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During the break, the media increased their publicity for the Wizards, and the praise exceeded last season when Jordan just returned.

As early as December 2000, in an interview, Jordan said that he felt very unhappy with the newspaper articles talking about Kobe and Carter. He even mentioned a key point, that is, because the media excessively pursues emerging stars, It makes me want to return to the competition to compete with these juniors.

Jordan's intention is obvious. He wants to regain his former popularity from Carter and prove that "you are still your uncle", but it is a pity that time does not bother people.

In this preseason, Jordan only played 20 minutes in each game, and he began to feel old. Applying ice packs to his knees on the sidelines also allowed people to see his perseverance. The "Heroes grow late" promotional line is in line with David Stern's ideas.

In the new season, the number of Wizards live broadcast games across the United States has reached 28. China's CCTV5 broadcasts nearly half of the Wizards' games, second only to the Knicks, and they will not miss Yao Ming's games.

Swingman Matt Barnes was waived by the Cavaliers after the preseason. On the 28th, the Wizards offered him an unguaranteed basic salary and recruited 15 people.

Although it is only a basic salary, Barnes also cherishes the opportunity. It is too difficult for a blue-collar outsider like him who lacks offensive power to find a job. From the draft to now, he has not been favored at all, and he does not even have an agent.

Barnes vowed that as long as he plays, he will try his best to help the team.

On October 29, the NBA will play three games first.

The Lakers lost to the Spurs at home, the 76ers lost to the Raptors on the road, and the Kings massacred the Cavaliers at home. The two teams that reached the finals in 2001 both performed in disgrace.

On the 30th, the Wizards’ home opener was against the Celtics.

The first game against the team that ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season is very attractive to fans. However, there is news that Jordan will not play for a long time in the opening game due to a knee injury.

This is actually the routine of the Washington media. Jordan put ice packs on his knees several times during the preseason. If the opening game was lively and focused on offensive breakthroughs, it would be too fake.

The Wizards management began to lay the groundwork in the training camp. On the one hand, it reflects Jordan's tragedy of playing despite injuries and refusing to admit defeat. On the other hand, it makes the transformation of Jordan's style of play seem logical and can win the favor of more fans.

If he didn't do this kind of publicity and Jordan simply reduced the number of shots and attacked in the low post, a group of fake fans would definitely pop up and criticize Jordan for being useless. In the eyes of pseudo-fans, when facing the strongest defender, attacking hard and taking more shots when facing double-teams is the way to go.

Even if the shot fails, it is a symbol of strength.

The Celtics head coach is Jim O'Brien. He was very low-key in his interview before the game: "The team does not have a clear record goal. We made trades in the summer and the lineup has changed. The regular season will focus on running-in."

He also did not predict the outcome. The Celtics had 2 wins and 2 losses against the Wizards in the regular season last season and had no advantage.

The Wizards played against the Celtics in their first game and won the top lottery.

In the summer, the Celtics completed a five-player trade, acquiring Vin Baker and guard Shamond Williams from the SuperSonics, and starting point guard Kenny Anderson, center Potapenko and guard Joseph- Ford gave it to the Sonics.

O'Brien's lack of confidence is because of Wen Baker. The management actually imagined that an alcoholic could get back on track, and the SuperSonics had already planned to send Wen Baker away as a hot potato.

The Sonics traded "Rain Man" Kemp for Vin Baker, who was playing for the Bucks, hoping that he and Payton would carry the banner of revitalizing the team. Unexpectedly, after signing a sky-high contract, Vin Baker It has been languishing ever since.

Vinbeck's current contract expires in four years, which means that the Celtics will pay him a high salary of more than 50 million US dollars in the next four years. The lack of salary space has led to the team's hero last season, forward Rhodes. Rodgers joined the Nets on a free transfer.

Coupled with the departure of blue-collar insider Potapenko, the 12th pick of the 1996 golden generation, the Celtics' inside strength is more than weaker than last season.

On the evening of the 30th, the MCI Center was packed. Opened in 1997, it can accommodate 20,674 spectators and is the third largest arena in the league. The atmosphere at home was extremely hot.

Several newcomers to the Wizards often performed dunks in the preseason, Jordan may be in his last season of his career, and Yang Rui has joined. These factors are very attractive to fans, and the team's season tickets have been sold out early.

When the players came out, Jordan received the warmest applause, followed by Yang Rui.

Live broadcast on TN*T Radio, with Charles Barkley and former Rockets player Kenny Smith as commentary partners.

Smith asked: "Charles, this year Jerry Young signed a five-year contract with the Wizards with a high salary. He said he was confident in leading the Wizards into the playoffs. They performed well in the preseason. What do you think?"

When Yang Rui was mentioned, Barkley's eyelids jumped. In 1999, he had the opportunity to join the Raptors, but he gave it up. As a result, the Raptors won the championship that season.

"Jerry Young was able to win two championships with the Raptors mainly because of the strong lineup of the team. Even if McGrady leaves, there are still three All-Star players in the team. The Wizards only have one All-Star in Michael, and he is very old. I think Even if the Wizards make it to the playoffs, it will be difficult for them to go far."

Smith asked: "Which team do you think will win today?"

"The strength of the two teams should be about the same, and both teams are likely to win. The Celtics' trade for Baker was a mistake. I don't believe that any alcoholic can successfully quit drinking, just like I can't quit fried chicken and donuts." Barkley laughed. road.

Since retiring, Barkley has put on two pounds and become a ball. He is the kind of person who cannot resist the temptation of delicious food. Barkley never wore a championship ring in his life. There are different reasons for this, but in the eyes of his former teammates, it was all "eating junk food."

After warming up, players from both sides take the field. Wizards starting lineup: Wesley, Hamilton, Jordan, Marshall, Stoudemire.

Celtics starting lineup: Tony Delk, Paul Pierce, Eric Williams, Antoine Walker, Tony Barty.

O'Brien sent a big man lineup, allowing Pierce to play shooting guard and Williams, who is 203cm tall and weighs 100kg to play small forward. No matter who of the two faces Hamilton, they will have an advantage in the confrontation.

The referee throws the ball into the air and the game begins.

Stoudemire showed a Slam Dunk Contest-level bounce. He flew up like a spring with an astonishing speed. He was a step ahead of Batty and passed the ball to his teammates.

Hamilton caught the ball and passed it to Jordan and immediately started running.

Yang Rui did not arrange complicated tactical runs in the first game. Wesley and Marshall stood apart on the left side, waiting for opportunities outside the three-point line. Stoudemire's 70-degree right side helped Hamilton block Williams.

Hamilton cut inside, attracted Batty's defense, circled around the basket and ran out from the left, and met Marshall at 45 degrees without the ball.

The two insiders, Batty and Walker, were attracted. Jordan passed the ball, but not to Hamilton, but to Stoudemire, who was cutting from the right.

Stoudemire pushed past Williams to catch the ball, sprinted at full speed facing the frame, and jumped with all his strength on his feet. It was too late for Batty to turn around and try to defend, so he didn't dare to jump. Stoudemire fully stretched out his body and smashed the tomahawk into the frame with his right hand! 2 to 0.

The fans in the audience were excited. Over the years, they had never seen a Wizards player perform such a beautiful dunk.

The little bully has endless fun!