In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Washington Wizards staged a comeback victory, which dealt a heavy blow to the Detroit Pistons.
After the game, a fierce argument erupted in the Detroit Pistons' locker room.
"WTF!"
"What the hell happened? The opponent is just a rookie who just entered the league, but he beat you to a pulp."
Stackhouse angrily cursed Michael Curry, who was primarily guarding Link.
"What? Jerry, how dare you say that about me... He defended you so well you didn't even dare to shoot... Haha... I wonder who it was... who didn't even dare to shoot the ball to avoid his Block."
Jerry Stackhouse and Michael Curry were at loggerheads in the locker room. Both were furious about losing this game they were sure to win, especially Stackhouse...
Before facing the Washington Wizards, Stackhouse's market value was at the level of an All-Star player. Whether the Detroit Pistons re-signed him or traded him next season, Stackhouse would at least get a "near-max contract."
But now...
Stackhouse's trade value has dropped a level.
Seeing the two get more and more agitated, even head-to-head, Ben Wallace, the team's star player, stepped forward and separated them.
Other Detroit Pistons players also joined the "peacemaking" ranks, which finally calmed the conflict.
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[Tonight, Michael Jordan returned to his peak, leading the team to victory. But what I want to say is, everyone should not overlook Link; it was his persistent effort that paved the way for Michael Jordan's final surge.] — Reported by ESPN.
[Link injured? This casts a shadow over the Washington Wizards' playoff journey. According to a Washington beat reporter, Link is very likely not to participate in Game 3.] — Reported by Sports Illustrated.
[As a rookie, Link's performance is astonishing; he gave everything for the game. I think the Washington Wizards management should not let Link participate in Game 3 for short-term gains.] — Reported by The New York Times.
Whether Link would participate in Game 3 was unknown to the outside world.
Furthermore, neither Link himself nor the Wizards made any clear statement.
On the other hand.
Gambling Companies also adjusted the championship odds.
The Wizards' championship odds rose to 1:5.8, ranking fourth among the current 8 teams, trailing the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and New Jersey Nets.
From the odds, it can be seen that the Washington Wizards, this new force in the league, have been promoted from a playoff team to a "championship contender."
Although the Los Angeles Lakers' regular season record was third in the Western Conference, everyone could see that O'Neal was seriously slacking off. Entering the playoffs, O'Neal once again transformed into The Big Shark, wreaking havoc in the paint, which also made the Los Angeles Lakers' championship odds rank first.
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In the Washington Wizards' training facility's video analysis room, Assistant Coach Larry Drew was further dissecting the Detroit Pistons' offensive and defensive systems.
"Our Interior Defense has been very good, except for Offensive Rebound protection. I hope everyone understands that protecting rebounds is not just the responsibility of the interior players; the entire team needs to be involved."
"Ben Wallace's second-chance Offensive Rebounds almost destroyed us in the last game."
"Ben Wallace's advantages in rebounding are his excellent rebounding awareness and amazing jumping ability, but his shortcomings are also obvious. If you shave his head, he's only a little over 2 meters tall... We can't let him jump easily when protecting rebounds."
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This is the playoffs; players' weaknesses are infinitely magnified.
Games 3 and 4 were to be played at the Washington Wizards' home court. During this time, in addition to studying opponent footage day and night, Link also ravaged various versions of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in the virtual space.
Although the clearance rewards were all badges Link already possessed, they could be converted into "badge experience points."
For this reason...
Box-Out Master (Silver) was promoted to Box-Out Master (Gold).
Box-Out Master (Gold): When occupying a rebounding position, it can significantly increase strength to hold the rebounding position.
Rim Protector (bronze) was promoted to Rim Protector (Silver).
Rim Protector (Silver): Better at discerning opponent's fake moves in the paint.
In addition, Link's ability attributes also improved.
Three-Point Shot base attribute +1, increased to 90 (93); Close-Range Shot base attribute +1, increased to 92 (93); Defensive Rebound base attribute +1, increased to 87 (88); Lateral Movement base attribute +3, increased to 81 (93).
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On the day of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons, although Link was still on the player roster, there was still no definite news stating that Link would definitely play in Game 3.
It was only one hour before the official start of the game that it was truly confirmed that Link would play in tonight's game.
Detroit Pistons Head Coach Doug Collins, when interviewed by media reporters, smiled and said that Link would not only participate in tonight's game but would also remain in the starting lineup. However, for his health and safety, the team would control Link's playing time.
The Detroit Pistons' starting lineup was adjusted tonight, with Michael Curry being relegated to the bench and replaced by this season's Sixth Man of the Year, Corliss Williamson.
Compared to Michael Curry, Corliss Williamson is more versatile and stronger, which was also to counter Link's powerful drives.
The Washington Wizards' starting lineup tonight: Link, Michael Jordan, Richard Hamilton, Zach Randolph, and Christian Laettner.
That's right.
This was another new starting lineup.
The Washington Wizards wanted to use this to improve the team's scoring ability in the paint, and at the same time, they also had the idea of developing the rookie Zach Randolph.
After the game started, Link couldn't help but tease Stackhouse, saying, "Brother Jerry, it's a shame that you're not guarding me tonight, alas... I was still thinking of scoring 5 points tonight."
"Damn rookie, shut up." Stackhouse cursed.
Link and Laettner ran a pick-and-roll on the right high post. To Link's surprise, it was Clifford Robinson who came out to defend, not Ben Wallace. To protect the paint, the Detroit Pistons naturally didn't want Ben Wallace to come out, and Link loved to run pick-and-rolls with Laettner the most.
With Ben Wallace's mobility and ability to sweep the paint, he could indeed cover both Zach Randolph and the basket. In addition, the Detroit Pistons directly switched on Link's pick-and-roll. Laettner could bully the 198cm Michael Curry, but he had no answer for the 211cm, 111kg Corliss Williamson.
However... what the Detroit Pistons didn't expect was that this made it even easier for Link. Facing Clifford Robinson's switch, Link started with a crossover step, going to the right, bursting through with Speed. Ben Wallace, guarding the weak side, was ready to take off at any moment, but Link didn't choose to lay up. Instead, he made a Close-Range Shot pull-up jumper, which Ben Wallace couldn't interfere with at all.