Champion Rules

Chapter 410, Page 406: Do the Knicks have two Lynches on the defensive end? (Seeking monthly votes!)
The Greeks kept their word; during his playing time, Osius Jeffers failed to score a single goal from open play.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in the G League has the same aesthetic as Victor Vincent Yamaz in his third year in the NBA.

You can hardly imagine anyone being able to break through his twisted defenses.

His physique is far beyond that of a G League player, and his athleticism is equally supermodel-like.

Aside from being technically on par with the players here, in every other respect, he simply doesn't belong here.

This is the biggest difference between him and Anthony Bennett.

Anthony Bennett, the first number one draft pick in NBA history to be sent down to the G League, has shown remarkable adaptability—he has performed remarkably well in the G League, looking no different from players who have spent years there.

Perhaps this strong adaptability is the reason why he was able to become the top scorer.

比赛结束后，全场轰下28分17个篮板6次助攻3次抢断7个封盖的希腊人走到正翘着二郎腿的林奇面前，笑着询问：“亚特兰大温度如何？”

“It must be quite hot,” Lynch shook his hand. “Congratulations on getting your plane ticket.”

And so, a jubilant Giannis Antetokounmpo, in Atlanta in January...
I was frozen stiff.

Upon arriving at his hotel, he wrapped his thin jacket tighter around himself: "It's 4 degrees Celsius outside, and you're telling me it's scorching hot?"

Lynch didn't overestimate the Greek's talent, but he probably overestimated his comprehension: "I was just using an analogy. Besides, can't you check the weather forecast yourself?"

That's because I trust you!

Lin Qizhi shook his head dismissively: "Alright kid, I'll take you to get some decent clothes later. Your clothes, even if you brought them, aren't suitable for game day. Nobody wants to arrive at the arena and walk through the player tunnel dressed like a poor construction worker. Oh, except for Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan."

"Forget it, I'll just buy some warm clothes. We're not Hollywood stars, I don't need any fancy outfits." The Greek, who had already made money but hadn't yet developed a refined demeanor, waved his hand. "Or you could lend me your thick coat."

"No, no, no, on game day, you walk through the tunnel, that's our red carpet moment. You know what? James Harden never wears the same clothes on game day. He has a lot of expensive clothes that he wears only once and then they just sit in his closet collecting dust, never to be taken out again. I don't advocate that kind of extravagance, but you at least have to look like an NBA star. Enough talk, let's go."

That afternoon, Giannis Antetokounmpo's views on money suffered a devastating blow. Lynch alone spent a whopping $12,000 on clothes for him.

The next day, Giannis got off the bus and walked through the passageway wearing clothes that were more valuable than his life.

This wasn't Giannis Antetokounmpo's first time participating in an NBA game, but it was the first time he felt like a member of the NBA.

Because of his eye-catching attire, reporters' cameras were frequently pointed at him, and the constant flashes of light made it almost impossible for him to open his eyes.

He was just walking by, a simple action, yet it attracted everyone's attention.

"Hey Giannis, now that you're back from the G League, will you stay on the roster?"

"Giannis, will you get a chance to play today?"

"You look much stronger. Is Jason's training tough?"

Some reporters took the opportunity to ask him questions, as if he were some important person.

Giannis Antetokounmpo told himself, "This is what it feels like to be an NBA star!"

To be honest, he likes this feeling.

Who can refuse to be seen as the center of the world?

Just a few years ago, near the Acropolis in Athens, the only people who would actively pay attention to him were probably immigration officers and city management staff.

Giannis Antetokounmpo even deliberately slowed down, lingering on the "red carpet time".

However, when he finally stepped into the locker room and saw his teammates busy changing and preparing for the game, the cold reality instantly pulled him back to reality.

To outsiders, he's a star. But on this championship team, in this league teeming with talent, he's just an insignificant guy.

"Hey rookie." Lynch's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting the Greek's thoughts.

"Boss?"

"What are you standing there for? Aren't you going to play?"

"sorry, I."

"Feeling pretty good just now? Want to stay in the spotlight?" Lynch seemed to see right through the Greeks' thoughts; after all, he'd been through all this before. "Then fucking fight every single round to the death!"

This is why Lynch spent so much money on him; those who have never been in the spotlight can never truly appreciate that breathtaking beauty.

Giannis Antetokounmpo walked to his locker and carefully took out the brand-new jersey with his name printed on it like a "random verification code": "I'll keep it."

Tonight's game was not easy; the Atlanta Hawks weren't just relying on Dwight Howard, the entire team was determined to beat the Knicks.

Al Horford's pursuit of Lynch was practically a life-or-death struggle; it's hard to imagine that he could still extract such boundless energy from Lynch, even with such a beautiful supermodel wife.

Joe Johnson's singles game tonight was also divinely inspired.

Dwight Howard was omnipresent on the defensive end, giving no inch to any rebound, and even grabbing a lot of offensive rebounds—Al Horford always pulled Lynch away from the paint, making it difficult for Lynch to get back under the basket and control the rebounds instantly.

Just five minutes into the game, DeAndre Jordan picked up his second foul.

He was so anxious because he kept losing rebounds that he shoved Dwight Howard while fighting for a rebound.

Dwight Howard, who was roughly pushed away, was not annoyed, but simply clapped loudly: "Well done, Mitchell, well done!"

Howard has been full of energy this season, and he doesn't feel down even when he's just playing a high-level role.

There's no other way; if you can't endure the hardship of wearing protective gear, you have to endure the hardship on the court.

The Knicks paused the game; besides devising a strategy, Mike Malone also needed to make a substitution.

DeAndre Jordan picked up two fouls early, disrupting his rotation plan. He had intended to use Festus Ezeli or Amir Johnson at center as usual, but putting them in front of Dwight Howard would be like sending them into the tiger's den, and the team might even lose control of the boards completely as a result.

Are you suggesting Lynch carry Dwight Howard? Or have Lynch go to the basket to grab rebounds?

So who should be given Al Horford, an All-Star caliber center who cannot be ignored?
In most cases, Festus Ezeli and Amir Johnson are more than enough. But the Atlanta Hawks have the best twin towers combination in the league, and whoever plays will inevitably become easy prey for the opponent. Since they're going to suffer anyway, they might as well gamble on a bigger possibility.

Mike Malone made a bold, almost reckless decision.

"Yannis!"

His shout pierced through the crowd, pointing directly at the big boy standing on the outermost edge, still immersed in his dream of becoming a star.

Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't expect to play so early, but he wasn't surprised by the coach's call-up.

Because he was always ready.

"coach."

"Do what you do in the G League, don't let Al Horford score easily, and actively help defend. I hope you can officially stay with the team from now on, I don't know if you want to or not."

The Greeks did not respond verbally.

He simply ripped off his training clothes.

The game restarted, and Dwight Howard was visibly taken aback when he saw the Knicks' rotation options.

“So, they sent you to position five to compete with me? Lynch, you’ll get crushed at position five! Or, that kid will get crushed by Al!” He pointed in Giannis’s direction.

"Alright, Dwight, stop using 'crush' all the time. Someone who's never even played in the Finals shouldn't be talking about crushing people. Besides crushing some unknown bastards, who the hell have you crushed?"

"Don't forget LeBron! I beat him in a series!"

"Oh, I almost forgot about this legend. So what? You're proud of beating him? In his words, you only beat Young James."

Warcraft's veins bulged. He had originally wanted to say there was still melon, but that was pointless now.

The game started, and neither player exchanged any more words; the Knicks took the first possession.

Despite Lynch playing center in this game, the Hawks maintained their defensive strategy. Dwight Howard anchored the paint, looking to help defend and protect the rim, without directly matching up against Lynch. Al Horford, on the other hand, was a constant shadow, sticking tightly to Lynch.

Giannis? This Greek, who had just been recalled, was now completely left empty in the bottom corner by the eagles.

Lynch didn't pass the ball to him either; both sides had complete faith in the Greek player's offensive capabilities.

The possession ended with Lynch hitting a mid-range turnaround jumper, giving the Knicks a 3-point lead.

The Hawks' offense showed just how much they ignored the Greek player, and now they're paying him just as much attention.

Al Horford stretched out his hand near the free-throw line, calling for the ball, intending to take on the rookie in front of him one-on-one.

But he soon discovered that he couldn't get the ball at all.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's dogfight-like entanglement cut off all gaps in his ability to receive the ball.

Al Horford was amazed by the Greek's talent. His strength was formidable, and his footwork was swift and precise. No matter how he struggled to break free, the "Greek wall" could always block him in the first instant, leaving no room for escape.

This is practically a poor man's version of Lynch!
Dwight Howard, watching from under the basket, grew impatient. He didn't want to wait any longer, so he raised his hand: "Give it to me!"

This was the first time in the game that he actively demanded the ball in the low post, with a clear objective: he wanted to take on Lynch himself!
Just as Dwight Howard pushed past Lynch, Jeff Teague seized the opportunity to pass the ball in.

Dwight Howard got the ball steadily and, facing Lynch's defense, didn't rush to score but first observed whether there was any help defense.

Dwight Howard is certainly aware of his shortcomings in passing the ball, so this season he will observe more carefully before making offensive decisions.

Seeing that no one was helping him defend, especially after Al Horford had pulled the tall, thin rookie to the three-point line, Dwight Howard finally felt relieved—he didn't want to be defeated by a rookie in front of everyone.

Once safety was confirmed, Warcraft acted very quickly and without hesitation.

He jerked Lynch backward, using his immense strength to briefly create space for Lynch. Then, he swiftly turned, leaped into the air, and extended his right hand, preparing to execute a close-to-the-basket layup.

But what was supposed to come came.

"boom"!
A sudden, loud explosion ripped through the air!

Behind Lin Qi, a thin, ghostly figure suddenly appeared and slapped the basketball, which was rising, away.

His height was terrifying; his head almost hit the rim.

"Giannis Antetokounmpo!" Hawks commentator Bob Rasburn uttered the tongue-twisting name with difficulty, "So high, so fast!!!"

The basketball flew out of bounds, and Dwight Howard looked at the person behind Lynch with a puzzled expression.

He was clearly outside the three-point line just now!
The last tall person who impressed him with such incredible speed was Lin Qi!

Now, the Knicks have two Lynches on the defensive end!?

Giannis's ability to read the game has improved dramatically. He knows that revealing his intention to help defend prematurely will only alert the enemy.

That's why he chose to assist in defense just as the monster was making a move, delivering this earth-shattering block.

He's already a smart defender.

Lynch gave the Greek a high five: "Well done, kid."

Giannis simply nodded calmly, his gaze already locked onto Al Horford in the distance like a hawk's, and he quickly returned to his position to continue fulfilling his defensive duties.

Then, Lin Qi's gaze returned to the magical beast.

"See that, Dwight? Besides LeBron, you're the one who gets crushed all the time."

This applies even to beginners.

(End of this chapter)