The Godfather of Basketball

Tang Tian's impression of this Hornets team was relatively weak in his previous life, and he basically stayed on the pick-and-roll of Paul and West.

In fact, they have played against each other four times in the regular season this season, and the Rockets also have an absolute advantage 3-1. The weak bench makes it difficult for the Hornets to pose too much threat to the Rockets.

But after watching these two games, Tang Tian's impression of the Hornets changed a lot.

The biggest change came from Paul and West. The two dual-core players played almost every game, but their physical fitness held up, and their performance at critical moments was not relentless.

Don't underestimate the item of physical fitness, it is very important in the playoffs for star players.

To be able to play like this against the Jazz is definitely an achievement.

After a two-day break, the Rockets left Houston for Denver for Game 3 against the Nuggets.

Coincidentally, it is somewhat similar to the Salt Lake City where they played last season. Denver is also a well-known plateau home field in the league, with an average altitude of 1,655 meters, which is more than 300 meters higher than Salt Lake City.

Fortunately, with the experience of last season, the players have already prepared in advance.

The confrontation between the two teams kicked off the second night after the Rockets arrived.

The Pepsi Center in Denver was full of seats. Although the score was far behind and it seemed that there was not much chance of winning, the descendants of these gold diggers always maintained a passionate heart. Just like their ancestors traveled thousands of miles to pan for gold, they also came from the city People from all over the country came to cheer for the home team.

The blue jersey and the blue ocean, being in it, and being in the fiery red of the Toyota Center are two completely different experiences.

The game started, and amidst the cheers of the home fans, the Nuggets also showed their characteristics for the first time.

Both Anthony and Iverson felt hot in the opening game and scored frequently. The strong performance of the two guns also made the Nuggets and the Rockets stalemate for the first time in the series.

But at this moment, Karl replaced Iverson in advance after more than 4 minutes of playing.

Iverson's end changed the situation on the court at once, and the Rockets' surging offensive made Anthony appear to be alone.

With more than 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the Rockets led the Nuggets by 10 points 34 to 24.

At this time, both sides replaced the substitutes one after another, and Iverson came off the bench again at this time.

It wasn't until this time that the fans and commentators realized that Karl had learned the experience and lessons of the previous two games and let Iverson play this substitute period with his physical fitness.

This change is very effective. Iverson still maintains his previous fiery touch when he is physically fit. He can always find a way to increase points for the Nuggets, whether it is an outside jumper or a breakthrough inside layup.

After halftime, the Nuggets trailed the Rockets 52 to 62. Although they were still behind, this was already the smallest halftime difference in the series.

Karl's adjustment was a bit sudden, but Tang Tian's response was also quick.

Before the start of the second half, he called Barea directly to his side.

"Jose, stick to the AI, increase his physical consumption as much as possible, and reduce the number of times he catches the ball."

In addition to exhorting, he also tied Barea and Iverson together. Iverson was on the court, Barea was there, Iverson was off, Barea was off.

Iverson played as a shooting guard on the bench, and was stalked by Barea when he was off the ball. Although he was physically fit, he could still add points for the Nuggets. Scoring a goal feels like exhausting myself.

The point difference between the two sides has been hovering between 10 and 15 points, and it has not changed until the end of the game.

In the end, despite Iverson and Anthony scoring 70 points together, the Nuggets lost to the Rockets 111 to 121 and suffered a three-game losing streak in the playoffs.

When the final whistle sounded, Carl stood up from the bench. He looked a bit vicissitudes. The old coach tried everything, but he still couldn't close the gap with the Rockets.

3 to 0, the Rockets continued to triumph.

As long as there is one more game, the Rockets can sweep the Nuggets and get close to the second round of the playoffs.

After the game, the Rockets practiced and rested in Denver.

The team is still strictly prohibited from going out, and the players are resting in the hotel at night.

Tang Tian was about to rest after taking a shower when his cell phone rang suddenly.

The caller's contact identified Adrian Wojnarowski.

The name is a bit long, but in fact, if you look at the initials, you can recognize the person at first sight.

Tang Tian is also very familiar with him, a well-known reporter from Yahoo, who was dubbed by fans in his previous life as Jordan's "Woj God" in the reporter world.

As the head coach, Tang Tian and him naturally knew each other, and exchanging information with each other was actually quite normal.

Call yourself so late?

Tang Tian answered the phone suspiciously, but when he heard what Woj was talking to him, he felt that it was not too late for the call.

"Inside information, this year's MVP has come out, it's Yao Ming."

The matter of a text message, perhaps because this matter is more important, woj called to notify in person.

"Thanks."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Tian hesitated for a moment, then went to the bedside and called Yao Ming's room, asking him to come to his room.

Last season, Yao Ming performed well in the playoffs, won the finals MVP, and now he has won the regular season MVP. Compared with his previous life, Yao Ming's career has been considered complete.

"Coach, did you call me?" Entering Tang Tian's room, Yao Ming looked puzzled. He looked at the pendulum clock hanging in the room, and it was already past 10 o'clock in the evening.

"Dayao, congratulations, you are now the MVP." Tang Tian said directly.

"Ah?" Yao Ming was taken aback, he didn't hear any relevant information.

"It hasn't been officially announced yet, but it has been confirmed. According to the schedule, the league should announce it before tomorrow night's game." Tang Tian gave an affirmative answer.

Tang Tian's eyes were obviously a little excited. You must know that the MVP of the regular season is the greatest affirmation for a player.

Yao Ming's reaction was within Tang Tian's expectations. He smiled and said, "The reason why I called you over so late is because I was afraid that you would be too excited for the game tomorrow night, so you can have some time to relax."

"Thank you, coach." The joy on Yao Ming's face could no longer be hidden.

Tang Tian's prediction was correct. If he was told this before the game, it would definitely have an impact on his performance.

"Okay, go back and rest early, don't be too excited." Tang Tian said with a smile knowing that it was late.

Yao Ming nodded, suppressed his excitement and walked out of Tang Tian's room.

When the door was closed, Tang Tian followed and heard Yao Ming's excited cries coming from the corridor.

Still can't hold back.

Tang Tian smiled.

But in this way, the MVP of the regular season, the MVP of the finals, plus the recently announced center of the league, Yao Ming, who was somewhat controversial in his previous life, can be regarded as the title of "No. 1 center" this time.