NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 498: True Softie (Daily Chapter)

On Monday, April 2007, 4, the NBA announced the best defensive team of the season:
The five members of the first team are:

You Li, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Marcus Camby, Tim Duncan;

The five members of the second team are:

Jason Kidd, Kirk Hinrich, Bruce Bowen, Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace.

After the awards were announced, New York sports reporters once again expressed dissatisfaction. In the MSG program, they began to complain about the league coaches' "impressionistic" award selection, and their reasons were very sufficient:
"Kobe Bryant's defensive efficiency is outside the top 50, and Jason Kidd's defensive state has declined sharply due to injuries."

"The selection process that does not respect objective facts should be reformed, and the best defensive team should no longer be a joke."

Sports fans in the New York area who watch MSG programs have long been brainwashed. Nearly 11 years of crazy hype and countless honors have made fans believe in Excel even more.

"Data don't lie" has become a firm belief of many New York fans.

Although they were selected into the best defensive team, Kobe and Camby's reputation was not very good. The Lakers and Nuggets were about to go fishing, and the two failed to show dominance on the defensive end.

That night, Allen Iverson once again disappointed his die-hard fans with his usual inefficient performance, proving once again that he is a "rookie."

96:89, the Nuggets, with 7 players in rotation, fought to the end but still lost.

At the Pepsi Center, after winning the game, the Spurs got the match point. Duncan, who was selected to the All-Defensive First Team, was in a good mood. Some people were pessimistic about him after losing a home game, but basketball doesn't lie.

The Nuggets fans at the scene did not leave early. The boos from nearly 2 people were very loud. They were deceived! Iverson is not a championship puzzle!
Facing the boos from the audience, Duncan hugged Parker with a smile and patted his teammate on the shoulder to express encouragement. Tonight, the French sports car once again blew up the opponent's backcourt.

出场38分钟，11中7，罚球1中1，高效砍下15分1篮板4助攻1抢断4失误的数据。

As the Spurs walked toward the player tunnel, Parker knew the outcome was decided. He blew a kiss to his fiancée, Eva, and whispered to Duncan:
"This guy used to be Lee's opponent? No wonder the 76ers kept losing in the playoffs."

Parker had a gloating look on his face. The Denver Post almost praised Iverson to the sky. He almost believed the column "The answer belongs to the playoffs" after reading it.

After the match, we found out that the opponent was a complete paper tiger. The reports from the New York media were the most true, "Allen Iverson is just an inefficient stat brush."

Ginobili followed behind without saying a word. When he was about to enter the locker room, Duncan ruffled his short hair to encourage him:

"It's okay, Manu, we still have time, and everyone believes in you."

After the injury, Ginobili's condition fluctuated. Most teams in the league are familiar with his playing style, and it has become more difficult for him to perform as well as before.

"I felt pretty good. You should ask the coach to give me more playing time. I only made four turnovers. He was almost scared."

Ginobili patted Duncan on the shoulder and teased Popovich with a smile. The old man always blames the players. He and Parker are sometimes the special targets of attention, but he will not change the way he plays because of this.

The Spurs had a mediocre regular season this season, with injuries affecting their performance, but so far in the playoffs, everyone has realized that they have a chance to advance to the conference finals.

The opponent in the first round did not pose a threat, and when facing the Suns in the semi-finals, Duncan was confident that he could lead his team to defeat that "fake team".

Considering that the Rockets and the Jazz are still in a tug-of-war, everyone on the Spurs feels that God is taking care of them this year, and this may be the easiest playoff journey in recent years.

Popovich naturally saw the confidence on the players' faces. He believed that they would be able to end their opponents after returning to their home court. Thinking of what happened to the Mavericks, the old man also became excited:
"Get nervous, the playoffs have just begun."

The old man gave the Spurs a bellyful of chicken soup. Duncan sat in his seat and simply drank some water. He felt that the finals were waving to him again, and his thoughts were all over the place:

“Maybe this is my chance.”

Trailing 1:3, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, who were attending the press conference, sat on the stage with expressionless faces. There was no miracle and no one believed they could turn the game around.

出场45分钟，25中9，三分线外3中0，罚球5中4，22分7助攻1抢断2失误。

Iverson's shooting percentage failed to exceed 6%, and his 1-for- shooting in the fourth quarter left the Denver sports reporters speechless.

"Allen, you were eliminated in the first round again in your first year in Denver. Does this mean that you and Anthony can't succeed together?"

ESPN reporters questioned the level of the two more than once. Iverson didn't know how to respond for a while, but Anthony on the side spoke up for his idol with a stern face:

"This is only the first year of our cooperation. You know, if we hadn't been banned during the regular season, our record would have been even better!"

"You shouldn't underestimate the combination of two scoring champions. We will prove ourselves. Next season, no one will want to face us!"

Iverson was somewhat touched. No one spoke up for him when he was in Philadelphia. His former teammates were all Li You's lickers. He felt disgusted when he saw Iguodala trying to get close to everyone in New York:
"Basketball belongs to five people. You have seen my playing time. If the team wants to pursue the championship, it needs to strengthen around us."

"As for statistics, I never look at that kind of thing. I just play basketball and give it my all when I'm on the court."

"We're going to be successful with the Nuggets, I never doubted that."

Iverson, who lost the game, showed his "rebellious" side again, but he had been beaten up in the East, and most sports reporters were used to his bold words:

"When Lee faced the Spurs in the finals, his shooting percentage never fell below 40%. Allen, did this year's playoffs once again illustrate the gap between you and Lee?"

"."

The Fox Sports reporter asked a serious question that caused the scene to suddenly become quiet. Iverson, who had remained silent, gradually showed an angry look on his face. He stared at the other party fiercely and responded:
"Next question!"

On May 5, the Cavaliers returned to Cleveland. In Game 1, they relied on LeBron James' free throws in the final moments to stabilize the situation and eventually won a narrow victory over their opponents.

87:81, facing the Cavaliers' iron defense, the Nets had no way out. After losing a home game, they fell behind with a big score of 1:3.

出场45分钟的基德让篮网队球迷看傻了眼，13中2，三分线外7中1，5分17篮板7助攻1失误。

Such data even makes it difficult for commentators to evaluate. Apart from scoring, Kidd performed well, but the Nets need him to stand out.

24中6，三分线外7中3，罚球14中10，25分9篮板9助攻2抢断4失误，卡特命中率不足三成的准三双让球迷感到无奈。

As for Jefferson's 12-of-3 shooting and 15 points from free throws, no one was in the mood to comment. The Nets section of Reddit was occupied by New York fans, and the second team was ridiculed across the region:
"Jason Kidd should prepare to retire, and Vince Carter should probably give up the title of 'Black Mamba'. He is not deadly at all."

The Knicks advanced easily and did not need to take out a loan this season. Criticisms unanimously believed that Lee Woo would lead the team into the finals and aim for a fifth consecutive championship. Many people felt that this year was "God's care."

Once the 68-win team is eliminated, who will be the Knicks' opponent?
The Cavaliers, who were actively preparing for the game, received extra attention in this situation. Wade and O'Neal's injuries made them quickly outdated, and James and Howard became the "successors."

Jeff Van Gundy did not relax and organized a recovery training at the training center in the afternoon. The Cavaliers rarely had holidays this season, so the championship coach started working hard.

With dark circles under his eyes, Van Gundy still strictly required his players in training sessions, strictly prohibiting jokes and joking, which made Howard feel a little frustrated. Thibodeau's defense showed its impressive power in the playoffs, and the Nets' difficulty in scoring 4 points in 80 games was the best proof.

"I think we can continue this lineup, let LeBron and Larry partner up in the backcourt, and rely on their absolute height and zone defense to limit New York's counterattack."

After hearing his partner's words, Van Gundy still frowned, nodded and then showed a thoughtful look. The two of them were almost living in the team just to work out a lineup to limit the Knicks.

Before the trade deadline, Alexander Pavlovic, who was acquired from the Jazz in exchange for the team's three-point shooter, performed well in the playoffs.

However, Pavlovic is the atmosphere group in the Jazz. Van Gundy lacks trust in this player who has not experienced too many playoffs:
"If the game can be dragged into the fourth quarter, this lineup may have a better performance."

"You know, Tom, the team lacks a stable scorer. If we want to play the game we expect, the players must give their best efforts."

Van Gundy stared at the lazy Howard and whispered. Thibodeau sighed secretly in his heart, and finally patted his partner on the shoulder helplessly, walked up to him and whispered to the happy big boy.

The atmosphere in the Cavaliers' training sessions is very tense. Not only does the coaching staff fight hard with the main players in the game, they also never relax in daily training.

At 16:30 in the afternoon, after the training, Howard walked into the locker room with an unhappy face. Seeing Larry Hughes with the same sullen face, he immediately complained:

"The coach is crazy! How many times have we had a holiday this year? Now we have a match point, but we have to train after getting off the plane."

"I heard New York is still on holiday. Damn, no wonder everyone wants to play there."

LeBron James doesn't mind this kind of training. Although he questions the coaching staff's tactics in his heart, he is still very satisfied with the second place record in the Eastern Conference.

Hearing the tool man's complaint, James immediately spoke out to comfort him:

"The coach is right. Maybe this season is the best opportunity in recent years. Think about it, if we can make it to the finals, no one in the Western Conference can match us."

In the regular season, the team defeated the Spurs twice and tied with the Mavericks, Suns and Rockets. Such a record gave James more confidence, as he only had one opponent.

James continued to offer chicken soup in a low voice, and his good brother Ilgauskas also followed suit to comfort him. Perhaps thinking of his agent's instructions, Howard also behaved himself.

Larry Hughes saw that everyone in the locker room was on James' side, and finally suggested in a low voice:

"LeBron, go talk to the coach. We need to rest for a day. The Pistons just got the match point. There's no need to be so nervous."

Seeing James nod, the locker room became lively again. Howard laughed and teased the new MVP, calling him "softie" which made everyone laugh.

James did not participate in this topic. He knows the internal situation better. Hook has not made any effort in the past two years, and Li You seems to be planning another big thing.

If Nowitzki is out, the trophy will most likely be decided next season. Thinking of those pseudo-stars who always speak up for him, James feels that he has learned something new:

“GOAT doesn’t need to speak for himself”

On the morning of May 5, Li You accompanied Ivana to Lenox Hill Hospital for another physical examination. Although the New York media had been chasing related news, the hospital did a good job of keeping it confidential.

"The due date is in early June. She is in good health. Congratulations again!"

Ivana let out a sigh, a smile on her face, and was soon embraced by Li You. Unlike other girls, the blonde had become very nervous since she became pregnant.

Scarlett was too young and didn’t think so much at the beginning. Now, Kristen Ritter, who is pregnant, doesn’t have so many worries and is happily enjoying life in Peninsula Manor.

Li You knew that the old woman Ivana must have instilled some ideas into her daughter. Plus, Tang Nade was no pushover either, so Ivana naturally felt pressured.

"Don't worry, honey, everything will be fine!"

Li You kissed the relaxed girl in his arms. Ivana thought of the little ones at home and immediately whispered coquettishly in her ear:
"When we return to Florida, we can take the little ones with us. I think they should grow up in the sun."

The middle-aged white female doctor opposite was an old acquaintance of Li You. She had five mothers for six children, a situation that was rare even in the more liberal New York:

"Lee, will Dallas be eliminated? My husband has been reading those papers like crazy lately."

"We all think the New York Times is right and the league should put the trophy in your hands."

After half a month of discussion, this year's MVP successfully broke the circle and became the subject of discussion among the crowd. Nowitzki was indeed unlucky, and Li You stepped on the opponent's head and gained extra attention.

"It's hard to say, but you can bet on the Warriors to win. The atmosphere at Oracle Arena is similar to that in New York."

“Not everyone can perform well under pressure.”

Li You blinked and responded simply. Ivana in his arms raised her head and kissed him again, with a smile on her face again. She liked seeing news about Li You on TV.

Li You, who was waiting for the birth of his child with peace of mind, accompanied the girls to enjoy the vacation, but the Mavericks team members who flew to San Francisco again felt "suffocated".

Thursday, May 5rd is a memorable day. Tonight Warriors fans will witness the arrival of the black eight.

Although the Mavericks pulled one back at home, the Warriors, who were full of confidence, didn't care about it at all.

After the game started at 19:30 that night, Nowitzki collapsed under the heavy pressure. The golden wave of Oracle Arena made the German completely lost.

半场10中1，三分线外4中0，罚球2中2，诺维斯基仅仅拿到4分.
48:50, the Mavericks' role players withstood the pressure and the 2-point difference was negligible.

On the ABC commentary booth, Mike Breen couldn't help but show a look of surprise on his face after seeing the technical statistics. The performance of the new MVP was really terrible:
"In such an important game, Nowitzki only scored 4 points in the first half."

"The MVPs of these two years failed to perform at their expected level in the playoffs. I respect these players, but the gap between them and Lee is too big."

The already boiling noise in Hubie Brown's stadium was deafening. The old coach did not add insult to injury, but his polite words made the German's situation even more embarrassing.

There was no strong rebound. Under the watchful eyes of the public, Nowitzki continued to collapse in the crucial third quarter, shooting 3 for 1 and scoring zero points.

At 15:36 in the quarter, the fans at the scene went completely crazy, Jackson and Barnes screamed at the top of their lungs, and the Warriors players jumped and danced.

"Soft!"

Nowitzki was in a state of turmoil when he returned to the bench. The fans behind him shouted loudly. Under the heavy pressure, the German finally kicked over the chair, his eyes were red, and he yelled in frustration:

"Fake."

(End of this chapter)