NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 706: The hot locker room. (No protagonist chapter)

On Friday, April 2010, 4, ESPN's morning Sports Center suddenly reported gossip about the Heat.

After struggling to protect the home court in G2, a conflict suddenly occurred in the Heat locker room after flying to Boston, and Haslem was hit hard by Artest on the training ground!

The show also showed a video of an argument after practice, where Haslem stood up for Wade and ended up getting punched and fell behind the basketball hoop.
Although the video was a bit shaky, it was not difficult to see that the fight between the two sides was very intense. If Wade had not been hugged by David Lee, perhaps these two punches would have hit the Flash in the face.

During the show, host Grant Hill shrugged his shoulders at the camera, and Hannah Storm released the Heat's latest official statement:
"Pat Riley believes this is a basketball conflict, there is no bad intention on both sides, and Metta World Peace will still be in the starting lineup tonight."

"."

The program team obviously wanted to watch the fun and showed the embarrassing performance of the champion striker this season to the TV audience through data:

"When World Peace scores 20 points or more, the Heat have an 8-20 record;"

"When World Peace scores 19 points or less, the Heat have a 55 percent winning record."

This statistic seems to say that Artest is the cancer of the Heat, but Grant Hill did not add insult to injury on the show, but spoke for his former teammate:
"I know Mehta, he wants to win and is willing to make sacrifices for the team."

"We've all seen his role on defense in this series, and it's been hard for Pierce to score efficiently."

"The Heat are now facing an organizational problem. Carlos Arroyo seems to have not yet adapted to the rhythm of the playoffs and it is difficult for him to organize an effective offense in the game."

冠军前锋确实卖力防守，就是进攻端铁了点，G1三分线外8中2，G2状态回暖9中3。

The Heat are not a three-point shooting team. Wade wanted to reduce the number of three-point shots, but Artest disagreed and continued to do as he pleased during the game.

Artest's contribution at the critical moment was indispensable to protecting the home court. As for why the Celtics almost counterattacked again, it is not important. In short, the champion forward is now "sweet and stinky".
Hannah Storm nodded with a smile. Having worked on the front line for many years, she was the host who knew the Knicks players best.

Without dwelling on the topic, Hannah Storm quickly reviewed the focus of last night's game with a smile:

"The defending champion successfully got the match point! 132:81, Lee played for only 33 minutes and scored 51 points, helping the Knicks to easily defeat the Bulls."

"Head coach Thibodeau believes that the young players have not been able to show their talents. In Sunday's game, the Bulls will still fight hard to win."

"."

被迫三节打卡的罗斯18中6，三分线外2中0，罚球6中4，交出一份16分4篮板4助攻1抢断4失误的数据。

The rookies who failed to rebound missed the press conference after the game. Luol Deng and Hinrich both looked helpless in front of reporters.

When asked about the 51-point difference, Luol Deng simply spread his hands in front of everyone and said:

"We failed to match the intensity of the game. Facing Lee's strong offense, we also had huge problems on the defensive end. The whole team failed to strictly implement the game plan set by the coach."

"It's hard to describe how I feel about tonight's game. Lee is so fast, so strong, and so agile that we had no way to stop him on defense."

When asked about Rose's performance, Hinrich, as a veteran, still spoke well of the rookie:
"A second-year rookie who faced the GOAT and scored 16 points, Rose has performed very well. He still needs to learn, and he will become a qualified leader."

The interview clips released by ESPN were relatively friendly. In fact, the Chicago sports media and fans were also broken last night.

The former questioned Rose's poor performance at the press conference, and the latter started to yell and protest after leaving the stadium after the game. The Bulls were humiliated by 51 points.
The other two Western Conference games were not very popular. Duncan, who "returned home", received cheers of MVP at the Spurs' home court. The young players of the Trail Blazers failed to seize the opportunity, and the Nuggets took back the initiative.

As the morning show was coming to an end, Grant Hill finally warmed up for tonight's broadcast. ESPN was responsible for broadcasting Game 3 between the Heat and the Celtics. After the boxing incident, the popularity of this game exploded.

The Celtics, who arrived at the TD Garden two hours early, did not look that happy. The internal strife among the opponents was a good thing, but they also had some problems in their own locker room.

In front of the camera, Ray Allen, dressed casually, smiled and greeted people. Winning an away game had already met expectations.

Pierce, with a serious expression in his face, wearing a loose gray suit, simply greeted and also walked quickly towards the locker room. He and Artest are considered "enemies", and the championship forward's defense still bothers him.

Perkins, who started the game, was in a good mood. He grinned in front of the reporters and encouraged the team:
"We are going to win this game! I can't wait to get on the field."

After waiting for a while, atmosphere group members Glen Davis, Tony Allen, Brandon Bass and others appeared one after another. The sports media were eagerly waiting, and then they saw Garnett after waiting for a while.

Interestingly, Rondo, who entered the court last, followed closely behind him. The two of them entered one after the other, and there was no communication between them, and it seemed that they still could not reach a reconciliation.

Garnett, with a sullen face, did not greet the reporter and walked away quickly. Rondo, who was behind him, slowed down his pace and smiled. When he heard a familiar reporter asking about the game, he responded confidently:

"Everything is under control! We will get the match point at home!"

"."

Rondo, dressed in a black suit, tried hard to act like a big boss, nodded to everyone and strode away. Regarding the championship guard's appearance, a Boston Globe reporter who was accompanying the team whispered:

"He's imitating Lee? I think it's going to be hard for him to reconcile with Kevin."

Several people looked at each other. Rivers claimed after the regular season that he had figured out the locker room, but problems were exposed after two games, and the coaching staff failed to reconcile the conflict between the two.

In the locker room, Pierce, who had changed into training clothes, was still encouraging his teammates. Seeing that Rondo and Garnett were silent again, he immediately shouted to encourage them:
"We have to take care of them! That rookie guard can't guard Rajon. Just like the coach said, pick and roll, break through, and establish an early lead!"

"The other team is no match for us in rebounding. Hey! Everyone, be more active. Two home games. Let's end the series."

Since Rondo and Garnett finished the boxing match, Ray Allen has been playing quietly as before, and Pierce, as a native leader, has begun to take on more responsibilities.

In the past, Garnett was usually responsible for pre-game speeches, but Rivers was worried that a conflict would break out again, so the matter finally fell to Pierce.

The atmosphere group responded one after another, and Perkins patted his chest. Marbury, who came to the locker room first, said nothing. Ever since he spoke up for his old teammate, he was DNP by the coaching staff.

Completely becoming a marginal figure, the water cooler guardian Marbury has begun to give up. He is too lazy to look at Pierce's bossy look.

Rondo showed an expression that said "You're right" and without even looking at Garnett, he added:

"More pick-and-rolls, faster ball movement!"

"We can even play zone defense at the right time. I don't think Wade can kill the game from beyond the three-point line. Everyone has to play smarter."

The two home games are particularly crucial. After hearing Rondo's instructions, everyone agreed.

Many times the coaching staff will refer to the opinions of the championship guard. In this regard, everyone has become completely accustomed to Rondo turning into an on-court coach. The championship guard does have "dry stuff"!
Before the warm-up, Garnett was the last to come in. Marbury was upset to see a rookie pretending to be a giant. When there were only two people left in the locker room, he whispered angrily:

"When will a rookie be able to command a team! Damn it, the coach is favoring him. Why does Nate Robinson get so much playing time?"

"Just because he's close to that rookie? I haven't played yet."

Before, Garnett and others tried to "assimilate" Ray Allen to play "passionate basketball". After Rondo came, the locker room structure was broken, and the atmosphere group and new players all stood on the side of the rookie.

It's not that Harden's personal charm is not good, but Rondo has the ball in his hands and is not stingy with the pass. After Excel swept the Celtics, the locker room was divided.
Thinking of the heavy blow that Harden suffered, Garnett's eyes twitched slightly. When he was on the Timberwolves, he didn't receive much counterattack when he beat up the rookie. Rondo was the first rookie to respond to him!
"Let's win the game first! That Nico will bow down to me soon!"

"."

Marbury was a little disappointed. He didn't expect Garnett to be so soft and be overshadowed by Rondo, who had championship experience.

When Marbury thought about the treatment he had given up in the past few years, he felt his emotions boiling. His hometown team had already expelled him from New York, and now he was being suppressed by Li You's younger brother:

"He knew this would happen! He was trying to disgust us on purpose!" "Fuck!"

When Garnett heard his old teammate start to complain about Li You, he was speechless for a moment. Rondo is indeed in better shape than Marbury. Putting aside their friendship, Rivers made the right choice.

Seeing Marbury start to jump up and down, Garnett felt that his old teammate Fei Ye had damaged his brain. This situation has happened many times.

The Celtics next door were still relatively united, but in the visiting team's locker room, the Heat players were already numb.

During the regular season, Michael Beasley was often criticized, but since entering the playoffs, the rookie has become a "non-stick pan" and Artest has taken on everything.

Wade, with a dark complexion, felt angry when he saw Haslem's left face swollen. He just told the coach to let Artest focus on defense, but the champion forward threw a punch.
Although Haslem's words were "dirty", in Wade's opinion, Artest's heavy punch to his teammate was too much and the team should be severely punished!

Joel Anthony and others dared not say a word, only David Lee was trying to ease the tension. Losing the home advantage, the Heat must win the next away game:
"It's dangerous and tiring! We have to trust each other. No one in the league can perform consistently in the playoffs except Lee."

"Tonight was our best chance to win the game."

Artest, who was sitting in his seat, glanced at Haslem casually, then looked at Wade who was looking sullen, and said with disdain:

"Don't tell me what to do, you little bastard. You won't get 8 rings even after your career ends!"

"A bunch of people who haven't experienced the finals are telling me how to play basketball? All you have to do is shut up."

Halfway through his words, coach Spoelstra hurried to the locker room. Artest stopped sharing his championship experience and took the initiative to say to everyone:

"Will I continue to defend that wimp Pierce and cut down on the three-pointers? I can do that, but I don't want to see the team lose the game."

Wade couldn't help it anymore. Without even looking at the coach's expression, he immediately stood up and said angrily:

"Open your eyes, I will win this game! Put away your damn excuses."

Artest also stood up, staring, nodding and clapping.

Seeing that the two were about to quarrel again, the coaching staff quickly intervened, and the troubled head coach Spoelstra had to raise his voice:

"I don't want to find out who leaked the video to the media now! Like Pat Riley said, win the game!"

"Don't let me see you guys arguing in the locker room again!"

When everyone left the locker room to start warming up, the coaching staff looked at each other, and Spoelstra even covered his head.

If there was no video, the punch could have been resolved internally, but if it was exposed, it would mean that there was a traitor in the team. Oily Head was already furious, and the locker room culture he established did not allow such a situation to happen.

As the big brother, Mourning had never participated in the locker room struggle. Seeing the coach's ugly face, he whispered helplessly:
“I think both of them should be suspended.”

Spoelstra did not respond. Facing the Celtics, without two main rotation players, there was a high probability that they would lose badly, and he wanted to take back the initiative.

After the game started at 19 p.m. that night, the NDRC was filled with a joyful atmosphere, and the Heat also did the boxing match!
The little-known Carlos Arroyo turned into a dribbling guard after the opening, Wade took over the game early, and the angry Flash showed his talent.

After the pick-and-roll, he repeatedly broke through the Celtics' defense, and his forced attacks on the basket quickly caused the opponent to shrink their defense.

David Lee and Haslem began to fight with their opponents, and both teams began to rush for offensive rebounds.

Rondo seized the opportunity in transition offense to score points one after another. The championship guard was very fast, and his breakthrough after the pick-and-roll made it difficult for Arroyo to defend. He passed the ball quickly when faced with help defense.

Garnett failed to find the touch for his jump shot, but thanks to the performance of the "Big Three", the Celtics still managed to suppress the Heat.

The second half of the game frequently fell into positional offense, and the pace of the game began to slow down unconsciously. Facing the crowded inside, Wade also tried to respond from outside the three-point line, but unfortunately both attempts missed.

"Oh!!"

The cheers resounding throughout the stadium made Wade's face darker as he retreated. He realized that the rhythm of the game was wrong, but it was difficult to turn the situation around. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 26:28 and the Celtics temporarily took the lead.

On the ESPN commentary booth, Van Gundy saw the Heat's 2-for-0 three-point shooting in the technical statistics and immediately made a simple comment:

"The Celtics are clearly testing their opponent's shooting. If the Heat want to change their opponent's defense, they have to respond from beyond the three-point line."

Wade scored 9 points in the first quarter, making 6 of 2 shots, 0 of 3 from beyond the three-point line, and 3 of 15 free throws, performing extremely well.

After the second quarter started, Mike Breen also discovered the problem. The champion forward no longer threw three-pointers, but chose to break through some opportunities:
"World Peace was very cautious in his shot selection tonight. Perhaps the Heat need to make some adjustments."

Artest squeezed into the inside line with his body tilted, then cut in from the left wing, but was delayed by Pierce. His final layup was blocked by Perkins.

Although there was suspicion of hitting, the referee ignored it. Garnett, who got the rebound, quickly found Rondo, and the Celtics launched another transition offense.

Rondo rushed faster and faster, dribbled the ball from behind to shake off Arroyo, broke through the middle to the basket, and Haslem, who was returning to defense, saw his opponent rushing forward in three steps, and also jumped up to block the shot.

Rondo passed the ball behind his back in the air and found Garnett who was following up. The latter received the ball, immediately jumped into the air, and dunked with both hands!
"what!!"

Before Garnett could celebrate, Rondo, who had made a wonderful pass, was already beating his chest and roaring in front of the camera, showing his tough guy temperament.
Cursing inwardly, Harden pointed at Rondo in a pretentious manner and patted his chest again. Seeing this harmonious scene, the Boston fans at the scene were excited.

At the end of the first half, the Celtics, who had repeatedly launched transition offenses, expanded their lead to 48:55, a 7-point difference, which made Wade look ugly as he walked towards the player tunnel.

Michael Beasley, who came off the bench, was just like the championship forward, shooting 6 of 2 in the first half. Only David Lee was efficient, shooting 7 of 4 and scoring 10 points, becoming the only two players on the team to score in double digits.

The relatively united Celtics launched a wave of offense in the third quarter. Ray Allen and Pierce scored from beyond the three-point line in succession. The team made 3 of 9 three-pointers in the quarter, which widened the score difference to double digits.

In the last quarter, the Heat were unable to narrow the gap. As time went by, an impatient Wade had to shoot from the three-point line.

God failed to take care of him. After missing shots repeatedly, the game was completely out of control. Wade could only watch his opponent counterattack and continue to slow down the pace.

"Shhh!!"

With 46.8 seconds left in the game, Wade stepped onto the free throw line. The boos grew louder. Some fans in the front row looked at Wade, made boxing gestures, and laughed and taunted:
"Taste the iron fist of world peace!"

"Shet!"

After making one of two free throws, Wade cursed softly. The Flash, who only rested for 4 minutes in the whole game, still did not give up. After fouling Rondo, he leaned on his knees and gasped for breath.

As the Celtics made free throws one after another, the game time quickly ran out, 98:106, and the Celtics successfully protected their home court.

Artest, who played hard on defense throughout the game and only took three three-pointers on offense, turned around and walked away without looking at his teammates.

When approaching the player tunnel, the champion striker raised his arms, put up four fingers on both hands, ignored the staff's pulling, and shouted:
“They’re teaching me how to play?!”

"Hey! They're teaching a championship forward with 8 rings how to play?!"

Wade was almost furious when he saw this scene from behind, and with the fans on both sides constantly adding fuel to the fire, he immediately kicked the guardrail after entering the player tunnel and yelled:
"Damn Nico! Damn champion striker!"

"."

(End of this chapter)