NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 509 Finals will reduce the historical status? (Daily Chapter)
On Thursday, June 2007, 6, ESPN's early morning Sports Center show began to warm up for that evening's game.

As expected, the ratings for G1 dropped sharply, with ABC only giving it a score of 7.0. Most online fans are not interested in the Spurs.

Instead, it was the scene where the sideline reporter Stuart Scott interviewed Li You after the game that many Cloud fans talked about with great relish, and it turned out that big stars also follow the drama.
"Ratings? Probably not that good. You know, The Sopranos is coming to an end, which will definitely draw away some attention."

Li You looked relaxed when answering this question. Even Scott, a black reporter wearing glasses, was stunned and didn't say anything for a long time. What was going on?
The interview went viral on YouTube, with Scott's pointed questions becoming a joke.

What's even more outrageous is that when David Stern was interviewed the next day, he also gave the same reason when faced with the issue of declining ratings:

"HBO has indeed attracted more viewers, and the subsequent games will be more exciting"

In fact, this reason is completely untenable and everything is an excuse. All football commentators know that the fundamental reason for the decline in ratings is that there is nothing new about this matchup.

The Spurs' poor performance also had to be blamed. Michael Wilbon claimed that Duncan would score 35+10+5+5, but the data was discounted.

出场37分钟，23中11，罚球6中4，26分9篮板1助攻1抢断1盖帽2失误，垃圾时间敢打敢拼，邓肯得分仍没能超过30分。

81:118, as soon as the rotation started, the score difference continued to widen and the suspense was lost at halftime.

After being hyped as the greatest power forward in history for a week, Duncan's offensive efficiency was mediocre and he didn't play any role on the defensive end. It was as if he was back in the 2004 Olympics and turned into a blue-collar player.

相比之下，加索尔扣篮手都快扣麻了，13中10，罚球5中4，24分10篮板5助攻1抢断2盖帽2失误。

He scored a double-double, and although most of the points were from baskets, his overall performance was still better than Duncan.

Being able to efficiently put the ball into the basket is not an easy thing, as Howard proved in the last round.

The morning Sports Center program took fans to review the performance of the two power forwards. If it weren't for his American identity, Gasol would have replaced Duncan and won the title of "the greatest power forward in history" this year.

In addition to the news about the finals, the drama in Los Angeles is still going on, with Kobe's "indecent" video recently circulating on YouTube.

You only need to pay the publisher $1.99 to see a 24-second segment of internal gossip about the Lakers.

ESPN's program did not miss this hot topic and captured a segment in which Kobe mocked General Manager Kupchak on the training ground, while also constantly attacking Andrew Bynum and others.

"What a joke! You should get rid of those lazy bums sooner."

You can clearly hear insults like "Nico". The video was not shot recently, but at the end of last month. The two were talking about the trade of Jason Kidd after the All-Star Weekend.

Linda Cohen's voice continued on TV. This sports fan from New York joined ESPN in 92, but she rarely appeared on the morning show:
"We will continue to bring exciting games to the fans tonight"

It was almost 9 o'clock and the show was coming to an end. Dwyane Wade was watching the TV bored with a puzzled look on his face. He noticed that his friend was not talking either, so he just laughed and joked:
"Popovich is not that amazing. These coaches are all the same. The NBA is not college basketball. The lineup is the key. Five All-Stars will definitely win the championship!"

LeBron James came to South Beach in Miami mainly to congratulate his friend on the arrival of his second son. In a few days, he will also welcome a new family member, and Wade will also go to Cleveland at that time.

Sunshine, beach, and suitable climate, James is in a good mood every time he comes here, but when talking about the coach, he does not agree with his friend's point of view:
"At least they'll adjust and not stick with the same playbook all the time. What about Pat Riley? You never talk to me about that."

Wade waved his hands to his friend. He couldn't say that he was scolded so much that he didn't dare to resist. In fact, there were too many big brothers in the Heat team. Mourning took the lead in supporting the coach. Only O'Neal would encourage him to be lazy:

"Old-school coaches are long gone. Don't believe what those commentators say. Basketball games are simple. You should know that the head coach is more about coordinating relationships within the team."

"Tactics? That's the job of the assistant coaches and video analysts. During the game, the players have the final say. In the end, give me the ball."

"Tim Duncan is just not capable. We all know how he performed in 04. Like Kobe, he is an overrated All-Star."

"Shaq said a long time ago that David Robinson was the real core of the Spurs back then, and he made sense."

James, who pointed the finger at the coaching staff after losing the game, could only laugh when he heard what his friend said. If this is the case, doesn't it mean that he is incompetent?
东部决赛4场比赛，场均22.0分7.0篮板5.8助攻1.0抢断3.0失误，投篮命中率为35.6%，三分球命中率为20.0%
When James thought of such embarrassing statistics, he wanted to completely forget about this year's game. His friend was obviously also teasing him implicitly. The two always liked to laugh at each other and there was also competition between them.

"Eight consecutive championships, I thought it would only happen in the early days of the league, but I didn't expect to have the opportunity to witness it."

James collapsed on the sofa and sighed, but Wade interrupted his friend. After several years of beatings, he has summed up a lot of experience:

"Fans care more about the championships. Maybe Lee and Hook prefer the ABC ads. Think about the sales of our signature shoes and look at the NBA's jersey statistics."

"This is a business, a win-win! I didn't believe Shaq before, but they never promoted my shoes on a large scale in recent years."

Wade was a little indignant when talking about this. He signed with Converse because he wanted to be the top brand, but Converse didn't pay attention to the acquired sub-brand at all, and the sales of his sneakers declined accordingly.

“Even if it’s business, I want to win a few times.”

Thinking about the poor sales of his signature shoes, LeBron James whispered and stopped talking. The only thing that made him feel gratified was that his signature shoes sold better than Kobe's.

It's not because fans like him more than Kobe, but because Li You's series has outdoor shoes, which are "cheap and big", and the style is similar to Kobe's, so the latter has been replaced.
The Heat have already started tryouts. Wade used to not pay attention to these, but the old guys are no longer reliable, and he now wants to be deeply involved in the team building:

"Instead of considering changing coaches, you might as well pay attention to the free market. It is said that Hook has also prepared a big contract for that rookie."

James knew that his friend was talking about the talented Kevin Durant, but he was not interested in it. The Cavaliers' draft pick was not high this year, and what he needed now was someone who could fight immediately.

Li You's reputation has been getting better and better since he was eliminated in the first round of MVP. The dominance of one team has not affected the league. The poor strength of this generation of stars is the fundamental reason for the decline in ratings.

Although some people may question the value of the championship, Li You has won enough to almost form a perfect closed loop.

Duncan, who made it to the finals four times, saw his reputation plummet after the end of G1, and basically fell to the same level as Nowitzki.

In the afternoon TNT program, in addition to warming up for the evening game, most of the time was spent criticizing Duncan. Digging up old issues is what the media is best at.

"Duncan's performance reminded me of the 04 Olympics, when everyone was blaming Stephen Marbury and Allen Iverson, but Duncan was the real leader of that team."

"Whenever we expect him to lead the team to win, Duncan always disappoints the fans. He has entered the finals four times, but lost more and more. Maybe this is his true level."

In the studio, Charles Barkley began his daily "theory on the quality of stars". Unlike the new players in the 03 class who had just finished their rookie period, the 31-year-old Duncan has been labeled as having a "difficult future".

Even Kenny Smith did not refute it. After all, Li You will only be 30 years old at the end of the year. The newbie has time to help. Duncan's entire career completely overlaps, and there is almost no hope of winning the championship:
"ABC should thank Lee, at least he played 37 minutes in the finals, which saved the ratings of the game."

"Although my words are somewhat disrespectful to the Spurs, this is the fact that most fans watching the game on TV may pay more attention to Lee's personal performance."

"It's hard to imagine how the Spurs adjusted. Popovich complained about the penalty call after the game, but they lost by 37 points, and the score difference was close to 50. We all know what this means."

The two of them kept producing in front of the camera, completely forgetting how they had praised Duncan as the best power forward in history a few days ago.
After the game, Popovich complained at the press conference that "the referees would take care of the Knicks' home court," and was eventually fined 15,000 US dollars.

Only the sports media in San Antonio reported on this incident. ESPN and TNT did not discuss it much. The gap was not big and it was useful for the coach to put pressure on the referee, but with such a big loss, complaining became meaningless.

Ernie Johnson sat in the middle of the studio, listening to his two partners criticizing Duncan, and finally changed the subject:
"It is said that Lee will welcome his fifth child on Saturday, the 9th, which means he may not follow the team to San Antonio in advance."

"This is an opportunity for the Spurs, three home games in a row, they have a chance to turn the game around."

The Knicks started the regular season with 41 home wins this season, followed by 6 straight home wins in the Eastern Conference series, and are undefeated at home this season, which leaves the commentators with no choice but to give a loan of away games.

Unlike in the past, Charles Barkley has completely lost confidence in Duncan and simply opened fire:
"So what if I return to my home court? The 31-year-old Duncan's championship window is getting smaller and smaller, and no one wants to play in San Antonio."

"Tim Duncan can't be a real leader. Maybe that's why he quit the national team. He's afraid to expose his true level. He's just an ordinary star who is overrated."

After hearing these words, the two almost left the field immediately. Kenny Smith couldn't help but smile awkwardly and reminded in a deep voice:

"If Duncan rebounds strongly tonight and leads the team to an away victory, I hope you can take back what you said and apologize to Duncan and the fans of San Antonio."

"I'll apologize, but if the Spurs win, it means Lee is underperforming, and then I'll want to laugh at Lee even more!"

Barkley smiled and mentioned that he was going to "eat the table". The Spurs became the clowns in his mouth. Duncan, who had reached the finals four times, not only saw his reputation plummet, but his historical status also declined seriously.

At 20 p.m. that evening, with one hour left before the game started, Jeff Nix, who had worked for the Knicks for 15 years and was in charge of college scouting, became the focus of New York media.

This year, the Knicks had the Pacers' first-round pick, and although they only got the 11th pick in the end, many sports reporters still paid attention to the recent tryouts.

Jeff Nix, who has completed the contract renewal with the team, is in a good mood. He has been deeply loved by New York fans over the years. In the hearts of fans, building the current lineup is inseparable from his efforts.

In fact, like most management teams, Jeff Knicks has been lying down for several years. His fat body and double chin and huge beer belly are the best proof of this.

"All players dream of playing in New York. No one can refuse to play with Lee. This represents success and championships!"

"The boys all performed well. Donny believes that many players will become championship pieces. We will select the best fit for the team." Jeff Nix said this with a smile. However, the New York Post reporter took the initiative to ask about specific players. Joakim Noah, who is studying in high school in New York and New Jersey, is the focus of many people:
"How is Noah doing? Who's better, him or Al Horford?"

Oden and Durant have already secured the top two spots, and the inside duo that helped the University of Florida win its first championship in team history last year is also a hot prospect in this year's draft.

"I think they all have a bright future and they will establish themselves in the NBA."

The well-known rookie was destined to be selected in the top 10. Jeff Nix kept saying nice things, but he didn't reveal any team's preference until the end.

The Spurs were treated coldly. After losing by a large margin, fewer and fewer sports reporters paid attention to them, which made it difficult for Popovich to find a good opportunity to complain.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the other end of the court. Everyone was circling around the Knicks staff. After finishing the warm-up and returning to the locker room, Parker couldn't help but curse a few times:

“It’s just a game.”

Robert Horry took the initiative to interrupt his teammate. The veteran looked serious and said in a deep voice, looking at Parker:

"Don't complain about such boring things. We must keep our confidence. Returning to our home court is our chance."

Ginobili didn't know what to say as he looked at Duncan who was becoming increasingly silent. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation after being criticized for reaching the finals.

The atmosphere group was in a bad mood. The experience of playing in New York was really not good. When Popovich and the coaching staff returned to the locker room, they found it very dull:

"We have to win four of the seven games to win the championship. Think about the effort we put in to get here."

The old man just spoke chicken soup as soon as he opened his mouth. Bruce Bowen felt his emotions boiling. If the coaching staff hadn't reminded him, he would have wanted to contribute to the team in the first game.

Matt Bonner, Beno Udrih and other members of the atmosphere group hoped that they could be called up, but Popovich did not say anything and it was obvious that there would be no lineup changes tonight.

Duncan, who had a shaved head and a beard, didn't say anything in the end. He just asked everyone to gather together, shouted "Team" together, and began to make final preparations.

The passageway of Madison Square Garden looked very old. Duncan had mixed feelings when he followed everyone to the player tunnel.

Of course, he noticed the comments from the outside world, but he was powerless to refute them. He could hear the noise faintly, and Duncan knew that the New York fans at the scene were celebrating the victory in advance:

"Manu, we need your help."

Hearing Duncan's whisper, Ginobili took the initiative to pat his teammates and nodded in agreement, saying that he must take over more ball possession.

ABC's broadcast naturally would not stop. Before the game started, the director introduced the matchup situation of the previous game to the audience in front of the TV.

19中14，三分线外6中4，罚球5中5，37分5篮板13助攻2抢断1失误，李佑高效砍下两双数据；
17中7，三分线外2中0，罚球4中2，16分3篮板5助攻4失误，托尼-帕克从第二节开始才找回状态，大多时间都被全面压制。

The data of the two were displayed, and the director turned the camera to Eva, who was sitting in the front row. The latter was dressed sportively, wearing a Spurs cheering T-shirt, and waved to the camera with a smile.

The game was about to start, and ABC began to play the previous interview again. Artest smiled brightly and couldn't help but brag when talking about the finals:

"Lee made Madison Square Garden a true basketball mecca, and as a kid growing up in Queens, I'm very proud to be a part of that process!"

"The Knicks represent the highest level of basketball in the world. We never consider our opponents. The most difficult part in the pursuit of a championship is maintaining our own form."

"It's not easy to keep up with Lee. GOAT not only brings pressure to the players, but also to the team. Everyone has to work harder."

Every year's finals is a large-scale promotional video. Artest, who once punched the fans, has been whitewashed. In the eyes of the online fans in front of the TV, he is just a "good man" who plays hard.

The restless fans began to shout loudly along with the music again, and the music played live by the DJ began to make the stadium boil.

As the 21-point game began, the three ABC commentators also began to get into the game. Mark Jackson, wearing headphones, noticed that Duncan had adjusted his defensive position in several rounds and immediately commented:

"It was the Spurs who were the first to change their defensive strategy. Apparently, Gasol's outstanding performance last time made Duncan hesitate."

Jeff Van Gundy paid more attention to the Spurs' tactical starting point. Ginobili's time holding the ball increased significantly, and Duncan also increased the speed of handling the ball.

After seeing Duncan hit two consecutive mid-range jump shots, the former champion coach immediately praised him:

"I liked the aggressiveness that Duncan showed tonight. He really needs to set the tone early on."

After 4 minutes, the two of them stopped commenting awkwardly, and only Mike Breen in the commentary booth continued to praise happily:

"It's Lee's pick-and-roll again. Parker seems to have no way out. What incredible dribbling skills!"

On the left wing, Gasol came to Parker and stood beside him. Li You, holding the ball in his left hand, twisted his wrist first, and at the moment he pushed the ball out, his body swayed to the left front.

The hesitant Parker finally made a misjudgment. As soon as he slid to the right, Li You changed direction in front of him and completely got rid of the defense.

Gasol seized the opportunity and suddenly broke away, accelerating to the left blocking area. Parker, who was out of position, hurriedly switched defense and squeezed in front of him to try to cut off the passing route.

At the top of the arc, Duncan once again faced Li You who was accelerating laterally. He stopped suddenly and pretended to break through, pulling back his hips while moving. The moment Li You switched to his left hand, he lowered his center of gravity again and dribbled in suspension.

Instinctively taking a step forward, Duncan turned his body sideways, trying to let Li You break through on the left side, but his raised arm did not work at all, and he watched helplessly as his opponent changed direction early again.

With silky footwork reset, Li You touched the ball again with his right hand and accurately attacked Duncan's front supporting foot.

Amid the cheers of the fans, Li You lowered his shoulders and accelerated, while Duncan twisted his body forcefully and tried to slide to delay, and the two entangled to the free throw line.

While moving, Li You, holding the ball in his right hand, pulled back again, and the collision under his feet caused Duncan's body to tilt. Then he completely lost his balance and almost fell to the ground.

"Oh!"

Excited shouts echoed throughout the arena, the big guy was almost knocked down, Li You made a steady pass from the free throw line, and then made another mid-range jump shot!
4:16, 7 minutes and 47 seconds left in the first quarter.

Popovich stopped complaining and immediately requested a timeout. He turned around, took the tactical board, and watched his players return to the bench without saying a word.

Li You didn't even look at his opponent. He patted his chest with his right hand with a smile, and then made a downward gesture with both hands, indicating that this was just a "routine operation."

Rondo on the bench couldn't help but cheer along with the atmosphere group. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he could only secretly exclaim that it was outrageous when he saw Duncan's embarrassed look in the two games against Li You.

"Champion! I'm a champion too!"

JR Smith was shouting and waving a towel, as if he was the one killing everyone on the court, and the sense of substitution was fully pulled.
Raja Bell, who was wearing a training suit, was also very excited. He went up to celebrate with his teammates and high-fived them. While cheering, he also cheered loudly beside Li You:

"Bro, harvest his ankles! Show them how miserable these clowns are!"

On the other side, Duncan, who sprained his left foot, threw his drink angrily when he returned to the bench. The New York fans behind him shouted even louder, mocking the Spurs for using the timeout too early:

“Bench him!”

The wanton taunting became louder and louder, and even when Popovich yelled at the top of his lungs, most of the players couldn't hear anything.

Parker returned to the court panting and emotional. When the ball was kicked from the sideline, his fiancée was not far away. She passed the ball to Duncan, who then caught the ball outside the three-point line and broke through.

Parker, holding the ball in his left hand, forced a breakthrough on the left wing. The obvious offensive choice allowed Li You to slide calmly. When Parker realized that he could not get rid of the defense, he stopped abruptly and tried to find Duncan again.

Near the blocking area, Parker, who was leaning on defense, turned quickly and just turned to his right hand, trying to set a screen again. Li You saw the opportunity and suddenly accelerated, accurately poking the basketball away with his right hand.

Parker, who had lost the ball, quickly turned around to chase the ball, but Li You rushed too fast and before he could exert force with his feet, his body collided with him and fell to the ground.
The laughter made Parker pound the floor angrily, but Li You, who had completed the steal, rushed faster and faster. With 1 against 0 in the frontcourt and no one defending him, he jumped with both feet in the paint area, turned 360 degrees in the air, and stretched out his right arm to dunk with great force!

"what!"

Madison Square Garden was completely boiling. The vulnerable opponent did not affect the mood of the New York fans. Instead, it made everyone more excited. The fans behind the basket shouted even louder.

Ginobili's free throws helped the Spurs break the scoring drought, but Gasol made another pick-and-roll at the top of the arc, but Duncan failed to keep up with Li You's offensive rhythm.

When Gasol bounced to the top of the arc, Parker had already caught up with him. Duncan, who was assisting in defense, followed with a sliding step. Li You, who had rushed across the three-point line, paused slightly, shook his wrist and pretended to pass the ball on the ground.

Li You suddenly stopped and started, and accelerated suddenly. Duncan slid desperately, and finally watched Li You sneak a layup and score two more points!

Duncan, who was serving from the baseline, heard the shouts of the fans behind him and was furious for a moment:
"Shet!"

(End of this chapter)