NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 222 Higher Pursuit (Daily Chapter)

On the night of May 2001, 5, at the First United Center, Philadelphia fans could only watch in frustration as the score difference gradually widened.

The Knicks led by 16 points at halftime. Instead of relaxing, they relied on "brutal" defense to completely freeze the 76ers' offense.

Fans who were looking forward to a bottoming out in the second half were also disappointed. Iverson exploded in the third quarter, shooting 8 of 3 and 7 of 5 free throws, scoring 11 points.

It is a pity that the single quarter was 27:20, and after three quarters, the score was fixed at 83:60, and the 76ers were unable to recover.

It is only a matter of time to get the match point, and there are no miracles in the series.

“Referee Sucks!.”

There are still many Philadelphia fans who are still criticizing the referees. The excessive physical confrontation in this game caused Iverson to lose his shooting touch.

In the commentary box, Bob Costas noticed that Jeff Van Gundy began to use more substitute lineups, and he knew that the Knicks were ready to cash in on their troops:
"With such a point difference, it is almost impossible for the 76ers to reverse and win."

"The Knicks have got the match point and will play the G4 game the day after tomorrow. There is not much time left for them to adjust."

Doug Collins can't say too much at this time. In his opinion, the 76ers have been very successful in reaching the conference finals.

However, Philadelphia fans are obviously not satisfied with this result. The overall situation of the series has been decided, and they can only follow the picture at this time:

"Iverson performed well in the conference finals for the first time in his career. Fans and management also need to be patient."

"There will always be failures on the way to the championship, which is also a kind of training for young players."

"."

During the break, everyone in the Knicks team began to celebrate their victory in the series. Kukic, who had never had a chance to play, couldn't help but smile when he took off his training uniform and prepared to go on the court.

It’s always good to play in the finals!
After Li You scored 16 points in the second quarter, he helped the team establish a lead. In the third quarter, he controlled the rhythm of the game more.

In the last quarter of the game, Li You only played 4 minutes and 32 seconds, adding some more data.With head coach Larry Brown replacing most of the main lineup, the 76ers officially admitted defeat.

"Shh!"

Yells and boos resounded through the arena again, and Philadelphia fans didn't like defeat either. They bought tickets to watch the game, only to experience a rout, which most fans couldn't accept.

Jeff Van Gundy happily hugged the players who came off the field. The bald young coach set some young records this year. He is the strongest championship coach in the league.
"Good job!"

Li You also patted Artest, who was about to make his debut again. His scoring efficiency was indeed not good, but his defensive willingness was the best in the team.

This is also the result of differentiated competition. Even if Grant Hill's ankle is still recovering, he is still more competitive than Meng Xin with his richer game experience and ability to handle the ball.

Artest was in a good mood after being encouraged. He had wanted to play like this for a long time, but most of the time his shooting was unsatisfactory and he had no more opportunities:

"In the next game, I'll give the opponent a little more color! I can lock down the best sixth man!"

Aaron McGee made 5 of 3 three-pointers, and his performance was really good. The two had frequent quarrels during the game. Artest, who held a grudge, felt that the other was a weakling, and G4 was ready to attack again.
Li You smiled and nodded. He also knew that this newbie was more eager for attention, which was worthy of encouragement.

On the other side, Iverson and Eric Snow both had their eyes wide open after coming off the court, fighting through injuries and seemingly not earning respect.

The scattered boos were for the home team, which was about to be swept. Philadelphia fans could not "believe in the process" and more people began to question the core players.

In the last 3 minutes, the game time ran out quickly. At 109:89, the Knicks defeated their opponents and successfully obtained the match point.

Iverson draped himself in a towel and walked toward the tunnel without looking back. This was not the Eastern Conference finals he expected.

出场44分钟，30中10，三分线外6中0，罚球13中9，29分4篮板6助攻1抢断3失误。

Head coach Larry Brown looked at the technical statistics and sighed secretly. He turned to look at Jeff Van Gundy, who was walking towards him with a bright smile, and couldn't help but complain in his heart:
"Good luck guy!"

The two famous coaches shook hands and greeted each other. On the other side, Ewing, who hugged everyone he met, did not forget to comfort his friend Mutombo:
"You've done your best, Bro! There's no need to blame yourself, I've prepared tickets for the finals for you!"

"."

13 of 5, 8 of 5 free throws, 15 points, 14 rebounds and 1 block. After handing over these statistics, Mutombo was still a little disappointed after losing. Hearing the gorilla's comfort, he immediately punched the opponent twice.

Iverson did not accept a courtside interview, and NBC reporter Jim Gray interviewed Li You again.

The two are also old acquaintances. Before the camera turned on, Jim Gray and Li You hugged and said blessings:

"Standing on the stage of the finals for four consecutive years is really an amazing achievement!"

Hearing what the other party said, Li You also laughed, automatically ignored G4, and joked:
"This is the Eastern Conference and I love the competitive environment!"

Several staff around him also laughed. Everyone witnessed the Knicks' performance in the playoffs.

G3的比赛，李佑出场39分钟，23中12，三分线外8中4，罚球8中7，砍下35分5篮板10助攻2抢断1失误。

Jim Gray didn't add insult to injury by maliciously comparing the data of Iverson and Li You. Most of the interviews were official questions and scene talk.

When asked about the next game, Li You just replied calmly:

"The Knicks are ready. We will end the series as soon as possible and then focus on the finals!"

On the morning of May 5, most sports media began to warm up for the finals.

In the G4 game between the Lakers and Spurs in the evening, the commentators had the same view:
"Sweep the promotion."

Playing at home, the Lakers did not disappoint expectations. They were full of momentum from the start of the game and suppressed their opponents throughout the game.

In the end, 82:111, the Lakers once again defeated the Spurs, sweeping their opponents and winning the division championship.

心灰意冷的邓肯10中5，仅拿到15分，大卫-罗宾逊16中5，贡献12分。

The Lakers' Fisher destroyed the Spurs' perimeter. He played 41 minutes, 13 of 11, 7 of 6 from beyond the arc, 28% shooting, and scored a team-high [-] points!
O'Neal made 19 of 11 shots and had a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds;
科比19中10，24分6篮板11助攻2抢断1盖帽2失误，填满数据栏。

Lakers fans burst into laughter. At 11:0 in the playoffs, O'Neal fulfilled his promise!

At the Staples Center, when O'Neal lifted the division championship trophy, the crowd cheered.

Phil Jackson felt that the team was getting better and he also applauded with joy.

Witnessed by nearly 2 fans, O'Neal took the microphone, handed the trophy to Kobe on the side, and said seriously:
"11:0, this is just the beginning. This year, we will send the MVP home. The era of the Lakers has arrived!"

"Wow!"

The fans in Los Angeles like this. The harder O'Neal blows, the happier everyone is.

Kobe would also like to say a few words. He has hit over [-]% in many games, and this year he has fulfilled his talent.

Just watching O'Neal holding the microphone and talking non-stop, and the fans responded positively, Kobe could only wait aside with the trophy in his arms.
The media in Los Angeles liked O'Neal's speech very much. Every team in the Western Conference is very strong this season. This record is enough to illustrate the dominance of the Lakers this year!

On May 5, the TNT program invited Kevin Johnson, who officially retired from the Suns in March this year, as a guest on the program.

In the studio, after the four people discussed the situation of the Lakers, they began to warm up for tonight's Eastern Conference Finals G4.

The "hugging" Charles Barkley was somewhat reluctant to let go when he met his old teammates. With Kenny Smith constantly teasing him, this episode almost turned into a memoir of the Suns.
Ernie Johnson had no choice but to take the initiative to bring up the topic:
"Kevin, what are your expectations for tonight's game?"

Kevin Johnson, who was teasing Barkley just now, stopped smiling after hearing the question, thought for a moment and then answered seriously:
"The Knicks will end the series, Lee won't waste the opportunity, and most importantly, he will respond after the Lakers sweep their opponents!"

Kenny Smith stopped teasing his partner and asked seriously:
"Kevin, from your personal perspective, what do you think is the gap between Iverson and Lee? You have played against both of them, and we want to hear your feelings."

Although this question was not very friendly, Kevin Johnson still answered bluntly:

"First of all, the physical conditions of the two are completely different. It is not easy for a small man to gain a foothold in the league. Iverson has done a good job."

"Li is different. We can see that his body has become stronger and stronger in recent years, and his speed, explosive power and other aspects have also improved significantly."

"I think Lee has not yet encountered a real challenge in this year's playoffs and is on the stage of the finals. Maybe his data will explode."

"Another gap lies in the understanding of the game. The Knicks' offensive tactics have changed a lot. It is said that many tactical designs refer to Lee's opinions."

"Iverson is not as sure as Lee in pick-and-rolls, fast breaks, and misplaced singles. His shortcomings are magnified, but I admire his fighting spirit very much!"

At this time, Charles Barkley also returned to his usual big-mouthed state. He immediately took over the conversation and joked loudly:

"There is nothing to analyze. Lee suppressed Iverson in all aspects. It should be said that Lee suppressed all backcourt players in the league."

"I respect players who work hard, but that's how the NBA game is. No one will sympathize with the weak. If I were Li, I would taunt my opponents even more on the court and beat them completely!"

"Li has defeated all his current opponents! I think he has a higher pursuit!"

"After Michael Jordan defeated you in 93, he could have continued to compete for the championship." As soon as Kenny Smith finished speaking, the two people on the other side shouted "hehe", and soon Charles Barkley whispered again said:

"McKen had a reason to be tired. The Eastern Conference was also very strong back then, and he was under more pressure."

"But it's completely different now. The Knicks team led by Lee can easily win 60+ games in the Eastern Conference."

"I don't think he felt any pressure at all!"

"Being able to reach the finals every year, being praised by the New York media every year, and earning a lot of money every year, God! Is there anything better than this?"

Charles Barkley's voice got louder and louder as he spoke, and finally he simply spread his hands jealously, causing the three of them to laugh.

After Kevin Johnson laughed, he also followed the gossip and said:
"I think Lee does have different pursuits, and he made a lot of money last year as an investor."

"After that, I only invested in one property, and there was no extravagance. Of course, that house was indeed very expensive."

"He has a good relationship with the New York City government, is also actively involved in some political activities, and is currently studying in law school. I think Lee has set an example for players."

"I have always wanted to change people's stereotypes about athletes, so I plan to study political science after retirement. Basketball players are not only about games. This is definitely people's prejudice."

Charles Barkley suddenly interrupted when he heard this:

"Don't tell me you plan to go into politics in the future? This is amazing news!"

Noticing that the three of them were looking at him, Kevin Johnson smiled and asked:
"Why be surprised? It's just a life choice."

"."

Before the start of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals that night, Iverson found that he had been ignored again. The pre-game interview was indifferent, and the Philadelphia media seemed ready to surrender.

Everyone started discussing the rematch between the Lakers and Knicks.

Mutombo took on the responsibilities of a veteran in the locker room, working hard to boost morale, looking into the eyes of every teammate, and loudly encouraging:

"We can create miracles and we need to win a game for the fans who support us!"

Head coach Larry Brown didn't say much after entering the locker room.

In past games, he would always pay attention to some details and put more demands on the players.

But during the two days, most of the training was conducted by assistant coaches. Larry Brown gave chicken soup on his lips, but in his heart he acquiesced in failure.

At 20 o'clock, at the First United Center Arena, after the game started, the Philadelphia fans who had high expectations before the game were disappointed again.

Everyone only saw that Iverson was frequently targeted, encountered a lot of physical confrontations on the offensive end, and was chased and beaten for several consecutive rounds on the defensive end.
The scene was so brutal that it caused psychological discomfort among some fans, and even the boos disappeared for a while.

After scoring 10 of 2 shots in a single quarter and contributing 4 points, Iverson walked to the bench in despair.

At 33:21, looking at the 12-point difference, the First United Center also became quiet.

During the rotation phase, Eric Snow only played 3 minutes before he could not continue due to a right foot injury. Aaron McGee, who had high hopes, was also lost in Artest's brutal defense.
Just as the football commentators expected, Li You started to exert his strength in the first half, making sudden shots and defeating his opponents.

At 61:41, G4 was no different from the first three games. The Knicks entered the second half with a 20-point lead.

In the NBC commentary box, Doug Collins seemed to recall the scene in G4 of the Western Conference Finals. He did not comment on the game anymore, and simply talked about the subsequent finals:
"What follows will be a duel of super teams, and the Knicks have shown their dominance in the playoffs again."

"11:0, I don't know which team will lose first."

Bob Costas noticed that the Philadelphia fans at the scene had lost their emotions and stopped discussing the game. He took over and said:

"The reference value of regular season data is limited. Although the Knicks double-killed their opponents, the Lakers' lineup was not complete at the time."

"."

In the second half of the game, Iverson also failed to find his shooting touch. After leading the team to 28:19 in the third quarter, the game entered garbage time.

Although the 76ers fought hard to catch up in the last quarter, time was running out.
As the final buzzer sounded, 112:88, a big score of 4:0, the Knicks swept the 76ers and entered the finals again!
Li You, who had been sitting on the bench for a long time, also stood up and applauded, and high-fived his teammates who came off the field to celebrate.

Jeff Van Gundy suddenly felt a little excited. He has led his team to the finals for four consecutive years and is the strongest championship coach currently in service!
Trying to look serious, but the smile on his face couldn't be hidden at all, the bald marshal deliberately adjusted his suit before walking to the technical stage with his head held high.

Larry Brown didn't give Jeff Van Gundy any chance to show off. He shook hands briefly, turned around and left without saying a word. He really couldn't see the other side's proud look.

Iverson sat alone on the bench, holding a towel in his hands and crying silently. Eric Snow could only pat his boss for comfort.

The Philadelphia fans at the scene did not blame Iverson for his hard work. He made 26 of 8 shots and scored 20 points. Everyone could see that he had tried his best.

At the First United Center, Philadelphia fans began to leave. No one was interested in watching the Knicks win the cup at their home court.

After this series is over, there will no longer be any commentators comparing Iverson and Li You. It is all over, and the gap is visible to the blind eye.
Li You hugged and greeted every 76ers player, and finally comforted Mutombo, but Iverson was not seen.

"Sorry, Allen got a little emotional and was pulled back to the locker room by us. He didn't want the fans to see his weak side."

Mutombo explained the reason in a low voice, and Li You didn't care:

"I understand Allen, remember to say hello to him for me. I'm looking forward to our next match."

"."

Opening his mouth subconsciously, Mutombo could only smile bitterly in the end, and the words would just rot in his stomach.

Artest didn't care about the mood of the 76ers. He put on the orange division champion hat, took off his jersey, wore a black vest, jumped up and down the sidelines, and celebrated happily.

After Ewing imparted some championship experience to his opponents, he hugged the assistant coaches one by one, put on his hat, and screamed again.

Grant Hill, who had put on his training clothes, also touched the hat on his head. His mood was a bit complicated, and he deeply realized that choice is greater than hard work.

If he finally chooses to join the Magic during the offseason, he will most likely have already caught fish.
Alan Houston seemed to see what his old teammate was thinking. He put his arm around his shoulder and joked with a smile:
"Joining the Knicks is definitely the right choice. I think it's a good deal to sacrifice some data in exchange for a championship!"

With limited playing time, Grant Hill only contributed about 10 points per game in this year's playoffs.

Although he scored few points, his tactical position was very high. In some rounds of three-person pick-and-roll cooperation, he controlled the ball.

After many years of stopping in the first round, changing teams, and finally reaching the finals, Grant Hill followed the crowd to the center of the field and whispered:

"I just felt a little unreal. This process was much easier than I imagined."

"."

Because of the away game, the conference championship award ceremony was a bit simple. Li You was only in the front position at this time, leaving the opportunity to perform to the playoff "mascot" Ewing.

Most of the Philadelphia fans at the scene had already left, and Gorilla didn't care. Amidst the cheers of the Knicks, he laughed and raised the trophy:

"Oh!!"

Bob Costas acted as the temporary host and immediately blessed:
"Congratulations to the Knicks for reaching the Finals for the fourth consecutive year!"

Soon, Ewing and Jeff Van Gundy took the lead in starting a business exchange mode:

“It’s unbelievable, thank God we did it!”

"This is the last season of my career. With the team reaching the finals again, I just want to thank Lee, my outstanding teammates, and the coaching staff!"

"."

Ewing pretended to be X for a season, earning a financial double-double through false starts. In his final season, he also left a deep impression on the fans.

The gorilla had tears in his eyes as he spoke. Jeff Van Gundy seemed to understand Ewing, took the initiative to hug him, took the microphone and continued:

"This is a victory for New York. Thank you to the fans for supporting the Knicks!"

Li You smiled and touched the trophy and handed it to Grant Hill who was standing aside. The cup did not have much appeal to him.

A division championship is not enough, he needs a higher pursuit.

The bald young marshal was still reminiscing about the hardships. While everyone was touching the trophy, Li You simply called out the talent panel. With a thought, he got the prompt:

[Allen Iverson’s excellent tackling awareness]

　Thank you book friends for your subscription support(*)
　　Yesterday’s chapter caused discomfort to some book friends.
　　I modified the content today.
　　Anyone who has read the previous book knows that I rarely criticize football stars.

　　There is no fan filter either.

　　The protagonist is indeed not a good person-. -
　　I described it from the side before,
　　Ahem, the character design will not be changed.
　　Book friends, please forgive me QAQ
　　
　
(End of this chapter)