novelraw Chapter 749 Paul Defeated, Genius Crushed!
Chapter 749 Paul Defeated, Genius Crushed!
In the second quarter, Lin Tian only played for 6 minutes, and those 6 minutes were arguably the most painful and darkest 6 minutes of Paul's career.
Within six minutes, Lin Tian had almost completely shattered Paul's confidence and courage.
Within 6 minutes, Lin Tian took 9 shots, accounting for almost all of the Knicks' shots in that half-quarter.
These nine shots resulted in seven successful shots and 18 points for Lin Tian.
他6分钟内9投7中，3分球1投1中、罚球3罚全中，狂轰18分！
Lin Tian's six-minute mad dash successfully helped the Knicks turn the tide!
Before he entered the game, the Warriors were on a rampage, not only taking the lead but also silencing the entire Madison Square Garden.
After Lin Tian entered the game, the Knicks not only went on a scoring spree to take the lead, but also reignited the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden!
As Lin Tian scored each goal, the fans roared and howled in unison.
We waited all summer, and finally our mayor is back!
What's even more astonishing is the way Lin Tian scored those goals.
He didn't use brute force at all; he didn't even use his height advantage to bully Paul.
Every single ball is pure skill!
Lin Tian used Paul's greatest skill, his most confident asset, and his livelihood to utterly defeat him.
Paul was truly powerless to fight back!
If it were the old Lin Tian, he would always use brute force to score against small guards or those with mediocre physical abilities like Paul, Nash, and Iverson, using the simplest, most direct, and most bullying methods.
It's a pure physical overwhelming force.
This style of play is very satisfying and makes it easy for opponents to break through their defenses.
For example, Nash in last season's Finals, and Iverson, who was repeatedly outplayed by Lin Tian over the past few years...
But tonight, Lin Tian wasn't so straightforward.
He used pure technology.
This approach is even more disheartening when facing a technically skilled player like Paul.
In comparison, if Lin Tian used his height, wingspan, and strength to fight Paul, even if he could still achieve such exaggerated output and efficiency, Paul would have an excuse to make.
"You're just a little taller than me, right? If I were 193cm, I'd guard you to death!"
"So what if you're bigger than me? If I were any taller or heavier, you wouldn't even be able to sit here!"
Just as Lin Tian said before: I talk trash to protect your self-esteem and give you an excuse to get beaten up by me because you're not capable enough.
"I just don't have Lin Tian's sharp tongue. I can beat him to death if he shuts up."
But once Lin Tian stops speaking, this excuse no longer holds true.
This time is no different.
When Lin Tian abandoned his strength and physical style of play and used his footwork, skills, feints, rhythm, and unstoppable shooting to relentlessly dominate Paul, Paul truly had no excuses left.
He could only accept the fact that he was far inferior to Lin Tian and had been completely defeated by him.
After all, these are things that Paul is best at.
Yes, Lin Tian chose to attack from behind several times, but he never managed to break through with brute force even once.
Every time, he was able to rely on the parts that Paul was best at and most proud of, making Paul look terrible and defenseless.
Even setting aside his strength and height advantage, Lin Tian barely relied on his speed to beat Paul!
He didn't even leave Paul with the final excuse, "Aren't you just naturally fast?"
They really beat Paul to a pulp.
Lin Tian's nine shot attempts, plus one foul that earned him two free throws, were all taken after he had completely shaken off Paul!
Every time, Paul had no chance of stopping Lin Tian.
Or rather, every single time, Paul and his teammates had absolutely no chance of stopping Lin Tian.
They were completely crushed!
No matter whether Lin Tian took a mid-range shot, a layup, or a three-pointer, no matter what offensive method he chose, the Warriors players were powerless to stop him!
Of course, the Warriors weren't completely unresponsive or unaffected either.
In the final two minutes of the second quarter, when Lin Tian made his last three individual attacks, the Warriors opted for double-team defense. They double-teamed him early, hoping to use the pressure of two players to stifle Lin Tian's individual offense.
But clearly, such changes are futile against the madness.
In three offensive possessions, Lin Tian once used a series of fancy dribbles to trick Paul and Jackson into colliding with each other, while he himself took two steps back, pulled up for a three-pointer, and scored three points.
Then, before the double team could form, he suddenly accelerated and changed direction, passing directly between the two defenders, and made a difficult floater in the mid-range!
In the final attack, facing the Warriors' third consecutive double-team, Lin Tian suddenly changed his offensive strategy.
He passed the ball to Anthony, then made a reverse cut, suddenly turned and accelerated to cut to the basket, and then got the ball near the free throw line.
At this moment, both Paul and Jackson, who were helping on defense, were completely stunned by Lin Tian.
They never expected that Lin Tian would suddenly pull off a one-two pass from football, combining it with his counter-running skills and absolute speed, breaking through the Warriors' entire defense in one step.
Once the most difficult part is easily completed, the rest will fall into place.
Lin Tian received a pass from Anthony, drove towards the basket, raised the ball high with one arm, and then slammed it into the hoop with all his might!
After that goal, the first half of the game officially ended, and Lin Tian completed his crazy performance in the first half.
Meanwhile, the Knicks went from being pressured and forced to close the gap when Lin Tian was absent, to being overtaken and pulled away, to chasing down the entire Warriors team and easily regaining the lead!
And it's a double-digit lead!
47: 58!
After Lin Tian's buzzer-beating dunk, the Knicks successfully built a double-digit lead in the first half!
Both fans and players were in high spirits and extremely excited.
Of course, it wasn't just because the Knicks came back from behind to win, nor was it just because Lin Tian scored 18 points in just half a quarter.
New York fans and players have long been spoiled; this level of scoring performance and comeback is nothing to them, and it doesn't even qualify as a "scorching" or "blitzkrieg" performance.
They've seen too much.
But this time is different.
This time, Lin Tian's 18 points were incredibly entertaining!
Every single one of those 18 points could be included in a top 10 play list or a textbook example of one-on-one play by perimeter players!
From the perspective of players and professionals, these shots were all about technique, detail, and skill.
To fans and amateur enthusiasts alike, each goal was more dazzling, more exciting, and more spectacular than the last!
Especially given that Lin Tian's playing style has become increasingly simple and unpretentious in recent years, and he has become less interested in showing off his fancy skills and techniques, always using a purer, simpler, and more efficient way to attack, Lin Tian's performance in this half-quarter was even more exciting for the fans.
It's been so long since I've seen Lin Tian like this!
It is true that things are valued because they are rare.
While everyone else was excited and celebrating, Lin Tian remained calm, or rather, remained cold and arrogant.
"So, Chris, do you get what I mean? I talk trash just as a hobby, not to attack you guys."
"I always beat you little dwarfs with my body because I can't bear to use the things you're good at to smash you to pieces."
"I have absolutely no interest in destroying a rising star guard."
"You could have been just another ordinary person, easily crushed by me, becoming who knows how many casualties and background figures I've been on my career list." Lin Tian shrugged casually, "But you chose the most difficult path. I've always enjoyed helping others achieve their dreams!"
"You're talking nonsense!"
Although not many people heard Lin Tian's trash talk, there were still a few people besides Paul.
For example, the Knicks legends in the front row of Madison Square Garden clearly heard Lin Tian's words, and these old bastards almost unanimously condemned Lin Tian's remarks.
You're helping others achieve their dreams? How many times have you beaten up your buddies? How many times have you ruined their championship dreams?
When have you ever fulfilled our dreams?
Lin Tian wasn't going to tolerate these guys. He turned to Ewing and said, "Who was it that knelt on the ground and called me back then, begging me to throw a game against the Heat so you could face them in the first round of the playoffs?"
"You say this is the last dream of your career? Have I achieved it? Have I fulfilled your dream?"
"As for the other old guys," Lin Tian looked at Frazier, Monroe, and Li De, and gave them a thumbs-down, saying, "I don't owe you bastards anything! If you don't win the championship, it's your own fault, it has nothing to do with me."
"And what about what you owe me, Lin! How are you going to repay what you owe me here?!"
The cursing made Lin Tian shudder. If the owner of the voice hadn't been a short, thin, and dark-skinned guy, Lin Tian would have really thought it was the Hilton or Olsen sisters coming to collect a debt. If it really was one of them, Lin Tian wouldn't have been able to do anything about it.
What could he do? Give each of them a child back?
Just thinking about it is terrifying!
What pink hell, what a pink paradise!
Mr. Lin certainly doesn't want to meet the Creator at the age of 38.
Fortunately, it wasn't one of those people.
The person who said that was Spike Lee.
"How many times have you been able to put up historic numbers but gave up and chose to leave the game early to rest? How many times have you ignored the fans' demands and enthusiasm, letting go of great opportunities to set records?"
Do you know how many people's dreams you've shattered?
"How dare you talk to me, Spike? You old bastard, how dare you even speak to me?"
"Come on, tell me who the father of reality TV is? Hmm, it seems like it's me?... But you're at least a stepfather to reality TV!"
"Also, you dream of the Knicks successfully defending their title, creating a dynasty, and becoming a top powerhouse."
"Have the Knicks defended their title? Have they become a dynasty?"
"Come on, tell me loudly, what basketball-related dreams do you still haven't fulfilled! Speak louder, I can't fucking hear you!"
Spike Lee also fell silent.
At this moment, Lin Tian was punching legends and kicking fans, he was so domineering and unrestrained!
Ok.
and many more?
It seems like something important is missing?
Lin Tian thought for a long time but couldn't remember.
If I can't remember, then never mind.
If you can't remember, it proves that it wasn't anything important.
After giving the troublemakers in the front row another domineering glance, Lin Tian walked back to the locker room triumphantly.
Paul was left standing there, bewildered, seemingly unsure of what to do.
Yes, Paul, whom Lin Tian had completely forgotten.
After being brutally beaten and bombarded with trash talk by Lin Tian, this unfortunate guy had just come up with a tiny bit of retort and was about to open his mouth to exchange a few words.
But when he looked up, all he could see was the back of Lin Tian's head.
Then he saw Lin Tian and a group of people exchange insults for a while, then Lin Tian didn't even glance at him and just swaggered away.
just leave?
I'm still here, you idiot! I haven't lost yet! It's only the first half of the game! How dare you ignore me?
Lin Tian: I swear, I didn't ignore you on purpose. I was just too happy and completely forgot about you.
There's a chance, there's a chance, Paul, you definitely have a chance to get your revenge.
Yeah, I think so!
Oh, and speaking of which, another thing that everyone has forgotten is Paul's performance.
Before Lin Tian came on to target him, he absolutely displayed the style and composure of the league's future top point guard.
Unfortunately, the current number one team in the league is not only unstable, but also incredibly reckless!
Lin Tian not only completely dominated Paul on offense, but also played an incredible level on defense.
In 6 minutes, Lin Tian forced Paul to go 0-for-4 from the field and score no points, while also committing 2 turnovers and only providing one assist!
His own offense was completely shut down and he couldn't get anything out of the game, and on the defensive end, he was brutally beaten by Lin Tian in the most humiliating way.
From any perspective, Paul was thoroughly beaten and humiliated by Lin Tian.
The more serious problem is not that the Warriors are now behind again, nor is it that Lin Tian is in top form.
The Warriors' biggest problem right now is Paul's mentality.
He doesn't feel frustrated right now.
It wasn't anger.
It's not something like shame or pain.
He feels fear and helplessness right now!
Like the scientists in The Three-Body Problem who discovered the physical apocalypse, he also discovered something completely beyond his own comprehension.
A colossal gap in strength! An insurmountable gap in talent.
Paul once thought that if he worked a little harder and took another step forward, he could catch up with Lin Tian.
But now he suddenly realizes that he may still be only one step away from Lin Tian, but that step is even more difficult than Armstrong's step to the moon!
After all, Armstrong had the technological support of an entire nation behind him!
Paul, however, only had himself.
You can't catch up, you'll never catch up, you'll never be able to defeat him!
This idea was like a steel stamp, firmly nailed to Paul's mind.
If Paul can't overcome this mental block, his future career will likely become unremarkable.
……
In the second half, the two teams switched sides and started the game.
Lin Tian looked at Paul with a smile, still not saying anything trash to him.
You chose it yourself!
Anyway, Lin Tian felt that Paul should be grateful.
I'm glad I offended Lin Tian during the regular season and not in the playoffs.
Otherwise, Paul would have gained a brand new, everlasting nickname.
At the start of the second half, Paul was clearly unable to overcome his mental block and his fear of Lin Tian.
Lin Tian's tactics in the first half completely shattered his confidence.
Paul lost all his courage in the second half.
He became hesitant and lost all aggression when facing Lin Tian. Lin Tian's suppression of him in the last minutes of the first half was truly cruel.
Pick and roll, pick and roll, whenever Paul sees Lin Tian, his first reaction is to look for a pick and roll. Every time he attacks, he tries his best to get Lin Tian away from him. If one pick and roll doesn't work, he'll use two. If two don't work, he'll use four. If four don't work, he'll commit a 24-second violation.
Yes, with Paul's obvious fear and lack of confidence, the Warriors' offensive system became quite bad. Their pace was so slow that it was like playing old men's basketball. Their tactics couldn't be executed, and their system was no longer mature and rigorous.
The Warriors players are always running, looking for opportunities, and using pick-and-rolls to find the best moment.
In reality, when Paul hesitates and is unable to break through the first layer of defense, the other players' movement and efforts seem to be in vain.
After all, the only core and true foundation of the Warriors' starting lineup and their system is Paul's penetration.
If Paul cannot break down the defense and change the opponent's defensive system, then the Warriors' offense will not be able to work, and they will fall into stagnation and serious difficulties.
In the first half of the third quarter, the Warriors' offense completely collapsed. They not only had a terrible rhythm and an extremely low shooting percentage, but they also committed three basic mistakes, such as 24-second violations!
Three times! Half a quarter! And against the Knicks!
That was the Knicks' defense! It was defense that was practically nonexistent.
To put it another way, even if the Beixiaguan Elementary School girls' basketball team were to face the Knicks, they wouldn't have committed three 24-second violations in just half a quarter!
Anyway, the Warriors got completely destroyed.
They weren't trailing by much in the first half, but with 6 minutes left in the third quarter, they were down by 21 points!
This was despite Aldridge's explosive performance in the third quarter, during which he hit several incredible shots.
If it weren't for his outburst, the Warriors would be down by at least 30 points right now!
As for the current situation, how should I put it?
Lin Tian and the Knicks players and fans are excited!
In the opening game, the night the championship banner was raised, they once again gained an absolute lead, and it looked like another big win was on the horizon.
Delicious.
The Warriors' fans and players were naturally shrouded in gloom, their faces expressionless, filled with doubt and confusion.
Full of ambition this season, they were utterly defeated on opening night, leaving them questioning their existence.
Meanwhile, back in Charlotte, fans there were also furious.
Aldridge had already racked up a massive double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds halfway through the third quarter tonight, becoming the Warriors' pillar of strength. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he single-handedly kept the game in the game's slim suspense!
What does 27 points and 11 rebounds mean?
Since the All-Star break last season, Aldridge has played a total of 14 games, totaling 58 minutes, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, with a field goal percentage of less than 40%.
Although the Bobcats' regular season hasn't started yet, their eight preseason games have already concluded.
球队重金换回、去年表现惊艳的泰勒斯·托马斯8场季前赛之中7场首发，上场时间从33分钟、30分钟一路快速下滑，最后两场比赛分别是首发出场15分钟以及替补出场9分钟。
His stats dropped from 5 points and 7 rebounds in the first game to 0 points and 2 rebounds in the last game.
Clearly, Brown has once again fallen into his habit of disliking and not using young people.
Whether it's Aldridge or Thomas, if they don't like it, they'd better sit still.
Developing new talent? Unless Jordan trades away all the power forwards on the team, Brown won't have any patience for anyone.
But whether Thomas was truly a bust or Brown's development methods were flawed.
In short, Charlotte fans are starting to lose patience.
This applies to Jordan, Brown, and the team as well.
As for Lin Tian, if he knew that his actions had directly put Jordan in such an awkward and terrible situation, he would be quite happy.
He would even cheer Aldridge on, telling him to play well. (End of Chapter)