NBA: Goat is actually me

Chapter 44: First show! Confrontation, awesome!
On November 11th, US time, the Chicago Bulls faced their first regular season game.

"Xiao Meng, don't be nervous, don't be nervous. This is your first time. Don't think of this as an NBA stage. Think of it as a training game. Don't feel pressured, don't feel pressured!" Before the game, Zhang Weiping chanted scriptures while helping Meng Jin relax his body.

Zhang Weiping's starting point was good, he wanted to eliminate Meng Jin's nervousness.

But the more he talked, the more Meng Jin felt that something was wrong with his emotions.

"Lao Zhang, I didn't feel anything at first, but now that you've mentioned that, I'm a little nervous."

Through this period of time together, Meng Jin and Coach Zhang became very familiar with each other, and they started to call each other Little Meng and Old Zhang.

This is typical Chinese-style consolation from Lao Zhang. It is useless and will only make people more nervous.

When Old Zhang heard this, he immediately stopped chanting and focused on helping Meng Jin relax his muscles.

Meng Jin sat in his seat. He could hear his own heartbeat, but it was not fast.

Today is Meng Jin's first show, but he is not nervous.

Because Meng Jin had a clear idea in his mind, he had made sufficient preparations.

In the past six months since the end of the NCAA finals, he has been obsessed with women and basketball. He cannot find a third thing in his life and is very self-disciplined.

In preparation for today's game, Meng Jin came to the Chicago Stadium 4 hours in advance to warm up.

From layups, shooting to dribbling, Meng Jin's warm-up preparations were very sufficient, especially in several areas where he was confident, Meng Jin also stepped up his practice.

Everyone around him could see that Meng Jin didn’t want to mess it up, he wanted to have a perfect professional debut!

During the warm-up, Barkley did not forget to tease Jordan: "Michael, your look is quite unique. Can you see the basket clearly when you shoot with one eye?"

Jordan stared at Barkley and said, "You better get out of here before I kick your fat ass."

"Here's a piece of advice for you, Michael. Remember to wear a helmet next time you play basketball."

Barkley laughed as he returned to the Sixers' warm-up half.

The fat man is laughing very happily and unrestrainedly now.

When he passed by Meng Jin, he patted Meng Jin on the shoulder and said, "Well done, keep working hard. I knew you were made for this."

Before leaving, Barkley patted Meng Jin's butt.

Meng Jin slapped his hand away: "Don't try to get close to me, we are rivals."

Barkley was not angry. He thought this kid was quite unique, then he smiled and walked away.

Jordan, who was not far away, saw this scene and felt very satisfied.

Although he didn't know what Meng Jin had just said to Barkley, he could see that Meng Jin didn't give the fat man a good look.

Jordan is not the kind of person who can chat and laugh with his opponents before the game. Given his personality, he naturally doesn't want his teammates to do that.

Meng Jin is also such a person.

As soon as you step onto the field, there are only opponents and enemies, even if it’s just warm-up.

Be harmonious?

nonexistent.

As for greetings and reminiscing about the past, we'll do it after the game, if both sides are still in the mood.

"The starting lineups for both sides are out. The starting five for the Bulls are John Paxson, Michael Jordan, Brad Sellers, Charles Oakley, and Artis Gilmore. The starting five for the 76ers are Maurice Cheeks, David Wingate, Charles Barkley, Roy Hinson, and Tim McCormick."

The game was broadcast live across the United States, and the commentator was CBS's rookie commentator Hubie Brown.

Hubie Brown is a complete rookie in the commentator position, but he is a long-established professional in the field of basketball.

He has more than 10 years of NBA coaching experience and was named NBA's best coach in the 1977-1978 season.

Joining the CBS team this year is a re-employment for laid-off workers.

His partner tonight is Tommy Heinsohn, a Boston Celtics legend.

Tommy Heinsohn has been a player and a coach, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1986.

Tommy Heinsohn: "Without a doubt, the biggest highlight of the night is the matchup between Jordan and Barkley. The two have similarities and significant differences."

Hubie Brown turned and asked, "What's the similarity?"

Tommy Heinsohn smiled: "The similarities are that they both have a strong competitive spirit, superb skills and unparalleled impact."

Hubie Brown then asked, "So what's the difference?"

Tommy Heinsohn quipped, "Barkley has a fat ass that Michael doesn't have."

"Okay, okay, this is indeed the most obvious difference between the two." Hubie Brown was doing commentary for the first time and was a little bit unable to keep up with Tommy Heinsohn's rhythm.

Tommy Heinsohn: "The 76ers have had some changes this season. Julius Irving, the fan favorite, retired."

Hubie Brown nodded: "It's a pity for the league. The fans will miss him."

Tommy Heinsohn: "Barkley played at small forward. The coach may want him to fill the void left by Dr. J. But as far as I know, he doesn't like this position. This guy is very wild. He wants to play at power forward, where he faces more intense competition."

Hubie Brown: "The Bulls also specifically put Oakley at the small forward position. That guy is also a tough guy."

Tommy Heinsohn: "The Bulls' No. 5 rookie Meng did not appear in the starting lineup this year. He had outstanding performances in the summer league and preseason. Before that, some fans thought he would appear directly on the Bulls' roster."

Tommy Heinsohn: "I think Collins' lineup is fine. Obviously, this guy still needs time to adapt to the NBA."

The two commentators talked about Meng Jin before the game. He didn't have many scenes and was just mentioned briefly.

Both the commentators and the audience felt that the protagonists of this game were Jordan and Barkley.

Soon it was time for the players to come on stage.

Jordan made the final appearance.

The moment he appeared, the decibels in the entire stadium soared. It is no exaggeration to say that 90% of the fans at the scene came for Danzi.

This feels great!
Even Meng Jin, a bystander, felt it was wonderful.

At this moment, Meng Jin secretly set a goal that sooner or later he would make the fans here cheer for him.

The loudest kind!

The game starts soon.

Both sides were slow to get into the game.

The first three attacks all ended in failure.

In the Bulls' fourth attack, Jordan got the ball and waved his hand, pulling everyone away!

Many fans at the scene whistled, they knew Jordan was going to force the shot!

Jordan suddenly started from outside the three-point line!

Change direction!

David Wingate saw Jordan in front of him one second, and the next second Jordan was already beside him.

By the time David Wingate turned around, Jordan had already rushed into the inside.

That’s right, Danzi during this period was so perverted.

David Wingate is the most suitable person on the 76ers team to defend Jordan.

After Jordan entered the inside, he faced two big guys and started doing aerial work.

First he jumped into the air, then raised the ball over his head, then brought the ball to his chest, and finally shot through the gap between two big guys.

"Shh!"

The moment the basketball went into the net, the audience cheered.

The most intuitive feeling that Jordan gives people when playing is that he is at ease, whether on the ground or in the air.

Meng Jin suddenly understood why the Pistons players always beat up Jordan. If he were standing opposite Jordan, he would also want to beat this guy to death.

The 76ers attacked, and Barkley came directly with his tank.

After attacking the inside, Barkley made a tough layup!
2:2.

The progress of the game was exactly as the commentator predicted, and it became a duel between Jordan and Barkley.

Except for Paxson, who is relatively normal, the other role players on the Bulls are terrible.

Especially center Artis Gilmore, who made many mistakes and did not play like a professional player at all.

打了将近7分钟，0分1板0助攻0抢断0盖帽3失误。

"After a long offseason, many players couldn't find their form at the beginning of the season."

"Yes, they need time to get back on track."

The two commentators also tried their best to make up for Gilmore.

Bulls head coach Collins couldn't stand it anymore.

Collins lost a lot of weight during this period due to the conflicts within the team.

The two sides reconciled on the surface, but the negative impact on Collins did not disappear.

Under tremendous pressure, Collins lost his appetite, had trouble sleeping, and suddenly looked several years older.

Collins desperately needed a win tonight.

However, Gilmore looked like he was there to cause trouble.

Collins glanced at Meng Jin and said, "Come-on!"

As soon as Meng Jin took off his coat, he knew that his debut was coming!
"Meng, you will play as power forward later. Remember the tactics, protect the rebounds, and start with defense! Show the form you showed in training!"

Meng Jin nodded: "Coach, I understand, I know what I should do!"

Collins nodded, very good and energetic.

After the dead ball, Meng Jin came on.

There was some applause at the scene. Fans still had expectations for this rookie. After all, he was the No. 5 pick, and Meng Jin had demonstrated his talent in the summer league and preseason.

"Oh hoo, oh hoo, let's see who's coming up, the Chinese boy!"

Tommy Heinsohn raised his voice. In this era, in the NBA, not to mention Chinese, even the shadow of Asians can't be seen.

The audience in front of the TV were all full of curiosity about Meng Jin.

Meng Jin stood out from the crowd as soon as he came on the court.

This difference comes from the dress.

The first request Meng made when he joined the Bulls was to change his tight shorts to loose shorts.

Those tight shorts are so disgusting. If Meng Jin plays basketball in them, he might not want to review his game videos.

The current score on the field is 12 to 13, and the Bulls are temporarily leading by 1 point.

76ers attack.

Barkley held the ball from the outside and passed it to point guard Cheeks.

Immediately afterwards, Barkley ran to the inside.

Barkley did not block for the ball, but instead stretched out his hands to ask for the ball while heading into the penalty area.

76ers point guard Cheeks threw a lob without saying a word.

This ball was passed badly.

Because Oakley has adopted half-circle defense.

Oakley is no rookie, he knows how to make Barkley uncomfortable.

It is not a wise move to send such a high ball at this time.

It is likely to be broken.

The two men jumped at the same time, and Barkley was indeed at a disadvantage at the beginning.

However, Barkley's amazing strength and bounce helped him take the initiative in the air.

Barkley bounced Oakley off. Yes, it bounced off him.

After Barkley got the ball in the air, he did not land, but completed a layup directly in the air with his back to the basket.

Basketball hits the board into the net.

14:13.

The Philadelphia 76ers took the lead by one point.

This ball shows Barkley's bounce, strength and soft touch.

After Oakley landed, he pushed Barkley unhappily.

Oakley said that this fat guy playing as a small forward is pure bullying!
Even a center might not be able to handle his physique!

Barkley pushed back as well. There was no way he could swallow this.

The referee warned them twice and the game continued.

In the 80s, there were such conflicts in every quarter of basketball games. If a technical foul was given for every pushing or shoving action, the smoothness of the game could not be guaranteed.

Chicago Bulls offensive possession.

Paxson dribbled across half court and made a tactical gesture.

Meng Jin was very focused and immediately helped Oakley with off-ball screens according to the tactical deployment.

Oakley made it to the free throw line smoothly.

This is an opportunity.

However, Paxson did not pass the ball. He chose to give the ball to Jordan on the other side.

The boss wants the ball, there’s nothing we can do.

Jordan got the ball from the wing for a three-pointer, and Meng Jin came up for a screen.

Jordan accelerated and rushed to the inside with the help of the screen!

The 76ers decisively double-teamed.

Meng Jin pulled to the free throw line at a 45-degree angle.

This is his dessert area!
It is the most accurate point in Meng Jin’s mid-range shot.

Meng Jin waved for the ball.

He had simulated mid-range shots from this position countless times during his pre-game warm-ups.

It can be said that we are full of confidence.

It can be said that everything is ready, except for the east wind.

Meng Jin stood in an open space and watched Jordan accelerate, receive the ball, start, and shoot.

Damn, where is Dongfeng?

Danzi didn't even look at Meng Jin and went straight into the inside to fight 1V4!

After an extreme dodge, Jordan missed the pull-up shot.

No matter how strong a player is, it is impossible to hit the ball 100% of the time!
After the shot, Jordan lost his balance and fell out of the baseline.

The 76ers immediately launched a counterattack!

Opportunity to defeat the majority!

After getting the ball, Cheeks drove straight in. The Bulls retreated in time, and Paxson and Oakley had already reached the penalty area.

Cheeks split the ball diagonally.

Barkley took a step forward after getting the ball!
The posture is obvious, they want to go head-to-head with Oakley!
Oakley tensed.

You are very strong, and so are my muscles.
"boom!"

After a sound of muscle collision, Oakley went straight to the baseline.

Oakley glanced at Barkley. This kid is really fierce...

After a brief pause in the air, Barkley shot off the rebound with his right hand.

Missed.

The confrontation just now also caused some interference to his stability.

Barkley took off for the second time.

After all, he is a member of the Flying Generation, and Barkley's jumping ability is also amazing.

Grab the rebound with one hand and bounce up quickly!
At this time, Meng Jin arrived on horseback.

Barkley shot under the interference of Oakley and Meng Jin at the same time.

Not yet!
In order to fight for the ball, there was a fight under the basket!
Meng Jin's shooting speed was obviously half a beat faster than theirs!

It seemed that Meng Jin’s hands were about to touch the basketball.

Barkley slammed him hard in the chest!
Snatch food from the tiger's mouth!

Get the rebound!

Meng Jin felt like his ribs were almost broken.

But this kind of ball will not be blown in this era.

It’s a reasonable confrontation!

Meng Jin did not spread his hands and complain to the referee.

He knew this was a man's game, and he enjoyed the collision of muscles!
Meng Jin jumped again!

Tim Grover's devilish training paid off at this moment. Meng Jin not only had a fast jumping speed, but also had similar heights in several jumps.

Barkley was seriously disturbed and shot hastily.

"Bang!"

Another miss!
Meng Jin jumped up and grabbed the rebound!

This time no one can keep up with his speed!

Meng Jin turned around and was about to speed up when he found that his body was very heavy, as if he had a parachute hanging on his back!
When he looked back, he saw that it was Barkley who was pulling his jersey!

Barkley seemed a little angry.

Meng Jin simply stopped rushing and followed Barkley's force to crash into him!

"boom!"

Meng Jin and Barkley fell to the ground at the same time.

People turn their backs!

Barkley felt a dull pain in his chest.

Are you so cruel, boy?
The most ridiculous thing is that Barkley, who was hit, was also called for a foul. There was nothing he could do about it because he was the one who pulled the person first.

Meng Jin only bumped into him because he was too weak and was pulled down by Barkley.

Meng Jin didn't suffer any loss at all.

As the camera turned, Meng Jin's jersey was torn.

Meng Jin also discovered it after being reminded by his teammates.

Barkley is also a ruthless guy, and he almost tore Meng Jin's jersey into a bellyband.

The equipment manager quickly brought Meng Jin a new jersey, and just like that, Meng Jin played a dress-up game under the gaze of nearly 20000 fans.

Barkley was still furious. His idea in the previous round was to grab the offensive rebound first, then score over the rookie's head, and finally make a classic taunt:
"Rookie, welcome to the NBA."

Unexpectedly, Meng Jin did not follow the script he designed.

The game continued soon.

Chicago Bulls offensive possession.

The moment Jordan got the ball at the top of the arc, he took a quick step and shook off David Wingate.

Then he passed the ball to the left in one smooth motion.

Cheeks let Paxson go to help defend.

Jordan pulled up and made a pull-up shot in the air, passing it to Paxson who was completely open outside the three-point line.

Meng Jin was stunned. This guy even had to pull the lever to pass the ball?

Paxson took an absolutely open three-pointer.

"Bang!"

Crooked!

Paxson can be said to be the Bulls' most stable three-point shooter, but his three-point shooting percentage was only about 35% last season, and he averaged less than two shots per game.

This shows how much this era dislikes people.

The moment the sound of iron was heard, there was another melee under the basket.

Meng Jin jumped up and tapped lightly while surrounded by a group of muscular men.

Tip-in shot!

The basketball bounced out of the rim.

Meng Jin jumped a second time, first pushing Barkley away with his elbow, and then made another tip-in in the air!

Still not!

The confrontation was too intense!

It seriously affected Meng Jin's shooting stability!
Every time Meng Jin moved his body it felt like being hit by a dump truck!
This is the NBA of the 80s!

Muscles flying!

The bayonet saw blood!

You want to score a goal in the basket?

Ok, no problem, but you have to shed some skin first!

There were also multiple tip-ins under the basket, but unlike Barkley in the previous round, Meng Jin completed the finish!
The third time he jumped, Meng Jin grabbed the ball directly!

Jump with both feet!

Surrounded by three people, Meng Jin completed a heavy dunk with both hands! !

"BOOM!!!"

14:15.

"GOD!"

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"

“Ohhhhhhhh!!”

The whole place exploded!!

The fans no longer knew what they were saying, and everyone was screaming instinctively!

Meng Jin himself was also very excited!

He punched the air hard!
Confrontation, cool! !
Barkley was a little confused after being dunked on, looking around and no one knew what he was thinking.

Meng Jin walked up to Barkley with a half-smile: "Hey! Charles, welcome to the new season!"

The confused Barkley became even more confused. No, you guys have already said all the lines, what can I use to show off?
I have combined the two chapters into one chapter to make it more enjoyable for everyone to read. Please give me your monthly votes! Recommendation votes! Comments! Any kind of support! Thank you!
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(End of this chapter)