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Chapter 528 - 230. The Mindset-Transforming Cat Group

Chapter 528: 230. The Mindset-Transforming Cat Group

Even though Parker knew it was trash talk, his emotions still fluctuated greatly.

But!

Playing basketball, the little sports car was professional; he didn’t mess around and steadily lobbed the ball to Duncan, who was backing down Okafor in the post, then braced himself for more—Go ahead, little fatty, keep firing at me!

To Parker’s surprise, Felton didn’t continue with the trash talk but immediately retreated to the free-throw line, ready to defend against Finley getting the ball at the high post for a shot.

Parker gave Felton’s defensive readiness and movement selection a mental thumbs up.

Finley was the only Spurs player with a reliable mid-range shot from the perimeter, and lifting from the baseline using screens to the high post was one of his common movement patterns to receive the ball for a post play.

When Parker defended Felton or Rondo and was beaten, he would also stick close to his man to the elbow area and then quickly retreat to the free-throw line to cover Zhang Yang who might appear at the high post.

After four games of confrontation, Parker could see Felton’s improvements, that defensive movement was something he had learned from him.

But now Parker was freaking out: No, little fatty, I passed the ball to the boss after advancing past half-court, shouldn’t you be trash talking me still? Something like I’m just the Spurs’ Fisher or something?

He felt lost in confusion...

In the post, Duncan’s one-on-one play, turning to push forward with a high hook shot for a layup... and he missed!

Okafor did a great job with the interference!

Millsap secured the defensive rebound while the Spurs orderly retreated in transition defense. Zhang Yang, after getting the ball, advanced steadily and continued to pass to Felton.

Parker closely guarded the top of the arc, focusing on defense. He swore he wouldn’t let trash talk get to him anymore... Seeing Felton crouch and protect the ball as if observing the positions on the court and apparently not intending to continue with the trash talk, Parker felt a bit disappointed but also relieved.

Finally, Felton remembered what he was supposed to say and suddenly looked up at Parker: "You’re in a tough spot; let me help you out. I’m about to take a step-back three, stick close to me, stop me, and show them you can defend too."

No way, why did the little fatty start trash talking again?

After Felton finished, he began a crossover dribble to drive. This time Parker didn’t lose focus, zeroing in on defense. He didn’t believe the opponent would really tell him the next play—it must be a bluff, certainly a drive.

Felton created space with a fake and drove forward. Parker quickly backpedaled to better stick to Felton and give his teammates in the post a chance to help defend, but!

Felton really did pull back one step inside the three-point line!

Pulling back while catching the ball, landing, and then leaping for a three-pointer... He scored!

Felton’s shot was as accurate as in practice!

No way, did that guy actually tell him how he was going to play? Parker felt confused and annoyed as he went back to the baseline to receive the inbound pass, and then it was Duncan who spoke up.

Duncan: "Tony, you can’t stop his drives; leave the paint defense to me, and you cover his shooting."

Duncan was always reserved with his words, direct and to the point, not just with Parker but with all teammates and coaches alike.

Ordinarily, Parker would be thinking, "That’s why he’s the fundamental rock, so reliable, it’s great to have a leader like this." But in that moment, his thoughts were—Even Ginobili can’t stop a strong one-on-one player, why just point me out!

Parker took the inbound pass and hurried to the opposing top arc; seeing Felton defending one step inside the three-point line, he prepared himself mentally—"I got scolded by the boss again, hurry up, please trash talk me, and let me channel my anger towards you."

Felton: He had already consoled him after being scolded, so he decided not to repeat it and focused on defense instead.

Parker, feeling inexplicably annoyed, lobbed the ball towards the post, where Duncan received the ball for a one-on-one... and failed to press forward again!

Duncan turned, raised for a quick-release hook shot. Okafor reacted very quickly, interfering effectively, and Duncan’s shot was off the mark!

Coach Popovich stood up at the sideline, as the 5-point lead wasn’t growing—why weren’t they scoring?

Fortunately, during the Bobcats’ next offensive play, Duncan defended well, covering the drive to the basket area and then getting back to contest Zhang Yang’s support layup, securing the defensive rebound as well.

Parker took the ball up front, signaling to attack.

After two consecutive misses, Duncan didn’t pass; it was his turn!

Duncan expressionlessly stepped out for a pick-and-roll with Parker, drawing Millsap out from inside.

Parker used the screen to drive toward the basket, spinning near the low post to the right baseline, and released a floater... It went in!

The drive was clean, and the shot was decisive; Popovich was pleasantly surprised to see this.

He was concerned that Parker might play erratically or passively tonight, but Parker was more proactive and resolute than expected!

Popovich didn’t think of explaining anything to Parker. Who did he think he was, not needing face? Besides, that was exactly what he thought...

As long as they could win the championship, all internal conflicts would vanish like smoke in the air.

Felton took the inbound pass and moved up court, sensing that trash talk wasn’t very effective, but it had been worth a try anyway. If it worked, great; if not, no big deal.

In his view, the fact that Parker had grown so strong in an environment where the head coach didn’t favor him, the star didn’t care for him, and teammates didn’t take him seriously, it was normal that trash talk had no effect.

After advancing to the frontcourt, Felton remembered another line and thought he should say it. He turned to Parker, who was defending him, and praised: "Your post offense really is the best among guards, Ginobili doesn’t even come close. I’ll let you in on a secret, Jack and I both learned our floaters from watching you."

Having said that, Felton completely put aside the thought of provoking Parker and passed the ball to Zhang Yang who was backing down Finley at the high post, then spread out to the left corner.