NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 718: Green Light Appears?! (No Protagonist Chapter)

On Monday, May 2010, 5, the Western Conference Finals went on as scheduled, and TNT, as the broadcaster, continued to warm up for this series.

Although the Trail Blazers, the biggest dark horse this season, made it all the way to the divisional finals, no one was optimistic about this matchup, and all the commentators agreed that the series would be 4:0.

Although the heat dropped sharply compared to the Eastern Conference Finals, the enthusiastic Los Angeles media added some "little spice" to the game. TMZ, as a first-line website for gossip, broke the relevant news immediately:

"Family crisis? Tim Duncan may lose interest in basketball!"

According to a Los Angeles reporter who wishes to remain anonymous, Duncan's wife Amy seems to have a close relationship with her fitness coach, which has gone beyond the realm of friends!
The relevant article on the website even released some intimate photos of the two of them returning home late at night, but the content of the photos was a bit blurry and it was impossible to confirm whether the protagonist was Amy.

However, such news is already explosive enough. Last season, Nowitzki’s fraudster girlfriend almost made the German "become a father". This year, Duncan took over the "baton" and continued to provide hot spots for fans.

As we all know, reporters in Los Angeles are also professional when it comes to reporting gossip. This clearly showed that Duncan was cheating, and many people believed it.

After the news broke late last night, social media was abuzz. This is much more interesting than a game where weak teams are bullied!
The Lakers officially issued a statement early in the morning, strongly condemning TMZ's slander against Duncan. His agent and financial advisor also expressed their intention to sue TMZ in court.

The fans in Los Angeles are also very angry. They are about to make it to the finals, but now they are targeting the key players. The local unscrupulous reporters are really inhumane!

Before the game started, Kobe arrived at the arena more than two hours in advance. When he saw the reporters, he did not leave as quickly as before, but took the initiative to help his teammates speak out:

"This is the NBA, not Hollywood!"

"TMZ is fake news. They shouldn't focus on basketball. Tim has an enviable family. These reports hurt all of us. They must apologize!"

"."

Kobe has long hated the media reporters who fan the flames. When he was led by ESPN to say "Shaq did it too", it was these people who did it.

In order to get big news, these guys will even fabricate things. Kobe has a deep understanding of this. Until now, the nanny case has not been settled, and this is all due to the unscrupulous reporters.

TNT paid more attention to gossip than the game. After Kobe explained, the young reporter was reluctant to continue asking:
"Will Tim Duncan be affected by the news? Will this affect tonight's game?"

Kobe began to frown when he heard the question, and in response he corrected the other person and said seriously:
"No one will be affected by fake news! As for the game, we have been preparing for a long time. Although the opponent lacks experience, we will not be careless. The team's goal is to end the series as soon as possible."

"Our goal has never changed. We have the ability to win the championship!"

Not only did Kobe support his teammates, but Odom, Fisher, Barnes, Shannon Brown and others also expressed their anger before the game, denouncing TMZ as a fake news machine.

Duncan has a happy family. This kind of report is bullying honest people!
At 20:30 p.m. that evening, the Staples Center was packed. The gossip news made more people interested in the game. They were happy to watch the fun and some even held up signs to support Duncan.

The director's camera would occasionally focus on the MVP warming up, but fortunately Duncan always had a blank expression on his face, and it was difficult to detect the true emotions of this superstar from behind the camera.

In the commentary booth, Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins and Reggie Miller did not engage in boring gossip. When the three chatted about the divisional finals, they mentioned last night's focus game:
"The disadvantages of young teams will be magnified in the playoffs. Even an experienced team like the Cavaliers will find it difficult to play to their full potential when facing a finals-level game."

Doug Collins sighed, last night's game was beyond his expectations, 100:121, the Knicks exploded in multiple points and beat the Cavaliers with crazy shooting.

"Although no one is optimistic about the Trail Blazers, the boys have a chance to win the game. Compared with their opponents, they have more physical strength."

Reggie Miller, who predicted the Trail Blazers would win the next away game before the game, spoke well again, and then changed the subject and teased the Cavaliers last night:
"I believe that after watching last night's game, the youngsters will put their mindset in the right place. They must remain in awe."

The Cavaliers fell behind in the first quarter, and relied on James and Howard's singles to barely hold on until the third quarter. However, in the last quarter, they completely collapsed, with poor offense and hesitant defense.

仅从Excel上来看，13中7的“快乐兽”和18中8詹姆斯表现得还不错，但骑士队全场11次助攻表明两位核心很多回合都是单打独斗。

Howard and James, who are known as the absolute strengths, failed to show dominance against the veterans. Kevin Harlan thought of Li You's mediocre performance last night and couldn't help but look forward to it:
"Lee only scored 38 points last night. In this series, the Lakers have an absolute advantage. I expect Kobe to have a better performance tonight!"

"."

出场38分钟，19中13，三分线外6中3，罚球9中9，38分7篮板13助攻3抢断2失误，东部决赛G1，李佑个人表现已经无法激起球评人的讨论了。

With his "arch-enemy" in great form, Kobe naturally had to respond. If it weren't for the outrageous gossip, Mamba would have mobilized the locker room before the game.

When the players from both teams finished warming up, Phil Jackson called everyone to give final instructions. The old man from KFC downplayed the gossip and kept silent about it. After seeing the players re-enter the court, he cursed:
"Damn news! These guys almost ruined our game!"

Phil Jackson covered his mouth and whispered, looking at the chief assistant coach Rambis beside him. The latter also showed a depressed look on his face. It would be a lie to say that there was no impact. Men all care about this kind of thing:
"Maybe we should find a chance to talk to Tim."

The old man from KFC stopped talking and sat on the bench with a serious expression, reminding him of the last season of the Bulls. If there hadn't been so many bad things, maybe he would have held the trophy that year.

At 21 p.m., after the game officially started, Marcus Camby, who had proved himself in the first two rounds, "showed his true colors" in just a few minutes, and his offense and defense were visibly poor!
Facing Odom in the starting lineup, Marcus Camby missed his jump shot and his shots at the basket were also missed. When Duncan switched defense, he was blocked and looked very embarrassed.

Aldridge's jump shot also missed the target. Only Andre Miller, who was in excellent form, performed normally. Facing Fisher, he made several quick stop jump shots to help the team keep the score close.

The Lakers, who performed well on the defensive end, did not play a fast transition offense, but after falling into the position, Kobe faced Batum's inside and outside shots as if he was in an empty space!
After attracting a double-team, Barnes also faced Jerry Bayless's defense and made three-pointers in succession.

The Staples Center was in a state of complete frenzy. At the end of the first quarter, the score was fixed at 23:36. The Lakers completely suppressed their opponents from the start.

During the rotation phase, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown also performed well, and veteran Joe Smith also regained his vitality after a long time.

Duncan, who successfully suppressed the opponent's inside line, began to score points continuously, and the score difference gradually widened.

From time to time, the director would focus the camera on Brandon Roy, who was dressed in formal attire. After returning from injury, he was injured again. The "Rose Mamba" could only sit on the bench tonight to cheer for his teammates.

By the end of the first half, the Lakers were already leading by 18 points. After witnessing the one-sided game, Doug Collins could only smile and sigh:
"Even though the Lakers didn't get 60 wins, I think they are underrated this season considering the Western Conference is much more competitive!"

"Before the game, we predicted that there would be big problems with the interior rotation, but it seems that the Trail Blazers have failed to seize such an opportunity."

"." After the second half of the game started, the Trail Blazers failed to organize an effective counterattack. DPOY Marcus Camby was completely defeated, and the cheers in the stadium became louder and louder.

After three quarters, the Lakers were already leading by 22 points. During an interview with TNT during the intermission, Phil Jackson, who had been hosting the game, smiled at the camera again and said confidently:

"I know a lot of people are talking about our rotation, but in the playoffs, an 8-man rotation is not a problem!"

"Not every team has the depth that the Knicks have, and I'm proud of all the guys on this team and the veterans who overcame all the odds."

The Trail Blazers did not give up in the last quarter, but unfortunately, even with the referee's added drama, they only narrowed the gap to 18 points in the end.

At the end of the game, the score was fixed at 101:119. Head coach McMillan had a helpless smile on his face. He quickly walked to the technical table and shook hands with the old man from KFC.

Kobe, who was having knee problems, gave the opportunity to interview to Duncan. The low-key leader seemed to not care about gossip. When talking about his outstanding performance of 16 out of 9 tonight, he just said calmly:
"We will not underestimate our opponent just because they are a young team! I am glad that we played with a sense of urgency throughout the game!"

"This is just G1, we still have a lot of work to do!"

"."

The TNT broadcasting company naturally would not follow up with random gossip, which made Duncan feel relieved. After seeing the news, he was also shocked, but Amy said that it was just a partner, and he finally chose to believe it.

When the two core players attended the post-game press conference, the atmosphere in the Lakers locker room was a bit weird because Shannon Brown also entered the room according to TMZ gossip.

No one suspected that Shannon Brown cheated on the boss, but as an insider, Brown obviously concealed something and did not remind Duncan.

As a locker room leader, Fisher demonstrated his leadership ability and took the initiative to suggest:
"Bro, you can talk to Tim about the photo. We all know those reporters are making up fake news."

"We have to help Tim with this matter. We can't let those damn reporters continue to talk big!"

"If these guys can make up stories about Tim, maybe they'll do the same to us in the future. I don't want to be spied on at my family gatherings."

The Fish family and the Barnes family are very close, and the two sides hold family gatherings from time to time and invite Lakers players.

These words resonated with everyone, and Barnes said angrily:
"I know those reporters hate Kobe and don't like Tim, but this time they have touched the bottom line, we have to unite!"

"I remember that Li invested in this website. I can help. They must remove the disgusting news. Those unscrupulous Los Angeles reporters should also be punished."

After Li You acquired Reddit, he invested in B/R and TMZ, and the New York Times bought into its board of directors.

Most reporters dare not gossip about the gossip. The child is about to form a football team. In the media's mouth, Li You is still a good man who is loyal, responsible and family-oriented!
Shannon Brown was somewhat guilty and kept silent. Vujacic, who had conflicts with the coaching staff, did not oppose Barnes this time. He agreed with Barnes and even suggested loudly:

"We can also talk to the management. I don't want to see fake news spread to the locker room in a few days. Those damn reporters will do anything for money."

"."

Soon everyone spoke out in support, saying that logging was the most important thing, and this report had touched their bottom line, and they had to help the boss get an explanation!

After the press conference, Kobe also wanted to encourage his partner, but it was a bit awkward. He couldn't find a good way to start. In the end, he could only pat Duncan and said in a deep voice:

"Sometimes I don't like Los Angeles either, Bro. Those reporters only make up fake news. Don't let them hurt you and your family!"

"I will finish this round as soon as possible. We will have enough time to settle accounts with those guys later. This time, we will make them pay!"

Duncan, who believed in his wife, was also a little annoyed. He didn't understand why those unscrupulous reporters would focus on his life. After hearing what his partner said, he responded calmly:
"It doesn't matter. This kind of boring news will soon pass. I can handle this matter!"

"The coach is right, we have to stay focused and don't worry about me."

"."

Duncan's financial advisor Charles Banks was shocked when he saw the report. Since coming to Los Angeles, he has taken advantage of his trust and taken a lot of money. Amy also helped and spent money on her coach.

Charles Banks, who acquired the winery a few years ago, was in good financial condition, but after the financial crisis, his life became difficult, so he started to raise money to facilitate his business.

After getting support from his teammates, Duncan felt much better. Shannon Brown even denounced those unscrupulous reporters. In this regard, he believed in his younger brother.

After arriving at the parking lot, his cell phone suddenly rang. Seeing that it was Banks' call, Duncan answered it immediately, and then heard the other party's annoyed voice:

"I swear, I'll teach those bastard reporters a lesson!"

"Tim, that photo was taken after a party. My family and I were there. You know, our business is booming!"

"."

After hearing the explanation from economic adviser Charles Banks, Duncan was completely relieved. When he got in the car, his bad mood was completely calmed down, and he quickly expressed his trust in his partners:

"I believe you, we have to take down that report and then let the lawyers sue them!"

"Those journalists must pay!"

After the call ended, Duncan, sitting in the car, suddenly recalled his life after coming to Los Angeles. The boredom reappeared, and the desire to "go home" became stronger. He didn't want to continue:
"Win once! I must win once!"

"."

(End of this chapter)