r18novel Chapter 104 Memories Left in the Muscles! Pre-match Tactics!
Chapter 104 Memories Left in the Muscles! Pre-match Tactics!
Chapter 104 Memories Left in the Muscles! Pre-match Tactics!
While the entire United States was swept up in a wave of admiration for Lin Tian, hailing him as the most inspirational figure of the year who embodies the "American Dream," Lin Tian found no peace.
Especially on the third day after the Game 7, Jordan, who had fully recovered from the flu, cornered Lin Tian at the training ground!
"Lin, the jokes you told at the press conference were really funny!"
Facing the aggressive Jordan, Lin Tian naturally showed no mercy, saying directly, "I'm not joking, I'm serious, every word I said comes from the bottom of my heart!"
"Oh?" Jordan laughed again, angered by Lin Tian's words. "Then let me see what you're capable of! Same rules as always, one-on-one, 100 balls!"
"Come on! I hope you've got your nitroglycerin pills ready! Otherwise, it'll be a real mess when I beat you to a pulp!" Lin Tian casually picked up a ball from beside his feet and slammed it against Jordan's chest, saying, "Okay, I'll serve first!"
"Why did you get to fire first? I'm the boss, I fire first!"
"According to our Chinese rules, whoever gets the ball serves!"
……
As the two bickered, Lin Tian and Jordan's one-on-one duel began again! This has become a staple of their game this season; no one can remember how many one-on-one matches or how many one-on-one duels they've had this year.
But what everyone remembers is that Lin Tian won no more than 3 times!
In hundreds or even more of their other one-on-one matches, Jordan always ended up dominating Lin Tian!
If it were a normal person, being beaten like that by Jordan every day, they would have had a mental breakdown long ago, either requesting a trade or admitting defeat and giving in early on.
But Lin Tian was different. In the eyes of the Bulls' players, Lin Tian was initially a mentally ill patient with masochistic tendencies. Otherwise, who could yearn for and love the dual oppression of body and soul?
But as the season progressed, especially towards the end of the season and the playoffs, all the Bulls players came to a conclusion.
Lin Tian and Jordan are definitely the same kind of people! They are both guys who have an extreme desire for victory and never admit defeat or give up!
When the two of them are together, they always have endless energy and fighting spirit!
These two might be an even better match than Jordan and Pippen!
Well, speaking of Pippen, after being provoked by Lin Tian a few times, he also joined the team to torment Lin Tian. If Jordan was too lazy to torment Lin Tian for a few days, Pippen would step in and challenge Lin Tian to a one-on-one fight to teach him a lesson.
Well, although he doesn't have Jordan's terrifying win rate of over 95%, Pippen can still easily crush Lin Tian, maintaining a win rate of over 80% against him!
But today, as Lin Tian was playing, he suddenly noticed something was wrong!
He felt that he was a little different in today's bullfight!
The most obvious difference is that he discovered that his shooting had changed without him even realizing it!
Previously, Lin Tian's shooting form was the most popular jump shot of this era, also known as the two-motion shot. This shooting motion requires jumping to the highest point, then flicking the wrist, and then releasing the ball. The standard form is the so-called three 90-degree angles!
That is, the body and upper arm, the upper arm and forearm, and the forearm and wrist form three 90-degree angles before shooting! This shooting posture requires a lot of coordination between the core and the whole body's muscle groups!
But in this era, players almost exclusively use this type of jump shot!
During his one-on-one game with Jordan, Lin Tian discovered that... his shooting had subconsciously become one-motion!
That is, about 15 years later, Curry brought about a new shooting trend, the one-stage shooting style.
Or to put it more bluntly: the 38-style drop shot!
This type of shot has a low release point, with the hands starting to exert force in front of the chest. The basketball is already pushed out as the player jumps!
The advantage of this shooting method is that it requires less strength, has a higher arc, and although the release point is low, the release speed is faster and the preparation time required is shorter!
But it certainly has its drawbacks.
First of all, it doesn't look as cool as a two-stage shooting technique!
In addition, this shooting motion is not suitable for making the pull-up jump shot popular among today's perimeter stars, and it is also not suitable for turnaround jump shots when backing down opponents.
But as the saying goes, every advantage has its disadvantage. For a fast player like Lin Tian, if he can master the step-back jumper and catch-and-shoot, then this shooting form will be absolutely fantastic!
Different shooting forms have different uses!
For example, during a one-on-one game, Lin Tian's suddenly changed shooting form was slapped away by Jordan several times because of his low release point, and Jordan proudly mocked Lin Tian for a long time!
"Oh, is this all the 60-point guy is capable of? Next series we're playing the Magic, and you'll be going up against 'Penny' Hardaway. Are you trying to rack up a dozen or twenty steals for him in one game?"
"Wow, Gary Payton would love your shooting form! If he could guard you for a season, he could win another Defensive Player of the Year!"
"Stockton... never mind, that old good-for-nothing has no skills whatsoever."
Accompanied by Jordan's relentless trash talk, this 100-ball one-on-one battle once again ended in Lin Tian's crushing defeat!
A satisfied Jordan whistled and strolled out of the arena, ready to find some fun.
As for Lin Tian, he remained in the stadium, pondering the changes that had occurred to him without his awareness.
This brand-new shooting form is undoubtedly derived from Curry's trial version! Since Lin Tian had never used this shooting form before, the fact that he used it without realizing it is likely something like muscle memory.
Or rather, it's something that the trial card left in Lin Tian's muscle memory!
Then, Lin Tian began to recall.
Reflect on whether the trial cards you used previously brought about any changes in your life.
After racking his brains to no avail, before going home, Lin Tian specifically sought out the team's video analyst and asked him for highlights of his entire season's games.
He's going home to watch it at his leisure!
Upon closer inspection, Lin Tian immediately noticed the difference!
After using Jordan's experience card, Lin Tian's shooting form underwent some subtle changes. Simply put, it became more like Jordan's shooting style! However, Lin Tian himself did not notice this subtle adjustment at the time.
After using Pippen's trial card, Lin Tian's defensive habits underwent subtle changes in the following games.
Previously, Lin Tian didn't like to use his body much in defense, since that wasn't his strength. He preferred to use his long arms and speed to interfere with the opponent's dribbling and shooting.
After using Pippen's trial card, Lin Tian clearly began to use his body more on the defensive end. When pressing his opponent, he was noticeably more aggressive and oppressive!
These changes are all very subtle, and they are not changes in ability values, but rather changes in Lin Tian's habits and the details of his playing style!
This improvement happens gradually and imperceptibly!
Including this time when he suddenly started using a single-stage shooting technique without anyone noticing, if it weren't for the obvious difference compared to before, Lin Tian probably still wouldn't have noticed the change.
After watching almost half of his season's game highlights, Lin Tian realized one thing!
That means that after using the trial card, the effect of the trial card will not completely disappear, but will remain on you to some extent!
Although it wasn't much, it did improve my abilities to some extent!
Trial cards are not truly one-time use items!
It took an entire season to discover such important intelligence!
Thinking about this, Lin Tian also felt a little regretful that he hadn't discovered it sooner.
After all, judging from the subtle differences in his shooting form and defensive habits, what this experience card left on him wasn't permanent; it would slowly disappear over time! If he didn't practice diligently after using the experience card, the benefits it brought to Lin Tian would also gradually disappear!
Just like in martial arts novels, in the scenes where martial arts masters pass on their skills to their juniors, not only will their internal energy be significantly depleted during the transfer, but if the junior cannot absorb that internal energy in time, it will quickly dissipate and disappear!
After all, it wasn't originally mine!
Thinking about this, Lin Tian felt even more regretful about his "wasteful" behavior this season.
Perhaps Lin Tian's expression of regret was a bit too much, because Julie, who was still kneeling on the ground, slapped Lin Tian in dissatisfaction.
"I'm sorry, honey, I just thought of something."
"You're thinking about other women?" Julie said in a moment of pause, then looked up and glanced at Lin Tian with her alluring eyes.
"Looking at this, how could I possibly think of other women?" Lin Tian pointed to the match video still playing in front of him, indicating his innocence.
"You still have the nerve to say that! You're watching game replays at a time like this? Am I really that uninteresting? Not even worth your attention?"
"After these few days, I won't have time to spend with you. I've taken on a film, and I have to go to Los Angeles to film it the day after tomorrow. It's a movie called 'The Bad Girl Gang,' and the production budget is quite high. It's the best opportunity I've ever taken on! It will take at least three or four months."
"Then let's hurry!"
……
The Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Bulls and the Knicks is the last of the four semifinal series to determine a winner.
In the West, the top-ranked SuperSonics faced off against the fourth-ranked Jazz.
The matchup between the Seattle Twins and the Utah Twins was undoubtedly the biggest highlight of this series. After all, the two teams' stars were matched up against each other, and this 2vs2 game was sure to attract countless fans' attention!
Ultimately, the SuperSonics suffered in the paint, with Kemp unable to withstand Malone's iron elbows and muscles, and being completely dominated by Malone. However, the SuperSonics gained an overwhelming advantage on the perimeter, with Payton practically devouring Stockton, leaving Stockton completely disoriented!
Statistically, although both players were outplayed, Kemp averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game, which put him at a competitive level compared to Malone's 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Stockton only averaged 9 points and 7 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of less than 40%. Against Payton, who averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game with a field goal percentage of over 50%, he was completely outmatched!
Ultimately, the SuperSonics, with their superior outside shooting and Payton's outstanding performance, defeated the Jazz in six games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals!
The other matchup in the West was a bit one-sided!
The Lakers, who defeated the Suns in the first round, lost all resistance when they faced the San Antonio Spurs in the second round. David Robinson dominated Divac, completing a bloodbath against the Yugoslavs.
And Nick Van Exel, the "madman," has once again become a devil.
He completely missed his touch in this series, with his field goal percentage 5 percentage points lower than Stockton's, yet he had the most shot attempts of both teams!
With their inside and outside defenses completely overwhelmed, the Lakers only managed one win in Game 4, suffering complete defeats in the other four games!
The Lakers were swept 4-1 by the Spurs, ending their playoff run!
As for the East, last year's Eastern Conference champions, the Orlando Magic, will face off against the traditionally strong Indiana Pacers!
Although the Magic have two superstars, both O'Neal and Hardaway, who are top-tier players in the league, the Pacers are one of the toughest teams in the league. Although they don't have a top-tier star, the frontcourt duo of Dale Davis and Antonio Davis is incredibly tough.
In addition, their leader, the equally indomitable sharpshooter Miller, continued to deliver outstanding performances on the court, hitting miraculous shots. The Pacers' resistance exceeded everyone's expectations!
虽然奥尼尔场均能轰下33分14个篮板，虽然哈达威场均也有24分8篮板7助攻入帐。
Even though the Indiana's highest scorer, Miller, only averaged 19.5 points per game, the Magic just couldn't easily beat the Pacers.
Ultimately, the series ended in a tie after the first four games, with Miller scoring a whopping 38 points in Game 5, including a 19-point outburst in the final quarter!
Even with Miller's incredible performance, he couldn't stop O'Neal from dominating the paint, racking up a terrifying 44 points and 22 rebounds!
Thanks to O'Neal's almost superhuman performance, the Magic won Game 5! Then, in the sixth game on the road, the Magic gave the Pacers no chance. Hardaway closely guarded Miller the entire game, limiting him to only 4 of 14 shots, completely lacking the ferocity he displayed in the previous game.
O'Neal and Hardaway combined for 77 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists, proving once again the strength of this rising superstar duo in the league!
After six games, they have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row!
And for the second year in a row, they met the Bulls in the playoffs!
This clash between the old and new forces in the East will once again become a hot topic and ignite the entire league's viewership!
Will the Magic's star duo eliminate the Bulls for the second consecutive year, telling the world that their era has arrived, or will Jordan defend his dignity and continue his dominance and reign in the East?
Countless fans are waiting for this round of the Eastern Conference's true showdown!
On the Bulls' side, their pre-game planning and pep talk were very simple.
Jordan stood alone in the middle of everyone, still with that "keep away, kill me if you dare" expression.
Looking at his teammates, Jordan took out a pen and wrote a few words on the blackboard.
4: 0!
"Guys, I don't care what you think, and I don't care how good those two Magic guys are, this series is going to end with only one result: 4-0!"
"I won't accept any score other than 4-0! We must sweep them aside, we must beat them so badly they can't fight back! We must utterly crush them! I want them to regret every single word they said to me!"
"I will lead by example, I will kill Hardaway! I don't care if he's a penny, a dollar, or a ruble, I'll tear him to pieces and make him a complete loser!"
"Furthermore, I'm not just saying this 4-0, and I won't just say it internally! Before we officially face the Magic, during our media interviews, I will tell the media that we are going to sweep the Magic!"
"Now, I'll ask you all one question: Do you have confidence? Do you have confidence in defeating Magic, in defeating that annoying duo?"
"No problem!"
"Kill them!"
"Sweep! Sweep!"
"Let the sharks strand!"
"Devalue the penny!"
……
After the series against the Knicks, the Bulls' morale and form have climbed to a new level! After all, they were able to withstand suspensions, a flu outbreak, and various unfavorable factors, and even achieve a resounding victory despite these obstacles!
This Bulls team has truly reached the peak of their confidence!
Every player believes that nothing can stop them from moving forward!
After Jordan finished his speech, which ignited the entire Bulls team's fervor and made them eager to crush their opponents, Jackson coughed twice, walked to the center of the circle, and declared, "Let's go 4-0! Let's sweep the Magic and avenge last year!"
"Also, I hope that before the game starts tomorrow, everyone will mention this in their interviews, tell the media, tell your family and friends, tell everyone you meet before tomorrow night, 4-0! We will beat the Magic 4-0!"
"We don't need a backup plan, we don't need a Plan B! We are the Bulls, we are the kings, and this year, we will only be champions!"
"Now, I'm going to outline our tactics for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tomorrow! First, I'll be making adjustments to our starting lineup: Luke, Dennis, Scott, Michael, and Lin! The five of you will be our starting five tomorrow!"
"I want you guys to keep an eye on your respective men, communicate on the court, and take care of your assigned opponents! Luke, you have to front Shaq. Don't worry about them lobbing the ball directly to the basket. Michael will shut down Hardaway and prevent him from dribbling properly. Meanwhile, the rest of you, be ready to collapse the defense and pin this stupid shark down, make him stranded!"
"Also, Lin, once you're in the starting lineup, pay attention to your tasks and duties: similar to the last round, wear down O'Neal! Continue your small-on-big play! Use screens and pick-and-rolls to lure O'Neal out from under the basket! I don't want him protecting the rim!"
"If he doesn't come out and just stays in the paint playing the coward, I want to see you sink 10 three-pointers again, just like in the last game!"
Upon hearing Jackson's request, Lin Tian had only one thought in her mind: I cannot do it!
After all, Lin Tian was able to shoot so hot in Game 3 because he used Curry's experience card. Although he still has some touch left, Lin Tian knows very well that he is still far behind Curry at his peak in terms of three-point ability and skills.
But how could he explain it to Jackson?
"Don't worry, Coach, as long as that shark dares to come out, I'll make sure he doesn't get back!" Lin Tian patted his chest, expressing his confidence!
Explanation? I'm a man of the trade, what explanation do I need!
Just do it!
Next, Jackson outlined many tactical points and details to pay attention to during the game.
But ultimately, there are only two things to do well!
Jordan wore down Hardaway, Lin Tian wore down O'Neal!
Once these two are dealt with, the rest of the Magic are simply not worth mentioning!
In terms of roster depth, roster cohesion, and bench strength, the Magic are absolutely no match for this Bulls team!
The Bulls were brimming with confidence, declaring a sweep, while the Magic...
Whether it's O'Neal or Hardaway, they are both equally confident!
They both have absolute confidence!
We were able to eliminate the Bulls last year, and we can do it again this year!
Full of confidence, the two of them led the Orlando Magic army and marched into Chicago in a grand procession!
In his final official interview before the game, Hardaway displayed absolute confidence in front of the media: "The Bulls are strong! We certainly know that. They won 74 games in the regular season, Jordan was the scoring champion, Rodman was the rebounding champion, and they also have the Sixth Man of the Year and a great head coach."
"But I have to say, we're also great! We eliminated them last year, we're not afraid of anything! We're confident we can do it again this year! I think this series will be very tough, but we're ready for a Game 7!"
Hardaway's statement showed much higher emotional intelligence compared to last year's "Jordan is back, but 'Air Jordan' will never come back." After a year of honing his skills, this young man has become more reserved and mature.
Especially under the guidance of his agent, he learned what kind of image could help him gain fans. Especially with Hill becoming the All-Star vote leader next door, Hardaway also started to take that sunny and cheerful route!
If Hill can do it, then of course I, Hardaway, can too!
But his composure only lasted a short while, because as soon as he answered the question, the media immediately started stirring up trouble.
"But Michael just said in an interview that this series only has four games, and they're going to sweep you! They're going to beat you to a pulp!"
"What?" Hardaway's expression froze instantly, his previous cheerfulness and composure vanishing. He frowned and asked, "Did that old man really say that?"
"Actually, it's not just Jordan!" The reporters, sensing bloodshed, immediately perked up! This was a war of words! That's exactly what they wanted!
Fight! Kill! Charge!
It would be even better if they beat him so badly that his intestines pop out of his anus and his brains ooze out of his mouth!
The audience loves this!
"Every single one of the Bulls said they'd easily sweep you all. Every Bulls staff member I interviewed said this series would only have four games!"
Hearing this, Hardaway's face turned completely cold. He snorted and said, "Then let's wait and see! Let's see who will be the one swept aside!"
"But actually, I agree with what they said. This series definitely won't be that long! After four rounds, we can wait in Orlando for the winner of the SuperSonics vs. Spurs series to challenge us!"
"For me, the most regrettable thing is that the Rockets were eliminated so early, and we lost our chance for revenge. But even if we didn't beat the Rockets, winning the championship would still be great! In short, no matter who our opponent is in the Finals, we will definitely win this year's championship!"
"Whether it's the SuperSonics or the Spurs, whether it's Payton or Robinson, we are confident we can beat them!"
Then, Hardaway went on to talk at length about the team's preparations for the Finals and his analysis and research on the Finals opponents. He talked so much that he could say he barely mentioned the Bulls, but every word he said was actually about the Bulls!
After Hardaway's lengthy remarks, a reporter summarized his words, standing up and asking, "So, can I understand that you're already considering your next opponent?"
"Yes, we're already thinking about our next opponent. The Eastern Conference Finals are just a formality."
After finishing his speech, Hardaway finally decided he didn't want to say anything more to the reporters. He stood up and left the pre-match press conference, leaving the excited reporters behind!
A fight broke out! The atmosphere was tense and tense!
This is exactly what they like!
After Hardaway left, the reporters present, after a brief moment of excitement, immediately left the scene as well!
Since Hardaway has already responded with harsh words, of course we need to find a few Bulls players and ask them for their opinions on Hardaway!
Fortunately, although the reporters didn't catch Jordan or Pippen, they did find Lin Tian!
The reporters who had followed the Bulls all season were especially excited to see Lin Tian!
Who doesn't know that this young man is incredibly eloquent and can verbally spar with anyone he can talk away?
For reporters, the most enjoyable person to interview with this Bulls team right now is Lin Tian!
He not only has the ability to pierce the heart with every word, but he also dares to say anything, never caring about social etiquette or saving face for others.
Just criticize! Just criticize relentlessly!
Therefore, Lin Tian was immediately surrounded by a large group of reporters as soon as he walked into the players' tunnel!
The excited reporters, like clients eyeing a top-tier beauty, practically snorted with heat. The reporter at the very front couldn't wait to ask, "Lin, Hardaway just said he's going to sweep you all, and he's already thinking about his next opponent. What do you think?"
"Who said that? Hardaway? Who's he?" Lin Tian picked at his ear, looking disdainful. "Just a nobody, who cares what he says? But Shaq, did he say anything?"
"Shaq?" The reporters were taken aback. O'Neal hadn't given an interview yet today.
"We haven't found Shaq yet, so we don't know what he thinks right now." Reporters also have professional ethics; since O'Neal hasn't spoken, they can't just make things up.
"Shaq didn't say anything, so let's just forget about it." Lin Tian shrugged and said, "I only care about what the opposing team's star player and leader says, I only care about what the most dominant inside behemoth in the league says."
"As for the Magic's second-best player, I don't care. He's going to play terribly in this series anyway. We've already figured out a whole plan to deal with him. What he's about to experience is the worst series of his life."
Lin Tian shrugged, expressing the team's confidence.
"What about the Magic's star player? Do you have any ideas about him?" Another reporter, sensing danger, quickly pressed for an answer.
"There was no way. We studied a lot of tactics and ways to defend against Shaq, but in the end we rejected them all. Although he is our opponent, I have to say: Shaq is indeed unstoppable. We can't think of any way to deal with him."
"Well, it's not like there's no way out. After a discussion, we reached a consensus: there are two things to keep in mind when defending Shaq. First, we can't let him get the ball, because once he gets it, we're helpless. Second, if he does get the ball, we can only pray that he doesn't score. There's nothing else we can do."
"So your game strategy is to let Hardaway handle the ball more, attack more, and take more shots, while letting Shaq handle the ball less, is that right?"
"You're very smart!" Lin Tian gave the reporter a thumbs up and said, "But you leaked our team's confidential tactics! You can just listen to these words and leave it at that, but don't pass them on to the Magic players!"
After Lin Tian finished speaking, he blinked innocently and then quickly left.
Yes, we have to be quick! There are less than two hours left before the competition starts, and with warm-up, changing clothes, and preparing for the ceremony, the time left for reporters to relay messages is very limited!
We must hurry!
Hurry up and deliver the message!
It would be best if one of the reporters brought a recorder to relay Lin Tian's words to O'Neal and Hardaway as soon as possible, word for word.
Thinking of this, Lin Tian raised his coffee cup and gestured towards the distant west coast.
"Lakers, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, this is for you!"
I've put a lot of effort into your summer recruitment efforts. If you fail to secure Shaq in the end and he ends up somewhere else, don't blame me, Lin the Philanthropist!
In the Magic's locker room, a large group of reporters rushed in again before the locker room closed, many of them carrying walkie-talkies.
The walkie-talkie crackled with mixed voices: "Yes! That's right! Lin said he doesn't care what Hardaway said, O'Neal is the best center in the league, he only cares about O'Neal! Pass these words on to the Magic!"
Well, the United Center is quite large, and it's really impossible for reporters to keep up with the pace. So, many clever media outlets split their people into two groups: one half would try to intercept the Bulls players, and the other half would try to get information from the Magic players!
Its main focus is on high efficiency and fast pace!
What we want is for both sides to be even more aggressed before the match! Ideally, they'd start fighting tooth and nail from the very first second!
"What did you say? Lin praised me?" A tall man with a big smile and a somewhat simple-minded look stood up from the locker room and looked at the reporters with a smile.
"Yeah, Lin said he cares more about your opinion and performance than Hardaway. He said the Bulls aren't afraid of Hardaway at all; they're only afraid of you, the league's most dominant center, getting into your rhythm!"
"Really? That's what he said." Anyone could see that O'Neal was trying hard to control his expression and not laugh!
When the Magic and the Bulls met at the beginning of the season, Lin Tian said that O'Neal was the best center. From that moment on, O'Neal always felt that this kid knew basketball!
He knows football so well!
He should come and be in the Magic's management team, and then offer himself a 7-year, $1.3 million super contract!
Instead of being stingy like the Magic, who were only willing to offer a 6-year, $8000 million contract.
Hardaway, standing nearby, still looked extremely angry. He suppressed his rage and said, "Shaq, don't listen to them! That Lin is just talking nonsense! He's trying to sow discord between us, to drive a wedge between us!"
"Of course I know Anfernee, I'm not stupid! Of course I know what Lin is up to." O'Neal's lips twitched down noticeably, clearly annoyed by Hardaway's words.
What do you mean Lin is talking nonsense? He called me the best center! You say he's talking nonsense? Then what do you mean? I'm not the best center? I don't have dominance?
You, Hardaway, are talking nonsense!
I hate guys like that who always think they're smart! O'Neal glanced at Hardaway again, remembering that he had arrived earlier, had better stats, and entered the All-Star game as an MVP candidate earlier, but the people of Orlando just preferred this little guy!
Why should I?!
Then, O'Neal thought of Lin Tian.
This kid's passing is pretty good, and he likes me so much, always saying I'm the best center. It would be great to team up with him...
"So Shaq, what do you think of Lin?" A reporter keenly noticed the slight problem between O'Neal and Hardaway and immediately brought it up!
As journalists, how can we let the conflicts between teammates remain hidden?
Expose them! All the contradictions must be exposed!
"Lin? Well, whenever he's around, it feels like coming home every time I come to Chicago. Lin is such a talented person, and he has such a nice voice. I love him so much!"
O'Neal feels a warm glow whenever he thinks of Lin Tian!
Again.
I, Shaq, don't want to be lured into this situation either!
But Lin Tian calls me Bao... he calls me the number one center!
Hardaway was so angry that he felt like he was going to bite his teeth off when he saw O'Neal praising someone who had just insulted him so brazenly in front of him!
That fat bastard! That clueless, idiotic fat bastard! Can't he see they're trying to sow discord?
FUXX!
Can the Bulls shut me down? Do the Bulls think I'm nothing to worry about, that they can win the game as long as they take down Shaq?
Very well! Just you wait!
I'll show you why I made the All-NBA First Team and why I'm considered the greatest perimeter player in Orlando history!
While a subtle battle was brewing in the Orlando Magic's locker room, the Bulls were laughing unabashedly!
"You really said Lin? You really said Hardaway is bullshit, and only Shaq is the one we really care about?" Jordan slapped his thigh, his gloating evident.
"I even told the reporters to hurry up and pass on my message! Otherwise, if the game starts and I can't get it, it'll be a waste," Lin Tian said with a wicked grin. "I really hope one of those two guys has a short temper; it would be best if they started fighting right there in the locker room right now!"
"Then I'll only bet on O'Neal to win," Rodman said from the side. "Even if Hardaway were exhausted, he still wouldn't be a match for O'Neal. He'd probably get beaten to death."
Listening to his teammates' relaxed banter, Jackson also felt very relaxed. With only 40 minutes left before the start of the game, Jackson clapped his hands and said, "Well then, everyone, especially Michael and Scott, you two will be facing Hardaway tonight."
"I think you know what to do!"
Jordan stood up, exaggeratedly adopted a defensive stance, and shouted in a deliberately shrill voice, "Let him shoot! He has no shot!"
"Watch out for his passes! Don't let him get the ball inside! If O'Neal can't get the ball, we've got this game in the bag!" Pippen, unusually, joined in on Jordan's joke, standing up and striking an exaggerated defensive pose as well.
Magic head coach Brian Hill never imagined that just because the players from both sides exchanged a few words before the game, his two core players and ace player would actually start to fall out!
If he had known the Bulls played this dirty, he would have stopped Hardaway and O'Neal from giving any interviews!
But to be honest, head coach Hill is almost the main culprit in the current state of O'Neal and Hardaway's relationship, which is now only superficially harmonious but inwardly at odds.
(End of this chapter)