Champion Creed-Chapter 526 - 192: This is the fun of playing ball with Roger (Vote for monthly ticket!)_3

Chapter 526: 192: This is the fun of playing ball with Roger (Vote for monthly ticket!)_3

This is what you get for being teammates with Roger.

Yes, Roger might make you feel aggrieved.

But he would never let you feel disgraced in front of an opponent!

Then it was the Hawks’ turn to attack. Although Lenny Wilkens was old-school, he was quite progressive in one aspect—he didn’t shun jump shots, especially long-range ones, which is why the Hawks had the second-highest number of three-point attempts in the league last season.

So, the Hawks’ offense didn’t just focus on driving inwards; even their frontcourt players could attempt numerous jump shots. Kurt Thomas stepped out to set a screen for Roger, and O’Neal typically shrank back, so Roger quickly passed the ball to Thomas who had peeled off to mid-distance.

The latter smoothly scored a mid-range jumper, leaving O’Neal looking disgraceful.

"Kurt, did I not tell you that scoring over Shaq’s head is easier than lying on a couch eating pizza?"

"Yes Roger, yes!"

"Next time, who wants to score? Scott, are you in?"

"Absolutely!"

The game continued, and this time Van Exel first passed the ball to Kobe.

O’Neal again blocked Kurt Thomas and then raised his hands for the ball.

Instead, Kobe began to go one-on-one with Roger.

O’Neal was so frustrated he almost fainted on the spot: "Kid, pass it!"

Kobe didn’t listen; he wanted to prove himself on the first night of the new season. freewebnσvel.cøm

After a series of fancy footworks, Kobe made a quick stop and took a jump shot.

But Roger never lost his position throughout; if last season Roger’s greatest improvement was help defense,

then this year, in his fifth season, his greatest progress was in one-on-one defense.

He had spent a lot of time training his defensive moves over the summer; his footwork on defense was now quick and meticulous, and he could stick closely to his opponent.

Kobe knew Roger had spent a lot of time training in defense, having trained together all summer.

But what can you do if he’s just stubborn?

The basketball clanged off the rim; Kurt Thomas firmly blocked O’Neal while Alan Henderson grabbed the rebound.

Roger got the ball and quickly passed it to Pippen, who was already sprinting forward.

Pippen then delivered a powerful dunk, fiercely venting his frustration accumulated over the months.

Roger kept on talking relentlessly: "Shaq, is this the new partner you said was destined to surpass me? Great, he’s fantastic."

"Damn, just pass me the ball. It’s that simple!" O’Neal began to grow dissatisfied, not understanding what was so difficult about just passing the ball to him.

Of course, it wasn’t that simple. The Lakers didn’t truly have a skilled point guard, plus the Hawks’ perimeter defense was extremely tough, and all were tall players, making it difficult for Lakers guards to feed the ball inside.

Anyone who had seen Yao Ming play for the Rockets knew how hard it was for him to receive a pass.

However, in the third round, Eddie Jones finally managed to get the ball to Shaq.

O’Neal got excited at last. He leaned back forcefully, pushing Kurt Thomas away, then turned getting ready to shoot.

But as he was turning, there suddenly appeared Pippen, Alan Henderson, and Roger beside him.

The mobility of the Hawks combined with a pseudo-zone defense strategy allowed them to sandwich O’Neal the moment he received the ball.

Naturally, despite such a setup, the Hawks still lacked the height inside, and O’Neal could use his height and strength advantages to force a shot.

But under such a tight squeeze, it wasn’t guaranteed that Shaq could keep hold of the ball.

In the chaos, Roger made a quick move that caused O’Neal to fumble.

Roger quickly drove the ball forward through the crowd; the Hawks this season wouldn’t miss any counterattack opportunities.

As Roger barreled into the paint surrounded by Lakers players, he instead passed the ball to Stevie Smith, who was positioned at a 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line on the right.

In these opening rounds, Roger increasingly resembled a combo guard, his cake-cutting skills growing ever more precise.

Seeing this, Eddie Jones immediately darted out, emitting a shriek to distract Stevie Smith’s shot.

But those were hardly distractions for him.

Compared to Roger’s trash-talking, what was this?

He shot confidently, and the three-pointer swished through the net.

to 0, the Atlanta Hawks completely controlled the game in the opening phase!

With defense, leadership, and his energizing trash-talk, Roger led the team forward!

Steve Jones shook his head: "The team led by Roger and the team led by Shaq have completely different demeanors. While at the Lakers, everyone says Shaq is the best leader in history, in Atlanta, you hear more complaints. But who is the better leader? It’s clear as day."

O’Neal had just crossed midcourt when he had to turn back.

Not just him, every Lakers player was feeling frustrated.

At this moment, Roger’s voice inappropriately erupted again: "Is your atmosphere still joyful now?"

O’Neal gritted his teeth.

Van Exel and Eddie Jones looked dejectedly.

Del Harris’s face turned red with anxiety.

And the reactions of their opponents gave the Hawks players an immediate sense of accomplishment.

Pippen and Stevie Smith finally found the joy of playing with Roger.

In competitive sports, nothing is more enjoyable than "victory."

With Roger, no opponent could make them feel constrained on the court.

Roger tormented us.

We tormented opponents to vent our frustration.

Closed loop!