NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 510: An elbow shattered the dream. (Daily chapter)
On Sunday, June 2007, 6, the AT&T Center hosted the most crucial game of the season.

The incredible success of the playoffs originally gave the Spurs fans great confidence, but after being beaten up in succession and with the doubts of the critics, many fans began to lose confidence:
“Is it really that we don’t have enough strength?”

Completely different from the Knicks where tickets are still in short supply after the price increase, the Spurs also had some problems with ticket sales, and the expected hot demand was not there at all.

After the ABC broadcast team came to San Antonio, they randomly interviewed some fans. Most of the interviewees lost confidence, and some of the emotional ones even fired at the home team:
“I’ve been a season ticket holder for almost 10 years, and we got nothing!”

"David won the scoring title that year, but now the Spurs have nothing. Best lineup? I don't care about these. I just want to see the team win the championship."

Afterwards, the middle-aged white fan who was watching the game with his son angrily criticized the team's operation of "filling the salary cap" in recent years in front of the camera.
This interview resonated with many Spurs fans on Reddit. What is the luxury tax? They have never paid it in all these years.

If we look at it from the perspective of team operations, the Spurs are undoubtedly successful. Making the playoffs will bring in extra income, and reaching the finals will also bring a lot of exposure.

The Mavericks paid every year, but they only made it to the finals once, and this year they were eliminated in the first round. Mark Cuban became a famous sucker in the league.
The Lakers also paid a lot of money in the past few years. Although they finally won a championship, the aftereffects of the championship have made them silent over the years.

Only the Spurs are stable. After Duncan came to the team, they have consistently entered the playoffs. Including this year, they have played in the finals four times. Compared with the slightly shabby investment, they have already won!

Li You welcomed a new family member this morning, and during the afternoon training session, sports reporters were unable to see the Knicks core player.

If D'Antoni hadn't confirmed in front of the media that Lee You would play tonight, the commentators would have thought that the Knicks would let the game go.
With the core absent, Gasol and Hill became the subjects of interviews by sports reporters.

The former is getting stronger and stronger, performing better than Duncan in the first two games. The latter has already confirmed that he will join ESPN after the end of this season and bring his championship experience to the studio.

In the afternoon at the AT&T Center, the Knicks players who arrived at the arena early to warm up were surrounded by the media after the training session.

There has been more and more debate about the "best power forward" these days. In the past few years, Gasol was playing at the four or five positions, but only this season did he officially play at the power forward position.

In the past, basketball critics were not very interested in technical big men. O'Neal's violent domination of the basket was what everyone liked.

But the Shark is old, and none of the outstanding big men play like O'Neal. Garnett's iron-blooded jump shot, and Nowitzki's soft fade away, these two MVPs are enough to illustrate the current trend.

In this situation, Tim Duncan, who was capable of playing both inside and outside, was hyped up, but Gasol performed better in the finals, and the commentators then realized that the Spaniard was also the MVP.

Just like the New York media joked, Tim Duncan is just an overrated thief, and Pau Gasol won the World Championship MVP based on his strength!

Gasol, who originally didn't care about these things, has seen his reputation soar after this year's finals, and is now on track to surpass Duncan to become the "No. 1 power forward."

Hill was asked a related question while being interviewed on the sidelines. ESPN reporters were not interested in the results of the game, but wanted to see Duncan's jokes:
"Grant, do you think Tim Duncan is overrated? If we look at the record, Gasol is obviously better!"

The Spurs couldn't get a single word out of their defense. Duncan didn't respond, and the ESPN reporter who followed them was no longer polite and started by depriving Duncan of his few "honors."

"It's hard to simply compare the strength of the two, but in the Knicks' system, Pau is indeed better than Duncan."

"You saw that Pau could do everything in these two games, including scoring, rebounding, assists and defense. He changed the Spurs' defense with his performance."

"Duncan is very good, but he can't do these things. This is related to the strength gap between the two teams. I respect the opponents, but they have no chance this year."

Grant Hill analyzed seriously and naturally stepped into the role of a basketball commentator. It won't be long before he can host Sports Center. The veteran has already started the next stage of his career.

Unlike Hill who had a serious expression, Gasol, who was troubled by injuries this year, was also a little inflated and could not hold back the smile on his face!
The two play different roles in the team, but the commentators don't care about these. Duncan has to take the blame for his mediocre performance and Gasol will naturally be praised for his efficient performance.

"Gasol, let's talk about tonight's game. Can you get a triple-double and continue to suppress Tim Duncan?"

G2的比赛，14中10，三分线外3中1，罚球4中4，25分10篮板8助攻1抢断1盖帽2失误，贡献准三双的加索尔让邓肯的表现黯然失色。

If you don't watch the game, but only look at the highlights, Gasol can attack and defend by breaking through and shooting from inside and outside, while Duncan's offense is inefficient and his defense is "exploded" by Li You.

"I don't care about the statistics. I am already a champion player. Now I enjoy playing with Li more. We enjoy the game more!"

"Simply winning is not all we pursue. Breaking through the opponent's defense, controlling the rhythm of the game, and presenting more exciting games to the fans will make us feel more accomplished."

"As for the matchup situation, I will certainly try my best to contribute my strength."

Gasol, with a beard, looked relaxed when he said this, and there was an expression on his face that said "I have higher aspirations". The sports reporters in San Antonio had mixed feelings, as they could not refute this.

"Gasol, what do you think of the title of 'No. 1 power forward'?"

The TNT reporter was also fanning the flames. Seeing that the Spurs had no power to resist, everyone was trying to get some last-minute heat. Gasol didn't hesitate to answer such a straightforward question and said bluntly:
"It's hard to have a unified standard for this kind of statement. You know, I just won the World Championship with the Spanish team last year, and now I'm about to win the fifth championship in my career."

"If I'm judged by championships, I think I'm the best big man in the league!"

"But basketball is not a one-person sport. Lee has always helped me grow. For Duncan, he is still an excellent player even without a championship. Don't forget that he led the team to the finals four times."

"."

Shrimp and pork heart, after the championship was won, sports reporters all realized one thing, if they lose again this year, the 31-year-old Duncan really seems to be no match for Gasol, 5 is greater than 0!

The Knicks atmosphere team did not take tonight's game seriously. The score was 88:114, and the G2 game lasted for three quarters again. The opponent's defense was at the same level as the Cavaliers.

Gasol's increased playing time forced Dio to play supporting roles in the finals. To be on the safe side, the team always maintained a big-man lineup, so he could only play in garbage time.

However, this situation is not a problem for the French. They wave the towel 20 times per game and cheer more than 10 times per game. Dio is in high spirits and contributes his own strength.

“It seems that Li won’t be back until the game starts, but I’m more concerned about the Ace of Spades. Mr. Dolan seems to have prepared a lot!”

Dio and the atmosphere group were still exercising, whispering to each other. When they mentioned this news, Gazuric, who was standing beside them, showed a look of regret on his face:

"I really want to celebrate at home. It would be even better if I could spray this champagne at Madison Square Garden."

After the sudden drop in defensive pressure, Prince's playing time was also affected, but he had already signed a good contract, so he didn't care too much:
"You can bring champagne to the champions' parade. I'm thinking about an invitation to the national team. It seems there will be an open selection this year."

Chandler was also invited. Although his agent Schwartz did not recommend him to continue playing, this time it was related to the Olympic selection. Hearing his teammates' words, the big man whispered:

"I think we can have a few fights! This is a lot easier than I thought, and we can take care of each other then."

Dio saw Prince and Chandler discussing in a low voice, and then he remembered that the US team still had to play in the America's Cup to fight for the Olympic qualification.

At 20:30 p.m., more than fans poured into the AT&T Center, and before the game, ABC began broadcasting exclusive interviews with Spurs players.

However, for many fans in front of the TV, the determination expressed by Duncan and others has become a joke. After two consecutive big losses, no one believes that the Spurs can turn the tide.

After all, old fans have seen this kind of script more than once.

In the home team's locker room, Popovich looked serious. Like the coaching staff, he did not expect the Spurs to lose so badly. The expected offensive tactics completely failed.

The Knicks were behind in shooting percentage and rebounding, but they were ahead in all technical statistics except turnovers. "This is a battle! We must fight for the game with a winning mentality!"

"I don't want to say there will be opportunities in the future, because we are no longer young. I know that no one wants to end their career with regrets."

"The other team has made the championship a habit. What we have to do tonight is to crush their arrogance!"

"."

Duncan, wearing the white home jersey, kept his head down and said nothing. He had listened to Popovich's chicken soup for the soul for many years and had long been "accustomed to it." On the contrary, Bruce Bowen was emotional.

Before leaving the locker room, the veteran called out to his teammates. Bowen looked determined and said seriously, looking around at everyone:
"We will win the game! This year I want to give the championship to my newborn son."

Parker had been in a bad mood because of his poor performance in front of his fiancée. When he heard Bowen's words, he immediately responded. The big brother still took good care of him.

Robert Horry knew that his teammates would lead the charge tonight, so he cheered along and reminded Ginobili at the end:

"Manu, stay calm during the game! I don't want to see the three of you in the locker room."

Popovich put pressure on the referee for two consecutive games. Ginobili also knew the coaching staff's intentions. This time they were really "anxious to lose", but he would not refute such a move:
"I know, three home games, this is our chance!"

Horry patted his teammates on the shoulders and said nothing more. Just as Popovich said, no one wants to end their career with regrets, and Bowen has made his choice.

Li You did not participate in the afternoon warm-up. After flying to San Antonio, he did not touch the ball until just before the game started.

"Shh!"

The home team's entrance ceremony failed to liven up the AT&T Center. Instead, some veteran fans booed as they watched Li You continuously hit three-pointers during warm-up.

In recent years, the Spurs have met the Knicks in the finals for four times. The two sides can barely be called rivals. Naturally, loyal fans do not welcome Li You's arrival.

When Popovich was instructing his players, he also noticed Li You's condition. The old man's eyes twitched slightly. He had been paying attention to the newspaper news. The New York media reported that Li You had been in the hospital and only rested for a while on the plane.

In the ABC commentary booth, three people also paid attention to Li You's warm-up. Mark Jackson secretly exclaimed that it was outrageous, and at this time he subconsciously praised:

"Lee's passion for basketball is beyond anyone's imagination. I know exactly how I feel when I don't train for a few days."

"It is obvious that Li has not relaxed his requirements on himself in the past few days. Only by sweating countless times in the training ground can he have such muscle memory."

Mike Breen saw Li You throwing the ball farther and farther, and even gradually speeding up his shooting speed. He couldn't help but take over the conversation and continued to praise him:

"I never doubted Lee's condition. He is the most talented and hardest-working player I have ever witnessed!"

"Lee's attendance rate is the best in the league. In comparison, we can see how much coach Popovich takes care of Duncan during the regular season."

"I respect this rotation, but Lee is the real role model for contemporary professional players"

The two of them praised the other protagonist Tim Duncan, and Jeff Van Gundy was speechless. The public opinion changed too quickly, and even the "rest" started to be criticized.
JR Smith passed the ball to Li You like a "dog bootlicker", and shouted loudly every time a goal was scored, which made the Spurs players upset.

Bowen, who was still encouraging himself, glanced at Li You from time to time. This subconscious behavior was noticed by Artest, who was strolling back and forth and interacting in a friendly manner with the fans.

Although the old guy has been much quieter in recent years, the Knicks have never relaxed their stance on players with criminal records.

Nearing 21 p.m., the two sides came to the center of the court. Hill ignored the other party's sullen look and once again greeted his opponent with a friendly fist bump. Gasol was quite excited and looked impatient.

Li You was still moving his body in the backcourt, stretching from time to time. As the referee threw the ball, Chandler pushed the ball to half court, and the arena suddenly erupted with a huge wave of voices:

"Shhh!!"

Amid the boos that echoed throughout the arena, D'Antoni still sat quietly on the bench. Li You received the ball, shouted to his teammates, made tactical gestures, and slowly dribbled across half court.

"Defense!."

The defensive cheers gradually rose, and Artest, who was running to the left corner, noticed that the defender in front of him had changed to Ginobili. He turned his head to look to the other side and saw Parker stopped in the right blocking area.

The Spurs changed their defensive position, leaving Hill open and letting Parker help defend. This change allowed Bowen to defend Li You.

The double screen by the Knicks' big man at the top of the arc was also fake. As Chandler accelerated and moved down, Li You switched the ball from behind to his left hand, and with the help of Gasol's high screen, he moved laterally to accelerate the breakthrough.

Duncan came up to assist in defense early, and Bowen, who was chasing him, was delayed briefly and had no choice but to watch Li You make a ground pass.

Watching Gasol receive the ball near the free throw line, Oberto hurried to the paint area to assist, and then saw the basketball fly to the upper right side of the basket.

Chandler, who was unguarded, grabbed the ball with both hands and dunked it!
"boom!"

The basket made a sound and boos filled the arena again. Seeing the Knicks players retreat quickly, the Spurs immediately sped up their offensive tempo.

After crossing half court, Parker used Duncan's screen and accelerated laterally with the ball in his right hand. He failed to shake off Li You and passed the ball to Ginobili on the right wing.

The latter received the ball, and Duncan, who was on the line, stepped forward to cover again. Facing the Knicks, he decisively switched defense. Ginobili, holding the ball with his left hand, came to the top of the arc, pretended to break through, and suddenly exploded and stepped back.

Gasol didn't expect the opponent to be so decisive and failed to defend in time. Fortunately, Ginobili's three-pointer finally missed.

"Oh!"

With a sigh, the long rebound was picked up by Li You near the right blocking area. Parker could only lower his head and chase. The two of them kept accelerating along the left sideline and rushed across half court in the blink of an eye.

When approaching the left wing, Li You suddenly slowed down, attracting Bowen who was returning to defense. The latter gave up his defensive position in the moment of hesitation.

While moving, the ball passed behind his back and Parker extended his hand symbolically. Li You switched back to his left hand and passed the ball to Artest who was following closely in the gap.

The latter caught the ball and dunked it with both hands!

"what!"

After completing the dunk, Artest screamed and pounded his chest. Bowen, who turned around to serve the ball from the baseline, did not pay attention to the movements around him and was still moving when his mind suddenly went blank.

"Oh!"

The excited Artest seemed to be too violent when celebrating the dunk. He expanded his chest and swung his elbows as he passed by, causing Bowen to lie down at his feet and collapse on the floor.

"God! Bowen is knocked out"

(End of this chapter)