379: 152: Only the simplest step left (asking for monthly votes!)_2 379: 152: Only the simplest step left (asking for monthly votes!)_2 O’Neal and Wilkins received much attention from the reporters when they appeared.
Because everyone knew that they were the root of a series of troubles for the Magic Team.
However, both Wilkins and O’Neal gave an identical response to all kinds of sensitive questions, “I have had a talk with Roger, and all the problems have been solved.”
No one knew what that conversation was like, nor did anyone know if the problems were truly resolved.
But the answer would soon be revealed.
Before the ga started, Roger received his second championship ring, and the Magic beca the only team in the 90s to acquire a ring from Michael Jordan’s hands—except for Olajuwon’s Rockets because when he got the ring Jordan wasn’t around.
Olajuwon, Barkley, and Drexler watched from a dark corner, two of them had never tasted the championship ring.
The desire was evident in their eyes.
And for Olajuwon, he didn’t want to remain a supporting character in the 90s, he wanted to win another championship to prove himself.
For tonight’s important season opener, he even made a major sacrifice—he told his 18-year-old newlywed bride that they would have to sleep in separate rooms for the week!
A sacrifice so great it brings tears to the eyes!
Wilkins, too, had that sa longing in his eyes.
From the mont he saw Roger put on the ring, he was no longer the superstar; he completely turned into an old dog fighting for at.
After the championship rings were distributed, a second championship banner rose inside the Orlando Arena.
To match today’s atmosphere, there was also a special introduction ceremony for the starting players.
Derrick McKey and Derek Harper were welcod with cheers, but not loudly enough.
Dominique Wilkins received the slightest cheer.
But he didn’t care; he stared at the cara with a determined look, ready for battle.
When the arena DJ announced Shaquille O’Neal’s na, the cheers in Orlando Arena almost burst people’s eardrums.
The terrifying giant rose, walking toward the cara with a fierce expression, tearing off his practice shirt from his chest like a beast unleashed.
Finally, it was Roger’s turn.
At that mont, you could hardly hear the DJ announcing his na, for the cheers were too loud.
The previous cheering for O’Neal seed just a warm-up for the fans.
He was the hero here, he was the leader.
He was the greatest Magic, creating the most magnificent magic act.
At the age of 21, with two championship rings, two Finals MVPs and one scoring title, he made it onto the list of 50 greatest players.
He deserved such cheering.
The cara focused on Roger, but Steve Jones didn’t pile on the praise, “Can a 21-year-old leader solve this crisis?”
This was the question everyone cared about.
Building a dynasty was never just about beating opponents.
The ga soon began, and O’Neal won the tip-off for the Magic Team.
Roger passed the ball to Shaq, but Barkley imdiately went up to double-team him.
This season, with McKey’s shooting ability declining and replacing Grant at the power forward position, the Magic’s mid-range threat at the four spot was greatly reduced.
This made the opponents’ double-teaming of Shaq much more decisive.
O’Neal, not flustered, didn’t play ssily as in the preseason gas, but calmly passed the ball to Wilkins, who had gotten free from McKey’s screen and received the pass.
Clyde the Glide imdiately went around the screen, jumping up to challenge Wilkins’ jump shot.
Wilkins’ shooting was not consistent; it greatly depended on his feel for the day.
Thus, if you stopped him early on, you could disrupt his rhythm.
And knowing Clyde the Glide’s understanding of Wilkins, Wilkins was definitely going to shoot.
You couldn’t expect this guy to pass the ball back to a teammate.
But just as Drexler jumped to block, Wilkins passed.
He precisely found Roger who had also made use of off-ball movent to drift to the left beyond the three-point line; Mario Elie was close on him, but still allowed Roger to create space with a back-cut.
Catch, shoot.
The net swished, and the basketball hit its mark!
The first goal of the Magic Team’s new season was Wilkins assisting Roger!
This was certainly a conclusion most people hadn’t expected because the recent training ground conflicts between Wilkins and Roger had been all the buzz.
But what about now?
They were cooperating with each other!
Roger pointed at Wilkins, and Wilkins nodded in acknowledgnt.
There wasn’t an overly intimate celebration, but at least it showed one thing—they were still on the sa side!
“Dom gave up a pretty good scoring opportunity to get the ball to Roger who had a better chance.
What happened?
In my recollection, Dom should have just plunged into the crowded paint for a slam,” Steve Jones said with a laugh.
The ga continued with the Rockets on offense.
Drexler passed to Olajuwon at the high post as soon as he crossed half-court, and at the sa ti, Barkley and Drexler set an off-ball screen, forcing McKey and Wilkins to switch defenders.
In the fleeting mont of the switch, Olajuwon, as if he saw so signal, passed to Barkley.
As unfortunate as Roger’s trash talk from yesterday was, it hit the mark; Tomjanovich was indeed letting Barkley find ways to attack Wilkins!
At this point, Dream was at a high position, the inside was clear.
Drexler was moving without the ball, pulling the defensive line.
Support for Wilkins was scarce, and Buck got a great chance to drive to the basket.
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