One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Seven: Can't Let Them Down

After the first quarter, all Grizzlies fans were shocked into a cold sweat.

This wasn't the first time they fell behind in the first quarter, but falling behind because of Link's inaccurate shooting was indeed a very rare situation.

But Rockets fans are extremely excited. Harden seems to have stepped firmly on Link's stepping stone!

The players don't feel good, and the head coach can't do anything. Even the greatest basketball coach in the world cannot change a player's poor touch.

As Bill Simmons said, shooting feel is a mysterious and mysterious thing.

It doesn't mean that you have superior skills, you can guarantee that you will be able to shoot accurately in every game.

But there is also a style of play that involves inaccurate shooting. Joger still believes that Link can lead the team out of the quagmire, but the method needs to be changed.

"In the second quarter of the game, Link, I need you to increase the proportion of breakthroughs and continue to cause damage! Dwayne, you continue to take a rest. Richardson, in the second quarter, I want you to play the second starting position. Remember , the task of the four of you is to open up space for Link so that Link can attack the basket more easily!"

Joger was not discouraged or complained at all. Discouragement and complaints would not have the slightest effect on directing the game.

Solving problems when encountering them is what a coach should do.

Joger replaced Wade in the hope of increasing the Grizzlies' threat from beyond the three-point line and further opening up space for Link.

If you can't make a shot, it's time for a breakthrough.

Link nodded slightly. It seemed that today, he had to experience James' "one star and four shooting" style of play.

Of course, what Link has in mind is not just as simple as hitting the basket.

In the second quarter, he will do more other things to make up for the lack of shooting.

Soon, the electronic buzzer sounded throughout the audience, and the intermission time was over.

Although behind in the first quarter, Grizzlies fans still gave Link a warm cheer.

They trust the city's leader unconditionally, and they all firmly believe that Link will not screw up the game.

Bill Simmons couldn't help but get goosebumps when he saw the reaction of the fans.

Link's influence in Memphis has completely exceeded the scope of a sports superstar.

In this hopeless city, Link became the spiritual pillar of the citizens of Memphis!

"Come on Link, you must win, you can definitely win!" Among the noisy shouts, Link heard a distinctive voice.

He turned his head and looked in the direction of the sound, and found a little girl about four or five years old dancing and shouting at Link in a row behind the commentary desk.

When she found Link looking at her, the blond girl smiled even sweeter.

Link actually didn't like children very much before because he thought they were too troublesome and noisy.

But recently, I don't know if it's because he is about to become a father, but his affection for children is much higher than before.

Seeing a cute little girl cheering for him, Link suddenly felt like his heart was melting.

Yes, it ranges from children of several years old to gray-haired elderly people in their decades. All the expectations of Memphis are on his back!

How could you let down the people who trust you so easily?

Link looked at the Rockets' basket and moved his arms.

It's time to get back on track!

The game restarted, and in addition to replacing Wade with Richardson, the Grizzlies sent back four other starters. As for the Rockets, D'Antoni also replaced all five starting players.

The most similar thing between Mustache D'Antoni and his predecessor McHale is

It's just that they all like to use short rotations.

During the playoffs, D'Antoni's regular rotation number was only eight. Therefore, rockets are always in the most intense state of firepower.

"You said Link would affect the game in ways other than shooting. What did you mean specifically?" Seeing that the Grizzlies' offense still seemed tepid, Kevin Harlan asked again.

"How could I possibly know? I'm not the roundworm in Link's belly. However, we will get the answer soon."

As soon as Bill Simmons finished speaking, Link passed by Conley and exchanged hand-to-hand coordination with his old partner.

After getting the basketball, Link didn't hesitate and went straight to the basket!

The Rockets are not stupid, they have long expected that Link will change his style of play. Therefore, D'Antoni has just told everyone: "Once Link breaks through, resolutely shrink the defense!"

This approach will indeed give the Grizzlies more open three-point opportunities. But with the Rockets feeling great today, D'Antoni doesn't think anyone else on the Grizzlies can shoot more accurately than the Rockets!

If it comes to three-pointers, D'Antoni is full of confidence!

Link saw Capela shrink into the three-second zone, and Harden, who also discovered the chicken thief, was guarding Richardson and was ready to cut off the passing route to Gasol at any time.

Therefore, Link did not choose to pass the ball, but took off to face Capela for a layup.

Capela was also very active and immediately jumped up to block the ball.

If this was an ordinary layup, then Link would definitely get the hotpot from Capela.

But Link didn't send the ball to the basket in the usual way, but did a high throw!

"Fuck!" Capela found that he couldn't reach the basketball at all. Link's touch was incredibly soft.

It is true that Link's shooting touch was not good today, but this does not mean that Link's touch at the basket was not good either.

Link is quite comfortable with all kinds of delicate technical tasks around the basket.

Is it safe to block Link's shot? No, Link's finishing ability at the basket is equally good!

The ball finally hit the backboard and hit the net accurately. Link sounded the clarion call for the Grizzlies' counterattack as soon as the second quarter started.

"So, Link's solution to the problem when shooting is not accurate is to break through?" Kevin Harlan touched his chin. With Link's ability, he can indeed score high points just by breaking through.

But this is too monotonous and too energy-consuming after all, and if you are behind by more than 2 points at a critical moment, breaking through is not such a good option.

"Look, breakthrough is just one of the ways he affects the game." Bill Simmons straightened up, and the show officially began!

Although Link scored a beautiful goal, the Rockets were not deterred.

Their offense is still very fierce, and Harden still threatens the Grizzlies' defense with his scorching touch.

In the first quarter of the game, Harden's shooting was indeed accurate. Several times, the ball was thrown in due to Link's interference.

Although it is not a serious interference that directly messes up the face, it is enough to illustrate Harden's outstanding state today.

So in the second quarter, Link simply didn't plan to give Harden any space to shoot!

Harden saw that Link was kissing him more enthusiastically than a bartender in a nightclub, so he also took the initiative to lean in.

He wants to draw a foul!

But Link took a step back the moment Harden came closer. He had long expected Harden's move.

Harden, who was twisting his body in the air, jumped into the air and could only force the shot without any focus.

The result is obvious. Harden couldn't even stabilize his center of gravity in the air, so how could he hit the shot?

Harden's shot missed. The Rockets' attempt to continue to widen the point difference has officially been shelved.

Link's defense successfully interrupted Harden's hot touch!

"Link's defense is very smart. He not only prevents Harden from shooting comfortably, but also prevents him from getting fouled. This year's best defensive player award belongs to Link!"

Seeing Harden's deflated expression, Bill Simmons smiled happily.

Harden is really good at drawing fouls, but Link is very vigilant.

It is not easy for Beard to get a free throw from Link.

Sure enough, Link did not disappoint everyone. He had already begun to reverse the situation in his own way.

Breakthrough and defense, if Link can do these two things well, it will be enough to make up for his poor shooting touch.

But Bill Simmons knows that this is not the complete body of Link.

In addition to breakthrough and defense, Link also has many abilities that are among the top in the league.

That's not all he can do!

Link's answer sheet is far from finished.