NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 425 "We lack helpers!" (7600 words chapter)
On Saturday, January 2006, 1, the Oklahoma Hornets started their Eastern Conference road trip and suffered a two-game losing streak.

At 96:110, after the Knicks defeated the Hornets, they also ended their intensive schedule of five games a week.

上一场和奇才队的比赛，克里斯-保罗面对阿里纳斯17中11，28分6篮板11助攻4抢断1盖帽1失误的两双数据；
After back-to-back games at Madison Square Garden, Paul misfired.

12中5，三分线外3中0，罚球6中4，14分5篮板8助攻1抢断3失误，保罗略显低迷的表现，最终只能遗憾输球。

With 19 wins and 21 losses, the Hornets, who moved to Oklahoma City, are still working hard for the playoffs.

When attending the post-game press conference, the young Chris Paul praised Li You as always. As the most famous rookie in the training camp, he has always been a big fan.

"As a point guard, I prefer 20+10 data. This is the goal I set when I was very young."

"Lee is the historical template for the No. 1 position. He taught me a lot of skills. I have been imitating his playing skills since I was a child."

"In my opinion, championships are the standard for measuring a player's greatness. No matter how others evaluate it, Lee is the best in history. He made combo guards mainstream!"

A few days ago, the Timberwolves came to Manhattan to challenge the Knicks away from home, but ultimately failed to win the game.

Since losing to the Knicks on a national live broadcast, James has received "Li You praise", and his recent post-game training has been widely praised.

The shouting and cursing continued throughout the game on the night of the 19th. After the game, the league issued a ticket, and Pistons general manager Joe Dumars publicly apologized in front of the media.

D'Antoni only allowed Artest to play 28 minutes, and the Knicks entered the rotation phase early.

With slightly red eyes, Garnett showed his true feelings. These words won the recognition of many players. Reggie Miller spoke highly of it on the TNT program:
"Why should we use statistics and honors to evaluate a player? We should return to the essence of basketball"

"Who is McGrady? He hasn't even played in the semi-finals. These clowns should be focusing on how to win. Who has he to say anything?"

On Sunday, January 1, the Knicks canceled their afternoon training session. With a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, the team's status fluctuated during this week's games.

The outstanding record has led the New York media to call for all five starting players to be selected for this year's All-Star Game. Detroit fans are not convinced, and their record is not bad either.

"In the NBA, everyone is working hard for statistics and honors, and we all want to be as successful as Lee."

"Ron, Detroit fans are still boycotting you online, and many people have participated in protests. Have the actions of these fans hurt you?"

"I am not as lucky as Lee. I accept this result. This is my basketball path. As long as the fans of the Timberwolves can understand me, it is enough."

In the Staples Arena, shouts of MVP continued, and Lakers fans witnessed a scoring feast that night!
出场42分钟，46中28，三分线外13中7，罚球20中18，81分6篮板2助攻3抢断1盖帽3失误，科比带领球队逆转比赛！

Artest came to the media room with a smile on his face. His record fluctuated. The Knicks were still No. 1 in the league, which also brought him a big bonus.

On the 22nd, the data of many scorers exploded!

The interview went well. The Knicks won't have a game in the next few days, but it didn't stop everyone from fighting. The fight will not stop until the last round of voting.

After losing back-to-back games to the Bulls and Pistons, Artest was boycotted by fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

As the results of the voting approached, fans from both sides began to fight again, and the media was angry every day. This was also the reason why the atmosphere in the last game was extremely bad.

"The Knicks are still No. 1 in the league, and I think I'm qualified to get the All-Star starting spot!"

Artest stared and interrupted the other party's words. Everyone seemed to be aware of the big melon, and the microphones and recording equipment were moved in front of them:
"Only losers say that! They have never won a championship and have no idea how to win!"

The reporter from Yahoo Sports was obviously not satisfied with this answer. After thinking about it, he turned the topic back to the hot topic:
"Many players agreed with Garnett's words, and Iverson and McGrady even claimed that the Knicks were just lucky."

Facing the ridicule of the New York media, Garnett finally broke the defense again in the post-game interview:

"Champions cannot define greatness, nor are they the only criterion for measuring players."

"Garnett should know how he won the MVP. He is not at that level at all. Everyone just doesn't want Lee to win this award."

After getting 50+ data, James also talked about this week's hot topics when he attended the press conference after the game:
"Data can objectively reflect a player's strength, and championships are the standard for measuring a player's greatness."

“We got off to a great start and I’m proud of the depth of our team!”

Although Gasol looks like a tough guy with long flowing hair and a beard, his performance on the court is that of a skilled center, and he occasionally shoots three-pointers this year.
This style of play affects the perception of some games. Commentators who like tough guy basketball usually don't have good things to say about Gasol.

"I'm not leaving Minnesota and I don't want to join forces with other players for a championship."

The Heat's record has also begun to rise. In terms of statistics, Gasol and O'Neal are similar, but Shark is more popular. This veteran is still the favorite of many fans.

Paul obviously watched the show and followed the newspaper news. As a newbie, he could only express his support for Li You. The league was developing too fast and he couldn't keep up.

"As for Iverson, the 76ers will trade him sooner or later. He is just a data brush. He has not beaten the Knicks in his career so far."

In the same day's game, the Cavaliers defeated the Jazz at 108:90.

As the video class ended and lunch time entered, sports reporters crowded into the media room, trying to interview Artest again.

When a New York reporter asked about the All-Star voting, Gasol could only shrug his shoulders regretfully. The second-placed center could not start:
"It's hard to surpass O'Neal's votes. You know, he is still the No. 1 center in the league, but I believe I can be selected for the bench."

Through the treatment of a psychiatrist, Artest's mood has been extremely stable recently. In order to start the All-Star Game, he has performed actively since December.

勒布朗-詹姆斯出场42分钟，35中19，三分线外8中4，罚球11中9，高效砍下51分5篮板8助攻2抢断3失误的数据。

Artest touched his bare head. He really didn't like being boycotted, but in order to attract votes, he could only say nice things:
"It doesn't matter. That's the freedom of the fans. Fortunately, most New York fans support me."

With Jermaine O'Neal torn his left groin, among Eastern forwards, Artest has a chance to overtake his opponent through the third round of voting.

伤愈复出的麦克格雷迪遗憾输球，但在和活塞队的比赛中却砍下了43分9篮板5助攻1盖帽4失误的华丽数据；
超音速队和太阳队苦战两个加时，152:146，雷-阿伦凭借着42分6篮板3助攻2抢断1盖帽3失误的表现帮助球队取得胜利。

LeBron James obviously has absolute confidence in his future, and he wants all the data and honors!

Garnett was a little dissatisfied after the loss. When other scorers' data skyrocketed, he could only rely on trade rumors to attract attention.

The most explosive thing was the game between the Raptors and the Lakers.

With a fierce output, Artest’s words made everyone excited, and everyone wanted to edit the news immediately.
When Gasol came here, he noticed the excitement of the reporters and was confused for a while.

After losing to the Kings with an efficient 51 points in the last game, Kobe won with 81 points tonight.

In an interview after the game, Kobe also had a smile on his face. With 22 wins and 19 losses, the Lakers never fell behind again:
"This was a fantastic race for me, I didn't think about the record, I just focused on the job in front of me!"

81 points, the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history, second only to Chamberlain's 1962-point night between the Philadelphia Warriors and the Knicks in 100!
The sports media in Los Angeles seemed to want to hear more from Kobe, but Brian Cook's words "Kobe and I scored 83 points together" made many people laugh.

The MVP that resounded throughout the arena made Kobe realize that he had gotten rid of the haze of the past and that his leadership career had just begun.

Crazy Excel completely reversed Kobe's reputation. This game attracted him countless fans. Many media such as the Associated Press followed suit and gave out a new title:
"Mr. 81 points!"

On Wednesday the 25th, the Knicks faced the Suns at home. In the home team's locker room before the game, many reporters gathered around Li You.

The popularity of 81 points has not diminished, and many people are still looking forward to seeing Li You’s response:

"Lee, Kobe has set the second-highest scoring record in history. Will you score more points in future games?"

After three days of rest, Li You was in a good mood. He sat back in his seat. Seeing everyone's expectant eyes, he immediately smiled and said:

"Everyone knows that I am not a scorer. 81 points is really difficult to break."

"There are too many good players around me. I don't worry about scoring. Rather than scoring, I prefer to send out assists and let everyone find the rhythm of the game."

"In fact, I don't even know how to lose if we cut back on back-to-back games."

"Coach D'Antoni worries about everyone's playing time every night. Unfortunately, I can't break the record."

These words made many reporters not sure how to evaluate them. Kobe played hard and struggled for the playoffs. Li You clocked in the third quarter but lost.
The TNT reporter remembered his previous evaluation of Kobe and asked Li You again:
"Compared to the Knicks, the Lakers lineup has a big gap. Lee, do you think Kobe lacks helpers around him?"

The sports media are portraying Kobe as a lone hero, and Li You has no objections to this:

"No team in the league can match our roster, and that's why the Knicks can win a championship."

"Not only Kobe, many players lack helpers around them, but unfortunately, this is the NBA."

"Leading this Knicks team, all I can do is keep winning. If a team offers a big contract to take my brother away, I will happily accept it."

"Sharing the championship experience with competitors is undoubtedly a good thing. I like competition and it can inspire a better state!"

In the locker room, everyone in the atmosphere team started laughing and flattering each other again. If Li You shot 30+, they would really have nothing to do with them.
As Kobe's former teammate, Fisher seized the opportunity to brag to everyone:
"Kobe is indeed an excellent scorer, but Lee is a better leader! After Shaq leaves the team, Kobe still needs to prove his leadership skills."

"During my time with the Knicks, with Lee's help, my understanding of basketball has been sublimated!"

"I started looking at the game again and Lee changed my career."

"."

The old fish blew his pussy sincerely, causing the locker room to suddenly become quiet. Varejao moved his arms and opened his mouth wide. He was completely dumbfounded. He had never seen someone who could blow like this.

David Lee and the other atmosphere team members cursed in their hearts as "sycophants", and Artest and others also praised him after they realized what they were doing:

Terms such as "selfless leader" and "born winner" began to appear in the locker room.

Veteran Finley could only laugh dryly. Grant Hill, who was dressed in formal attire, felt his hair stand on end. When he saw Li You smiling and accepting the compliment, he could only sigh in his heart:
"It's not easy to withstand such praise."

In that night's game, the Suns, who had gotten rid of injuries, put together their strongest lineup under the guidance of head coach Gentry:
Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa partnered in the backcourt, Quentin Richardson and Shawn Marion were on the front line, and championship center Mazie Lampe also came to the starting position.

Everyone on the Suns has also gained championship experience from the Knicks. By fully imitating their tactics, they currently have a record of 26 wins and 15 losses.

After last night's unexpected loss to the Magic, Nash was questioned by ball commentators again.

After the game started, the Suns adopted regular matchups. Nash was responsible for marking Li You. Coach Gentry tried to use offense to drive defense. The pace of the game became faster and faster.

With 7 minutes and 17 seconds left in the first quarter, Nash just crossed the half court and came to the left wing. Using Lampe's high cover, he dribbled from behind to his right hand and made an emergency stop jumper from outside the three-point line.

"state!"

A simple and crude attack hit another iron, a long rebound popped up and was picked up by Artest in the right block.

The lineup of one large player and four small players allowed the Suns to defend quickly. Amid the cheers of the fans, Li You, who responded, chased his opponent across the center line.

Retreating to the top of the arc, Nash established a defensive position in advance. Li You, who was close to the three-point line, began to slow down and dribbled from behind to his left hand.

Still one step away from the three-point line, Li You looked up at the frame and pretended to hit the ball with his right hand.

The realistic fake action made Nash move his feet instinctively and attack him. At this time, Li You suddenly lowered his center of gravity, pushed the ball quickly to change direction, and touched the ball with his right hand and accelerated his shoulder.

In the semi-transition attack, Gasol was still lagging behind. When Li You passed Nash in one step and easily broke through to the paint area directly in front of the basket, Marion was forced to help defend. Reluctantly moving towards the paint area, Marion quickly adjusted his center of gravity when he saw Li You taking a long step forward to the right.

He deceived his opponent, and during the breakthrough, Li You changed direction to join the ball. He took a large European step and completely swayed the defense. While taking off with his left foot, he held the ball with his left hand and picked up the basket!

"Oh!"

Seeing Marion being shaken into a wooden stake, the cheers couldn't stop, and the Suns were stabbed at the beginning.
At 8:14, the point difference seemed to be widening. Coach Gentry simply asked for a timeout and clapped his hands in encouragement with a serious expression.

In the MSG commentary box, Mike Breen couldn't comment on Nash's defense and could only continue to talk about the advantages:

"Last season, Nash was just a hair away from entering the 180 club."

"But you can't beat us with offense alone. Facing Lee's defense, Na didn't find his shooting touch tonight."

Walter Frazier likes guards with gorgeous playing styles, and he also has high praise for Nash:
"Nash controlled the rhythm of the game very well, but they played too sloppily tonight, and now they need to hit the response ball as soon as possible."

"We have many advantages. Gasol has been in excellent form recently, and it is difficult for the Suns' inside line to limit his performance."

The two people in the commentary box thought that the Suns were going to slow down. In the first round after the timeout, Nash quickly dribbled across the half court, and then immediately passed the ball to Barbosa who slid down the baseline and came to the right block.

The latter used Mazie Lampe's screen to briefly get rid of the defense, and after receiving the ball, he succeeded in a mid-range jump shot!

The whole process only took 8 seconds. Obviously, coach Gentry did not intend to slow down, and the Suns insisted on attacking.

"Let's go Knicks!."

Amidst the cheers, Li You, who was catching the ball from the baseline, also started to speed up and rushed across the half court. The top position of the arc was immediately double-teamed by Babos.

Near the right sideline, when Laga Bell received the ball, Marion jumped inside.

Contrary to the expectations of everyone in the Suns, Laga Bell received the ball without making too many adjustments. He faced the block and took a quick jump shot!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.

He stepped forward and high-fived Li You to celebrate. Laga Bell, who succeeded in the jump shot, looked very confident. The New York fans at the scene also cheered loudly for the smooth attack.

At 10:17, the Knicks responded easily.

The Suns still didn't slow down. When Richardson slipped across the baseline from left to right, Marion screened his teammates without the ball, then accelerated to the left wing.

Diaw, who had just come on as a substitute, failed to defend in time. Marion, who received a cross pass from outside the three-point line, made a jump shot.

The long rebound was picked up by Li You at the free throw line. Marion stepped forward to delay, then turned around and retreated quickly.

The ball was faster than people. Before it could cross the center line, Li You, who was slowing down, immediately threw the ball to the frontcourt. Diaw, who actively participated in the fast break, had already crossed the three-point line.

Diaw rushed forward with his head down. When Diaw received the ball in the paint, he started directly. He took three long steps and then glided and dunked!

The two teams' consecutive rapid attacks completely ignited the atmosphere of the scene, and the game turned into a mutual stabbing battle.
Richardson succeeded in a strong shot from beyond the three-point line. Looking back, Artest made a strong cut from the left wing and carried Richardson to the basket to score;

In the left elbow area, Lampe caught the ball and returned the ball to Nash, who was running back. The latter put the ball with his right hand and made a strong breakthrough in the middle.

There was a sudden stop in the paint area, and Nash turned around, failed to deceive Li You after feinting, and barely put the ball into the basket while lying down.

Just getting up from the floor, Nash desperately chased Li You who was rushing faster and faster.

In the semi-transition attack, everyone in the Suns barely had time to return to the half court. Before they could complete the defensive matchup, Li You made an emergency stop at the top of the arc and made a large forward change of direction and passed Nash.

Despite making correct defensive predictions, Nash failed to stop Li You, who was speeding through with the ball in his left hand.

Losing most of his body and having no choice but to pull, Nash just reached out, and Li You took advantage of the situation to join the ball. When the referee blew the whistle, he casually threw the ball to the basket with his left hand.

"Bang!"

The basketball hit the board and cheers resounded throughout the arena again. Coach Gentry on the sidelines crossed his arms helplessly. The team lacked defensive resources.
Moving his shoulders, Li You walked to the free throw line with a relaxed expression, and patted champion center Lampe on the way:
"It's such a nostalgic rhythm. Isn't it a bit like our training games?"

Lampe could only hum in embarrassment. He had to take care of Nash's self-esteem. Sometimes championship experience cannot be shared carelessly.

At 15:24, Li You made an additional free throw, and the point difference continued to widen.

In the final minutes, Richardson's breakthrough was directly intercepted by Artest;
Nash used the screen to try to rely on Li You to attract double-teams in the paint. Instead, he was hit from behind and made another mistake.

Gasol, who once again participated in the fast break, rushed through the half court and dunked the ball. As he celebrated with a fist pump, Madison Square Garden was completely boiling.

At the end of the first quarter, the Suns, who were in a scoring drought, relied on Marion and Barbosa's free throws to score points;
Li You came on the line to help defend and double-team Li You. Laja Bell attacked from left and right and hit consecutive three-pointers. Gasol seized the opportunity and attacked easily in the low post to score points.

In the last attack, Nash missed a long three-pointer. On the Suns bench, Stoudemire sighed secretly. Just as he expected, the attack was lost faster.

At 20:38, the first quarter ended, and the game lost suspense.

There was jubilation on the Knicks bench. Veteran Finley suddenly felt that the words of the toady Fisher had some truth. Li You always makes the game easier.

5中4，罚球3中3，11分2篮板7助攻1抢断，迈克-布林看到李佑的数据，在解说席上继续夸赞：
"Maybe Nash can enter the 180 club, but he can't become the next Lee!"

"Lee's understanding of the game has surpassed all current players. He has explained to us what a true leader is!"

On Thursday, January 1, when reviewing yesterday's game on TNT, he had to praise the Knicks' performance.

At 90:126, the Suns were severely beaten and Xiti lost two games in a row.

李佑出场31分钟，15中10，三分线外5中2，罚球7中7，高效砍下29分6篮板16助攻2抢断1盖帽1失误。

拉加-贝尔也有着惊艳表现，10中8，三分线外7中5，拿到21分2篮板1助攻2抢断。

After the game, the New York fans who left the arena gathered outside the arena and jumped up and down, shouting "champion". By the way, Duncan, who was ranked first as the MVP of Farke.

The director reviewed Nash who attended the press conference, and his frustrated expression could not be concealed:

"We couldn't guard Lee, and they took almost every open shot tonight."

"I had 8 fewer rebounds and 7 more turnovers than the opponent. I lost the rhythm of the Suns' game. This was a humiliating defeat."

In the studio, Charles Barkley remained silent, while Kenny Smith smiled and said:
"Maybe Lee will break Stockton's assist record. We almost forgot about his organizational ability."

"In some games, Lee can do almost anything. He also grabbed 4 offensive rebounds last night. His rebounding ability seems to be underestimated."

Ernie Johnson did not object, but continued using this topic:

"The defending champion really showed us dominance. Just like Lee said, he doesn't need to score 81 points. The Knicks players are too good!"

"Hill doesn't need to rush back. After the All-Star break, the Knicks have enough games for him to regain his physical condition."

The popularity of 81 points has not diminished. Taking this opportunity, Charles Barkley said good things to Kobe again:

"You can praise Lee's performance, but we also have to admit that it was the Knicks' outstanding depth that made him who he is."

"Facing the Raptors, Lee only needed to play 28 minutes for the team to beat the opponent, but Kobe needed to play the entire game and score 81 points to win the game."

"Kobe lacked helpers, and Kevin Garnett also encountered the same dilemma."

"This is why I don't like to use championships to measure players, and Reggie should agree with me."

Reggie Miller, sitting on the far left, wearing a black formal suit, nodded seriously in agreement. Thinking of his own experience, the old Miller said seriously:
"Championship requires not only strength, but also luck in many cases."

"Not every player is as lucky as Lee. He has never lacked helpers in his career, and the Knicks will not trade players for the luxury tax."

"Kobe Bryant works so hard but often fails to win. This is the norm for players!"

"The championship cannot fairly evaluate a player. What the fans want to see is the hard work during the championship. As for the result, that is not important."

Seeing Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller look at each other with sympathy, Kenny Smith didn't know what to say for a moment, and finally asked simply:

"So how do we define success? How do we define greatness?"

Ernie Johnson, who was also confused, looked at Reggie Miller, who thought a little and replied calmly:

"Awards like championships and MVPs are meaningful. I agree with Chuck. Winning one award in your career is enough."

"Like I said, attitude toward basketball is the most important thing!"

"Kobe speaks with the ball. We all see his hard work in the offseason. With his desire to win, he has won the recognition of Lakers fans."

"This kind of persistence in winning is what players should learn. How to face failure is what we should pay attention to."

Perhaps because he believed the lies after telling them too many times, Charles Barkley felt particularly comfortable and immediately loudly agreed:

"Reggie is right, no one wants to see New York waving checks to keep winning, they make basketball utilitarian!"

"We should pay more attention to players who really love basketball."

The two of them chatted very enthusiastically, and everyone in the studio was confused. The director felt that the ratings of this program were definitely not bad, and they had redefined "greatness".

On Saturday, January 1th, after the Knicks defeated the Magic last night, they had another game with the 28ers that day.

Iverson has been injured recently. Under the leadership of Iguodala, the 76ers have recently won two consecutive games.

The third round of All-Star voting has ended, and the final vote count has not yet been announced, but the resurgent Iverson suppressed Wade and returned to the All-Star starting position this year.

In back-to-back games, under the leadership of Li You, everyone was full of energy, and veteran Finley produced another good number in a limited time.

After defeating the 91ers at 112:76, the Knicks' record reached 37 wins and 5 losses, continuing to lead the league.

Recently, TNT programs have become a source of happiness for Li You. Sometimes, he even feels that the other party is giving those outrageous opinions from the bottom of his heart.

Iverson, who mentioned that he lost 39 times in the regular season, looked ugly. At this time, in Madison Square Garden, the calls of "The 76ers want to trade you" came one after another.

With 21 wins and 22 losses, the sports media in Philadelphia are not satisfied with the team's results. If they finish 8th, many fans will have to break the defense in advance.
Trade rumors are increasing. If the 76ers continue to lose into the playoffs, then Iverson will have to leave Philadelphia.

The reporter from MSG has obviously also paid attention to the recent Lezi news. During the interview, he deliberately asked:
"We have noticed that many players seem to be complaining about the lack of helpers. Li, what do you think about this?"

Li You clocked in for three quarters again tonight without even breaking a sweat. When he heard this question, he almost laughed out loud:
"To be honest, I don't have a good solution, because what they said is true!"

"Perhaps God's blessing is that I am destined to be a big winner, so I want to continue to win."

"At least New York fans like the feeling of winning, and that's enough!"

(End of this chapter)