One Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-Four: It Feels Like Something Big Is Going to Happen

A few days ago, the media also boasted about the Grizzlies' double MVP lineup.

But seeing Rose starting alone without Link, few people were optimistic about Rose's performance today.

In the past two years, Rose has indeed recovered very well, but people think that it is an ordinary rotation at best.

It's amazing that this guy who is ready to retire can stand on the court again.

Win with Rose? That is simply a fantasy.

The Grizzlies' strategy of starting Rose didn't cause much trouble. People think that this game still depends on how Gobert and Jokic will play.

The game officially started, and Gobert easily took the first ball from Jokic.

I have to say that when it comes to jumping, Jokic really grasps the height very well and cannot jump even one centimeter higher.

Donovan Mitchell got the basketball and went straight to the basket.

Mitchell is not easy to mess with this season. He was selected with the 13th overall pick in 2017 and now averages 24.2 points per game.

For comparison, the shooting guard who was also selected with the 13th overall pick in 1996 averaged less than 20 points per game as a junior.

Mitchell's strength cannot be underestimated, and he was very excited today.

Without Link, Mitchell naturally wanted to stage a "havoc in heaven".

Mitchell's attack was very sudden, breaking into the penalty area before the Grizzlies' defensive lineup was formed.

JaMychal Green quickly caught up, but Mitchell used a beautiful pull-up layup in the air to avoid Green's block.

Mitchell scored easily. As soon as the game came up, the Jazz wanted to take control of the game.

"The Utah Jazz will not let go of the Grizzlies easily today. Mitchell is waiting for this opportunity without Link. Today, no one can suppress him. This is a rare occasion for Mitchell to unleash his full potential at FedEx Arena. Opportunity."

Although the score was only 2-0, the state displayed by the Jazz made Grizzlies fans a little worried.

Expecting the Jazz to win the game due to their poor form? It seems that there is no such good thing.

After Mitchell scored, the camera gave Link another close-up.

But the image of Link frowning did not appear. Instead, they saw Link chatting and laughing with Carter beside him.

Maybe these two guys are talking about going fishing together after retirement...

In short, Link didn't care at all about the ball he just lost.

Mitchell also looked up at the close-up of Link's face on the big screen. The No. 45 defender clenched his fists.

He wanted to see how long Link could hold on like this!

Although Link said that "I can win even if I'm not with the Grizzlies" was not directed at the Jazz, it would somewhat make the Jazz players a little unhappy.

The young and energetic Mitchell is one of them.

The last time Link was present, Jazz won, but this time Link was still so arrogant.

Mitchell must let the number one player in the league see his strength. He wants Link to know that he is not an ant either.

At this time, Rose had slowly taken possession of the ball and moved towards the Jazz half court.

Rose did not control the ball more, but quickly handed the ball to Jokic in the mid-range with his back to the basket.

The moment Jokic got the basketball, Gobert immediately stuck to it and raised his arms to cover Jokic's head.

"Sure enough, Jokic is the core of the Grizzlies' offense today!" Kevin Harlan rubbed his hands. In today's league, it is difficult to see this kind of traditional matchup at the fifth position.

However, just when everyone thought Jokic would use various old man moves to challenge Gobert's defense, Jokic casually passed the ball behind him.

Rose, who cut in from the right side of the three-point line, received the pass and then made an easy layup.

2 to 2, the Grizzlies did not let the Jazz take any advantage!

"The ball went in, and Jokic's pass was as wonderful as ever. But... Rose's cutting speed was very fast, and Mudiay had nothing to do with him!"

Kevin Harlan was a little surprised. The cooperation just now was a complete replica of the connection between Jokic and Link!

Will the Grizzlies really use Rose as Link's messenger today?

Seeing Rose's goal, Link, who had just been chatting with Carter, stood up and applauded Rose's goal exaggeratedly.

Mudiay was confused. Rose's speed just now... was a bit fast!

Mitchell is a little helpless. The Jazz left Rubio this summer, which left their No. 1 position very empty.

Originally, the Jazz wanted to pursue Conley, but the Grizzlies did not give up on their meritorious point guard.

Therefore, the Jazz have no choice but to let Mudiay start this year, and then seek trades to strengthen the No. 1 position in the middle of the season.

Mitchell decided to watch a few more rounds. If Mudiay really couldn't contain Rose, then he would defend that guy himself!

In the second round, Mudiay broke through and attempted to assist Bogdanovic to hit a three-pointer, helping the Jazz take the lead again.

The last time the two sides met, Bogdanovic, a marksman, caused too much trouble for the Grizzlies with his three-pointer.

It seems that today, his three-point touch is still hot.

Iguodala was never the same Iguodala who could defend James alone. He reacted very promptly, but his legs and feet failed to catch up with Mitchell's pass.

Iguodala's interference was ultimately a step too late, resulting in Bogdanovic's goal.

For now, the Jazz's offense is still full of oppression, and they don't intend to leave any breathing space for the Grizzlies.

Trailing by three points this time, it was not easy for the Grizzlies to equalize the score.

Rose calmly picked up the basketball on the ground and handed it to JaMychal Green, who was about to serve a baseline kick.

He reorganized his attack with a firm look in his eyes, as if nothing had happened just now.

Ross glanced at Mudiay and saw only fear and nervousness in the child.

Ten years ago, who didn’t look at Ross like this?

Before Rose could wave, JaMychal Green, who ran up from behind, took the initiative to set up a screen for him.

Grizzlies No. 1 borrowed the screen and walked to the right side of the court, but not very fast. He didn't seem to want to end the attack by himself, but wanted to organize the attack.

Seeing this, Mudiay also slowed down his pace - he made a fatal mistake.

Seeing that Mudiay slowed down his speed, Ross, who was originally taking his time, suddenly accelerated again!

Mudiay had no time to react, and was thrown behind him by Rose's change of pace.

In the past few seasons, Rose has always deliberately changed his playing style and positioning.

He tried to be an off-ball shooter and tried to adapt to this era.

But in the end he discovered that what he was best at was being himself.

So this season, he will still hit the basket and solve problems with throws and breakthroughs. You can still see Rose's breakthrough without slowing down, and you can see him twisting his body in the air and then sending out assists.

Or like just now, use a sudden stop and start to throw your opponent far away.

Mudiay thought Rose was afraid to hit the basket, but he was so wrong.

Rose drove to the basket, but Gobert did not dare to act rashly. He did not dare to take half a step away from Jokic in the mid-to-long range.

If Jokic was allowed to miss the shot, he would be able to make the shot just standing there without jumping.

I really dare not let it go!

Therefore, the Jazz only relied on forward Royce O'Neal, who was only 1.98 meters tall, to block the ball.

But Royce O'Neal, as an undrafted player, has limited talent.

Although he is a defensive wing, his ability to protect the frame is not outstanding. This guy can't jump very high, and he can't easily block shots.

So in the air, Rose faced off against Royce O'Neal without fear.

Rose withstood O'Neal's impact and then gently threw the ball onto the backboard.

Grizzlies No. 1 fell out of the baseline. At the same time, the referee's whistle sounded and the basketball entered the net.

Derrick Rose used his sharp breakthrough to get a chance to hit a three-pointer!

At that moment, Link instantly transformed into the "Saki Stone" of the Lakers, waving a towel crazily on the sidelines.

Don’t underestimate MVP!

Rose stood up with the help of his teammates and then stood at the free throw line.

He remained expressionless and very calm.

He doesn't care about the media's previous slander against him, nor does he care about the cheers of the fans at the scene.

All he knew was that Link was away yesterday and he messed up the last ball.

So today, I will try my best to make up for it.

When the MVP is away, the super sixth man can occasionally replace the MVP.

Rose, with long hair, held the ball, made a steady free throw, hit a three-pointer, and tied the score again!

Mitchell curled his lips, very disappointed.

So he signaled to Mudiay to switch defenses next round!

He wanted to kill this veteran's magic with his own hands.

Link looked at Rose's condition and was very happy.

To be honest, Rose was in better shape today than he imagined.

At this time, Link suddenly remembered something about Rose.

In the Timberwolves last season, Rose's resume was somewhat different from the original history.

Will that "bias" be grafted onto the grizzly bear?

Link swallowed, feeling that something big was about to happen.