One Thousand Two Hundred and Forty One: Super Genius

On the evening of November 9, the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks officially started at FedEx Arena.

Although the Mavericks are not as strong as the previous teams such as the Lakers and Nets, the popularity of this game is not low at all because of the presence of Luka Doncic.

When Doncic was warming up, he attracted the attention of many reporters. There were several cameras surrounding him, filming him non-stop.

Soon, today's sideline reporter Stephen A. Smith appeared in front of the camera holding a basketball magazine.

He put the cover of the latest issue of "Sports Illustrated" in front of the camera. The cover of this issue was Luka Doncic, and the title was also very eye-catching: "How Close Is He to Link?"

"Luka VS Link, a confrontation between the two most versatile players in the league. Many people say that Luka will take over Link's banner after Link leaves. So today, let Link test it Let’s test how much his successor is worth.”

Stephen A. Smith is very good at focusing on key points and instantly aroused the fans' curiosity.

Doncic's performance this season is obvious to everyone.

In his rookie season, he averaged 21 points per game. This can't help but make people think that Doncic may not make a leap forward this season, and may even regress and become another player who is at the peak of his debut. example of.

However, Doncic responded to this doubt with his own performance.

In the opening game against the Washington Wizards, he scored 34 points, beating two-time All-Star Bradley Beal.

In the second game against the Pelicans, he scored a triple-double of 25 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, which made Brandon Ingram lose face.

In the third game against the Trail Blazers, Doncic blasted 29 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds, a near-"30+ triple-double". In the end, he only lost to the Trail Blazers by two points, scaring Lillard into a cold sweat.

Against the Lakers and James, he even posted a triple-double of 31 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. On the court, you can't tell that Mavericks No. 77 is a second-year rookie.

He is calm, smart, and very lethal. When facing him, anyone must show the same attitude as facing the league's superstars.

Last season, people were still discussing who was the greatest young player of this era, Trae Young or Doncic.

However, this season,

The gap between Trae Young and Doncic has become very large.

This is certainly not to say that Trae Young is weak. He is still one of the strongest young players in the league.

It's just that Doncic has broken away from the "young player" category, and he has begun to be compared with players such as Link and James.

In this game, people are also looking forward to Doncic's performance, expecting him to have a triple-double with Link like he did against James last time.

Doncic was also very serious when he warmed up. This kid was holding his breath in his heart.

"That kid is not simple. I remember you weren't so scary when you were in second grade, right?" Gasol stood next to Link during the warm-up and started chatting with Link.

"When I was a sophomore, I only averaged 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. His current average data per game has surpassed mine in all aspects at the same time." Link smiled. He specifically checked his second grade yesterday. I didn't expect that the data in grade 1 was so different from Doncic's.

Doncic is now almost in a state of averaging a triple-double per game, and he is still averaging a triple-double of 30 points per game!

When Link was in his second grade, he broke the three-point contest record, won the Most Improved Player Award, and made the double-second team.

But none of these seem to be difficult for Doncic.

Overall, Doncic is indeed better now than Link was in the second grade. And you have to know that Link is an older rookie, he was 23 years old when he was a sophomore. What about Doncic? Not even 20 yet!

To say he is a super genius is really not an exaggeration at all.

"Yes, yes, a super genius. From now on, the Spanish team in Europe will be in danger..." Gasol sighed. Once Doncic grows up, Spain's position as the number one brother in Europe may not be guaranteed. .

"I can't control Europe, but in the NBA and Memphis," Link said, patting Gasol's arm, "No one can ride on us, not even super geniuses."

After that, the referee signaled the starting players of both sides to get ready, and the game started immediately!

Doncic walked to the center circle and hugged Link.

On the surface, these rivals with a "legacy relationship" seem to be quite friendly.

But Doncic and Link both care about winning this game.

"I won't let you go today either, Luka." Link whispered in Doncic's ear as he hugged him.

"Don't, I won't show mercy just because this is your home court." Doncic also responded.

"Hahahahaha, you're one of the few players who dares to talk to me like that here. Don't let me down, kid."

The two sides let go and walked toward their own half.

At that moment, they had gone from friends to mortal enemies.

The Mavericks' starting five are still very strong. Doncic is at the first position, and Hardaway Jr., who averaged 18 points per game last season, is at the second position.

The third position is young 3D engineer Dorian Finney-Smith, the fourth position is Porzingis, and center Dwight Powell.

If the Mavericks don't have any serious injury problems this season, their results will definitely surprise everyone.

"The Mavericks' advantage is still very obvious. If the Grizzlies use Conley to defend Doncic, it will definitely be another tragedy. But Hardaway Jr. at the second position is not a fuel-saving lamp. If the Grizzlies really want to defend , we can only use Link to defend Doncic."

"In addition to Doncic, Porzingis is also a dangerous figure in the fourth position. Looking at what Anthony Davis did last time, it is not difficult to imagine what Porzingis will do in the future. .Although Jermichael Green is very strong, he cannot completely freeze the Latvians."

On the commentary table, Jeff Van Gundy and Chris Webber boasted about the Mavericks.

But everyone knows that as long as Link is here, it doesn't matter how much advantage the Mavericks have.

The referee throws the ball into the air and the game officially begins.

After the Mavericks got the ball, Doncic immediately approached the Grizzlies half.

However, Link did not face off against Doncic as soon as he came up. He stayed in front of Finney-Smith.

After all, it is the regular season, and it is not yet to the point of having to fight for the bayonet.

Therefore, the Grizzlies are just executing their regular defensive plan for the time being.

Seeing that Link didn't come up to defend him, Doncic immediately called for a screen.

In this case, it would be embarrassing!

Porzingis immediately ran to Doncic, who used the screen to break into the three-point line.

Doncic doesn't have lightning speed, but he is very steady. He was not in a hurry after bursting in, but calmly observed the Grizzlies' defensive changes.

Conley immediately bypassed Porzingis and chased after him, preparing to stick to Doncic again.

However, Doncic suddenly slowed down, deliberately separated Conley with his butt, and took the initiative to fight against Conley to prevent him from getting close!

Finally, seeing that Conley had no intention of leaving, Doncic suddenly jumped slightly and made a throw.

Because Conley was too close, Doncic violated his cylinder when he shot. Therefore, the referee blew the whistle without hesitation.

At the same time, the basketball went hollow into the net, and Doncic scored effectively.

As soon as he came up, Doncic got a 2+1 opportunity over the experienced Conley!

"Beautiful, this is Luka Doncic! No lightning speed, no fancy dribbling. It looks slow and unpretentious, but very smart! Do you believe it? The second-year Doncic brings rich experience to Conley is having a great time!"

"Yes, Luka is just like an experienced veteran. He knows how to actively slow down and fight, and he also knows when to draw fouls. After all, before coming to the NBA, he was already one of the best professional players in Europe. . It’s easy for him to adapt here!”

Doncic's offense in the first round won him endless praise.

Link shook his head, that boy was indeed smart. Which move just happened is usually something that only veteran golfers can think of. However, Dongcic used it extremely skillfully.

Doncic is very mature on the court and has no funny look off the court.

But when he saw Doncic standing on the free throw line, Link was not upset. Instead, he smiled.

Such an opponent is interesting!

If he were just an ordinary kid, he wouldn't be able to arouse Link's interest.

Link patted Conley on the shoulder, signaling him not to be discouraged.

Next, Link will help Conley find his place.