Gary Payton spent a lot of attention defending Iverson, but he also got 15 points and 8 assists.

In addition, PJ Brown's performance of 10 points, 11 basketballs and 2 blocks was a daily cheap double-double.

Rashard Lewis also scored 14 points, and Quentin Richardson, who came off the bench, also scored 12 points.

5 With Lively scoring in double figures, the SuperSonics won easily. At this time, the SuperSonics' record was 28 wins and 4 losses.

With a winning rate of 88%, at this pace, the Sonics can theoretically break the Bulls' record of 72 wins.

Although it is only a theoretical possibility, it is already an exaggeration to think that after almost half of the new season, there is still a theoretical possibility.

I thought that in January, they would have another winning streak and continue to widen the gap with the Lakers.

Take advantage of O'Neal's injury to maximize your advantage.

It's a pity that the ideal is full and the reality is cruel.

After defeating the numbers team, the Sonics also defeated the Grizzlies and Bulls, and from afar, the winning streak is about to come.

At this time, it turned out that Lewis strained his thigh during training and had to rest for at least half a month.

Immediately afterwards, in an away game against the Spurs, Gary Payton sprained his ankle while making a breakthrough layup.

Not only that, the game was lost in the end.

This is really a leaky house and it rains all night.

In fact, Gary Payton's injury is not very serious, and it is not impossible to play with the injury.

But, it's not necessary.

The Sonics' goal is not the regular season. A healthy lineup is more important than winning or losing a few games.

But who would have thought that in the next home game against the Warriors, the SuperSonics would lose again.

Two consecutive losses, no, three consecutive losses.

Because they immediately met the Kings again, and it was a Kings team that was in good shape and had a complete lineup.

After a three-game losing streak, the SuperSonics' record has also become 28 wins and 7 losses.

The only good news is that the Lakers also started losing games without O'Neal, also losing two games in a row.

A record of 26 wins and 8 losses gives the Sonics a little peace of mind.

At least they still top the record list, and they still have a slight lead.

However, at this time, the media came out to cause trouble again.

"A star who cannot lead the team to victory is still a star?"

"Who is the key to the strength of the Sonics?"

"Single-core leadership is the key to testing the quality of a star."

…

There are not only various doubts about Wang Hao, but also saying that he cannot lead the team to win the game.

He even brought other people with him.

For a long time, among the top five shooting guards, there are actually two different situations.

Iverson, Carter, and Tracy McGrady, who came to the Magic, all fought alone.

It is precisely because of the comparison that Iverson led the team to the finals with a single core, which is so shocking.

Although in fact, Iverson is only the offensive core of the digital team, Mutombo is also the core and defensive core.

But, the finals have already explained the problem.

On the other side are Wang Hao and Kobe. When they entered the team, they could only be regarded as younger brothers, with their elder brothers covering their heads.

There are naturally benefits to having a big brother to protect you, such as record and championship.

However, there is another problem. Every time when results are mentioned, the media always gets angry.

"Without O'Neal, Kobe is nothing!"

"Without Gary Payton, the Kings simply can't win."

Okay, now O'Neal is injured, Gary Payton also needs to take a break, and everyone is leading the team alone.

A media reporter ignited this spark, and it instantly became a prairie fire.

As expected, telling media reporters to stop causing trouble is like asking a dog to stop eating shit. It is simply impossible.

There was no way, Wang Hao would just ignore him at most.

However, there are many things that cannot be avoided in this situation. Is it possible to prevent him from winning?

This is obviously impossible.

Amid doubts from the media and countless people watching, the SuperSonics ushered in another game.

Their opponent is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Moreover, it is an away game, and the cold Minnesota is also a big challenge for the Sonics.

During the pre-game interview, Garnett naturally received attention. Yes, this guy is talking loudly again.

It's nothing more than saying that he is the real single-core leader, and others still have helpers.

To be honest, Wang Hao suspected that this guy was stupid, right?

You want to express that you are great, that's fine, but there's no need to belittle your teammates, right?

Perhaps Garnett has another purpose, which is to hope that the team can strengthen the lineup.

She looks quite ugly, but she thinks she is quite beautiful.

It is simply impossible for the Timberwolves to strengthen their lineup. It's not that they don't want to, but that they can no longer do it.

Starting this year, the NBA has begun to implement the luxury tax.

This season, the NBA's luxury tax line is only $48 million, and the Timberwolves have actually exceeded it.

However, because the NBA's overall salary income does not exceed the 55% limit this year, no player will bear the luxury tax.

In other words, the salary of all NBA players this season is less than 55% of the NBA's total revenue.

It’s not enough, and it may not be enough next year.

With a luxury tax of US$48 million, Garnett's salary alone is as high as US$22 million.

By next year, this number will reach 25 million US dollars. With this, do the Timberwolves still dare to sign?

Being able to avoid paying the luxury tax next year is already very rare for the Timberwolves.

As far as Wang Hao knows, the Timberwolves' total salary this season is as high as 55 million US dollars.

Although we dodged a disaster this year, what about next year?

If the Timberwolves are unwilling to reduce their total salary, there will be no way to avoid the luxury tax next year.

As for supersonic speed, it's actually not bad.

In the short term, the Sonics' target draft bonus can last for a few more years.

It's just that PJ Brown's contract is only for one year, Gary Payton's contract is for two years, and Wang Hao's contract is for three years.

In addition to these three core players of the team, Michael Reed and Quentin Richardson also have 2 years.

By then, everyone's wages will have to rise significantly.

However, Wang Hao is not very worried. Everyone knows that Howard Schultz is stingy, but he still has some confidence.

Of course, it's not that the boss has changed his temper and is willing to spend money, but that he believes that the SuperSonics' results are worth the money.

As long as there are results, even the owner of the Rockets, who is under great pressure, is willing to pay the luxury tax, let alone Howard Schultz.
Chapter completed!