NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 487: Brother's Backstab (5800 words chapter)
Last night, Sunday, February 2007, 2, the Individual Challenge held at the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas did not attract much attention.

Instead, the shooting that broke out in the area made the front page headlines today. An NFL player was involved in the case, and the police eventually arrested a large number of people.

David Stern of the NBA had to hold a press conference in advance to dispel the rumors, claiming that no NBA players were involved in the conflict.

In Friday's Rookie Challenge, David Lee of the Knicks scored 14 points with 32 shots. While his sophomore team won the game, the rookie also won the MVP trophy.

This game set many records. The sophomore scored 78 points in the second half and Chris Paul personally delivered 17 assists and 9 steals.

In Saturday's three-point contest, Raja Bell lost in the final to Miami's Jason Kapono, who won the championship with 24 points.

In the skills challenge, Kobe and Wade entered the finals, but unfortunately, Kobe missed 5 through balls from his chest, and Wade easily defended his title with 26.4 seconds.

As for the dunk contest, the five-member jury included Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant and Carter, but the performance in the final was disappointing.

Nate Robinson of the Suns dunked several times before succeeding, and finally Gerald Green lifted the trophy.

Compared to the result, the fact that Kobe gave Howard a low score in the first round was more interesting to the crowd. The newbie directly fired back after the game:
"Some people bring personal grudges into the game. I don't care about the trophy, but I will give a response in the main game!"

"."

That afternoon was also the media interview day. Compared to Li You, Grant Hill and Gasol, who participated in the All-Star Game this year, were busier.

The former needs to cooperate with ESPN's programs, while the latter will participate in all the activities of the Spanish TV station this year.

Hill is ready for the last year of his career. He has received two invitations so far. Both TNT and ESPN do not want to miss Hill, who has rich championship experience.

TNT invited Hill to join Inside the NBA, and ESPN offered him the position of host of Sports Center.

Good looks and excellent reputation made the 34-year-old Hill very popular in another market.

Taking advantage of the media interview, TNT, as the broadcaster, also brought first-hand news to the fans. Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith looked at the two people next to them and chatted about gossip with a smile:

"We, like the fans, are curious about why the Knicks can always draft great players."

"Maybe Grant can answer this question. David Lee didn't have many opportunities in the regular season, but he is indeed a good big man."

Hill, dressed in formal attire, smiled when he heard the question. He knew Kenny Smith was talking about the problems with the draft in recent years.

The atmosphere team of the Knicks can all start in other teams. Hill did not hide this and briefly introduced the internal situation:
"From my perspective, the quality of the Knicks' play is what makes everyone grow."

"It's actually fun to play next to Lee. He doesn't put pressure on his teammates. He just does what he's good at."

"A large number of playoff games accelerates the growth of players. I am happy for Matt. He has performed very well with the Warriors this year and brought his championship experience to the team."

After atmosphere group member Hassell, Matt Barnes also gained a foothold in other teams. This is also the reason why Reggie Miller questioned whether Li You had too many helpers two days ago.

Charles Barkley saw that Miller was silent again, so he turned around and took over the conversation with a smile, and also teased his partner:

"I don't pay much attention to these. Reggie believes that Kobe is the best scorer in the league. We all know that Kobe issued a challenge before the game. How did Lee react to this?"

Among the Western Conference All-Stars, only Kobe has won a championship. Although Nowitzki is ahead in the MVP rankings, the sports media still promotes the third matchup between Kobe and Lee You.
This gimmick has been tried and tested, after all, Duncan and Nowitzki are not suitable for the All-Star Game.

Kobe was beaten in the Christmas game and was suspended for the second game. The Lakers have no hope of reaching the finals, so this All-Star Game will be the last matchup between the two this season.

“I think Lee is willing to accept this challenge.”

Hill was only halfway through his speech when Charles Barkley interrupted with a big grin:
"Don't say that, Grant! From what I know about Lee, he has no interest in Kobe. To be honest, Lee beat up Kobe in the Christmas game. How do you usually discuss this?"

"Don't make it difficult for Grant. Are you going to let him say that Lee never took Kobe seriously? I know this is the truth, and this is why I don't like him."

Reggie Miller, who had been silent, suddenly interrupted at this time. Seeing the three people grinning, he simply let himself go and shouted his declaration to the camera:

"Tonight will be a man's fight. He got beaten on Christmas Day and now Kobe has to respond!"

"Don't tell me this is an exhibition game. This is Kobe's last chance this season. I know him. He is a real fighter. He will win back respect with the basketball in his hands."

TNT has spared no effort in promoting tonight's broadcast, and in addition to the 4-man crew on the scene, several reporters including Greg Sager are also fanning the flames.

The ratings in the past two days were not ideal, so the main competition must be a big deal!
Kobe was in an "unhappy" state throughout the All-Star Weekend. Although Pelinka kept telling him not to be affected by the outside world, he still couldn't hold it back after reading the news.

Before 18:, Kobe arrived at the Thomas and Mack Center early, changed his clothes silently, and relaxed his body with the help of a physical therapist.

With one hour left before the game, the locker room gradually became lively. When taking the final photos, as a championship guard, Kobe naturally sat in the C position, which again made a certain championship member dissatisfied.

"I don't need to win the championship, fans all over the world know me!"

"Winning a championship is not a one-person thing. I have long realized this. The championship is just a trophy to me."

In the locker room, McGrady expressed his theory in front of reporters with sleepy eyes. Looking at this big star who had no ambition, the Chinese sports media who were watching felt uncomfortable.

Without Yao Ming, the "second man" in front of us would not have received such attention.

Nowitzki and Duncan, who arrived one after another, were still the same as always. They just played by the sidelines at the All-Star Game every year, and did not even look at McGrady who was surrounded. After changing their clothes, the two chatted casually about the schedule:
"Will the Mavericks make another trade? As things stand, you have a chance to win 65 games."

The honest man Duncan kept a straight face, but he felt a little envious in his heart after saying this. After the Spurs fell into injuries, the problem of insufficient lineup depth was exposed, but this problem could not be solved.

The sports media in Dallas have been promoting Nowitzki recently, calling on their star to win the MVP.

The main competitor at the moment is Steve Nash. Although Li You is firmly in first place, according to past years, if he wins multiple monthly awards, he will probably miss out on the MVP.
Duncan fell behind. Nowitzki was in a good mood. He stroked his short blond hair and pretended to be indifferent and said:
"I don't know. 65 wins is still a bit difficult. In fact, I would rather have home-court advantage in the playoffs. If I play in the finals, I don't want to go to New York to play two games first."

Nowitzki's words silenced Garnett, who had just entered the locker room. He couldn't respond to the two honest men pretending to be low-key. The Timberwolves would have a hard time in the playoffs.

Fortunately, McGrady and Kobe were both his good brothers in the locker room. When Garnett saw Kobe coming to the crowd with a sullen face, he said passionately:

"Hey! We have to help Kobe win this game."

Although there were cameras present, Stoudemire, who was sitting in his chair, still didn't give the Wolf King face, and raised his head and responded casually:

"I want to win the AMVP, too. I wasn't selected to the All-Stars just for your performance!"

Deron Williams and Josh Howard were both newbies. They whispered to themselves and didn't participate in the topic at all.

The same goes for Parker and Boozer. The former has already proposed to Eva and is here for a trip, while the latter is injured and has decided to act as the atmosphere group.

As for Marion and Ray Allen, they both watched the show in a low profile and had no intention of participating in tonight's "struggle".

Soon, big brother Garnett started arguing with Stoudemire. Although they were teammates, the two of them were talking trash to each other.

Mr. 81 points was only busy talking to McGrady. Ray Allen watched the atmosphere in the locker room become a mess, and glanced at Garnett who was shaking his head:
“There is something wrong with the invitation.”

Danny Ainge was quietly moving around with Pierce this weekend, and after Garnett confirmed that he would not leave the Timberwolves before the trade deadline, the latter quietly found Ray Allen.

After the big offer was made, Ray Allen did not agree to it immediately. On the trade deadline, he will remain with the SuperSonics.

Garnett didn't know that someone was secretly observing him, and the question "How many rings do you have" almost made him break down on the spot.

In the Eastern Conference All-Star locker room, Li You arrived very late. He participated in Mike Dunk's gambling game last night and took a nap after attending the press conference in the afternoon.

Wade changed into the Eastern Conference All-Star white and blue jersey and was chanting "Bro" non-stop. Bosh, who was selected for the All-Star game for the first time, still had a short flat haircut and watched his friend's performance with some restraint.

In the physical therapy room, everyone came forward to greet Li You after seeing him. LeBron James rebelled and suddenly turned into a bootlicker, and proposed in a serious manner:

"We have to help Lee win the game tonight!"

Howard stopped looking at Wade and responded immediately, his voice full of excitement:

"That's right, I have to make the guy who gave me an 8 take care of it!"

Artest looked exhausted. He had spent money like crazy with his friends and family this weekend and had not paid attention to any outside news. When he heard what the two said, he shouted in surprise:
"Shit! Did you guys plan to lose the game?"

Arenas and Carter had been jealous for a long time and followed suit. Hamilton and O'Neal looked at the angry locker room with bewildered faces, even though they were fine when the photo was taken.

Gasol and Hill were also dumbfounded. James had just been joking with his friends about how many points he would get tonight, but now his expression changed on the spot. "Relax, guys! We are here to enjoy the game, don't take the media's words to heart."

Li You leaned back in his seat and waved his hands. This was his 11th All-Star Game and he had seen so many gimmicks that he no longer had any hostile feelings towards them.

Wade was delighted and wanted to ask for help again, but LeBron James put on his headband and suggested seriously:
"Grant and I can play as point forwards, and Lee only needs to be responsible for scoring."

Seeing his friend actively making arrangements and everyone responding, Wade felt jealous for a moment and secretly glared at his friend. This was not what they had said before.

At 18:50, nearly fans poured into the Thomas and Mack Center.

TNT's promotion did work. After two disappointing days, many fans still had high expectations for the finals.

After the singing session, the camera was focused on Gentry and head coach D'Antoni, who were wearing the same red scarves on the sidelines. Both of them were smiling and waiting for the game to begin.

"Coach D'Antoni's tactics are sweeping the league, and I think no one is questioning his basketball philosophy anymore."

“No matter how many times I watch it, it still amazes me that his use of Lee has reached another level this season.”

Doug Collins once again praised the game on TNT commentary, and Steve Kerr took the opportunity to talk about this year's Suns:

"I don't like the word 'copycat'. It turns out that the Knicks have achieved unparalleled success, and coach Gentry is just absorbing the championship experience."

"I like this Suns team, maybe this year they have a chance to break through."

The two head coaches have basically the same tactical concepts. This is the first time this has happened in the All-Star Game. After all, star coaches all have their own style and imitation is rare.

As the camera moved to the center of the court, it captured the new pair of orange and blue Knicks-colored sneakers on Li You's feet.

The director did not let Kobe go, and the camera quickly cut to the serious face of the Black Mamba.

Cheers gradually rose, and the excited Howard jumped too early, and was easily passed to the ball by the calm Duncan. McGrady received the ball and dribbled across half court. When he saw Hill in front of him, he decisively passed the ball to Kobe.

Quickly jumping out to the right wing, Kobe received the ball and saw Li You in front of him take a step forward and raise his right arm. He did not choose to shoot directly, but instead released the ball with his right hand and broke through resolutely.

In an exhibition match, Li You would of course cooperate with the broadcast and perform. Amid the enthusiastic cheers of the fans, Kobe began to play sideways after being intercepted.

With all his might, Kobe squeezed from the blocking area to a position close to the paint area. The serious Kobe turned towards the baseline and successfully made a signature fadeaway jump shot!

"Come on! That's it!"

Garnett excitedly punched himself twice, yelled in the direction of Li You, and high-fived Kobe to celebrate.

Good brother McGrady also stepped forward to bump fists with Kobe. Although the substitute lineup was disobedient, there were more of his own people in the starting lineup. Kobe, who was retreating, finally smiled, clapped his hands and stared at Li You who ran across half the court.

Hill, who was dribbling the ball, waved at James and noticed that the two big men stopped near the elbows. James realized that this was a cross-cut tactic.

Thanks to Van Gundy's guidance, the two teams' tactics had a lot of overlap. When James moved around the lower line to the right wing, Li You also began to cut laterally on the upper line.

The cross-running and symbolic screen did not play much of a role. As Hill passed the ball from the top of the arc, Li You immediately received the ball on the left wing.

Unlike Li You who was just defending symbolically, Kobe lowered his center of gravity and got close to him, actively engaging in physical confrontation while constantly interfering.

Li You, who wanted to let the ball go at random, had to quickly sweep the ball. When he protected the ball behind his left body, he looked at Kobe who was staring at him and whispered:

"It seems you are serious!"

"."

Kobe confidently turned his body sideways, said nothing, focused on defense, and tried to let go of Li You's left hand. He was very confident in his defense.

Amid the cheers of the fans, Li You leaned forward and accelerated the moment he released the ball with his left hand. Kobe slid to the right rear in time, but was pulled back by the extremely fast cross step and almost lost his position.

As the basketball returned to his right hand, Li You raised his center of gravity and dribbled behind his back when Kobe Bryant stepped up to defend him again.

Kobe Bryant felt uneasy because of the slightly fancy moves and the suddenly accelerated dribbling speed. When he reached out to interfere, Li You changed direction again.

At the moment when Li You swayed his body to the left and front to deceive the opponent's center of gravity, he changed direction again. Kobe, who was bending over, watched the basketball disappear in front of him.

"Oh!"

With his rich defensive experience, Kobe quickly moved to the left rear. Amid the screams of fans, Li You, holding the ball in his right hand and pretending to break through, crossed his steps and pulled back again.

The dancing-like shaking worked. Kobe had no time to adjust his center of gravity. He stared with wide eyes as Li You took the ball from outside the three-point line and made a steady jump shot!
"Swish!" The basketball went into the net and cheers echoed throughout the stadium.

From releasing the ball to continuously changing direction and pulling back, Li You moved fast and slow, and his movements were flexible. The basketball seemed to be glued to his hands. The groom Albert in the commentary booth subconsciously praised:

"It's wonderful! Li's dribbling gives us a special sense of beauty! He seems to be one with basketball."

On the Eastern Conference All-Star bench, fake fan Wade had to join in the cheering, while Li You, who was retreating, smiled and made a gun gesture with his fingers.

When McGrady passed the ball to Kobe on the left wing again, Duncan in the interior wanted to step forward to cover and participate in the offense, but Garnett waved his hands noisily.

After releasing the ball with his left hand, Kobe continued to dribble between his legs, but he failed to deceive Li You's center of gravity. Finally, he held the ball in his left hand, lowered his shoulders and accelerated, forced a breakthrough to the left blocking area, and immediately turned like a gyroscope while moving.

The moment he turned into the paint area, Li You jumped up, failed to shake off Kobe's defense, folded in the air, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and tried to shoot with one hand.

Under inertia, Kobe almost lost control of the ball. Although it passed over Li You's fingertips, the speed of the ball was too slow. Howard happened to be in the right position at this time, jumped up with all his strength and blocked the shot!
"Snapped!"

Amid the exclamations of the fans, Howard, who had blocked the shot, jumped up and down in the paint area right in front of the basket, screaming continuously.

James controlled the ball, shook off Garnett behind him, and made a 1-on-0 dunk in the frontcourt.

"We've seen rounds like this all the time this season. Howard's growth has given the Cavaliers a chance to take a step further. It seems like the Eastern Conference All-Stars are rallying around Lee."

Steve Kerr was watching the fun and noticed Kobe was looking grumpy, so he continued to add fuel to the fire.

The three people in the commentary booth were still discussing when Garnett took the initiative to screen for McGrady and made a powerful jump shot from the free throw line!
Just as Nowitzki ran back to the inside, Li You changed direction and easily received the ball on the right wing. After a fake dribble, he released the ball with his right hand and then changed direction behind his back again.

Kobe stepped forward to interfere, but Li You suddenly moved the ball behind his back, and the moment his right hand touched the ball, he leaned forward and accelerated.

"Oh!"

There were exclamations in the stadium again. When Kobe slid again, Li You accelerated his crossover step and pulled back to shake off the defense again.

With no time to defend, Kobe watched Li You retreat and shoot a jump shot outside the three-point line, and suddenly remembered Phil Jackson's warning:

"Don't let him get into a rhythm with the dribble."

On the court, Hill and Gasol didn't even look at the basket. They turned their backs and raised their hands to celebrate. The basketball went into the net. The mustache man on the sidelines also grinned and raised his hands.

The game entered into Li You's rhythm early on. In the regular season, there were simply not so many opportunities for fancy dribbling.

With everyone deliberately feeding the ball to him, Kobe scored points with strong shots and was then shown off in public.

The other players didn't play very hard, and when Li You finished warming up and started to intensify the confrontation, Kobe's face became darker and darker.
With 6 minutes and 58 seconds left in the first quarter, Kobe tried to get rid of Li You with the help of Garnett's screen, and passed the ball from behind to his left hand, but was caught by Li You who squeezed past him swiftly.

At the moment their bodies collided, Kobe did not move sideways to protect the ball as he did in the past. He seemed to want to show off his dribbling skills. The moment he stopped and dribbled with his back to his right hand, he was stabbed away.

After losing control of the ball, Kobe rushed to steal it back, but Li You reacted faster, poked the ball away again and threw it forward casually.

James shook off Garnett again, moving at a very fast speed. After catching the ball, he accelerated as fast as he could. He glanced behind him and did not dunk again. Instead, he rushed to the paint area in front of the basket and threw the ball into the sky.

Kobe, who was chasing at full speed, watched helplessly as Li You shook him off and scooped the ball in the air, and finally had to stop.

Li You grabbed the ball with his right hand and swung his arm sideways. He stretched his body in the air, hovered for a short time, and then swung his arm to dunk!
"Oh!"

At 22:14, the fans in the front row stood up and cheered. On the bench, Wade forced a smile and watched James take the initiative to bump fists with Li You. He could not help but complain in his heart:
"You promised me to take the prize!"

(End of this chapter)