NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 651 Calm Mamba (Daily Chapter)

2009年6月4号星期四，19点30分，麦迪逊广场花园球员已经座无虚席。

With half an hour left before the game started, the huge golden O'Brien Cup models at both ends of the field were surrounded by players and staff.

The floor in the center of the venue was also replaced with a customized finals pattern, and ABC's broadcast camera would occasionally show these finals elements.

Some New York fans wearing orange championship T-shirts were also chasing the camera. From time to time, bursts of happy shouts broke out in the arena. The annual finals party has come here again.

Nearly 2 fans made the arena boil early. Seeing the three ABC team responsible for broadcasting the game sitting on the sidelines, many enthusiastic New York fans shouted again:
“Jeff!”

Van Gundy specially matched a tie in the colors of the Knicks. When he sat on the high chair, he smiled and waved to the fans.

Since leaving the coaching booth, although Van Gundy has become completely bald, his mental state has been getting better and better, and his dark circles have disappeared.

At this moment, in front of the camera, his shiny bald head reflected the light, and Van Gundy once again put on the style of a championship coach, waiting for his partner to say the opening words.

"This is ESPN On ABC, welcome to the 2008-09 NBA Finals."

Gray-haired Mike Breen looked very relaxed in the home arena. As the Knicks' home commentator, he was home again tonight.

Even though this was the Finals, everything felt familiar to New York fans.

They had been through so many games like this that soon everyone's attention shifted to the players warming up.

Behind the three commentators, Li You, wearing an orange training suit, was warming up. His shots from near to far gradually ignited the atmosphere in the stadium.

When the shot at the logo position went in, many New York fans stood up and cheered loudly, which made Mike Breen subconsciously raise his voice:

"Looking back at the advancement process of the two teams, both the Knicks and the Lakers showed absolute dominance!"

"Jeff, as the coach who knows New York best, what do you think is the key for both teams to win the game?"

Mark Jackson, who was sitting to the right of his partner, also turned his head to look at the championship coach. Van Gundy smiled slightly when he heard the question and confidently gave his opinion:

"The Cavaliers played well in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they made a mistake and couldn't control the tempo of the game for four games."

"Many times we tend to overlook Lee's control of the game. In fact, the Knicks' defensive state has declined this season, and their excellent offense has covered it up."

"If the Lakers want to win the game, they have to slow down and show dominance in the low post."

"I believe that coach Phil Jackson will let Kobe and Duncan attack more in the low post."

The Knicks' low-post rounds were basically contracted by Gasol, and the number of rounds was not large, while the Lakers had to look for the low post in every round, and the triangle offense was the team's tactical core.

There was endless talk about the issues, but Van Gundy's point of view could be summed up in that the ball should be given to Duncan and Kobe, and the stars should play hard.

Mike Breen nodded repeatedly and smiled. After the champion coach finished his analysis, he turned to look at his other partner and asked with a smile:
"Mark, what are your expectations for tonight's matchup? From the starting lineup, Trevor Ariza will be responsible for defending Lee."

Raising the microphone to his lips, Mark Jackson, dressed in a red scarf, did not hold back, but criticized this defensive choice again:

"As the best perimeter defender on the Lakers, I insist that Kobe should take on the defensive task."

"In my opinion, the finals is not only about the matchup, but also the momentum."

Mark Jackson brought out the "core confrontation" theory again, believing that it would be difficult for the Lakers to succeed in the matchup, and the director also turned the camera to Kobe on the other side of the field at the right time.

The continuous cheers in the stadium made Kobe, who was warming up, look serious. He didn't look at his opponent and completed the shot seriously in his own half.

Compared with his return to the finals last year, Kobe has been much more low-key. Even though many commentators fanned the flames before the game, he still followed the arrangements of the old man from KFC and accepted the task of assisting defense.

"Soft"

Hearing the shouts of New York fans around him, Kobe pursed his lips and his heart was burning with anger, but he believed that "details" could help defense, and now he just wanted to prove himself in the game.

Kobe didn't notice that Rajon Rondo was watching him from the other end of the court.

Ever since Mamba said "who he is" in front of reporters, Rondo has kept it in mind. Rookies don't like being ignored, especially by Kobe.

As a player who got a ring by relying on others, Rondo doesn't think Mamba is much better than himself. Now that the opportunity has come, he just wants to teach Kobe a lesson.

"The three-pointer will change the course of the game. This is a huge test for the Lakers, and they have to respond in time."

After Mark Jackson gave his opinion again, the two teams began to move closer to their respective O'Brien Cup models, and the entrance ceremony was about to begin.

The arena became dim, and the old DJ of the Knicks introduced the Lakers players in a flat tone, and the broadcaster also displayed the names in front of the fans in front of the TV.

Ariza, who was the first to appear on the court, was a little excited. He kept high-fiving his teammates on both sides and jumping around to exercise his body. Tonight, he will not only continue to start, but also take on the responsibility of defense.

Fisher came on the court with a strange cry, showing his leadership qualities. Barnes received cheers and kept waving.

Duncan, who was the second to last to appear, had his hair cut, and the groomed beard made the MVP look a little younger, but his expressionless look remained unchanged.

As for Kobe, who was the last to appear on the court, he was mocked by the New York fans at the scene. The shouts of "Soft" were endless. Everyone was very dissatisfied with Kobe's failure to cooperate with the supporting role.

Kobe tried hard to ignore the noise at the scene. When he introduced Phil Jackson, the old KFC man sat on the bench and accepted the boos with a smile.

The arena was completely dark, and the Knicks also produced a new opening video for the finals.

Starting with “Our Team,” the wonderful playoff collaboration shots made New York fans shout with joy.

Scenes of alley-oop slam dunks, cut-in slam dunks, and consecutive three-pointers flashed by quickly, and each player's chest-beating and roaring showed the Knicks' tough temperament.

The subsequent “Our City” and “Our Fans” are naturally to promote the city and fans.

The exciting music made the New York fans at the scene cheer loudly. When the word "our opponents" appeared on the screen projected in the center of the venue, the style suddenly changed.

Starting with Iverson, scenes of past opponents shedding tears and Li You holding up the trophy began to appear alternately.
Kobe and Duncan naturally saw how miserable they looked. Although they had no expression on their faces, they were still very angry when they saw Li You laughing while holding the trophy.

When "We are the Champions" and the Knicks logo flashed at the end, Madison Square Garden was completely boiling.

The "high-end" promotional videos that Spike Lee shot a few years ago were not as good as this simple and rough editing.

In fact, New York fans just like to see their opponents' ugly behavior. If I win, he loses, that's what everyone wants...

At this time, the Lakers players formed a circle at Fisher's call, stretched their bodies, and waited for the opponent's entrance ceremony to end.

As the names were called out one by one, Kobe tried hard to block out the DJ's shouting, but when he heard "7-time MVP and 10-time champion", he still cursed in his heart.

“God——Lee!!”

Amid the cheers that resounded throughout the arena, Duncan looked at Li You who was smiling as he came out on the other side. He subconsciously took a deep breath and his eyes became more determined.

The lights came on, and the boiling atmosphere in the arena made Van Gundy in the ABC commentary booth look nostalgic. Sometimes he also reflected on whether it would be better if he stayed here.

"The exciting home atmosphere, I hope the Lakers will not be affected." "Neither team has changed their starting lineups, but we can look forward to the targeted arrangements made by the two head coaches."

Mike Breen briefly introduced the starting lineup while the director turned the camera to Phil Jackson and D'Antoni, and Van Gundy once again predicted the Knicks' start:

"JR Smith's three-point shooting percentage has dropped to 36.7% in the playoffs, but his three-pointer is still a deadly weapon for the Knicks."

"I think Lee will take the lead in activating his teammates. He will start with defense. The Lakers should give the ball to Duncan more often."

"."

When the referee called the players from both sides to the center of the court, Li You also began to greet his old opponent. He first took the initiative to hug Duncan and simply sent his blessing:

"It's good to see you, good luck, Bro!"

Duncan pursed his lips and said nothing. Li You didn't care either. He smiled and bumped fists with Fisher, then greeted Kobe, who was looking sullen:

"How's the video, Bro? Hope it helps!"

"."

Danny Crawford, the black referee who was about to throw the ball, almost grinned on the spot when he heard Li You reminiscing about the past with his old opponent.

Kobe's face was visibly darker. The Los Angeles media praised him for focusing on recording in his free time, but when he heard this from Li You, he felt humiliated:
"You'll see!"

After repeating it twice with a sullen face, Kobe saw Phil Jackson on the sidelines yelling at him with his arms folded, and he immediately stopped talking and acted in a cool manner.

At 20 p.m., the game started on time. As the referee threw the basketball in his hand, Chandler successfully deflected the ball.

Amid cheers, Odom, who was retreating, immediately reminded Ariza loudly that the Knicks liked to play Gasol's pick-and-roll after the opening, and the coaching staff emphasized the corresponding defense.

"Let's go Knicks!."

The noise was getting louder and louder, but Li You, who had crossed half court, was not in a hurry to attack. He saw Fisher guarding in front of JR Smith and Kobe switching to Prince's side, and immediately waved.

Gasol, who was originally planning to stop at the free throw line, saw the tactical gesture and quickened his pace to squeeze under the basket.

Duncan saw that Chandler, who was near the lower left side of the basket, had no intention of moving, so he turned his attention to the upper line and reminded Fisher.

Prince had already moved to the left corner, and Kobe followed. Fisher, who was reminded, saw JR Smith on the right wing running towards the top of the arc, and hurriedly quickened his pace.

Ariza has been controlling the defensive distance, noticed the movement on his side, and quickly turned his body to prevent the screen from happening.

When JR Smith jogged to the top of the arc with the defender, he stopped and suddenly accelerated, running to the left wing.

Fisher then cooperated with his teammates to double-team him. Without waiting for the two to surround him, Li pulled the ball sideways and passed it behind his back.

The basketball bounced on the floor and fell accurately into the hands of JR Smith. Ariza tried to defend from the side, but the opponent just straightened his body and raised the ball and threw it!

"Oh!"

Cheers rang out again, the three-pointer went into the net, a shot was made at the start of the game, JR Smith patted his chest, jumped up and down and high-fived Li You to celebrate.

Such easy scoring made Phil Jackson frown slightly on the sidelines. The role players looked more confident than last year, but he still insisted on the formulated defensive strategy.

"You're right. Lee found JR Smith first after the opening. It was a simple and effective tactical combination."

Mark Jackson sighed, and Van Gundy on the side showed a smug look on his face again. He noticed that Kobe tried to get the ball in the low post on the right side after crossing half court, and immediately commented:

"This is not a good offensive choice!"

On the right wing, Fisher stopped the ball and tried to pass it to Kobe. JR Smith stepped forward to interfere, and Li You behind him also suddenly blocked the position.

Duncan, who had created space in the left elbow area, could see Kobe exerting force, but Li You couldn't hold him at all and squeezed to the side, easily disrupting his chance of receiving the ball.

Forced to raise his receiving position, Kobe moved upwards. Fisher, who was on the line, first pretended to lob the ball to trick the defense, and then immediately made a ground pass.

He stopped and reached out to catch the ball. The moment Kobe touched the ball, Li You confronted him again from behind and cut the ball with his right hand, disrupting the attack again.

Fisher ran to the baseline to take away the defense. He turned his head and saw Kobe staggered and lost the ball.
“Move!”

Hearing the coach's vague reminder, Ariza on the other side hurriedly quickened his pace and retreated at full speed.

However, after Li You successfully stole the ball, he rushed faster and faster. Ariza, who had run across half the court, had no choice but to give up. Kobe behind him was furious and complained loudly to the referee.

With 1 against 0 in the frontcourt, without any interference, Li You rushed into the paint area and jumped calmly with both feet. He switched his crotch to his right hand in the air, stretched his body, and then slammed the dunk with great force!

"He's shook!"

After falling to the floor after a slam dunk, Li You did not retreat immediately, but shouted loudly at the camera.

Li You only talks trash when facing certain opponents. When the fans in the front row hear the shouting, they respond actively and shout along.

The Lakers attacked again, but Kobe, with a grim look on his face, did not ask for the ball to save his face. He cut across with the help of Duncan's elbow screen, and ran to the right corner when he had no chance.

After the screen, Duncan immediately turned around and asked for the ball in the low post on the left side. This time Fisher's lob was successful, and the latter received the ball, turned around, and went to the basket.

Chandler didn't expect the opponent to attack so resolutely. Duncan gave him half a body distance and he watched a reverse layup get 2 points.

Li You was a little surprised. Duncan would not play like this in the Lakers playoffs this season, and Kobe would not be so calm when provoked.

The game continued, and the shouting of New York fans did not affect the concentration of the Lakers. With the same tactics, Fisher still chose double-teaming.

Li You, who made the pass, noticed that JR Smith hesitated and passed the ball to Prince in the right corner. Kobe, who pretended to assist in defense, quickly returned to his position and successfully disrupted the tactic.

"Be more confident, Bro!"

Gasol received the ball in the low post on the right side and when running to the outside, Li You took the opportunity to remind JR Smith, who immediately nodded.

After a series of close shots approaching the paint area, Gasol leaned against Odom and suddenly turned towards the baseline, switched to his left hand and made a hook shot.

The game continued. D'Antoni on the sidelines was a little surprised to see Kobe running to the corner with Li You, receiving the ball online, and continuing to pass the ball.

In a high-low post cooperation, Duncan lobbed the ball to Odom who cut in, and the latter successfully tricked Gasol into committing a foul after a fake shot.

"Shh!"

Amid the boos, the referee awarded a free throw. Li You moved outside the three-point line and saw Kobe moving away from him. He simply turned around and told Rondo on the bench:

“He lost his composure after coming on the pitch”

(End of this chapter)