The press conference ended, and the media reporters present were still immersed in He Xi Meng's "top pick theory." This was a great news bomb! Fans would definitely enjoy comparisons between top picks...
After a strong start, the Spurs continued to play at home, welcoming the challenge from the Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors in their first game of the new season and were on a roll. The biggest change for the Trail Blazers this season was moving Bonzi Wells from the bench to the starting lineup as the primary scorer!
In their game against the Warriors, Bonzi Wells shot 12 of 25 from the field, scoring a team-high 33 points, an incredibly efficient scoring performance!
The Trail Blazers' current starting lineup consists of center Rasheed Wallace, power forward Dale Davis, small forward Pippen, shooting guard Bonzi Wells, and point guard Smush Parker.
For the Spurs, the positions facing significant pressure were center David Robinson and shooting guard Manu Ginobili.
In the center position, David Robinson would certainly face intense pressure from Rasheed Wallace. This was not only because Rasheed Wallace was young and strong but also because he was versatile, capable of attacking the basket and shooting from outside, posing a significant challenge to an aging veteran like David Robinson whose footwork was slowing and stamina was clearly declining.
Therefore, before the game, He Xi Meng had already privately communicated with Yao Ming, asking him to be ready to come off the bench at any time to counter Rasheed Wallace. This was an opportunity for Yao Ming, and also a challenge.
"Rasheed Wallace is no comparison to Olajuwon. In terms of mobility, jumping ability, defensive awareness, and offensive skills, Olajuwon is at least one level below Rasheed Wallace!
So, no matter what happens on the court, whether things go smoothly or not, you need to control your emotions first. Don't be anxious, and don't be discouraged!
You are just a rookie, and Rasheed Wallace is an All-Star center! All you need to do is focus on doing your best..."
As for Ginobili, He Xi Meng didn't say much.
Coach Popovich had already prepared Ginobili mentally.
In the previous game, Ginobili seemed out of sorts. Without the ball in his hands, he seemed unsure of how to play.
Throughout the game, his presence was minimal.
Except for garbage time when He Xi Meng was off the court, Ginobili showed signs of revival. During other periods, Ginobili's performance on both offense and defense was sluggish.
This was something Coach Popovich did not want to see. Therefore, after the previous game, Coach Popovich had a private talk with Ginobili, hoping he would bravely express himself on the court...
Brave? Was Ginobili's problem about courage? The "Manu the Demon Blade" never feared anything, but he wasn't going to play recklessly when he couldn't find his rhythm... Since the coach encouraged him so much, then don't blame Ginobili for playing erratically...
Hearing Coach Popovich's encouragement to Ginobili, He Xi Meng instinctively sensed that Ginobili might go "demon" in this game. Either he would demonize the opponent to death, or he would demonize himself to death!
And most likely, he would demonize himself to death! Because Bonzi Wells was a strong and explosive shooting guard, a player who could exploit Ginobili's agile and skillful style. There's a saying: "Strength can overcome ten skills!"
As expected, as soon as the game started, Rasheed Wallace won the tip-off against David Robinson, and the Trail Blazers, playing away from home, took the opportunity for the first possession.
Smush Parker dribbled the ball past half-court and passed it to Bonzi Wells.
Bonzi Wells feinted a few times, then used his strong shoulder to drive directly at Ginobili.
Ginobili couldn't withstand the initial contact, and his old habit surfaced! He deliberately stepped aside, letting Bonzi Wells drive to the basket, and then reached his right hand around Bonzi Wells' back, attempting a risky steal!
"The coach told me to play my own way, didn't he? This is my favorite way of defending..."
Ginobili was indeed playing his own game, but was this defensive choice what the Spurs wanted?
Bonzi Wells reacted extremely quickly. The moment Ginobili stepped aside, he instinctively pulled the ball closer to his body! This move helped Bonzi Wells avoid Ginobili's behind-the-back steal.
Ginobili's steal attempt failed, and Bonzi Wells, after gathering the ball, took three steps and executed a running "horse-riding arrow" shot.
This shot was actually quite difficult!
Because Bonzi Wells was forced to gather the ball and shoot under duress, his rhythm was passive.
However, Bonzi Wells was in great form this season. He managed to adjust his body in mid-air, regain his shooting touch, and before Duncan could rotate to help defend, he released the ball, which swished through the net!
Two points were scored, and Bonzi Wells gave the Trail Blazers the first blood of the game!
Coach Popovich on the sidelines looked bewildered: "This doesn't seem to be the effect he intended?"
He Xi Meng had an expression of "just as I expected," as Ginobili's defensive characteristic was his risk-taking.
This trait was not a major issue when facing lower-tier players off the bench. He might give up a few baskets, or get a few steals, but the overall balance was acceptable. However, when facing top shooting guards in the league, if Ginobili continued to employ this risky defensive strategy, he would likely become a defensive liability for the team...
However, the game had just begun, and it wasn't yet irrecoverable. He Xi Meng believed that as long as the Spurs played well offensively, they could still win this game by relying on offense to compensate for defensive issues.
It was the Spurs' turn to attack. He Xi Meng brought the ball past half-court and called for Duncan to receive the pass!
David Robinson's matchup against Rasheed Wallace today offered limited opportunities for strong post-up plays, as "Rasheed the Roar" was not intimidated by powerful centers.
Therefore, the primary offensive focal point for the Spurs in the paint should be Duncan.
Dale Davis, drafted 13th overall in 1991, was a veteran who had been in the league for 10 years. He was a role player, not particularly outstanding, but certainly not a pushover. In his peak season, he could contribute 11 points and 11 rebounds. He was a standard defensive-minded big man who excelled at rebounding and defense, with weaker offensive skills.
The best way to play against such a player was with footwork!
By using deceptive footwork, he could offset Dale Davis's strength advantage and find opportunities to turn and shoot while on the move. This was Duncan's specialty. Even against strong players like Shaq, Duncan dared to use this method to score, let alone a veteran like Dale Davis...