bookrandom Chapter 118 Popovich: I need $1500 million in space, you understand?
Chapter 118 Popovich: I need $1500 million in space, you understand?
Despite Wang Xiucheng's orchestration, the Rockets were still down by 4 points.
The reason is that Dejounte Murray played too well.
Dejounte Murray is 196cm tall and has a slender build with an excellent wingspan, which makes him very comfortable at the point guard position.
In the first half, Dejounte Murray scored 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, effectively connecting the Spurs. Especially after substituted Anthony Lamb, providing a new scoring option, Murray's impact became even more pronounced.
Wang Xiucheng's 15 points and 7 assists were also comparable to Dejounte Murray's.
When the halftime whistle blew, Popovich jogged a few steps to catch up with Wang Xiucheng and put his arm around Wang Xiucheng's shoulder without any hesitation.
"Your free throw percentage is too low," Popovich said, seemingly oblivious to everyone else. "Ginobili and Tony Parker are much better than you."
Wang Xiucheng was slightly taken aback. If he wasn't mistaken, was the old man recruiting on the spot?
Silas, who was not far away, also had a look on his face as if he had eaten shit.
No longer carrying people on your back?
They recruit people secretly, afraid that no one will find out.
You're really something, you practically said it to the camera.
Popovich, looking completely clueless, continued, "At first, Ginobili and Tony Parker weren't good at free throws either, but I coached them both."
Very good, not a single word was used to say "recruitment", but the word "recruitment" was mentioned in every word.
Silas was lucky he didn't have his phone with him, otherwise he would have definitely recorded it.
The two quickly entered the players' tunnel, while Silas searched the field for the cameras that were still working, hoping to find evidence to file a complaint against him.
The halftime break ended quickly, and the second half began.
Both sides maintained their own unique rhythm, with each having a point guard to control the pace of the game.
The difference is that the Spurs' shooting percentage dropped in this quarter.
In particular, Dejounte Murray missed several shots, allowing the Rockets to launch several fast breaks.
On one occasion, Wang Xiucheng once again performed a windmill dunk from half a step off the free-throw line.
Duncan's hands were itching to try it, and he almost swung it again on the spot.
The game quickly moved into the second half of the fourth quarter.
The score remained close throughout.
The Spurs are not a tanking team, at least not this season.
But apart from Dejounte Murray, the Spurs don't really have many other notable players.
After the retirement of players like Duncan, Ginobili, and Tony Parker, the Spurs have been searching for one, or a group of, players who can lead the Spurs back to their peak.
But obviously we haven't encountered it yet.
Even with Dejounte Murray, Popovich wasn't entirely satisfied with him.
The game quickly came to a close with just one minute remaining.
The score is tied at 124-124.
With 25 seconds left on the clock, Dejounte Murray took a three-pointer after a screen.
But the basketball didn't go in.
Neither Shen Jing nor Poeltl managed to grab the rebound; the ball was picked up by Jalen Green.
Wang Xiucheng immediately accelerated towards the frontcourt, taking away both speedy defenders, including Dejonte Murray.
Then Wang Xiucheng stood in the bottom corner with his hands on his hips.
Green slowly dribbled the ball forward, keeping an eye on the time and also watching Wang Xiucheng.
With 7 seconds left, Shen Jing set a screen for Green, giving him some space, but Green didn't shoot a three-pointer.
He has attempted six three-pointers in this game, and hasn't made a single one.
Wang Xiucheng passed the ball to him three times, but it didn't go in.
Green knows he doesn't have the dribbling skills for three-pointers, so he shouldn't try to be reckless in this crucial moment.
At this moment, Wang Xiucheng suddenly rushed towards the inside, and Dejongtai Murray followed Wang Xiucheng. However, Wang Xiucheng suddenly braked and turned towards the outside.
Jalen Green's basketball was passed to him just in time.
Wang Xiucheng received the ball and immediately sprinted towards his heart.
At this point, one two-pointer is enough.
Dejongtai Murray was aware of this as well, which is why he had been keeping a close eye on Wang Xiucheng's breakthrough.
He, the gambling king, will take the last shot himself.
Wang Xiucheng did indeed come on his own, but it wasn't a two-point shot.
Wang Xiucheng, who was rushing forward, suddenly pulled back between his legs, took a step back, and then gathered the ball to shoot.
Dejonte Murray quickly stopped and jumped up.
He knew Wang Xiucheng was quick, so he jumped up immediately without adjusting.
But unexpectedly, Wang Xiucheng did not attempt a single-shot shot this time.
Even when Wang Xiucheng reached the highest point, he didn't shoot.
Instead, Wang Xiucheng waited until Dejongtai Murray reached his highest point before extending his arm and throwing the basketball.
Furthermore, Wang Xiucheng's wrist came into contact with Dejongtai Murray's fingers.
Swish!
Goal!
The "Guaranteed Three-Point Shot Card" is now active!
beep!
The referee blew the whistle.
Dejounte Murray flicked his wrist, committing a foul.
Wang Xiucheng needs to receive an additional penalty.
Before Dejounte Murray could even react and complain, Popovich had already pressed the challenge button.
Since we're going to call a timeout anyway, we might as well take this challenge home if we don't use it now.
With two seconds left on the clock, Popovich took the whiteboard from his assistant coach and drew a few dots.
Then, after the players were all seated, a three-point shot tactic was devised.
Two-point shots are completely useless for the team.
Only if the Spurs make the three-pointer can they force the game into overtime.
After reviewing the video, the referee made his final decision, upholding the original ruling: Dejonte Murray committed a foul, and Wang Xiucheng was awarded a penalty.
"Hey kid, dare you miss the penalty?" Popovich shouted at Wang Xiucheng.
Wang Xiucheng smiled and shook his head, walked to the free throw line, and then took the basketball that the referee threw to him.
He twirled it in his hand, mumbled something, and then threw it out.
Swish!
The ball goes in.
The Rockets are leading by 4 points.
The Spurs called another timeout, which was their last.
The tactics had already been arranged; the purpose of this timeout was to allow the team to inbound the ball from the center line.
After a 20-second timeout, the Spurs inbounded the ball. Dejounte Murray received the ball, dribbled only one step, and then shot.
Bang!
The basketball hit the rim.
beep!
The referee blew the final whistle.
The Rockets defeated the Spurs, who are vying for a playoff spot, on the road.
Popovich simply shook his head and then shook hands with Silas.
Popovich didn't stay on the court for long; he quickly left the court and entered the players' tunnel. At the last moment, he glanced at a spot on the sidelines.
The person immediately stood up and left their seat.
Wang Xiucheng shook hands with each of the Spurs players, and then bumped fists with each of the Rockets players, as a way of celebrating the victory.
A few minutes later, in the conference room next to the Spurs' locker room.
Popovich is inside with team manager Buford.
“Buford, you have two things to do this summer.” Popovich opened a bottle of water and took a sip.
"First, the team is going to do a major overhaul this summer, preparing to rebuild and tank, and then acquire Wernbane Yamaz next year. So we're selling everything we can in exchange for future draft picks, including Dejounte Murray."
"Secondly, I need 1500 million yuan worth of space in the summer."