The Fifth Point Guard

"Go home! Go home!"

After playing outside for more than a week, the Cavaliers players have already returned home.

After taking a shower, Wagner walked out wearing a big bath towel and rummaged through his big backpack for his new underwear.

After a while, Wagner scratched his head and said in confusion: "I remember there should be another one."

After rummaging for another moment, Wagner picked up the underwear he had just taken off and turned them over.

"Well, let's make do with it. We'll be home in the evening."

Although the Cavaliers' undefeated streak was broken, the tight strings that the team had been tightening could actually relax.

The only defeat came from the absence of Shentong.

And they got their revenge the next day.

So although they lost a game, there is nothing to regret for this group of young people.

Defending the title is their real goal.

As they were eager to return home, the entire Cavaliers team chose to fly to Cleveland that night, so Shuntong did not go to Arenas' nightclub appointment.

Before going home, Shentong told Dubov on the phone.

After the plane landed, Shentong couldn't wait to drive his Porsche all the way.

The lights were still on in the hall in the early morning, and Shentong could be seen at the gate of the villa.

After parking the car, Shentong opened the door.

Warm lights, hot supper prepared on the table, and a charming and lovely person.

This is the taste of home.

After traveling to Asia to promote the NBA as the face of the league, they had three days of rest, but the consecutive away games made the Cavaliers suspect that they actually suffered a loss.

Fortunately, they will also play at home for more than a week, avoiding the fatigue of the journey.

After regular training, James and Shentong did strength training in the gym together.

James asked Shentong about his left hand.

"Shen, I see you used a lot of left-handed shots today. It's really cool. Do you have any secrets? How do you practice?"

Of course, STO cannot fool teammates in the same way as Arenas.

"Well, what should I say?"

In fact, since Shentong merged with Hardaway and Roy, the feeling of controlling the ball and shooting with his left hand has been very strong. Sometimes, Shentong will even deliberately use his left hand to break through and shoot, and his shooting rate is not inferior to that of his right hand.

This may be the influence of integration. After all, Hardaway and Roy are both very good left-handed players.

"Use your left hand to train more, and deliberately increase the strength of your left hand. If you persist for a period of time, the ball feel of your left hand will get better and better."

STO's words are not a lie, but they are not a secret either.

After James finished doing weight-bearing squats, he hung the barbell on the equipment, nodded, and said: "If you can dribble and shoot with both hands, it will be more difficult for the opponent to defend. It seems that I also need to practice my left hand."

After strength training, Shentong returned to the basketball court alone.

"Uh-huh."

"Uh-huh."

Consecutive hollow hits.

Shentong looked at his left hand and couldn't believe why the feel of his left hand suddenly became so good.

That night, Shentong dribbled with both hands, focusing on his left hand.

then

Shentong has been practicing his left hand day and night for the past two days.

There are only 3 days left until Christmas.

The Cavaliers ushered in their last opponent before the Christmas game at home, the Orlando Magic.

The Magic are not playing well this season.

Sophomore Dwight Howard played dominantly, but the performance of Francis and Hill has declined compared to last season.

Francis' poor performance is related to head coach Brian Hill's tactical system.

Brian hoped that the team could start from the inside with Howard as the core, but Francis was not convinced of such a tactical arrangement at all.

Francis, who was eager to prove himself, challenged Brian's authority and bottom line on the court again and again.

On the court, Francis asked Howard to run out and set up pick-and-rolls for him again and again, and rarely followed Brian's tactics, which made Brian very angry.

His friend Mobley was traded to the Clippers, which was one of the triggers for the conflict between Francis and the team management to escalate.

Under such circumstances, it is tantamount to wishful thinking for the team to achieve a good record.

As for Hill, the injuries that plagued him seem to be recurring.

Hill's knees have been sore recently, which makes him afraid to use his full strength in games.

Injuries inhibited his performance.

Amid the turmoil within the team, Howard, who had no scheming intentions, still played at his own pace.

Compared with last season, Howard's performance has improved.

He averaged 15.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Both his scoring and rebounds have made great progress compared to last season. This is really rare for a double-double insider who can get 12 points and 10 rebounds in his rookie season.

On paper, the Magic's record should definitely not be at the level of the Eastern Conference vice squad leader.

Turkish Hedo Turkoglu has gradually adapted to the Magic in his second year. He has become the team's fourth scorer and can proactively connect the team on the court. Sometimes it seems that Francis is more of a point guard.

Jameer Nelson has also grown a lot compared to last season, with his scoring and assists increasing from 8.7 points and 3.0 assists to 14.6 points and 4.9 assists.

It is rare to have such growth under the aura of Francis.

This is also the reason why the Magic management dares to fight with Francis.

We have people.

If you are not at the point guard position, there is someone else who can take over.

There have been rumors recently that Francis is about to be sent away, and there are several options for his next home.

Francis also knows his current situation. Only by performing well on the court can he continue to be in the league.

Either continue to stay here, or because of his performance, he can go to a team that has the ability to compete for the championship.

In recent games, Brian and Francis seem to have reached a certain understanding.

One gives Francis enough time to let the receiving party take a good look at the goods.

A performance that also works hard on the court so that he can have enough voice.

The away game against the Cleveland Cavaliers is a good opportunity for Francis.

Defeating such a team can undoubtedly fully prove one's strength and gold content.

Therefore, Francis was very concerned about this game. He even talked to Howard and Hill before the game to boost the team's morale and want to win this game.

The Magic's starting lineup for this game is:

Center: Howard, Power Forward: Batty, Small Forward: Hill, Shooting Guard: Stevenson, Point Guard: Francis.

The Cavaliers starting lineup is:

Center: Ilgauskas, power forward: Gooden, small forward: James, shooting guard: Shentong, point guard: Wagner.

Before the game, Stevenson also specifically broke the news to the media, saying that the Cavaliers' Shentong and James were overrated players.

"Although they won the championship last season, I am not convinced by them. Yes, they still don't have my respect. At least I feel that their current treatment and strength do not match. They are not Michael Jordan and Scott. -Players like Pippen, but the popularity and attention they get is a little too much."

This is not the first time Stevenson has provoked Shentong and James before the game.

When a reporter responded to Stevenson's words to Shentong and James, the two people's reactions were surprisingly consistent.

"Who is DeShawn?"

Since the Cavaliers left overseas, the home fans haven't seen the home team play for more than half a month, so the Quicken Loans Center was full for this game!

The outside of the stadium was also crowded with fans who came to watch the big screen.

Such a grand occasion is comparable to the playoffs last season.

Before the game is about to start, the starting players of both sides take the field.

STO and Grant Hill hugged and greeted each other.

Although the goal is to defeat Shentong and the Cavaliers, Francis also took the initiative to shake hands and hug Shentong.

Only Stevenson, no knight greeted him, and of course, he kept glaring at Shentong and James.

Hill looked a little haggard. Although from his eyes, Shentong could see Hill's passion and persistence for basketball, it was obvious that injuries were attacking him again.

Before the start of this game, the template card that STO obtained from the Sighing Wall of Basketball God Space was none other than Grant Hill.

{

template card

Character: Grant Hill

Time: 1996-97 season

Team: Detroit Pistons

Data: NBA All-NBA First Team, Atlanta Olympic Men's Basketball Champion, averaging 21.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He is the only player in the league after Oscar Robertson and Larry Bird. A player who averaged 20+9+7 per game and has the most triple-doubles in the league with 13 times. He personally accounts for 35% of the total triple-doubles in the league. He is second only to Michael Jordan and Karl-Joseph in the MVP selection. Malone. A huge triple-double with 34 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists in the game against the Lakers.

}

Hill was only a third-year player in the 1996-97 season, but he had already become a member of the first team.

Hill, who has no injuries, can be said to be flying in the air and has the reputation of "the fastest first step" in the league.

Moreover, Hill's left-hand skills are very strong, and he can be described as a real player who can shoot left and right.

After Shentong merged Hill's template card with his own, a ray of holy light fell from the sky.

At that moment, Shentong felt as if he was a god on the court.

Even though the mid-range shot is not stable and the three-point shot has not been fully developed, Hill's talent cannot be concealed.

There is only one word to describe Hill like this and Shentong, who can shoot from all positions: invincible!

The referee walked to the center circle with the ball, and Big Z and Howard slightly bent their knees to prepare for the jump ball.

Stevenson was close to Shentong, and the sound of his exhalation was clearly audible.

"I will prevent you from finding your way home."

Shentong took a clue and replied: "It seems that the lesson I taught you last time was not enough."

"Orlando brought me here just to defend you. In the team's training games, I was the best perimeter defender who could successfully limit Grant."

"Can you prevent Grant from dying?"

"Hmph, that's right. So don't underestimate me, Shen. I just didn't try my best. You will suffer your second defeat today!"

"."

If Grant Hill can really be completely restricted, then this Stevenson still has two brushes.

Shentong thought of the grievances between Stevenson and James in the last time and space.

Players who can have a grudge with James should have considerable strength themselves.

Shentong took a deep breath and did not dare to be careless.

The result of the jump ball was no surprise. Howard, who was younger and had better bounce, won the jump ball.

Francis used his full strength in his first attack.

Taking advantage of Howard's pick-and-roll, Francis used his speed to beat Wagner, and forced a layup without Wagner completely losing his position.

Back on defense, Francis yelled for the others to focus.

It seems that Orlando is very eager to win this game.

Wagner agreed to retaliate with speed, but was slapped down by Howard when he was going for a layup.

Stevenson received a pass from Hill during the fast break and dunked.

In terms of physical fitness alone, Stevenson is also at the level of a dunker.

Therefore, he is different from perimeter gatekeepers like Bowen and Christie. In addition to his defensive awareness, he also has excellent physical conditions.

"Hey, Shen, what did I say? Your luck is over!"

Shentong didn't know how he offended this guy. He kept provoking and yelling at him from the beginning of the game, as if he was afraid that he wouldn't use his full strength.

As a result, Hill's words exposed Stevenson's inner Xiao Jiujiu.

"This guy is facing a contract extension. At this time, no one can impress the boss more than the No. 1 defender in the defensive league. Deshaun just wants to sign a good contract for himself."

Hill told the truth.

Shentong showed a look of sudden realization and said: "That's it."

Stevenson pointed at Hill angrily and said, "Grant, which side are you on?"

Hill shrugged and said: "I just can't stand some people saying bad things about being able to guard teammates behind their backs."

"Tch." Stevenson snorted, "What I said is true."

"Then so do I."

On the offensive end, Shentong stepped down and dribbled the ball, waiting for opportunities.

Stevenson devotes himself wholeheartedly to defense. The guy in front of him is prey to him. As Hill said, if he can defend Shentong, even if it can only effectively affect the opponent's performance, he can also do it this summer. Sign a satisfactory contract.

For some guys, STO is nothing more than a benchmark for measuring value.

Stevenson was very happy at the thought of possibly signing a big contract in the summer.

Staring at Shentong closely, Stevenson blinked.

Then

STO has disappeared!

Where are people?

Where did STO go?

In just the blink of an eye, Shentong disappeared in front of him!

Stevenson turned around in surprise and saw that Shentong had already scored into the basket.

In the air, Howard opened his hands and completely covered Shentong within his defensive range.

"You're done!"

Stevenson yelled.

Shentong held the ball in the air with both hands, staring at the basket, motionless.

At this moment, Shentong seemed to be frozen in the air.

Howard, who was originally full of confidence, had a surprised look on his face, and then slowly fell from the air.

When Howard fell, Shentong released his hands, stretched out the ball, and threw it towards the basket.

The ball circled around the basket and slowly fell.

This air-suspension is too strong!

Even Howard, who prides himself on his physical fitness, has to admit that Shentong's unparalleled stamina.

But what surprised Stevenson even more was what happened to Shentong's sudden disappearance just now?

This shouldn't be true.

It's just that I was distracted just now

Facing Shentong's attack again, Stevenson worked hard and focused on Shentong's dribbling.

Shentong held the ball in his left hand, feinted, jumped up suddenly, and ran to the right.

Stevenson caught Shentong's movement direction and immediately moved sideways to the left, but to his surprise, Shentong didn't have the ball in his hands!

The ball disappeared again? !

Just as Stevenson was surprised, Shentong turned around and disappeared again.

Stevenson was completely panicked.

He has never seen dribbling and breakthrough like this.

Turn around immediately, Shentong has already rushed into the penalty area!