NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 636: Psychologists seem to be able to provide greater help! (6000-word chapter)
On Thursday, May 2009, 5, there was only one game in the NBA that day, and the spectators didn't care much about it.

At 10 a.m., many sports fans are watching ESPN's First Take on TV. After the Cold Pizza show was revamped in 07, this talk show has become more interesting than before.

In the past, sports and politics were closely integrated. Cold Pizza has invited senators or congressmen from the Democratic or Republican parties to participate in the show more than once, including last year's candidate McCain.

After the program was revised, First Take reduced these elements, rarely invited big stars, and began to focus on internal gossip and "imaginary commentary".

In short, daily debates and quarrels are the norm, and the four major sports leagues can always find something fun to do, but on the NBA side, there are not as many guest analysts as in the NFL, and most of the content is about "keeping up with current events."

After the studio moved from Manhattan to its headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, guests from New York still dominated the show, and the content of the show was more centered around the Knicks.

Don't expect to hear praise for opponents in this kind of media environment. Most of the time, it's all ridicule and ridicule, and Iverson and Kobe are the biggest victims of the show.
Now that Iverson has left the NBA and Kobe has become low-key under the influence of Duncan, the program crew is still looking for topics, and as a result, Dwyane Wade and the Heat stood up!

One day after Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, gossip about drug testing came out, which immediately aroused the interest of sports fans.

As we all know, the four major sports leagues are "flooded with technology" and rumors about drugs continue to emerge. This is an enduring topic, and now that it involves two big stars, the spectators are all excited!

At the beginning of the show, in the studio, the female host Dana Jacobson had a serious expression and retained the opening segment of the previous generation of the show, introducing yesterday's important sports news to fans.

The NBA also announced this season's best defensive team yesterday, but some people were busy gossiping and only paid attention to the list for the first time.

The top five defensive players are:

You Li, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard;
The five players on the best defensive second team are:

Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Tayshaun Prince, Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler.

Most of the players on the list are concentrated in the top teams. Yesterday, some columnists believed that polarization affected the league, but the complaints were quickly forgotten by the fans and no one cared about it at all.

Garnett, who postponed his right knee surgery, suffered another defeat last night, 95:109. The Cavaliers scored both inside and outside and crushed the Celtics again.

When reviewing this game, the director also showed a shot of Howard grinning and bragging wildly during an interview on the sidelines after the game:
"Revenge feels so good! I respect the veterans on the other side, but their era is over."

Howard is very happy that they are praised by Cavaliers fans as the strongest duo in the league. Not only are they in the best defensive team, but they also have the opportunity to enter the best first team. James is particularly happy about this:
"I won't take victory as a fluke. We have the strength to challenge any opponent!"

"I'm very happy to be selected into the best defensive team. Defense is extremely important to me. We will perform better in the next games!"

The two couldn't hold back their smiles, especially LeBron James. The Chosen One has always been modest, but this time he was particularly happy. When asked about being selected for the All-Defensive Team again, he couldn't help but boast:

"Becoming a better defensive player has always been my goal! Since entering the league, the first thing I learned was defense."

"I want to thank the coaches for seeing my performance on the defensive end. I will always be strict with myself. In the future, I hope to win championships through defense."

There was more news about these two people than the Celtics. Among the remaining "Big Three", Ray Allen lost his accuracy, Pierce was beaten up, and Marbury disappeared. All three were ignored and no one was optimistic about them.

After the broadcast was over, Skip Bayliss, wearing a black suit and a red shirt and blonde hair, and Spike Lee, wearing a pink cap and round-frame glasses, appeared in front of the camera in the studio.

The appearance of the two meant the beginning of gossip. Host Dana Jacobson once again introduced the post-match situation of G1, and then asked Spike Lee:

"Spike, allegedly after the game, the Heat protested and both teams ended up doing drug testing?"

According to relevant regulations, each player can undergo a maximum of four surprise tests per season. If there is sufficient reason for suspicion, the league can conduct additional tests after a formal review.

Drug testing can be conducted before and after the game. Once detected, the first offense will result in a 10-game suspension, the second offense will result in a 15-game suspension, the third offense will result in a one-year suspension, and the fourth offense will result in permanent disqualification.

The seemingly severe punishment was actually useless because, after negotiations with the players' union, the players were given one hour to prepare after being notified of the inspection.

Unless the dosage is too large or the level of technology is not good enough, most players can complete the metabolism during this period and pass the inspection.

As for star players, the league exempts them from inspection. Li You was only inspected unexpectedly during his rookie season, and after that he was only inspected symbolically to complete the fixed procedure.

When Skip Bayliss saw Spike Lee spreading his hands across from him, his eyes twitched slightly. The two had worked together several times, and if his guess was correct, the other party would definitely be angry again.

"Yeah, it's not a mystery, you know, I can go to the Knicks locker room anytime, so I witnessed the whole thing!"

Spike Lee acted like a "Knicks family member" and casually showed off his source of information. Seeing the curious looks in the two people's eyes, he immediately sped up his speech and described it vividly:

"I don't know why the league suddenly intervened, and I don't know why the Heat seemed unable to accept this result."

"Guys, the Heat have never beaten us in the playoffs since 96. They should know their own strength. This surprise inspection is a joke to me!"

"This was the most interesting raid I've ever experienced. You know, when the league staff carefully notified Lee, they thought they would have to wait until midnight. I could see the helpless expressions on their faces."

"But Lee didn't do what some of the players did. He just smiled and patted a few people on the shoulder, and then said, 'Let's get started. I have to go home and read a bedtime story to the children'!"

Spike Lee imitated Li You's voice and showed an exaggerated expression, imitating the league staff's look of disbelief.

Skip Bayliss was also a little surprised when he heard the process. He finally understood why this big mouth had always been so confident:
"You mean, Li received the notice and did not complete the test immediately according to the regulations?"

Hearing the other party's question, Spike Lee nodded, and then began to mock his old rival in a sarcastic and pointed way:
“Yes, I don’t want to comment on the rules set by the players’ union, but there shouldn’t be many superstars like Li who cooperate with the test!”

"The Heat got on the bus to leave Madison Square Garden after midnight after the press conference. Apparently someone didn't check it right away."

"Some young players seem to want to find excuses for failure. I don't like this. There is no doubt that this is a clown behavior. This is why New York fans prefer Iverson."

"."

Looking at this big mouth telling lies with his eyes open, the two people in the studio almost couldn't hold back.

Not long ago, Spike Lee deprived Iverson of his status as a leader among black players. Like ordinary New York fans, the director mocked his opponents and went even further, shouting "Nico" all the time during the game.

"What a surprising news. I think this can also answer the doubts in many fans' minds. It is obvious that God prefers Lee!"

"At 31, Lee doesn't seem to be showing any signs of decline. I want to take back some of my previous comments. Spike, what are your thoughts on the future of New York?"

“I think there are a lot of young players in the league who are looking forward to Lee’s retirement.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Skip Bayliss, who was a hater in previous years, also tried to ease the relationship. He had no access to first-hand information in these years, and Stephen A. Smith completely monopolized Li You's exclusive news.

The two are currently in a competitive relationship. Skip Bayliss can still have the upper hand with his "well-reasoned analysis", but after the show began to lean towards gossip, he began to become powerless.

"I'm the same as New York fans. We don't want to think about this. Now everyone is more concerned about the 8th consecutive championship. We are getting closer and closer to our goal!"

"There won't be another Lee. He injected soul into the Knicks. I believe the winning culture can help the team's future."

"Many young players want to come to New York to play. Dell Curry's son even took the initiative to apply for a tryout. We didn't have a chance to select him, but Stephen Curry was willing to come and experience New York's winning culture."

Stephen Curry, who has made a big splash in the NCAA, has mentioned more than once in recent interviews that he is a fan of the Knicks, and Blake Griffin, who is almost certain to be the No. 1 pick, is also willing to participate in the tryout.

Talking about the influence of the team on young players, Spike Lee seemed very proud. The basketball mecca attracts countless players, which is completely different from those "country teams":
"I understand that many teams are preparing for next year's free market, but I still don't think highly of them because this is Lee's era."

"."

Skip Bayliss smiled and nodded in agreement as he spoke endlessly and praised the basketball world. However, he was unable to complain about the distorted basketball environment in New York:
"A basketball mecca? It will be a rookie graveyard in the future!"

First Take aired from 10 a.m. to noon, with a replay on ESPN2 in the afternoon. Soon, word began to circulate that the Heat were trying to use an "out-of-the-box move."

There are no secrets in New York. Wade's delay in examination was also exposed, and the chain reaction also brought about gossip that the Flash's drug use led to his divorce.

On Twitter, some sports reporters were using the "brain-supplementing method" to irresponsibly complain about the relationship between cheek folds and drugs, which also sparked heated discussions among the onlookers.

Some NFL star players also started gossiping on social media. Their side is a drug-affected area and they are experienced, so they took this opportunity to make fun of NBA players' hair.

The Heat players who were still in the hotel preparing to go to the stadium for warm-up naturally saw the news. Thinking of the "autistic" Wade, many people felt some sympathy.

In fact, Wade is not the only one who has doubts. Even if Artest and David Lee bring their championship experience to the Heat, many players still don't believe it. After all, it sounds outrageous:
"The coaching staff never asked for extra practice, and Li never asked his teammates to train hard. Everything was up to their own initiative."

Rookie Michael Beasley feels that this kind of team environment is heaven. You know, the training of the Heat is not easy. There is a mini training camp during the offseason, which is supervised by Pat Riley himself.

Crazy training does not mean having a big contract. The Heat are not that generous and do not pay luxury taxes as casually as New York.

The locker room cultures of the two teams are completely opposite. In the past, everyone had doubts, but after Li You conducted the surprise inspection without fear, many players began to believe it. Perhaps talent really is unreasonable.

"Joel, don't be so stubborn. You know, you can give up defense in some rounds."

Before boarding the bus, David Lee, wearing a training suit, once again shared his experience. Haslem suffered a concussion and will miss Game 2. Joel Anthony will start tonight. "I know, I'm just a little worried about Wade. I just checked Twitter and a lot of people are making fun of him."

With an embarrassed look on his black face, Joel Anthony whispered about his teammates. David Lee shook his curly hair, not caring too much about the situation, and comforted him again:

"It doesn't matter. Think about Iverson. These comments are nothing. He will get over it."

After everyone got on the bus, Wade sat in the front near the coaching staff with a sullen face. Ever since he learned that Li You would be examined immediately, he felt a little defensive.

Those basketball critics have no idea what he has paid for this. He cannot achieve such performance by relying on technology alone. In order to win, he has been training hard throughout the season.

After training hard for a season, Wade was crushed again. He really didn't want to believe this result. He could even accept the team losing, but he didn't want to accept the gap in personal ability:

"A new season with new technology, and a brutal beating at Madison Square Garden in the playoffs. Trying your best but still unable to defeat your opponent?"

Wade just felt that he had no way to vent his depressed emotions. Being selected for the All-Defensive Second Team was originally a good thing, but now he was ridiculed by everyone and his good mood was completely gone.

After the Heat arrived at Madison Square Garden in a gloomy atmosphere, Artest just took out his cell phone and pointed at the screen with a big grin and boasted:
“The President’s personal assistant and office praised our performance in G1 and encouraged us to show ourselves despite the adversity!”

"We have a sports fanatic in the White House! The leader of the free world has recognized my leadership!"

"."

The people who were about to change clothes suddenly exclaimed, and then crowded around Artest. After seeing the content of the text message, they all turned into flatterers and praised the champion forward who missed the shot:
"This is so cool! Meta, I want to join the World Peace Club too!"

"Oh no, I'm paying attention to our game. Shit! If only there hadn't been a test last night."

"Metta, is there any chance we can go to the White House? Is the East Room really like the pictures?"

Daequan Cook and several members of the atmosphere group were all excited. Livingston, who was suffering from injuries, also pricked up his ears. Artest, who was in the spotlight, saw the reactions of the crowd and said proudly again:
"It was difficult for us to beat our opponents, but there is more to basketball than just winning."

When Wade heard Artest begin to emphasize spiritual attributes, he couldn't help but frown. He didn't have a handful of championship rings, he just wanted to win.

During the warm-up, Coach Spoelstra was very engaged, but most sports reporters paid more attention to Artest and Wade. The former received the president's blessing, while the latter became the clown to provide fodder for them.

By the time Wade was interviewed, Artest was already surrounded by a group of people in the locker room, and the latter began to share his championship experience.

"Wade, you looked lacking energy in Game 1. Can you tell me about your current physical condition?"

Although the Yahoo Sports reporter did not ask about the open secret, the voice-over made Wade feel uncomfortable. The 78:116, disastrous defeat in Game 1 was indeed inseparable from his poor performance.

"I'm just a little tired. It feels terrible after playing three away games in a row!"

"You know, we spent a lot of time on the plane. Although Haslem can't play, we will try to win the game tonight."

Wade did not forget his good brothers in the team while answering the questions, but most reporters were not interested at all and asked again:

"In tonight's game, will you continue to play against Lee? Did the Heat make any adjustments?"

Seeing the expectant eyes of the crowd, Wade's face darkened. It was obvious that these people in front of him just wanted to have fun. Feeling annoyed, he immediately gave a positive answer without hesitation:
"I never run away! You can comment on my statistics as much as you want, but I know how to lead the team."

David Lee, who scored a team-high 1 points in Game 27, also talked about his leadership in front of the New York media, showing a confident look:

"I know Lee. No one in the league can limit him. God is sometimes so partial to him! But I won't be jealous of his talent. I know how hard Lee works!"

"I learned a lot from my experience in New York. Rebounds can determine the course of a game. I will try my best to control the game through rebounds."

With three leaders on a team, sports reporters have discovered that the Heat have quietly become a "Big Three" team.

Wade felt more and more uncomfortable. At this moment, he felt that the reporters in front of him were laughing at him. He was fed up with the championship experience!

The game went on as scheduled at 20 p.m. that night. The Knicks changed their slow start in G1. After the opening, Dio made consecutive three-pointers from the left and right corners and contributed two assists to Li You.

Seeing the two teams using almost identical tactics, Jeff Van Gundy once again boasted in a brisk tone:
"Mike was very successful in New York, but Lee brought this system to the team in his rookie season in '96."

"Thibodeau and I were very surprised at the time, but the team's results convinced us that Lee's talent was far beyond people's imagination, and his defense is still underestimated until now."

"In terms of personal defense, help defense and defensive positioning, Lee is better than Gary Payton was back then. Wade needs to be smarter."

After the double screen, Wade still couldn't get rid of the defense. He had the opportunity to shoot directly at the top of the arc, but facing Li You who was circling the lower line, he chose to change direction in front of his body and tried to complete the breakthrough.

Wade suddenly lowered his center of gravity and tried to go straight to the basket, but when he bumped into Li You's side and started to move forward, he involuntarily began to slow down.

Wade ended up leaning in the paint, shooting arrows while yelping and trying to get a foul.

"Lee accurately predicted the opponent's breakthrough route! It seems that you are right, Wade must find his game form as soon as possible!"

Mark Jackson, who was standing by, looked at Wade who was complaining to the sideline referee and added with a smile that Wade was at a disadvantage again after the opening and looked as if he had lost confidence in his shooting.

"Let's go Knicks!."

The New York fans in the back stood up and shouted happily. Li You, who rushed across half court, noticed that Wade was still controlling the defensive distance. He did not call for a screen, but continued to dribble between his legs, gradually approaching the three-point line.

Wade, who was looking behind, suddenly turned his body sideways and tried to interfere. Li You, who was concentrating on the basketball, jumped up suddenly and changed direction in front of his body very quickly with the ball in his right hand.

Perhaps the noisy atmosphere on the scene affected Wade's mentality. Faced with Li You's continuous small changes of direction in front of his body, he simply interfered.

The opponent's feet moved, and Li You changed direction again. The moment his left hand touched the ball, he first dribbled the ball with a jump step, pretended to break through, and then immediately passed the ball, ignoring the defense in front of him, and made a decisive jump shot!
"Oh!"

Amid cheers, Li You leaned back slightly and threw the ball. After landing, he raised his right arm without waiting for the ball to go in. As the basketball went into the net, Wade turned his head to look at the basket and his face became even darker.

"You can't defend yourself against cheating! Go file a report, bitch!"

JR Smith, who was celebrating with Wade, didn't even wait for his opponent to serve the ball before he started taunting Wade at the top of his lungs. Soon, some New York fans began making personal attacks, mocking the Flash for liking to "look for his mom."

"What the hell!"

Wade glared and yelled, and stopped charging only after being stopped by the referee. Without Haslem's help, the Flash seemed a little "lonely", and only James Jones stepped forward to dissuade him.

There were signs of conflict right after the opening. Mike Breen saw this and laughed and joked about the morning news:
"Wade has a problem with his mentality. Compared with the first round, he seems to lack confidence. Facing Lee's constant attacks, he needs help from his teammates."

"."

As the game continued, head coach Spoelstra on the sidelines kept reminding Wade loudly. Wade calmed down and did not force an attack. Instead, he passed the ball to David Lee, who scored 4 points in a row after the opening.

After a cross screen to the low post on the left side, David Lee received the ball and immediately released it, then continued to hit the ball and suddenly turned towards the baseline.

Dio's tight defense made his former teammate fall into a "trap", and Chandler's assist defense successfully disrupted the attack, and the basketball hit the backboard and went out of the basket.

Joel Anthony grabbed the frontcourt rebound, but on the second attack, he was too slow to kick the ball. He tried to make a shot from the lower right side of the basket, but just as he stretched out his arm, he was blocked by Li You who rushed into the inside.

"Oh!"

The sudden block made the New York fans at the scene cheer. Joel Anthony staggered and almost fell to the ground. When the big man looked up again, Li You had already controlled the basketball and accelerated forward.

Having learned from the lesson of the previous game, the Heat retreated quickly, and Wade began to entangle near the center circle. When Joel Anthony returned to the basket, the Knicks also fell into positional offense.

The continuous interference seemed to help Wade regain his confidence. When he found there was no pick-and-roll, he fought more fiercely, forcing Li You, who was holding the ball with his left hand, to move back.

Wade, who was trying to continue pressing, didn't have time to be happy because Li You suddenly changed direction and then immediately accelerated and rushed forward.

Wade quickly slid to the left and back, reacting instinctively at this time. When he saw Li You stop suddenly and dribble between his legs again, he wanted to defend again.

It's just that his body couldn't keep up with his brain's reaction. Facing Li You's push and change of direction, Wade stumbled and almost fell to the ground. He supported himself with his left hand and had no time to stand up. He watched Li You break through the defense again.

Amid cheers, Li You broke into the paint area, took a step forward, and easily lobbed the basketball into the net with his right hand.

Looking at Wade who stood up and glared, Li You felt that his opponent seemed to be losing his temper, and immediately laughed and teased him:

"Dude, only a psychiatrist can help you!"

(End of this chapter)