595: Threes and Free Throws
The finals are the stage that every player dreams of, and the finals are always attracting attention from the world every year. Every player hopes to show themselves in the finals and help the team win.
Of course, in this highest level of game, every second of the game is very important. Losing a goal or not focusing on causing a mistake is very likely to lead to a loss of the entire game.
Even daily operations like free throws are particularly important in the finals, which is also a time to test the players' psychological quality. Some teams can win the championship with free throws, such as the Lakers and Vucevic back then. However, some players will lose the game because they lost an important goal.
This kind of thing has happened not only once in the history of the NBA finals.
"Warcraft" Dwight Howard led the team to the finals alone in 2009, which was incredible. However, in the fourth game of the key finals, when the game was about to end with 11 seconds left, Howard lost the game because of the free throw.
At that time, the Magic were still three points ahead of the Lakers. The Lakers chose the tactic of killing people, allowing Howard to get the ball with free throws. As a result, Howard really missed both free throws. In the good situation, Fisher's magical three-pointer dragged the game into overtime.
A player who is too immature will not only miss the free throw, but also has a high probability of not winning the championship. The O'Brien Cup is for real men, and big boys cannot touch such honors.
Howard was like this back then, and now people think that Link is the same.
But no one expected that Link actually responded so hard to Ray Allen's final goal.
"Ray Allen's goal is undoubtedly great. Is it a bit disrespectful to Link's comment?"
"This is very much in Link's style. Isn't he the kind of person?"
"I'm still stubborn when I lose? It turns out that the Heat are indeed more mature than the Grizzlies."
"Link's words are not unreasonable. Doesn't it prove that they actually struggle to play?"
After Link's response was reported by reporters, it immediately caused an uproar. Usually, the opponent completes the final victory, even if you feel unhappy, the most basic "business mutual bragging" must be achieved.
Just be polite, you won’t suffer any losses wherever you put it.
But Link just didn't play according to the routine. He didn't praise Thunder Allen's magical kill, and he directly said, "Thunder Allen's magical shooting is nothing to do with me." It can be said to be fresh and refined.
Link's straightforward answer was naturally attacked, but in the same way, his unruly personality also attracted many fans.
Back then, Allen Iverson did not survive in the league with courtesy. Kobe did not become the man closest to Jordan by flattering Jordan.
Link has the temperament of being unwilling to admit defeat. Usually, such people can do something.
Their respect for their predecessors is never kept in their mouths, but in their hearts.
Ignoring your age and treating you as a strong enemy is true respect.
But, those who support Link and those who hate Link are basically half and half now. Some want to see Link make a comeback, while others want Link to pay the price for his arrogance.
But at least Link has conveyed a message to everyone I have not surrendered yet.
"This kid is very stubborn." Ray Allen looked at the news on his phone, and to be honest, he didn't feel angry.
Although he is a polite person and although he has received a good education since he was a child, Ray Allen knew very well that gentlemanly demeanor would not play any role in winning the finals.
"To be honest, I thought he would be hit hard. Unexpectedly, his mentality was so good." James also shook his head. It seemed that he was busy again in the Battle of Tianwang Mountain.
In the last game, the Heat looked very glamorous. Not only did they tie the total score of the series, they also staged a classic finale.
But James knows better than anyone else how difficult it was to play in the last game.
Link scored 28 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, and the data was no longer bad. James put down his figure on the defensive end and fought with Link like a blue-collar worker, and he still scored 28 points.
And before Ray Allen's three-pointer, James's final three-pointer was a box-out.
The Heat's last victory was far less great than people imagined. On the contrary, the Heat were even in a mess in a mess. Although the Heat finally stood up from the mud, they were still in a mess.
Now, seeing Link recovering so well, James feels a headache.
The Battle of Tianwang Mountain is inevitable that you will be rolling in the mud with Link again in a mess.
"Anyway, the next game will be our last home game of the season. I hope we can leave a wonderful night for the home team fans. I will do what I can, LeBron." Ray Allen put down his phone and smiled at James.
It's time to train.
James was very glad that he had a helper like Ray Allen, which made him wonder how terrifying that guy Link was.
Durant's talent is rare in the world, but when Durant played in the finals for the first time, James really didn't feel any pressure. When Durant played in the finals last year, wasn't it just Link's age?
But now facing the Grizzlies and Link, James is playing so hard. With so many excellent helpers, he is playing so hard.
He had to admit that Link, the second place, was so overwhelming that he couldn't breathe.
The next game is the Battle of Tianwang Mountain. Since the 2-3-2 match system was adopted in 1985, there have been 2-2 draws in total, and 7 of them were the teams that won the fifth game and finally won the cup. James knew that he had to withstand the pressure from behind.
Link was not crushed, and he couldn't fall first.
He is an MVP, which is already a great honor, but he doesn't want Link to take away the championship trophy. Only children make choices, and adults will harvest all the honors!
※※※
On June 16, on the night of the fifth game of the series, Link was not surprised when he found himself entering the stadium and was warmly "welcome" from Heat fans.
Looking around the world, people who like Link and hate Link are half and half. But at the American Airlines Center, people who like Link and those who hate Link, Billy may be 0 to 100.
Link's rude words to Ray Allen and his previous provocations to Wade have made Link a thorn in the hearts of Miami fans.
They don't think that the young Link can shake the Heat's leadership. If a little head can defeat the rule of the Big Three, then how awesome he will be.
There are no such powerful people in this world.
Link didn't care about the boos, nor did he care about the insulting cards. In fact, the security guards at the US Airline Center have confiscated most of the cards. Otherwise, Link would have seen it even more.
"Link was helped out of the stadium by Andre Iguodala after the last game. He was not very energetic at the post-match press conference. But now, Link has obviously recovered. As he said in an interview, his goal is to beat the Heat, not to be afraid!"
Mike Bryn continued to comment on the finals today. Seeing Link adjusting so quickly, Bryn was actually quite happy.
If Link just fell like this, then this year's finals would start too high and end low.
After Link came on the court, he did a simple stretch and then started practicing free throws and three-point shooting.
In the last game, Link thought he lost from free throws and three-pointers. Today, he will give it back twice as much!
Before the game started, sideline reporter David Aldridge originally wanted to interview Link, but was rejected! Link didn't want to be disturbed, he just wanted to focus on practicing now!
In desperation, Aldridge had no choice but to find Iguodala.
"Andre, there is no need to say much about the importance of this game. Whoever can win the fifth game is equivalent to whose hand has been placed on the championship trophy. Today, how will you deal with the Heat's three-pointer? Will you still choose to use Link to execute the key ball?"
"This is a secret, David. But I know that after today's game, some people can shut up." Iguodala pointed to the camera. It was obvious that the "some people" he said were the guys who shouted that Link didn't know how to respect him.
James is also preparing for the game with all his might, and he must limit Link's score to below 25 points today.
In order to achieve his goal, James decided to let Link go a little further. Because James was so embarrassed that he was suddenly embarrassed in the previous few games.
Link, this guy, has a very extraordinary dribble level and it is difficult to block his change of direction. The only way is to increase the amount in advance and expand the gap with Link.
The game started soon, and today, Ray Allen was still in charge and also got a close-up of a camera. After the last game, people no longer ignored this legendary shooter who could aim at firing at any time.
The Grizzlies are still in the lineup of one, one, four, and four small. Link, who missed a key free throw in the last game and Jimmy Butler, who did not have the final defense, continued to play.
Link stood in his half, his eyes became focused. This time, Link did not allow himself to miss it again!
The referee threw the ball into the air. Gasol fought over Bosh this time. James did not hesitate and immediately leaned towards Link, but did not press on him.
It’s obvious that it’s just to prevent Link from breaking through!
"Mike!"
Seeing this, Link immediately yelled and rushed to Conley for the ball.
Conley did not hesitate. Everyone on the Grizzlies supported Link 100%, so they immediately passed the ball.
After receiving the basketball while marching, Link stopped outside the three-point line. Just as James was still thinking about where Link would break through, Link directly pulled up and shot!
"Is Link too anxious when he receives the ball from outside the three-point line?" Before Mike Bryn could react, he saw Link taking action very casually outside the three-point line.
Although the more complex the tactics are, the easier it is to make mistakes, but this is too simple and crude. Some of the Grizzlies' players have not even been placed yet.
James was caught off guard and let Link take a small step. Before he could react in time, he let Link throw the ball calmly.
Link lost outside the three-point line yesterday, and he planned to get it back as soon as the game started! When I was warming up today, the shooting felt very hot! Now I have the chance, so what if I try it?
This shot seemed a bit hasty, and finally formed a three-pointer! The basketball was inserted into the net, and Link made a three-pointer!
"I'm in! Link took the lead for the Grizzlies at the beginning!" Mike Bryn was a little surprised. These three-pointers were really tough enough!
On the court, after scoring the goal, Link yelled at his teammates very rarely!
"Try harder, we won't lose tonight!"
Chapter completed!