The longest river

Chapter 137 Bird: "You've overestimated something."

Just like last year, the latest episode of "NBA Insider" invited a group of guests to analyze this year's playoff situation.

However, unlike last year, they did not discuss which matchup was more noteworthy.

Since the first round of the Western Conference playoffs this year is basically a foregone conclusion, the matchup between the Knicks and Pacers in the Eastern Conference, which has been going on for four consecutive years, is also a foregone conclusion.

They were discussing who was most likely to prevent Jordan from winning a second championship.

Before the topic officially began, the guests had reached a consensus that the Bulls had an 80% chance of winning their second championship.

Although the Bulls' record this season is not as good as last year, and some internal problems were revealed before the season started, they still managed to win 68 games despite Longley, Rodman, and Kukoc all missing nearly 30 games due to injury.

"My opinion may surprise you, but I think the Bulls are stronger this season with a full roster than last year."

Ernie Johnson's views were also endorsed by the other guests.

So they were discussing which team was most likely to beat the Bulls out of the remaining 20% ​​of possibilities.

Hubie Brown believes it's the Jazz, whose defensive intensity this year is comparable to the "Bad Boys" Pistons of yesteryear.

Mike Breen, on the other hand, believes it's the Rockets. Although the Rockets had ups and downs in the regular season, the playoffs are the stage for superstars.

He also analyzed the potential matchups in the West. The Rockets' potential opponent in the second round is the Lakers. Although the Lakers have O'Neal, O'Neal was once swept by Olajuwon.

The Jazz's potential second-round opponent is the SuperSonics, whose strength hasn't changed much from last year. Even if the Jazz beat them, they'll likely suffer a heavy defeat.

If the Rockets and the Bulls were to meet in the Finals, Jordan versus Olajuwon, or Jordan versus Barkley, setting aside their respective strengths, this would generate the most buzz in the NBA over the past decade.

Ernie Johnson supports the Pacers, not because the Pacers still managed 60 wins despite injuries, since several strong teams this season, except for the Jazz, have been affected by injuries to varying degrees.

He believes that, tactically speaking, the Pacers' spacing offense has the potential to defeat the Bulls' triangle offense.

He also mentioned Yang Shuai, who was the one who caused Jordan the most trouble this season.

However, Albert immediately refuted him as soon as he finished speaking.

"Do you really think that high school student can stop MJ in the playoffs? Or do you think the playoff MJ is the same player as the regular season MJ?"

Albert's retort left Johnson speechless, and the others in the studio could only laugh.

Albert then gave his preferred team: the Knicks.

An unexpected choice, yet perfectly reasonable if it were Albert.

Albert believes that the Knicks are not only strong this season, but their "active selection" in the first round also makes him see them as "championship contenders".

A true champion must have the courage to face challenges head-on.

Because Albert caused a bug last year, there were no bets on the show this year.

But after this episode aired, the matchup between the Knicks and the Pacers became a major focus.

The day before the playoffs began, the Pacers held an open practice session, and there were a large number of reporters on the sidelines.

Yang Shuai was thinking about how long it would take to get back to the locker room to rest.

Fortunately, Bird quickly helped him solve this problem.

After practice, Bird had Carlisle take everyone back to the locker room while he dealt with the reporters alone.

"Do you think the current matchup is the toughest for the team? You have to face the Knicks in the first round, the Heat in the second round, and then the Bulls."

The reporter presented Bird with an ideal scenario, but it was enough to make anyone frown just by hearing it.

If the initial health is 100%, it will drop to 80% after the first two rounds.

"This is the best matchup. The key to beating Michael is confidence. This is a matchup that can build the team's confidence."

Bird's answer was unexpected, and he seemed to genuinely teach people how to beat Jordan.

Aren't you worried about the team's physical and mental exhaustion?

When pressed for details, Bird's response was a deflection of the question.

"Consumption? I think you're overestimating something."

What was overestimated?
This obviously overestimates the trouble the Knicks and Heat can pose to the Pacers.

Bird's remarks during the interview were reported by the media the following day, instantly sparking heated discussions from the outside world.

They felt that Bird had gone too far with his boasting this time.

The Knicks have only won four fewer games than the Pacers this season, and their roster is stronger on paper. Now they're actively challenging the Pacers, and their morale is at its peak.

Bird actually said that this Knicks team wouldn't put much strain on them?
Such remarks are simply arrogant, and this underestimation of their enemy will cost them dearly.

On game night, City Square Garden was packed to capacity, with Indiana fans holding up various signs and displaying incredible enthusiasm.

It's worth mentioning that 60 wins is also the Pacers' best record in franchise history, making this the season Indiana fans are most looking forward to.

Moreover, Bird was extremely popular in Indiana. What others saw as underestimating his opponent was seen as confidence by them.

As Bird said, you have to be confident to have any chance of beating Jordan and the Bulls.

The Pacers players looked relaxed during their pre-game warm-up.

In contrast, the Knicks players on the other side looked extremely serious.

They were indignant because of Bird's words and were determined to prove something.

After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both sides were announced.

Knicks: Chris Childs, Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, Oakley, Ewing

Pacers: Mark Jackson, Miller, Young, Dale Davis, Schmitz
Ewing tipped the ball back to half-court, officially starting Game 1 of the series. The Knicks' first offensive possession was initiated by Ewing in the low post.

After a confrontation with Schmitz, Ewing turned and drove to the baseline for a layup.

This shot wasn't about fancy footwork, it was just a hard-hitting physical collision.

Every movement Ewing made, from catching the ball to turning and shooting, exuded determination.

Just as he told reporters, he wanted to get back up where he had fallen.

The Pacers started with their usual spacing tactics. Miller cut to the basket after a three-point run and a second screen from Schmitz, but after Oakley's help defense, he passed the ball to Davis.

Unfortunately, Davis's mid-range shot missed the rim.

Oakley secured the defensive rebound, and the Knicks attempted a fast break but failed to get it going.

Schmitz's positioning on the outside, just like the Trail Blazers back then, allows the Pacers to quickly retreat on defense.

Moreover, over the course of the season, Bird made some tactical improvements. For example, Yang Shuai's positioning has been changed from the baseline to a 45-degree angle, which allows him to press the ball handler immediately to stop the opponent's fast break.

Both sides switched to half-court offense, and Ewing continued his low-post attack. After drawing Miller's help defense on the strong side, he quickly passed the ball to Houston, who then hit a three-pointer from the corner.

Of all the Knicks' summer acquisitions, Houston was the biggest upgrade. His catch-and-shoot ability requires no adjustment and is extremely fast-paced, allowing him to immediately punish opponents who double-team Ewing.

Houston's goal caused a stir in the stadium.

The Knicks got off to a perfect start, down 0-5.

"The 'Big Bird' paid the price for his arrogance!"

The commentators on the sidelines were Ernie Johnson and Mave Abbott, two longtime partners, and Abbott looked quite pleased with himself.

Although we were humiliated last season, how can one be unlucky forever?
The live broadcast camera then focused on Bird on the sidelines.

With this start, Bird is likely to fail in his attempt to show off tonight and end up getting slapped in the face instead.

However, Bird seemed unusually calm.

It's hard to tell whether he's genuinely calm or just putting on an act.

Just then, cheers erupted from the Indiana fans in the stadium.

Miller, you've scored!

Using the same tactic, Miller didn't pass the ball after cutting in this time. Instead, he opted for a sudden stop and a mid-range shot, which swished through the net.

Turning back, Ewing continued to play one-on-one in the low post.

The Pacers made a change to their defense, this time with Mark Jackson collapsing from the top of the key to double-team.

Ewing passed the ball to Childs on the perimeter, but Childs' three-pointer missed the rim.

Schmitz secured the defensive rebound and quickly passed it to Jackson, who tossed the ball to Yang Shuai, who had already rushed out of the center line.

Amid cheers from the fans, Yang Shuai launched a fast break and delivered his signature tomahawk dunk.

The suppressed emotions at the scene due to the start of the game were instantly released.

Moreover, when Yang Shuai passed the Knicks' bench during his defensive retreat, he seemed to only then notice them and spoke to Starks:
"John, why are you a substitute?"

"Negative energy from John Starks +114".

This detail from Yang Shuai shows that the Pacers are indeed more relaxed this year than last year.

Moreover, after the offensive and defensive transition, the Pacers upgraded their defense, with Yang Shuai starting to double-team Ewing from the weak side.

Of the Knicks' three perimeter players, "Grandma" Johnson, who switched from power forward to small forward, has the worst three-point shooting consistency.

However, Ewing was extremely focused tonight, dodging Yang Shuai's steal and turning to hook his arm towards the baseline.

The basketball bounced off the edge of the rim.

Although Yang Shuai's steal attempt was unsuccessful, it still disrupted Ewing's offensive rhythm.

The Knicks' defensive transition was quick this time, preventing the Pacers from launching another fast break like before.

The Pacers continued to play space basketball after settling into their half-court position.

Van Gundy had already gotten up and gone to the sidelines, and the Knicks tightened their defense in response to his calls.

However, just as the Knicks' defensive focus was on Miller, Jackson suddenly flicked the ball toward the weak sideline.

Yang Shuai, who was originally positioned at the weak side 45° angle, had somehow run an off-ball pick-and-roll with Davis and was now moving towards the sideline.

The ball arrived just as quickly as the player, leaving the Knicks no time to react and help defend.

"Shh!"

As Yang Shuai sank the three-pointer, the arena instantly erupted into a frenzy.

7:5.

After falling behind 0-5 to the Knicks at the start, they immediately responded with a 7-0 run!

The camera then focused on Bird on the sidelines, who remained remarkably calm.

It was obvious that his previous composure was not feigned.

He has absolute confidence in his tactical system and the strength of this Pacers team.

(End of this chapter)