The older superstars of the NBA

Chapter 865 Expectations in New York

"We will definitely be the championship!"

"Victory belongs to us!"

"History is being made in New York!"

Outside Madison Square Garden, countless fans cheered loudly. Under live camera interviews, many New York fans expressed their expectations for the team to win the championship.

You know, it has been 46 years since the Knicks last won a championship. For almost half a century, New Yorkers have never seen a championship again!

If we can win the championship this time, the meaning of this championship will be completely different for this city.

Although it can't compare to Cleveland's first championship in history, it's not too far behind.

Before the game officially started, the atmosphere in the locker rooms of both sides was completely different.

The morale of the Golden State Warriors is low. Team leader Stephen Curry tried to encourage everyone, but no matter what he said, the players seemed to be in a sluggish state.

In this case, persuasion had no effect at all, and Curry simply gave up and allowed the players to continue to feel depressed.

Everyone on the Knicks team is in high spirits and seems happy. Although the game has not yet started, there is already a feeling of winning a championship in the team atmosphere.

This has also made many players feel a little distracted, such as Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins. They are already talking about things after the season before the game starts.

Several players even talked about contract renewal. Although there was no definite news, they also got a glimpse of the team's current status from the vague news.

"The Knicks are so rich, why would they give me 20 million dollars? Frankly speaking, if they couldn't give me that much money, I wouldn't renew my contract with the management..."

Cousins ​​said half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Howard, who was watching the excitement on the side, didn't mind the big deal and chimed in, "Only 20 million? Oh! DeMarcus, your requirements for yourself are too low! If it were me, there wouldn't be 2,500." In that case I will definitely not do it..."

"Frankly speaking, I think with my ability, 30 million is not a problem... Look at the young people who have signed big contracts now. They are really in a good time. We didn't have it back then." They're lucky to get that much money so early in their careers..."

Howard's words were full of envy.

Porzingis on the side did not interrupt, but he sat there and listened carefully. After the team made the first offer to his agent Alvaro, Borginis was already dissatisfied with the price offered by the team.

Now that he hears that Howard and others want to get 30 million, Porzingis's mental state is also quietly changing.

No one will admit that they are inferior to others, especially those who have achieved results or are currently achieving results.

In Porzingis's view, he is young and has not even reached his peak state. Now he has handed over such scoring data. If a few more seasons pass, his performance will only get better and better!

There has never been a shortage of players with high salaries and low abilities in the league, and he is on the richest team. Why can't he get a maximum salary contract? Is thirty million a lot? Can the Knicks afford this money?

The more he thought about it, the more unhappy Porzingis felt, and the more he thought that the previous offer from Knicks general manager Scott was not sincere at all.

"Guys, it's time to show up!"

Staff shouted reminders outside the locker room.

The players were already ready, so under the leadership of the coaching staff, everyone walked towards the field one after another. Zhao Feiyang was the last one to leave. The moment he walked out of the tunnel, bursts of crazy screams suddenly sounded in his originally quiet ears.

The fans on both sides of the stands were almost crazy, leaning down and trying to reach out to touch him. Zhao Feiyang did not refuse, high-fiving them one by one, and various shouts from the fans also passed by his ears.

"Zhao! We must lead us to win the championship!"

"Man, you're the king of New York! You're making history!"

"When you win the game, I will go home and replace the Cameron photo hanging on the wall with yours..."

beep.

The timer beep sounds.

Players from both sides take to the court.

Today's lineup is the same as before, with the trio of Zhao Feiyang on the outside, and Porzingis and Dwight Howard on the inside.

Snapped.

The referee throws the ball into the air.

Howard jumped up first and slapped the ball away. The basketball fell into Zhao Feiyang's hands, and he gave the ball to Zach LaVine, who held the ball across half court.

In the second half of the series, Zhao Feiyang no longer organized the offense himself, but was assigned to play the second position by head coach Norman Thomas.

The No. 1 position was given to LaVine, who was not in stable condition, and he took charge of the ball and launched the offense.

After the ball passed half court, LaVine was observing the situation at the top of the arc, and Zhao Feiyang ran over from the wing to catch the ball. Bang, the basketball fell into his hands.

After getting the ball, Zhao Feiyang singled out Klay Thompson. The two faced each other. Zhao Feiyang made continuous changes and shook Thompson away, then stepped back and raised the basketball to shoot.

Swish.

A "good start" three-pointer hit the basket steadily.

The Knicks fans on the sidelines cheered excitedly. Everyone stood up and applauded as agreed. When the celebration was over, they sat down collectively to continue watching the game.

It was the Warriors' turn to serve.

Curry, who was holding the ball, was interfered by LaVine when he passed halftime. Thompson went up to help Curry cover. Curry took this opportunity to rush through the center line, and Zhao Feiyang also decisively switched defenses and chased Curry.

Curry held the ball all the way to the basket. When he was about to take a shot, Zhao Feiyang rushed from behind and tried to block the shot.

Unexpectedly, Curry threw an empty pass. Draymond Green, who was standing on the right side of the basket, suddenly jumped up, took the basketball and dunked the ball into the basket.

In the first few minutes after the start, other Warriors players performed generally, neither offensively nor defensively.

Only Curry is in good condition. He changed his previous playing style and became very active, and even added some physical confrontation.

Green, who was inside, also continued to cooperate under his leadership. With the performance of the two of them, they successfully maintained the Warriors' score.

For the Knicks, Zhao Feiyang began to increase the number of shots after moving to the second position. Today he feels pretty good, but only his status is online.

The other players' condition was a little unstable. Porzingis in the paint had been very active in fighting for rebounds before, but during the first quarter, he was always taken away by Green.

The same goes for Howard on the side. He who is supposed to be responsible for guarding the basket looks a lot softer, completely losing his previous toughness and concentration.