Chapter 424 Reality Is More Nonsense than Fiction

"Forest."

At this moment, George stopped passing the ball when he picked it up because he spotted Lin Ying.

In the All-Star Game, he received an assist from Lin Ying to complete the winning goal. He now has a good relationship with Lin Ying.

"It seems Danny is right, you are his best brother."

Lin Ying walked over, smiled and spoke.

When George heard this, he turned his head and glanced at Granger, his expression a little excited.

Some words spoken by others are more effective than those spoken by oneself.

"Paul came to me after I practiced for a while."

Granger looked at Lin Ying and said with a smile.

There was a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

Because he only told Lin Ying that George was his brother, not the best brother.

This sentence brought Granger and George closer together.

A few people chatted for a few words and then started training.

Lin Ying also played one-on-one with George and Granger for a while.

George has improved a lot compared to last season.

In fact, in terms of static talent alone, George is not as good as Granger, but his dynamic talent is much better than Granger.

This makes him more agile on both ends of the floor.

Granger's pace was obviously a bit slow.

However, this is also the impact of injuries. Knee injuries and foot injuries prevent the legs from exerting force, and explosive power and speed will decline significantly.

Deron has protected him well enough in the Nets in the past two years, but he has also declined visibly. With Granger playing intermittently in the Pacers, the situation will only get worse.

However, Granger's shooting touch is pretty good, and although his defensive footwork is not very good, his confrontation and defensive awareness are very good.

At his peak, Granger was also one of the few All-Star players who could play both offense and defense.

This made Lin Ying feel that Granger might perform well in tonight's game.

…

That night, the Bankers Life Arena was fully occupied.

No one wants to miss Lin Ying's game now, and the Nets also released news before the game that Granger has been relieved of his injury and may appear tonight.

The trade was made by the Pacers' front office, and Indiana fans still have respect for Granger.

During the warm-up before the game, the photographers on site not only gave Lin Ying and George lenses, but also gave many shots of Granger.

And Granger's touch during the warm-up looked very good.

The warm-up was over and the game started soon.

The Pacers started well, and the stability of the lineup allowed their tacit understanding to reach its best state.

According to 2K’s algorithm, the tacit understanding reached 100%.

Moreover, George's strength has improved significantly, and his holding the ball has become a certain threat.

The Nets were somewhat passive at the start.

Deron did not play in his daily rotation tonight, and Lin Ying was under greater pressure on the offensive end.

After entering the rotation, Turner performed very well for the Pacers.

He used his footsteps to beat Claude twice from close range and also sent a wonderful pass.

After the first quarter, the score on the field was 29 to 21, with the Pacers leading.

When entering the end of the first quarter, the scene was a little restless.

Because Granger did not appear on stage.

Just when the fans were a little disappointed, at the beginning of the second quarter, Granger went into battle.

When the camera showed Granger, Indiana fans cheered.

This is a bit of a slap in the face to Bird.

At this time, the lineups on both sides of the court were Pacers: Watson, George Hill, Turner, Lavoy Allen, and Mahinmi.

Nets lineup: Livingston, J.R. Smith, Granger, Yi Jianlian, Anderson.

Granger didn't get many opportunities on the court. The offensive focus of the Nets' lineup was Smith.

But he did a good job defending Turner.

His defensive experience plays a big role here.

Turner does not have mid-to-long range, so just guard against his breakthroughs and close shots.

Moreover, Granger's physical confrontation is still there. Turner wants to use his physical fitness to eat Crowder in the low post, but he can't do it.

It made him look...awkward on the court.

Because Vogel arranged this lineup on the field, the ball was concentrated in Turner's hands, but Turner was unable to form an offensive threat.

The kind of player that holds the ball and puts you one meter away and you can't do anything about it. The Lakers will also have one like this in the future.

This time the fans at the scene felt even more uncomfortable.

Data cannot fully reflect a player's role.

And comparisons are harmful, especially when comparing Turner to Granger.

The Nets also took the opportunity to launch a counterattack, narrowing the point difference to 2 points.

Vogel saw that the momentum was not right and called a timeout.

After returning from the timeout, he brought George up in advance.

After George developed the ability to hold the ball, George, Stephenson, Turner... there are many people in the Pacers who can hold the ball.

But Vogel replaced George, obviously hoping to quickly regain the score advantage.

George lived up to expectations and hit a shaky three-pointer.

This ignited the atmosphere at Bankers Arena.

Then, Granger finally got a chance to take action.

That was when Smith was flanked and he took advantage of his off-ball movement to get an open opportunity.

Livingston's pass was timely.

"Dang!"

But his shot failed to hit.

Training and competition are still two different things.

Although he didn't attack much after he came on the field, there was a lot of confrontation in defense and off-ball movement, and the physical consumption was visible.

The ball was picked off by Allen, and the Pacers quickly launched a defensive counterattack. Watson's layup caused a defensive foul on Livingston, and he got two free throw opportunities.

Granger stood on the side of the free throw line, glanced at the score, and couldn't help but shake his head.

The 2-point difference suddenly became 7 points. He didn't make the shot, and it was a 5-pointer inside and outside.

Moreover, it is such a good opportunity.

"beep!"

Just then there was a short whistle from the sidelines.

Lin Ying came on to replace Anderson.

When he came up, Watson hadn't started shooting free throws yet, so he turned around and chatted with Granger.

It probably means that he should not have too much psychological burden.

"This is the Nets."

Lin Ying said finally.

The meaning of this sentence is to tell Granger that he does not have to carry as much as he did with the Pacers.

Granger nodded upon hearing this.

Watson made two free throws and the point difference returned to 7 points.

Lin Ying held the ball in the frontcourt, and an accelerated confrontation directly passed Turner. After reaching the inside, he scored 2+1 on Mahinmi.

It doesn't mean I don't have to put too much pressure on, I just say it and I can score immediately.

There is nothing more convincing than words and actions!

Granger's expression relaxed significantly.

It can be seen that although he did not show any nervousness, the special nature of this game and the fact that he had not played an official game for a month made his body tense.

"Uh-huh!"

Lin Ying's extra free throw hit, and the point difference returned to 4 points.

George then held the ball, and Lin Ying directly hit it.

George's offense was finally forced to stop by Lin Ying.

During the day, Lin Ying challenged George to a duel. In addition to training, he also did not forget to familiarize himself with George's current offensive method.

Although he has developed the ability to hold the ball, it is still not enough in front of Lin Ying.

"Snapped!"

At this moment, Granger assisted in defense and directly cut off George!

Turner continued to be embarrassed, because he did not have three-pointers and no space ability. Granger was very decisive in assisting defense.

The Nets quickly launched a fast break. Lin Ying stepped forward to grab the ball, and then passed the ball back to Granger during the fast break.

Granger made a flying layup and finally scored.

The point difference came to 2 points again!

At this time, Vogel's on-the-spot reaction ability was a bit slow, and he did not replace Turner immediately.

The Nets were able to double attack thoroughly on the defensive end. George ran without the ball and didn't get a chance. In the end, Watson and Allen's mid-range shot missed after the pick-and-roll, and the rebound was picked off by Yi Jianlian.

The Pacers' offense encountered problems, but fortunately they retreated well.

Lin Yingtu gave it to Smith.

Smith's outside shot missed.

The Pacers did a good job in assisting the defensive rotation, and key players like Smith were quick enough to cover up the defense.

However, Yi Jianlian's ball was blocked very beautifully, and he successfully grabbed the offensive rebound, and his second strong move caused Mahinmi to foul.

Yi Jianlian's two free throw opportunities gave the Nets a chance to tie the score.

"Dang!"

It's a pity that the first penalty missed.

Just like Granger, the invisible confrontation with the Pacers is very costly, and that will be reflected in every detail.

"Uh-huh!"

The second free throw was made.

A point difference of 1 point.

There were more substitutions on the sidelines, and more substitutions on both sides.

The Pacers Stephenson and West returned to the court, and the Nets Barbosa and Chandler also returned to the court.

West came up and wanted the ball in the low post. After being flanked, Stephenson was sent to the outside. Stephenson shook off Smith and hit the board in the mid-range to score.

After scoring the goal, the junior brother played his familiar guitar again, and the score difference returned to 3 points again.

The Nets really couldn't get over it today.

Lin Ying continued to hold the ball. This time he consciously looked for Granger, and then made a sudden score to score the ball.

The defensive rotation can only catch key players, and it is difficult to make up for them all at once.

Smith is the key player for the Pacers to keep an eye on, but Granger is not.

Granger got a very good shot when he caught the ball.

He even had time to adjust his shot.

His release speed is not slow.

The trajectory of this shot looks obviously better than the ball just now.

Also, softer.

It's obvious that after relaxing his body, Granger shoots more freely.

The basketball flew through the air in a beautiful parabola.

"Uh-huh!"

Hollow fell into the net bag!

Granger hits his first shot of the night!

He had not scored for so long, but this time he scored 5 points!

37 flat!

The Nets finally tied the score!

Seeing the ball go in, Granger unconsciously clenched his fists, and then took the initiative to give Lin Ying a high-five as he retreated.

In fact, it is not completely different from what fans speculated. After he was bought out by the 76ers, many teams offered him an olive branch.

His first favorite was the Mavericks, and the Mavericks pursued him the most fiercely.

The Mavericks sent away Courtney Lee in a previous trade, and they are short of talent at the small forward position.

Moreover, if he had a choice, he would not want to stand on the opposite side of his former brothers.

If you stay in the East, you will probably suffer in the playoffs, but you won't if you go to the West.

But when he was finally making a decision, a voice appeared in his mind, asking him if he was willing to leave the East like this? After fighting for so many years, are you willing to leave the East like a lost dog?

In the end, under the influence of that voice, he chose the Nets.

He was not sure whether he made the right choice before because he never got a chance to play.

But now it seems that his choice was correct.

With the caution of the coaching staff and Lin Ying's attitude, the Nets are the most suitable place for him!

George's turn and shot missed.

Lin Ying grabbed the defensive rebound, advanced to the frontcourt, broke through directly to the inside and made a one-handed dunk!

The Nets overtook the score!

Because Granger made a three-pointer, the Pacers did not dare to shrink completely.

And this incompleteness is giving Lin Ying a chance.

Vogel felt dizzy.

Unlike the previous Knicks game against the Nets, this time it was not Lin Ying who made a three-pointer, but the rest of the Nets.

But no matter which one is opened, it is not a good thing.

He replaced all the main players.

Karl on the Nets also made substitutions one after another.

But Granger is still on the field.

Carl trusted him just as he trusted JR before.

George and West's shots after the pick-and-roll caused fouls, and they made two free throws to help the Pacers continue to tie the score.

And the Pacers quickly retreated to half court.

Their game is very tough.

However, after Hibbert returned to the court, Lin Ying could play out of position, and the Pacers had to help defend from the weak side.

Then the defense was missed.

Moreover, the Nets' small coordination was good. Butler did not shoot directly when he was free. He waited for Granger to run over, hand over and then pick and roll on the spot.

The moment Granger caught the ball, he felt inexplicably moved.

He is just a role player, but others on the Nets are creating opportunities for him intentionally or unintentionally!

This is very important for him who currently focuses on shooting.

"Uh-huh!"

He also showed his shooting skills, and his shot from outside the three-point line once again rose and fell!

He averaged only 8.3 points per game with the Pacers this season.

But in this quarter, he has already scored 8 points!

The Nets bench was in an uproar, and the players were waving their towels.

The atmosphere in the Nets has always been good.

Even if the coach is changed, even if a wave of substitutes are replaced, this atmosphere will always be there with Lin Ying!

"Dang!"

George's outside response was a three-pointer!

The Nets obviously want to gain momentum.

Chandler picked off the defensive rebound and the Nets quickly launched a fast break.

Barbossa came down quickly.

The Pacers' defensive awareness is still very good, and he has no direct scoring opportunities.

But at this moment, he noticed Lin Ying, who was following up, passing the ball.

Lin Ying received the ball and made a fake three-point shot to break through, and then distributed the ball to the top of the key.

Over there, Granger arrived belatedly.

Granger has a good touch, how can we not play with him more often?

Granger caught the ball, stopped quickly and shot a three-pointer.

The expressions of the fans at the scene became tense at this time.

They really hope that Granger can perform well, but they don't want Granger to perform so well!

After all, they are rivals now!

"Uh-huh!"

Granger's three-pointer, hit again!

He has scored 11 points in this quarter!

Facing the old master and breaking out, that's a plot that only exists in novels.

But oftentimes, reality is more bullshit than fiction.