Only the Wizards, Nets, and Magic were still competing for the remaining two spots.
Currently, the media and fans’ attention was focused on four teams—the Mavericks, Bobcats, Pistons, and Knights.
The Mavericks had 66 wins and 14 losses, with their final opponents being the Warriors and the SuperSonics. Everyone believed they could definitely match the Celtics’ historic third-best record.
The Bobcats and Pistons were about to face off directly, and the result of the match could very well determine the first place of the East.
If the Bobcats could claim the division title in only their third year, they would create history once again.
The Knights... purely popular.
Teams outside the top two in the East had no competitiveness when facing the top five from the West, and even the top two had limited competitiveness.
On April 14, it was a rest day for the Bobcats. In the afternoon, the Bobcats only conducted a 30-minute offensive and defensive tactics training—rest was more important at this time.
Zhang Yang practiced three-point shooting all afternoon. His three-point rating had already reached 79, just shy of 80. Crossing that threshold would be difficult, but more practice was always good.
In the evening, he stayed in front of the TV to watch the extra broadcast of the Mavericks versus the Warriors.
The Mavericks with 66 wins, historically fifth. Winning one more game would place them fourth historically, and their last two games had been extra broadcasted.
Watching the Mavericks send out Jose Barea, Morris Almond, Greg Buckner, Devin Brown, and Sagana Diop as starters... Zhang Yang smacked his lips.
Lieutenant Johnson was really not up to the mark, even if he sent out all the main players, they might not be able to win!
Nowitzki, Dampier, Stackhouse, Terry... all dressed in suits.
However, after an exclamation of "My God" from the commentators, they began to analyze the Mavericks’ tactic of "picking opponents."
The analysis concluded... what the Mavericks were doing was correct!
If they could play the Warriors, why would they want to have a tough match against the Clippers?
If not for Cassell missing nearly 20 games, coupled with the overall strength increase in the West that season, the Clippers would definitely have more than 40 wins. Even with injuries, if thrown into the East, they could likely be the best team outside the top two.
Pushing the Clippers ’out of the playoffs’ was something the top three in the West all wanted to do.
After listening to the commentator’s analysis, Zhang Yang felt that if he didn’t use the "Heavenly Eye," Lieutenant Johnson’s tactics seemed to have no issues, especially since the playoffs were quite different from the regular season... but he knew the result...
He turned off the TV, went to the study to read for over two hours. Upon returning, he glanced at the game result—the Warriors, with eight players scoring in double figures, had slaughtered the Mavericks 111 to 82.
Baron Davis, Ellis, Jason Richardson, Biedrins, Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Mickael Pietrus, Matt Barnes, and Adonal Foyle—this rotation of 11 people when unleashed was truly fierce, able to put out both a pure running and a defensive counterattack set-up.
Early the next morning, Zhang Yang first offered incense to Lord Guan, pre-mourning for the Silver Horned King.
The previous night the Clippers had lost to the Timberwolves, and the Warriors already had a one-game advantage.
The Warriors’ last game was against the Trail Blazers. Although the Trail Blazers hadn’t deliberately tanked, by the end moments, dropping one rank in placement could elevate another, and for the first two matches, the Trail Blazers had directly sent Roy and Randolph off for "injury treatment." As long as Old Nelson didn’t screw up, the Warriors were unlikely to lose and had essentially secured the eighth spot—the execution time for the Silver Horned King was imminent.
After offering incense, Zhang Yang put away his spectator mindset, and brought his focus back to their side.
The game against the Pistons tonight was a must-win!
As long as they won, their number of victories could be raised to 55 wins, securing the first place in the East one game early!
Seeking a guaranteed monthly vote!