NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 886 Contract terminated, immediate retirement. (Daily chapter)
Friday, June 6, 2014, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was exceptionally heated. As the third quarter drew to a close, more and more fans joined in the "interaction":

"You're done, old man!"

"Hang it up, man!"

"."

More and more fans are calling for Tim Duncan to retire. As some fans said in pre-game interviews, New York has never liked the boring Spurs, and Duncan shouldn't be performing in the Garden.

The screaming fans evoked sympathy from Mark Jackson in the ABC commentary booth. He was supposed to continue commentating on the game, but ultimately chose to speak up for Duncan:
"I don't really like this basketball atmosphere; New York seems to have lost its respect!"

“As an athlete who grew up in New York, I want to make one thing clear to the fans here: not everyone fights for this city.”

"Everyone knows that New York fans are temperamental, and Madison Square Garden is like a giant show. People here should know that some players are not naturally suited to playing under the spotlight."

"That's Tim Duncan for you. This is his ninth NBA Finals appearance. Although he's unlikely to win a championship, he has dominated the Western Conference throughout his career."

"I hope everyone can give more respect to a 38-year-old veteran like him."

Back when Tim Duncan first faced the Knicks in the NBA Finals, the New York media made sarcastic remarks about him:

"Watching Duncan play is as 'exciting' as filing a tax return."

The related reports haven't changed in over a decade, and coupled with Duncan's continued losses, New York has become the city that least respects the MVP.

With Duncan nearing retirement, he revisited Madison Square Garden, only to receive no applause. Mark Jackson couldn't help but sympathize, feeling that veterans shouldn't have to go through this.

Reggie Miller received a standing ovation in his final game at the Garden, while Tim Duncan, as MVP, didn't receive the same treatment. Jeff Van Gundy couldn't help but speak up for the veteran.

“I agree with that view. Looking back on Tim Duncan’s career, he has been great enough.”

"A championship shouldn't be the standard by which he's judged. Nine Finals appearances weren't a fluke. I hope everyone can pay tribute to this legend."

Game 2 was described by Duncan as a "devastating loss," with an impressive second half. The Knicks took the lead in the third quarter, 76-40, and then scored 42 points in the final quarter!
After a miraculous comeback and a day of rest before arriving in New York, the Spurs pulled away, trailing 61-88. After three quarters, the game was essentially over.

In this do-or-die game, he failed to score more than 20 points in two consecutive quarters, which amused the New York fans in the arena, who naturally took the opportunity to mock him relentlessly.

Unlike his American counterparts, Zhang Weiping continued his commentary from the CCTV commentary booth, while Yang Jian repeatedly tried to change the subject to no avail; the old man had entered a self-indulgent mode.

"Duncan and Ginobili should both retire. There is absolutely no need for them to stay on the team."

"The Spurs should rebuild sooner. I saw in the news that Duncan needs to inform the team whether he wants to exercise his player option for the last year of his contract before the 24th of this month."

"The $1030 million contract was discussed with my American counterparts, and the vast majority of them believed that Duncan should opt for retirement."

"His impact on the game has declined too much, and the window for winning a title is completely closed."

More and more media reporters believe that Duncan will not exercise his player option, and given the current state of the game, the veteran is highly likely to retire with dignity.

However, in a pre-game interview today, Duncan seemed unprepared to leave the league. The veteran didn't answer many questions, only stating his position in front of everyone:
"I don't know when I will be able to retire, and I'm even less clear about the factors that might influence my retirement."

"I know nothing about any of this. The series is still going on, and I'm only thinking about the next game."

This attitude didn't last long. Midway through the second quarter, the director focused the camera on Duncan, who had broken through the defense. After being substituted off the court, the veteran covered his face with his hands, looking extremely pained.

Before the start of the final quarter, ABC broadcasters again showed the performances of the two teams' key players in the third quarter:

With 7 of 8 field goals made, 4 of 5 from three-point range, and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line, Li You made his usual effort, scoring 22 points in the quarter and helping the team extend their lead.

6中2，三分线外1中0，邓肯拼尽全力拿到4分3篮板，老将只能看着比赛失去悬念。

The difference between the two core players is obvious. Duncan is showing his age, while Li You seems no different from when he was young and can still beat his old rival.
Whenever the team has a big lead, the Knicks always manage to create some "massacres," and tonight was no exception. During the rotation, Danny Green, who had missed two games, was in exceptionally hot form.

In the first offensive possession of the fourth quarter, when Kyrie Irving drove to the basket with the ball on his left hand after a pick-and-roll in the middle and was met with help defense from Ginobili, he immediately passed the ball across to his teammate on the left wing.

They intended to return to the top of the key to reorganize, but Danny Green caught the ball and shot it from a step away from the three-point line!

"Oh!"

Joyful shouts echoed through the arena once again, and Danny Green pointed one finger to the sky, not forgetting to yell passionately as he retreated on defense:
"Let's go!"

Danny Green regained his form in the final quarter of Game 2, and tonight, back at home, the young man completely exploded, consuming most of Ray Allen's time and delivering outstanding performances on both ends of the court.

Leonard attempted to receive the ball in the right-side blocking area, but Jimmy Butler, who was guarding him, half-circled in front of him to interfere. The two kept pulling and tugging at each other, and Parker, who was on the top of the line, stopped the ball. Under Irving's tight defense, he could only pass the ball to Diaw at the top of the arc.

When Ginobili received the ball on the left wing, the veteran impatiently drove to the basket but was blocked by Danny Green. Seeing that his old partner was about to stop the ball again, Duncan hurriedly stepped forward to screen.

The point difference was too large, and the defense was pushed away. The referee did not make any call. The New York fans in the arena immediately became excited and shouted curses, but soon the crowd cheered again.

The Argentine, giving it his all, pushed the ball, changed direction, switched to his right hand, and strode straight to the basket. Ginobili, holding his breath, tried to dunk, but Ibaka was there, swatting the veteran to the ground.
"what!!"

Ibaka, who didn't participate in the fast break and completed the block, pounded his chest and yelled near the baseline camera, while the New York fans behind him celebrated wildly, and some started cursing their opponents again.

Irving, sprinting at full speed, didn't even look at Butler and Danny Green following behind. He charged into the paint and forced a layup against Diaw. Losing his balance, he threw the ball towards the backboard with his left hand.

The basketball bounced miraculously at the top of the court and fell into the basket. The referee blew his whistle, and Kyrie Irving, who was lying on the floor, thumped his chest and shouted loudly with the fans.

Markieff Morris rushed from the backcourt to help Irving up, and while his teammate was shooting free throws, he also clenched his fist in celebration.

If you ignore the score and only look at the performance of the Knicks' young players, you might think the game was extremely close, with everyone putting on a show – that's exactly what New York fans love.
Less than 40 seconds later, they were down 6-0 again, but Popovich didn't call a timeout. The old man stood blankly on the sidelines, and his dejected appearance only drew more ridicule.

The Spurs, who stuck with their starting lineup, couldn't keep up with the pace of the game during the rotation phase. When Duncan tried to attack Morris under the basket, Ibaka quickly got back on defense.

He tossed the ball toward the basket amidst a double-team, drawing a foul, but made only one of two free throws.

Back on defense in their half-court, before the Spurs could even get back on their feet, Irving accelerated again from the top of the arc, driving past Parker to the basket. After a quick step, he engaged Duncan in mid-air, and with a slightly angled right-handed floater, he banked the ball in.

It was as if we were back in the fourth quarter of Game 2. Duncan stumbled and went out of bounds, his eyes wide open. He couldn't accept the result.

"No more miracles! The young players are back in form, and the Knicks will take the series lead tonight."

"Li will complete a three-peat at the age of 36. God seems to be particularly fond of him." Van Gundy praised loudly. The championship coach didn't want to see the Spurs' veteran get beaten up again; such a scene was truly heartbreaking.

Ginobili's tough three-point attempt from the top of the arc was severely disrupted, and when the rebound bounced into Morris's hands, the Spurs could only resort to fouling to break up the transition offense.

When Irving drove hard to the top of the key and pulled up behind Parker's back for a powerful shot, Madison Square Garden erupted. The young man on his way to the free-throw line couldn't resist showing off.

"Guys, get a younger guy to guard me!"

"."

No one from the Spurs responded, and after making the free throw, the score reached 62-99. Popovich called a timeout, and the game was no longer in doubt.

Back in his seat, Duncan covered his face with his hands again. His teammates remained silent, while Gary Neal, who was in poor form, and George Hill, who had suddenly disappeared, both looked at their head coach.

Popovich kept talking on his clipboard; the old man had no intention of giving up. Even if they lost, the Spurs would fight to the very end.

As time ticked away, to show respect for his old rival, Lee Woo returned to the game with 6 minutes and 48 seconds remaining.

The cheers at Madison Square Garden were deafening; the high-priced tickets required a performance by the GOAT!
In his first appearance in the Finals, Artest received a pass from Li You on the wing and hit a three-pointer. The Spurs, who had been pushing the pace, completely collapsed, and Duncan, who could no longer hold on, immediately signaled that he wanted to leave the game.

During the pause, the director focused the camera on the veteran who was "going home," and Artest was already "in tears."

Although the group of family and friends was "blood-sucking," they provided maximum emotional value; everyone shouted loudly, and some women even shed tears.
As if he had just taken the lead, Li You patted his old teammate with a smile, while Artest excitedly shouted into the camera:

"God-Lee is invincible!"

Encouraged by the crowd, more and more New York fans joined in, and the chants of "God-Lee" grew louder and louder, turning Madison Square Garden into a "preaching" scene.
The two Frenchmen, back in their seats, were the first to surrender. Dio gulped down his water bottle and then shook his head repeatedly, while Parker leaned back in his seat, staring blankly at the big screen.

Ginobili looked unwilling; he believed that if they could win Game 2, the series would be completely different.

Unfortunately, that perfect first half seemed to be just a flash in the pan, and no one could ever recapture that form.

"We performed exceptionally well! We fought to the very last moment!"

"."

Popovich offered some words of encouragement in a hoarse voice, seemingly trying to comfort the disheartened veterans, but it didn't work. Duncan didn't lift his head and looked withdrawn again.

Experiencing such a scene for the first time, Marco Belinelli was speechless. The sports media reports were right; G2 was indeed a devastating defeat.

With just over two minutes left, thanks to the outstanding performance of the Italians, the Spurs managed to maintain their composure, and when the hum of the rim sounded, cheers once again echoed throughout the arena.

The Spurs suffered a crushing defeat in the do-or-die game, losing 81-121, bringing the series score to 3-0.

In the losing players' tunnel, Duncan was the first to leave quickly, ignoring the jeers from the New York fans on both sides. The veteran didn't say a word and went straight to the locker room.

The Knicks players gathered on the sidelines, all "listening" to Li You's guidance. Doris Burke smiled and, hearing the joyful cheers of the New York fans, asked a question loudly:
"Li, you are about to complete your third consecutive championship. At the age of 36, you have achieved such a great feat. How do you feel at this moment?"

Having changed into his training uniform, Li You still looked full of energy. He simply smiled and replied to the question:

"Thank you to the Knicks family! Everyone played exceptionally well, and we once again demonstrated our dominance to fans around the world!"

"A three-peat is great, but I don't think that's the limit for the Knicks."

"You know I'll be retiring in two years, and I hope the team can continue their championship run and make another push for an eighth consecutive title."

"Oh!!"

The young players behind them shouted loudly; the series wasn't over yet, but everyone was already dreaming about the future.

Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler were both thrilled at this moment, as they had the opportunity to create their own legendary careers!

The entire arena erupted in a frenzy. Ray Allen, who witnessed the scene, raised an eyebrow. The veteran felt that the Knicks would suffer a backlash if Li You retired, as this had deviated from the normal basketball environment.

An emotional Artest was still waving his arms and shouting loudly with his family and friends:
"God-Lee! God-Lee! God-Lee!."

At 23:30 p.m., the crowd that had been waiting in the media room for half a day finally saw Tim Duncan. The veteran looked dejected and could no longer maintain his usual stoic expression.

ESPN reporters quickly asked the question that everyone was concerned about, ignoring the glares from Spurs staff, and asked:

"Tim, after the devastating loss in Game 2 and then Game 3, the Spurs missed out on the championship. What are your plans for the future?"

Everyone in the audience looked at Duncan, but the veteran didn't give an answer immediately. He kept his head down and remained silent. Only when everyone started to stir did he speak in a deep voice:
"I will withdraw my player option, and as for a new contract, I haven't thought about it yet."

Perhaps thinking of the series of defeats, Duncan's eyes reddened slightly, and he suppressed the surging emotions in his chest as he added:

"Although I still love basketball very much, it's time to end my professional career."

"For me, returning to the Finals is already a blessing from God."

"."

The news caused an uproar among the people in the media room. The veteran reporters couldn't help but think of Allen Iverson back in the day, the "Son of Philadelphia" who also announced his retirement with tears in his eyes after a loss.

The restless reporters wanted more information, but Duncan could no longer contain his disappointment and got up to leave amidst the shouts of the crowd.

The Spurs staff didn't know how to comfort the veteran. While being called the "uncrowned king" sounds good, it also means that Duncan has become the biggest loser in history.

Inside the corridor, Vanessa Macias saw her boyfriend crying and immediately went to greet him. Embracing his girlfriend, Duncan seemed to recall his "Hulk" experience, and tears streamed down his face as he murmured in anguish:

"God has abandoned me; I can't do anything."

Vanessa Macias, who never imagined basketball could cause such pain, also burst into tears, hugging her boyfriend tightly and comforting him repeatedly.

Everything will be alright.

(End of this chapter)