NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 414: Is this data true? (7200 word chapter)
2005年10月31号，美联社最早爆料出尼克斯队将为泰肖恩-普林斯送上一份5年4700万美刀的合同。

In the preseason, the Knicks achieved a record of 4 wins and 3 losses. In the absence of Li You, D'Antoni made extensive rotations, and new aid Burris Diaw made his debut.

However, Gasol and Diaw, who finally returned to the team, did not play much playing time.

Especially Gasol, the Spanish men's basketball team finished third in the European Championships and is playing at a high load this offseason.

That's what the production team is like. The Knicks have to play in the finals every year, and coupled with the call of the national team, Gasol consumes more than most players.

On Tuesday, November 11st, the NBA league arranged a total of four opening games that day.

76ers VS Knicks, Mavericks VS Suns, Nuggets VS Spurs, Kings VS Hornets.

The reason why the 76ers and Kings will appear in the opening game is mainly because at the beginning of October, a major transaction took place between the two teams!
The 76ers sent Chris Williams, Kenny Thomas, and Brian Skinner, who had just been traded, to the Kings;

Eventually replaced by Chris Webber and Michael Bradley.

This deal on October 10th shocked the entire league, and then the Kings signed Sharif Rahim, a free agent who was "returned" by the Nets, causing ball commentators to call the two teams crazy.
Considering Weber's big contract, this is a desperate choice for the 76ers. For Iverson, who is active in the offseason, this should be the last attempt by the management.

"I admire my little brother but unfortunately he never came close to Lee and I will never compare the two again."

The Heat's performance in the preseason caused more and more calls for Stan Van Gundy to be fired.

"The little guys are so cute, Li, do you want to go see them now?"

With 20 minutes left before the game, the director also gave a comparison of the two's victory contributions in the program.

"Win Shares have exceeded 7 for seven consecutive years. This is the first time in the long history of the NBA."

这档节目通常在早上7点~8点，下午2点~3点，晚上6点~7点和深夜的11点到凌晨1点播出。

In the 04-05 season, Li You's statistics exploded, with his efficiency value reaching an exaggerated 40.5, and his win shares hitting an NBA record high of 26.2.

Tim Duncan, who reached the Finals, ranked 10th in win shares, with a value of 11.2.

Although the exterior walls looked a little shabby, the internal facilities of the hospital were nothing to say. After Li You followed the medical staff to the room, the familiar white nurse smiled and said:

"This has surpassed Wilt Chamberlain. There is no doubt that Lee is the best in history."

Hearing Xiao Nuo next to him talking freely about sensitive topics, Jin, whose face was red, glared at Li You, shrank into the quilt and whispered:
"Don't expect me to mess around with you!"

Not long ago, in ESPN's Sports Center program, fans were introduced to the newly born victory shares for several days in a row.

In the studio, host Sanders once again talked about a topic that has been hotly debated by football commentators recently:

On October 10th and 16th, Li You gave birth to two little ones. After the New York crowd found out that they were both boys, they thought that the two little guys might have a chance to inherit Li You's inhuman physique.

At 18 o'clock, one hour before the start of the game, ESPN's NBA countdown was broadcast on time.

In the season when he won the scoring title, Allen Iverson was at the peak of his career, with 11.8 win shares;

Behind Li You is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was at his peak in the 71-72 season. The historical scoring leader's win shares were as high as 25.4, and his efficiency value that season was also a career-high 29.9.

The new high-level data allowed Iverson to "reveal his true colors." Although Stephen A. Smith helped his little brother untie his knot, he really didn't want to tell lies.

Seeing Li You appear, the medical staff walked out of the room again, rolled their eyes, and when Li You walked to the bedside, he immediately leaned over and whispered:
"My dear, it's a bit pricey, do you want it?"

The reason why most football commentators feel outrageous is mainly because in the 04-05 season, Kevin Garnett, who ranked second in win shares, only had 16.1.

The discussion lasted for a month, and finally sports critics and media reporters reached a consensus that Li You's physical talent exceeded human limits.
At noon on the 1st, Li You went to Lenox Hill Hospital near 77th Street as usual. This medical institution in the Upper East Side has a long history and its medical capabilities are not bad.

"For tonight's opening game, I don't want to discuss wins, losses and statistics. I want to appreciate pure basketball skills."

This question made Stephen A. Smith even more silent. He looked at the camera for a while and then said in a deep voice:

On the other side, Jin, who was eating lunch, saw the naughty girl exposing her round fair skin. She almost choked and shouted with a red face:
"Scarlett! This is the hospital!"

Both of them shook their heads. The only remaining member of Jin's family was her remarried mother. As for Scarlett, her mother was the most active and discussed the name for a long time.

No matter which host or guest, they will repeatedly bombard Li You's related Excel.

Hearing their partner blowing so outrageously, the two people in the studio couldn't answer the question for a while. Host Sanders's eyes widened even more, with a puzzled expression on his dark face, "Can you still blow like this?"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to emphasize again that we are enjoying the performance of the greatest player in the history of basketball."

As a white shooter who has played in the NBA for many years, his partner Legler naturally understood how outrageous Li You's victory contribution value was after learning the formula of this data:
“It’s not the single-season numbers that are incredible to me.”

"The young people of the 76ers should feel lucky to be able to play against a great player like Lee. They can gain valuable experience from the best player in history."

The show's studio is in Times Square, and the Knicks are going to hand out the rings. As usual, a few people have to brag about it again.

"No matter how many times I see it, I'm always surprised!"

Scarlett, who was biting her ears and whispering, felt a little regretful. Li You coughed dryly, pulled up his clothes, rubbed them gently, and then said to the two of them:
"We will be able to go home in a few days. Have you thought of a name?"

James Dolan's minimally invasive bypass surgery was performed at this hospital, and Kim and Scarlett also chose to have their baby here.

Li You shook his head. He had been watching for a few days. At this time, he still needed to pay more attention to the weak girls.

Raising his voice slightly, Stephen A. Smith made his point rhythmically:

"Since the 99-00 season, Lee's win shares have remained high. The 03-04 season was the worst performance in the past few years, but the value was as high as 20.4."

It will be her 21st birthday in a few days. Scarlett, who is still a girl, said with great anticipation:
"We can spend this year's birthday together, and I don't have to go back to Los Angeles!"

"Lee's historical single-season win shares reached 26.2, which is crazy. It's not like the data of modern basketball at all."

Scarlett, who was lying on the bed, recovered quickly. In less than half a month, she was no longer as weak as she was a few days ago.

From this high-level data, we can see that Li You is leading all active players for a long time. No one can come close to him. Only the historical Hall of Fame members can truly compete.
Legler got excited about playing, and suddenly found that Stephen A. Smith beside him was somewhat silent, and immediately asked curiously:
"Smith, do you think Allen Iverson can break the curse in tonight's opener?"

In the 96-97 season, Li You entered the NBA in his first year, with a win share of 12.1.

The exaggerated comparison made the fans in front of the TV feel outrageous. Many fans understood why some people had previously written to complain about ESPN's customized data:

"Why is the gap so big? Is your data fidelity?"

The 76ers changed their head coach. Maurice Cheeks had achieved good results with the Trail Blazers in the past few years. Iverson said a lot of good things when he learned that he would coach the team.

Although he did not participate in the preseason, Iverson, who came to Manhattan again, was no longer decadent. Before the game, he loudly encouraged his teammates in the locker room:
"Who cares about those boring numbers? Those media have never played basketball!"

"We need to cheer up, we're going to fight each other!"

"."

Standing in front of everyone, Iverson was fully armed, clapping his hands and pumping his fists from time to time, and kept rapping to encourage everyone.

Webb, who said bad things about Iverson last season, remained silent. In fact, he didn't like the deal, and he had no interest in playing with the little man.

Seeing Iverson's excitement, Webb secretly curled his lips, touched his bald head, and waited for the arrival of the head coach.

Iguodala looked at the boss who had become active again, responding to him with his eyes from time to time, but secretly cursing the task assigned to him by the coaching staff tonight:
"Who wants to play against Lee?"

Kyle Korver and Steven Hunter, who entered the starting lineup, responded to the boss from time to time.

Kevin Ollie in the atmosphere group was very passionate and did not deal with the matter like the two of them. He clapped his hands and cheered along with Iverson:

"Tonight we will help Allen break the curse!"

The locker room was suddenly quiet, with 0 wins and 36 losses in the regular season. This record is really embarrassing.
In the home team's locker room, Li You continued to distribute "wedding candies". During this period, Knicks staff and players received candy gift packs every day. The special ceremony made everyone happy every day.

Diaw really likes the Knicks' locker room. In order to serve the players, the chef prepares a delicious meal every night for the game.

Drinks can also be made to order and staff will deliver them from the Tarrytown Training Center, so you can enjoy them before and after the game.

Li You hadn't played in a game for several months, and he didn't warm up in advance tonight. After bumping fists with everyone in the locker room, he reminded:
"It might take me a while to warm up, guys, it's going to be up to you in the first half."

Gasol, who was still recovering, was still a little tired. He touched his jersey and said with a low smile:

"Fortunately our opponent is the 76ers. I don't want to lose in the opening game."

Hill rested longer. Fortunately, his performance in the preseason was not bad. He clapped his hands and encouraged:
"We have to help Li continue his record tonight!"

When the hot topic before the game was brought up, the locker room soon became lively, and Artest even grinned and laughed at the rookie opposite:
"We smashed that brush into pieces in the playoffs that year! I'm going to tear him apart tonight!"

Diaw, who was still adapting to the team, rubbed his chin and felt a little uncomfortable. After two years with the Hawks, he had already lost. Iverson could always hit them hard when he met them:

"Is this the confidence of a championship team?"

At 19 o'clock, Madison Square Garden was completely boiling, and the 76ers finished their appearance. Iverson, who came to the sideline to fist bump with his teammates, subconsciously looked around, and then made a long face.

Many people were holding white boards, and the conspicuous 36-0 was everywhere. As the lights dimmed, cheers quickly echoed throughout the arena.

The big screen in the center of the field began to play the highlights of the Knicks and the scene of winning the cup. Iverson saw his own figure. He was knocked out of the baseline and was passed by Li You in one step.
The popular stars in the league became the background, and the fans shouted happily and began to welcome every home team player who came on the stage.

"Let's welcome the 6-foot-3 guard from Uconn, the best player in history, number one - Clay-Lee!"

The screams in the arena made Iverson a little uncomfortable. When he saw Li You wearing a white Knicks training uniform, the rebellious little man cursed secretly.
Since James Dolan is still hospitalized, tonight's award ceremony will be attended by Charles Sr. who will present rings to everyone.

Under the spotlight in the center of the field, David Stern waved to the New York fans with a smile and said loudly with a microphone:

"With seven championships in nine years, Lee led the Knicks to create a miracle!"

"I can't describe how good this team is. They broke almost all records in the NBA. They changed modern basketball."

"It's an honor to witness such a miracle happen, let's welcome them again!"

The staff member whose name was called was the first to appear, and everyone took a vintage ring from old Charles.

In addition to the Knicks team logo, the top ring of the ring is "Clay Lee" and the bottom is "Word Champion."

The side of the ring is also marked with Mike D'Antoni's name and the logo of last season's record and three consecutive championships.

This is a ring with a personal style to commemorate the contributions of Li You and D'Antoni.

Charles Sr. continued to hug every player, and D'Antoni, who appeared second to last, was already smiling.

During the offseason, the Knicks offered him a five-year, $5 million contract, which was the highest salary for an NBA coach. For the sake of the dollar, Mustache decided to stay in New York.
Li You, who was the last one to appear, first shook hands with David Stern, then high-fived everyone on the Knicks team in celebration, and finally hugged Charles Sr. and took the ring from the opponent's hand:

"Lee, I hope you like it. Although the designers said they were running out of inspiration, I still want to see the 10th championship banner above the arena."

Old Charles hugged Li You and said these words, and soon the two of them unveiled the team's ninth championship banner together:
"The 10th side is actually not our end. I will lead the team to keep winning!"

Li You put on the ring and made his promise again. As everyone gathered in front of the flag, he took the microphone and said loudly to the fans at the scene again:

"This is a victory that belongs to everyone. Let us continue to win big in the future!" Amidst the cheers that echoed throughout the arena, the ninth championship flag slowly rose into the sky.

Everyone from the Knicks team who put on the ring gathered around Li You. Everyone raised their right hands and waited for the media reporters to finish taking pictures.

The boiling arena made Diaw and David Lee excited, and they looked up together to watch the flag rising slowly.

Michael Finley looked directly at the rings on the hands of everyone in the Knicks. This is an honor that many players have been pursuing throughout their careers.

On the visiting team's bench, Iguodala also showed envious eyes and kept staring at the center of the field. Iverson's face turned darker while sitting in his seat. He suddenly felt that playing the opening game was not a good thing.
In the ESPN commentary box, commentator Mike Breen also smiled from ear to ear.

In the new season, he not only joined ESPN, but also squeezed out Marv Albert, who was in poor physical condition, and became the Knicks' home commentator.

People are in high spirits when happy events happen. Mike Breen, who has survived well enough, waited until the lights came back on in the arena and couldn’t wait to shout:
"The Knicks have the most dominant player in NBA history. Lee is so good. His level in his rookie season is difficult for many players to match."

"Michael Jordan expanded the influence of the NBA, but Lee changed modern basketball!"

"Whether it is in terms of personal honors or statistics, Lee has surpassed Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At the age of 28, he will continue to create miracles!"

This was supposed to be the moment to introduce the starting players from both sides, but Mike Breen, a die-hard Knicks fan, seemed to have forgotten the process in his excitement.
His partner Hubie Brown was a little confused in the commentary box. He blew it too hard and the coach couldn't answer the question, so he simply introduced the starters himself:

"Due to Dalembert's injury in the preseason, Steven Hunter will become the starting center, supporting the 76ers' interior with Webber."

"Iverson and Iguodala partnered in the backcourt, and Korver moved to the 3rd position."

"Webber's joining may be able to release Iverson's offensive firepower. This is their first game together. We can pay attention to coach Cheeks's tactical arrangements."

At this time, Fisher was helping the coaching staff organize the tactical board. The game was about to start, and he clapped his hands and encouraged loudly:
"We just need to run and beat them!"

In the preseason, Fisher served as the starting point guard and led the Knicks to a small victory over the 76ers. The old fish felt that he had figured out the details of the opponent and kept imparting his victory experience.
Artest was impatient for a long time. He took off his training clothes and continued to incite the fans during the final warm-up.

Hill came to the technical stage and threw magnesium powder to indicate to the fans that he was officially back.

When the referee called everyone to the center circle, Li You, who was exercising, briefly fist bumped with several members of the 76ers team.

Iguodala wanted to step forward and chat for a few more words, but seeing the boss's disgusting face, he could only smile and nod.

Sensing the look on his old rival's face, Li You, who was leaning on his knees, turned around and joked:

"Smile, Allen, don't be so serious, it will affect your game state."

"."

Iverson, wearing the black 76ers away jersey, ignored Li You, adjusted his arm guards, and stared at the basketball in the referee's hand without saying a word.

As big man Hunter successfully jumped the ball, the 76ers gained the ball, and defensive cheers soon sounded in the arena:

"Defense!."

After getting the ball, Iverson looked at Li You in front of him and carefully dribbled across the half court. The 76ers quickly positioned themselves at 131, with only big man Hunter staying under the basket.

Although he had just joined the team, Weber still played according to his own habits and immediately came to a position near the left wing to perform a high pick-and-roll.

As Korver moved to the left corner, Iverson, who was protecting the ball from his side, immediately turned his back, switched to his right hand, and used the screen to try to get rid of Li You.

The good quality of the cover prevented Li You from getting through in time, and Kurt Thomas tacitly changed the defense and delayed it.

Shen Jian accelerated to the free throw line and realized that he was attracting two defenders. Iverson immediately sent a ground pass.

Near the left elbow area, Webber, who received the pass, faced Kurt Thomas who was sliding up and took a quick test step with his right foot.

He raised the ball and feinted. Seeing that his opponent didn't defend him, Weber made a decisive jump shot.

The basketball went hollow into the net, and the atmosphere team on the 76ers bench cheered loudly. This was the first time Weber scored on behalf of the 76ers in the regular season.

Iverson was particularly excited for the assist. After high-fiving Webb, he clapped repeatedly to signal his teammates to work hard on defense.

"Let's go Knicks!."

Iguodala led Li You to catch the ball on the baseline. Coach Cheeks did not believe in Iverson's defense and took the initiative to change the matchup tonight.

Cheeks, who was standing on the sidelines, shouted instructions, signaling Iverson to stay in front of Hill.

Almost in the same position, Iguodala's defense did nothing. As Li You handed over the ball early, Gasol received the ball at the left elbow and immediately turned sideways.

Li You, who ran towards the left corner, made a simple off-ball screen when he approached Hill.

Iverson did not choose to switch defense, but followed Hill to the line.

Accelerating laterally, taking the pass from hand to hand, Hill used the screen to release the ball with his right hand and then accelerated in a straight line, driving towards the basket from the middle.

Iverson, who took the risk of cutting the ball behind him, lost his defensive position, and big man Hunter also failed to change defense in time.

When he broke through to the paint area directly in front of the basket, Weber had not yet moved. After Hill rushed up in three strides, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and dunked with one arm!

In the commentary box, Mike Breen looked at the 76ers' defense and said with a smile again:

"It seems that Coach Cheeks still needs to adjust. If they want to reach the playoffs, they have to improve their defense to above the league average!"

The 76ers attacked very quickly. After passing the ball continuously from the outside, it was Webber who caught the ball in the right elbow area.

As Iverson slipped across the baseline, he received a pass from his teammate on the wing, and with the help of a short break away from Li You, he stopped at the free throw line and made a quick jump shot.

After completing the goal, Iverson did not forget to give himself two pats and high-fived Webber again to celebrate.
Iguodala still focused on leading the defense and kept sliding to keep himself in front of Li You.

The noisy atmosphere in the arena made him forget to observe the movements behind him. When he retreated to the top of the arc, Iguodala discovered the huge space behind him.

Li You, who was advancing with the ball, suddenly stopped suddenly. He dribbled the ball from his hip and then switched to his right hand. While lowering his center of gravity, he pulled the ball back slightly.

Instinctively moving back, Iguodala just moved his steps when he saw Li You rushing over in front of him.

Sliding hard to the left, Iguodala watched as Li You squeezed past him.

Just after crossing the free throw line, Li You suddenly stopped and dribbled the ball behind his back. Amid the cheers of the fans, Iguodala was stuck in the paint area.
With no one guarding him at the free throw line, Li You easily combined the ball and made a steady mid-range jump shot.

In the last few rounds, Weber showed his abilities, including mid-range jumpers after the pick-and-roll and high-low cooperation near Faqiu County, helping the team to score points continuously.

The Knicks play simple and rough. Whenever they encounter help defense, Li You will distribute the ball immediately.

Cole couldn't do anything against Artest's tank breakthrough. Being squeezed behind him was a loss of points.

Although Iverson struggled hard, there were always holes in the 76ers' defense. Hill, who broke through continuously, sent assists to help the big man score points.

Li You, who had poor touch from beyond the three-point line, didn't succeed in a pull-up jumper after facing Iverson near the left sideline near the left sideline.

The alternately rising scores excited the New York fans at the scene.

Both sides attacked smoothly, and at 29:31, the 76ers clenched the score.

The 76ers rotated the lineup for less than 2 minutes before the main lineup returned again.

The Knicks made extensive rotations in the second quarter, but Li You, who had not played in a game for a long time, still received his third foul prematurely.

Iverson was a little proud when he stood on the free throw line, and for the first time there were boos in the arena.

Fisher, who appeared again, also received his third foul before halftime.

At 55:55, the two sides finally tied in the first half.

10 of 4, 9 of 7 free throws, 15 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Iverson walked towards the tunnel and made a listening gesture. He was very satisfied with his halftime performance.

Weber was also in excellent form, shooting 13 of 8 and scoring a team-high 18 points in the half!
Unlike previous constipated offenses, head coach Cheeks completely changed the 76ers.

Although the opponent performed well, the mood of the Knicks fans at the scene was not affected much.

After the start of the third quarter, Li You reappeared and only played 13 minutes in the half, barely activating his body.

"Let's go Knicks!."

The sound of cheering still echoed throughout the arena, and Iguodala, who was leading the defense, kept sliding, observing the defensive movements behind him from time to time.

When he noticed Kurt Thomas starting to move up, Iguodala decisively defended.

Li You, who was close to the three-point line, seized the opportunity to circle the ball behind his back.

With Kurt Thomas standing outside the three-pointer, Iguodala realized that the opponent's high pick-and-roll did not get past him, leaned on the defense, and turned around deftly.

Weber was not used to the big delay. Iguodala tried to make up for his teammates, but Li You reacted faster and circled the ball behind his back again the moment his left hand touched the ball.

Two extremely fast back luck caught Iguodala off guard, and Weber at the top of the arc did not react. He watched the "dancing" Li You suddenly join the ball.

Iguodala, who was still trying to defend, was blocked by Kurt Thomas, and finally watched Li You make an easy jumper from outside the three-point line!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.

As if wanting to seize the opportunity of a semi-switch attack, Iverson received the ball from the baseline and rushed quickly.
The Knicks had just positioned themselves defensively. At the top of the arc, they suddenly stopped and started. Iverson, who was accelerating with the ball in his right hand, had already rushed into the paint with Li You on top.

Trying to rely on the defense to shoot an arrow on horseback, Iverson leaned forward, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and threw it quickly.

The basketball had just been released, and Li You in the air was not affected by any collision. He raised his left arm and made a volleyball hat!

Hill reacted quickly, rushed out immediately, controlled the ball, and accelerated towards the half court.

After completing the block, Li You accelerated towards the left wing without looking at Iverson who fell to the ground.

Iguodala had no choice but to watch Hill pass the ball.

Korver, who was retreating, saw Li You catching the ball and feinting. He instinctively jumped up to block the shot and flew directly out of the left sideline.

During the transition attack, Li You made slight adjustments and made another jump shot from outside the three-point line!

"Whoa!" Another three-pointer was scored.

55:61, the score difference instantly reached 6 points.

When Webb hit a jumper from the right elbow after a pick-and-roll, Madison Square Garden was completely boiling.

During the transition attack, Iverson tried to delay Li You's advancement and constantly interfered.

Li You dribbled the ball from behind at the top of the arc and passed by easily. With an emergency stop and another three-pointer, the 76ers were forced to request a timeout.

As Iverson walked to the sidelines, painful memories emerged in his mind, and he returned to his seat without saying a word:

"Why is it like this again?"

(End of this chapter)