111: New starter features (23/40)
Six minutes into the first quarter, Carmelo Anthony made 1-of-5 shooting and scored just two points. Link, on the other hand, has easily scored 6 points.
That's right, it's easy.
After missing all four of his first four shots, Anthony finally found his touch on his fifth. But on the defensive end, Anthony was as lazy as ever. Moreover, the traversing speed is really slow. Usually Link only needs to hang a pick-and-roll, and Anthony is gone.
At this point, the Nuggets are also 5 points behind the Grizzlies. If it weren't for the rest of the Nuggets' players, the gap might have been widened.
George Carr angrily called out the game to stop, and speaking of which, there doesn't seem to be a single game that this guy is not angry about.
Anthony also felt a little angry, why can't he make it today!?
"Cameron, you're amazing, really, you actually scored 2 points on that undrafted head, God, I don't think LeBron James can do it!"
As soon as Anthony got off the stage, George Carr burst out sarcastic. Truth be told, George Karl is a foul-mouthed and grumpy old man, and most of the stars probably don't get along with him. Only those players who are strong but not full of stars are willing to listen to Karl.
Anthony ignored Karl Sr., he didn't want to quarrel with the head coach in front of the crowd. Originally, Anthony's image in the league was very good, and his popularity at that time was not inferior to James. A braid cut with that pleasing baby face and the strength of the offensive kaleidoscope made Anthony very popular.
But since the 2006 fight and all the off-court turmoil that followed, Anthony's image has begun to change. Image is still very important for a player of Antony's level. Therefore, even if Anthony is dissatisfied, he can only muttered in his heart now that he can no longer let his image continue to be damaged.
He didn't want to make headlines for insulting the coach on the spot.
Karl didn't continue to pester Anthony, but walked over to his own bench. As we all know, the Nuggets bench still has J.R. Smith, the sixth man.
Although Smith is a nerve knife, no one will deny this guy's scoring ability. Just let Smith play, and you'll be relieved to give him the ball. His core style of play is most suitable as a sixth man.
If you can't draw up, the team won't be unable to open the situation. To draw up, he can score 40 points in one fell swoop and take the game away.
"Smith, you know what you do. Take advantage of the opportunity, the 5-point gap is not too difficult for you! ”
George Karl didn't say much to Smith because the guy's role was to score singles.
As for Anthony, George Carr did not replace him. Despite his dissatisfaction with Anthony, Karl still hopes to take a few more victories with Anthony. Anthony should be very angry by now, and an angry Anthony, George Carr believes he will perform better than he just did.
"At the end of the timeout, the Nuggets picked up their bench killer, J.R. Smith. Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony is still there! Now, the Nuggets' offensive firepower is very fierce, I don't know if the Grizzlies can withstand it! "Hubbie Brown's voice is very loud, not at all like a man who is almost 80 years old.
Hollins didn't make any substitutions, and the Nuggets' lineup with strong scoring ability is a good time to test his new defensive ability. In this lineup, the strongest place is on defense!
Lacking Rudy Gay's single-handedness, Hollins just wanted to replace offense with defense.
Link and Tony Allen glanced at each other, and they were about to face two scoring thugs, J.R. Smith and Anthony. This is a battle between spear and shield, depending on whether the spear is sharp enough or the shield is strong enough.
"That's interesting, isn't it?" Tony Allen was not timid, but smiled at Link when he came on the court.
"You masochist, I don't think it's funny to defend those two lunatics who only have hoops in their eyes."
"Cut, there are some things that you don't admit and it's useless. For example, you never admit that you like the girl named Rachel. Every time someone sends you a photo, you kid silently saves it. ”
"What!?" Link looked up in surprise, how did Tony Allen know about Rachel.
"Hey, Zach told me." Mr. Tony pointed to the big black bear.
The big black bear's locker is right next to Link, so it's easy to sneak a peek at Link's phone. However, seeing Link staring at him, the big black bear began to pretend to direct the defense. Finally, I didn't forget to urge, "Link, don't be distracted." ”
"Damn, I'll settle accounts with you after the game." Link pursed his lips and muttered to himself how he had such good teammates.
As he spoke, the Nuggets kicked off the baseline. Anthony's eyes were on fire at this time, and his state was different from just now.
But this time offensively, Anthony didn't touch the ball, because J.R. Smith took the lead. As soon as this guy came up, he used the ball to hit the penalty area, and without completely getting rid of Tony Allen, he spread his wings and wanted to dunk with one hand.
As a result, the thing didn't get rid of Tony Allen, so it didn't quite jump. In the air, being chopped by little Gasol is a flash in the face.
George Carr felt the corners of his mouth twitch uncontrollably, and in the deal with the New York Knicks, J.R. Smith was also the object of involvement. At this point, Carl was a little eager for Smith to get out of here with Anthony.
On the other side, Hollins applauded happily. This time the defense, on the surface, was the credit of Gasol Jr. But if it weren't for Tony Allen's indefatigable blocking, forcing J.R. Smith to slow down, Gasol Jr. might not have been able to catch up.
The Grizzlies' team defense is already taking shape. The real strength of this squad is starting to show.
Jr was knocked to the ground, and by the time he got up, the Grizzlies were already on the attack. On the Nuggets' side, it's equivalent to 4 defenses and 5.
Conley passes the ball to Link, who then turns the ball to Tony Allen, who cuts in empty-handed. The latter made an easy layup under Randolph's off-ball screen, and the Nuggets' defense became vulnerable.
"Thanks buddy!" Tony Allen pointed to Link, who has scored well in his last two games. Although most of them are simple cut-to-layups, they are much more efficient than Mayo.
Tony Allen certainly didn't suddenly get the hang of it, but Link's presence made the Grizzlies' offense more fluid.
If it was Guy who had just received the ball, he would most likely have done it himself. Even passing, it's not as lethal as Link. The second characteristic of Hollins' new roster is revealed, which is a smoother basketball operation and higher offensive efficiency.
Link's singles ability may not be as good as Guy's, but it can make the team's shot distribution more reasonable. As for the ball-holding singles, it is now almost in the hands of Randolph and Gasol Jr.
George Carr's substitutions had little effect, and the Nuggets widened the margin after the timeout.
At this point, Chauncey Billups was also in time to get off the court, and George Carr had to send Tylawson to the technical desk to prepare.
If the Nuggets lose Billups, a former FVP, their offense will be even more chaotic!
After just a few minutes of play, Anthony understands that the Grizzlies are not the kind of opponent who can win with just two clicks. And his counterpoint can't be treated like an ordinary loser.
Anthony didn't play blindly this time, but ran one by one, first borrowing Nene to cover the bottom right corner, receiving a pass from Billups and breaking through immediately.
When Link stuck up, Anthony didn't force a shot, but turned to his back to hold the ball, pushed it back twice, and rolled over in the middle range to shoot a jumper!
Anthony is an offensive kaleidoscope, and although his professional and defensive attitude is problematic, he has to admit that his offense is indeed the top presence in the league.
Link tried to block it, but still couldn't stop Anthony from scoring. People do have the ability to interfere with the goal, otherwise can they be called superstars?
"Hahaha, do you think you can really stop me? Dream on! 'Antony was very happy after the goal, and for him it was more important to score than to win.
This was not Link's speculation, but it was shaken up by Billups in a later interview. Link happened to have seen this report, and now it seems that the report is very true.
Generally speaking, rookie players have several reactions to trash talk.
The first is to be overwhelmed by fear. After all, Anthony is one of the league's hottest stars, and he also has a gangster background. was sprayed by him, and most rookies didn't dare to do anything
Second, the fat ones may go back. But as a result, Anthony is often beaten to doubt life.
But Link didn't react in any of the above, he just glared at Anthony with an idiot look and walked away.
Anthony: "??? ”
What's going on? Now there's no deterrent to speak yourself? Not even a rookie birding himself?
Link also wondered, this guy only scored a goal, what kind of excitement he was. And, most importantly, what's the use of scoring goals but not others?
This time offensively, Link deliberately asked for the ball on the right corner. Anthony thought at first that Link was going to continue passing, so he deliberately glanced at Tony Allen's position and waited for an opportunity to steal.
But then I found out that the Grizzlies' lineup was slightly stretched. Anthony's eyes widened and he gritted his teeth.
This kid wants to fight himself!
"Damn, what do you want!?" Anthony was furious, and he felt a deep malice from this undrafted pick.
Link alternates between left and right hands dribbling, looking for a break rhythm. At the moment when Anthony's center of gravity wavered, Link found his flaw and broke through immediately!
Of course, Link's athleticism is really not good at the moment, which is his flaw and the reason why he wants to upgrade as soon as possible.
However, Anthony dragged two sore legs, which were also 5 unfavorable.
But even so, Anthony quickly posted it. When he gets serious, the defense is still average.
"There's no way to do it now!" Anthony secretly rejoices, he can understand the heart of a draft loser who wants to use himself to be famous, but he picked the wrong opponent!
Unexpectedly, Link did not give up, but changed to holding the ball with his back like Anthony just now.
Anthony was completely shocked, this kid was not enough to fight alone, and he wanted to take revenge on himself in the same way?
Link suddenly stepped back, turned his back, and made a jumper. Anthony was half a beat slower, but it was enough for Link to complete the shot.
Anthony, who is about to become the king of New York, immediately turned back, but the result was desperate, and the basketball hollowed out into the net!
"Come in, Link actually paid back Anthony in the same way! It's incredible! Hubie Brown stood up and raised his arms and cheered, if the old man was not about to turn 80, he would probably be so excited that he climbed directly to the commentary stage. The undrafted responds to the superstar strongly, that kid is really kind!
Hollins applauded wildly, the third advantage of this lineup - Link has the ability to break out in singles with occasional bursts!
After the goal, Link spread his hands, as if to say to Anthony, "Sit down, do the regular thing." You will, I will, so don't BB in front of me next time. ”
Anthony shook his head and picked up the ball reluctantly. Today, I am embarrassed and embarrassed.