NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 603 Daily Boomerang (5500 words chapter)
On Friday, December 2008, 12, ESPN previewed the Cavaliers' game early and also deliberately announced that the commentators would be Van Gundy and Mark Jackson.

This is the second time this season that they face the Knicks. Back at the Quicken Loans Arena, both LeBron James and Dwight Howard, who want to challenge for the MVP, need a victory.

Mike Brown was a little disappointed to lose the Coach of the Month award in November, but his outstanding record still made him very popular, and his offensive basketball looked much better than in the past few years.

The local sports media praised the new coach and the new system, and seemed to have completely forgotten about Van Gundy, which made the former champion coach feel sad. During the pre-match live broadcast, he made a few blunt comments:

"Without excellent defense, it is doomed to fail to defeat the defending champions."

"Maybe increasing the number of possessions can make the game look smoother and may help us win more games in the regular season, but in the playoffs, we can't make any further progress just by relying on offense."

"I insist that the Cavaliers should stick to the defensive system and switch offense more to cover up the technical deficiencies of the players."

In the morning Sports Center program, Van Gundy gave his opinion with great certainty, which made Cleveland sports media somewhat dissatisfied.

With 15 wins and 3 losses, after a big win over the Pacers, not only did the fans feel excited, but sports journalists also felt that the team’s current tactical system is better than in the past. After all, records don’t lie!
Van Gundy poured cold water on the idea, dividing the commentators into two camps, with one side agreeing and the other believing that the past system restricted the Chosen One.

James' statistics are even better this year, so local fans will naturally support the core player to win the award!

When the two teams came to the Quicken Loans Arena to warm up in the afternoon, Mike Brown, who was interviewed, was not polite, but euphemistically said that the past system was outdated:

"LeBron is like Magic Johnson. He always makes it easy for his teammates to score. That's his talent!"

"The Cavaliers will still have a lot of transition offense in the game because we have the best defensive big man in the league. Dwight is undoubtedly a DPOY level player who can support the interior defense."

"I feel fortunate to have two talented players on the team, and the only job I have to do after arriving at the Cavaliers is to help them unleash their talents."

Black Bread was basically saying that Van Gundy's tactics were not suited to the two players' talents. The two head coaches' completely opposite coaching philosophies began to make more commentators discuss this game.

From a statistical perspective, LeBron James' usage rate this season has reached the highest level of his career. He is no longer an organizing forward like in the past few years, but has become a ball-handling core.

The change of roles makes Excel more beautiful, just like Li You can easily get a double-double as long as he plays for more than 35 minutes, James can do the same with the ball in his hands.

Coupled with the league's care, James, who frequently attacked the basket, also got more free throws, which made his statistics even better. At the end of the first month's schedule, ranking second in MVP is the best proof of this.

In contrast, Howard is not very adaptable to the existing system. During the rotation phase, this year's rookie Donte Green will partner with him in the interior, which makes his defensive task heavier.

Coupled with the reduction in offensive tactics, Howard tends to become a tool man. The coaching staff does not trust his low post very much. Although his double-double data is very good after returning from injury, the content of the game is hard to impress people.

Not willing to let his teammates steal all the limelight, Howard, who always likes to greet the media, not only canvassed for his own All-Star votes, but also talked about his personal awards during the interview:

"You know, I am the best big man in the league right now! Even Lee can't score easily in front of me!"

"I have a chance to win both MVP and DPOY, so you can pay more attention to my performance!"

"."

Since Kobe labeled himself as "the best" and received more attention, more and more stars have begun to follow suit. No one was surprised by Howard's remarks, after all, there were more interesting things not long ago.

Arenas, who can only wear a suit in every game, also talked big - "I am the hardest working player in the league. I even train myself to get injured."

Without some gimmicks, you can’t be called a “star player”. On social media, fans buy into this. The more outrageous the words are, the more people like them!

LeBron James also hopes to win in front of his home fans. In fact, he has never beaten the Knicks since he entered the league.

When talking about the record, everyone was talking about Iverson. If there was no "target", James felt that he would have a great chance of inheriting this "flag".
When we returned to the locker room, the atmosphere group was in a good mood. After all, winning makes people happy, and everyone likes the feeling of bullying the weaker players.

Mo Williams, who joined the Cavaliers, also experienced the benefits of the "traffic team". In Milwaukee, there are not so many opportunities for national live broadcasts. He feels that he made the right choice.

"Hitman, Redz, it's a night game, we have to take advantage of those open opportunities."

"Redz, don't let Lee take the three-pointer easily. Just like the coach said in the video class, you have to stick to him all the time."

After coming to the Cavaliers, Maurice Williams was given the title "Hitman" by the Chosen One. Upon hearing James' arrangement, he immediately patted his chest and said that he was "full firepower."

On the other side, Delonte West looked depressed. He was "badly beaten" in Boston, but now he is back to his old role. He looked at the boss and couldn't help complaining:
"I need help, you know, those videos aren't helping at all!"

James, who was sitting in his seat, still didn't say "I'll defend". Ever since Kobe was beaten one-on-one, the Chosen One has learned his lesson. If he wants to win the award, he must not lose the impression points:

"Dwight's going to help. You've got to keep him around and wear him down from the start of the game."

James stood up and slid continuously, instructing his teammates on how to defend. Pavlovic and Szczerbiak covered their mouths and whispered, but no one took the initiative to take on the defensive task, which made Delonte West even more depressed.

As the boss's top little brother, Daniel Gibson naturally stood on the side of his good brother and added his analysis in a serious tone:

"Lee has a lot of fake moves, you have to control the defensive distance, I think forcing him to hold the ball with his left hand is a better choice! Man, you can do it!"

“No, I can’t.”

Delonte West muttered under his breath, which immediately made the cute new player Dante Green laugh, and the rookie was quickly glared at, because he noticed in the last matchup that no one on the team wanted to go against Li You.

Even Howard, who claims to be the DPOY, is the same. Whenever the coach assigns defensive tasks, everyone behaves like an ostrich.

James pretended not to hear his teammates' words and continued to give them "chicken soup", even painting a big picture for West:

"Maybe Lee is not in good form tonight, but you will be on the Sports Center this weekend! Fans all over the United States will praise your defense."

With a dark face, West didn't say anything for a long time. He really wanted to ask, "Why don't the core players go to the matchup?" However, considering the current situation in the team, he could only nod silently.

James is very satisfied with this. Someone must take on the defensive task. As for why he doesn't lead the defense himself, the answer is also very simple:
"MVP can't be at a disadvantage face to face!"

"."

The game was played at 19 p.m., and the Quicken Loans Arena was packed. 2 Cleveland fans started cheering as soon as the game started.

The outstanding record has boosted the stadium's attendance. The vast majority of fans watching the game on site like the current offensive basketball, and the hearty offense can ignite the home atmosphere.

Since Howard wants to increase low-post offense, big brother Ilgauskas plays more of a space-type inside player, participating in more pick-and-rolls and mid-range jump shots.

James stood on the free throw line after the opening, but his teammates missed the shots in the next few rounds, and the Knicks seized the opportunity and launched a series of counterattacks.

On the ESPN commentary booth, Van Gundy, dressed in a red scarf, was inexplicably emotional when he returned to the familiar arena. While commenting on the game, he also mixed in some personal opinions:

"When I coach this team, I prefer to let LeBron James take on the core defensive tasks."

"It is undeniable that this will affect his statistics, but the Cavaliers also played tough defense because of this. Defense requires five people, and you can't just rely on Dwight Howard, who is not really a 'superman.'"

Mo Williams missed a quick stop jump shot at the left elbow, and watched as Li You grabbed the rebound in the paint. Mark Jackson also sighed:
"I agree with this point of view! It is difficult for backcourt players to cause more interference to Lee. Even Kobe, who has been selected to the All-Defensive First Team many times, has no way to deal with Lee."

"Bad retreat! The Cavaliers failed to match up in time!"

Mo Williams, who was only focused on rushing towards the half court, did not interfere at the first time. Delonte West, who was retreating back to the half court along the right sideline, also forgot to change positions.

In addition, when James returned to the left wing, he followed Prince to stop. For a moment, Li You, who was holding the ball and accelerating in the middle, was no longer defended.

Ignoring Mo Williams who was trying to establish a defensive position, Li You quickly went in and out while moving, dribbled the ball with his left hand, lowered his center of gravity, and forced his way past the small man.

With almost no pause, Mo Williams was easily broken through. Howard, who retreated to the half court, could only watch Li Youshang take three steps forward, holding the ball with his left hand and slamming it down with great force!
"Shh!"

The "enthusiastic" Cavaliers fans booed again, and Li You, who completed the dunk, patted his chest and stepped at the baseline, once again showing his tough guy temperament
In the commentary booth, Mike Breen was watching with great interest. Seeing that Van Gundy seemed to have something to say, he immediately smiled and took over the conversation:

"Li You quickly found his game form tonight. Is this related to the Cavaliers' defensive strategy?" In less than three minutes, Li You had completed two dunks, both of which came in transition offense. In response, Van Gundy immediately showed his coaching style and gave advice again:
"Lee is the best guard in the league at finding opportunities in transition offense! Tonight's game is his favorite rhythm!"

"I have said more than once that if you want to compete with the defending champion, you must slow down the pace of the game and reduce the number of rounds and mistakes."

The camera occasionally focused on Mike Brown who was shouting on the sidelines. The black-bread man with glasses didn't look very happy.

Seeing Howard turn around in the low post on the left side, crush David Lee who was switching defense, squeeze into the inside, and slam dunk with both hands, Mike Brown gave a thumbs up, smiled again, and kept clapping.

"Oh"

After completing the dunk, Howard screamed as he retreated, and the fans at the scene began to cheer loudly. The strong response to the ball was exactly what everyone expected.

D'Antoni, with his arms folded, still had a smile on his face. The coaching staff was well prepared for Howard's performance.

It is indeed difficult to stop the "World of Warcraft" who is in better physical condition at the moment. This newbie seems to have entered his peak period. Although his movements are a bit stiff, his physical fitness makes up for his technical deficiencies.

Howard, who had just retreated to the basket, was still immersed in the wonderful dunk he had just made. He entered the paint area, twisted his body, and clapped again.

He wanted to command his teammates and act like a leader, but Howard didn't have time to shout and subconsciously widened his eyes.
Li You quickly served the ball from the baseline and rushed across half court almost chasing the opponent. When he reached the right wing, he stopped and the Cavaliers also completed their defensive positions.

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Delonte West always controlled the defensive distance and never took his eyes off Li You. However, facing the simple and rough acceleration, his instinctive sliding step was of no use.

"Oh!"

Amid the fans' exclamations, Li You dribbled the ball with a jump step and suddenly cut in forcefully. West stumbled in the right elbow area and completely lost his position. Then he saw Li You take a step forward and suddenly jump up!

Howard only had time to raise his arms and jump, but was knocked back by Li You who flew over, and then there was a loud bang in his ears.
Through the defense, Li You grabbed the ball with his right hand, put his head level with the basket, crushed the big guy and slammed the ball into the basket!

"OMG!"

Seeing Howard rushing out of the baseline in a panic and crashing into the basket, Mike Breen exclaimed, and then almost laughed out loud. Everything happened too fast, and the "Beast" was still smiling just now.

"Shet!"

Howard rubbed his chest, turned his head and looked at his teammates on the upper line, cursed softly, and his dark face was full of depression. He was on the top 10 shots again.

12:6, Li You scored points easily and the score difference was widened again.

"Man, didn't they warn you not to guard me?"

Li You laughed loudly with a smile on his face under the basket. Howard, who had just straightened up, was so angry that he lost his smile. If DPOY could not retreat, he would also want to learn from the old shark to make way.
"You have to stop him! Damn it."

Delonte West was also furious when he heard Howard complaining loudly to him while serving from the baseline, as he was also a "background board".

In the offensive round, LeBron James was not to be outdone. He called for a pick-and-roll from his big brother. On the left wing, he held the ball in his right hand, moved sideways, strode forward, and forced his way to the basket.

Facing Prince who was defending around the lower line, James attacked very resolutely. In the end, he even faced the help defense of David Lee and looked for a rebound in the air at the bottom right side of the basket.

The basketball bounced twice on the rim, but still failed to fall into the net amid the sighs of the fans. Ilgauskas had already rushed to the inside, but Chandler got ahead of Howard and shot the ball out in the first place.

Mo Williams was completely paralyzed, and Mike Brown on the sidelines was anxious, but the basketball was still stolen by Li You, who took the ball and just avoided a foul.

Seeing Raja Bell accelerating beside him and facing a two-on-one situation, Delonte West, who had recovered to half the court, gave up completely. He watched Li Yousong pass the ball on the ground, and Raja Bell easily glided and dunked!

The Knicks bench was filled with jubilation. Chalmers, who was shaking his towel vigorously, was having fun again. Rondo, who returned to his seat, kept shaking his head and complained to the assistant coach:
“How do they prepare for the game?”

Mike Malone just raised his eyebrows. No matter how much preparation he had, facing Li You's fierce attack, the players' psychology would change and they would start to play randomly unconsciously.

At this time, the Cavaliers still did not slow down the pace of attack. When James received the ball on the right wing, facing Prince's retreating defense, he suddenly launched a cold arrow!
The three-pointer went into the net, making the Cavaliers fans cheer loudly again, but the joy lasted less than 8 seconds. Li You reached the top of the arc without any shaking, and broke through with the ball in his right hand.

Delonte West was half a body behind in an instant after a sudden stop and start. When he slid to the free throw line, he had no way to deal with Li You's gyroscope turn.
The defense was out of position again, and Howard, seeing the opportunity, immediately jumped high in the paint area, trying to save his face!
Just when their bodies collided in the air and their arms pressed down, Howard found that Li You twisted his body, pulled his left arm sideways, and forced it to hover, and then threw the ball when he fell.
"squeak!"

It was an obvious foul, so the referee blew the whistle immediately. The basketball thrown high into the net went into the net, and the Quicken Loans Arena became quiet again.

Howard fell to the floor and subconsciously turned his head, then opened his mouth wide, and the feeling of "this can also go in" filled his heart again. This was completely different from the course of the game he expected.

When the referee asked the players of both teams to take their positions and prepare for free throws, a shout suddenly appeared in the quiet stadium:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

Next to the paint area, Howard was even more depressed with his hands on his hips. He once again became a background board. Li You patted the ball and looked at the "big boy" who had completely lost his smile. He joked again:
"Why even try? Just watch the game in peace, man!"

"."

The referee who just served the ball couldn't help but grin. Every player who boasted before the game would usually get hit by a "boomerang", and it was also a pleasure to witness this "slap in the face" on the spot.

In the following games, the Cavaliers played more and more dull, the team was still scoring, and head coach Mike Brown did not request a timeout.

When Delonte West broke through the defense in the second half of the first quarter and started calling on his teammates to help defend in frustration, the Knicks quickly started raining three-pointers.

JR Smith and Artest, who came on as substitutes, did not waste Li You's assists and made consecutive hits!
Seeing Li You almost being triple-teamed at the top of the arc, and then dribbling the ball behind his back, the Knicks quickly moved the ball, and Dio made another three-pointer in the left corner. Van Gundy in the commentary booth sighed again:

"Maybe the Cavaliers can score over 100 points tonight, but it will be hard for them to win the game!"

"When the Knicks' role players find their groove early, the defending champions won't lose."

"."

The pace of the game was very fast. When the first quarter ended, the Cavaliers fans came to their senses and fell silent again. The score was 39:27. The home team had good offensive firepower, but they were behind by 12 points.

He played the entire first quarter, made 9 of 8 shots, 3 of 3 free throws, 19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. All of Li You's goals were in the paint area. Delonte West, who returned to the bench, was wide-eyed again.

The "sword-wielding guard" was suddenly defeated. James sat in his seat, looked at the silent Howard, and could only breathe a sigh of relief.

Maybe the game will be lost, but there will be no "direct dialogue", and the Chosen One is somewhat fortunate about this.

On Sunday, December 12, Howard's "rebellion" became the fun of the weekend. After losing the game, Howard changed his pre-game rhetoric:

"If Lee wins the MVP again, I have no problem with that! He is the GOAT in my mind."

In the TNT program, the trio also made a spoof editing of the post-match press conference. 126:109, the Cavaliers not only lost the game, but also allowed Li You to score a double-double of 48 points.

On Sunday night, at Madison Square Garden, New York fans cheered for Iverson as soon as the game started.

Every time the "Son of Philadelphia" hit the iron, everyone would laugh. During the break, there was even more fun, and everyone shouted happily:

"Allen, welcome back to the Eastern Conference!"

"."

Iverson tried his best, played for 41 minutes, made 18 of 5 shots, and scored 15 points, but the Pistons still lost, 92:114, and Madison Square Garden was filled with shouts of joy.

The opponent left the player tunnel early, but Li You didn't care. When talking about the old opponent in an interview, he solemnly praised:

"I like this kind of confrontation. As a veteran, I cherish every opportunity to play against Iverson!"

"."

(End of this chapter)