One Thousand Three Hundred and Eleven: I’m so Tired.
The first quarter of the game went to the last 23 seconds, but the atmosphere did not cool down at all.
Generally speaking, fans' enthusiasm for a major game is "U" shaped.
When the game first started, everyone was watching it very seriously and excitedly.
But after that, enthusiasm wanes. Everyone's attention will be taken away from the court and they will look at their phones to chat or something.
It will not be until the critical moment of the fourth quarter that the fans' concentration and enthusiasm will return to their peak.
After all, a basketball game that is only 48 minutes on the surface but actually lasts for several hours cannot be exciting all the time.
After the initial excitement, everyone will inevitably enter "kidney time."
But today, when the first quarter of the game came to an end, the enthusiasm of the fans still did not decline at all.
There are even many people who are surprised - why did the first quarter end so quickly?
The reason for this situation is also very simple, because this game is so beautiful!
This game has been at a climax since Link made a layup against three people.
In the subsequent games, Link and the Lakers competed with each other without hesitation, and the score was also very anxious, with the maximum point difference being only 4 points!
That's right, it's not a game between the Grizzlies and the Lakers, but a game between Link and the Lakers.
In the entire first quarter so far, Link has scored 19 points!
In the first quarter alone, Link scored nearly 20 points! The Grizzlies' team score in the first quarter is currently only 25 points.
It is no exaggeration to say that Link alone scored all the Grizzlies' points in the first quarter!
The Lakers played a more blossoming offensive today. The Grizzlies' defensive efficiency dropped significantly today, which gave the Lakers an opportunity to take advantage. Every player gained the confidence to shoot.
As for the Grizzly Bear, it's almost Link's personal performance.
When it was difficult for others to attack efficiently due to physical reasons, Link continued to take shots, breaking the Lakers' dream of taking the lead again and again.
People couldn't believe that this was a player who was playing against the "Greek Freak" just 24 hours ago.
You can't see any fatigue in Link.
He was like a chariot with no reverse gear, he just kept rushing forward.
James has been waiting for Link to run out of gas in the tank, but until now, Link has no intention of stopping.
At this time, the game lasted 23 seconds in the first quarter, and the Grizzlies had the ball.
Link, who played from start to finish in the first quarter, began to take control of the final attack.
He looked at Kyle Kuzma in front of him and felt the opponent's nervousness.
Letting Kuzma defend Link is also a helpless move for the Lakers. When James and Davis are off the court, the Lakers have no players who can contain Link.
Having said that, Lao Zhan and "Thick Eyebrow" couldn't contain Link today...
Link dribbled away from the three-point line and waited for the clock to run out. At this time, the score between the two sides was 24 to 25.
The Grizzlies lead by 1 point.
If this goal is not scored, the Lakers will be one step closer to taking the lead.
Link didn't want that to happen.
As he moved forward, Link looked up at the timer on the backboard.
There are only 5 seconds left before the end of the first quarter.
So, Link immediately activated and headed towards Kuzma's left side!
Kuzma hesitated because he was afraid that the advancing Link would suddenly retreat and shoot a pull-up jumper from outside the three-point line.
This move has almost become Link's signature move, and countless stars have fallen to Link's sudden stop and retreat.
Therefore, Kuzma was hesitating whether to chase back with all his strength or pay attention to Link's pull-up jumper.
However, Link did not give Kuzma the right to choose at all. When Kuzma hesitated, Link quickly passed by him.
Against a player of Link's speed level, you have no room for hesitation.
Link successfully broke through, and McGee quickly shrank to the basket to prepare for defense.
Due to physical limitations, both Jokic and Gasol's three-point shooting today was unsatisfactory.
As a result, the Lakers gained the courage to defend the basket unscrupulously.
This is not the first time that Link was "blocked" under the basket today, but every time, he was able to resolve it cleverly.
I saw Link running towards McGee without slowing down and jumping directly!
Of course, Mikey wouldn't flinch, he jumped up to face him.
Although McGee is often ridiculed by people, this guy's athletic talent is indeed top-notch.
The top center from the head down is not called him for nothing.
After McGee jumped up, Link was completely covered and had no space at all.
Although Link had performed the miracle of dunking "Fat Tiger" Zion more than ten days ago.
But with Link's physical ability today, he probably won't be able to dunk another McGee.
Mikey used all his strength, preparing to send Link flying away. But in the air, Link turned around with McGee as his axis, changing from facing the frame to carrying the basket behind him.
With his back to the basket, Link picked up the basketball and threw it gently behind his head.
McGee was shocked. After giving him an assist just now, Link was doing something cool again!
The basketball bounced a few times inside the basket, but eventually fell into the net "obediently".
Link turned 180° in the air and turned his back to the basket for a layup. Therefore, it is impossible for the fans to be distracted in today's game.
The wonderful goals one after another are a visual feast for the fans.
This looks much better than a mobile phone.
"The ball went in, a gorgeous mid-air turn. McGee had done everything he could, but Link was incredible. 21 points, Link had already scored 21 points in the first quarter! He almost carried it The whole team’s offense has been controlled, but I just don’t know if Link can continue this kind of firepower!”
Mike Breen had goosebumps all over his body. Although there are many more abnormal performances in NBA history than 21 points in a single quarter, there are too few like Link who score almost every ball in isolation.
After Link scored, there was only 0.8 seconds left in the first quarter.
In other words, Link scored a perfect buzzer-beater. He led the Grizzlies into the intermission break with a 3-point advantage!
At the end of the first quarter, 27 to 24. In terms of overall performance, the Lakers are better than the Grizzlies today.
But the meaning of the existence of superstars is that they can defeat many with one!
Link scored 21 points in a single quarter, putting the Lakers into a tough battle!
James looked ashen, scoring 21 points in a single quarter...that was too much.
If Link continues to play like this in the second quarter, he will score nearly 40 points in the half.
So scary!
Although James' plan is to completely exhaust Link in the first half, it really doesn't sound good to pass out 40 points in the half...
James shook his head and didn't think too much about it. As long as you can win, it doesn't matter whether it sounds good or not.
On the other side, Link walked off the court panting.
Behind the impressive data of 21 points in a single quarter was Link's exhausted body.
After beating the Bucks back-to-back yesterday, and playing the entire first quarter today, Link's consumption is obvious.
The collar of his jersey was completely soaked, and the staff even brought several new jerseys from the locker room to prepare.
That’s right, not one piece, but several pieces!
Link sat on the bench, breathing heavily.
Qiaogel gritted his teeth. He actually didn't want Link to play the entire first quarter. In the tenth minute of the first quarter, Joger wanted to replace Link.
But Link persuaded Joger to let him continue playing. He didn't want the Lakers to easily take the lead.
Link knows very well that if the Lakers gain momentum in the first quarter, it will only get harder and harder after that.
All in all, he must continue to put pressure on the Lakers.
"In the second quarter, please rest for three minutes." Joger walked up to Link and spoke slowly.
Link didn't answer, although he knew that his offensive stability would not be affected by his body. But if you’re too tired to run, what’s the point of talking about stability?
Link really needs to rest, even if the Lakers are likely to overtake the score in those three minutes.
But as long as he is not completely pulled away, Link will be confident to get back!
Then, Qiaogel looked at the others and began to arrange the next precautions.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Joger will send out a lineup of Rose, Carter, Iguodala, Markieff Morris and Howard to challenge.
This isn't even a regular second unit, because the players on the second unit are also exhausted.
Qiaogel just said a few words, and the short intermission was over. Link wanted to stand up and encourage his teammates, but he really didn't have the strength.
On the other side of the court, the Los Angeles Lakers are watching eagerly. Seeing Link sitting on the bench, Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd clapped his hands excitedly: "Strengthen the offense. This is a good opportunity to open up the score!"
The Lakers are already prepared to abuse their food.
Just before everyone was about to appear, Ross walked up to Link and patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, we will do our best. Waiting for you to come back, Link."
Link looked up in surprise. He originally wanted to encourage his teammates. Unexpectedly, his teammates inspired him in turn.
After looking up, Howard winked at Link and gave a thumbs up: "Have a good rest, man."
Subsequently, all the Grizzlies' starting five entered the game in the second quarter.
Inside the Staples Center, Lakers fans cheered.
What else is there to fight? The Lakers are going to Novice Village with a maxed-out number!
Without Link and Jokic, the Grizzlies' lineup is simply vulnerable.
Indeed, Link's 21 points in a single quarter is very impressive, but you can't let Link play for 48 minutes.
At this time, the non-Lakers fans watching the game in front of the TV were very worried.
Will their long-awaited 33-game winning streak remain a legend in the end?
The game resumed, and the Los Angeles Lakers aggressively pressed against the Grizzlies without Link.
The lead of only 3 points seems a bit unsustainable.
Fans were worried for the Grizzlies, but Link himself was relieved.
He never let his teammates down, and similarly, these guys never let Link down.
For three minutes, the Lakers couldn't make any big waves!
Link firmly believes that as long as everyone can hold on until he appears. Well, let alone big waves for the Lakers, they can't even stir up waves.
21 points in a single quarter is just the beginning, the battle is not over yet.