Seventy-Three: The Thrill of Bullying a Future Superstar

In the seventh minute of the first quarter, the Thunder had a 6-point lead over the Grizzlies. Lionel Hollins suspended the game and finally made staff adjustments.

Link and Tony. Allen two stars on the bench went into battle, replacing Mayo and Gasol respectively. Just now, the Thunder have sent a lineup consisting of Westbrook, Harden, Sefolosha, Durant and Ibaka. Since Durant is not a pure insider, the Grizzlies also replaced a lineup with only Randolph as an insider.

Conley, Tony, Link, Guy and Randolph, the lineup that Hollins sent is very unconventional, and the Grizzlies generally do not leave only one insider present.

But today, if you want to beat the dynamic Thunder, you need to use some less conventional methods.

"Be sure to stabilize your position on the defensive end, Tony will go to Westbrook, Link will defend Harden, Conley will go to see Sefolosha, Gay will continue to fight with Durant, Zach will go to discipline Iba. Card. Everyone, look at your matchup and destroy their offense. We can't let the Thunder continue to open the point difference, let them experience our defense, and everyone toughen up!"

Hollins was spitting, and he didn't want the Grizzlies' longest five-game winning streak this season to be ended by the Thunder. Indeed, the Thunder are the stronger side on paper. But seeing that the Grizzlies are about to catch up with the Rockets and are about to make it to the top eight in the West, Hollins doesn't want to give up at the gate of the top eight in the West.

The pause time was very short, and the moment the electronic buzzer sounded, Link turned his attention to Harden. No one can stop the Thunder? Maybe it's true.

But bears can!

The moment Link appeared, the cheers in the FedEx Center Arena immediately rose. Looking up, countless fans were holding up their own plaques or waving their avatars. This is his first appearance since becoming an official member of the Grizzlies, and fans are naturally looking forward to this magical undrafted performance.

As an older D-League rookie, Link averaged 15 points per game, which was enough to make him famous in Memphis. It can be seen that the Grizzlies fans welcome Link to join, and they are also eager for Link's appearance to help the team change its disadvantage.

On the other hand, James Harden was not very interested in facing the No. 0 undrafted pick. It seems that Memphis is really starless, and an undrafted pick can be so popular here.

And Harden is playing at the second position, and he doesn't think he needs to play against Link.

As everyone knows, Link found Harden on the first offense of the Grizzlies. The bearded guard doesn't know yet that he has become a key target for the Grizzlies.

Just as Conley had the ball across the halfway line, Tony Allen and Link crossed, forcing Harden and Sefolosha to switch.

As simple as that, Harden's defender instantly changed from Tony Allen, who couldn't attack, to Link.

And as soon as this transposition was formed, Conley passed the ball to Link. So there's no question that it's all pre-arranged by the Grizzlies.

In previous games, Harden had been under less pressure on the defensive end, because O.J. Mayo somehow was worse than Harden who played until 3 a.m. yesterday.

But Link was different. He made a three-threat move with the ball and then suddenly accelerated. Harden's reaction on the defensive end was half a beat too slow, and was delayed by Randolph's pick-and-roll. In this way, with ease, Link broke through the Thunder Sixth Man who had spoken ruthlessly yesterday.

Harden didn't have enough concentration on the defensive end, and his defensive attitude was very passive. Harden has always been criticized on the defensive end in the early days.

In fact, this guy's ability is no problem, he just doesn't want to defend. Sometimes when he was broken through or the opponent was out of position, he simply stopped chasing, and then watched the opponent shoot. So this guy disappeared in the "eye defense" back then,

But it is known as one of the league's great defensive skills.

Although Harden's defensive attitude was much more correct in the era before Link crossed over, no one ever referred to him as "eye defense". But Harden, early in his career, is really hard to say...

It was the same this time. Originally, Harden was reluctant to defend. He went to the nightclub yesterday and drank a lot of alcohol until three o'clock. Today, his physical condition is also very bad. Even though the first quarter isn't over yet, Harden is actually pretty tired.

So, after Link broke through, Harden simply stopped chasing, but stood silently watching the back of No. 0. In this way, Link easily hit the basket and scored a layup.

Randolph's pick-and-roll just now took Ibakala out. Therefore, Link did not encounter any obstacles at the basket.

"Beautiful offense, Link scored as soon as he came out. James Harden was very passive on the defensive end, and Link's appearance made Harden pay for his passiveness. Harden said yesterday that no one can stop the Thunder, then Let's see if Link can refute his point with action!"

Webber raised his arms and cheered on the commentary stage, and Link scored as soon as he played, which was very encouraging. That means the coach and the team are on the right track.

Link did not celebrate after scoring the goal, but turned to look at Mayo on the bench. Harden's state is so bad, how did Mayo's brother just play? Actually let Harden get so many points, and he only got 4 points.

Link didn't speculate on Mayo's state any more. Anyway, the dude gave the impression that he was confused all day long.

James Harden thought that Link's dislocation attack just now was just a coincidence, but when he saw Link in front of him on the offensive end, this guy knew that he was being targeted!

"Did you drink a lot yesterday?" Link jokingly teased when he stepped in front of Harden.

Harden didn't respond, but gave Link a blank look. He didn't expect this Chinese to be so annoying. Under normal circumstances, Chinese players and Chinese players are well-behaved, but Link broke this impression.

Harden wants to get opportunities off the ball, but Link's defensive intensity can be completely different from O.J. Mayo. Wherever Harden goes, Link will follow.

He was used to the matchup with that guy Mayo, and suddenly there was a matchup that was willing to sacrifice his life. Harden was really uncomfortable for a while.

On the other side, Westbrook was also in trouble under Tony Allen's defense. Although Conley's defensive skills are also good, his confrontation ability is not as good as Westbrook's. Several times, Conley did not lose his position, but was pushed away by Westbrook.

And Tony Allen will not have such troubles, he is very keen on confrontation, even Westbrook is difficult to take advantage of Tony Allen.

Westbrook broke into the penalty area with the ball, but he couldn't get rid of Tony Allen's entanglement. If you make a rash layup, you will either be taken or hit the iron. In desperation, Westbrook jumps up and intends to distribute the ball to the outside. And the most reliable scoring point on the outside is Harden!

But Westbrook's pass was too sudden and not accurate. Also, Harden wasn't ready to catch the ball either.

While Harden was still staring at his flying basketball, Link was already in action. His keen sense of smell does not allow himself to miss this opportunity to get the ball.

Link straightened his arms, spread his fingers, and successfully cut off the basketball! He pushed forward quickly, and Harden watched Link run two steps away before he remembered to keep up.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks saw this scene and was almost not angry. Westbrook and Harden, the two guards, can destroy each other if they play well, but if they don't play well, they will destroy themselves.

Link is up front with the ball, but with his current athleticism, he knows he'll be caught up soon. So, after scoring the free throw, Link passed the ball diagonally behind!

Because of Link, the Thunder's entire defense was shrunk inward. Therefore, Rudy Gay, who was chasing behind, was forgotten by Durant.

Rudy Gay was one step inside the 3-point line when he got the basketball. He stopped and shot immediately after receiving the ball, without hesitation. Gay was in great shape today, and he won't let go of any scoring opportunities.

The mid-range jumper has always been Gay's strength. Without the interference of Durant, the "monster", Gay was finally able to shoot comfortably.

The basketball hollowed into the net, and Link assisted Gay again to score. Gay also found that every time Link passed himself, he basically got an easy scoring opportunity.

"It's 2 points, and the Grizzlies have narrowed the difference to 2 points. Their advantage is gradually disappearing, and the substitution of Coach Hollins is significant!"

Webber was well aware that it was time for Brooks to replace Durant and Westbrook. Although Brooks is a coach who is very dependent on the starting lineup, he can't make a player play 48 minutes no matter how much he relies on.

With two minutes left in the first quarter, Westbrook and Durant are likely to be replaced. At that time, it will not be so easy for the Thunder to stabilize the situation.

Therefore, for the Thunder, they only have two rounds to consolidate the advantage.

It's the Grizzlies' defensive possession again, and when Westbrook gets the ball again, he's a little nervous. Tony Allen's defense is too oppressive.

Harden is also worried. This ranting Chinese doesn't seem to let him go today. Maybe he shouldn't have said wild words yesterday, but what he said can't be taken back.

This time, Westbrook obediently handed the ball to Durant. At a critical moment, the Thunder's two guards couldn't make a fuss, and Durant had to come.

However, the already high morale Gay did not let Durant score easily this time. He pressed close all the way and didn't give Durant any space to shoot. During this period, Durant and Paul George have a common disadvantage, that is, the dribbling center of gravity is too high, which makes the offensive threat with the ball less.

Durant dribbled the ball to break through, but was easily stopped by Gay. In the end, Durant pulled out his hand in the mid-range position, and Gay also sealed it in time.

In the end, Durant, who had high hopes for the Thunder, could not handle the Grizzlies' defense. Hollins raised the corner of his mouth proudly, defense will never go out of style in the NBA!

Randolph protected the rebound and gave the ball to Conley. Off the court, meanwhile, Scott Brooks has Krstic and Jeff Green ready to play. This means that Durant and Westbrook are running out of time on the court.

The 2-point difference is still there, whether the Thunder can hold it depends on this round!

This time, Link took the initiative to ask Conley for the ball. Looking at Harden's blurry eyes, Link couldn't help but want to continue hitting him.

The scoring opportunity that comes to your door should not be wasted.

Harden gritted his teeth, knowing he was being despised. He wanted to defend hard, but felt physically and mentally exhausted.

And Link got even more excited when he thought that he missed two blond stunners yesterday. Letting them go is for you, if you don't fight once, you will lose a lot!

After getting the basketball, Link did not attack directly, but hoisted the ball to Randolph! Just as he passed the ball, Link immediately cut in!

When Link cuts to the free throw line, Harden is still outside the arc! For the opponent's sudden off-ball movement, Harden, as always, offered his eyes to defend.

Randolph returned the ball to Link as a transition point, and Link was not going to be polite this time. With all his strength, he jumped high, put the ball behind his head with both hands, and then smashed the frame!

"Dunks with both hands, Link made a powerful attack!"

With Webb's call, the cheers in the FedEx Arena also spewed out like a volcanic eruption.

"Link! Link! Link! Link!" In the stands, the fans shouted Link's name neatly, and his dunks made all the fans proud!

Hang the frame, let go, land, give Randolph a high five, and then escape Randolph's head-to-head kill. After this series of procedures, Link did not forget to look at Harden and hooked his fingers.

The feeling of bullying a future superstar made Link a little addicted.

Brooks had to suspend the game and replace his Gemini. And what's worse, now the Thunder don't have any lead.