NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 709 "Anxious and Angry" (Daily Chapter)
On the afternoon of Thursday, April 2010, 4, major sports media across the United States simultaneously congratulated Li You on winning the eighth MVP trophy of his career.

On Twitter, well-known basketball commentators posted updates one after another, and many NBA players also sent their blessings.

However, what made some fans most upset was Stephen A. Smith's exaggerated performance in the First Take program. Facing the camera, this loyal New York fan burst into tears again:
"Ladies and gentlemen, since 96, the Knicks have achieved 11+ wins in 60 seasons, including 4+ wins in 70 seasons, and 3 wins three times, the best record in history!"

"Although Lee has won eight MVP trophies and completed an unprecedented three consecutive MVPs twice, these awards still cannot highlight his greatness!"

"Lee made Madison Square Garden the world's basketball mecca, and countless New York fans proudly held their chests high because of him."

"We have the best basketball players in the world and the Knicks are the most dominant championship team in the world!"

"."

Stephen A. Smith blew the whistle and cried with excitement at the same time. His performance in the studio stunned his partner Skip Bayliss again.

Although it was not the first time he witnessed such a scene, Bayliss always felt that his partner's tears were a bit outrageous. He cried as soon as he said he would. His entry into Hollywood is just around the corner!
In addition to congratulating Li You on his award in advance, the two discussed more about the labor-management agreement for next year.

In fact, after the NBA released the latest offer during the All-Star Weekend in February, the players' union expressed dissatisfaction, believing that the league lacked sincerity.

It is unacceptable to reduce player salary expenses to achieve a balance between income and expenditure, but the news was not very popular at the time, and the league handled it coldly, so the matter eventually passed.

There should have been another negotiation before the end of this season, but the league did not change its trend in the agreement, and Mark Cuban's loud complaints about the league's financial deficit triggered new discussions.

Stephen A. Smith couldn't stop boasting. Li You had too many honors. If you count the "scraps", it can be said that he won too many. In the end, it was the host Dana Jacobson who changed the topic:
"Stephen, we have received uncertain news that the next labor agreement will modify the luxury tax regulations."

"It even involves changes to the maximum salary rules. Will this be the trigger for a lockout?"

Wiping the tears from his face, Stephen A. Smith immediately criticized these outrageous rumors angrily:

"Why do we need to adjust the luxury tax rules? The Knicks have been the team with the highest luxury tax for many consecutive seasons, and many small markets have benefited from it!"

"They can't get the money and then beg for a championship? It's obviously a lack of respect for basketball to link the championship with US dollars."

"Some teams should reflect on why they can only be eliminated in the first round or semifinals despite paying the same expensive luxury tax?"

"."

Skip Bayless supports sanctions against the New Yorkers. The current situation is that the Knicks clearly don't mind spending money and can still expand their profits through the ball market and championships.

Looking only at the results, this positive cycle has destroyed the competitive environment of the league. Skip Bayliss, who also received money, has begun to argue:
"No one would have thought this would happen in the last labor agreement! No one wants to watch uncompetitive games, which will destroy the league's brand value."

"The ratings are going up, Knicks season tickets are in short supply, the league is benefiting from that, more people are starting to pay attention to basketball."

Interrupting his partner, Stephen A. Smith even sped up his speech, not giving the other party a chance to refute:

"Lee's success has brought more young people into the basketball court. It's no longer a game dominated by big men."

"You are cheating. There won't be another Li!"

Skip Bayliss argued loudly, and the two began a new round of quarrel. Dana Jacobson, who was sitting in the middle, felt helpless, and the show turned into a "debate contest for capital representatives."

A large number of owners want to reduce player salaries and break the championship monopoly;
Although James Dolan did not make a public statement, after the All-Star Weekend, the curly-haired owner also promised local fans that the inflated luxury tax would not be a problem and that the team would guarantee two maximum salaries.

Pau Gasol will enter his contract year next season and the Knicks can renew his contract in advance. The Spanish big man has no intention of leaving, and the two sides hit it off.

Coupled with the league's highest salary after Li You's contract expires, after two huge expenditures, New York still plans to continue spending, and some teams can't stand it.

After arguing for a while, the two still couldn't come to a conclusion. Anyway, the agreement would not officially expire until next year, so it was enough to heat up the topic. As for the result, that was not important.

While previewing tonight's game between the Heat and Celtics, Stephen A. Smith also touted the Knicks' winning culture:
"Metta World Peace and David Lee have saved the Heat again! Every player who plays next to Lee will unleash their potential!"

"I don't like Wade's big mouth recently. He should learn championship experience from Mehta."

"If Wade can play like Lee, the Heat will be leading now. As a leader, don't complain about your teammates. Reflect on your own performance. Young people should stay humble."

"."

These words are not much different from Artest's "50-point theory". Skip Bayliss would have argued about it in the past, but now he is too lazy to respond because Li You can indeed easily score 50 points.

I don’t know since when, if the core players cannot carry the team’s offense, it becomes considered as incompetence, and basketball for five people seems to be developing into a one-man show.

Skip Bayliss, who has always been bold in criticizing athletes, had to compromise and followed suit when talking about his expectations for tonight's game:

"Wade should stand up in the crucial game! He needs to carry the team's offense and drag the series into a tiebreaker. The Heat will gain a greater advantage when they return home."

The Knicks will face the semifinals on Sunday, the 2nd, and will have ample time to rest after sweeping their opponents. In addition to training as scheduled, Li You spends most of his time accompanying the pregnant girls.

At dinner time, Elizabeth Olsen rarely appeared in the townhouse on 82nd Street. She was still a little embarrassed. The scene of a bunch of little kids surrounding her and calling her mommy made the young girl blush even more.

The kids sitting in a row at the back of the table ate quietly. Milinda, who was sitting next to Li You, winked at the young girl and then stopped paying attention to her and continued to talk about the New Mexico primary:
"Kim should have no problem passing the primary, and Susana Martinez will most likely become the first Hispanic female governor."

"The Elephant Party is still very united, thanks to Cheney's successful surgery. That heart was really timely."

Melinda was in a good mood as she moved back to Li You's "hometown" for the election in the past two years and finally reaped the rewards. Seeing that Li You didn't say anything, she even hummed a few times and twisted her body.

This "childhood sweetheart from college" still looks young. Li You saw the smiling faces of his sons and couldn't help but shook his head and said:

"I thought Kim could be elected governor directly. She gained a lot of support after her speech at the Elephant Party Convention. Cheney's influence is still declining, and those old friends are planning to abandon him."

Liz Cheney's plan to run for the Senate did not receive much support. Although Li You promised to spend money, he no longer had any hope for the outcome of the election. Fortunately, Jin entered the state senate as scheduled. If he works harder in the future, he may be able to enter Washington earlier than Liz Cheney.

Melinda was content with the results of her two years of work. She stopped looking at Li You and asked the butler to give the little ones some extra food. Then she smiled at the somewhat reserved young girl:
"How was dinner, honey? Clay can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, and those reporters must be affecting your life. Move over, the community police station here will take special care of you."

When Olsen thought of the succubus's suggestion to "drink milk", he felt his face burning, but he also felt a little excited. Finally, he whispered:

"I want to live with Alyce."

The only normal girl in the villa was the little follower. Melinda nodded, looked at the young girl's still curvy figure, smiled and agreed.

Li You, who rarely watched the playoffs in the evening, witnessed the two teams in dire straits in front of the TV.

The Heat were still the same. The champion forward was not very stable on the offensive end. Wade was frequently double-teamed and was suppressed by the opponent throughout the first half.
In contrast, the Celtics played very reasonably, with Pierce and Artest competing, Wade chasing Ray Allen, and Rondo and Garnett's pick-and-roll being particularly efficient tonight.

The twins ran to Li You's arms, looked at the TV for a while, then looked up and said:

"Daddy, are there any trophies this year?"

"I love that new trophy!"

Wilfred and Willis inherited Milinda's strengths and were very lively. They just liked to play tricks on their brothers. Li You looked at the two little guys in his arms, patted their heads and said with a smile:

"Of course there are trophies, one for each of you!"

While Li You went to bed early to practice his ball-handling skills, in the North Shore Garden Arena next door, Garnett pounded his chest and shouted passionately, showing off his tough guy temperament amid the cheers of Celtics fans!
At the critical moment of the fourth quarter, Harden first made a jump shot in the left elbow area through a pick-and-roll, and then successfully interfered with Wade's breakthrough in the defensive round, helping the team lock in the victory.

In offense and defense, Garnett once again showed his MVP style. He is the real core of this team!
The Celtics celebrated with great enthusiasm. In the boiling arena, Wade was filled with frustration. Even with the home-court advantage, he still led his team to a loss.

"World Peace will uppercut you!"

"Softie! Where's your 50 cents?"

"Miami Jokers!"

On both sides of the player tunnel, happy Boston fans not only jumped and danced, but even leaned over the railings and shouted at Wade.

The Flash didn't want to talk to the fans at first, but when he was about to enter the tunnel, he was splashed with beer. He was furious and rushed back outside to curse passionately despite the staff's dissuasion.
When Wade was pulled back to the locker room, Artest, who was left at the end, caused loud cheers from Celtics fans on both sides.

The championship forward didn't care about losing. Artest thought he had tried his best. Although he only made 14 of 5 shots and 7 of 2 three-pointers, on the defensive end, he also limited Pierce to 20 of 8 shots.

Patting his chest to the fans, Artest once again showed his championship qualities, raised his hands, put up four fingers, and strolled back into the passage.

On the sidelines, Rondo, who was saying goodbye to his former teammates, was being interviewed by a TNT reporter. The championship guard was very happy as this was the first time he led his team into the semifinals.

"I would only give myself 70 points for my performance. You know, my experience with the Knicks has made me demand higher standards!"

"Lee thinks I can be the MVP, which really inspires me! This is also one of my goals after coming to the Celtics. Unfortunately, my performance in the regular season did not meet expectations."

"My championship experience helped the team in this round of playoffs. The Celtics have always had a firm grasp on the tempo of the game."

"."

Rondo continued to talk about his championship experience, and finally wished Li You another win. When asked if Li You would win the unanimous MVP again, he responded without hesitation:

"No doubt about it! I believe no one will refuse to vote for Lee!"

"After joining the Celtics, I deeply realized one thing, there is a gap between MVPs. You know, I respect Kevin, but whether it is him or other winners, there is a big gap between them and Lee!"

“I can’t wait to start the semi-finals. I will continue to learn from the competition and hope that Lee can witness my growth as well.”

Garnett, who was passing by and planning to celebrate, was almost furious at Rondo's words. The gap had arisen inexplicably. Even if it was true, he shouldn't have said it at this time!

Harden barely maintained his smile, patted Rondo on the shoulder, and then called on Perkins and others to quickly walk towards the player tunnel.

After returning to the locker room, Garnett couldn't help but curse. Thinking of the upcoming semi-finals, he couldn't help but say viciously:

"We have to teach that egomaniac a lesson this year! Damn your championship experience, don't let me see you guys giving up defense during the game!"

"Listen, if we can take care of them, we can win the championship!"

"Whether it's the Cavaliers or the Lakers, they won't stand a chance against us."

Garnett was so angry that he blew X in a low voice and excitedly punched from time to time. When he glared at Perkins and others, the latter quickly responded:
"I promise to make him pay! They won't be able to score easily under the basket!"

The chubby Glen Davis also put on a tough look, and when he saw Garnett glaring at him, he said in a show of loyalty:
"Boss! I promise to make those New York wimps leave the TD Garden on their hands and knees."

Garnett glared again, seemingly dissatisfied with Davis's remarks, and reminded him fiercely again:
"Let them lie down in G1! Damn it, do you think I only care about my home court? I want to win the championship!"

"."

The Celtics players returned to the locker room one after another, and Garnett finally calmed down. However, Glen Davis and others still felt that something was wrong with the boss:
"You're anxious and angry about winning? Are you having psychological problems?"

"."

(End of this chapter)