dmims Chapter 197 Stop your damn pick-and-roll, I want to talk to Joe.
Chapter 197 Stop your damn pick-and-roll, I want to talk to Joe.
Chapter 197 Stop your damn pick and roll, I want to go one-on-one with Jordan!
This is Lin Tian’s third consecutive year participating in the All-Star Weekend. In his first year, he could only participate in the Rising Stars Challenge. In his second year, he became an All-Star starter. This year, he went a step further, not only becoming the All-Star vote leader, but also breaking the NBA All-Star vote record of 400 million!
Lin Tian's progress over the past three years can definitely be described as making great strides every year, achieving significant advancements for three consecutive years. Moreover, his rate of progress and growth is remarkable, even compared to the entire league...
Well, okay, aside from the 400 million All-Star votes, it's not too outrageous.
After all, this year's All-Star Game alone features two rookie starters, Jordan and Duncan, as well as two geniuses like Garnett and Kobe, who were selected for the All-Star Game in their second year of their careers, just like Lin Tian.
But Lin Tian's biggest progress this year is actually that his status and position are completely different. Last year, he was Jordan's little brother and the third or even fourth player on the Bulls.
But this year, he is the leader of a top team in the East, with two staunch supporters, Barkley and Miller, and of course, Rose, his little brother.
In short, Lin Tian is definitely one of the most high-profile players among all 24 All-Stars this year. Whether he is participating in the league's charity events, watching the Rising Stars Challenge and Three-Point Contest live, or participating in interviews at roundtable discussions, Lin Tian is always surrounded by the most cameras, the most attention, and a large number of reporters.
Hmm... one of the most.
Ultimately, Jordan only became a substitute, not died. As long as Jordan is still around, he will always be the most dazzling superstar in the NBA!
But this year's Lin Tian really gives people the feeling that he is no less than Jordan.
Especially this year's Rising Stars Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Shooting Stars competitions were nothing special, just mediocre, very mediocre!
In addition, no one from the New York team made it to the All-Star Game this year, resulting in no host team participating in the All-Star Game.
Yes, Jason Williams of the Nets was selected, but New Jersey is a rural area that New Yorkers have never really considered New York. They had a much worse time in New York than the Clippers had in Los Angeles.
After all, at least the Clippers can still be called Los Angeles, while the Nets have never been allowed by New Yorkers to call themselves the New York Nets.
Under these circumstances, reporters focused almost all their attention on what they believed would be of greater interest to the fans.
The most interesting thing about the West is undoubtedly the four Lakers players who were selected together, especially the clown Shaq and Kobe, who always shouted that he would beat Jordan and was the youngest All-Star starter in history.
As for the East, there was even less suspense. Everyone was focused on Jordan and Lin Tian, former teammates, wanting to see what their relationship was like, and also wanting to see how Jordan would face Miller and Lin Tian, the Indiana duo who had pushed him out of the All-Star starting lineup.
Of course, there's also the most important one, the one that interests everyone the most.
Rumor has it that Lin Tian slept with Hilton on his very first day in New York.
Or rather, she was slept with by Hilton.
Just three days after Lin Tian arrived in New York, Hilton officially announced its cooperation with him, a contract that could only be described as astronomical!
This contract is the best evidence that there was indeed an unclear relationship between Lin Tian and Hilton.
Therefore, many of the reporters surrounding Lin Tian before the All-Star Game began were not sports reporters at all.
They were paparazzi.
"Lin, we heard that you and Ms. Hilton are engaged. Is that true?"
"Lin, we heard that your wedding date with Ms. Hilton is set for June 30th this year. What kind of wedding will you be preparing for her?"
"Hilton has arrived in London, and we heard that the first thing she did upon arrival was to party at one of the city's most famous women-oriented nightclubs. Are you aware of this?"
"Some people say Hilton has found a boyfriend in London. Would you be angry?"
Is your relationship completely open? Would you mind if she cheated on you? Would she restrict your social interactions?
Did you sign a prenuptial agreement?
"We've heard that Hilton has internally designated you as their next president. Is that true?"
"We've also heard that several of Hilton's top executives are very unhappy with your background and have refused to let you work for Hilton."
……
Lin Tian was truly bewildered by the series of questions, which were completely unrelated to basketball and contradictory to each other.
These reporters' reports are absolutely outrageous!
Did he become the heir to the Hilton Group after just one night's sleep?
so funny!
Is this the kind of online traffic that top American socialites have?
That's terrifying!
"Michael Jordan's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 50 experience points!"
Just when Lin Tian was a little confused, the system suddenly gave him an upgrade.
What the hell is that?
This guy is giving away experience points?
Lin Tian looked up and saw Jordan happily giving an interview. However, Jordan's eyes and attention were not on the reporter in front of him at all. On Lin Tian's side, this guy was full of schadenfreude!
His eyes and expression clearly said: You bastard, you can't control yourself and sleep with women like that! You deserve it!
"Lin, how was it like having a relationship with a top socialite like Hilton, who's famous throughout America? Would you be very proud?"
"I'm not particularly proud of it." Lin Tian shrugged. Since you old bastard Jordan are gloating, then don't blame me. "I think it was just a very ordinary encounter, not worth repeating again and again. There's nothing to say about it."
"On the contrary, sometimes, some failures can be very memorable. For example, my good friend Michael, as everyone knows, once wanted to date Madonna but was rejected! This failed experience is still fresh in Michael's memory!"
"During the two years we were teammates, I heard him summarize this incident at least ten times. He would always recall that incident and tell me what I should pay attention to when dating or inviting girls, so that I wouldn't make the same mistake as him."
"Lin, do you mean that Michael has been obsessed with Madonna all these years and still wants to date her?" A reporter quickly caught the slip-up in Lin Tian's words.
"Oh dear! That's not what I meant. I was just talking nonsense. It's nothing, it's not true. Really, if you don't believe me, go ask Michael and ask him if it's true or not." Lin Tian quickly waved his hand, looking nervous as if someone had caught him red-handed.
As for the reporters below...
Since Lin Tian has spoken, of course they have to listen!
At least ten guys who clearly weren't sports reporters turned around and squeezed towards Jordan's direction behind them.
Lin Tian looked up and his gaze met Jordan's questioning eyes.
Jordan was very curious. Why were so many people crowding towards him when Lin Tian's interview was going well?
Although he didn't understand what the reporters were up to, based on Jordan's understanding of Lin Tian, he was certain of one thing.
Lin Tian was definitely up to something! And these reporters probably were too!
Sure enough, the first thing the reporter said when he finally rushed over made Jordan want to flip the table and smash it over Lin Tian's head.
"Michael, we heard you're still dating Madonna, is that true?"
"Michael, you once told Lin that the person you most wanted to marry in your life would always be Madonna, is that true?"
"If you had the chance again, who would you choose between Juanita and Madonna?"
"There are rumors that your relationships with Pippen and Rodman are very bad. Is this because they both successfully dated Madonna, while you failed?"
? ? ? ?
A row of question marks appeared above Jordan's head.
What Madonna? That's an old almanac from so many years ago.
However, the question marks quickly turned into exclamation marks and anger. Jordan looked up and immediately found the source of the evil.
Lin Tian had been waiting for Jordan. As soon as Jordan looked up, Lin Tian smiled and mouthed, "Happy birthday, Michael!"
What's Jordan's birthday again?
I forgot, but it's in February, or just these few days.
Whether it's early or late, this gift is a token of my heart!
Jordan would definitely like it!
"Michael Jordan's emotions have fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 100 experience points!"
Upon receiving the gift, Jordan immediately gave Lin Tian a heartfelt return gift.
Look! That's how people are—you can't have one thing without another!
In any case, Lin Tian had a very pleasant time during the interview.
This pleasant feeling lasted until the All-Star Game started that evening. During warm-up, Lin Tian was all smiles, greeting and chatting with everyone, becoming the league's new social butterfly.
"Lin, how are you planning to play tonight? Want to break a few more records?" Barkley chewed gum and came to Lin Tian's side with a grin. He and Miller already knew that Lin Tian had messed with Jordan again, so they were just as happy as Lin Tian.
"Michael looks like he just lost a million dollars. I think he'll play like his life depends on it tonight. Even if he splatters his brains, he'll still win this year's MVP!" Miller also came over. Without realizing it, he and Barkley had completely become subservient to Lin Tianma.
"Then let's not let him have his way," Lin Tian said with a smile. "Does he think he's picking up potato chips in a supermarket? He can't just take whatever he wants. Don't forget, he's just a substitute, while the three of us are starting players!"
"Lin! Long time no see." From the West, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, who were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, walked over laughing. O'Neal, true to his playful nature, started a breakdance as soon as he saw Lin Tian.
His bloated body swayed back and forth with O'Neal's dance moves; the scene was incredibly cringe-worthy.
"Long time no see, Shaq and Kobe. When are we going to play a game again? I'm really looking forward to having a good match with you guys." Lin Tian gave the two of them a high five.
"I don't know, who can remember that stuff? Maybe next month? Anyway, when it's time to play, we'll definitely play." O'Neal looked like he couldn't remember or was too lazy to remember such things.
But Kobe, standing beside him, said in a deep voice, "February 28th, the last day of the month, our home game; April 1st, your home game. I've been waiting for these two days for a long time, Lin. I'm going to crush you!"
"You should start first. That's a line that's more appropriate for your 'madman' to say to me." Lin Tian didn't hesitate to criticize Kobe. "But your level this year is almost on par with my rookie year. I was a substitute in my rookie year and still won the Sixth Man of the Year award."
"You'd better work harder!"
"Kobe Bryant's emotions fluctuated, resulting in a loss of 30 experience points."
Lin Tian received a notification from the system, raised an eyebrow, and thought, "They're here!"
If nothing unexpected happens, Jordan will retire this year. After he retires, Lin Tian will need to find a brand new experience point and a selfless benefactor.
Here it is!
I choose you, Kobe Bryant!
Then, let's have a good time together, you two brothers!
"Lin, actually I have something personal I want to ask you." After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Kobe and O'Neal, and just as O'Neal was about to leave, Kobe suddenly called out to Lin Tian.
Lin Tian looked at Kobe curiously, while O'Neal, Barkley, and Miller wisely walked away quickly.
"What's wrong, Kobe? Are you nervous?" Lin Tian was a little curious. What could this guy possibly want from him?
"I want to play one-on-one with Jordan! I want to play one-on-one all the time! I haven't had many opportunities before, but I feel like I might be able to go head-to-head with him for a long time tonight," Kobe said. "But I'm worried that he doesn't want to play one-on-one with me, and I'm also worried that the rest of the team won't cooperate."
"You're the most jerk and the most annoying guy I know, but also the smartest and most brilliant guy. I think you definitely have a way to keep Jordan playing one-on-one against me, and you also have a way to get my teammates to cooperate with me."
Lin Tian touched his nose, unsure whether Kobe was insulting or praising him.
But looking into Kobe's eyes, well, it had the air of a honey badger who was indifferent to life and death and ready to fight anyone who disagreed.
"Getting Michael to fight you one-on-one is very simple. You just need to do two things," Lin Tian said bluntly. "Go onto the field with him, then insult him. Keep insulting him, and he'll keep challenging you to one-on-one matches!"
"As for getting your teammates to cooperate, it's simple: insult them, make them unhappy, and when you're insulting Michael, raise your voice so your teammates can hear you. If everyone realizes that Michael has been provoked and wants to beat you up, they'll definitely cooperate!"
"Is it that simple?" Kobe looked at Lin Tian with some unease.
"It's that simple. Just go ahead and do it. If it doesn't work out, I'll take responsibility!" Lin Tian patted his chest, indicating that he was fine with the matter.
Kobe nodded and said, "Then I'm going to practice my trash talk for a bit. See you after the game."
After saying that, Kobe muttered some curses under his breath, then turned and left. Several people from the West who were on good terms with Lin Tian, such as Garnett and Robinson, came over to say hello and chatted for a bit.
Then, after a series of ceremonies and warm-up performances, the All-Star Game of this season officially began!
O'Neal and Mutombo, the two centers, one offensive and one defensive, quickly walked to the center circle. After the referee gave the whistle, the two took off at the same time, and then with a "thud," the still young O'Neal displayed his unparalleled physical talent.
Even though he was much rounder than Mutombo, he still easily won the jump ball, and Mutombo's hand barely touched his wrist when he touched the ball!
The difference in their jumping speeds was like night and day.
Payton took the ball but wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he slowly dribbled to the frontcourt and then, seizing the opportunity, passed the ball to Duncan, who was guarding Barkley.
"Young man, warm things up first!" Payton shouted after passing the ball, encouraging Duncan to have a one-on-one match.
Duncan, in the low post, grunted in response, then bent down, placed the ball, braced himself, turned, and hooked it.
"Whoosh!"
Everything was so ordinary, so insignificant.
This move is so simple, it's like something a high school student would do. It has nothing to do with the flying and amazing moments that should be in an All-Star game!
The only similarity is that this goal, like those other brilliant goals, is a 2-point score!
"Don't be nervous, big guy! Show us what you're best at, do something fancy for everyone!" Veteran Payton continued to encourage Duncan, thinking that Duncan was just nervous and couldn't let loose!
"Gary, save your breath. You haven't played against them this season yet? This guy's a complete wreck, even if he played for aliens on Mars, let alone in New York All-Stars." Lin Tian dribbled the ball up the court while laughing at Payton. "If you can get him to pull off even one fancy move, it's on me tonight!"
"It's a deal!" Payton said, suddenly reaching out to steal the basketball from Lin Tian. But Lin Tian, who knew this cunning old man very well, was also prepared. He smoothly dribbled behind his back to avoid the steal. At the same time, the basketball didn't even touch the ground. He wasn't dribbling behind his back, but passing it behind his back!
The basketball flew precisely across half the court and landed in Miller's hands at the baseline. Miller caught the ball and, without hesitation, made a three-pointer!
"Great touch, Reggie!" Lin Tian reached out and high-fived Miller in celebration, then quickly returned to defense.
"Big guy, do you have a special skill? Something that will impress people?" Payton was trying to persuade Duncan from the backcourt.
"I think so."
"I'm talking about moves that showcase your skills, make the audience scream, and make everyone fall in love with you," Payton continued to probe.
"Yes, I have a trick." Duncan nodded blankly, indicating that he did indeed have a secret weapon.
"Great! Show off your skills! If you play well, I'll keep passing you the ball and I guarantee you'll win an MVP tonight!" Payton excitedly patted Duncan's butt.
Duncan reached out and patted Payton on the head, saying, "David said I can pat other people's heads if I'm happy!"
"Touch, touch, touch! If you play well on the next ball, I'll take you to touch something even better tonight!" Payton said, dribbling the ball to the frontcourt with great anticipation. After waiting for Duncan to box out, he passed the ball to him again.
Duncan first backed down Barkley, then suddenly turned to face the basket, placing the basketball low and bending his upper body down.
"Look, Lin! This guy's about to unleash his ultimate move! I bet it's a super dunk after a big stride in! Charles, watch out!" Payton shouted excitedly at Lin Tian, looking like he was certain of victory.
"If he dunks this ball, I'll treat you twice!" Lin Tian said confidently.
Given this position and this level of defensive intensity, would Duncan really dunk?
That's impossible!
Duncan is the kind of guy who scores in a more aggressive way the tighter the defense is, the more he plays hard, but in a warm-up game like the All-Star Game, don't expect him to drive in and dunk. If he can even lift his toes off the ground, that's considered showing enough respect for the game.
then…
"Snap, swish!"
Duncan shot immediately, just as Lin Tian had expected. His toes barely left the ground, about the height of a matchbox. With that kind of jump height, there was absolutely no need to worry about being tripped.
The basketball hit the backboard first, then bounced into the basket.
Two more points!
"This is your special move?" Payton was dumbfounded.
"When I was in Wake Forest, every time I used this move, all the fans would get really excited!" Duncan patted his chest and said, "The scouts and coaches, and even my head coach Popovich, after seeing me score 8 points in a row with this move, told me right away that he would do everything he could to bring me to San Antonio."
"This guy's an idiot." Payton was too lazy to look at Duncan anymore, so he turned to Lin Tian and said, "I give up."
"You think he's an idiot? This guy graduated with a proper psychology degree, unlike you bunch of idiots who only think about playing basketball and never study. His grades are among the best in the entire Wake Forest!" Lin Tian said, looking at Payton. "In his heart, he definitely thinks you're an idiot."
As Lin Tian spoke, he suddenly threw the basketball towards the frontcourt with one hand. Hill, who was already running down the court, caught the ball and immediately got up and slammed it down. After a very smooth tomahawk dunk, the East team scored another 2 points!
As Hill's elegant and powerful dunk went in, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was finally ignited. Fans cheered wildly, chanting Hill's name, and when the Western Conference team attacked, the entire arena began chanting Duncan's name.
"Don't give it to Duncan! Don't give it to Duncan!"
Seriously, enough already! Who wants to see a 211cm tall guy finish an attack with a 45-degree bank shot on the All-Star court?
This time, the ball was given to Garnett by the Western Conference. He quickly lobbed the ball towards the inside from the high post. After receiving the ball, O'Neal turned and pushed Mutombo aside, then pulled up for his signature "Shaq dunk"!
After a series of loud crashes, O'Neal landed on the floor, waving his arms and encouraging the fans to cheer him on. He also called out to Duncan, "See? This is the right way to do an All-Star Game!"
"It's only 2 points." Duncan scoffed, ignoring O'Neal, and ran back to his own half of the court.
With each side dunking once, the two teams finally opened up the game completely. In the next few minutes, all sorts of soaring dunks, gorgeous passes, and beautiful dribbling skills emerged one after another. The stars also brought out their signature moves to show off and amuse on the court, making the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden reach one climax after another!
Six minutes into the first quarter, Phil Jackson, who is known for not using his brain in All-Star games and not even standing up to give instructions, seized the opportunity to call a timeout. Then, with a wave of his hand, he substituted all five starters, bringing in Jordan, Rose, Williams, Tim Hardaway, and Antoine Walker together.
The Western Conference head coach was Lakers' Del Harris, who had originally planned a five-in-five-out system, but before he could even open his mouth, Kobe looked at him with unwavering determination and said, "Coach, you promised me! I saw Michael stand up!"
Seeing Kobe's condition, Harris had no choice but to say, "Kobe, Karl, David, Jason, and Mickey, the five of you go up."
Lin Tian, who was already sitting on the bench waiting to watch the show, happened to glance at the five Western team members who had stood up and suddenly said to Jordan, "Michael, I bet you're going to get challenged again soon!"
"Challenge? Who dares to challenge me? That softie from Richmond?" Jordan snorted, clearly not taking the five players from the Western Conference seriously at all. Right now, all he wanted to do was score and win this year's Finals MVP to prove that he wasn't old yet!
"See that number 8 kid? I bet he'll go all out against you one-on-one in a minute! He might even refuse if someone in the West tries to set a screen for him!" Lin Tian looked at Kobe and Malone over there, and that incredibly classic moment came to mind.
"Which of those guys in the West would willingly set a screen for someone else? Only that bastard Karl, addicted to screens, always going out of his way to set them!" Jordan scoffed. "Do you think that number eight kid would dare refuse Karl's screen and tell him to get out of the way?"
"Knowing Kobe as I do, he'd kick Karl out!" Lin Tian said with a smile. "Want to bet?"
"Bet!" Every time Jordan heard the word "bet," he would get so excited that he would forget many things. For example, right now he forgot that he and Lin Tian were "sworn enemies" and that he shouldn't be talking to his enemy!
The timeout ended, and the players from both sides quickly went onto the court.
The first possession belonged to the Eastern Conference. Jordan took over Hardaway's job of dribbling the ball across half-court and quickly advanced the ball towards the frontcourt. Then he saw the still-slender Kobe Bryant rushing in front of him and elbowing him in the waist.
"Kid, are you so nervous you've forgotten this is the All-Star Game? Relax, put away your little gadgets, or you'll make a fool of yourself!" Jordan held the basketball in one hand, looking down at Kobe who was half-crouching, and said casually, "If you relax a little, after I beat you, you can tell everyone it's because you didn't defend properly."
"But if you defend so desperately, and I blow you away, you won't have any excuses."
"Stop talking nonsense, you're just like a substitute player!" Kobe said, swearing at Jordan as he lunged forward and reached out to steal the ball.
"You're asking for it!" Jordan's face darkened, and he instantly lost the mood to joke with Kobe. He elbowed Kobe, shoved him with his shoulder, then dribbled, stopped abruptly, and pulled up for a shot just inside the three-point line!
"Whoosh!"
With a crisp click, Jordan scored his first two points of the night!
"Come on, kid, let me see what you're capable of!" Jordan said to Kobe after scoring a basket. "If all you're good for is your mouth, then you're really disappointing."
Like Jordan, Kobe took the job of dribbling the ball across half-court from Kidd, then stuck out his tongue, waved his arms, and dribbled the ball up the court. His physique and appearance were indeed very similar to Jordan's!
Just as Kobe reached the frontcourt, ready to start a one-on-one attack, Malone suddenly moved up from the baseline, blocking Jordan's path and saying, "Kid, over here!"
"FUXX!" As soon as Kobe saw Malone approaching, he immediately stopped his offensive stance with obvious disgust, straightened up, and dribbled the ball, yelling, "Get rid of that damn pick-and-roll, I want to play Jordan one-on-one!"
Kobe's words stunned everyone on the court and everyone off the court who could hear them!
Is this rookie, who's not even 19 years old, crazy?
They actually kicked Malone out?
Well, aside from Lin Tian, who had obviously anticipated this scene, he leaned back comfortably in his chair and said smugly to Miller and Barkley, "What did I just say?"
Malone also grumbled and moved away quickly to the side, secretly vowing that he would never be on the same team as that bastard Kobe again, and would never help him with even one screen!
As for Kobe, he finally got the chance to go one-on-one with Jordan. He dribbled the ball and charged towards the inside, then used his excellent touch and perfect waist strength to force a layup and score a basket.
"You can't stop me! You washed-up old dog!" Kobe was incredibly arrogant after scoring, and started trash-talking Jordan relentlessly.
His arrogant and irritating attitude made everyone else on the Western Conference team unconsciously choose to stay away from him.
Stay away from him, lest you get splattered with blood later.
The most annoyed Malone waved his fist and yelled, "Michael, if you can't even beat a rookie, you might as well quit! Go home and eat shit!"
"Do we know each other that well?" Jordan didn't even look up at Malone; his attention was entirely on Kobe. He was thinking about how to beat Kobe and make him look even more humiliated.
"Don't come over and help me defend," Kobe snapped at Malone after Jordan finished speaking, looking like he was terrified Malone would come over to help: "I want to play Jordan one-on-one!"
I'd rather eat shit than give you a damn defensive assignment!
Ma Long cursed and turned to leave!
The next 6 minutes almost turned into a one-on-one battle between Kobe and Jordan, or rather, a one-sided massacre where Jordan utterly dominated Kobe!
Kobe was not even 19 years old yet, and his body was not fully developed, let alone his skills and strength. In every aspect, he was far inferior to Jordan.
But tonight, Kobe played with a tenacious, unyielding spirit. Even though he could barely defend Jordan and was also struggling offensively against him, he just wouldn't give up! Even when he was pinned to the ground and his face was being stomped on, he still shouted that he was not convinced!
It must be said that this momentum and indomitable spirit allowed Kobe to score some points against Jordan in the first quarter.
Throughout the first quarter, Kobe was very careful not to take a single shot in the first half, but after facing Jordan in the second half, he went all out, taking 8 shots in 6 minutes, making 3, scoring 7 points while also committing 2 turnovers, all of which were forced out by Jordan in one-on-one situations!
On the other side, Jordan played for 6 minutes, making 5 of 8 shots, easily scoring 12 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. Whether it was shooting percentage, efficiency, or the performance against his opponents, Jordan had the upper hand in the last 6 minutes of the first quarter!
Under these circumstances, the East team naturally took the lead in the first quarter: 39:33!
The East led by 6 points going into the second quarter.
In addition to Jordan and Kobe, Miller scored 8 points, the second-highest on the Eastern Conference, with two three-pointers and a dunk. Barkley had 2 points, Mutombo had 1 point and 4 rebounds, Lin Tian had 2 points and 4 assists, and Hill also contributed 6 points! As for the bench players, besides Jordan, only Rose and Hardaway each scored 3 points, Williams had 2 points, and the rest of the players did not score 1 point.
The Western Conference was relatively more evenly distributed. Although Kobe was not very efficient, he scored a team-high 7 points. Duncan scored the second-highest 6 points. O'Neal scored 4 points, Malone 3 points, Payton 2 points and 4 assists, Garnett 2 points, Van Gundy 3 points, and Robinson, Kidd and Richmond each scored 2 points!
Then, the second quarter quickly resumed. This time, the Eastern Conference fielded a lineup of four Pacers players plus blue-collar center Williams. The meaning of this lineup was very clear: you four Pacers guys, play like your own team and see how it goes!
With all four of them attacking together, there's really no need for any tactics. Jackson just sat there, completely relaxed and carefree!
Lin Tian and several others certainly did not disappoint the fans and Jackson. After entering the game, Lin Tian took the lead, not only revitalizing the team with various breakthroughs and fast breaks, but also assisting his teammates to score one after another.
The players on the Eastern Conference court, especially Miller, were really showing their support. As soon as he entered the game, he received a pass from Lin Tian and quickly shot, hitting another three-pointer!
Just as the Western team made their shot, Lin Tian came to the baseline and swung the ball with one arm. The ball flew directly from the baseline to the bottom of the opposite basket. Rose, who had already sprinted down, jumped high and grabbed the ball in mid-air, slamming it down hard.
"boom!"
After a loud bang, Ross and Lin Tian completed a truly spectacular alley-oop that spanned the entire court!
The moment the ball was played, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was once again pushed to its limit. All the fans cheered and shouted wildly, the DJ repeatedly called out Lin Tian's name, and the big screen replayed the ball 6-7 times before finally starting to play the live game again.
The two sides were now completely locked in a tense standoff, playing with great intensity, constantly charging and attacking, with dunks and difficult shots appearing one after another. The coaches were also rapidly making substitutions, quickly bringing on one group of players and then taking them off one after another.
The All-Star Game, especially the first half, is all about giving everyone a chance to shine. Everyone gets a turn, gets a feel for the game, scores a few points, shows off their skills, and then everyone goes home happy and satisfied.
Of course, this is the situation most of the time in a match; occasionally, there are exceptions.
The most common unexpected outcome is when the two sides are still evenly matched in the fourth quarter. At this point, no matter if they are top stars or All-Star fringe players, they don't want to lose! No matter how much fun the stars had in the first three quarters, they will show their true skills at this time.
This is the real fight segment that fans are most looking forward to and want to see!
Other unexpected events are very difficult to predict. For example, this year has been full of surprises. First, there was Duncan, who scored 8 points in the first half, which was not low. At the same time, he was very efficient, making all 4 of his shots with a 100% shooting percentage.
But regardless of the fans, coaches, teammates, opponents, or anyone else, no one wanted Duncan to continue playing.
Because it's just so boring!
On offense, he honestly sets screens, moves, establishes position, and goes one-on-one. All his skills are the most basic and simple moves and techniques. He's good in every way, but he's not exciting or visually appealing.
It feels out of place; these things shouldn't be on the All-Star stage!
Western Conference head coach Harris has already decided that Duncan will play for another 3 minutes in the third quarter and then rest, unless the fourth quarter goes into crucial moments, otherwise he won't play any more.
In stark contrast to Duncan is another number 21.
This is Garnett's second time playing in the All-Star game, so he is very familiar with this kind of situation and knows very well how to make others remember him.
He grabbed the rebound and roared!
Two points scored! Roar!
A thunderous dunk, followed by a roar!
Successful defense, roar!
He executed a brilliant teamwork with his teammates, roar!
Anyway, with bursts of roars and chest-pounding, Garnett instantly became the most passionate person on the entire court.
Besides the two forwards, one hot and one cold, another unexpected matchup came from Kobe and Jordan. At the beginning of the second quarter, both of them were resting, but the difference was huge. Jordan was sitting there casually, while Kobe was craning his neck and looking towards the East.
Then, as soon as he saw Jordan stand up to get on the court, this guy turned to Harris like a child and said, "Coach, Michael's in! Michael's in! You promised me, you promised I'd play him one-on-one!"
"Yes, yes, I promise you. Go on the field and replace Richmond."
After Kobe took the court, he didn't hesitate at all and immediately stood next to Jordan, waiting to continue his one-on-one battle with Jordan!
Jordan, eager to win the All-Star MVP, certainly wouldn't hold back against Kobe. In the second quarter, Jordan scored another 10 points with a combination of inside drives and outside shots. By halftime, he had already racked up 22 points! He became the highest scorer of the game and the only player to score over 20 points in the first half without any doubt.
Jordan was on fire tonight!
Jordan is definitely going to be the MVP tonight!
(End of this chapter)