NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 453: Awards Given Ahead of Time? (Daily Chapter)
On Friday, June 2006, 6, David Stern answered many questions of concern to the sports media in his annual speech in the morning.

David Stern gave his opinions on this season's penalty measures, the free throws in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the one-sided finals.

The Seattle Times took the opportunity to ask about the arena and the move, and this was the only time David Stern shook his head during the entire press conference:
"I really don't think there's anything more I can do. The arena contract has four years left. This is a stalemate. Seattle fans are very passionate. Hopefully there will be a proper resolution in the end."

The owner has claimed more than once that he has lost nearly $2001 million since purchasing the team in 6000.

The SuperSonics have explored relocations to Bellevue and Renton, and are also considering selling the team, with a high probability that the new buyer will move the team out of the area.

Related news has been going on for a season. The fact that the Supersonics started fishing early is also related to the atmosphere within the team.

The reason why sports reporters are concerned about Seattle gossip is mainly because Ray Allen may go to New York to play, and related trade rumors appeared at the beginning of the season.

If the SuperSonics are determined to break up, then this deal is likely to happen sooner than expected!

Not every fan wants to see the birth of brotherly basketball. After losing Game 2 last night, the Mavericks' Mark Cuban didn't want to talk about the team's status, so he took the opportunity to output a wave:
"I apologize to Lee for comparing him to Kobe Bryant."

"In the finals, I felt Lee's dominance firsthand. We had no way to deal with him."

"But I don't want to see New York continue to pile up stars. This is unfair to many teams. Maybe the league should prevent some potential trades from happening."

Mark Cuban never mentioned the loss. Besides continuing to encourage Nowitzki, he was more sarcastic about the Knicks' roster depth.

There is more than one big-mouthed boss. James Dolan arrogantly shouted in an interview with the New York Times:
"In the future, I will pay more than 1 million US dollars in salary. I don't care about the luxury tax at all!"

"The Knicks will not give up good players to save money. New York still needs more star players. We don't need anyone's advice."

This season, two teams with salaries of more than 9000 million US dollars met in the finals. Facts have proved that the Knicks' money was not wasted and the Mavericks' lineup depth was greatly watered down.

The sour comments are mainly because of spending money to get beaten. The Spurs do not pay luxury taxes every year, and they did not lose so badly in the finals. Instead, Mark Cuban's defensive performance received more sympathy.

99:126, the Mavericks who lost G2 flew back to Dallas overnight, and New York fans continued to celebrate their second four consecutive championships and the team's 10th championship.

From last night to this morning, no commentator discussed the outcome of the series, and all the big mouths stopped talking. The ESPN morning show once again praised Li You to the sky.

On Saturday, the 10th, the Knicks team had already flown to Dallas, and next they would play three away games.

New York media reported that James Dolan and the team staff also left together, and the series will not return to New York. In response, fans began to criticize the competition system.

Unlike ESPN's exaggerated praise for Excel, TNT's afternoon show instead talked about the topic of "Who is the best player defending Lee?"

Wade, who was turned into a "softie" in the Eastern Conference Finals, received more praise, and the three people in the studio rarely agreed on the same point of view.

As if forgetting the mindless disparagement of Wade a few days ago, Charles Barkley talked about this topic in the studio, and his words were full of praise:

"Dwyane Wade can definitely become a superstar in the future!"

"Looking back at the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks' perimeter couldn't limit him at all, and Wade didn't score in garbage time. He was definitely underestimated."

Not long ago, it was still "garbage time, dare to fight and fight", but with the contrast of Nowitzki, Wade became the core of the Heat team that lacked help.

Kenny Smith automatically ignored his partner's nonsense, looked through the technical statistics, and briefly talked about Nowitzki's performance in Game 2:
"The slow start was one of the reasons why they lost by a large margin. This is the gap between Nowitzki and Lee. It is difficult for him to lead his teammates."

"You are all criticizing him, but I want to say that Nowitzki has done his best on defense, and we can't ask him to do more."

Playing for 34 minutes, he made 19 of 9 shots, 7 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, 10 of 7 free throws, 27 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 turnovers. Nowitzki made a mistake in the first quarter, but performed very well afterwards.

Ernie Johnson was worried that his partner might talk nonsense, so he immediately turned around and took over the conversation, saying in agreement:
"We can't ask players to do everything in the game. In fact, Lee also had problems with defense when he first entered the league."

"At that time, Ewing was the defensive core. Until now, Artest is still the best defensive player in the team."

"Many times it's not just a matter of defensive willingness. Coach D'Antoni doesn't want Lee to consume too much on the defensive end. Their lineup is designed to make up for Lee's shortcomings."

The vast majority of players have nothing to do with both offense and defense. Looking only at the defensive data, the best performers on the back line are Li You and Kidd.

But Kidd's offense was lagging from time to time, and Li You's defense was often slack.
Nowitzki's defensive statistics are considered to be a qualified big man, at the middle level of the league, but sometimes prejudice is difficult to change. Charles Barkley has never said a good word for the German:
"I am disappointed with Nowitzki not only for his defense, but also because he always likes to attack from outside the three-point line. His pick-and-roll with Terry has been completely cracked."

"If he wants to win the game, he has to go to the low post and attack the basket instead of floating outside and shooting jumpers all the time."

"Don't forget he's a 28-year-old, -footer. I wouldn't play like that when I was his age!"

The director gave out Novis's advanced statistics for the season, with a win contribution value of 17.7 and an efficiency value of 28.1. Both figures are second in the league, only behind Li You.

If we only look at Excel, Nowitzki's defensive efficiency is indeed not as good as Dampier and Diop, who are among the top 50 in the league. It is reasonable that he was caught and beaten in the finals.

"The two strongest players of this season met in the finals. Although they couldn't face off directly, Li's performance was still better!"

"The data also truly shows Lee's dominance. The efficiency value of 39.4 is truly reflected in the playoffs. This is the best in history. Lee may break Bill Russell's record."

Watching the director give Li You's G2 data, Kenny Smith once again admired that although Nowitzki is excellent, the gap is visible to the naked eye.

16中12，三分线外8中4，罚球9中8，出场32分钟，李佑填满数据栏，砍下36分6篮板12助攻3抢断1盖帽1失误。

Although many people joked that the Knicks players all have the chance to compete for FMVP, with a similar number of shots, Li You always manages to produce more efficient statistics.

Charles Barkley kept silent when talking about statistics. It was his turn to show his skills after the finals. Ernie Johnson glanced at his partner and quickly laughed and gossiped:
"Bill Russell is actively involved in the Finals this year and has already flown to Dallas."

"Many people seemed to come to the Fairmont Hotel to wish Lee his 8th championship in advance!"

"."

During the morning media time, the Knicks continued to be interviewed. In the afternoon, the Knicks legends came to the hotel to celebrate the arrival of the championship in advance.

Ewing, who had not appeared in front of the media for a long time, also appeared in front of the public this time. After more than a year of tossing and turning, the gorillas finally got divorced.

Starks is currently a staff member of the Knicks, so he naturally flew to Dallas. Larry Johnson and Charles Oakley came more to laugh at their opponents.

The two who have gained weight kept bragging in front of the media, and talked about this year's finals, confidently "IF":
"This is definitely the weakest opponent we have ever faced! In fact, if the Mavericks had faced the Knicks of that year, they wouldn't even have scored 90 points!"

"I can handle that little guy by myself, and I can also take care of the top center in the West."

Charles Oakley had gray hair and was wearing a black casual suit. He was in good shape. As soon as he finished speaking, Larry Johnson, who was bulging with a big belly, joked:
"Come on, Charles, you're too short! The Mavericks will teach you a lesson with three-pointers."

Oakley immediately protested loudly, but the "auntie" who occasionally appeared on local New York radio and television programs was even more capable of boasting, and she instead boasted herself to the sky.
If the Knicks win the championship this year, Oakley's jersey will be retired. This is the 10th championship in team history, and it is the perfect time to retire the jersey.

Alan Houston was also wearing a black suit like his old teammates, but he was more low-key and did not circle around the media. He chatted with Hill in the corner of the conference room, and the two discussed future plans.

"Tamiya wants me to retire after the contract ends. She is worried that my body will be injured again, but I feel that I am in good shape now."

Hill, wearing a blue Knicks training vest, pointed to his lower abdomen and said his recovery from the hernia was better than he expected.

Houston, who announced his retirement in October last year, looks younger than his old teammates, has not lost his body shape, and even has traces of training. He looked at Hill enviously and finally gave a tactful suggestion:

"It's hard to sign another big contract. You know I've been getting invitations from TV stations lately. Many media think Donnie Walsh will break the team's current lineup."

"It is said that he came to New York because of a disagreement with Larry Bird on team building. The new general manager will definitely have his own moves."

After the New York media's unremitting digging, it was revealed that Donnie Walsh disagreed with Jermaine O'Neal as the core of the team. Larry Bird believed that the team should continue to strengthen on the existing basis, but Donnie Walsh believed that the team should directly clean up the existing lineup, hoard draft picks, and rebuild completely.

Both of them have a high say in the Pacers. Donnie Walsh selected Reggie Miller, which led to the "One Man, One City Award".

The old Miller, who is always loudmouthed, avoided talking about this issue. This can be regarded as an internal struggle within the team.
Hill will be 35 years old at the end of next season and has a rich injury history. He certainly knows how difficult it is to sign a big contract. Even he himself cannot guarantee that he will be healthy in the future.

Having been in New York for so many years, Hill naturally understood Houston's implication. If he signed the contract, he might be traded. Houston went to the Magic to share the championship experience:

"I will exercise my player option and there is still time to consider it."

Looking at Hill who still wanted to continue playing, Houston smiled but said nothing. His experiences over the years have made him realize a fact: most New York fans are "winning fans."

Magic fans will still "IF" he stays healthy and McGrady wins the championship, while New York fans rarely miss the past and clamor for the young people who have surpassed the Celtics and would like to give them the award directly every year.

Being located in New York and having high ticket prices bring more sense of superiority. Even if the meritorious players are traded, as long as the team continues to win, the fans will be satisfied.
Houston looked at Li You who was surrounded by media reporters, and complex emotions welled up in his heart. As long as the core is there, no one is irreplaceable. This is a special "winning culture."

The team won the last game by 27 points, and Li You's "15-point theory" seemed to have deviated. Most of the reporters in the afternoon were from New York, and they were no longer modest, asking more and more questions:

"Lee, we have received a lot of feedback from fans. Everyone wants to attend the award ceremony together at home. Can you fulfill their wishes?"

This question was too much to complain about, but the New York reporters surrounding them all looked expectant, as if losing two games and then winning two would be easy.
Knowing what these guys like to hear, Li You didn't keep saying polite words like he did in the morning. He patted his biceps and boasted seriously:
"In fact, I don't know how we lost this year's finals. The Mavericks' backcourt is excellent, but they need to add some confrontation. Fouls can't limit me."

Hearing such boasting, all the sports media burst into laughter, except for a few people from the Dallas Morning News who had ugly expressions on their faces. Since entering the finals, they have been ridiculed.

Reporters from the New York Daily News have been paying more attention to the draft recently. On the 23rd of last month, the lottery ceremony was held in Secaucus, New Jersey, and the Raptors had an 8.8% chance of winning the No. pick.

The Knicks naturally have the 30th and 60th picks, but fortunately the Lakers have a good draft pick, so they can barely get the 22nd pick.

"This year, the University of Connecticut has several players participating in the draft. The Nets invited the main point guard Marcus Williams to try out. Lee, will you recruit alumni to play in New York?"

Li You didn't know much about the team's tryouts. In fact, the rookie would sit on the bench after joining the team. Maybe the situation will be better next season. Old Fish plans to "return to his roots".
"I'm proud of Connecticut and Marcus is a genius, but I'm fully focused on the Finals now and I believe our management will select the best player."

Although Li You did not give a definite answer, many reporters imagined on their own that Marcus Williams would come to New York to play!

There are indeed many outstanding guards participating in the draft this year. Point guard Randy Foye has obtained the template of Li You and is currently a hot favorite in the draft.

JJ Redick is also called by a number of sports media as a potential rookie who has the potential to break Li You's three-point record, and he has a high probability of being invited to the "green room".

Rajon Rondo from the University of Kentucky has also attracted much attention. There are many rumors that the Celtics seem to be interested in this rookie.

Seeing everyone talking about the draft, the Dallas reporters couldn't hold back and left. It was obviously three home games, but the opponents didn't feel any pressure.
Walter Frazier, Willis Reed and Ewing were all interviewed together. The three of them were very modest, and the gorilla even took the initiative to brag about his opponent:

"The finals are completely different from the regular season, and even the playoffs."

"I understand Nowitzki. In fact, I also performed poorly in my first Finals in my career."

"Making it to the finals is already a great achievement. Losing is not terrible. I believe he can stand up from this defeat!"

"."

This encouragement made Walter Frazier and Willis Reed on the side smile awkwardly. Although they all thought so in their hearts, Ewing should not say it so bluntly.

The Knicks' atmosphere team was also celebrating the series victory in advance. As for tomorrow's game, no one took it seriously and the Mavericks had no chance.

On Sunday, June 6, early in the morning, the New York Times brought the latest news to fans. A group photo of the Knicks team in Dallas appeared in the newspaper.

The fans of the Cloud Club who saw the news were all confused. They almost thought that the finals were over. Was the league awarding the prizes?

Popping champagne at halftime usually doesn't have good results, but this time only the Dallas media objected, and even the members of the "Anti-Lee Alliance" fell silent.

The Mavericks and the Knicks had no grudges against each other before, and many Dallas fans are still fans of Li You, but after the end of this year's finals, a large number of local fans turned against him.

After reading the relevant news, even God would be angry. This kind of face-to-face taunting is rare in NBA history.

When the Mavericks came to the American Airlines Arena to warm up in the afternoon, Mark Cuban, who was wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, took the initiative to accept the interview with a serious face and shouted to the fans:
"For Game 5, the team will give out more than 2000 free tickets!"

"They have a lack of respect for the Mavericks. I hope the fans can unite. We need more energy now."

The popularity of the finals is not necessarily a good thing. All the Mavericks players were heroes before the game, but their reputation took a sharp turn for the worse after losing two games in a row.

G2的比赛杰森-特里又是15中5，三分线外5中1，罚球4中3，低效贡献了16分，并且大部分得分都在第3节.
Back at home, ABC, as the broadcaster, naturally gave more shots to the home team. Before the game, not only did it broadcast the growth process of the Mavericks players, but it also showed more exterior scenes of Dallas.

As usual, Scott was going to interview the home team's core players before the game. However, when he noticed Nowitzki's expressionless face, the black reporter sighed in his heart:
"Dirk, I noticed that in the past two days of training, you seem to have practiced more three-point shooting tactics?"

Avery Johnson and the coaching staff actually had no room for adjustment. Jason Terry, as the team's second-in-command, had a poor performance. After much deliberation, they finally decided to just let go.

Nowitzki, who was wearing the Mavericks' white training T-shirt, did not deny the question. He nodded seriously and responded simply:

"I know no one is optimistic about us, but returning to our home court, everyone is more confident!"

"The first two games weren't really our level, Terry had a motivational speech in the air conference and we responded tonight."

"In fact, the Knicks' shooting performance was not good enough, and we would cut off Lee's connection with his teammates."

Nowitzki did not hide the team's adjustments, but his messy blond hair and dark circles under his eyes made people feel that he lacked confidence. Scott nodded and did not embarrass the core player:
"Looking forward to your strong response tonight!"

As the best coach of this season, Avery Johnson has become a joke. As the schedule deepens, all the attention has been sucked away by D'Antoni.

When they arrived at the American Airlines Arena for warm-up, a group of sports media looked at D'Antoni strolling on the sidelines with his hands behind his back with expressions of admiration on their faces.

Everything is afraid of comparison. The Knicks suppressed their opponents throughout the whole process. D'Antoni's adjustments were all effective. The strength of the championship coach has been fully revealed!

Although the mustache is very low-key, this performance makes many sports reporters more awed. This is a real historical level coach. The predecessor Jeff Van Gundy obviously got lucky.
Assistant coach Mike Malone really doesn't know how to describe his job this season. Apart from watching videos, he was idle throughout the regular season and playoffs.

This kind of coaching style was unimaginable before, at least Mike Malone and others had never seen it.
As the warm-up was coming to an end, D'Antoni, who was standing on the sidelines, was surrounded by the crowd again. The mustache in his training suit smiled and immediately joked about himself without waiting for any questions:

"Don't ask me how to adjust tonight's game. In fact, Li knows better than me that my job is over before the finals start."

Hearing such a joke, everyone felt that the champion coach was too modest. The ESPN reporter couldn't help but flatter him and asked with admiration:
"Mike, I think the fans are more concerned about how many points the Knicks will win tonight? Under your coaching, the Knicks are the most dominant championship team we have ever witnessed!"

D'Antoni was flattered by the blatant flattery, and a smug smile appeared on his face. He simply responded:

"I just did a little bit of work and I kept the same attitude, leaving the game to the players."

“Maybe the opponents have discovered our game strategy and they will cut off Li’s connection with everyone, but this will not solve the problem.”

"I won't worry about Li's condition. As for how many points we win, maybe you should interview Li. He is the key to determining the trend of the game."

The sports reporters surrounding him did not think there was anything wrong with this answer. They just thought it was a show of humility from the championship coach.

Mike Malone was in a mixed mood. As someone who was deeply involved in coaching, he knew that what the mustache said was true. Looking at D'Antoni who was being flattered, he felt envious:

"Coaching superstars is so easy, maybe I can be a head coach too!"

(End of this chapter)