NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 648 History Repeats Itself (7200 Word Chapter)
On Sunday, May 2009, 5, the Quicken Loans Arena turned into a sea of ​​white.

The "We believe" T-shirts that the Cavaliers officially gave to fans before the game worked, and the arena became a veritable devil's home court tonight.

Before the game, LeBron James returned to his home court and once again performed his classic opening segment. He sprinkled magnesium powder in front of the technical table and opened his arms in a hugging gesture.

The Chosen One's shouts before the game completely ignited the atmosphere on the scene, so much so that when he stood on the free throw line for the first time after the opening, the shouts could not stop:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

In such an atmosphere, not only was James in great shape, but Howard also broke out after being encouraged. He was extremely determined in low-post attacks and completed the attacks despite being surrounded by two players in many rounds.

White jerseys and white headbands. Except for Ilgauskas, all the Cavaliers players wore headbands. They changed their slow start on the road and entered the game state early.

Perhaps because they were too excited, the Cavaliers couldn't find their aim from three-point range in the first half, but their 11 out of 2 three-pointers in the first half did not let them fall behind.

In contrast, the Knicks' offense encountered some minor problems. At 54:52, they were only leading by 2 points at halftime. During the halftime break, the Cavaliers fans were excited again!

The course of the game felt very familiar to the three commentators. After the third quarter, as the Knicks took the initiative to speed up their offensive tempo, the Cavaliers finally showed their explosive free throw ability!
The tried-and-true burst was ultimately undone by free throws, and the Cavaliers finally caught up to the Knicks in the series.

At the end of the third quarter, looking at Howard standing on the free throw line again, head coach D'Antoni on the sidelines stopped complaining and instead smiled.

"This is Dwight Howard's 10th free throw in this quarter. The boy performed really well tonight!"

"He has made less than 60% of his free throws this season, but at the critical moment, Howard did not waste the opportunity. God, he still made the second free throw."

Marv Albert let out a low cry. Howard only missed two free throws in the crucial third quarter. His performance at the free throw line tonight was impeccable.

Howard made 10 of 8 free throws in a single quarter. The boiling arena made him feel like he was in heaven. There were also many fans shouting MVP. Under the inflated feeling, Howard no longer pretended to be a "good boy":

"I'm not Shaq!"

After the free throw, Howard retreated while shouting loudly to the Knicks bench, repeating loudly that his free throw was better!

The Beast shook his head and did not forget to show off his energy arm guard. When he returned to the lower left side of the basket, he punched repeatedly, causing the Cavaliers fans to scream.

The director turned the camera to the Knicks bench, where Li You, wearing a training suit, and Gasol, wrapped in a towel, were covering their mouths and laughing in low voices.

Howard's provocation was more like a child showing off. At present, most of the players on the team have never played against O'Neal, who is at his peak, and their mentality is a little exploded by the consecutive free throws.

"The Cavaliers frequently get free throws in the paint, and the Knicks' offense is affected. Rajon Rondo needs to stay aggressive."

Doug Collins saw Rondo being left open at the top of the arc after crossing half court, and the Cavaliers defending in the paint area, and subconsciously began to call for more personal offense.

"Defense!."

Amid the cheers from the defense, the game time passed quickly. In the last 36.8 seconds, Rondo loudly reminded his teammates and signaled to create a jump shot opportunity for Raja Bell.

The three Cavaliers players all huddled inside the three-point line. After seeing the tactical gesture, James on the right wing also reminded his teammates.

Afflalo had been paying attention to the movements behind him. When he saw Raja Bell running towards the right corner, he immediately moved to cut off the passing route.

The tactic failed. After the screen, Dio moved to the right elbow area. The Frenchman asked for the ball and then signaled his teammates to rotate.

The opponent moved sideways, James chased Marion to the top of the arc and successfully disrupted the hand-to-hand pass. Seeing that the offensive time was half over, Dio suddenly lowered his center of gravity.

Although veteran Joe Smith slid quickly, Dio was faster. He gained half a body position and when he got near the paint area, he leaned against the defender and turned around!
"It's a superstar move!"

The Frenchman's beautiful footwork successfully shook off the defense, and the groom Albert praised loudly and then whispered:
"Beautiful pass!"

Right in front of the basket, Dio jumped up and attracted Howard's help defense, then secretly passed the ball to Gazuric under the basket.

After receiving the ball, Gazuric jumped up immediately and tried to dunk the ball, but Howard turned around, jumped up and grabbed the ball.

"Oh!"

Amid cheers, Howard blocked the shot. After being blocked, Gazuric took control of the ball and faced the challenge, trying to get a foul, but was "rejected" again.

After a second jump, another block came right in front of him. Howard saw his teammates controlling the ball in the paint area, but he didn't participate in the counterattack and kept beating his chest under the basket:

"what!!"

With his head raised and shouting, Howard's passionate block made the noise in the stadium louder and louder, and James, who received the ball from Joe Smith, also ran very fast.

After successfully chasing the ball across half court, James glanced at Marion behind him and deliberately slowed down. After a confrontation, he stepped into the paint and made a layup!
"Shet!"

Hearing the referee's whistle, Marion cursed softly, then immediately pulled hard. James tilted his body and tried to shoot with his left hand, but was affected and the basketball finally hit the rim and bounced out.

Rondo couldn't hold it anymore and rushed to the bald referee Joe Crawford, staring at him angrily and said:
"That's bull****!"

Joe Crawford first shook his head to explain, Rondo continued to chase the opponent, and finally turned around and gave a technical foul. This situation made the Cavaliers fans very excited.

D'Antoni complained loudly to the technical desk, while Li You quietly walked to the sideline referee Greg Willard, who was listening:
"Sir, the Cavaliers are ahead, I think the game will be exciting in the fourth quarter!"

"You're right, Lee! I don't like garbage time. Let that rookie calm down. He has to learn to respect. We know how to referee the game."

After saying this, the black-haired Greg Willard blinked and smiled, showing his goodwill to Li You again.

Mo Williams made a technical free throw and the Cavaliers took the lead. The Quicken Loans Arena was boiling. When James stepped onto the free throw line, the shouts rang out again:

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

After making both free throws, James, who was retreating, high-fived his teammates in celebration. His eyes became more determined, and he was getting closer and closer to victory!

In the Knicks' final attack, although D'Antoni signaled to release the ball as soon as possible, Rondo, who was already excited, went in and out several times, and ultimately missed his turnaround layup after circling under the basket.

"oh!!"

Amid cheers, the third quarter ended with the score at 82:85. This was the first time in the series that the Cavaliers maintained a lead at the end of three quarters.

With a total of 23 of 19 free throws made in a single quarter, James and Howard were very satisfied with such home treatment. Although they did not rest for a minute, they felt full of energy at this time!
"Good job!"

The crucial match was faced with an adverse situation and the atmosphere was a bit dull. However, Li Youze kept fist-bumping with the players who were leaving the field and gave them encouragement.

Chandler, who was troubled by fouls, also high-fived his teammates. He felt the Cavaliers' home whistle:
"Damn it, these wimps who can only shoot free throws! I will teach them a lesson!"

Bearded Chandler has only played for 23 minutes so far. Seeing Gazuric's frustrated look, he angrily encouraged his teammates who missed the shot.

The comfortable atmosphere of life caused Gazuric's physical condition to decline. He had the help of the referee at home, but was suppressed by his talent when he came to the away game.

"Sorry, Lee, I screwed up!"

In addition to the successful execution of the foul tactics, Gazuric, with a furious mentality, returned to his seat and bowed his head to admit his mistake, and was somewhat afraid to look at Li You.

"We performed very well! Listen to the coach's instructions, Rajon, don't be controlled by your emotions, the game needs to be in your own hands."

Li You took off his training suit and greeted everyone while loudly offering chicken soup. Chalmers didn't want to play at this time, for fear that he would be blamed and called into a meeting by New York fans after the game.

Rondo controlled his emotions and took a few deep breaths. D'Antoni saw that the people around him did not make any complicated tactical arrangements, but instead held the tactical board and reminded loudly:

"Listen, we have to set screens, be patient and get the ball into Lee's hands."

"."

I thought a more rigorous defensive tactic would be arranged, but when Marion heard what the mustache man said, he almost questioned it on the spot. This was too rude!

Prince has become accustomed to it. He lowers his head and looks carefully at the arrows on the tactical board, as if he can really see endless routines.

JR Smith, who was eager to try, didn't listen to what the coach said. The long-awaited big scene finally came, and he just wanted to play by instinct.
On the Cavaliers' bench, James kept wiping his sweat and looking at the excited coach, but he didn't try to be stubborn and ask to continue playing.

"Mo, watch where you pass the ball!"

After listening to all the chicken soup for a long time, James stood up and pointed at the tactical board and loudly reminded his teammates. Mike Brown, who was a little excited, also added loudly:

"Double-team Lee, pay attention to communication on the wing, and drive the opponent into the paint."

As usual, before the fourth quarter, the home team coach was interviewed. When facing the camera, Brown Bread smiled brightly:

"This is our team culture! My players are full of aggression!"

"."

Mike Brown firmly believes that no one can withstand his team's explosive free throw power. He became more and more excited as he spoke. As long as they win two home games, he has confidence in the young people in the decisive battle.

"Defense!."

The fourth quarter of the game had already begun. While Blackbread was still talking about the players' performance, Howard on the defensive end was facing a formidable enemy and kept shouting commands loudly.

Delonte West at the top of the arc slid desperately, trying to defend Li You who was changing direction in front of his body, but Gasol's screen quality was excellent, and Howard had no choice but to move to assist in defense.

At the top of the arc, as Li You quickly pushed the ball and changed direction, he led the ball forward between people, and the defense on the line collapsed instantly.

In the paint area right in front of the basket, Ilgauskas had just moved to the basket when Li You had already stepped in front of him and jumped.

The two men made physical contact and the big man immediately fell to the ground, while Li You turned sideways in the air, grabbed the ball with his left hand, and made a sideways layup.

"shush"

Amid boos, the basketball went into the net and the referee did not make any comment, so the game continued.

Howard, who was serving from the baseline, slammed the ball hard. He was almost able to touch the basketball and block the shot, but the defensive trap he had set up lost its effect again.

"Lee can still easily tear through the Cavaliers' defense. The Knicks began to defend the interior more actively and they successfully survived the foul crisis."

Doug Collins praised the defense of Howard in the right low post, but Howard quickly threw the ball to the wing and Pavlovic missed the shot.
The resolute attack turned into an opportunity for a counterattack. After the long rebound was picked up by Li You, the boos in the stadium couldn't stop.

When the Cavaliers' outside players who were retreating saw Li You pass the ball without waiting to cross half court, they turned around and accelerated towards half court.

“Shh!”

Boos started again, and JR Smith, who received the ball, was also quite fast. After observing the change in defense, he suddenly slowed down on the left wing and then threw the ball.

Delonte West, who was chasing back to the basket, could only look up at the basket when he saw Li You jumping. He watched his opponent stretch out his right arm in the air, successfully hold the ball, and glide and dunk with one hand!
86:85, Li You reversed the score as soon as he came on the court.

Delonte West helplessly spread his hands to the sidelines, his frustration visible to the naked eye. Mike Brown did not hesitate and waved to Afflalo and James to get ready.

The camera was focused on the two people taking off their training clothes. Amid the cheers, James once again showed a determined look in his eyes.

Howard was a little anxious. He was being helped in the low post, which made him actively seek pick-and-roll opportunities and try to score.

Mo Williams, who wanted to be a dribbling guard, saw his teammates signaling and decisively initiated a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc. Howard immediately followed after a screen.

Mo Williams accelerated laterally and had the opportunity to shoot a jump shot directly from outside the three-point line, but in the end he chose to lob the ball into the basket.

After receiving a lob from his teammate in the paint, Howard was forced to slow down, then he wanted to jump up from behind, unafraid of Chandler's defense, and attempted a dunk.

"OH! Blocked by Lee!"

Amid the low shouts of Marv Albert, Li You gave up on his defender, strode straight to the basket, and successfully blocked the shot from behind Howard's head!
"Hey! This is a foul!" Howard staggered and hit the basketball hoop to relieve the force. Then he immediately turned around with an angry face and complained to the baseline referee.

The "World of Warcraft time" has ended, and the referee did not make any comment. Li You had already controlled the ball and rushed forward. Howard, who was furious, immediately started chasing him.

Ilgauskas tried his best to retreat, but Gasol still rushed across the three-point line one step ahead of his opponent.

Li You, who had just arrived at the left wing, slowed down and threw the ball towards the basket. Gasol took three steps forward, caught the ball in the air, and dunked it with both hands!

"what!"

The big Spanish guy also beat his chest and roared, staring at the Cavaliers, showing his tough guy temperament to the fullest.

88:85, falling behind again, head coach Mike Brown on the sidelines waved his hands anxiously and signaled the team to slow down, and many Cavaliers fans in the back row also stood up.

On the Knicks bench, the atmosphere group was also activated by the continuous counterattacks. They jumped and laughed at Howard who was still in the half court. The latter was still looking for "justice" at this time.

Joe Crawford was annoyed by the nagging, and without waiting for the Cavaliers to send the ball from the baseline, he directly called a technical foul. Howard was confused, and after spreading his hands, he excitedly chased after the other party and shouted:

"Are you serious?"

Amid the boos, Li You walked to the free throw line. Seeing Howard still mumbling and complaining, he turned around and shared his championship experience:
"Man, this is helping you guys, saving a timeout, you should be thankful!"

Howard then noticed that James and Afflalo returned to the court. Thinking about the fact that his team lost points, he simply kept silent.

On the TNT commentary booth, Doug Collins saw the game situation almost reversed and once again praised the Knicks' counterattack:
"Lee completely controlled the tempo of the game! When the defending champions started to launch continuous transition offense, no one in the league could match them."

The Quicken Loans Arena was boiling again. James received the ball at the baseline. Marv Albert saw this scene and commented:
"The third quarter was 'Howard time' and now the Cavaliers need 'James time'."

In the first offensive round after coming on the court, James called for a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc. Ilgauskas' screen was of good quality, and the latter immediately accelerated after dribbling the ball behind his back.

Facing Gasol's switched defense, James lowered his shoulders and accelerated, forced a breakthrough, leaned forward to the lower left side of the basket, and just avoided the block from behind, and the basketball hit the backboard and went into the basket!

After landing, James made a "hold on" gesture, appearing particularly confident.

"Oh!!"

The Cavaliers fans couldn't stop cheering, this was the chosen one they had been waiting for.

The defensive cheers resounded throughout the stadium again. Li You, who switched to holding the ball with his left hand, was not disturbed too much. When Afflalo followed him to the left wing, he always controlled the defensive distance.

When Prince slipped across the baseline from left to right, James was still directing his teammates to double-team him. Just as he turned his head and moved, Li You suddenly lowered his center of gravity outside the three-point line, dribbled the ball hard and took a step sideways.

Near the left sideline, Li You ignored Afflalo who was a beat slow to defend, and quickly made a long-range three-pointer!
92:87, the score gap was widened again.

The tough response caused constant boos in the stadium. Li You looked relaxed, as if he didn't feel any pressure. Instead, the Cavaliers players on the court began to get nervous.

In the crucial round, the Cavaliers fans shouted loudly again. It was still a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc. James did not intend to pass the ball. After Prince squeezed through the screen, he stepped back directly.

James dribbled the ball in suspension, took a "run-up" and accelerated, then increased his stride with the ball in his right hand and broke through with force.

Amid cheers, James gained half a body position, faced the Knicks' shrinking defense, and went straight for a one-handed slam dunk!
"what!!"

After landing, he raised his head and screamed, then showed a determined look in his eyes. James shook his head and quickly retreated.

The boiling atmosphere in the stadium made it difficult for the players on the field to hear the instructions of the head coach. With emotions surging, the Cavaliers began to double-team early again.

James came to the top of the arc early to cooperate with his teammates. As Li You passed the ball to Prince who was left open on the left wing, the latter immediately broke through.

Facing Howard's assisting defense and James' chasing defense, Prince immediately passed the ball to Chandler in the paint area.

The Cavaliers immediately retreated to the basket and the basketball was then transferred to the right wing. Mo Williams returned to defense in time and JR Smith passed the ball back to Li You at the top of the arc.

Afflalo quickly slid to the right rear, and Li You, who received the ball, immediately broke through and gained half a body position. Without waiting for the opponent to surround him again, he had already rushed to the free throw line.

Howard under the basket hurriedly moved his feet, but he had no time to block the shot. Li You had already leaned against the defender, jumped up with his left foot, held the ball with his left hand, and threw the ball high up while tilting his body!

"Oh"

The seemingly random shot actually fell into the basket accurately, 94:89. With a low cry, Li You looked at his left hand retreating with a smile on his face.

"A wonderful response! Both core players showed their outstanding physical talents!"

Doug Collins praised loudly, and the groom Albert noticed that Afflalo also spread his hands to his teammates, and couldn't help but sigh:
"No one in the league can limit Lee in a one-on-one match! Only a strong response will give us a chance to win the game."

In the tense atmosphere, James's forced breakthrough missed the rim, and Howard's tip-in also missed.

Amid low shouts, in a semi-conversion offense, Li You passed the ball to JR Smith, who received the ball and broke through on the left wing.

In the left blocking area, he stopped suddenly and pulled back under his crotch. Mo Williams was shaken and sat down on the floor, watching his opponent make a mid-range jump shot!

"Come and lick my ass, you wimp."

JR Smith also got excited, screaming and greeting his opponents. This was the big scene he had been looking forward to for a long time.

Seeing that the Cavaliers were suppressed again, James started to run and break through. After getting the whistle he wanted, he stood on the free throw line and successfully disrupted the rhythm of the game.

The familiar rhythm of the game, the most effective tactics that have been proven time and time again, D'Antoni, who was a little annoyed in the first three quarters, regained his usual smiling face.

"It is difficult to defeat the opponent relying solely on James' individual performance. The Cavaliers need to respond from beyond the three-point line."

Doug Collins also noticed the change in the pace of the game and responded to the ball continuously. Li Youzheng continued to cheer up his teammates and put pressure on his opponents.

James made two free throws. Marv Albert saw Li You suddenly shoot a cold arrow at Howard after the left wing pick-and-roll, and immediately shouted:
"Lee! A three-pointer from downtown!"

At 99:91, head coach Mike Brown couldn't hold it anymore and immediately requested a timeout.

Howard, who was extremely active in the third quarter, returned to his seat and cursed softly. The whistle was moved away because he didn't like such a call.

James took the opportunity to take deep breaths and began to loudly supplement the head coach's arrangements. The atmosphere on the Cavaliers' bench was a bit depressing and everyone looked solemn.

No one wanted to lose Game 3, and the Cavaliers fans at the scene began to roar again, with the noise growing louder after the timeout.

24 seconds ago, Mo Williams received a breakthrough pass from James and successfully hit a key three-pointer from the right wing, igniting the atmosphere on the scene again.

Prince cut in and stood at the free throw line. After making 2 of 1 free throws, Howard's second attack helped the team narrow the gap.

The timeout is used to allow the players to recover their physical strength. Mike Brown has no intention of rotating the players and will stick to the main players!

The Knicks showed tacit cooperation, everyone was able to handle the ball confidently, and as time passed, the Cavaliers' double-team defense was completely torn apart.

Fortunately, this quarter entered the "James time". It was difficult to score goals in open play, but he was able to respond with breakthroughs again and again.

The desperate James no longer thought about why his teammates always missed shots. As time passed, the score difference remained at 4 points.

When Gasol stepped onto the free throw line, most of the fans in the Quicken Loans Arena were numb. In the penalty shootout, the Cavaliers had no advantage.
"Oh!!"

The second free throw missed and cheers instantly filled the arena, 118:115, with only 6.8 seconds left and a chance to drag the game into overtime.

James, who got 12 free throws in a single quarter, was exhausted. When he returned to his seat, he couldn't concentrate on the coach's deployment.

Howard, who protected the key rebound, also lowered his head. He had no part in the final attack.

"Free throw line screen, give me the ball!"

James, sweating profusely, expressed his opinion directly, ignoring the previous tactics and loudly reminding his teammates. Black Bread didn't care about the tactical board being taken away, and immediately echoed:

"Patience! We have enough time. If there is no chance for a three-pointer, make a quick two points and foul immediately."

Li You, who focused on passing the ball in the second half of the quarter, was also reminding his teammates that the Cavaliers made only 8 of 1 three-pointers in this quarter, and as long as they were not fouled, the odds were on their side.

“Don’t switch.”

Seeing that the opponent's free throw line was crowded, Li You signaled Marion to defend patiently. As the stadium was boiling again, Ilgauskas successfully kicked the ball out from the sideline.

Just like Li You said, James directly received the ball from the outside, without rushing to attack or calling for a screen.

"Let's go Cavs!"

Amid the cheers, James, holding the ball in his left hand, first dribbled with a hop step, as the game time passed quickly, and then he made consecutive crotch passes and pretended to break through.

Since there was still a short distance from the three-point line, Marion just raised his right arm and defended along the three-point line until James switched to his left hand and suddenly stepped back, then he realized something was wrong.

Taking a step sideways, James suddenly shot a cold arrow, perfectly avoiding interference and forced a long-range three-point jump shot!

The Quicken Loans Arena first became quiet, and then the shouting almost broke out of the arena. The basketball went into the basket, and the fans in the front row jumped and danced.

"Incredible! James tied the score using Lee's method!"

Groom Albert was also surprised. The Chosen One had never boasted before. He had really trained this skill specially.

With his mind blank, James yelled unconsciously, and immediately celebrated by bumping his chest with Howard after he made the shot:

“Yee!!”

The technical table immediately signaled that the goal was valid. With 1.4 seconds left, the three referees thought the Knicks would request a timeout, but Gasol kept asking for the ball.

"No timeouts! The Knicks seem to be planning to go into overtime?"

Doug Collins had a face full of question marks, the court was in a bit of chaos, and head coach Mike Brown's face turned red with excitement. He was reminded by the coaching staff to quickly shout to his players.

The Cavaliers hurriedly completed the defensive matchup. They had never experienced such a moment before and they defended man-to-man for a while.

It wasn't until Li You suddenly accelerated and sprinted near the baseline that James reacted and chased after him.
Near the right sideline, Gasol's pass went over Chandler's big body and then fell accurately into Li You's hands.

James ran over and watched Li You lean forward to receive the ball, but he threw it before it reached the center line and could only turn his head in the air.

"buzz"

The buzzer sounded at the end of the game, and the basketball was still flying in the air. Under the incredulous gaze of all the fans, the basketball finally fell accurately into the basket.

“OH——!!”

The two people in the TNT commentary booth shouted subconsciously. Near the center line, Li You had already turned around and hugged his arms. At this time, he was hugged by the atmosphere group who rushed into the venue, and everyone celebrated wildly.

Howard was still near the three-point line, looking up at the scoreboard, his mouth subconsciously wide open. He couldn't believe that he lost in this way.

The Quicken Loans Arena seemed to have turned into a library. Many fans still kept their hands covering their mouths. It was not until James walked quickly towards the player tunnel that some people began to shout the name of the Chosen One.

The faster he walked, the more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt. James took off his headband and ignored the staff who wanted to comfort him. After entering the locker room, he finally couldn't hold it anymore, and his eyes gradually turned red:

"God! This shouldn't be the case."

(End of this chapter)