NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 491: Essential "Chicken Soup"? (Daily Chapter)
As March Madness progresses, the popularity of the 3 rookies has gradually increased, especially after the Mavericks lost the "strong dialogue" on the road, the public's interest in MVP has greatly decreased.

There is something indescribably awkward about the selection this season. The Knicks and Mavericks are far ahead in terms of record, but the dominance displayed by the two teams is very different.

If you want to get 60 wins, stable bullying is a necessary skill. The Mavericks do a good job in this regard, and they can easily score 120 points in some games.

But in the strong dialogue, Nowitzki performed poorly, and contrary to everyone's expectations, the Mavericks lost badly.

On the evening of the 20th, the Mavericks suffered a crushing defeat to the Knicks, 84:114. Li You, who checked in after three quarters of the game, shared the team's defensive secrets, and the popularity of this incident lasted for a week.

"We have an hour of video footage of Dirk. He likes to break through on the left, likes to take two dribbles with his left hand and turn around to shoot a jump shot. His singles are traceable and not difficult to defend."

After Li You said this in a joking tone at the press conference, the pre-selected MVP did not respond. Nowitzki knew that this comment was absolutely correct.

Of course, if the direct dialogue between the two was not enough to spark a bigger discussion, the Warriors' head coach Nelson also publicly called out after the game:

"If the Warriors can get to No. 8, we will beat the Mavericks!"

"We have already figured out their tactics. Dirk is an outstanding guy, but the Mavericks are currently unable to make up for his weaknesses."

The former head coach's confident statement pushed Nowitzki to the forefront. Combined with Li You's remarks, the unstoppable power forward seemed to be turning into a "sieve".

The heat of the final MVP duel was snatched away by Kobe Bryant. On the 23rd, after defeating the Hornets away at 111:105, Kobe completed 50+ in four consecutive games!

Regardless of the strength of the opponent, this record is second only to Wilt Chamberlain. The league's strongest scorer has once again become a hot topic among fans with his stable high scores.

Everyone is looking forward to Kobe's consecutive records. On Tuesday, the Lakers will face the Grizzlies, who are ranked last in the league, at home. In the eyes of the fans, there is no suspense in this game.

The 81-point man once again won respect amid a divided locker room, and the special name of Black Mamba was also recognized by the fans.

On Monday, the 26th, the Knicks will face the Magic at home.

There was naturally no suspense in this game, but Raja Bell and Chandler both suffered injuries during the game.

Perhaps it was because the New York media exaggerated the situation. At the end of the season, Chandler, who was extremely eager for awards, not only did not relax his requirements for himself, but became more committed to the game.

The coaching staff could not stop this. After all, Chandler was a "fake" in Chicago, but he became the DPOY when he arrived in New York.

Unlike Marcus Camby's defensive statistics, it is difficult for Chandler to improve his defensive performance.

In the third quarter, after a hard block, he fell out of the baseline. The big man could only fall to the ground in pain and had to leave the court.

Raja Bell injured his hamstring in last week's game against the Cavaliers, and this week he could only watch JR Smith take his place and get stronger and stronger.

A screen in the left blocking zone gave JR Smith, who cut into the basket, a chance to easily score. When Li You threw the ball to the upper left side of the basket at the top of the arc, the latter scooped the ball in the air and slammed it with his back turned!

"what!"

JR Smith grabbed the basket and swung to relieve the force, shouting excitedly. His fancy alley-oop dunk also ignited Madison Square Garden. The New York fans at the scene cheered loudly and applauded.

In the MSG commentary booth, Walter Frazier also had to praise JR Smith's performance in recent games. The 12th man played better than he expected:
"Smith's athletic ability is too good. As long as he can change those bad defensive habits, maybe he can get more playing time."

"His catch-and-shoot ability is getting better and better. It can be seen that he is more efficient when partnering with Lee in the backcourt. His performance from beyond the three-point line in recent games has been impressive."

This was the second game that Raja Bell missed after being injured. Sitting on the bench, the meritorious player could only force a smile.

This is how the NBA is. Some people can always seize opportunities that arise inadvertently. JR Smith is one of them. His talent can be said to be visible to the naked eye.

In the end, the Knicks did not disappoint the fans, winning 82:119, and their unbeaten home record continued.

出场33分钟，11中7，三分线外7中4，18分4篮板2助攻2抢断1失误，这是加盟尼克斯队后，JR-史密斯表现最好的一场比赛。

The cheers from nearly 19,000 New York fans were mesmerizing, and the still-boiling stadium after the game made JR Smith very excited.

Some fans in front of the TV found it difficult to understand JR Smith's emotions at the moment. The 12th man almost cried during the interview. He sat on the bench for almost a season and finally made it through.

In terms of tactical adaptability, JR Smith thinks he is better than Raja Bell, but the coaching staff prefers veterans who are fully integrated into the team.

“This game means a lot to me and I know how good I am.”

"I want to thank Lee for always encouraging me and letting me be myself on the court. It's been so great playing with him, it's hard to put into words."

"."

JR Smith, who was interviewed, turned into a flatterer. He even boasted when he high-fived his teammates who passed by, which left Rajon Rondo, who performed mediocrely, speechless.

Looking at the other party talking endlessly with the microphone in his arms, Rondo secretly curled his lips as he walked towards the player tunnel. Li You had no time to pay attention to the players at the end of the bench. These flatterers were all talking nonsense.

When everyone returned to the locker room, they were all smiling because they had won the game. Li You didn't even break a sweat. He leaned back in his seat and comforted Raja Bell who was in a bad mood:

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. We need you in the finals. You know, I don't want to see a rookie lose his legs in a big game."

"I know I'll be back in the playoffs. Maybe I shouldn't practice more. I started to have bad luck after I got injured last year."

Raja Bell, who was wearing a black suit, said this with a helpless tone. A hamstring injury is not a good thing, and the lively JR Smith puts him under great pressure.

Fortunately, Hill has confirmed that this is his last season, and Raja Bell feels that he is almost through it, and there is a high probability that he will get the starting position next year.

Chandler was a little depressed when he came out of the physical therapy room. The team doctor told him that he would be absent for at least a week. Considering the arrangements of the coaching staff, he knew that he would have to wait about half a month to make a full return.

"Damn it! Looks like that brush is definitely going to win a prize this year."

Chandler rubbed his waist and complained in a low voice that the New York media hyped up the DPOY every day, and he even believed it. He got injured at the crucial moment of the competition between the two, which will definitely lower his impression score.

As a veteran on the team, Gasol had already mastered the skill of slacking off during the long regular season. When he heard his new partner complain, he shrugged and whispered:
"If you miss the award, you can still get it next year. Believe me, as long as you perform well in the finals, the trophy will be yours next year."

Marcus Camby averaged more than 3 blocks per game. Chandler knew it was impossible to surpass his opponent in terms of data. Gasol's advice was good, but he still sighed with regret:
"My performance in Chicago lowered my rating. Maybe I should have left earlier."

The Knicks had a post-game review meeting. Hill was fist-bumping with everyone, distributing statistics, and finally, when he sat next to Prince and Finley, he smiled and made a bet:

"I can guarantee that the coach will definitely encourage us to shoot more three-pointers. Sometimes I really think he is crazy."

The excellent record allowed the Knicks to experiment with more tactics at the end of the season. In the last two games, Li You and JR Smith alone had more than 15 shots from beyond the three-point line.

Throwing about 30 three-pointers per game gradually became the norm. After looking at the technical statistics, Prince could only raise his eyebrows and whispered, "He is the boss, he has the final say. Anyway, we can afford to lose."

"I think it's pretty good, at least the mission is clear!"

Michael Finley responded with a smile, saying that he is a beneficiary of the current tactical system. As long as he is healthy, he can get playing time and always get opportunities outside the three-point line.

D'Antoni, who was called "the greatest basketball coach of the 21st century" by the New York media, has also been a little inflated recently. He patted Artest, who was the last to enter the locker room, and then said loudly in front of everyone:

"We are getting better and better, but we need to be bolder on the offensive end."

"Remember, when Lee gives you the ball, if you are open, shoot decisively!"

"If you miss consecutive shots, remember to cut without the ball. The opponent will focus on Lee. When they see Pau receiving the ball on the line, they will see the opportunity and everyone will move."

"We took 31 shots from beyond the arc tonight and made 15 of them. Smith did a great job and we have to keep that confidence."

"."

Artest, who performed hard on the defensive end, was also praised. Although he only made 10 of 4 shots, 4 of 1 from beyond the three-point line, and 4 of 2 free throws tonight, and only scored 11 points, it was great that he dared to shoot.

When Mike Malone took over the statistics and began to comment on each player, the locker room was filled with joy:
"Lee only scored 32 points tonight. It seems that he is not interested in the Magic. But it doesn't matter. We will play against the Cavaliers tomorrow. He will cheer up."

"Boris only scored 6 points. We want to see you regain your aggressiveness. You haven't made a free throw in two consecutive games. Be careful that Mike will stop giving you coffee!"

"Dan did a good job, but you still have to control the fouls. You will have more playing time in the future. We don't want to lower the height of the lineup."

"."

Dio, Gazuric and others all laughed and cheered after hearing the assistant coach's comments. Since Mike Malone would combine the data, Rajon Rondo would feel frustrated every time this happened.

"Six assists and two turnovers. Everyone will like this assist-turnover ratio. Rondo did a good job. You can play with more confidence."

The mediocre comments disappointed Rajon Rondo who was sitting in his seat. After several seasons of development, the Knicks have less and less chicken soup for the soul.

Data-oriented film sessions and post-game summaries made new players uncomfortable, and Rajon Rondo felt that he performed well on the defensive end. Unfortunately, this was rarely appreciated.

After the summary, everyone gathered in a circle and laughed, shouting "Famu Lei" together. Artest, who was naked, seemed to have thought of something and gossiped again:
"Those two guys are really desperate. They didn't lose any muscle at the end of the season."

Dwight Howard is getting stronger and stronger. Van Gundy originally wanted to transform the No. 1 pick into a low-post core, but now it seems that he has become a super blue-collar player.

The atmosphere group took advantage of this topic to gossip that Howard has a chance to win the rebounding title this year, which is a rare honor for a big player.

Li You talked about his "Ace of Spades" at this time. The sales of this champagne were hit, and Jay-Z and his black brothers began to fight back.
Talking about gossip, statistics and life, Rajon Rondo still failed to fully integrate. He expected the coaching staff and Li You to give him more positive feedback. Unfortunately, no one gave him any chicken soup until everyone left.

David Lee saw off the older brothers. Since the day after tomorrow is the home game, he also has to cooperate with the staff to tidy up the locker room.

Novak and Barea had long been demoted by the team, and Rondo's stable playing time in every game made David Lee feel sour. Noticing that the newbie had no smile on his face, he couldn't help but laugh at himself:

"This is my second season with the team, and now I can only play in garbage time. You should feel lucky!"

"Although the New York media always likes to criticize you, at least the coach is still willing to give you a chance."

Rondo said nothing as he packed his clothes. He knew that his stable playing time was the reason for people's envy, but when he thought of those cold statistics, he still hoped for more:
“I just want more recognition.”

On March 3, the Cavaliers challenged the Knicks away. After losing at home last week, LeBron James took the initiative to speak out after the game:
"The Cavaliers have to hit more three-pointers!"

Zone defense is the Cavaliers' winning weapon. After securing a playoff spot with a record of 51 wins and 20 losses, James has already turned his attention to the subsequent playoffs.

The core players and the head coach had different opinions. Jeff Van Gundy continued his views throughout the season and was still the same after the loss:
"Our defense was not good enough and we conceded 112 points. It was difficult for us to win the game."

112:88, last week the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers three times at Gund Arena, and by the way, they prevented James from shooting 20 of 6 and scoring 24 points on free throws.

The reason why the Chosen One publicly complained about three-pointers was mainly because he himself had become a reliable shooter in the team, and his 6 out of 2 three-pointers was actually the best performance of the team.

At 19:30 p.m. that evening, Madison Square Garden was already boiling. On the Cavaliers bench, LeBron James, dressed in a brown suit, frowned as he watched his teammates miss shots one after another.

Due to a toe injury, James will miss the game tonight, and Howard will become the real core of the team. The content of the game has become familiar, and there seems to be no difference from last season's playoffs.

The Knicks played with a twin-tower lineup, and Howard's low-post offense was not as efficient as Ilgauskas' jump shot.

Eric Snow and Larry Hughes were frequently left open, leaving Donyell Marshall as the only space point on the court for the Cavaliers.

With 6 minutes and 42 seconds left in the first quarter, Howard continued to play in the low post on the left side, jumped and squeezed into the paint area in front of the basket, and completed a hook shot with his right hand, but the basketball hit the rim and bounced out again.

The rebound was hit by Gazuric, and as Hill picked up the ball in front of Hughes, the Knicks launched another transition attack.

Hill passed the ball behind his back and switched to his right hand. He rushed faster and faster along the middle. Just as he crossed the center line, he noticed that Hughes was about to catch up with him, so he passed the ball behind his back while moving.

“Move!”

On the Cavaliers bench, LeBron James stood up with his teammates and shouted, but Eric Snow, who was retreating on defense, was still a beat slow to react.

Two steps away from the three-point line, Li You, who received the ball, immediately stopped and took the ball, then made a quick jump shot near the left sideline!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.

At 10:18, the Knicks, who were a little slow to warm up, widened the gap and Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines immediately requested a timeout.

Cheers resounded throughout the arena. Watching the Knicks' atmosphere team rushing into the venue to celebrate happily, James returned to his seat with a blank expression and listened to the head coach's instructions with his teammates:

"I don't want to emphasize it again, don't worry about the distance, all you have to do is stick to Li!"

"Move, squeeze through that cover!"

Jeff Van Gundy stared at everyone and emphasized repeatedly, and before going on the court, he clapped passionately, "Let's go!"

With dark circles under his eyes, Van Gundy seemed to have lost the demeanor of a championship coach. The Cavaliers management's tightening of power made the coaching staff realize that something was not right.

James sat in his seat and watched the champion coach passionately directing the game, shaking his head in his heart. Every timeout was full of defense and chicken soup. He even had the illusion that "I can do it too":
"Maybe the team needs clearer instructions."

(End of this chapter)