NABC Chapter 75 Is this what star players are treated like?
Chapter 75 Is this what star players are treated like?
Gregg Popovich was furious after the team lost at home to Portland Jailers.
In Popovich's eyes, this was equivalent to a group of loyal and upright guards losing to a group of bandits who had only recently joined the cause.
What's even more infuriating is that the team's defensive anchor, Bruce Bowen, suffered a serious injury. The outcome of the injury is still unknown, but he may face the risk of missing the rest of the season.
This has significantly reduced the Spurs' competitiveness this season.
Therefore, in the post-match interview segment.
Popovich expressed his opinion righteously and eloquently:
"I think there's a disgusting culture in the NBA where many players mistake intentional injury for toughness."
"This will lead to many unnecessary injuries, causing more players to get hurt."
"I despise certain behaviors and hope that the league can provide a better environment so that players can compete with peace of mind."
In other words, Li He did not hear these words at that moment.
If he were there, he would definitely ask back without hesitation:
"So the question is, where did this trend come from?"
Vince Carter: I know this one very well!
Because of Randolph's outstanding performance in this game, contributing 24 points and 11 rebounds, Coach Maurice Cheeks brought Randolph along for the post-game interview.
Another reason is that Li He's move to remove Bruce Bowen from the field was too fast, prompting Li He to step aside and protect him.
Otherwise, if this guy were to say something in front of reporters, the impact would be even greater.
There is no doubt that the reporters in San Antonio will keep bringing this up.
Even when facing Zach Randolph, the conversation still revolved around Li He and Bruce Bowen.
Mike Monroe, a reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, asked very pointed questions:
"Zack, what do you think about Hanson Lee deliberately injuring Bruce Bowen?"
Zach Randolph slammed his hand on the table and stared at the reporter, saying:
"Hey, what nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean by intentionally causing injury?"
"Anything can happen in a match. Which eye of yours saw Hansen do it on purpose?"
"By the way, Bruce is notorious in the league; his foot-planting has hurt a lot of people, okay?!"
Although he's only a third-grader, Zach Randolph is no pushover; he just appears like a good boy under the spotlight of the Portland Jailers.
The reporter was startled by Randolph's gaze and dared not utter a sound, but had already silently written the news headline in his mind.
"The shameless face of the prison team: Zach Randolph openly protects Hanson Lee; this team is horribly filthy!"
……
The Trail Blazers were ecstatic after their game against the Spurs. Everyone was happy except for Bonzi Wells, who was about to leave the team.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to celebrate, as they had to head to Dallas, check into their hotel, and prepare for a back-to-back game against the Mavericks.
Back-to-back away games are the most grueling in the NBA schedule, and coupled with the intensity of the games and the constant travel, the Trail Blazers players showed obvious signs of fatigue.
But there's nothing we can do about it.
Sure enough, in the game against the Mavericks the following day.
With Nash, Nowitzki, and Michael Finley on their roster, the Mavericks, led by coach Don Nelson, were firing on all cylinders, their hot shooting leaving the exhausted Portland Jail team helpless.
The Trail Blazers were down by as many as 15 points at halftime.
In the latter part of the third quarter, the Mavericks had a full-strength attack, extending their lead to over 25 points.
Even after three quarters, Li He had contributed 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, but it was still to no avail.
Because in the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers' key players were completely exhausted.
They ultimately lost to the Dallas Mavericks 93-107, suffering their first defeat in a five-game road trip.
It's understandable that they lost this game. After all, players are human, not Ultraman. With consecutive away games and back-to-back matches against strong opponents, losing was to be expected.
Coach Maurice Cheeks gave a passionate speech in the locker room after the game, encouraging the players to regroup and perform well in the away game against the Clippers for a perfect finish.
This way, they can return to Portland with peace of mind and begin their new season.
After Coach Morris finished his speech, the problem players on the prison team didn't react much.
People were drinking water, playing on their phones, and some were even thinking about where to go out and have fun tonight, or contacting friends in Los Angeles to make arrangements.
no way.
Little Flying Squirrel and Coach Morris were already at odds, and Bonzi Wells was disheartened after being confirmed to be traded, having long lost his sense of belonging.
Rasheed Wallace and Zach Randolph were very strong-willed; at most, they would raise their heads and agree with him.
Just then, Li He stood up:
"Guys!"
"Let's work together and win this game against the Clippers!"
"If we win the next game, I'll treat everyone to a big meal when we get back to Portland!"
Li He's words immediately aroused the players' interest.
It wasn't just because returning to Portland meant a great meal, but also because Li He's recent performance had been so outstanding that he had earned the respect of the prison team players.
On the field, status is determined by ability.
Aside from veteran locker room leaders, an average player who scores 5 points per game wouldn't get much of a response when shouting in the locker room.
A player who averages around 30 points per game can stir up a storm with just a few casual remarks.
Zach Randolph was the first to become active:
"OK! Hansen, I agree! But I have one more request: after dinner, we need to find somewhere to have some fun! I miss the nightclubs in Portland!"
Ruben Paterson followed suit: "Hansen, how much do you make to treat everyone! Oh... over a hundred thousand dollars a month, that's enough!"
Following closely behind were Flying Squirrel, Jeff McGinnis, and others. Finally, even Rasheed Wallace declared that Li He was definitely going to treat them to dinner!
The once calm locker room instantly became bustling with activity.
Whether you're talking about pretty girls, drinking, or whatever, the atmosphere is definitely getting lively!
Only two people on the team were quite surprised.
First, there's head coach Maurice Cheeks, who gives off a feeling of "the teacher says 'sit down' and all the students look at the class monitor."
Another one was Bonzi Wells, who felt humiliated at that moment and wished he could throw away his Portland jersey immediately.
As expected.
Two days later.
The Trail Blazers' final stop on their five-game road trip was a matchup against the Clippers, a weak team in the league.
The Trail Blazers unleashed a barrage of attacks in the first half, taking a 20-point lead, and ultimately crushed the Clippers 96-71, a 25-point victory.
The crazy five-game road trip has finally come to an end, with the Portland Jailers achieving a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, far exceeding expectations.
Next, we'll head home for a three-day rest period before returning to the regular season schedule.
Li He was definitely going to treat him to this meal, but he had never been stingy when it came to spending money, and he felt it was worth it.
Judging from the reaction in the locker room at the time, he had already gained the trust of the vast majority of the players.
This is a crucial factor in becoming the leader.
The plane landed in Portland, and the prison team players chatted and laughed as they walked to the exit.
An astonishing scene unfolded.
Surprisingly, a small group of fans spontaneously organized a welcome event at the airport!