Chapter 0007: Using Free Throws as Sacrifices for Three-Pointers

However, Francis, who had rushed in, was not in a good position either. Faced with Muhammad, the iron-blooded center, and the undrafted players from the golden generation who charged in aggressively, he found himself unable to assist in the paint. On the perimeter, the veteran Mobley struggled to receive the ball due to the long-armed and long-legged Rahim's defense. Kenny Thomas was the type of small forward who might not even attempt a three-pointer in an entire season, completely failing to create space. Emmanuel had already collapsed in to double-team.

Liu Mang almost shouted out in surprise, what is going on? Did he get kicked out for missing a free throw? Are these guys doctors, are they going to dissect him?

However, due to a lack of concentration, Francis, who was nearby, directly came over and struck Liu Mang on the arm, knocking him to the ground

However, the referee did not blow the whistle

Liu Mang truly experienced what it means to have an egg collide with a rock, being crushed to the side just like that

Congratulations to the host for achieving 10 points in a single match for the first time, unlocking the superstar lottery template for basketball players, with the first draw being free of charge

Seeing Liu Mang's third free throw surprisingly swish through the net! The fans on site were once again stunned, but in the end, they still gave their applause

The referees in the 1980s and 1990s completely ignored such minor matters; as long as you did not pull anyone, you could just punch and hit your chest.

However, the counter-defense is quick, but there is a transition time for the offense and defense. When Emmanuel is advancing with the ball, the Rockets have not yet fully positioned themselves. Rahim's footwork is too fast; he is already tall, and his foot speed is not slow. If it weren't for the lack of a superstar mentality and the subsequent series of major injuries, he really seemed capable of maintaining superstar-level performance for a long time.

It must be due to being too excited and too nervous, Coach Kruger comforted himself

Coach Kruger on the sidelines also wore a look of surprise. Although Liu Mang was selected in the second round and performed rather mediocre in the summer league and preseason, and due to his low draft position lacked motivation, he once struggled with his three-point shooting. However, he remained accurate with free throws, as he was a sharpshooter during his college days.

The basketball hoop is so low that it gives Liu Mang the feeling that he could easily jump up and touch it, which makes him feel quite uncomfortable

The fans at the scene have started to boo, and in situations where it is impossible to prevent the opponent from shooting, committing a foul is quite normal. However, this action was too excessive; it was not directed at the ball at all, but rather aimed at the person!

Just as Liu Mang excitedly walked back to the bench, a group of team doctors surrounded him and pulled the bewildered Liu Mang into the locker room for an examination

Liu Mang still harbors some fear of the referees, primarily because the future referees are exceptionally skilled. They can even obstruct players from receiving the ball during tactical plays, and any complaints will result in a technical foul

Then, Liu Mang made his third free throw with a perfect swish

Coach Kruger recalled how Liu Mang had first fallen to the ground and then was directly slammed to the floor by Francis. He felt a surge of concern and wanted to call a timeout. However, he noticed that the Rockets had already sent an assistant coach to call a timeout after the free throw, so he decided to let Liu Mang make the remaining free throw before substituting him out later.

Liu Mang stands at the free-throw line

The referee's whistle has sounded

The cheering fans suddenly found their voices as if they had been blocked, and the cheers came to an abrupt halt

However, in reality, referees from any era are quite impressive. If a rookie like Liu Mang were to complain, he would likely receive a technical foul just the same

Currently, Liu Mang is essentially possessed by Klay Thompson. This super shooter is quite sensitive to whether the ball he shoots will go in. The moment he releases the ball, he senses that something is off; the rhythm is not quite right.

The referee passed the ball to Liu Mang, and the crowd erupted in cheers, as they believed they had a sharpshooter on their team! The opponents had already resorted to fouling to stop him, and this shooting foul was almost equivalent to giving away points. If Liu Mang made this free throw, it would tie the score! Moreover, there were still two free throws remaining!

However, today the three-point shooting was incredibly accurate, even those miraculous shots went in, yet surprisingly, the free throws were missed

Superstar lottery template! This sounds much more sophisticated than the rogue lottery template!

It must be due to excessive nervousness It must be

Francis looked at Liu Mang, who had once again retreated to the free-throw line, with an incredulous expression. One time could be attributed to luck, two times could be a coincidence, but three times is simply not acceptable! What is going on with this consecutive scoring!

Coach Kruger stood up once again, initially watching as his team was about to overtake the score. With their morale suppressing the Rockets, the Rockets were significantly weaker than the Hawks, having been in the lottery zone for several consecutive years. The player on the court, Eddie Griffin, was the Rockets' disappointing 7th overall pick from last season after they finished with one of the worst records. After suppressing the Rockets' momentum in the first three quarters, as long as the Hawks managed to take the lead, it would be unlikely for the Rockets to come back. The Hawks, after all, were the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference last season, and this year, Ratliff had also recovered from his injury, making them even stronger.

pain

Liu Mang took two free throw attempts to find his rhythm, and now with Klay Thompson's shooting ability, as long as he doesn't think too foolishly in line with the system, and adjusts according to the actual situation, he believes he can make the free throws

However, Liu Mang's second free throw was also a miss

After the start of the final quarter, the Hawks launched a 12 to 2 run, erasing the 10-point lead that the Rockets had fought hard to establish over the first three quarters

Just now, Liu Mang was nearly knocked out of breath by Francis. He rushed up to retaliate but ended up falling in a rather embarrassing manner. Although this fall seemed quite impressive to the fans, exuding a sense of dominance and coolness, he was in pain! If it weren't for protecting his handsome face, he would have almost crashed into the camera.

Moreover, in front of Francis's strong physique, Liu Mang reached out... it indeed felt quite similar to being punched in the chest by a small fist. Francis swung his arm and knocked Liu Mang aside. Similarly, the referee did not call this action either; it is permissible for you to punch your own chest, but not for others to resist.

Liu Mang, after exchanging a high-five with his teammate who looked unable to bear watching, stepped up to the free-throw line once again

Liu Mang was very excited, not only because he had just made a free throw, which was a testament to Klay Thompson's ability, a self-awareness he still possessed, but he was thrilled by the voices in his mind

Today my hands are feeling off

Isn't it more painful to be provoked by Francis

Foul by the player

The Rockets were completely stunned by the shots, how on earth did that go in? Why not shoot for the sky!

Oh no

Damn! Liu Mang exclaimed in Chinese, how could such a foul that nearly knocked someone to the floor be considered just a regular foul!

At this moment, many fans have covered their eyes, as they do not wish to witness the rookie, whom they had just regarded as a divine pitcher, miss all three free throws.

However, standing at the free throw line, this scenery is truly extraordinary

Taking a deep breath to adjust himself, Liu Mang shot the first free throw

The fans are engaged in lively discussions, the coach is brainstorming ideas, while Liu Mang is mumbling to himself

If Liu Mang can score 10 points in his first game of the rookie season, Coach Kruger believes this will greatly enhance the confidence of this disciple, potentially offsetting the shadow of the previous draft failure

Francis was once again targeted by the Hawks' tight defense, and once again he failed to score despite forcing his way into the crowd.

Alright, having three free throws is acceptable. Liu Mang does not complain. If that shot had gone in without a foul, it might have just been a miss. Three free throws are quite good.

The Rockets called a timeout

66 flat

The Eagle Strikes Back

Emmanuel and Rahim executed a hand-to-hand pass. After receiving the ball, Rahim took two steps and entered the three-second area, forcing the Hawks to collapse their defense. At that moment, Rahim passed the ball to Liu Mang, who had run to the top of the arc while Francis was looking towards the paint.

Previously, when shooting from beyond the three-point line, there wasn't anything particularly special about the feeling, after all, it is quite far from the basket

After hitting three consecutive three-pointers, Liu Mang was also a bit excited, watching Francis charge in once again and directly confront him.

Old cats Mobley and Francis are also unfortunate, as they are almost one of the best backcourt combinations in the league. However, the Rockets only have these two who have experience averaging double-digit points, while the others... are all subpar.

Liu's defensive actions in the game were somewhat excessive; he regretted reaching out to block Francis's chest, realizing he was about to commit a foul

The first arc was too high; I have grown taller, so the arc needs to be adjusted lower. The second throw was too light; with a lower arc, a greater force is required to throw it smoothly

Liu Mang had been playing for a few minutes and understood what the system meant by only being able to exert 80% of Klay Thompson's abilities. It certainly did not mean that his shooting could only reach 80%; in terms of shooting, he was almost performing at 100%. What he could not fully utilize was Klay Thompson's elite physical attributes that support his defense and off-ball movement. There would definitely be no issues with shooting, as that is the most fundamental aspect of being a basketball player. In terms of shooting, he was almost performing at 100%. What he could not fully utilize was Klay Thompson's elite physical attributes that support his defense and off-ball movement. There would definitely be no issues with shooting, as that is the most fundamental aspect of being a basketball player.

It is said that the air in the plateau region is fresh, and Liu Mang also likes to be a bit taller, but now it feels quite strange

Is it possible that you are injured

The fans comforted themselves in this way

Liu Mang receives the ball and takes the shot

The Eagles' team, due to their consecutive scoring, experienced a surge in morale. Liu Mang was already filled with enthusiasm, ready to confront Francis directly as soon as he made his way in.

The Rockets' defense was very quick this time; by the time Francis took his shot, the Hawks had already returned to defense, rendering Liu Mang's fast break ineffective

Just one minute after coming up, the Hawks have launched another wave, scoring 5 to 0, and the Rockets' lead has been reduced to just one point

Liu Mang was furious; although there were three free throws, it still hurt a lot

Did it not hurt when you fell just now

Ironclad

Not everyone is Popovich; even Tomjanovich, one of the few coaches in NBA history to achieve back-to-back championships, cannot afford to call consecutive timeouts.

Bang

The fans at the scene were devastated: Could it be that making three three-pointers was offered as a sacrifice using three free throws? Please, no!