NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 441 The temperament of old-school players! (Daily chapter)
On the evening of May 2006, 5, after the Cavaliers lost, some sportswriters began to question Jeff Van Gundy's coaching ability.

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, losing two consecutive away games was expected, but the process was indeed a bit ugly!
As a championship coach, the broadcaster's camera captured Van Gundy's eyes wide open and shaking his head in silence many times during the game.

If the above situation was just Van Gundy's emotional fluctuations, the fact that he was a beat late in several key timeouts and was reminded by the assistant coach surprised many reporters.

After trailing by only 3 points at halftime, the team suddenly lost momentum in the second half and ultimately lost by a large margin. Van Gundy was once again blamed!

Putting aside the first year of their poor performance, the Cavaliers have lost 1 times to the Knicks in the regular season, and including tonight's game, they have also lost 8 games in the playoffs.

Since leaving New York, Van Gundy has not won a single game at Madison Square Garden, which is a bit unworthy of a championship coach.
93:115, the 16-point performance in a single quarter ultimately made it impossible for the Cavaliers to turn the tables, and the next G3 will be a life-and-death battle.

The Cavaliers' press conference participants were LeBron James and Ilgauskas. Facing questions from the media, the two took the initiative to take the blame:

"I have to play better. The coach shouldn't be blamed. Our defense was lax in the second half."

"Basketball games are like this sometimes. We just didn't get the ball into the basket at a certain time. I accept this failure. It reminds everyone that we must go all out."

James, wearing a black suit, said these words calmly. He made 10 of 3 shots in the second half and scored only 8 points. His performance was really unacceptable, which is why he took the blame.

The TNT reporter did not want to miss this opportunity and asked Ilgauskas:
"We noticed that the Cavaliers continued their defensive strategy from the first half until the end of the game, and coach Van Gundy failed to adjust."

"The Cavaliers were like two completely different teams in the first and second half. Is this why you lost?"

Tactical needs, playing only 26 minutes tonight, Ilgauskas frowned when he heard the question, and finally took the initiative to speak well for the coaching staff:

"We just couldn't make shots in the third quarter, but we adjusted quickly and got back on track in the fourth quarter."

"Coach Van Gundy made a detailed game plan for us, but this is the NBA. Even the best plans can have unexpected consequences, and we were unable to limit Lee's outburst."

"We will do better when we return home."

The two talked politely. LeBron James didn't show much expression on his face, but he began to have doubts in his heart. He did lose a lot in the past few years:
“Is it really a problem with the coaching staff?”

In the game that was played simultaneously, the Spurs also lost by a large margin, 113:91. After losing a home court, the Mavericks have taken the initiative.

Although Duncan performed very efficiently, making 10 of 8 shots and 14 of 12 free throws, scoring a game-high 28 points, he seemed overwhelmed by the Mavericks who were scoring in multiple areas.

The GDP combination performed well, but the 32:16 in the rotation phase made the Spurs unable to get out of the pit.

What’s interesting is that after the game, no one held a meeting with the core players, and Popovich, who was controlled by the rookie coach, was once again blamed!

Amid the accusations, Duncan, who attended the press conference, said a few more words. He did not complain, but stood firmly on the side of the head coach:

"Our defense was not good enough, and some details of the tactics arranged by the coach were not implemented properly."

"I was supposed to support the team's offense, but I lost my aggressiveness during the rotation phase."

The San Antonio sports media has called on the team to strengthen its lineup more than once. The Knicks have too many players, and if they want to pursue a championship, relying solely on the starters is far from enough.

"Duncan, is this loss related to our lineup depth?"

Of course Duncan knew what the other party wanted to say, but he still kept his expression blank and just emphasized again:
"I won't interfere with the team's operations. I'm just a basketball player. I believe in this team and we have the same goal!"

"."

Although these words sounded tough, the sports reporters in Dallas were smiling in their hearts because the depth of their lineup played a role!
The Mavericks' tactics were not complicated. The five starting players took turns to play singles. Stackhouse in the substitute lineup broke out again and the game was easily won.

As if to vent his anger, Mark Cuban spoke again in front of the media as the Mavericks were preparing to fly back to Dallas:

"Tim Duncan is the most overrated player of the 21st century! We will eliminate him, and Dirk will prove himself this year!"

The Eastern Conference semifinals Game 3 will be held in 3 days. After some commercial exaggeration after the game, Li You quickly returned to his home on 82nd Street to rest.

The girls who were taking care of the children had all moved to Peninsula Manor, and tonight only Ivana and Melinda were watching gossip on the American Idol show together in the master bedroom on the third floor.

After taking a shower, Li You squeezed onto the big bed and heard the two discussing NBC's Access Hollywood entertainment news program. He couldn't help but ask curiously:

"Did Billy Bush invite you again? This guy is such a loudmouth!"

To promote the show, Donard participated in the program last year and also made a guest appearance in the soap opera "Days of Our Lives".

Donald Trump and Billy Bush, who have become famous all over the United States in recent years with their shows, may have a common hobby and teased co-host O'Dell during the recording process.

The former Miss Universe champion is already married, and gossip has circulated within NBC, and Tina Fey and her husband have complained about it to Li You.

After drinking some red wine, Ivana leaned into Li You's arms and giggled. She was about to have a younger brother, and she gloated over her father's embarrassment:
"He's always been like this. Billy Boo wanted us to be on the show, and a lot of people are curious about what life is like now."

Scarlett Johansson appeared on several talk shows before joining the crew. After the filming of the movie, no one paid attention to it. Instead, a lot of people started gossiping about "how many times a day she has to have sex".
Construction of the apartment project on the Upper West Side has already begun, and Ivana and Donald Jr. have also appeared frequently in the news recently, which has made the onlookers even more curious.

Melinda, with her blonde hair tied up, was only wearing a black nightgown. While Ivana was a little confused, she helped her unbutton her clothes and changed the subject, asking questions:
"Honey, is your dad going to endorse Jeanine Pirro anytime soon? She seems to have been nominated for New York Attorney General."

Jeanine Pirro has served as a judge in Westchester County and as a district attorney for many years. As the first female president of the New York State District Attorneys Association, she has considerable reputation.

Tang Nade had business dealings with the other woman's husband, and the relationship between the two sides was quite close.

Ivana, who had been keeping an eye on political news over the years, nodded with a sweet smile, and imitated her father's comments at home in a rough voice:

"You can't even make mistakes when giving speeches, and you still want to run for election? My money is just like being blown away by a hurricane."

At last year's Elephant Party rally, Jeanine Pirro misplaced the 10th page of her speech and remained silent for 32 seconds. This incident has become a joke, and Donard is clearly not optimistic about the other party's campaign this time.

Melinda also chuckled and blinked her big eyes. Li You, who got the hint, quickly realized that there was a high probability that there would be no suspense in this year's Attorney General election, and Andrew Cuomo of the Donor Party would crush the old woman.

New York is getting bluer, and that's not a good thing for Axe Capital.

Ivana, revealing a pair of fair skin, quickly hugged Li You and kissed him. Melinda turned off the TV, and soon rhythmic laughter came from the dim room.

Looking at the big blond rabbit who was fully devoted to him, Li You kissed Milinda, whose blond hair was spread out, and whispered:

“We have plenty of time tonight.”

On May 5, the NBA announced the best rookies for the 10-2005 season:

Chris Paul received 125 of 124 first-place votes and won the award in a crushing manner!
That's the largest percentage since David Robinson received 1989% of first-place votes in 90-100.

Although the Hornets are in some turmoil and several players are involved in trade rumors, the NBA has announced that next year's All-Star Game will most likely be held in New Orleans.

This is another form of support. Paul, who held the trophy in front of the media, expressed his gratitude again:
“We actually had a pretty good season, it was a special experience!”

"We hope to help those affected by the hurricane rebuild their homes. We are grateful to the alliance and even more grateful to the kind people who donated money."

There are rumors that JR Smith is going to play in New York. ESPN reporters quickly asked this question, and Paul had no opinion on it:
"I just heard the news. Smith is very talented. I wish him the best wherever he goes."

In the evening, at home under the protection of the Pistons, the Heat lost regretfully with a score of 88:92.

O'Neal and Wade both performed well. The former made 16 of 9 shots and contributed a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, while the latter made 20 of 11 shots and scored a game-high 32 points!
However, Wade's 9 turnovers were also one of the reasons for the loss. O'Neal, who attended the press conference after the game, did not blame his little brother, but continued to mock him:
"Nine turnovers, we don't care about that."

"In fact, Wade is very efficient. Some of the puzzle players who play beside me can't play like this. We will succeed. I am very confident about this series!"

With an away win, the Heat have accomplished their mission. Although they lost, Wade was in a good mood. When he heard the big brother's joke, he immediately responded:
"I don't care about efficiency, I just play according to the coach's requirements. 9 turnovers, I can do better! Shaq supports the team, playing next to him is easier!"

The two of them exchanged some commercial praises, and the Pistons didn't care about winning at all. Pat Riley's chicken soup was very appropriate. He had instilled a point of view in the players a long time ago:
"In the playoffs, what matters is the quality of the players!"

In another Western Conference semifinal, the Suns seemed to lack star players, losing 120:94, and failed to protect their home court, allowing the Clippers to take the advantage!
Although Sam Cassell played efficiently, he was ignored after the game. Because of his ugly appearance, no one cared about his performance.

On Thursday, the 11th, the Knicks flew to Cleveland in the morning. If everything goes well, they will be able to return home on the 15th to prepare for the Eastern Conference Finals.

ESPN's morning program showed footage of Li You and his teammates boarding the plane. After a brief rest, everyone had smiles on their faces.

TNT next door did not follow suit. Today they invited Kobe Bryant. Not long ago, Charles Barkley criticized Kobe for being too selfish. This time the two of them had a live confrontation!

After the afternoon show started, Kobe, wearing a yellow and blue plaid shirt, appeared on the show, and the staff on the scene cheered.

Charles Barkley was thick-skinned enough to ignore Kobe's vicious look and instead started to make a scene right after the show started:

"I know you don't like my comments, but I never lie in front of the fans. Compared to Lee, you are a more selfish player."

"It's rare for people to see you get a double-double in a game. More often than not, your teammates are open, but you have to force a shot in front of the defender."

"Let's talk about the Knicks' Game 2. How would you evaluate Lee's playing style?"

G2的比赛，李佑出场37分钟，23中15，三分线外5中2，罚球9中8，砍下40分7篮板10助攻2抢断3盖帽1失误的全能数据。

In the third quarter, the team suppressed the opponent on both offense and defense. The director gave the data and also showed some game scenes.

Looking at the statistics of his "mortal enemy", Kobe pursed his lips, not wanting to comment, but seeing that the three were looking at him, he reluctantly said:
"It's different. Don't forget that Lee is a point guard. He did his job well."

"In fact, I would like to hear your comments on your performance in the first round. Facing the Mavericks, I actually hope you can be more selfish, but you disappointed the fans again."

Charles Barkley took advantage of the victory and started to dig up Kobe's performance in the first round. When Kobe heard this, he immediately became furious and responded:

"You should have seen that the opponent always used two players to double-team me. We created a lot of good opportunities, but we couldn't get the ball into the basket." "The Knicks also encountered such a situation, but Gasol, Hill and Artest all stood up. This is why they were able to get 120 points."

In Game 2, just as Kobe said, the role players of the Knicks performed very well in the first half. When Li You encountered more double-teaming in the fourth quarter, everyone responded in time.

Before Kobe could continue to explain his basketball philosophy on the show, Kenny Smith suddenly changed the subject and said:
"We've heard that the Lakers will make big moves in the offseason. Can we talk about future trades?"

When talking about the reinforcements during the offseason, Kobe's face finally looked better. Garnett was their first target, but he remained calm when answering questions:
"I believe Kupchak can bring the championship to the Lakers."

Perhaps thinking of some news, Charles Barkley looked at Kobe seriously and asked earnestly:
"We all know that Lee is involved in every trade the Knicks make. Although I don't like players overstepping their authority like this, the fact is that he always has qualified helpers around him."

"Kobe, will you make the same choice? We have heard a lot of trade rumors this season, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, will you designate a helper?"

Ernie Johnson cleared his throat. This statement didn't seem right since Lee hadn't designated any players.

Although he said that he likes playing brotherly basketball with Ray Allen, considering that the two were backcourt partners in college, this statement seems more like nostalgia for the past.

Kobe didn't expect Buck to be so direct. In this era, only old men stick together. He is a few months younger than Li You. He couldn't let go of his face for a moment and said polite words in a deep voice:

"I don't want to be involved in the general manager's job. You know, I'm just a pure basketball player."

"The team and I have the same goal, we all want to bring a championship to Los Angeles!"

"Phil told me that Michael Jordan also had struggles, and I will overcome these difficulties. I will not ask the management to trade for star players. I will grow with the young people as a leader."

These words were very beautifully said, and Kenny Smith nodded with a smile on his face to show his agreement.

The recent trade rumors about the Knicks have made some commentators feel disgusted. Many people do not agree with the idea of ​​delivering championship experience to the league. In essence, this is a very utilitarian approach.

But Kobe's answer is in line with the temperament of old-school players. They just play basketball and grow with their teammates. They will not run away or trade each other when their teammates' physical condition declines.

Charles Barkley looked at Kobe's serious expression and rarely refrained from mocking him. He thought for a moment and asked again:
"If the Lakers can't bring you helpers, will you still hold on to this view? You should know that if your opponents become stronger and stronger, you may not be able to win the championship."

Kobe felt a little uncomfortable when he thought about the high probability that the Knicks would have to update their roster again, but he could only continue to brag after his previous bold words:

"Basketball games are not just about championships. I said it a long time ago that I am just like the fans in Los Angeles. We enjoy the process of chasing championships more."

"We have won the Larry O'Brien Cup, and now we are going through a trough again. I will continue to grow with the team until we return to the finals together."

After these nice words were spoken, even the staff in the studio couldn't help but cheer. Ernie Johnson couldn't help but nod with satisfaction, flattering Kobe and concluding:
"Kobe has earned the respect of everyone in the studio, and I believe the fans in Los Angeles will see that day!"

"."

The trio did not make things difficult for Kobe anymore. This old-school player was very much to their liking!
As the show progressed, Kobe Bryant was calm on the surface when he heard that Tyson Chandler might go to New York to play, but he felt sad again:
"Chandler is definitely better than Kwame Brown, a fake!"

On the morning of May 5, the NBA announced the best defensive team for the 12-05 season:
The five players on the All-Defensive Team are:

You Lee, Jason Kidd, Ron Artest, Andrei Kirilenko, Ben Wallace;
The five players on the All-Defensive Second Team are:

Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Bruce Bowen, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan.

After the award was announced, Denver's sports media spoke up for shot-blocking champion Marcus Camby, while New York believed that Prince and Raja Bell should also be included in the defensive lineup.

Howard, who was favored by the Cavaliers, failed to win the award, but LeBron James won the second "MVP" trophy in his career!
Stan McNeill, editor-in-chief of Sporting News, announced this year's MVP, and LeBron James narrowly defeated Tim Duncan to win the award:
"LeBron received nine first-place votes out of 28 votes cast, a result that was beyond our expectations, but his performance has earned our respect."

The magazine has been giving out the award since 1958, and it's considered a top-tier "media accolade," on par with Sports Illustrated's Athlete of the Year.

Although it was not an official award, James still smiled happily when he received the trophy. After the AMVP, he won another MVP.

Tomorrow night is a life-and-death battle, but in the morning the Cavaliers announced that Larry Hughes would be unable to participate in Game 3 due to family reasons.

The former steals leader has been in a slump since his brother's death, so some Cleveland commentators believe his absence will make the team stronger.

A large number of media have flocked to the Cavaliers' training center. In addition to congratulating James on his award, everyone is more concerned about tomorrow night's game:

"LeBron, we've lost two games in a row by a large margin. How will we adjust tomorrow night?"

Thinking of the game strategy formulated by Van Gundy, James frowned inwardly, but showed a confident expression on his face, and continued to praise the champion coach:

"We performed well in the last game, but we lacked some game experience and failed to allocate our energy properly."

"Back at home, we will get more people involved in the offense. At the same time, everyone will show stronger defense. Away games are not our true level."

James is very popular, and a group of sports reporters surrounded him and kept asking questions. Howard was jealous and took the opportunity to sneak over here, shouting and showing off himself:
"Coach is right, defense wins championships, and no one in the league has a better defense than us!"

In the defensive efficiency data released not long ago, only Howard from the Cavaliers ranked in the top 50 in the league. The rookie was very proud of this and also believed that he should be selected for the defensive lineup.

After the Cavaliers finished training in the afternoon, the sports media interviewed Jeff Van Gundy, who has been particularly low-key in recent days.

Perhaps it was because of the big losses in two consecutive games that the champion coach was embarrassed. After returning to his home court, Van Gundy regained his confidence and showed a confident expression when he was interviewed:
"I feel sorry for Dwight's failure to be selected! He has extraordinary defensive talent and he is the core of our defense in many cases."

After naming their best defensive lineup, the Cleveland sports media asked another question:

"Should we continue to change the lineup after returning to our home court? With Hughes absent, who will be in the starting lineup?"

Damon Jones shot 9 of 2 in the last game, and his shooting became worse and worse in the second half. Cleveland fans almost fired this blacksmith from the team.

"Snow will be responsible for marking Lee. We will change our defensive strategy and will not give the opponent a chance to switch offense."

"I know the Knicks. They are the fastest-paced team in the league. The coaching staff is ready for this and we will test other players more."

ESPN's reporter was more concerned about how the former head coach would comment on the Knicks' operations, so he seized the opportunity and immediately changed the subject:
"Jeff, you've coached in New York for many years. Do you think the Knicks will eventually trade championship players like Kurt Thomas? Will this affect the other team's locker room?"

Van Gundy blinked. In fact, he had no control over the locker room when he was in New York. That was Ewing's territory, and he could only flatter him.
Later, when Li You took over, he even threw away the tactical board and completely became a mascot. These memories emerged in his mind, and Van Gundy hurriedly controlled his emotions and continued to pretend to be a big boss:

"New York is different than Cleveland, and I wouldn't be surprised if a trade happened."

"That's why I chose to leave. I prefer the basketball atmosphere here. In Cleveland, I feel pure love."

"LeBron is not Lee. He prefers to get along with his teammates. This is why we have been able to enter the semifinals for two consecutive seasons."

"I am very pleased to see LeBron win the award today. He leads the team in his own way. There is no doubt that he will bring the championship to his hometown!"

The sports media present all heard the hidden meaning of Van Gundy's words. Li You's relationship with his teammates is average, and the Knicks will definitely trade him.
After getting a positive answer, all the sports media were excited. No matter how they looked at it, the Cavaliers didn't look like they could win. This gossip was much more interesting than tomorrow's game.

LeBron James, who got along well with his teammates, didn't know that Van Gundy was praising him again. After losing Game 2, he saw the strength of some of his teammates.

The power of example is infinite. In the training hall, James was dribbling the ball while watching Damon Jones who was still practicing, secretly calculating who he could get in exchange for his "good brother":

"He couldn't even make an open three-pointer. The Cavaliers don't have a brother like him!"

On Saturday, the 13th, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals was about to begin, and enthusiastic Cleveland fans gathered outside the Gund Center in the afternoon.

Although some fans always felt that this scene was familiar, as shouts broke out in the crowd, everyone soon put the incident behind them.

Influenced by the trade rumors, D'Antoni and the coaching staff stopped most of the reporters in the past few days. During the afternoon warm-up, the media who had been waiting for almost three days swarmed around Li You.

Having won so many titles, Li You has rarely talked too much in recent years. At most, he would borrow the championship and occasionally tease his old rivals.

Sports reporters all want to laugh at him, and in order to avoid "boomerangs", Li You never expresses too many opinions publicly on team affairs.

After waiting for Li You to finish warming up, the ESPN reporter, as the broadcaster, couldn't wait to ask questions:

"Lee, Tyson Chandler and his agent Schwartz have expressed their wishes. They want to come to New York to play! Does this mean that you will say goodbye to your old teammates again?"

The season has not yet ended, but these gossips have begun to spread widely thanks to the efforts of those with ulterior motives.

The reporter of Chicago Tribune interviewed the person in question as soon as possible. Chandler was not happy with the Bulls. Instead of denying it, he smiled like a flower:
"No one can refuse to play with Lee. You know, since I entered the league, I have been eager for the championship!"

Chandler's smiling face was published in Chicago newspapers that morning. Many Bulls fans vented their dissatisfaction on the Internet, and Chandler was labeled a "traitor."

Looking at the expectant eyes of the crowd, Li You, who was wearing the Knicks' blue away training uniform, chuckled:
"There are still a few months until the free market opens. That is the job of the new general manager. You should focus on tonight's game!"

"."

Fisher, who was standing by, looked at Li You who was surrounded by sports reporters. As he turned and walked towards the player tunnel, he whispered to Barnes beside him:
"The Knicks may be in chaos next season, we should plan ahead!"

Fish's words made Barnes a little skeptical, but since his playing time in New York was severely suppressed, he did not deny it and joked:
"Going to Los Angeles? The weather is definitely better there."

Reporters from Spain's Marca are also interviewing Gasol, and the trade rumors involving the big man make them a little sensitive.

However, Hill and Kurt Thomas, the two people involved, acted as if nothing had happened. In the locker room, Gasol even had the mind to make coffee with Dio.

Although he doesn't drink before the game, grinding beans is a good pastime. When he heard the question from his hometown reporter, Gasol just shrugged his shoulders and responded with a smile:

"It won't affect the team or me. In fact, everyone cares about the championship!"

"Business is business in many cases, and we just need to play basketball with peace of mind."

(End of this chapter)