NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 176: Far Ahead (5200 words chapter)
On the night of May 2000, 5, some Philadelphia fans were still shouting and cursing loudly after leaving the First United Center, while others were silent.

Losing in this way made the fans feel uncomfortable. If they had the choice, many people would not watch the fourth quarter.

The Philadelphia fans were upset, but the New York media were happy. Ever since they discovered that Allen Iverson's plus-minus data was stretching his crotch, everyone was chasing after him.

Alan Houston had a normal shooting touch tonight, shooting 15 of 5, 6 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 4 of 3 free throws, scoring 15 points.

After changing clothes in the locker room after the game, Alan Houston also took the initiative and said:
"The defensive action of McGee on the opposite side is not small, but in the next game, he will have no chance. There seems to be something wrong with the 76ers' team building ideas."

Compared with the Knicks, the 76ers have obviously fewer people who can absorb the ball.

Even with Larry Brown making adjustments and Aaron McGee joining the starting lineup, the offensive space on the court is still so constipated.
Larry Johnson was in trouble tonight, playing only 27 minutes, but "Auntie" didn't care. His physical condition was average, and he was not as agile as the rookie in chasing screens.

After changing into a floral shirt and casual pants, Larry Johnson, who was dressed like a slut, touched his beard and suddenly teased his opponent:
"There are a lot of "Allen's" this year, but only the one on our side is the winner!"

"Hey! Ours is "Allan", read more, Larry!"

Oakley, who was also arrogant, laughed loudly after saying this. Larry Johnson didn't care and continued to say loudly:
"Like Li, we both have NCAA championships!"

Ewing didn't say anything, just patted Larry Johnson on the shoulder, saying that he also has the NCAA championship.
The atmosphere team was all cheering, smiling after winning, the Knicks are going to the Eastern Conference Finals again!

Head coach Larry Brown's adjustments did have an effect. In the G3 game, the Knicks' number of possessions dropped to 78.

However, even if most of the transition attacks were lost, Li You still relied on breakthroughs to tear apart the opponent's defense.

At the post-game press conference, Li You and Iverson were treated completely differently.

出场39分钟，23中12，三分线外11中5，罚球8中7，36分6篮板10助攻2抢断3失误，整场比赛，李佑的效率都很高。

出场46分50秒，艾弗森几乎打满全场，21中8，罚球12中11，27分3篮板3助攻4失误。

A lot of physical confrontation, three-pointers and long two-pointers, only Iverson maintained a very high shooting rate in the paint area.

Li You, who was dressed in a dark gray formal suit, accepted the praise from everyone on the stage. A reporter from the New York Post even asked pointedly:
"Li, we have all noticed an interesting phenomenon. Your plus/minus value has reached +15 tonight. In this series, you have been far ahead of your opponents in this data!"

"Can you share your thoughts on this?"

Noting that the New York media is increasingly interested in studying Excel, Li You always feels that the style of painting is not quite right, but at this time he still has to continue to pretend:

"As I said before, in some games where the strength gap is large, you don't need to pay attention to these data."

The two groups of people on stage and off stage sang in harmony, which made reporters from the Philadelphia media almost say "Fake!"
Stephen A. Smith was wearing a black formal suit and sitting in the audience with mixed emotions. He really couldn't praise his little brother Iverson.

After the game, you can only brag about the spirit of "not admitting defeat" and "trying your best". As for other things, bragging too much will probably cause resentment among Philadelphia fans.

Iverson was unable to be interviewed in the last game. After Iverson sat on the stage tonight, the New York media attacked him with Excel. He was so angry that he reiterated:

"I never think about data, and I don't play for data. I just want to win!"

Iverson, who was not in a beautiful mood and had a sullen face, didn't even wear a gold chain. Just after saying this, someone in the audience taunted in a low voice:

"The Sixers are out!"

After losing G3, there are still two days left for the 76ers to adjust. This year's schedule is not so busy and there is not much physical problem.

After all, Iverson is young and can almost return to full health after two days of rest.

On Thursday the 11th, in the morning TNT program, the 76ers were not the topic of discussion.

With a big score of 3:0, everyone thought the Knicks would advance within two games.

In yesterday's simultaneous game, the Lakers narrowly defeated the Suns. Unlike the Knicks' reversal, the two sides fought until the last moment.

Two seconds before the end, Kobe hit a jumper near the left elbow, and then O'Neal blocked the jumper of his old teammate Anfernee Hardaway.

The two attacked and defended, killing the game completely. 96:97, the Lakers won again at home.

出场46分55秒，奥尼尔只在第二节缓了一口气，28中16，38分20篮板3助攻1抢断5盖帽2失误。

Handing over this data, the sports commentators were dumbfounded again. From the hot discussion last night to now, even if the Suns are stretched inside, O'Neal's performance is too explosive.

In the studio, the director repeatedly played the numbers of Li You and O'Neal, 36 and 38, which seemed to be only two points apart, but the impressions were completely different.

Kenny Smith still spoke for the backcourt players, emphasizing Li You's influence on the offensive end:

"Scored 36 points and sent 10 assists. There are no statistics on indirect assists. Most of the Knicks' scores are related to Lee."

"Lee makes his teammates better, everyone is doing what they do best, and that's how the backcourt dominates the game!"

Mike Fratello, the old-school coach, still prefers big men. He shook his head and said seriously:
"Pay attention to O'Neal's scoring position, on the left and right sides of the basket. As long as the ball is given to him, it means scoring."

"This kind of dominance is too strong. The closer you are to the basket, the higher your shooting percentage. The more critical the game, the more it can be reflected."

Kenny Smith did not deny this, but turned around and asked:
"But the Lakers almost lost, didn't they? They reached Game 5 of the first round. After all, basketball belongs to five people."

Comparisons between MVPs have always been a favorite among football commentators, but this time one is the No. 1 and the other is the No. 5. The positions are completely different. It is difficult to evaluate who is better between the two.

Ernie Johnson saw the two arguing for several days, and it was still like this: you say yours, and I say mine. He couldn't make a judgment, so he simply changed the subject with a smile:

"How about Kobe? He also performed well in last night's game. He didn't score much, but he hit key shots."

Kenny Smith shook his head directly, and then said unceremoniously:
"Kobe is very good, and like Iverson, he is an outstanding young man, but Lee is the MVP. So far in his career, his efficiency value has exceeded 30 in two seasons."

"Everyone who has played football knows how terrifying this is. Li is far ahead of all the players in his class!"

"Just like people wouldn't compare Drexler and McQueen, Lee is already chasing history."

"."

38+20 made O'Neal once again a hot topic of discussion. Young fans had never seen how Chamberlain played, but when they saw the Sharks' dominance under the basket, they all shouted incredulously.

12号晚上，奥尼尔再次轰出37分17篮板中3助攻3失误的大号两双！
At 105:99, the Lakers got the match point neatly.

安芬尼-哈达威面对湖人队的后场，15中11，砍下31分4篮板8助攻2抢断3失误的全能数据；
It's just that Kidd made 9 of 1 and scored 4 points, which held the Suns back.
There is no suspense in the series. The Lakers will once again reach the Western Conference Finals, and their opponent will be the Trail Blazers who also got the match point that day.

On the night of the 13th, at the First United Center in Philadelphia, the 76ers scored 33 points in the first quarter, and the scene was completely boiling.

Maybe they can't win the series, but they can get a victory at home, and Philadelphia fans are satisfied.

Iverson hit the basket again and again, shooting 10 of 4 in a single quarter and scoring 11 points.

After taking a 5-point lead in the first quarter, Iverson didn't rest in the second quarter and continued to hit hard!

However, the team's shooting feeling dropped and they started to hit the ball again. Fortunately, head coach Larry Brown had a clear mind and loudly called on the players to rush to the basket.

It's a pity that the one-point rain allowed the Knicks to narrow the point difference.

At 57:58, after halftime, the fiery atmosphere in the arena gradually dissipated.
In the live TNT commentary box, Marv Albert only felt that the game seemed familiar:
"The 76ers' shooting feel has declined. At this time, they need to defend well, and at the same time, they need to seize every opportunity to score easily."

They made 28 of 19 free throws at halftime. If they had scored a few more free throws, maybe the 76ers would have led by double digits.
Hubie Brown also couldn't comment on the scale of the first half. Considering that this may be the 76ers' last home game, he can only comment briefly:

"If you want to win the game, you still have to rely on defense. There may be problems with your shooting touch, but solid defense is the guarantee of winning."

"Head coach Larry Brown also knows this, but their frame protection still had a big problem in the first half. Lee was always able to score in the paint."

"Defense is a problem for the whole team. I hope the 76 team can solve this problem when the second half begins."

After overcoming the opponent's 1-point rain, the referee's whistle returned to normal, and by the way, the Knicks were able to make up some ground.
The referee stopped blowing the whistle and saw Iverson lying on the floor again. Philadelphia fans couldn't hold back:
“Referee Sucks!.”

Halfway through the third quarter, the fans cursed the referee.

In the last round, Iverson had just hit the first three-pointer of the game from the sweet spot on the left wing.In this offense, after a double screen, Iverson came to the left wing. With too obvious tactical intention, Alan Houston suddenly made a move, and Aaron McGee at the top of the arc failed to complete the pass in the first time.

After twisting to protect the ball, Aaron McGee barely sent a cross pass a beat later. Li You, who was chasing after him, got in front of Iverson and completed the steal directly.

The fans at the scene exclaimed. Li You was extremely fast and had already crossed the half court. Iverson behind him was desperately chasing after him.

It was 1 on 0 in the frontcourt. After crossing the three-point line, Li You glanced behind him and saw Iverson still accelerating. He gradually slowed down and waited until the opponent caught up with him before joining the ball and jumping up for a layup.

Iverson then jumped up high. After the two fought in the air, Li You leaned against the opponent's body and grabbed the ball with one hand with his right hand. After dodging the block, he took advantage of the opponent to hit his shoulder and shouted:
"My bowl!"

Li You tilted his body and threw the ball toward the backboard. After the two landed, the referee immediately blew the whistle. At the same time, the basketball hit the board high and accurately entered the basket.

"Shh!"

The boos and curses sounded at the same time. Li You just smiled and beat his chest without looking at Iverson, and turned towards the free throw line.

Holding his breath in his heart, Iverson complained to the referee and was quickly greeted by Larry Brown.

After Jeff Van Gundy clapped his hands, he smiled and gave a thumbs up with both hands, then crossed his arms again and watched Li You complete the free throw with a calm expression.

72:69，第3节比赛还剩6分09秒，76队请求暂停后尼克斯队就反超了比分。

The Philadelphia fans who had great expectations for this game gradually became silent as the game time passed.

Those who stood up to watch the game sat back in their seats. Some fans in the front row stopped cheering for the home team with the DJ and drank the beer in their hands depressedly.

81:79, after three quarters, the Knicks took the lead by 2 points.

Although the score difference is not big, many Philadelphia fans already have a bad feeling.

Li You left the game early again at the end of the 3rd quarter, and led the rotation lineup at the beginning of the 4th quarter.

The 7ers, who rotated seven players, lost physical fitness and played slower and slower. The familiar scene appeared again, with no one able to score.

With 6 minutes and 17 seconds left in the game, Iverson received the ball from the left wing and broke through with the ball in his left hand and went straight to the basket.

Ben Wallace, who was full of energy, immediately helped defend to the lower left side of the basket. Li You started to adjust his steps after giving physical confrontation in the blocking area.

As Iverson was walking, he felt the defensive pressure on his side suddenly drop. He immediately jumped when he got close to the paint area. After jumping up, he leaned against Ben Wallace and glided from the left side of the basket to the right side. He pulled the lever beautifully and dodged. The cover is opened!
On the lower right side of the basket, Iverson twisted his body in the air and threw the ball toward the backboard with his right hand. As soon as the basketball was released, his eyes suddenly went dark.

He had long expected that his opponent would pull up for a layup. After returning to the basket, Li You adjusted his steps and suddenly burst out. He was condescending and hit his head and face with a big block!
"Snapped!"

The basketball was photographed by Li You onto the falling Iverson.

Iverson lost his center of gravity after being hit by the ball. He fell to the floor again. He still wanted to save the ball when he fell. His physical fitness declined and he could only reach out but could not stand up.
After finding the feeling of Chris Paul, the big star in the training camp, Li You jumped up and down and shouted happily:

"what!!"

Li You's volleyball hat is indeed rare to see. Everyone on the Knicks bench went crazy with joy, jumping up and shaking their towels.

Larry Johnson laughed and made an exaggerated interception gesture to stop the atmosphere group who wanted to rush into the field to celebrate.

The boos disappeared, and the Philadelphia fans at the scene could only watch Ben Wallace and others gather around Li You and fist bump in celebration.

Iverson, who was pulled up by his teammates, grinned in pain. This time he fell hard again. There was no time to complain. Everyone in the 76ers team hurriedly retreated.

Jeff Van Gundy did not make any adjustments, and this game was even a rotation.

But as Iverson struck, the 76ers made mistakes. After returning to the main team, the bald young coach returned to the bench to watch the game with peace of mind.

The two people in the commentary box felt that the arena was getting quieter and quieter, as if the Philadelphia fans were waiting for the game to end.

Marv Albert watched the 76ers attack for almost 24 seconds in every possession, and commented helplessly:

"Perhaps what the 76 team lacked was the second scoring point. When Iverson's offense misfired, they were unable to respond in time."

93:85, after half a quarter, the 76ers only scored 6 points.

Hubie Brown looked at the scoreboard, stopped commenting on the game, and praised Li You's performance:

"Excellent defensive anticipation, Lee is always the calmest person on the court."

"The Knicks' ability to win 60 games this season is inseparable from Lee's contribution."

The 76ers missed a shot, and the Knicks seized the opportunity to complete the counterattack.

Seeing Li You easily lay up and score points in two consecutive rounds, Larry Brown on the sidelines sighed helplessly and asked for a timeout again.

In the last few minutes, the game time ran out quickly. At 105:92, the Knicks swept their opponents and once again reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

The noise in the arena returned. The 76ers scored 13 points in the final quarter. Some disappointed Philadelphia fans could not accept losing in this way and began to spit out sweet things and curse continuously.

Larry Brown could also hear the fans shouting "get out of class is over". He turned his head and glanced at Iverson, who was sitting on the bench with a towel covering his head and shut himself up, and could only sigh secretly.

出场45分钟，26中7，三分线外4中1，罚球8中6，21分5篮板1抢断3失误。

Iverson, who was on the bench with a towel covering his head, covered his face with his hands, his eyes were red, and he almost cried out of depression.

The 25-year-old Iverson is still being criticized by the outside world, saying he doesn't care, but the Excellent attacks from the New York media have done him great harm.
The label of "inefficient brush" can no longer be removed.

After sweeping his opponents, Li You was in a good mood. After the game, he smiled and shook hands with the 76ers.

Tonight, Ewing, who was so worried, pulled Ratliff to give him some chicken soup. The gorilla burst into laughter, and the playoffs were easier than he expected.

After the game, after looking at the technical statistics, the happy groom Albert continued to boast:

“28分5篮板11助攻2抢断1盖帽3失误，今晚李再次统治了比赛！”

"I don't like people comparing O'Neal's statistics to Lee. The two have different roles on the court. Of course, I appreciate leaders like Lee more."

Coach Hubie Brown also made a joke at this time and briefly commented on the game:

"If Lee plays more minutes, maybe he can get a big double-double."

In 38 minutes of playing time, he made 20 of 10 shots, 6 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 6 of 6 free throws. Jeff Van Gundy did not fight against Li You. He took turns in the game without any pressure.

Regardless of whether the fans were satisfied or not, the 76ers season was over. Wearing a towel, Iverson readjusted his mood, walked to the center of the court, and shook hands with everyone on the Knicks team.

Soon arriving in front of Li You, Iverson found that the two were surrounded by a large number of media reporters.

Li You smiled and took the initiative to hug his old rival and briefly talked about the situation:
"Bro, what a wonderful series. I look forward to us continuing to play against each other next season!"

I always felt that these words seemed familiar, and suppressing the discomfort in my heart, Iverson reluctantly withdrew his smile, patted Li You's chest, and sent his blessings:

"Come on, Bro, I'll win it back next time!"

The surrounding sports media began to click on their cameras to record the conversation between the two. The New York reporter who was studying Excel was afraid that he would not be able to interview him after the game, so he asked again:

"Allen, your plus or minus for this game."

Not wanting to hear about the data at all, Iverson turned away and didn't fully release his emotions until he quickly walked into the player tunnel.

The staff of the 76ers looked at each other in shock as the star banged the wall. It wasn't until Iverson left that someone murmured in a low voice:

“Maybe we made the wrong choice back then.”

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(End of this chapter)