NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 652: "Murderous" Basketball. (Daily Chapter)
Facing his sixth finals in his career, Kobe Bryant has become calmer this year, unlike last year's excitement.

Before the game, he knew that the away environment in New York would be very "bad", and the inspirational words from Phil Jackson and the coaching staff also prepared him in advance.

Trying hard to turn the provocations from the fans and old rivals into motivation, Kobe restrained himself in Game 1 of the Finals and became a role player in the first half of the game.

Giving up the ball and no longer expending too much energy on the defensive end, Kobe made 9 of 4 shots in the first half, and his efficient performance made the old man from KFC happy.

At this time in the visiting team's locker room, Phil Jackson stood in front of everyone and tapped the whiteboard hard. Noticing the eyes looking at him, he immediately said in a deep voice:

"Listen, we're doing great!"

"Don't worry about how many points Lee scores. All you have to do is stick to the defensive strategy you have formulated."

"Our task is not to compete with Li in personal data, but to beat the opponent in total score. I believe you can do it. This is a perfect half-time game."

"."

While reminding everyone of the shortcomings in tactical execution and looking at Kobe's expression, Phil Jackson noticed that Mamba nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

53:56, both sides were evenly matched at halftime, and assistant coach Kurt Rambis breathed a sigh of relief at this time. It turned out that playing around Duncan was more stable.

As an assistant coach since 96, Rambis knows Kobe very well. During the first half of the game, the rookie point guard on the opposing team deliberately provoked Mamba, and Mamba must have been very angry.

At this time, the old man from KFC kept instructing Duncan and emphasizing the passing of the ball. Rambis knew that Kobe was upset.

As everyone was preparing to return to the court, Rambis, who was wearing black-framed glasses, immediately flashed to Kobe's side, took the initiative to hug Mamba, and comforted him:

"Phil is like that sometimes, he just focuses on basketball, and we all know, this is your team."

"Believe in your teammates, Kobe, ignore the provocations of your opponents, the fourth quarter is your time."

The Cavaliers have already given the answer to how to withstand the Knicks' three-pronged attack. Low-post offense is feasible, but Kobe's low-post offense is not.

The coaching staff was not optimistic that Mamba could break through Li You’s defense, as he did in the second half of the first half. Running and shooting were the game strategies specifically formulated by the old man from KFC.

Thinking of the way he mocked Rondo loudly when he scored, Kobe pursed his lips and said nothing. Seeing Duncan and Odom communicating in front of him, he finally made a promise:
"I know how to do it."

Kobe raised his eyebrows and patted Rambis on the shoulder. He could feel that the opponent's defensive intensity had decreased a bit compared to last year.

As they age, their bodies continue to consume energy and it is inevitable that their lateral movement speed will decrease. The Lakers seized this opportunity and played smooth cooperation many times in the first half.

Rambis stopped and gestured to the coaching staff behind him with a smile on his face. It was not easy to appease Mamba.

The second half of the game is about to begin. The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden remains hot, the game is smooth and the viewing experience is good, but there is a lack of star showdowns.

When they saw Kobe, the fans on both sides of the aisle started to mock loudly again. When they got no response, they started to curse again.

On the ABC commentary booth, the three were also talking about Kobe's performance in the first half. Regarding the increase in off-ball options after the failure of post-ups at the start, Van Gundy and Mark Jackson had different views:

"The Lakers should continue their half-time tactics in the second half. Duncan's response in the key rounds was impressive, and Kobe also found an effective offensive method again."

Van Gundy felt very "familiar" with the Lakers' tactics, which were very similar to the Bulls team back then. This was the most tacitly coordinated triangle offense in recent years.

No one would deny Duncan's tactical qualities, but Mark Jackson still insisted that team basketball alone could not defeat the defending champion:

"I still think Kobe is needed in the later crucial rounds. He didn't get a single free throw in the first half. He needs to regain his aggressiveness as soon as possible."

"."

Mike Breen couldn't evaluate the two people's views. The Lakers were a united team and performed well in the first half, but the game lacked a tit-for-tat feeling.

"He has already made 10 assists in the first half. Lee has a chance to get a triple-double tonight!"

The ABC anchor's camera was also focused on Li You who was greeting Durant and several young players.

Unlike Kobe, Li You filled the stat column in the first half and had 6 rebounds, once again demonstrating his style as a point guard.

In the front row, Durant, wearing a white T-shirt, smiled brightly. After sitting down again, he saw that his partner Westbrook was not happy, and immediately shook his head and said:

"Kobe is old. He can't get rid of Lee's defense in a one-on-one breakthrough. He is scared, Bro!"

"The game of basketball is that simple, and we can do the same next year."

The New York fans around heard what Durant said, and they all started to cheer and some even gave him a fist bump to show their agreement.

The Oklahoma City fans were also enthusiastic, but lacked aggression. Westbrook turned his head and glanced at his partner. He did not refute immediately, but simply whispered:
"That's Kobe"

Westbrook, who studies in Los Angeles, often reads short essays. Kobe at 4 a.m. is synonymous with hard work, and it also inspired him who was not optimistic about the future.

In the first round of the third quarter, Odom dribbled across half court and passed the ball to Kobe at the top of the arc. The Lakers had excellent offensive space, and there was only Duncan under the basket.

Without a screen, he took a tentative step, then shook right and broke through to the left. When Odom accelerated toward the left corner, Kobe lowered his center of gravity and broke through with the ball in his left hand.

Kobe tried to increase his stride and try to gain position, but he still couldn't get rid of Li You who was sliding, and he was completely covered.

"Oh!"

Amid cheers, Kobe suddenly stepped back and stopped abruptly. In order to avoid being blocked, his body folded in the air and his left arm was forced to bend, and he barely threw the ball into the paint area.

Durant, who saw this scene, shouted along. He knew that his partner didn't like Li You and the basketball environment in New York, but he still laughed and joked:

"He's Kobe, he's done, Bro!"

The basketball hit the rim and bounced out. Odom, who wanted to grab the rebound, was squeezed behind by Gasol, and Duncan was also grabbed by Chandler's arm.

The two could only watch as Li You landed and grabbed the rebound before Kobe. From the second quarter, the Knicks' rebounding tactics were very successful.

In the first round, Kobe heard Phil Jackson's reminder from the sidelines again. He knew that he was asking him to stop forcing himself to attack and to stop looking so long-faced when he retreated.

Kobe did not go up to provide screen immediately. When he quickly retreated to the top of the arc, he slightly turned his body to face Li You who was holding the ball in his right hand. He just adjusted his center of gravity and was then directly shaken off.

He passed the ball forward smoothly, and while moving, he pulled the ball in front of his body with his left hand. The sudden change of direction allowed Li You to easily squeeze past Kobe and accelerate again to get straight to the basket.

Ariza, who rushed into the paint area from the right wing, seemed to be prepared. He accelerated to his full potential and jumped high, trying to block the shot from the side.

Right in front of the basket, Li You rushed forward with three steps, holding the ball with his left hand. With the interference of two people behind him, he suddenly passed the ball in the air, and then hovered and changed hands.

"squeak!"

As the referee blew the whistle, Ariza and Kobe, who flew out of the baseline, could only watch Li You glide to the lower left side of the basket, and before landing, he raised his right hand and put the ball into the basket.

"Oh!"

Amid the cheers, Ariza put his hands on his hips and looked at the basket. He raised his hands to indicate that he had committed a foul. Then he patted Kobe on the shoulder and whispered with a helpless look:

"You can't always be one step ahead, Bro."

This is not the first time this has happened. Kobe can predict Li You's movements, but his body cannot keep up with his brain.

The fancy dribbling and the instructions from his teammates angered the Mamba. Kobe, with a "ferocious" expression, leaned on his knees outside the three-point line and gave a "death stare" at Li You's back as he shot free throws.

"What a great score! It's incredible that Lee still maintains his excellent agility!"

“His command of the basketball is incredible, and that takes a lot of practice.”

Mark Jackson couldn't help but praise Kobe again after seeing his outrageous move. Van Gundy on the side looked at Kobe and commented again:
"Kobe doesn't seem to be in his best physical condition. Lee has already scored 27 points. There seems to be a huge gap between the two in performance." "Defense!"

Amid the defense's cheers, Li You, who made a free throw, followed Kobe with a smile on his face. On the other side, JR Smith saw that Fisher didn't have the ball, and immediately seized the opportunity to loudly taunt him:

"You shouldn't be here, man! New York doesn't welcome weaklings."

From the second half of the first quarter, Li You's brothers were on full fire, taking every opportunity to mock Mamba. Coupled with the shouts of the New York fans at the scene, Kobe was almost at his limit.

Running to the left wing, Kobe glared and pretended to cut in, then stopped suddenly at the elbow and accelerated laterally. Duncan's screen worked, but Odom at the top of the arc did not pass the ball.

By the time Kobe approached the free throw line, Li You had already caught up with him. Odom began to move to the wing and gestured to Duncan to go to the low post to receive the ball.

Gasol had a bit of an uncomfortable time tonight, as his opponent kept wandering around the perimeter, occasionally acting as a point guard, and even breaking through with the ball in some rounds.

At this time, Odom stopped the ball and faked a move, then quickly made a ground pass, and then immediately cut into the middle. Duncan in the low post on the left twisted his body and almost deceived Chandler's attention.

The Lakers rotated from the outside, Ariza quickly moved from the left corner to the wing, with no one to help defend, and Duncan turned around from the baseline and went to the basket.

Leaning against Chandler, holding the ball in his left hand, Duncan tilted his body and shot the ball off the backboard again.

55:59, Duncan, who responded successfully, quickly retreated with a blank expression. Phil Jackson on the sidelines applauded and smiled again.

"Shhh!!"

The Lakers' stable thigh made the New York fans boo again, but Duncan, who returned to the basket, was not affected. He clapped his hands again and gave instructions to his teammates loudly.

Odom saw Gasol moving and quickly reminded Ariza outside the three-point line. The latter tried to squeeze through the screen, but was still covered by the big body.

Watching Li You holding the ball in his left hand and dribbling sideways to avoid the defense, Odom rushed over directly. Just as he bent down, he saw his opponent change direction and accelerate.

In the blink of an eye, Li You changed direction under his hips, lowered his center of gravity suddenly, and "bounced" out. Odom was unable to make any moves and stood straight on the three-point line.

Duncan, who was just giving a loud warning, glared subconsciously, then jumped with all his strength. As soon as he stretched out his right arm, his chest felt tight.
Breaking through from the outside to the paint area, the extremely fast Li You accelerated fully, ignored the defense under the basket, and instantly "rode" on Duncan.

"what!"

With a scream, Li You, whose head was flat on the basket, pulled his arms back, accumulated strength in the air, and at the moment when Duncan leaned back, he swung his arms and dunked!
The basket exploded, and the basketball that was pressed in was instantly deformed and hit Duncan with a bang.

The ball and the person fell to the ground at the same time. The referee at the baseline opened his mouth wide and forgot to blow the whistle for a moment.

With rich experience in being blocked, Duncan released the force in time this time. Although he fell in front of the camera, he did not scream like before.

The screams could not stop. Li You, who was patting his chest, was soon surrounded by his teammates. Everyone followed suit and shouted. Behind him, Odom and Ariza stood there with their eyes wide open.

"Hey, you can't do this!"

When Phil Jackson on the sidelines heard the referee's whistle, he immediately protested loudly with an angry face, and at the same time called on the team doctor to check Duncan.

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

As soon as Li You stepped onto the free throw line, the noise became louder and louder. His dunk lit up the arena. On the Knicks bench, the atmosphere group also shouted:

"Go home! Soft"

Duncan, who was dunked on, still asked for the ball in the low post on the left side with an expressionless face. It was the same tactic. This time the Lakers' outside players just rotated and Prince directly assisted in defense.

He calmly passed the ball to Ariza on the left wing, who immediately broke through after receiving the ball.

When he started in the paint, he was disturbed by Gasol who was retreating to the elbow area. Ariza held the ball and made a layup. When he stretched out his right arm, he suddenly felt resistance on the basketball.

Li You, who was assisting in defending the basket from the right side near the baseline, seized the opportunity to block Ariza's shot. Ariza's body tilted and fell to the floor. The Knicks had already launched a counterattack.

JR Smith picked up the basketball and immediately dribbled the ball behind his back, dodged Fisher, and accelerated with all his strength holding the ball in his left hand.

Old Fish was a little behind the opponent. He saw Kobe gritting his teeth and chasing him from behind, so he hurriedly tried his best to confront him and try to delay the fast break.

There was no space in front of him, and although there was resistance on the side, JR Smith still chose to force his way to the basket. He took the initiative to confront the defense while moving, leaned forward, and threw the ball towards the backboard with his left hand.

"Oh!"

With a low cry, the basketball was suddenly knocked away by Kobe who was chasing him from behind with gritted teeth, and the Mamba roared when he landed.

Turning his head again, Kobe saw the flying basketball fall into the hands of Li You who was following up from behind. Seeing his arch-enemy take one step and take off directly, he subconsciously jumped up to block the shot.

Before he reached the highest point, Kobe was pinned down. Li You ignored the resistance in the air, pulled his right arm back again, and swung his arm to dunk!

Lacking experience of being dunked on, Kobe lost his balance and fell to the ground with a thump amid the cheers of New York fans.
"what!!"

There were consecutive dunks, and all the New York fans behind the basket stood up and shouted excitedly.

The photographer in front was pressing the shutter button frantically to record the classic moments of Li You grabbing the basket with one hand and Kobe falling to the ground in pain.

JR Smith, who had just been pushed out of the baseline, became energetic again. He squeezed next to Li You who was showing his tough guy temperament, and roared passionately at Kobe who was lying on the ground.

Fisher saw Kobe's pain and called the team doctor on the bench again, muttering:
"You should have gotten out of the way! I knew this would happen."

Kobe, who was holding his waist, heard the whispers of his old teammates and was so angry that he wanted to stand up directly, but his body did not allow him to do so. In the end, he had to be helped off the court by the team doctor.

The referee indicated that there was a problem with the basket and it would not rebound. Mark Jackson watched the replay on the big screen and exclaimed loudly:

"Basketball can be a dangerous sport! God, the rims could use a bit of an overhaul."

On the Lakers bench, substitute center Josh Powell stared at Li You, who was constantly high-fiving his teammates in celebration, with a look of fear on his dark face:

"God! This is so dangerous! What kind of power is this?"

Hearing his teammates whispering, Barnes glanced at Kobe, who still looked painful, and whispered with his hands covering his mouth:

"Get out of the way, man! It's only 2 points, no need to be so stubborn."

Sun Yue, who was dressed in a grey suit, was also stunned at this moment. It was his first time to watch the finals live, and he had a good viewing position. This exaggerated dunk made him feel like he was watching a special effects movie.

The Lakers atmosphere group was all whispering that it was hard for the boss to regain his face, as these two dunks over shrimp and pig heart were a waste.
To be on the safe side, Phil Jackson waved his hand and let Vujacic come on the court. After the game resumed, he found that the opponent was playing zone defense and immediately frowned.

On the right wing, Fisher missed a three-pointer and the long rebound was picked up by Prince. The Lakers failed to break the double team defense for the first time.

Although Duncan tried hard to chase back, Li You threw the ball without waiting for him to get close to the right wing!

"Oh!"

The unreasonable three-pointer made the players who were returning to defense sigh secretly. After scoring the goal, Li You reminded them loudly again and set up zone defense early.

As time went on, the Lakers requested timeouts repeatedly, but faced with the shrinking defense, they were unable to respond in time.

At the end of the third quarter, D'Antoni smiled and folded his arms as he watched Li You shoot free throws again. He glanced at the scoreboard, then put his hands in his pockets and walked towards the bench with his head raised.

73:92, a familiar wave, the game is over.

The mustache man leaned back tactically, looked at his assistants, and said with a smile:

"Victory is so simple!"

(End of this chapter)