NBA: Goat is actually me

Chapter 111 Who would have thought that Meng Jin would have this day?
The Bulls were upset!
In the first game of the series, the Bulls defeated the Celtics 116-107.

This result surprised everyone. Before the series started, the outside world predicted that the Bulls would win 1 to 2 games, but after they returned to their home court, no one thought they would be able to snatch a victory in Boston!
"Red" Auerbach did not accept the interview because he was afraid that he would burst into swear words and say something that would be detrimental to unity.

Auerbach went to the locker room immediately after the game because he felt that these players needed a little encouragement.

The "Cardinal" had a dark face and gave all the players a severe scolding.

No matter whether you are a three-time regular season MVP or a future Hall of Fame player, under the scolding of "Red" Auerbach, these Celtics players behaved like children who had made mistakes.

"Softies! You are all a bunch of softies! Didn't your mothers teach you to fight back when you are bullied outside? Look at your damn performance! The Bulls are just about to shit on your heads! Why don't you push them? Why don't you pull them down from the air? Why don't you punch them in the waist when you are trying to position yourself? Where is our glorious tradition? What do you think we really rely on to win? What do you think we relied on to beat the Lakers? Skills? Tactics? No! It's ferocity! The desire for victory! These are exactly what you lacked tonight!"

"Red" Auerbach turned into a fire-breathing dragon, spewing his anger towards every corner of the locker room.

There was a group of reporters gathered outside the door. Although they couldn't get in, they could still get a general idea of ​​what was going on. These were all valuable news materials!

凯尔特人众将此时的内心想法：孟进和乔丹今晚他妈合砍了80分15篮板14助攻6抢断4盖帽，这他怎么防？
With both of them in full swing, the Celtics players could not think of any other way to stop them except hiring someone to kill them.

孟进今晚砍下全场最高的44分并且有8篮板2助攻2抢断2盖帽入账。

乔丹全场36分12助攻7篮板4抢断2盖帽。

The performance in the first quarter was a microcosm of the two players' performance throughout the entire game. Tonight, they both surpassed God.

These Celtics players kept silent when being scolded. Who dared to talk back in front of Auerbach?

Even head coach KC Jones is a disciple of Auerbach.

After scolding the players, Auerbach turned around and taught KC Jones a lesson. One incompetent general can exhaust the entire army. The head coach must be responsible for the Celtics playing so softly tonight.

After taking a shower, Meng Jin walked into the press conference, where reporters from major radio stations were waiting for him.

"Congratulations, Meng, congratulations on winning this game. It is not an easy task to win Game 1 in the devilish home court of TD Garden. Tell us about your feelings now." The ESPN reporter asked the first question.

Meng Jin adjusted the microphone in front of him expressionlessly: "The signs in the hands of Celtics fans may need to be redone."

After Meng Jin finished speaking, joyful laughter was heard at the scene.

Before the game started, many Celtics fans made signs that said "Sweep the Bulls", but after the first game these signs became a joke.

"Larry Bird said before the game that he would finish you off in four games. What do you want to say to him now?" The CBS reporter showed an expression of watching the fun and not afraid of trouble.

"This isn't the first time he failed to show off in front of me. This will happen frequently in the future. Just get used to it."

Meng Jin was in high spirits because he knew that this night belonged to him.

The reporters below looked at each other and smiled. Wow, you managed to pretend to be something that Bird failed to pretend to be.

The next day, the news that the Bulls won Game 1 was on the front page of all major sports media. On the court, the Bulls and Celtics players were fighting, and off the court, columnists from Chicago and Boston were also fighting, a war of words.

Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune: "Two MJs combined for 80 points. If I had to give this game a headline, it would be 'The Garden is defenseless tonight.'"

Jay Marriotti of the Chicago Sun-Times: "The Celtics wanted to remove the bull's horns, but they are not good matadors. In my opinion, they are not even matadors. The end result is that the Celtics were gored by the bull. They should learn a lesson after this game. An angry bull is not so easy to mess with."

The Boston Globe: "The Celtics lost Game 1, but this is not the end of the world. On the contrary, I think this is a good thing. They will not relax in the next game. They will play with 12 points of spirit and beat the Chicago people. The good show has just begun."

Ira Berko, a writer for The New York Times, also joined in the fun, using very sharp words in his article: "The sweep slogans and slogans shouted by the Celtics before the start of the game became a joke the moment the final whistle blew, regardless of whether they could win this round of the playoffs in the end."

After the season ended, Reggie Miller returned to his home in Los Angeles. He watched Game 1 between the Bulls and the Celtics with his parents and sister. When he saw Meng Jin running wildly and leading the team to victory, Reggie Miller felt no excitement, no happiness, and no sense of revenge. There was only one emotion in his body, and that was a sense of urgency.

As a rookie in the same class, Meng Jin has been able to score 40+ in the playoffs and has defeated the dynasty Celtics. Reggie Miller feels that the gap between the two is widening, and as he is extremely competitive, he will not allow this to happen.

Reggie Miller ran to the backyard to practice basketball with great enthusiasm. While shooting, Reggie Miller imagined that he was in a playoff game, that the game was at a life-and-death moment, and that he was the Pacers player responsible for the last shot.

Every time he made a shot, Reggie Miller pumped his fist and roared. About 15 minutes later, a black policeman and a white policeman found Reggie Miller and asked him to stop.

Reggie Miller was reported by surrounding residents for disturbing the public.

On May 5, Game 11 between the Bulls and Celtics started.

The intensity of this game was comparable to that of the Finals. The Bulls were in high spirits from the start, and the victory in the previous game gave them a great morale boost. The Celtics played perfectly on the offensive end and showed a ferocity on the defensive end that was not seen in G1.

"Red" Auerbach scolded the Celtics players after Game 1 and said if they continue to be so soft, the team will really be in trouble.

The two sides were tied at 24 in the first quarter.

Jordan scored 5 points and 4 assists, and Meng Jin's single-quarter stats were 9 points and 2 rebounds. This score is not low, but it is much more difficult than G1, and the hit rate also dropped a lot. In the first quarter, Meng Jin made 7 of 3 shots and 5 of 3 free throws.

During the intermission, KC Jones still felt that the Celtics did not defend Meng Jin well in the first quarter, so he asked his players to increase their efforts.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Danny Ainge overcame his fear and pulled Meng Jin down from the air.

This is a common tactic used by the Celtics, using small moves + fouls to mess with the opponent's mentality. Every time they fell behind the Lakers in the finals, they would use this tactic, and it can be said that it has been tried and tested.

In the Celtics' home court, the referees will turn a blind eye to them, and the Celtics make full use of this advantage to attack their opponents. If the opponents endure it, they can only suffer in silence, but if the opponents take action, they will be fooled.

This is also the reason why "Red" was so angry after the end of G1. He did not see the team take advantage of this advantage in the first game.

Auerbach didn't come to the scene in Game 2, he didn't even turn on the TV. He knew what the Boston thugs would do in Game 2. The "Cardinal" was so confident.

At the end of the second quarter, the Celtics opened up an 11-point lead.

Meng Jin only scored 5 points in this quarter. The Celtics' tactic tonight was to use fouls to interrupt Meng Jin's fast break rhythm. Jordan received a technical foul in the second quarter. McHale had an obvious shoulder collision after Meng Jin got the ball, but the referee turned a blind eye. Jordan exploded and rushed up to argue with the referee.

"Shit! This is a foul, can't you see? Do you need me to give you half a disability certificate, you blind referee!"

The referee on duty was Joe Crawford, who had not yet become bald at this time. He did not tolerate Jordan and directly gave him a technical foul.

A technical foul made Jordan shut up immediately. If he continued to argue, he would be asked to leave the court.

Although his mouth was closed, the fire in his chest was burning, and it was not difficult to see from his murderous eyes.

When Bird was taking technical foul free throws, KC Jones called over several outside players and asked them to focus on double-teaming Jordan in the next few minutes. He knew Jordan too well and knew that this guy would definitely vent his anger by scoring.

Sure enough, in the next few rounds, Jordan kept trying to start a one-on-one duel, but the Celtics gave him no chance. Double and triple teams followed one after another. Jordan made two very extreme mid-range shots, but as soon as he rushed to the basket, he was hit to death by the Celtics players. Jordan had not gained weight during this period, and his ability to confront in the air was limited.

"What? You only called a normal foul. My God, I can't believe my eyes. This is a flagrant foul! Absolutely a flagrant foul! Didn't you read the new rules introduced by the league?"

Doug Collins on the sidelines couldn't help but roar at Crawford.

Crawford looked at him and said, "Doug, if you do this again, I'll have to ask you to leave."

Crawford was not being merciful. There was no such word as mercy in his dictionary. Crawford just felt that the situation was getting more and more out of control, so he let Doug Collins go.

"boom!"

In the next offensive round, Meng Jin seized the opportunity and hit Larry Bird on the back with his elbow. Bird cried in pain and almost fell to his knees.

Jordan had just stood up for himself, and seeing Jordan being beaten badly, it was impossible for Meng Jin not to express any reaction.

Larry Bird turned around and gave Meng Jin a fierce look, roaring in his heart: I wasn't the one who beat the guy up, why the hell did you hit me?
Meng Jin did not hit the wrong person, he was targeting Bird. The Celtics' dirty system is not a certain person. Instead of elbowing a player who does the dirty work, it is better to target the top star directly.

Meng Jin thought his elbow was very hidden, but it still didn't escape Crawford's eyes. Crawford directly called a flagrant foul on Meng Jin.

The Bulls' rhythm was blown to pieces by the referee. Of course, winning a game is not just about dirty moves. The most important factor in determining the outcome of a game is getting the basketball into the basket.

今晚拉里-伯德手风非常顺，全场21投14中，其中三分2中1，罚球8中7，砍下34分7篮板7助攻的全能数据。

Bird is very smart. Most of his shots are taken after he catches the ball while running. He concentrates on organizing the game when he has the ball. This way of handling the ball is both energy-saving and can perfectly avoid Bird's physical shortcomings.

Bird's basketball IQ is reflected in all aspects.

The other four Celtics players also scored in double digits, and the game completely lost its suspense in the second half of the fourth quarter.

After the game entered garbage time, the Celtics' on-site commentator said: "The Celtics played a tough game. The performance of the two teams tonight made me see the difference between men and boys."

The home commentary is very biased. To put it simply, it is shameless and tries to describe dirty as tough.

95 to 110, the Celtics won G2.

After winning the game, the Celtics fans were directly angry. When the Bulls players were leaving the field through the player tunnel, the fans on both sides of the stands wanted to drown them with their saliva.

今晚孟进拿到19分11篮板2助攻，乔丹26分8助攻3篮板，这个数据不能算稀烂，但对于两人来说确实是发挥失常了。

Larry Bird said in an interview after the game: "The victory of this game is within my expectations. It is impossible for the two of them to score 80 points every night. When they can't get such a high score, the balance of victory will fall to us."

After showing off, Larry Bird walked into the player tunnel with his head held high. When he reached a place where no one could see him, he bent down and rubbed his back vigorously.

He has always had a back injury, and Meng Jin's elbow in the second quarter really hurt him badly. He played through the entire second half while enduring pain.

Bird is also a tough man, he will not expose his weakness in front of his opponents. Jordan is the same. In the locker room, Jordan lay on the ground as soon as he entered the door. Meng Jin looked at him distressedly. This small body really can't stand the ravages of the Celtics!
Meng Jin finally understood why Jordan in his previous life cried and shouted about gaining weight in the 90s. There are many advantages of not gaining weight, such as speed, flexibility, and handsome and elegant playing style, but there is only one disadvantage, but it is fatal, that is, it is easy to be beaten to death.

Meng Jin also acted very tough in the post-match interview. He did not complain about the dirty moves of the Celtics players, nor did he complain about the referee. He just left a short and powerful "See you in Chicago."

At Chicago O'Hare Airport, a large number of Bulls fans came to pick up the team. The fans were very enthusiastic. Although the team failed to escape from Boston unscathed and lost Game 2, in the eyes of the fans, the Bulls had done well enough. After all, this was the era of the Celtics.

How can fans not be excited when a rising young team snatches the home-court advantage from a dynasty team?

If someone said before the series started that the Bulls could win a game at the Celtics' home court, fans would definitely think that person was crazy, but now it has become a fact.

After the plane landed, Collins did not rest. He called an emergency meeting with the coaching staff. He planned to use some ruthless tactics in Game 3!
On May 5th, local time in the United States, the Bulls faced the Celtics in the third game of the series, which was also the Bulls' second home game in the second round.

"The enthusiasm of the fans is very high, very, very high! The Bulls' performance this year has given fans hope. Seats at the Bulls' home court are hard to come by in this round of the series. Every Chicagoan wants to see the Bulls beat the Celtics with their own eyes!" said Johnny Kerr, the Bulls' live commentator.

Jim Durham: "The Bulls in Game 1 have proven that the Celtics are not invincible. Fans are looking forward to seeing Meng and Michael fire at full power again!"

The fans in Chicago didn't just come to cheer for the team. As soon as the Celtics players entered the stadium, they were met with boos and insults.

The fans know how the Bulls players were treated in Boston, and now that they are back at home, they want to vent their anger for the Bulls players!

As soon as the game started, Korsin won the jump ball first!

Usually Korsin is at a disadvantage in the jump ball, but tonight he was full of fighting spirit and jumped particularly high.

Meng Jin rushed in without looking back. McHale saw that he wanted to use the fast break at the beginning of Game 1 again?

McHale pushed Meng Jin away.

At the same time, the referee's whistle sounded, and the scale of the penalty was very comfortable.

Meng Jin walked up to McHale and taunted him, "Do you think this is still Boston? This is my territory!"

After saying this, Meng Jin deliberately bumped McHale with his shoulder. McHale staggered back a step. He first looked at the referee and then glared at Meng Jin.

endured.

This is Chicago's territory, and those who try to be competitive will suffer.

The Bulls served the ball from the sideline, Meng Jin got the ball outside the three-point line, Jordan suddenly started and shook off Johnson, and Meng Jin hit the ground to pass the ball.

"Shh!"

Jordan threw the ball at the beginning and it went in as soon as he threw it!
Jordan was in great form tonight, with only the basket in his eyes, and scored 16 points in the first quarter!
Once Pandora's box is opened, it can no longer be defended. Throughout the first half, the sentence Jordan said most often was: "Give me the damn ball!"

At the end of the first half, the Chicago Bulls led by 54 points, 50 to 4.

Jordan was in great form, but the Celtics were also very resilient. What the Celtics feared more than a super scorer was a super team.

At the beginning of the second half, head coach Collins used a lineup that the fans could not understand. He sent out "Big Bull" Mike Brown and veteran Sparrow.

These two players did not have many opportunities to perform in the regular season, one averaging 13 minutes per game and the other averaging 9 minutes per game.

The fans couldn’t understand this scene, but Celtics head coach KC Jones did!

He quickly replaced Bird in the next dead ball, but it was too late. Bird was hit in the chest and back by elbows from "Big Bull" Mike Brown and Sparrow respectively.

Neither of them played dirty tricks, they just got in on the action.

The Celtics did not cover up anything in the game. Others beat people openly, but you used underhanded tactics, which was impolite.

After three quarters, "Big Bull" Mike Brown was fouled out and Sparrow committed four fouls.

The score after three quarters was 80 to 69, with the Bulls leading by double digits. The two players basically completed their task successfully.

Rather than attacking directly, the two's more important role is deterrence. In the third quarter, KC Jones was very cautious in using Bird, only letting him play for 6 minutes and 25 seconds, almost half a quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Bulls head coach Collins returned to the normal lineup. Putting two thugs on the court for a long time would destroy the team's offensive and defensive chemistry.

In the final quarter, Jordan used continuous screens to slide to the baseline to receive the ball from mid-range.

Meng Jin at the top of the arc quickly passed the cards over.

"Shh!"

2 points were credited to the Chicago Bulls account.

82:69.

"Michael Jordan was in hot form tonight! This was his 41st point and also Meng Jin's 8th assist! Oh my God, what happened to Meng tonight that he gave out 8 assists?" Commentator Johnny Cole shook his head and sighed.

"It was like these two guys swapped roles tonight," laughed fellow commentator Jim Durham.

Of the 8 assists Meng Jin made tonight, 5 were for Jordan. Jordan made almost 15 mid-range shots today, all of which were off-ball plays, using screens or running to get rid of the ball, and then shooting from both wings. This season Jordan has practiced the skill of catching the ball on both wings and making mid-range shots. As long as his touch is good, this kind of ball is almost unstoppable.

Meng Jin used his height to pass the ball at the top of the arc, and when he saw Jordan was open, he threw the ball to him. This type of assist was not difficult at all, just like Jordan assisting Meng Jin with a dunk in a fast break.

Looking at Jordan who was like a bug tonight, Meng Jin didn't mind being a tool. He was more eager for victory than his personal performance. When he thought of the ugly faces of Boston fans after they won the game, Meng Jin really wanted to vomit.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Larry Bird made two consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the gap to single digits.

However, this was just a last gasp for the tenacious Bostonians. In the next round, Meng Jin blocked Danny Ainge's open cut, then advanced the ball to the center circle and made an advance pass to Jordan.

Jordan said, "I understand what it means to be ahead of time. I understand everything. But what does it mean to be four body positions ahead of time?"

In order to prevent the ball from flying out of the baseline, Jordan sprinted with his tongue sticking out. The purpose of sticking out his tongue was to dissipate heat. Meng Jin's pass almost overloaded Jordan's engine.

Jordan made a successful save near the baseline, and then easily hit the rebound at the basket.

In the next round, the Celtics played smoothly and McHale missed the mid-range shot.

After missing the shot, McHale stole the ball on the spot and rushed directly towards Meng Jin.

"Beep!"

The referee blew the whistle and McHale was sent off with 6 fouls.

When chasing points, the main power forward fouled out, which was a big blow to the Celtics.

The Bulls attacked in the next round and all players took up position.

This time Meng Jin did not run to the top of the arc to pass the ball. He took a small step in the paint area to reach out for the ball.

John Paxson passed the ball in, and Meng Jin immediately turned to the front after receiving it.

McHale left the court and the player responsible for defending him became Larry Bird.

Meng Jin didn't make any unnecessary movements. After shaking, he walked directly down the line and hit the basket!

This is one of his signature moves. Although the space seems small when he walks down the line, he can effectively avoid double-teaming by opponents, unless there is someone squatting in the bottom corner of the Celtics.

Meng Jin just needs to squeeze past the defensive players and face the center.

However, Meng Jin didn't even need to squeeze in this round, because Bird's old car was so fast that Meng Jin passed him directly.

Robert Parish came to defend and Meng Jin bounced up without even bending his knees.

Robert Parish couldn't cope with this kind of speed and could only raise his elbows to protect his not-so-handsome face.

When Jordan starts shooting, Meng Jin's breakthrough space will also become larger. Once Meng Jin breaks through, Jordan will get a chance to save from the outside. The two complement each other.

In the next offensive round, Meng Jin took advantage of the Celtics' mistakes to launch a counterattack and dunked again in the fast break!
The home fans were totally excited!

The game was basically over, but Meng Jin continued to attack. His goal was not to brush up his statistics, but to scare his opponent and leave a shadow.

What Meng Jin is considering is not a game, but a series!

In the end, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Celtics at home.

The final score was 107 to 96.

Jordan scored almost half of the team's points, with a total of 50 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

Meng Jin originally thought he was just a supporting role tonight, but when he looked at the stats he only had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Is this a triple-double?
Getting a double-double is commonplace for Meng Jin, but a triple-double is the first time. Meng Jin never thought that there would be a day when he would have double-digit assists, and in the playoffs?

(End of this chapter)