novelODS Chapter 75: The whole of America is shocked, and there's a huge chorus of praise after the game
Chapter 75: The whole of America is shocked, and there's a huge chorus of praise after the game
Data statistics from both sides:
火箭这边，姚明32分12篮板4助攻3封盖，斯科拉15分6篮板，麦迪拿到24分6篮板5助攻，阿泰斯特14分4篮板3助攻2抢断，阿尔斯通8分3助攻1篮板。
The Rockets displayed terrifying dominance in half-court sets. As long as Yao Ming received the ball in the paint, the Thunder were at a significant disadvantage. Several of the Thunder's blue-collar big men suffered against Yao Ming. However, the Thunder overwhelmed Alston and McGrady's poor perimeter defense, which was the root cause of their loss.
Thunder's stats:
曾振42分11助攻6篮板3抢断2封盖3失误，杜兰特31分7篮板5助攻4失误，威斯布鲁克15分6助攻8篮板5失误。
Apart from three players, no one else scored in double figures, making the Thunder's scoring somewhat extreme.
Of course, Zeng Zhen was the best performer among the three. He dominated the overtime game with a near-perfect individual performance, leaving a deep impression on the citizens of Oklahoma.
Thunder fans felt today's ticket price was well worth it, as they witnessed the performance of the Thunder's rising star.
Tonight, Zeng Zhen, Durant, and Westbrook all showcased their unique characteristics and talents.
Zeng Zhen's all-around control of the game, Durant's one-on-one skills, and Westbrook's fighting spirit and athletic talent.
All of this fills people with anticipation.
After the game, everyone celebrated, and Zeng Zhen went over to have a brief chat with Yao Ming.
"Brother Yao, are you in a hurry to get back? I'll treat you to a late-night snack later."
"I'm not in the mood. Maybe next time. I'll treat you when we go to Houston."
Yao Ming was very frustrated. He thought he could win the game in overtime, but he ran into Zeng Zhen's explosive moment.
Zeng Zhen's personal relationship with Yao Ming is not as close as the outside world says. After all, there is a big age gap between them and they don't have much in common. Their relationship is more like that of teammates on the national team.
Of course, domestic media like to portray the two as friends, and fans are also keen to discuss their relationship, but they won't deliberately point out these opinions.
"Zeng, you'll be an All-Star player in the future," McGrady told Zeng Zhen.
"I'm in this league this season," Zeng Zhen said confidently.
"It seems that not every Chinese person is as humble as Yao Ming." McGrady sensed a different style of Chinese players from Zeng Zhen.
.....
After greeting his opponents, Zeng Zhen went to the players' tunnel to sign autographs for the fans. After signing, Zeng Zhen walked back to the locker room, where the door was open, meaning that reporters could come in for interviews.
Almost every teammate and staff member Zeng Zhen encountered smiled at him.
"Zeng, I knew it. You'd dominate the game. You know why I treat you differently than Russell? This is why. Keep it up, you'll do even better." Collison gave Zeng Zhen a high-five and a hug.
"Knick, I heard you, Fuck, don't look down on me, I scored in double digits today too," Westbrook said angrily.
"Stop talking nonsense, Russell. As a rookie, you're here to carry my luggage!!!!"
Zeng Zhen sat back down in front of his cabinet, watching Westbrook and Collison playfully fighting.
Zeng Zhengang picked up a towel to wipe his sweat, and then the reporters all came in.
"Click click click!!"
Zeng Zhen was quickly surrounded by reporters, including Su Qun.
"Ah Zhen, Ah Zhen!"
Upon hearing the familiar Mandarin, Zeng Zhen quickly called out with a smile, "Speak Mandarin, otherwise I won't answer the question."
Su Qun was very excited: "Okay, Zhen, congratulations on winning tonight's game. I'd like to ask you, how do you feel about getting a double-double of 42 points and 11 assists in your debut?"
Zeng Zhen said earnestly, "I've been thinking about how to help the team win, and I don't really care about the statistics. So I'm naturally very happy to win now."
Su Qun asked, "You had a lot of one-on-one offensive plays on the court. Was that arranged by the coach?"
Zeng Zhen laughed and said, "No, if I see an opportunity, I'll attack. No matter what the tactics are, the ultimate goal is to get the ball into the basket."
Su Qun greatly admired Zeng Zhen. It was obvious that Carlesimo hadn't given Zeng Zhen many specific tactics, but Zeng Zhen didn't blindly follow rigid tactics. Instead, he was very flexible and adapted to the situation on the field. In the end, he still helped the team win in his own way.
Then came a series of questions from other reporters.
"Zeng, how would you rate your NBA debut?"
I'd give it a 9 out of 10.
"Zeng, what was the motivating effect of scoring 15 points in overtime on you?"
"This lets me know how far my energy is capable of going."
"Did you feel pressured facing Tracy and Ron's defense?"
"Yes, their defense is very strong. They are all very experienced opponents who know what I want to do. I've come up with many ways to break through their defense."
"Zeng, what's your opinion of your teammate Kevin Durant?"
"KD is an outstanding scorer, and his one-on-one efficiency is extremely high."
罗斯在公牛的首秀，首发出战 32分钟，11分4篮板9助攻3抢断4失误，投篮7中4，公牛 108-95获胜。
而比斯利在热火的首秀则是替补出战19分钟，9分4篮板1盖帽，投篮7中4，热火 96-106告负.
而梅奥的首秀首发出战38分钟，10分4篮板4助攻1抢断，投篮11中4，三分4中2，灰熊 71-82失利。
Compared to the top three picks in the draft, Zeng Zhen's 42 points, 11 assists, and 15 points in overtime made for an extremely explosive debut.
Even compared to the greatest players in history, such statistical performance is extremely rare in NBA history.
Throughout the locker room, Zeng Zhen's side was under a lot of flashing lights, and there were significantly more reporters than people, with most media outlets wanting to interview him.
This made Durant, who was standing next to him, seem a little distracted when answering reporters' questions: "You mean Zeng? His dunks are great."
"Dunk? I'm asking about his three-point shooting."
"Oh, sorry, his three-point shooting is great."
.......
"I believe I'm a strong contender for Rookie of the Year," Westbrook confidently told the only reporter beside him.
However, not all voices praised Zeng Zhen, as seen at the post-match press conference.
Carlesimo made a statement that seemed to be both praise and criticism: "Zeng is a rough diamond. I like Zeng's individual ability and talent, but I don't like how he sometimes doesn't play according to the tactics on the field. He needs to understand the true responsibilities of a playmaker, which will help the team go further."
When pressed further by reporters, "Will Zeng start in the next game?", the question remained: "..."
Carlesimo smiled and said, "Don't rush things. We have a plan. He's still a rookie and needs more experience so that he can shine brightest in the future."
Carlesimo hoped Zeng Zhen would become a traditional point guard like Kidd, and he found that Zeng Zhen possessed that kind of playmaking talent, especially in fast breaks.
"He scored 15 points in overtime, that was amazing. My kids and I are his fans. His offense and playmaking are outstanding."
"I love Zeng, and I hope he can have dinner with my girlfriend!!"
"He was the future of OKC, he was amazing."
"They once led OKC to a championship with KD!!"
Reporters randomly interviewed Thunder fans at the Ford Center, and these fans were all very excited.
Today was not only Zeng Zhen and Westbrook's debut, but also the Thunder's first game in Oklahoma City. The overtime victory allowed the local fans to experience the charm of the NBA.