NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 621 "The Next Li". (Daily Chapter)
On Monday, February 2009, 2, ESPN broke the news early in the morning:

"Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett likely to miss remainder of season."

In the game against the Jazz last Thursday, Garnett overextended his right knee after a dunk and left the court injured before the end of the first half. After the game, Rivers expressed his confidence:
“Kevin will be back with the team soon.”

Over the weekend, Boston sports reporters did not reveal the news in advance. After ESPN broke the news in the morning, Celtics fans just felt that "the sky was dark."

On Sunday, the Celtics defeated the Suns 122:108 on the road. Although Garnett was absent, Marbury and Ray Allen both exploded!

The team's hot form has made Boston fans extremely excited, but the news that Garnett may miss the playoffs has poured cold water on everyone. The Celtics cannot be without a real core!

At this time, the Celtics were already in Denver preparing for the game and continuing their Western Conference road trip. After seeing the relevant news, head coach Rivers began to frown. He did not like such reports.

Being able to get such detailed information basically shows that there is a ghost inside the team. In order not to affect morale, the coaching staff has been avoiding mentioning injuries and also gave vague signals:
"Kevin will be back before the playoffs, and we have to fight for home-court advantage!"

Now that the news has appeared on TV, Rivers can only curse. No doubt he will face difficult reporters before the game.
When we arrived at the Pepsi Center in the afternoon to warm up in advance, the number of reporters who showed up increased significantly. With 44 wins and 11 losses, the Celtics had been left behind after losing the game against the Jazz.

48 wins and 7 losses. Although the Knicks made a trade during the All-Star Weekend, their two opponents, the Spurs and the Raptors, were both weak in the three games.

The Knicks met the Raptors again on Sunday. Although the team only scored 107 points, they limited the Raptors' score to 90 points. The Knicks looked to be in good shape and their bullying was still stable!

The Cavaliers are also hot on the heels, also on Sunday, beating the Pistons 78:109 at home, bringing their record to 45 wins and 9 losses.

The record gap is not that big, so head coach Mike Brown will most likely win the Coach of the Month award again.

In the first year that Brown took over the team, the team was expected to return to the Eastern Conference Finals. In response, the Cleveland sports media began to celebrate. The "Big Four" had fallen, and their only opponent for the championship was the Knicks.

When the players were warming up, the sports reporters did not see Garnett, which made everyone concerned about one question during the pre-game interviews:
"Garnett's injury means the Celtics have fallen out of the championship race?"

Faced with such a straightforward question, Rivers tried hard to appear confident, but in the eyes of reporters, it was just an act. After all, Garnett's defense is the Celtics' "basic foundation."

"Every team has injuries. I don't understand why you always look down on the Celtics!"

"The Knicks are missing Pau Gasol, and Raja Bell is not back from injury, but you guys are paying little attention to these situations."

"I want to emphasize again that the Celtics are a championship-level team. Our lineup depth is enough to compete for the championship. In such difficult times, the boys will stand up."

Rivers' voice became even hoarser. Although he didn't show much emotion on his face, he was secretly anxious in his heart. If the "Big Four" failed to make the playoffs again, the team would most likely use him as a "scapegoat."

After all, trading star players is too difficult, but changing the head coach is a simple thing. Rivers does not want to leave, and he must lead the team to achieve results this year.

Changing the subject naturally did not work. The TNT reporter had obviously been paying attention to the defending champions. After hearing Rivers' response, he introduced it in an inexplicable tone:
"In Sunday's game, J.R. Smith, starting at the No. 2 position, shot 8 of 1 from beyond the three-point line. Although he scored 16 points in the game, the key to the victory was Lee."

"Three consecutive 40+ games again. I don't think anyone on the Celtics can play like Lee. If you make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, will Garnett return early?"

"."

This is another difficult question to answer. After all, there are still a few months before the playoffs. Rivers wants to see the thigh injury play, but he can't answer it like this:

"I will not allow my players to play with injuries. The medical team will give more reasonable advice. The health of the players always comes first."

Without Garnett, the Celtics' inside combination became Kendrick Perkins and Brian Scalabrine.

When thinking about the strength of these two players, most reporters felt that the Celtics were completely finished and had no hope of winning the championship. If they wanted to fight against the defending champions, they must have a strong defender.

There was no difficulty as expected. Rivers found that many sports reporters were no longer interested in him. He felt bad for a while. This was too realistic. They were still third in the Eastern Conference.
In the locker room, Marbury had a sullen face. He was a little unhappy about not being selected as an All-Star. However, he was one of the "Big Four" and should have some respect.

Pierce didn't look very good when he walked out of the physical therapy room. Whether he admits it or not, the core of the current Celtics team is Kevin Garnett.

Now that the big man is injured and will most likely miss all the remaining games, Pierce, the native leader, naturally needs to boost morale:
"Hey, we gotta cheer up! Basketball games aren't made up."

This kind of chicken soup has no effect on the old players. Ray Allen rarely shows his emotions. After hearing Pierce's words, he did not continue to encourage, but said simply:
"Pass the ball to me as much as possible, we need to win this game!"

With 36 wins and 20 losses, the Nuggets currently have a good record and have a high probability of making the playoffs. The arrival of Billups has completely activated the team.

If they can still defeat their opponents despite injuries, then they will definitely be able to break some doubts. Ray Allen is ready for this, and Marbury also responded seriously:

"Allen is right, we have to use a victory to tell the fans that the Celtics are not that weak!"

As he spoke, Marbury became a little emotional. He cared more about the media's evaluation. The doubts seemed to be saying that he was a "cocky guy", which he could not accept.

Perkins, glaring and patting his chest, also spoke up, and the atmosphere group responded one after another. The Celtics were particularly united at this moment. They were determined to slap the faces of those who were not optimistic about them.

The Nuggets, playing at home, are in good shape. Although his idol is gone, Anthony feels that his new partner is more suitable for him.

Head coach George Karl is also very satisfied with the current record. Whenever he has the chance, he will tease the completely outdated Philadelphia Son in a sarcastic way. This time before the game, he made another output:
"We have excellent scorers. Chauncey's arrival has activated the team. We share the ball more and drive offense through defense. This is the way we want to play!"

"."

Iverson is out of fashion, and is often compared to him by George Karl. Sports reporters don't mind this, as they can turn around and interview Anthony with exaggerations.

Nene Hilario had to battle an illness after signing a long-term contract with the team and is expected to return in the playoffs this season;
Kenyon Martin returned to the starting lineup. The team's excellent record is inseparable from his efforts. Thinking of the situation in the Western Conference, this veteran who has seen big scenes boasted in the locker room:
"I think we have a chance to reach the finals this year. This is the Western Conference. Although the Lakers have a good record, they are not as good as the Knicks."

Recalling his Eastern Conference Finals experience, Kenyon Martin started to brag more and more to reporters, and began to enter the "IF" state:
"If it wasn't for Lee, maybe I would have won the championship. I don't think the Spurs team back then would be our opponent. This year I have a chance to prove myself again!"

"."

Billups, who had already changed into training clothes, almost laughed out loud when he heard his teammates' words. In fact, although the Nets team was not weak at the beginning, it was not that strong either.

Duncan is very low-key, but as long as he plays in the league for a few more years, it will be clear that this MVP is no fake and the award is well-deserved.

"Champion? I seldom think about this question. Although I have championship experience, it does not mean that I can succeed again." Facing the local reporters in Denver, Billups was extremely humble when answering questions after returning to his seat. When he heard someone compare him with Li You, he smiled and shook his head:

"I'm not Lee, and I don't think there will be a next Lee. I know you want to ask that little guy, Stephen Curry, he was great in college, but the NBA is another game."

"Maybe he can set a three-point record in the NCAA, but he can't play like that in the NBA."

"Nobody in the league can compete with Lee. In my opinion, there is no doubt who will win those awards. 'I am the best' will not work because we all know who is ruling the league."

Billups, who brought championship experience to the Nuggets, is also the number one "Lee fan" this season. Even if Anthony doesn't like it, he can't stop the veteran from talking.
As Li You gets older, his former opponents start sharing their stories. No one would say they are weak or have poor skills. They all want to show off, so they all say the same thing:

"I am strong, but Li is stronger."

Stephen Curry, who shined in last year's NCAA Championship, lost to the University of Charleston in the semifinals this year and was completely out of the tournament in March.

The "next Lee" who has been promoted for almost two seasons has appeared again, but this time the veterans in the league are not buying it.

The rookie is as thin as a bean sprout. If the next Li You is like this, it will be a humiliation to them. Many people even plan to teach him a lesson.

In the past few years, "the next Lee" has not had a good time in the league, and has been beaten from time to time. Derrick Rose was often fouled when he first entered the league, and many people are venting their emotions.

Carmelo Anthony pouted after putting on the headband. He didn't like the rookie. In fact, he was unhappy whenever he heard "the next Lee".

No one wants to be ruled. Anthony, like his good brothers, began to count the days until Li You retired.

"I'm not interested in the MVP. The coach is right. We have a great chance to enter the finals. I am very confident about this!"

When asked about his friend's return to second place in the MVP rankings, Anthony pretended to be indifferent, but he began to feel jealous in his heart. Garnett was injured and God was helping LeBron James.

The two teams showed different attitudes before the game, and in the game that night, with the Nuggets only scoring 37 points at halftime, the Pepsi Center almost turned into a library.
60:37, Billups made 4 of 0 shots and scored 1 point. The game has lost its suspense.

Marbury was very emotional as he walked into the tunnel, pumping his fist and shouting loudly. He was proud of the team's performance:
"Don't compare us to 'cats and dogs', Fuck! We'll teach them a lesson!"

In the Eastern Conference game that night, the Knicks faced the Pacers at home in a back-to-back game.

Coach Jim O'Brien is also an old acquaintance of Li You. They played against each other in college. Later, he came to the NBA to coach the Celtics and was beaten up by Li You again.
The last time the Knicks lost on the road, they easily got their revenge at home this time. Danny Granger was injured after playing 2 games after the All-Star Weekend. Tonight the Pacers' twin towers lineup was overwhelmed.

96:123, the Knicks scored 72 points in the first half, even the New York fans were stunned.
"Oh!!"

Although the game was over, the shouting could not stop. JR Smith, who started the game, maintained his character. After shooting 8 out of 1, he shot 9 out of 5 tonight, and all the three-pointers he made were concentrated in the first quarter.

JR Smith, who was being interviewed on the sidelines, tried hard to control the corners of his mouth, but joy still kept welling up in his heart. He loved the starting position so much, and partnering with Li You always gave him easy scoring opportunities.

"72 points in the first half, I was also shocked, this is incredible, Matrix was like a monster in the second quarter, he was omnipotent!"

"I have to thank Li for his trust. After the last game, he didn't blame me, but encouraged me to keep shooting. That's why I am back in form."

JR Smith raised his arm from time to time to show his "Lee" tattoo, and showed a "loyalty" expression on his face, repeatedly emphasizing the issue of trust.

Ever since Donnie Walsh traded superstar Artest from the Knicks, everyone in the locker room has worked harder.

Li You may be able to give them some help in life, but he is particularly "cold" in "work", and the Knicks also proved one thing:

"If you don't do it, there are plenty of people who will."

Look at Marion, who is full of energy every day. After joining the team, he took the initiative to practice three-point shooting, bringing part of the Heat's team culture here, and almost overwhelmed the newbie.

Rajon Rondo, who walked towards the player tunnel, also looked "chest up and head high". The absence of big men and fewer low post players allowed him to have more control of the ball in the transition period, and he also contributed to the 72 points.

Rondo made 8 assists in the first half and also fooled the two big men Roy Hibbert and Troy Murphy on the opposite side. He will be seen in the top 10 plays tomorrow.

"This is a practice match! Matrix, just like the coach said, you just need to focus on fast breaks and cuts, and Lee and I can find you!"

"Dwyane Wade doesn't have the ability to 'see' at all. He is a fake No. 1. This guy doesn't know how to win except for his muscles."

After entering the player tunnel, Rondo began to mock the Heat's tactics this season again. Marion on the side was delighted. The Knicks locker room was very interesting, and as a veteran, he could find a lot of fun.

"You're right, we can go to Miami on Saturday and teach him a lesson!"

Marion rubbed the rookie's head. He really integrated into the team seamlessly and was even more comfortable than playing for the Suns.

The tactics of the two teams have a lot of overlap. Head coach Gentry imitated them very well, and Li You is a super-enhanced version of Steve Nash. His experience in the early stage of his career helped him.

Playing the entire garbage time in the fourth quarter, Thaddeus Young has been confused recently. In his eyes, Marion is an all-around warrior who can even play the fourth position. All his advantages are gone.
"Be happy, Bro, at least we are all here, Garnett is injured, God is helping Lee, I have seen the championship!"

Chalmers patted his teammates with a smile on his face. Thaddeus Young, who came to his senses, shrugged his shoulders. The team would rather pay more luxury taxes this season than punish the players. This really taught him a lesson.

"You're right, I'm just a little tired, Shit! You should know that I have to practice extra when I go to away games."

A conflicted expression appeared on the whispering Thaddeus Young's face. He had to maintain the good impression of training hard. If he couldn't get playing time, he had to actively roll inward.

Thinking that this situation might continue for another two years, Meng Xin felt a little desperate. He completely understood David Lee's choice. Although the championship team is good, it may not be suitable for every player.

At this time, in Madison Square Garden, Li You was still reminiscing with head coach Jim O'Brien. The Pacers had 24 wins and 35 losses. Although they had hopes of entering the playoffs, 8th place was not a good position.

When the New York reporter found an opportunity to ask about Garnett's injury, Li You just sent his blessing and then said seriously:

"I am looking forward to Kevin's return. Great achievements require more powerful opponents."

(End of this chapter)