All the reporters were confused.
Did he dare to call locking up Howard easy?
That's the league's top center!
His physical fitness is top-notch in the entire NBA history. He is definitely a giant in the restricted area, and his dominance is definitely the strongest among active centers.
So, was it easy to limit such a monster player?
Besides, what did it mean to just stand there and prevent Howard from entering the restricted area?
This matter didn't seem simple at all!
Bynum was known as the "Little Shark," and his playing style was extremely aggressive. He was also a top center in the league, but he was still a younger brother in front of Howard.
How badly had they gotten beaten in the first half? Howard had beaten them so badly that they had no chance to fight back.
Although the reporters were surprised, they could only believe Jiang Chen's words when they considered that Jiang Chen had indeed easily restrained Howard.
Maybe for Jiang Chen, defending Howard was really easy.
This was quite outrageous.
It completely exceeded everyone's understanding of the sport of basketball.
In addition to the reporters, Phil and Kobe were also shocked by Jiang Chen's words.
Simple?
I wonder how Bynum would feel after hearing this?
I'm afraid he'd faint from crying in the toilet.
"Jiang, you have scored 40+ points in 6 consecutive games. In 3 more games, you will be able to break Kobe's record of 9 consecutive games with 40+ points. How do you feel about this?"
A reporter asked.
"Kobe's nine consecutive games of 40+ points is indeed great, but for me, breaking the record is not my goal; it's just a side thing."
Jiang Chen said lightly.
The reporters looked at each other.
A casual thing?
It seemed like it was easy for him to break Kobe's record of scoring 40+ points in 9 consecutive games.
Wrong!
The reporters suddenly realized that Jiang Chen was about to break this record!
So he wasn't pretending; he was just stating the fact.
Ah, this!
Compared with Jiang Chen, their perspective was really narrow!
"Phil, how did you come up with the idea of letting Jiang Chen defend Howard? Did you know that Jiang Chen could limit Howard?"
"After all, this decision was very risky. You were already 17 points behind at that time. If you didn't make obvious adjustments, you would probably lose the game."
The reporter asked curiously.
Jiang Chen certainly performed well, but Phil's decision seemed smarter.
"Of course, I have always known that Jiang Chen has great potential, and I have been working hard to develop his talents."
"Obviously, letting Jiang Chen play center today was an experiment for me, and he completed the task I assigned him very well."
Phil smiled his signature smile and spoke softly.
No one noticed that some fine beads of sweat were oozing out of Phil's forehead.
Well...relying on players to show off is a situation that rarely happens to an old man like me.
But the atmosphere has come to this point, it would be unreasonable not to pretend to be Bobby.
In fact, he was just trying it out at the time. If Jiang Chen failed to restrict Howard, then it would be a good idea to disrupt Howard's mentality.
But no one expected that Jiang Chen would actually lock down Howard, which was indeed unexpected.
The reporters nodded as they listened, and they admired Phil Jackson even more.
As expected of a great coach known as the "Zen Master," he has always been unconventional and unique in employing people!
"Kobe, you and Jiang Chen have played six games together and averaged 78.2 points per game. Do you think the combination with Jiang Chen is stronger now or with O'Neal?"
A reporter asked.
"For me, these are two incredible journeys. I achieved a lot with O'Neal, and I believe I can achieve a lot with Jiang Chen as well."
Kobe said in a cold voice.
Although he and O'Neal had not reconciled yet, he had not continued to criticize O'Neal, nor had he denied the achievements he made with O'Neal.
The reporters nodded, asked a few more questions, and ended the interview.
Magic team interview room.
"Howard, why were you beaten by Jiang Chen, a small forward?"
The reporter asked directly without hesitation.
"Oh! Maybe only God knows the reason. I can only say that the Chinese player is very strong. He has unimaginable strength in his body. Playing against him reminds me of playing against O'Neal. It was difficult for me to break through his strength."
Howard said with a shrug.
The reporters all laughed when they heard this.
"Howard, do you think Jiang Chen is more powerful than O'Neal?"
The reporter asked again, his tone full of shock and more doubt.
They did not believe Howard's words and thought he was just making excuses for his poor performance.
"Yes! That's what I think."
"Although I know from your behavior that you don't believe me, it doesn't matter. I'm just expressing my true feelings."
Howard shrugged and said, also a little angry.
He didn't understand why no one believed what he said. Although it sounded outrageous, it was the truth.
"Oh, we didn't disbelieve you. We were just shocked. After all, that Chinese player didn't look like he had the ability to defend you."
A reporter said.
Howard glanced at the reporter sideways and didn't say anything, but he despised these reporters in his heart.
These stupid guys.
Their limited knowledge really limits their imagination.
Keep reading.
Since he can beat me, Jiang Chen can beat any center in the league.
When he becomes a center killer, you will know why I was beaten...
"Big Van Gundy, what do you think about this? When Jiang Chen restricted Howard, why didn't you adjust your defensive strategy?"
A reporter asked.
"I completely believe what Howard said! I have been observing how to get out of the predicament at that time, but Jiang Chen's mark on you is too scary. When Howard was defended, did our team have any restricted area players who could perform better under Jiang Chen's defense?"
Van Gundy said with a frown, and he was quite complaining about the reporters' questions.
You are really bringing up something that is not related to the topic.
"So how do you evaluate Jiang Chen's performance in this game?"
A reporter asked.
"Obviously, this Chinese player played a great game! We were not wrongly defeated. When Jiang Chen played a dominant performance on both offense and defense, it was difficult for us to win."
"To be honest, this Chinese player is really an amazing player. I have a strong feeling that he will create an unprecedented storm in this league!"
"It may even change the era of basketball!!"
Van Gundy blew at Jiang Chen fiercely, his tone full of helplessness.
When Jiang Chen played like this, he believed that no team in the league could beat the Lakers!