NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 400 "Rewards to Expect in the Future" (Daily Chapter)

Since the Spurs moved to the SBC Center, fans in San Antonio have been looking forward to ushering in a championship.

The local community has strong ties to Spurs and many players are well-loved by fans.

Malik Rose is affectionately called the "Black Rose" by everyone. Many people like this little inside man, but for the sake of the championship, the team finally gave him away.

Bowen was hated by many players, but to many Spurs fans, he was a good man who was involved in the kindness of the community.

The Spurs' season tickets are sold out early every season. Even if the team is in a rebuilding period, the management will not worry about attendance.

With three All-Stars and the best coach in the league, although Duncan's attendance rate has been affected by injuries this season, there is no doubt that the Spurs are a championship-level team.

On the night of June 6, the illusions of Spurs fans were completely shattered, and the game was disappointing.

When trailing by single digits at halftime, fans will comfort themselves.

But as time went by, the points difference widened little by little, and the familiar feeling made many fans break the defense in place.

Especially Duncan's crazy shots in the third quarter. He made 3 of 13 shots in a single quarter and 5 of 6 free throws. After scoring 3 points, a feeling of despair appeared in the arena.

It's rare to see Duncan play like this, but after seeing this, some fans became more and more silent.

28:20 in a single quarter, and after three quarters, it was 78:66, and the point difference was still within the catchable range.

The Knicks did not have a devastating offense. In the last quarter of the game, the two sides were still fighting, but unfortunately, every time the score difference reached 8 points, Li You's response would make the arena quiet for a while.

On the ABC commentary stand, Hubie Brown thought the game was very exciting.

The score difference of about 8 points prevented both teams from relaxing. The only regret was that the Spurs were never able to create a climax.

With 2 minutes and 20 seconds left in the game, the Spurs went without scoring for almost 2 minutes.

98:88, as Duncan's shot in front of the basket missed, Hubie Brown couldn't help but sigh:
"The Spurs have tried their best, but this is a basketball game. Superstars can often rely on their personal abilities to determine the trend."

"Lee didn't score much tonight, but he has sent out 15 assists. This should be the best away game for a Knicks player."

"Defense!."

The DJ at the scene was still cheering for the home team, and many fans began to boo again when they saw Li You catching the ball in the backcourt.

Faced with Bowen's "biting" defense, Li You still dribbled the ball slowly.

The opponent grabbed the ball, simply moved sideways to protect the ball, cut the ball, accelerated decisively, approached the midline, and quickly dribbled the ball behind his back. Li You, who switched to his right hand, rushed across the half court and protected the ball with his head raised.

In the commentary box, Michaels watched Li You hand over the ball early again, and immediately commented:
"Time is running out. The Spurs have to defend for a few rounds to recover the point difference."

At this time, the Spurs had a lineup with one large player and four small players. Duncan followed Gasol to the right wing, taking advantage of Gasol to receive the ball, and constantly interfered.

Turning his body sideways, Gasol protected the ball steadily without making any unnecessary movements, waiting for Li You to respond again.

Although Bowen knew that Li You would catch the ball, it was difficult for him to stop it.

Moving laterally to the right wing, he stopped suddenly and pretended to run in reverse. Li You, who started again, instantly got rid of the defense on his side and received the pass from hand to hand on the left wing.

The Knicks have used the same tactic too many times. Gasol screened honestly and was squeezed by Bowen who was desperately pursuing the defense.

However, at the end of the game, Duncan, who was assisting in defense, failed to bend down in time, and Li You, who released the ball with his right hand, pushed the ball with one hand and changed its direction.

Feeling the defensive pressure on his side, Li You secretly slapped the arm on his side with his left hand, lowered the dribbling height while moving, and when his right hand controlled the ball again, he actively accelerated the dribbling speed.

Duncan, who came up, could only watch his opponent squeeze past the right side of his body. Two extremely fast dribbles brought Li You to the right elbow area.

Bowen behind him and Duncan on his side wanted to continue to pursue the defense, but Li You jumped quickly as soon as he approached the paint area. While joining the ball, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and threw it quickly!
Horry, who returned to the basket from the left corner, didn't even have time to raise his arms. The basketball had already flown into the basket.

100:88, the score difference is back to 12 points.

At the beginning of the second half, Li You's scoring became more and more understated. He did not make a hard breakthrough or make a strong shot against the defender. He just seized the opportunity and made a throw.
Occasionally, there will be self-shooting and self-grabbing. Everyone in the Spurs team is anxious, but there is nothing they can do.

"Shh!"

The Spurs fans at the scene couldn't stand it anymore. No matter how they looked at it, there was not enough time.

Amidst a burst of boos, the offensive pace was accelerated. Duncan, who received the ball in the low post on the left, released the ball with his right hand and leaned on the defense to break through.

Gasol just raised his arms, and Kurt Thomas immediately returned to defend the basket. As Duncan threw the ball to the right corner, Horry caught the ball and threw it.

"state!"

With a sigh, the referee called Gasol a foul under the basket and gave Duncan two free throws.

Gasol, who was leaning on his knees next to the paint area, was a little helpless. They grabbed two and grabbed one. The advantage was on their side. This kind of balanced whistle still caused him to receive 5 fouls.

The game was coming to an end. Kurt Thomas, who also committed 5 fouls, didn't care about the penalty at all. He was even ready to leave the game with 6 fouls:

"He missed the penalty, kid, go home as soon as possible!"

Kurt Thomas, who was about to win the championship, was shouting loudly from the sidelines. Due to the interference, Duncan took the first free throw.

"Shut up"

Horry on the side was a little angry and started greeting each other. Kurt Thomas smiled and shook his head and continued to yell until the referee gave a verbal warning.

When Duncan hit the iron again on the second free throw, Popovich suddenly closed his eyes on the sidelines, as if he didn't want to see such a scene.

The rebound was collected by Gasol. Seeing Li You receiving the ball and moving slowly, the boos got louder.

Ginobili watched Li You pass half-court. He wanted to double attack in advance, but he was afraid that Prince next to him would hit another three-pointer.
Parker, who squatted in the left corner, was numb and seemed to have forgotten the game time.

After wandering at the top of the arc for a while, Li You, who was sideways to protect the ball, didn't wait for a double-team.

As Gasol lifted up again, Li You twisted and threw the ball to his teammates, and then immediately accelerated to the left wing.

Perhaps because the victory was already decided, Gasol passed the ball very boldly with his body turned sideways. It looked like a hand-to-hand pass, but it was actually a short horizontal pass.

Pass the ball in advance, allowing Li You to cut in without slowing down.

Duncan, the left flank, immediately slid back to the right. At the same time, Parker followed up to help defend, plus Bowen was chasing behind him. When the three of them were encircled, Li You suddenly turned around.

Duncan had no time to adjust his center of gravity, and Bowen failed to block the ball in time. Between the two, Li You squeezed over to the paint area in an instant.

Duncan, who forcibly twisted around and reacted a little slower, still tried to block the shot. When he came to the paint area, Li You, who was combining the ball, made a concealed pass.

After sending a wonderful pass, Li You rushed out of the baseline, and Gasol received the ball in the middle. He wanted to do a one-handed dunk, but was pulled and fouled by Duncan.

"squeak!"

The referee blew the whistle. Gasol felt a little regretful, but with a smile on his face, he took the initiative to high-five Li You in celebration.

In the SBC Arena, Spurs fans watched Duncan walk to the bench, and applause gradually broke out.

Popovich had a forced smile on his face, and wanted to step forward to comfort his thigh, but Duncan quickly returned to his seat, covered his face with his hands, and said nothing.

出场44分钟六犯离场，26中11，罚球11中6，28分12篮板2助攻1盖帽3失误。再次交出两双数据，邓肯职业生涯第3次总决赛之旅到此结束。

Muhammad came on stage and wanted to comfort his boss, but he didn't know what to say.

First he witnessed the fall of Iverson, and then he witnessed Duncan's helplessness. As a role player, Muhammad is undoubtedly lucky.

In the arena, only the Knicks' bench was cheering loudly. The jumping atmosphere team couldn't wait, they were about to win the championship.

As the game continued, Duncan stared at the floor with his head down, memories beginning to flood his mind.

The familiar noise reminded him of the scene when he first entered the league.

Many teams in the NBA are playing poorly for him, and ball commentators are unanimously optimistic.

After joining the Spurs, his big brother David Robinson helped him. The two got along well with each other and the atmosphere in the team has always been good.

“Let’s win big!”

Suddenly recalling the words he shouted to the fans after joining the team, and thinking of the big brother's sad retirement in 03, Duncan's eyes turned red for a moment and he almost burst into tears.

If it were an anime, Duncan's memories would last for two episodes, but Li You on the court didn't understand the style and continued to initiate pick-and-rolls.

Fortunately, Gasol and Kurt Thomas both made one of two free throws, barely saving face for the Spurs.

Ginobili and Parker missed three-pointers, and Horry failed to provide support at the three-point line.

The Spurs failed to score a point in the last few rounds. As Li You handed the ball to the referee, the final buzzer sounded.

At 106:88, boos broke out in the SBC Center Arena.

Popovich on the sidelines seemed to have not yet reacted, watching Li You raise his hands in the crowd.

The open right palm and two raised fingers indicated seven championships. The smile on Li You's face made Popovich particularly uncomfortable. He froze in place and said silently in his heart:
"it's over?."

The sports reporters surrounding Li You kept pressing the shutter to record the historical moment, and the real GOAT was born.

Naturally, everyone in the Knicks team could not understand the mood of their opponents. Everyone hugged together, cheered and enjoyed the joy of victory.

关键比赛，帕克表现拉胯，13中4，三分线外4中1，罚球5中3，拿到12分3篮板3助攻2失误的数据。

He wanted to return to the locker room early, but when he saw his opponent shouting and celebrating, Parker couldn't suppress his frustration and sat back on the bench.

Duncan on the other side didn't get up either, and covered his head with a towel like Parker. The difference was that Eva quickly found her little boyfriend and hugged him into her arms.

Wearing a large white Spurs T-shirt and combing her hair into a ponytail, Eva kept whispering comfort:

"It doesn't matter, you are my hero tonight."

The two have not yet established a relationship. Parker cried while hugging the big star tightly. Listening to the whisper in his ear, he suddenly didn't feel so sad anymore.

Ginobili is not that sentimental. He has tried his best in the series and can be called the team's asset!
Coming to Li You early, Ginobili congratulated calmly:
"Lee, congratulations, you are the better team!"

Li You smiled and fist-bumped with the opponent, and also gave his own "praise":
"Impressive game. I finally understand why Team USA lost to you in the Olympics."

"Man, you did a great job! Don't worry about what the outside world thinks."

The "Money Ball" style of play has given Ginobili very good statistics, but football critics are ruthless. It can be expected that the name of "imitator" will definitely be attached to his head.

After the commercial exchange, Ginobili was in a better mood, and soon hugged Gasol again.

Compared to Duncan, who won the Olympic championship and established a firm foothold in the team, Ginobili feels that this season has paid off.
Sports media were everywhere in the venue. Fisher had a bright smile on his face, pulling Horry aside and boasting:
"I've known for a long time that I could win the championship with Li. During the offseason, I made the right choice."

"Maybe you should have come to New York to see it. The Lakers are not good, and the Spurs are the same!"

"You are right, in the league, choice is greater than hard work."

Huo Li was obviously not in such a good mood as Lao Yu. When he saw the proud look on his face, he started to get angry:
"You call this a choice?"

It wasn't until everyone in the Spurs atmosphere team greeted Li You that Duncan squeezed over.

Sports reporters followed and squeezed in front of the two of them. The noisy arena forced Duncan to raise his voice:

"Congratulations, Li! The past 10 years have been your era."

From 96 to 2005, the Knicks won seven championships. Duncan's words are undisputed. He is not a big-mouthed football critic. He recognized Li You's achievements.

The reporters surrounding him naturally heard this sentence. Some San Antonio sports media were not in a good mood. The Spurs contributed three trophies to Li You.
Seeing Duncan's serious expression, Li You was in a good mood and immediately gave out the "future reward":
"Maybe this is God's favor!"

"Tim, pay attention to your health. If I encounter an injury, I will make the same choice."

"Your career has just begun, maybe the next ten years will belong to you!"

The sports media surrounding him felt comfortable hearing these words, but Duncan could not smile because he was born in 1976 and was one year older than Li You.
After greeting everyone on the Knicks team, Duncan squeezed out of the crowd.

It feels uncomfortable to lose the championship again. Even the rookie Stoudemire on the opposite side has no respect for him. Duncan knows that his reputation will definitely decline again.
Before returning to the tunnel, Stuart Scott struggled to squeeze in front of Duncan. The black reporter hurriedly handed over the microphone and asked loudly:
"Duncan, will this loss in the Finals be a heavy blow to you? How do you think the Spurs should strengthen?"

Hearing this question, Duncan's mood worsened. He had not shaved during the finals, which made him look a little embarrassed.

Pressing down the impatience in his heart, Duncan lowered his head and said simply:

"This is the game of basketball. If you lose, you win again. I still have time."

"The Spurs are a championship-level team. As long as we remain patient, we will eventually win the championship."

On the other side, Li You, who was also about to return to the player tunnel, was also stopped by Michelle Tafoya.

Seeing Scarlett and Kristen Ritter kiss each other, the ABC female reporter's eyes widened.

The little follower with his hair tied up was dressed in sportswear. He was wearing Li You's white No. 1 jersey outside a blue Knicks T-shirt.

After kissing Li You with a smile, and taking advantage of her height, Kristen Ritter held Scarlett in her arms again.

There were too many sports media around. Li You also hugged the girl who was a little willful after pregnancy. Under the protection of the two of them, Scarlett smiled and waved vigorously to the camera.

After being stunned for a while, Tafoya gathered her thoughts. Although she wanted to take the opportunity to gossip, she still asked the question step by step:

"Lee, this is your seventh championship in your career. After surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, what are your expectations for the future?"

The boos in the arena did not affect Li You's good mood. He immediately answered the question jokingly:

"The future? I don't know. I like basketball, but my life has entered the next stage."

"I plan to spend more time with my family and create a football team."

Tafoya was stunned for a moment, as if he didn't quite understand what Li You said, but the little follower's face turned slightly red.
Waving casually to the fans on both sides, Li You warned the two of them, and then prepared to return to the locker room.

Listening to the cheers in the players' tunnel, Li You smiled again on his face. As soon as he thought about it, he got another feedback:

[Manu Ginobili’s extraordinary physical coordination]

(End of this chapter)