Chapter 865: Big Fatty and Boss (6K)_3

For example, the Cavaliers, in the earlier years, made a name for themselves with tougher opposition than any other team, and in ’92 they pushed the Dynasty Team Bulls to a game seven in the Eastern finals.

After they gained prominence, the referee whistles in their games were always lenient; relying on tougher confrontation and defense, until last season, the Cavaliers were still in the top four in the East.

But after transitioning through the past two seasons, as the NBA entered the era of iron and blood, the Cavaliers’ style became very—ordinary? Or perhaps ubiquitous?

Every team began emphasizing high confrontation and slow pace, leaving the Cavaliers no longer special; their record so far this new season is only ninth. Although they still present headaches in the playoffs, whether they can even make the playoffs is uncertain.

Not only did many offensive teams become sacrifices of the iron age, but strong defensive teams like the Cavaliers also became background because they grew ordinary.

Yet a new era can also create a new group of stars.

For instance, the young generation prodigy on the Timberwolves, the Lakers’ current opponent—Kevin Garnett!

A strong desire to win, tenacious spirit, resilient willpower, indomitable character… Garnett is completely born for this era, making him a leader in teammates’ minds from the late rookie season. In his sophomore year, he had already changed the Timberwolves’ spirit, a team previously known for struggling since their NBA inception!

Guglielota is the Timberwolves’ strongest player, rated 89 in ability.

Marbury is the Timberwolves’ commander, though not as dazzling as Iverson, as the third in charge, he still manages to average 14 points and 8 assists, currently receiving high praise.

But Garnett, only in his sophomore year, has already become the soul of the team.

Determined and resilient, facing O’Neal’s unstoppable offense, Guglielota and Francovic show no fear against O’Neal, resolutely executing the defensive strategy by Timberwolves’ young coach Philip Sanders, allowing Garnett to focus on restricting Zhang Hao without worries. They instead attack from the Lakers’ relatively weak defense side, successfully ending the first quarter tied with the Lakers!

The Lakers’ defense if considered poor, compared to the past two seasons, wasn’t terrible; in earlier times, it stood even stronger.

But arriving in this season, the Lakers’ defense is still in the past tense…

With an average of 103.6 points allowed per game, they rank fifth in the league in points allowed, and their defensive efficiency only ranks 18th in the league.

No playoff-level teams from either conference have a higher average points allowed than the Lakers; even the Phoenix Suns allow fewer points than the Lakers.

Among currently playoff-qualified teams, the Lakers’ defensive efficiency ranks only 14th, slightly better than the Kings and Suns.

Of course, it’s evident that the Lakers’ defense has the potential for improvement, having the conditions for it, but currently, the Lakers are in their first year of formation, still a team with such complex roster structure.

So, the Timberwolves exploited this point.

“Philip Sanders…”

Looking at the opponent’s coach, only 42 but resembling 62, Del Harris memorized the name deeply in his heart.

The Silver Fox is also a renowned coach, keenly aware of the opposing coach’s abilities.

Their Lakers haven’t suffered losses so far, as the players’ individual ability advantages are obvious.

However, with the Timberwolves’ efforts from all aspects, the Lakers couldn’t gain the upper hand after one quarter of the game.

This is directly related to the old-looking young coach opposite.

Tonight, Del Harris has reasons to be happy, as O’Neal has started playing actively since after the All-Star weekend, attacking and defending more vigorously.

Kenny Anderson’s attitude shift is taking on more responsibility proactively, which eases the pressure on Zhang Hao. Before, Zhang Hao dared to do anything while Kenny Anderson dared nothing, and when the game encountered challenges, it was up to the young Zhang Hao to lead the charge.

It’s not particularly bad, but it had put too much pressure on Zhang Hao… No wait, it’s that brat who got too many opportunities to shine, the Silver Fox was displeased.

Both changes are good.

However, there are bothersome aspects.

Watching the newly styled Er Pang…

Still in Mohawk, but the bullet head is gone, replaced by long hair; just a single strip of hair, entirely long, combed back, tied into a short ponytail at the back of the head…

A strange new hairstyle, which is fine but mainly, this fatty’s enthusiasm before the All-Star weekend has vanished! Once again showing the laziness from the early season.

Enough, Del Harris thinks, perhaps during the regular season, the Twin Fatties can only catch one…

…

After the break, Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson, and O’Neal’s trio appear on the court again, joined by Byron Scott and Jerome Kersey.

Tonight’s game isn’t very smooth, failing to gain advantage in the first quarter, but in Del Harris’ view, it’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s the regular season, even though after the All-Star weekend, for the Lakers, it’s merely preparation for the playoffs. It’s a good chance to practice the coordination of this trio.

The Timberwolves’ starting lineup returns: Marbury, Doug West, Sam Mitchell, Garnett, and Guglielota.