pertwk Chapter 44 Don't trash talk to him
Chapter 44 Don't trash talk to him
Despite the team and media trying their best to promote the first home game through various channels and attract fans to come and support it.
On the day of the match, however, the huge Rose Garden Arena was still only filled with a handful of home fans.
At first glance, there were only about a hundred people.
They didn't even outnumber the Indiana Pacers' expeditionary force.
Seeing this scene, Li He, who was warming up, couldn't help but let his mind wander.
How much patience did this Trail Blazers team wear down over the past few years to end up in this situation?
The news media has already reported enough; in reality, there are definitely more unspeakable messes that the teams handle behind the scenes.
Fans in smaller markets tend to be more die-hard; unless they're completely disappointed, there will always be people coming to watch.
The Trail Blazers' last championship was in 1977, yet they still had a record of selling out 100 games in a row in recent years.
This can no longer be described as "bleak"; it can only be described as "utterly destroyed."
Before the game, Maurice Cheeks specifically reminded Li He about the Pacers' player matchups:
"Hansen, you'll be matched up against Reggie Miller. He knows all about shooters' habits, so be extra careful and avoid making mistakes!"
"Also, try not to trash talk with Reggie Miller! He's a master of trash talk!"
Li He spread his hands: "Alright, I'll try my best."
In reality, trash talk on the court is never unavoidable; it's part of the game.
Li He had heard about Reggie Miller's trash talk before and was curious to see just how strong it was.
Of course, no matter how hardcore the trash talk is, in a game, the trash talk of the team that is leading and winning is always more lethal.
Because of falling behind and losing the game, they don't have much confidence to trash talk.
During the warm-up, Zach Randolph completed a powerful dunk under the basket and patted Li He on the shoulder:
"Hansen, don't be surprised, we're used to it."
Li He shook his head and said, "But in reality, a team's fans don't ask for much. It must be that we have a problem that makes them refuse to support the team."
In the NBA, or in all competitive sports, athletes crave the enthusiastic cheers and support of their home arena; this sense of belonging is unparalleled anywhere else.
Li He certainly wanted to play in a stadium packed with fans, but that goal seemed far away, even unattainable.
The attendance at the Rose Garden Arena speaks for itself.
Zach Randolph said helplessly, "The fans have their own opinions."
"Really?"
Li He understands that fans don't actually want much, and they don't necessarily have to aim for the championship. The team just needs to have a positive image, give their all on the court, and show their attitude.
A team like that will definitely have supporters.
The Trail Blazers' prison team is clearly not a good fit.
Meanwhile, the Pacers, warming up on the other side of the court, were chatting and laughing, looking extremely relaxed.
After a lackluster performance last season, the Pacers made a series of big moves during the offseason.
First, Larry Bird returned to the team as chairman, then fired head coach Isaiah Thomas and appointed Rick Carlisle as the team's coach, and also successfully re-signed the team's core players Jermaine O'Neal and Reggie Miller.
The team is in a completely new state.
The Trail Blazers may not be aiming for the championship, but they are!
Artest is chatting with Reggie Miller:
"Hey Leiji, look at that number 16 on the other side. Everyone says he can replace you and become the next super shooter!"
Reggie Miller chuckled: "The media always loves to create sensationalism, doesn't they?"
Reggie Miller is widely recognized as the greatest shooter of all time in the league. He has no major accolades to date, but he is not someone a rookie who has just entered the league can easily emulate.
"I think so too." Artest glanced at Li He. "Maybe he's a fan of yours. That guy wore number 31 in college."
"It doesn't matter, I'll show him what a real top striker is on the field."
"I heard this kid has quite a temper."
Reggie Miller made a three-pointer with ease and said:
"Ron, is he as short-tempered as you?"
"Let's get this straight, the team's goal is to win the championship, so you'd better tone down that damn temper of yours."
"Remember, we're here to play ball!"
Artest smiled and said, "Of course."
……
There were no cheering fans, no elaborate home game ceremony, and a few home fans lay lazily in their seats, not waiting for the home team to score before taking their seats.
The game between the Trail Blazers and the Pacers proceeded in a completely unremarkable manner.
The Trail Blazers used the same starting lineup as the previous game.
As for the Pacers' roster, it's just as good.
Reggie Miller and Jamal Tinsley partnered in the backcourt, with one specializing in offensive finishing and the other orchestrating the entire team, their roles clearly defined;
The frontcourt duo is the infamous "bully duo," Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest, who recently renewed their contracts. This pair is known for their tough playing style and fierce defense, making them a nightmare for the frontcourt.
The center position will be filled by Jeff Foster, who is 2.11 meters tall and a hardworking blue-collar center.
In addition, Al Harrington is also on the Pacers' bench, providing ample firepower off the bench.
The game officially began as the referee tossed the basketball into the air!
Rasheed Wallace leaped up and passed the ball to Zach Randolph, giving the Trail Blazers the first possession!
Just as Li He was trying to shake off Reggie Miller and find an opportunity, his arm was immediately pulled.
Such a small trick wouldn't be praised in this era, but it's a hindrance to the receiving player.
"I know all too well how shooters get past their markers, don't think you can catch the ball easily!" Reggie Miller fired the first shot.
Despite being 38 years old, Reggie Miller remains a master of trash talk. According to his logic, 70% of his trash talk is to motivate himself, while the remaining 30% is to influence the other person.
Li He calmly replied, "But you're almost 40, you old codger, you won't be able to run for long, will you?"
Reggie Miller was taken aback, clearly not expecting Li He to speak so fiercely. He hadn't even turned 38 yet; nominally, he was only a little over 37!
"Don't underestimate a veteran player!"
Reggie Miller responded with a hard-hitting contest from Li He, who rammed into Miller and then quickly moved to the three-point line.
Damon Stoudemire delivers a precise through ball, creating an opportunity for Li He at a 45-degree angle on the right!
Although Reggie Miller's help defense was quick enough, Li He's shooting speed was terrifying.
The preparation for receiving the ball is already in place. The whole body springs up with the force of the toes, without any unnecessary movements such as sinking the ball. It is so simple and precise that it is as perfect as a robot.
With a flick of the wrist, the basketball flew toward the basket in a perfect arc.
Reggie Miller, who arrived late, stretched out his arm in an attempt to interfere with Li He's shot, but instead bumped directly into Li He's body.
Swish!
Goal!
Beep!
The referee's whistle followed immediately!
Three-pointer goes in!
Additional penalties!
Lying on the ground, Li He glanced at Reggie Miller and said sullenly, "I'm really getting old. My body control is comparable to a grizzly bear?"
"Thanks Reggie for the 3+1."