The opening remark wasn’t unprecedented; there have been more arrogant ones, full of insults and constant cursing upon meeting. This one, though, somewhat sounded childish...
But for it to come from Zhang Hao, that made all the difference!
Teammates and opponents were surprised, even the referee walking to the center circle was dumbfounded, casting a surprised glance at Zhang Hao who pointed at Garnett.
A change of character?
Entering extroverted mode?
Then Zhang Hao withdrew the hand pointing at Garnett, didn’t wait for a response, resumed his jump ball stance, and his expression returned to an indifferent mode, as if there was no difference from usual.
Garnett even thought he was hallucinating or seeing illusions, but the astonished expressions around made it clear it wasn’t!
Upon realizing the situation, anger surged within Garnett. Does he look down on me?
Although Garnett acknowledges Zhang Hao’s skill, they aren’t close but aren’t on bad terms either, yet now he’s irritated.
Unknowingly, feeling acknowledged by Zhang Hao made Garnett a bit excited.
The other Timberwolves players felt displeased; regardless of Marbury’s personality or playstyle, he always strives for victory during games.
Although they have good camaraderie, the game has no relation to personal ties; opponents are opponents, and who can tolerate Zhang Hao claiming he will sweep the Timberwolves?
Lakers players were initially surprised, then became more excited; they were shocked Zhang Hao would initiate taunts at the start, but considering Zhang Hao’s heightened excitement over usual games, it wasn’t surprising anymore.
As for Zhang Hao’s talk of sweeping the Timberwolves... well, then let’s sweep!
Though the process was peculiar, the Lakers players’ mentality was indeed progressing in the direction Del Harris wanted—gradually developing the mindset top championship contenders should have.
A minor surprise occurred, but didn’t cause delays; at 7 PM, the referee blew the whistle to start the game, even as TNT Sports Channel commentators speculated on what Zhang Hao just said to Garnett.
The Lakers’ starting lineup remained Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson, Doug Christie, George Lynch, Barkley.
The Timberwolves fielded Marbury, Doug West, Sam Mitchell, Garnett, and Guglielota as their starting lineup.
Generally speaking, players heavily regard pride; Timberwolves did not send the visibly taller Garnett for the jump ball, but instead had Guglielota the center attempt it.
Zhang Hao quickly leapt up, easily winning the jump ball; Lakers initiated a fast break!
Guglielota knew the hopes of winning the jump ball were slim, yet attempted; he knew the outcome though, landing and swiftly retreating on defense towards their basket.
Zhang Hao got intercepted by the agile Garnett at the free throw line, while on the other side, Barkley pushed aside Sam Mitchell, charging unrestricted to the left of the opposing three-second area to receive the ball.
The Timberwolves’ defense had some structure; their coach Philip Sanders arranged the opening defense quite well; Guglielota lost the jump ball but rushed back in time with Sam Mitchell to trap Barkley.
Barkley passed the ball to George Lynch on the right side of the three-second area, another Lakers player charging downfield!
Then Garnett, having blocked Zhang Hao, swiftly recovered to the basket; his short-distance explosive speed amazed even speedy guards like Kenny Anderson and Marbury; George Lynch received the ball with no passing options ahead, facing Garnett’s defense and forced a shot, which missed!
Guglielota secured the defensive rebound!
Stopped them!
The crowd focused as the jump ball began, eager to witness their team’s unstoppable opening fast break, unexpectedly defended by Timberwolves!
Del Harris surprisingly glanced at the young Timberwolves coach Philip Sanders; this 40-something youngster has skills!
As Lakers players retreated defensively, Guglielota passed the ball to Marbury, who clapped hands with Garnett and headed to the forecourt.
Timberwolves possess gifted young wolf Garnett, and the less favored lone wolf cub Marbury, but the strongest overall, guarding the zone behind Garnett, is the 208 cm, 110 kg lead wolf Guglielota!
Scouting reports mentioned the dual-wolf Garnett and Guglielota’s impressive defensive opening in the new season, yet feeling it firsthand astonished Zhang Hao.
This Lakers lineup retreated fast on defense, quickly setting up half-court defense.
Timberwolves advanced without haste, but players settled fast in the forecourt, and Marbury beyond the three-point line didn’t opt for the slow-paced strategy seen in prior games, instead immediately launching an attack with Garnett!
Marbury and Garnett at the arc for a pick-and-roll, as Guglielota moved to a high spot on the left of the three-second area; as Marbury used the pick-and-roll to break through, Doug Christie and quick switch defense!
Doug Christie showed tenacity; Garnett raised his arm, Doug Curtis switched defensively onto Garnett yet firmly stuck to him, denying Garnett the chance to use his height for a catch and shoot.
Inside, Barkley’s defense mainly used bulk to block and steal, not extraordinary, but defending a pick-and-roll, he had quite the skill; after switching, his footwork could keep up with most guards.
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