Chapter 84

The Wizards, this peculiar and unique team name, is a product of the specific context when the NBA was just beginning to spread in China. However, the historical atmosphere it conveys has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of many fans.

Looking at the team logo, the mascot of the Wizards should be a wizard holding a basketball, casting a spell, with magical power about to burst forth.

However, the word "wizard" has many meanings and connotations, which ultimately led to this beautiful misunderstanding in the translation of the team name.

A similar situation occurred with the Mavericks. Clearly, the logo features a horse's head, but the team is called the Mavericks, which made many old fans chuckle when they first heard the team name: Is this Maverick a knockoff of the Bulls?

Inside the MCI Center, fans are entering one after another.

On the court, players from both teams are warming up. From the upper stands, one can easily see the completely different tactical styles of the two teams.

On the 76ers' side, the standard inside-outside configuration is evident. In the paint, Webber and Chen Mu are practicing one-on-one post defense, with Webber constantly teaching Chen Mu various moves. Occasionally, he would pause to break down his back-to-the-basket techniques and explain them to Chen Mu.

On the other side, the perimeter players are practicing their specialties. Korver is hitting shots from long range with perfect accuracy. Iguodala, Salmons, and Louis Williams are making various passing and scoring combinations, using different techniques to attack the basket.

In a corner, Allen Iverson is continuously shooting from his favorite spot—the left baseline—searching for the best shooting rhythm.

This is a common scene during NBA pre-game warm-ups, with players focusing on their respective roles and practicing what they should do, everything is orderly and well-organized.

On the other side, the situation on the Wizards' half of the court is a bit confusing.

Receiving the ball beyond the three-point line, the team's core player, Gilbert Arenas, stands upright, his arms moving slightly, and his wrist flicks quickly, sending the basketball crisply into the hoop.

Receiving the ball beyond the three-point line, the team's shooting guard, Caron Butler, jumps gracefully, and the basketball arcs beautifully, accurately drilling into the net.

Receiving the ball beyond the three-point line, the team's starting small forward, Antawn Jamison, who once scored back-to-back 50-point games, shoots with a slight forward lean, the basketball swishing through the net.

Receiving the ball beyond the three-point line, the team's nominal starting power forward, Brendan Haywood, who often switches positions with Jamison during the game, takes a long look before shooting, the basketball bouncing off the rim and then falling in.

Beyond the three-point line, the team's key bench players, Antonio Daniels, veteran Alonzo Mourning, and Jarvis Hayes, who was perhaps the least notable of the top ten picks in the 2003 draft, line up, each taking a three-pointer after receiving the pass, the basketballs swishing through the net with a crisp sound.

Under the basket, the starting center, Brendan Haywood, diligently practices positioning, rebounding, and other tough tasks, grabbing the flying basketball and passing it out, over and over again.

Even the "Poet" Etan Thomas and later Philippine national team member Andray Blatche, who are also big men, are continuously receiving and shooting from mid-to-long range, showing no intention of battling in the paint.

"This is too bizarre...!"

In the 76ers' half, Chen Mu also saw this peculiar scene and couldn't help but shake his head in amazement: "It's really true, during the 'Big Three' era, the Wizards were loaded with shooters, even more terrifying than the Suns' perimeter players!"

"Hehe, you're only seeing the surface. Don't be fooled by their warm-up performance and lineup," said the experienced Webber, putting his hand on Chen Mu's shoulder and pointing to the Wizards' half. "Yes, they have a lot of shooters, both inside and out, who can shoot from beyond the three-point line and make unreasonable shots."

"But this season, their three-point attempts, makes, and percentage are only average in the league. Three-point shooting is not their true killer锏 or regular weapon."

Webber's words triggered Chen Mu's memories. He recalled the few Wizards games he had watched this season (there weren't many NBA viewing options in China at the time), and indeed, there weren't many three-point attempts or a rain of threes.

More often, it was Arenas, Butler, and Jamison, the 'Big Three,' constantly attacking the paint, either passing, driving, or drawing fouls.

"The Wizards' three-point shooting is strong, but it's a misconception caused by the game data and the exceptional abilities of some players...!"

"Exactly, rookie," Webber nodded. "Before the game, besides watching the opponent's videos, you should also look at the statistics. While statistics may not be comprehensive, they don't lie."

After saying this, Webber patted Chen Mu's shoulder meaningfully and returned to his warm-up.

What was the Wizards' strength this season? Why did they achieve over a 50% win rate in the Southeast Division and ultimately go six games against LeBron's Cavaliers in the playoffs? How did a group of players with obvious strengths and weaknesses make it to the playoffs and average the third-highest points per game in the league?

The answers to these questions would gradually unfold before Chen Mu's eyes over the next two hours.

Half an hour later, the MCI Center was almost full.

This arena, the third-largest in the NBA, is shared by three teams from different leagues, with a grand overall style.

As usual, Chen Mu sat on the bench, his eyes carefully observing the situation on the court, preparing to closely examine his upcoming opponents, Jamison and Haywood, to see what they were capable of.

The game began.

Haywood won the tip-off for the Wizards, and Arenas took the ball, calmly dribbling up the court to start the Wizards' first offensive play.

Amid the noisy atmosphere, Arenas remained calm, constantly observing the 76ers' defensive setup, while the other players began complex movements around the half-court.

At the weak side 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line, Butler arrived, and Arenas instantly passed the ball. Butler received it and cut to the paint, then stopped and shot a jump shot.

The basketball accurately fell into the hoop, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The 76ers began their offensive play.

"There's nothing special about it..."

Chen Mu frowned slightly, still not quite understanding what made the Wizards so strong. The previous play was very common, with the primary perimeter player holding the ball on the strong side, drawing the defense, and the versatile backcourt player cutting to the weak side to receive the pass and take a mid-range shot.

The 76ers' offensive tactics also included similar plays, with Iverson as Arenas and Iguodala as Butler.

"Let's see, maybe they'll use a different strategy next time."

Chen Mu continued to watch the game intently, paying extra attention to the Wizards' offense, afraid of missing any details.

The 76ers attacked, with Iverson creating space and hitting a mid-range jump shot.

On defense, the Wizards pushed the ball up the court, with the same movements. Butler received the pass from Arenas on the weak side and continued to cut to the paint.

"He's going to take a mid-range shot!"

Chen Mu made this judgment, and so did Hunter on the court, who immediately stepped up to defend Butler, raising his hands high.

However, Butler did not shoot. As Hunter stepped up, Butler twisted his body and slipped past him, then drove to the basket and shot over Hunter's long arms.

"Beep beep"

The referee's whistle blew. Although the ball didn't go in, Hunter was called for a defensive foul.

"Hmm... Could it be... No way."

Watching Butler make both free throws, Chen Mu frowned slightly, a strange idea forming in his mind but quickly dismissed.

The 76ers' fast break attempt failed, and the Wizards countered. Arenas pushed the ball up the court quickly, pausing at the three-point line, causing Iverson to rush up to defend, fearing Arenas would shoot a three.

Arenas took advantage of this defensive misalignment and drove past Iverson.

Under the basket, Hunter raised his hands high. In the previous play, he hadn't even made it to the front court in time. This gave him enough time and space to get back on defense and cover for Iverson.

Arenas, with his solid build, charged into the paint like a small cannon, brushing against Hunter and then shooting a layup.

"Beep!"

The referee's whistle blew again. In Hunter's surprised eyes, Arenas fell heavily to the ground, and the basketball, after bouncing off the rim several times, finally reluctantly went through the net.

"Wow!!! And one!!! Agent Zero!!!"

The DJ shouted Arenas' nickname, and the cold-faced Zero Agent calmly went back on defense. The entire crowd cheered, applauding Arenas' performance.

Arenas sat on the ground, staring at the rim, gently rubbing his wrist, as if still finding his rhythm.

"Another foul!"

Beside Chen Mu, head coach Cheeks frowned, looked back at the bench, hesitated, and then pointed at Chen Mu. "Chen, go in and replace Hunter!"

"Yes!"

Chen Mu stood up to enter the game. As he passed Cheeks, he heard the coach muttering:

"Steven, really, two fouls in just over a minute, how are we supposed to play the rest of the game? It's like a wizard's spell...!"

================

At 8:10 PM, there will be a third update. Don't forget to check it out!

Please vote for the Three Rivers ticket. You can find the voting page on the right side of the Three Rivers page, scroll down to find "Basketball Fanatic," click to vote, and leave a ten-character comment. It's a bit of a hassle, but thank you all!

...Mobile users, please visit http://m.piaotia.net

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends