting Larry Brown to get lost, this is Su Feng's plan!

Of course, wanting to successfully complete the above, in Su Feng's view, is simply as difficult as climbing to the sky.

After all, even if the 76ers can play a miracle team, they can only close the gap with this Bulls team.

However, if he doesn't do it because it's difficult, then what has Su Feng been working so hard for?

Su Feng of course has alternative plans, but before using alternative plans, going forward without hesitation and never compromising is Su Feng's way of basketball.

...

"Su, I think my meaning has been expressed very clearly, you will be an indispensable member of our team in the playoffs, I hope you can understand that I am doing this for your own good."

On this day, in the 76ers' general manager's office, Brown specially brought in the 76ers' decision-maker, Berlin Berger, to express his "love" to Su Feng.

Brown is a smart man.

He didn't look for Pat Kroos, who is good at smoothing things over, but instead looked for Berlin Berger, who has always been obedient to him, because he knows that it is very likely that he alone will not be able to convince Su Feng.

In Brown's view, that dog thief John Davis has completely "spoiled" Su Feng.

And after listening to Brown's statement of the "facts", Berlin Berger on the side also said to Su Feng with concern:

"Su, I know that you may still miss John.

But you have to understand that Larry is one of the greatest coaches in this league, look, how great you two have cooperated in the regular season this season?"

After a pause, perhaps feeling that his hint was not obvious enough, Berlin Berger added:

"Although we don't know if the labor negotiations will lead to a suspension of the games next season.

But Su, I can promise you that you and Allen are the most valuable assets of this 76ers team.

I hope you can become the next era's Michael and Scotty, and join hands to create an era that belongs to the 76ers."

I have to say...

If Su Feng didn't know how the future would develop, then he might really be convinced by Brown and Berlin Berger.

But...

Now the first question comes.

Just now, Brown proved to Su Feng that three-pointers are not feasible by listing the 76ers' losing games. Isn't this the 90s version of a troll?

Because if you don't believe it, you can open the Warriors' losing games and check the statistics of Klay and the elementary school students, and see if their performance is much worse than when they win?

As long as you are not the head or member of the NBA empty-scoring group, then under normal circumstances, the data of losing games is definitely not as good as the data of winning games.

Moreover, with this 76ers' offensive tactics, how could "Ai Feng" (Iverson & Su Feng) maintain excellent touch in every game?

In those games where the 76ers lost, if Su Feng didn't stand up and shoot those unreasonable three-pointers, then the 76ers would only die even worse.

Because this season, even Van Gundy led the Knicks to win two games against the 76ers after Ewing was reimbursed.

If no one shoots three-pointers, then the opponent's defense will shrink smaller and smaller. After the All-Star Weekend, the burst that Iverson later played was related to Su Feng.

Because the more games Iverson played explosively, the less defensive pressure Su Feng faced.

And conversely, the more stable Su Feng, whose offensive ability is growing rapidly, the better Iverson's output environment will be.

It's like when you're playing DotA, the No. 1 position is suppressed by the opponent, but the No. 2 position stands up to grab development time for the No. 1 position, and then the No. 1 position finally steps forward and takes away the game.

The reason why the "Golden Double Guns" are the "Golden Double Guns" is precisely because of the adaptability of Su Feng and Iverson.

If you don't create an output environment for Iverson, then the 76ers can't expect Iverson to charge through the formation with explosives under the defense of a bunch of strong men every time, right?

In Su Feng's previous life, Iverson had a finishing rate of 56.5% under the basket in his career, which is quite outstanding for his height.

But in terms of Iverson's talent, if his output environment is better, with his unrivaled speed, he can't do it if his finishing rate under the basket is over 60%.

In the 00/01 season, the 76ers' results were good, which was related to Iverson's finishing rate of 68.6% under the basket in the regular season at that time.

But in the playoffs, Iverson's finishing rate under the basket was only 55.5%.

In fact, in Su Feng's previous life, under Brown's system, Iverson's offense was very enjoyable, but his efficiency was really not high.

Being able to play a finishing rate of 68.6% under the basket under the hC rules itself proves the breakthrough efficiency of this "Answer".

However, in such a season, Iverson only played it once under Brown.

To put it bluntly, Brown's offense is even more random than Van Gundy's.

Therefore, in Su Feng's view, if he chooses to compromise...

Then this 76ers team, let alone the championship, may even be eliminated in the first round.

Because the Hawks are happy, but the other side of happiness also means that they can play the game in a relaxed mood.

As for the pie drawn by Berlin Berger...

Wake up, every capitalist will promise you an infinitely beautiful future when they are忽悠ing (deceiving) you.

And just take Su Feng, such a young and excellent employee, even if the 76ers don't give him such a promise, doesn't he Su Feng have other places to go?

...

The conversation ended without results.

Su Feng didn't choose to argue with Brown on this day, because he knew that Brown was not the kind of person who would make changes if he presented the facts and reasoned with him.

Even if his face is slapped so badly in the future, Brown will still express his firm belief in interviews.

And Su Feng would never convince Berlin Berger, who is Brown's fan.

Because when Berlin Berger looks at Brown, the pious look in his eyes has already told Su Feng the answer.

In this way, Su Feng came "aloof" and left "aloof".

In the 76ers' general manager's office, Berlin Berger, who was originally very confident in helping Brown persuade Su Feng to change, was stunned, because in his memory, Su Feng last season was not so "arrogant".

And on the side, Brown was telling Berlin Berger that he had tried his best to discipline Su Feng...

He really, really tried very hard to express his "love" to Su Feng.

Including allowing Su Feng to miss the morning training and indulging him to mess around in the game.

Look...

First, shift the blame, so that even if the 76ers can't win the championship this season, it won't be Brown's fault.

Don't be surprised, in Su Feng's previous life, Brown was best at this.

For example, when coaching the 76ers, he shifted the blame to Iverson;

For example, when coaching the US team, he shifted the blame to the lineup and Duncan not being suitable for playing FIBA;

And for example, when coaching the Bobcats, even if he had gathered a group of strong men such as Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson, Raja Bell, Raymond Felton, Boris Diaw, and Tyson Chandler;

He didn't forget to throw the blame for the team not being able to enter the playoffs, and only being able to be eliminated in the first round even if they entered the playoffs, to "shortsighted" Mr. Jordan when he left.

In short, the world may be wrong, but Larry Brown can never be wrong.

It's Milicic himself who is trash and useless, not Brown who has a problem.

Winning the championship with two Wallaces, Prince, Hamilton, and Billups is all Brown's credit, and has nothing to do with the players.

How much to blacken, how much to blacken. Brown's defensive tactics in this era, even Su Feng will not question him, but his ideas are destined to be eliminated by this era.

As for his character...

If Brown's character can also be whitewashed, then perhaps, in this world, everyone is "white".

"Larry, we all understand you. This season, the team has achieved unprecedented success under your leadership.

I think, as long as you are willing to give Su more time, then he is still willing to change.

After all, last season, he created glory for this 76ers team."

After listening to Larry Brown's complaints, Berlin Berger never expected that there were already so many problems under the seemingly beautiful future of the 76ers.

"I am also willing to give him time, but, this season, we really have a great chance to win the championship, as long as...

Su is willing to make changes!" Brown said to Berlin Berger helplessly, pushing his glasses.

Championship!

Berlin Berger's expression suddenly became serious.

"Wait a minute, if Su is still unwilling to make changes next, then I will contact his agent and warn him." For Berlin Berger, who understands basketball, there is nothing more fulfilling than a championship.

Think about it, he and Kroos just took over the 76ers last year and blacked the Bulls' 八 (eight, meaning gossip)...

If the 76ers can quickly win the championship, then in the future, he and Kroos will not be blown up to the sky by people in this league?

Looking at Berlin Berger, who had been completely忽悠ed (deceived) by him, Larry Brown said with a smile:

"Of course, if Su can be willing to change, then it will be a win-win situation."

...

And just when Brown was忽悠ing (deceiving) Berlin Berger, on the other side, the "aloof" Su Feng directly dialed the phone of another decision-maker, Pat Kroos.

Su Feng, who likes to be straightforward, is impossible to compromise with Brown and Berlin Berger.

Therefore, Su Feng only asked Pat Kroos the following questions:

"If I hadn't made so many three-pointers in the g4 game against the Bulls at that time, would we have been eliminated?"

"According to Mr. Larry Brown's meaning, are the 30 games that the 76ers lost this season all because I shot three-pointers?"

"If, as he said, I am a person who is not hardworking and not motivated, then in your opinion, can I play 46.5 minutes per game and do my best in every game?"

In the phone, facing Su Feng's questions one after another, Kroos, who was originally planning the 76ers' next playoff propaganda slogan, was completely confused in yes and no.

"Su... is there some misunderstanding between you and Larry?"

Different from Berlin Berger, who understands basketball, Pat Kroos, who doesn't understand basketball, really treats Su Feng and Iverson as friends.

So, he doesn't want to see the team have a situation of discord between the coach and the players before the playoffs begin.

"I will not change my playing style and style." Su Feng emphasized.

"I know, I also understand, Su, every player has their own style and playing style, this is a good thing, because this is precisely your logo." Pat Kroos said.

"I am willing to obey Mr. Larry Brown's defensive tactical arrangements, but on offensive choices, either listen to me, or I won't play.

If Mr. Larry Brown decides to go his own way, then please put me on the playoff injury list.

Then, you also know that I just cooperated with Nike to establish the ps series.

Therefore, if you decide to do this, then I will find Nike as soon as possible and tell everything I know through Nike.

Then, I will tell the world through a press conference that Mr. Larry Brown believes that last season, the 76ers blacked out the Bulls' 八 (eight, meaning gossip), and it has nothing to do with the three-pointers that Su Feng made.

The so-called 'phenomenon' is just Nike's deliberate marketing, a hype method to save Michael Jordan's precarious status.

Let that damn ps series sink into the Pacific Ocean!" Su Feng said to Pat Kroos in a firm and unquestionable tone.

"Su... is this a threat?" Pat Kroos smiled bitterly and said.

But, after thinking for a while, Kroos discovered an important issue that had been overlooked by Brown and Berlin Berger.

That is...

What Su Feng said is really not a threat.

Because...

If Larry Brown really chooses to go to war with Su Feng, then in order to protect the ps series and the Jordan god status that they finally managed to save...

Nike will definitely put pressure on the 76ers through the league.

The current Su Feng is not the lonely rookie anymore.

Behind him stands the giant Nike.

The story of him defeating Michael Jordan is already well known.

Just like Stackhouse said, Su Feng's temper is not good at all.

In the era of capital, capital is king, and these capitals of the 76ers... with his Kroos's wealth, how could he play with Nike?

Moreover, in Pat Kroos's opinion, this is not even a palace coup.

Because he just wants to play according to his own playing style...

Pat Kroos suddenly reacted soberly. Although it was just a joke to choose Iverson to assist Su Feng back then, but the current Su Feng is...

The 76ers' Jordan.

This guy, unknowingly, has climbed another peak that is completely opposite to Jordan.

Is he... really only 19 years old?

From Su Feng's words, Kroos has already heard that he has long been dissatisfied with Larry Brown.

But if it wasn't for Brown suddenly asking him to make changes, he would also be willing to contribute to this 76ers team.

Mature, rational, calm.

From the beginning of formulating the "Wandering Iron" plan, Su Feng had already envisioned any possible situations that might arise in the future.

Su Feng is very clear that with Larry Brown's reputation at this moment, if he runs to the team to change coaches in a noisy manner, it will only be counterproductive, and the labor-management relationship in the 90s is also completely different from the future.

To put it bluntly, different times have different ways of playing.

Expressing opinions at different points in time will also bring completely different results.

Su Feng, who responds to all changes with the same, has already made a perfect plan.

He can stack armor and be beaten, and he can also accept the situation of losing the game after working hard, but the only thing is, there is no option to be angry.

Looking at the words "shoulder to shoulder" tattooed under Iverson's biceps, the ghost knows how much Su Feng has planned for the playoffs this year?

"Su, I don't understand basketball very well, this is something you all know...

But I can guarantee to you that no matter what happens, you will not be excluded from the team's playoff roster.

You are our star player, in the NBA, who would exclude their star player without an injury?" After thinking for a while, Kroos made a promise to Su Feng.

And after hanging up the phone with Su Feng, Pat Kroos knew...

Perhaps compared to this year's playoffs, the problem between the coach and the players is the real problem that he needs to solve.

...

ps: I heard that the comments in this chapter are broken, I can't see your comments, I'm so sad!