149: 081: This time, it’s my turn to shake people!
(Requesting monthly tickets!)_3 149: 081: This time, it’s my turn to shake people!
(Requesting monthly tickets!)_3 On January 4th against the Nets, O’Neal scored 25 points, but the most eye-catching performance was from Roger with 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist from 11 out of 16 shots.
On January 6th facing the Timberwolves, O’Neal fouled out due to his clashes with Christian Laettner, scoring only 18 points with 7 rebounds.
But Roger, with 34 points from 13 out of 24 shots, continued to lead the team to victory.
On January 8th against the Pistons, facing the hugely popular upstart Grant Hill, Roger scored 37 points from 13 out of 19 shots, with a remarkable 68% shooting accuracy!
Grant Hill still managed to rack up an all-around statistic of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, but paled in comparison to Roger’s terrifying efficiency of 37 points.
As NBC commentators put it, “An assist leading to 2 points is still just 2 points, so if Roger can efficiently score 2 points directly, why should we discuss his assists?”
After the game, Grant Hill shrugged, “He’s not just any Jordan’s Successor, he is the heir to the throne.”
The Pistons’ fans all shook their heads.
From last season’s Hardaway to this season’s Hill, none of Jordan’s successors had walked away intact from a game against Roger.
In fact, even Jordan himself had been dominated by Roger twice this season.
Since entering 1995, Roger had averaged 34.6 points per game with a shooting accuracy over 50%.
Roger’s recent form had greatly pleased Shaq.
After the game, facing the reporters, he shook his finger towards the camera:
“Who is the real scoring master?
I’m indeed a bit undercooked.
He’s just a defeated foe.
So I refuse these answers, I choose Roger!
San Antonio, you will soon see what a real scoring master looks like when he plays!”
O’Neal felt a swagger like someone who, after being bullied at school, finally finds a big brother to fight for him.
This time, I shocked people, and none of you can run away!
It’s not only Shaq who is fully confident in Roger.
On the next day’s “SportsCenter” show, John Anderson held up three fingers as he discussed Roger:
“About Roger, I just want to say three things.
First, this summer of 1995, he will definitely become one of the first NBA players to earn a salary above ten million.
Unless Pat Williams’s brain is squeezed by a door, it is bound to happen.
Second, Clyde Drexler probably can’t fulfill his promise.
Hakeem is great, Clyde too.
But Roger and Shaq, they are a different concept.
Third, the Admiral might really have insomnia tonight, not because of Shaq, but because of the well-performing Roger.
I know the Admiral is first in the MVP rankings, but nobody can ignore a fully powered Roger.
Shaq has brought a tough guy to help him settle scores, he is a better scorer than the scoring champion and badder than the bad boy Dennis, the Admiral’s reign over Shaquille O’Neal may end completely soon.”
Although the enemies are strong, Roger’s performance since entering 1995 has made people willing to believe that this 19-year-old contender for the throne can handle any trouble.
He has handled Jordan twice, he made Drexler switch sides, he made Hakeem fear the three-pointer, his scoring ability is terrifying.
In this bloody battle for the throne, he is already among the front runners.
Next, is just to let another opponent continue to bleed.