NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 374 The Selfless Leader (Daily Chapter)

Every year during March Madness, a new kid comes to the fore.

Duke University’s JJ Redick is known as a super shooter with NBA range;
Wake Forest's Chris Paul has also attracted much attention. Paul, who attended the Li You training camp at a young age, is a true fan and has told the outside world about his experience more than once.

Tim Duncan is also concerned about his alma mater. Although he encountered plantar fasciitis which affected his competitive state, the Spurs' record was not affected too much and they still ranked first in the Western Conference.

Although his record is excellent, Duncan's personal data is not very good. In the MVP rankings, this selfless leader has begun to fall behind.

In February, Vince Carter and Dirk Nowitzki won Player of the Month.

The Mavericks are working hard for a playoff spot, and the Nets are still worried about a playoff spot.

The Knicks ushered in the easiest schedule of the season after entering March, with only two games for two consecutive weeks, which greatly relieved the players' fatigue.

After four days of rest, the Knicks unexpectedly lost to the Sonics. After the Spurs easily defeated the Hornets, the gap between the two sides further narrowed.

With 50 wins and 11 losses, the Knicks still ranked first in the league. With 48 wins and 15 losses, the Spurs have not given up yet and are working hard to catch up.

In the game against the Nets two days ago, the Heat allowed their opponents to score only 65 points, and in the second half the opponent's shooting percentage dropped to 17.1%.
The hard-hit Nets made 74 of 22 in the entire game, shooting only 29.7% from the field.

This abusive system has allowed the Cavaliers to gain a foothold in the Eastern Conference. The only thing that currently troubles them is outside shooting, and three-pointers have become the Cavaliers' weakness.

Head coach Stan Van Gundy is also highly praised. This year he suppressed his younger brother Jeff Van Gundy and is currently being discussed as a famous coach.

On the evening of the 14th, the Heat defeated the Bucks 71:110, and their record was 49 wins and 16 losses.

On Tuesday, March 3th, the Heat and the Knicks played three times.

Regarding MVP, Charles Barkley naturally had something to say, and he did not hesitate to answer:

"If a player never wins the MVP, it only means one thing: he is not good enough."

Kenny Smith did not give a conclusion in advance, but he was not optimistic about the Knicks suddenly pulling his hips, and Li You handed over the trophy:

"In comparison, O'Neal is healthier this year. He and Wade are getting better, and their attendance can reach 70+."

In the studio, the three of them did not have a loan, and Charles Barkley expressed more of his disappointment:

Kenny Smith also agreed with this view and immediately added:
"The playoffs are accidental, and no team can win the championship 100% of the time."

After all, building a team doesn't happen overnight. The Cavaliers already have a cornerstone. Focusing on one inside and one outside, supplementing shooters is the future direction.

In Jeff Van Gundy's system, the Cavaliers have a 32-zone defense, flanking the line or driving core players to the inside. The opponent can only choose a corner three-pointer or mid-range.

"I also feel sorry for Duncan when his attendance failed to reach 70 games."

Ernie Johnson heard that his two partners had reached a consensus, and suddenly asked seriously:

"We will fulfill our previous promise. Within three years, the Heat will win the championship!"

"I don't believe Duncan would voluntarily give up this award unless he thought he was no match for Lee."

After consecutive victories over his opponents, even Pat Riley followed suit and said:
"The Heat already have championship potential, and Mourning's return encourages us!"

Although he has to challenge the Knicks in back-to-back away games, O'Neal is full of confidence in winning. In his opinion, the winning gap between the two teams is not big:
"With 17 games left, we still have a chance to get first place in the league."

If they can win, the two teams will be tied with wins. This will be the only time in many seasons that an Eastern Conference team has come close to the Knicks.

"I know Duncan has plantar fasciitis and has had issues with his availability this season, but in more games, his numbers haven't met my expectations."

On the MVP rankings, O'Neal has reached the second place again. Compared to Kobe, who was suspended for breaking the defense and throwing punches not long ago, the Shark seems to have proved himself again.

"I hope the team can prepare in advance. The home field advantage is very important."

"If Duncan finally wins the O'Brien Cup and the FMVP trophy this year, will it become acceptable to lose the MVP award?"

"Shaq did a great job and we all know the impact he has on the court."

"If you want to be the best player in the league, you have to put up convincing numbers."

"As for the injury problem, I feel great now, and the same goes for Wade. We all long for the championship!"

TNT has been warming up to this focus game for a long time. If the Heat can really get the league's first record, O'Neal will have a high probability of winning the second MVP trophy in his career.

Compared with other teams, the Cavaliers' lineup always has a big advantage in the interior, which allows them to abuse the opponent relatively stably.

"If he can't win the MVP in his career, it will definitely affect Duncan's achievements."

"Perhaps due to the limitations of head coach Popovich, Duncan's too selfless performance will cost him the MVP."

"Why not win two trophies? 82 regular season games, selecting the best from 450 players, there is no doubt that this is a huge honor."

Although Dwight Howard does not have much ability to attack independently, his physical talent is worthy of being the first overall pick, and he has now secured his main position.

Once the shooting percentage drops, excellent rebounding can bring out the physical talents of LeBron James. The efficient counterattack based on personal ability is also the reason for the Cavaliers' excellent record.

"Duncan hasn't received many honors since he entered the league."

"As for Wade, it's hard for me to believe that he is just a second-year rookie. There is no doubt that he is the best player in the 03 class."

For champion coach Van Gundy, most football critics still gave favorable comments.

O'Neal and Wade have no more injuries and have also enjoyed a winning streak recently.

O'Neal, who attended the press conference, answered the question seriously. As the Lakers led by Kobe Bryant became more and more stretched, it has become a bonus in itself, and the Sharks no longer pay attention to their old teammates.

As the season progresses and the tactical routines are figured out, the Cavaliers' record tends to decline. Fortunately, they have won enough games in the early stage. Cleveland fans firmly believe that the future must belong to them.

The Cavaliers currently have a record of 39 wins and 21 losses. As long as the remaining games are not stretched, there will be no problem in the playoffs. Van Gundy is naturally very satisfied with such results.

"He has indeed been selected to the best team and all-star, but he has not been able to win awards such as rebounding champion, block champion, and DPOY."

"I think Duncan is still full of desire for honors. Maybe at the end of the season, he can lead the Spurs to the top of the league. Everyone will wait and see."

"."

Football commentators will always impose their wishes on players, and fans have begun to have more expectations.

The Spurs will face weak teams in two of their three games this week. As long as they don't make mistakes, they can still take the top two spots in terms of record.

When the San Antonio sports media interviewed Duncan in the afternoon, he was asked about MVP. The selfless leader did not have any rhetoric:

"I know my body well, and I want to win the championship more than personal awards!"

"My teammates are great. Tony and Manu are both All-Stars. We should pursue higher goals and I know we can do it."

"As for subsequent matches, I will follow the team doctor's advice."

The Spurs will challenge the Knicks away from home next week. In this regard, the sports media has begun to build momentum, believing that this encounter is Tim Duncan's last chance.

Many reporters looked at Duncan who looked calm and didn't know what to say for a while.

People who like the Spurs and Duncan certainly hope that their idol can kill everyone, which will give them a greater sense of accomplishment.

As a result, every time at a critical moment, Duncan behaved like a Buddhist.
Popovich does have management skills and has established the Spurs' team culture.

Although everyone thought the previous "selfish" theory was outrageous, Popovich seemed to be serious.

In so many regular season games, Duncan has averaged more than 30 points per game only five times.

In comparison, Li You is much more "selfish". So far this season, he has scored less than 30 points only 4 times.

The data between the two are vastly different. If it weren't for the Spurs' outstanding record, Duncan's mediocre Excel would have long been forgotten by football commentators.

Naturally, the possession of the ball is limited. The Spurs' number of rounds is at the league average, and their offensive firepower is not outstanding. Only their tactical execution is excellent.

Parker and Ginobili have gotten more opportunities to perform, which also makes Popovich promote his theory every time he is interviewed:
"Basketball is a game for five people. I don't like individuals to win with high scores."

"I hope every player can participate in the team's tactics. What I want to see is that five people on the field score in double figures and the Spurs win the game easily."

"Duncan played too many minutes in the past few years. We relied too much on him and we failed in the end."

"The Spurs are completely different now than they were in the past. We are more mature and understand how to win championships. This is all based on Duncan, who is a selfless leader!" "."

Due to similar results, star fans are becoming more active!
O'Neal's fans believe that the Sharks deserved to win the award this year after leading their second-year rookie to achieve such a record;

Those who like Duncan believe that the top two players are just data brushes, sacrificing the team for the sake of honor;
Most of Li You's fans think that the players at the back are cheating!

In terms of Excel, they have been leading this year, and they still rank first in the league in terms of injuries to the main lineup. The honor thief should admit defeat as soon as possible.
On the night of the 15th, at Madison Square Garden, a large number of New York fans held up whiteboards:

"Kobe stole a ring for you!"

At the end of the first half, O'Neal, who was standing on the free throw line, was obviously affected by the jumping fans and missed two free throws again.

Statmire received his third foul early and was already off the court. Mutombo performed well in the limited time and steadily collected rebounds this time.

After consecutive mistakes and missed free throws, the Heat suddenly fell into a scoring drought in the second quarter.

"Wow!"

Hearing the cheers of the fans at the scene, O'Neal, who retreated on defense, cursed in anger and high-fived in frustration. He was restricted by free throws.

With 16.8 seconds left in the half, Damon Jones led the defense on Li You in advance, with the logo on the right wing. Wade saw the opportunity to double-team in advance.

After the opening, the Heat began to attack the ball holder in advance. Li You once again released the ball early. After Raja Bell received the ball on the right wing, Haslem moved to help defend.

At the same time, Wade also followed the defense and cooperated with his teammates to double-team again. Damon Jones, who was on the line, cut off the return route.

Coach Stan Van Gundy shouted instructions from the sidelines, and Haslem's defensive position affected Laga Bell's ball.

Although Kurt Thomas reacted a little slowly, he still accelerated and moved to the free throw line to take the initiative.

Raja Bell, who was almost surrounded by two men, hurriedly threw the ball to his teammates. When Kurt Thomas received the ball, Haslem quickly returned to the defense.

Once again playing the ultimate defensive rotation, Kurt Thomas turned his body sideways, and Li You, who was on the line, moved toward the top of the arc, then bounced and ran.

Away from the three-point line, Li You caught the ball again near the logo.

As the game time passed, the Heat, who played excellent defense, became more and more defensive.

Putting the ball with his right hand, Li You was not in a hurry to attack. He was still observing the opponent's movements and noticed that there was no one to defend him. He jumped and dribbled the ball and quickly changed direction with his hips.

Kurt Thomas took the opportunity to step forward for a high pick-and-roll. Damon Jones, who saw the movement behind him, instinctively stepped forward to defend, trying to squeeze through the screen.

Taking advantage of his opponent's move, Li You circled the ball behind his back, shook away the defense, and accelerated laterally with the ball in his right hand.

Facing Haslem, who came up after a big delay, he suddenly went in and out during the march. Li You swayed left and right, pretending to go outside and making a strong move.

Haslem, who made excellent defensive predictions, slid to the left in time. The moment the two bodies were about to collide, Li You changed direction again.

Before Haslem could react, Damon Jones, who was chasing after him, saw Li You holding the ball with his left hand and rushing past his teammate. He couldn't stop for a moment and bumped into Haslem's arms.
Li You, who was leading the ball forward, made a hidden leg-supporting movement with his right hand, which stopped Haslem in place. When he broke through to the paint area, the two people behind him had already collided into a ball and were unable to pursue him.

"Wow!"

Amid the cheers of the fans, Li You, who was directly in front of the basket, quickly combined the ball. He first made a passing motion and deceived O'Neal under the basket. Then he carried the ball with his right hand to the lower left side of the basket and easily picked up the basket!

When the ball went in and the lights came on, Madison Square Garden was boiling again. The smile on O'Neal's face under the basket had long since disappeared. He didn't like the current score difference.

At 44:54, the Knicks were in mediocre form, but still led by double digits.

O'Neal made 8 of 4 in the half, 6 of 0 free throws, and only scored 8 points. However, he sent 3 assists in the face of the Knicks' double-team.

李佑半场13中7，三分线外6中2，罚球5中5，砍下21分5篮板4助攻2抢断1失误的数据。

The Heat's tactics were undoubtedly successful, but there were 2 turnovers in the second quarter, coupled with O'Neal's free throws that stretched his hips, which made them fall so far behind.

O'Neal was in a bad mood as he walked towards the tunnel. Ball commentators would not sympathize with him just because he played back-to-back games. If you want to win awards, you must win and have good statistics.

Taking advantage of the halftime break, head coach D'Antoni accepted an interview with TNT with a smile.

When asked about Li You encountering a large number of double-teams tonight, D'Antoni responded with a relaxed expression:

"It's just a little trouble. We were prepared before the game. The boys performed very well in the first half of the game."

"We will still give the ball to Lee's hands. Double-teaming means open space. What we have to do in the second half is to send the ball into the basket. Jump shots are still our first choice!"

After the start of the second half, the Heat made timely adjustments and made no more unnecessary mistakes.

O'Neal's free throws also started to pick up, but he still made one of two free throws every time.

Both sides went back and forth, and after playing high-quality responses, the score continued to rise.

Wade suddenly shot a cold arrow from outside the three-point line on the left wing and hit a three-pointer;

Looking back, Li You, who was double-teamed by Eddie Jones again, found Prince on the right wing outside the three-point line in time. The latter caught the ball and made a solid jump shot in the open.

After the play, relying on O'Neal's attraction, Damon Jones hit a three-pointer at the top of the arc;

The Knicks attacked. After Stoudemire's hand-off pass, Li You feinted the ball on the left wing. After a tentative step, he responded again with a pull-up jumper.

It wasn't until the end of the third quarter that the shooting percentages on both sides began to decline.

The Heat, who kept hitting shots from beyond the arc, didn't allow the Knicks to play much in transition.

After Li You took the initiative to speed up the offensive rhythm, the Heat still had some physical problems in back-to-back games, and O'Neal couldn't run anymore.
At 24:28 of the single quarter, seeing the score difference reach 14 points, head coach Stan Van Gundy on the sidelines felt a little regretful.

If not for only 2 points in the second quarter, the two sides might still be in a stalemate.

During the rotation period of the fourth quarter, the point difference was not narrowed. O'Neal, who was sitting on the bench, was depressed and silent.

"Shaq, let's go back home on Saturday and win again!"

Wade accepted the reality, didn't say any more rhetoric, and directly gave O'Neal a pie.

"This is just an ordinary regular season game. Even if we lose this game, we are only two games away from winning."

Haslem also used a spiritual victory method and took the initiative to comfort O'Neal.

Hearing the comfort from his younger brothers, O'Neal glared at the fans holding the whiteboard, and then called the coach in advance to prepare for the stage.

The defensive intensity dropped, and the Knicks were troubled by fouls inside, and O'Neal showed his dominance again.

But the point difference did not narrow. After both sides quickly +2, the game became faster and faster.

In the middle of the 4th quarter, O'Neal made the first mistake. Watching the energetic Stoudemire participate in the fast break, the coaching staff on the Heat bench knew that the game was over.

With 56.2 seconds left in the game, O'Neal was replaced.

In the cheers of New York fans, the remaining time flew by.

In the end, the score was fixed at 96:110, and the Knicks once again widened the gap in victory.

16中10，罚球14中3，23分9篮板4助攻1抢断4失误。

Although the referee took good care of O'Neal, the Sharks still lost in the "MVP conversation" in the end.
O'Neal, who was in a bad mood, went to the player tunnel early, and he had to start preparing for Saturday's fourth round.

李佑今晚状态一般，24中12，三分线外10中4，罚球9中9，拿到37分8篮板10助攻3抢断2失误的数据。

The New York fans at the scene felt that Li You was in excellent condition, and many people were still cheering loudly after the game, applauding the victory.

During the interview, when asked about MVP again, Li You was no longer polite and simply responded:

"I outscored my opponents by 10 points per game. It's simple math."

"10 points is not 1 point. As long as the record is not much different, I think I am the best in the league!"

After the game, the New York media began to mock their opponents again.

In February, Li You averaged 2 points per game. So far, his firepower has not diminished, while O'Neal averaged 35 points per game and Duncan averaged 23 points per game.

"Selfless leaders? Maybe they just can't express themselves!"

(End of this chapter)