NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 378 False Home Page (Daily Chapter)

In the 2004-05 season, the attendance rate rebounded. In addition to the blessing of new rules, it was also inseparable from the promotion of "personalized" football commentators.

Football commentators sometimes cannot watch all games, and highlights and tags have become the focus of many people's football evaluations.

During this period, many players had not adapted and failed to change their image in time. Vince Carter was one of the "victims" and expressed his feelings in an interview:

"When I was with the Raptors at the beginning of the season, I really didn't go all out, but I still maintained the desire to win the championship. I loved the fans in Toronto. It was a good memory."

"."

During the regular season, Carter encountered resistance from many fans after this simple interview was fermented.

Even if you show it on the court, you shouldn’t admit it in person during media interviews!
After all, fans often follow blindly. Under the propaganda of thoughtful people, Carter's reputation is getting worse and worse.

On the night of April 4, the Nets fell behind by a big score. Many viewers in front of the TV recalled the label given to Carter by the commentators during the regular season:
"He has no desire to win and cannot lead the team."

After the third quarter of the game, after the Nets surrendered early, such public opinions began to ferment on the Internet, and more and more people began to believe the previous evaluation.

During the break, in the TNT commentary box, Kevin Harlan was also chatting about this matter in secret:
"I only scored 58 points. I can't see the desire of everyone in the Nets to win."

"Carter only took 16 shots. He doesn't seem to realize that he can't win in this state. He should be more aggressive."

Doug Collins did not say anything, but commented seriously:
"Being behind by a big score is not Carter's problem alone."

"Kidd still hasn't found his shooting touch. Currently, the Nets are 17 of 3 from beyond the three-point line."

"Compared to the last game, those outside jumpers and a lot of turnovers gave the Knicks easy scoring opportunities."

"I believe that after Carter returns to the home court, he will respond in time. The Nets need him to start scoring mode, otherwise there is a high probability that they will fall behind by a big score in the first quarter."

16中6，三分线外3中1，罚球7中6，19分5篮板3助攻1失误，三节比赛中，卡特唯一亮眼的表现就是快攻中的两记扣篮。

Carter, who was sitting on the bench, naturally knew how the commentators would evaluate him after the game. He looked very ugly and did not even listen to the coaching staff's arrangements.

Kidd symbolically listened to coach Frank's explanation of the tactical adjustments in the fourth quarter, and then silently returned to his seat.

11中4，三分线外5中1，9分6篮板5助攻1抢断3失误。

With such crotch-stretching data, Kidd also knew that he would definitely be "meeted" by Nets fans after the game.

Every year during the playoffs, Kidd would appeal to Nets fans to support the team. He would shout loud slogans and get beaten up when he met the Knicks.

The same drama has been repeated by the Nets for several years. When Kidd shouted again this year, some local fans even laughed at themselves:
"Kidd never lets us down when it comes to disappointment."

At 58:90, after the start of the first quarter, the point difference became wider and wider. Kidd and Carter had no choice but to clock out in the third quarter.
At Madison Square Garden, the New York fans at the scene began to celebrate the victory of the game early.

The lively atmosphere was incompatible with the Nets bench. Kidd looked directly at the situation on the court, suddenly turned his head and whispered to Carter beside him:
"Back at home, we have to do something. We can't lose like this again."

Carter, who had already changed into training clothes, sat on his seat with his arms folded. Hearing his teammates' words, he managed to cheer up and responded:
"I know I'm going to make more shots!"

The two of them looked sad, and everyone in the group remained silent due to the infected atmosphere. If they lose in the game the day after tomorrow, they can prepare for a vacation.

Head coach Frank is also holding on to his thighs. Kidd has performed poorly in two consecutive games and there is nothing he can do.

In addition to standing on the sidelines and posing, Frank was thinking more about how to deal with media reporters after the game.
The game became extremely smooth, and the Nets finally launched a hearty offense. Jefferson scored consecutive points against Matt Barnes.

8 of 5 in a single quarter, 2 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, and 2 of 1 free throws. Relying on Jefferson's outstanding performance, the Nets won the 4th quarter.

In the end, at 86:113, the Knicks easily defeated their opponents again, with the score reaching 2:0.

Li You, who had clocked in for three quarters without sweating, stood up and gave high-fives to the fans again.

In the next two games, many Knicks fans also chose to watch the games away from home.

The music and cheers couldn't stop. Craig Sager, wearing a white and orange plaid formal suit, came to Li You's side immediately after the game:

"Lee, congratulations on winning two home games. Many people think the series is over. How would you evaluate the Nets' performance?"

In the pre-match predictions, the commentators were naturally one-sided. Big-mouthed Charles Barkley even criticized Kidd for two days, and ESPN did not say anything good.

Although Li You feels that the Nets are indeed a bit inferior, he still gives face to his old rival at this time:
"I think they just couldn't shoot. 22 of 6 three-pointers. This shouldn't be the true level of the Nets."

"After returning home, maybe more fans will support them. The Knicks will not relax. I know the strength of Kidd and Carter. They will rebound strongly."

Craig Sagar chuckled when he heard this, and he didn't even believe what he said:

"36 points. I noticed that you reduced your shots from outside the three-point line tonight. Is this a corresponding tactical adjustment?"

Putting aside the half-time buzzer-beating three-pointers, Li You rarely shot from outside the three-point line tonight.

"No, I just want to impact the game in different ways. You know, the playoffs have just begun and I also need to adjust my physical condition."

Li You answered the question seriously, and the TNT staff surrounding him all laughed along with Craig Sager.

The first round of the game is just a warm-up. In this regard, everyone thinks that Li You is right. Kidd, whose physical function has declined, is indeed better.

Coach Frank was worried that the media reporters would make things difficult for them, and in the post-game press conference, more people just went through the motions, and everyone no longer had any expectations for the Nets.

This attitude not only irritated the coaching staff, but also made Carter feel uncomfortable.

In the past when he was in Toronto, although he lost to Li You, the local media would support him as always.

When he came to New Jersey, the treatment was completely different. The fans and reporters here surrendered early. In response, Carter couldn't help but make some heroic remarks:
"We're not eliminated yet, the Knicks need to win four games."

"Now we need the support of the fans. When we return home, I will take care of everything!"

Compared to Carter, Kidd looked like he was ready for ridicule. In the past, he would resist, but this year he seems to be completely numb.
Although many sports media understood Kidd, when they saw this outdated traditional defender acting like this, they mocked him:
"We seem to have witnessed the second Allen Iverson. Maybe next season, Kidd will escape to the Western Conference!"

In the playoffs that day, 94:102, the Cavaliers also protected their home court.

The big score came to 2:0, and there seemed to be little time left for the Bulls.

Unlike the Knicks' brutal game, the Bulls and Cavaliers didn't decide the winner until the fourth quarter.

Gooden and Howard's excellent rebounding allowed the Cavaliers to stabilize the situation and seal the victory with several key offensive rebounds.

At 44:54, the Cavaliers grabbed a total of 16 offensive rebounds, leading their opponents in rebounding.

After winning the game, Gilbert, the new owner, was beaming with joy. The Cavaliers fans at the scene still cheered loudly after the game to celebrate the playoff victory.

勒布朗-詹姆斯15中6，三分线外，6中2，罚球10中8，砍下22分7篮板8助攻2抢断4失误的数据。

Hearing the Cleveland fans shouting his name loudly, James was very excited during the interview and said loudly while wiping his sweat:
"It was the perfect start! Our hard work paid off."

"Coach Van Gundy had a perfect plan for the game, which made up for our lack of experience."

"In the following away games, I promise the fans that we will get the match point as soon as possible!"

Dwight Howard suffered some foul trouble tonight, but this did not affect the mood of the "Happy Boy".

While James was being interviewed, Howard jumped behind everyone, controlled the camera and shouted:

"Champion! We are unstoppable!"

Van Gundy, who maintained his integrity, was not as excited as the newbies. He showed a faint smile on his face, unbuttoned his suit, and simply waved to the fans as he walked towards the tunnel.

Many fans were shouting Van Gundy's name loudly, which made Thibodeau a little envious.

In order to take care of his old partner's emotions, Van Gundy patted his shoulders and said:

"Tom, when we win the championship in Cleveland, it's time for you to coach a team!"

"Trust me, you will succeed!"

Thibodeau smiled. This experience with the Cavaliers has indeed brought him a greater sense of accomplishment.

Both James and Howard needed his guidance, and team owner Gilbert showed respect to them, asking about the team's situation in detail but not intervening in the team's operations.

The players strictly implemented the tactics formulated, and in the locker room, the coaching staff said exactly what they said.

Compared with James Dolan's business basketball who only knows how to make money, likes to brag, and only takes care of Li You, the environment of the Cavaliers is purer.

The two playoff victories also filled Thibodeau's heart with a sense of accomplishment, and for a while he began to think about the future: "Maybe after our rookie season, we will have a chance to make history!"

"It feels good to bring a championship to Cleveland."

On April 4, the NBA announced the best sixth man of the season:
Ben Gordon of the Bulls won this award as a rookie.

The University of Connecticut won, and Okafor and Ben Gordon achieved success when they landed in the NBA.

However, this award did not trigger much discussion. The two rookies, LeBron James and Dwight Howard, became the objects of heated discussion among football critics.

At the same time, Jeff Van Gundy also received unanimous praise:
"As expected of a championship coach, it only took one season for the Cavaliers to complete their transformation!"

相比于李佑20中13，三分线外7中3，罚球8中7，平平无奇砍下36分5篮板10助攻1抢断的两双表现，骑士队得到了更多的关注。

Gooden and Howard's rebounding performance made many ball commentators sing praises, and James' outstanding athletic ability also won praise from everyone.

In ESPN's program, data expert Hollinger also affirmed James's style of play:
"Finishing at the rim and shooting from the outside, LeBron James was the first rookie to demonstrate modern basketball skills."

In this year's regular season, LeBron James improved his performance and his efficiency value reached 25.7.

This data surpasses this year's Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson and ranks 6th.

It only took James, who filled up the data column, two seasons to become the favorite of many ball commentators.

More importantly, it only took James one season to improve his physical confrontation to the NBA level. The last player to perform like this was Li You.

In his second year, Li You's efficiency value climbed to 26.0, also crushing many veteran stars. For a while, James regained his reputation as the "Son of the Chosen".

The Lakers, who were still hyping their head coach candidate, lost their popularity for a while, and Kobe, who failed to lead the team into the playoffs, suddenly became obsolete.

超音速队昨天再次战胜国王队，雷-阿伦15中8，三分线外6中3，罚球7中7，高效砍下26分2篮板6助攻1抢断3失误的数据。

Even though they won, not many people are talking about the Sonics.

In response to this, Ray Allen, who was interviewed by local sports media in Seattle, also complained:

"I don't understand why everyone is talking about a rookie team."

"The Cavaliers don't have any chance this season. If they encounter the Knicks in the semifinals, Lee will teach the rookies a lesson."

"The Sonics are the better team right now. Coach McMillan is underrated. This year, we will reach the conference finals!"

Ray Allen, who shouted hard, still failed to attract more attention. On the contrary, many commentators began to discuss the Heat.

Flirting sports reporters compared O'Neal to Batman and Wade to Robin;

Damon Jones, who performed well from beyond the three-point line in the last game, was called Alfred behind the two.
This metaphor left many fans speechless, but Mourning, who rejoined the Heat, found it very appropriate.

The Nets lost two games to the Knicks. In an interview before the game, Mourning explained why he left New Jersey this season:
"I have discussed the positioning of the team with the Nets management."

"They didn't show a desire for a championship. Instead, they were more looking forward to the team moving back to Brooklyn."

"I want to fight for the championship. Everyone in the Heat has the same goal. This is also a key factor in our ability to win 59 games this year."

The Kidney Warrior may have taken Pat Riley's ecstasy and followed the oil-headed boss's footsteps unswervingly.
These remarks were almost a mockery of the Nets management's lack of ambition. After the report came out, New Jersey fans naturally started to fight back.

The proud Heat fans have been particularly active recently.

Wade's regular season statistics this year are on par with LeBron James's. Although he failed to fill up the data column and his efficiency value is not as good as his opponent's, he is still in the top 15 in the league.

The Cavaliers have a promising future, and the Heat may win the championship this year!
New York fans are very dismissive of the wild comparisons made by columnists and sports media.

If Batman were as fat as O'Neal, his ashes would be raised by the Joker.
That night, Reggie Miller tried his best, but the Pacers still lost.

84:105, the Heat protected their home court, and the big score reached 2:0.

Old Miller scored a team-high 28 points, and Stephen Jackson also contributed 20 points.

It's just that Jermaine O'Neal was completely suppressed by the Sharks, and the injury at the end of the season still affected his game state.

Smiling after winning the game, O'Neal said hello to Miller and then confidently boasted when he was interviewed on the sidelines.

Mentioning the hotly discussed topic among football commentators, O'Neal boasted in a deep voice:

"Batman? I prefer everyone to call me Superman!"

"Wade is the Flash, we both belong to the Justice League, and our partnership will accomplish something great!"

"."

On the morning of the 28th, the New York Times once again ridiculed these teams that were joining in the fun. By the way, they posted a photo of Li You's image of Thanos. The six gems on the Infinity Gauntlet happened to correspond to the rings of the six championship rings.

In this regard, New York fans think this metaphor is very appropriate. After all, Li You really has 6 championship rings.

In an interview in the afternoon, Li You gave more blessings to Okafor and Ben Gordon, two alumni.

Head coach Calhoun stopped coaching after the University of Connecticut won the championship last year and retired.

North Carolina won the NCAA championship again this year, its fourth championship in team history, just surpassing the University of Connecticut.

"The Bulls will not give in easily. I know Gordon. He always plays with energy."

"Coach Van Gundy has really turned the Cavaliers into a strong defensive team, and I believe the Bulls will respond on the outside."

Li You finally talked about his opponent in the next round, and everyone agreed that the Nets would lose tonight.

Kidd has appealed for several years, but each time it ended in disastrous defeat. Jay-Z, the big star and minority shareholder, no longer comes to watch the game. Many people are not interested in witnessing the Nets' failure again.

Due to a lot of garbage time in the two games, Mutombo also got a chance and completed his warm-up.

The veteran was in a good mood. When talking about tonight's opponent, he didn't forget to tease his alumnus Mourning:

"I know Mourning likes the Heat's team culture and wants to win a championship this year, but they don't have any chance."

"Now is the era of young people. In fact, I would like to suggest that he come to the Knicks. This may be a better choice."

Everyone on the Knicks team looked relaxed, and there was no fatigue from the trip on the road.

In contrast, everyone on the Nets who returned home has not been interviewed in the past two days, and only head coach Frank has spoken for the team.

At 18:20, 2 fans had already poured into the Continental Arena.

With more than half an hour left before the start of the game, the arena became increasingly noisy. New York fans who had bought low-price tickets were jumping up and down, celebrating their victory in advance before the game even started.

In the past, Vince Carter only knew about the Nets' home situation in the news. After joining the team in the first playoffs, Carter suddenly understood Kidd.
Compared to Madison Square Garden, front row tickets are cheaper here.

Carter, who was still warming up, had his mouth twitching. At a glance, he saw a large number of fans wearing blue Knicks away jerseys.
Carter, who returned to the home court, was also fully equipped, his jersey changed back to the white of the home court, and he wore a headband again.

Perhaps due to the poor record this season and the big losses in the first two games, the dunk king did not win the favor of Nets fans.

TNT continued to broadcast, and Craig Sagel interviewed Carter this time:
"This is your first home court with the Nets, Carter, how does it feel to go home?"

Carter glanced at the smiling Craig Sagel, somewhat suspecting that the other party was humiliating him.

The two people standing on the sidelines could clearly hear the joyful shouts of the fans who came to New York, and the voices of "throw in the towel" could not be heard.
Missing the basketball atmosphere in Toronto again, Carter forced a smile, ignored the voices in his ears, and spoke about the scene:
"I feel the energy from Nets fans"

As soon as he was halfway through speaking, there was a shout from the side:

"Coward! Go join forces with that thief!"

"Hey, where did your triple-double go?"

Kidd passed by the two of them. Craig Sagel saw Carter looking a little embarrassed and couldn't help but comfort him in a low voice:
"It doesn't matter, Carter, most fans in the stadium still support you!"

"Wow!"

The sudden burst of cheers made Carter subconsciously turn his head. When he saw Li You dribbling and warming up under the basket, he was speechless for a moment:

"Is this still our home court?"

(End of this chapter)