I'm really strong in basketball

Chapter 137 The Final Battle
The time came to November 2005.

There are 12 games left in the regular season.

Compared with January, February, and March, the Knicks' opponents in April are relatively weak.

Coupled with the injured players gradually recovering and returning one after another, the Knicks achieved a record of 9 wins and 1 loss in one fell swoop.

At this time, the Knicks' record was 59 wins and 21 losses.

New York fans and media were excited to the extreme.

Since the 1946-1947 season, the Knicks have only achieved 60 wins twice in their history.

上一次是1997—1998赛季，更早的一次是1969—1970赛季，而且两次都只是60胜22负。

And now, the Knicks have hope of surpassing history.

4 month 19 day.

The Knicks defeated the Bulls 99:91, bringing their record to 60 wins and 21 losses.

Next, all it takes is one final victory.

4 month 20 day.

The Knicks come to Cleveland.

Yes, the Knicks' last opponent this season is the Cavaliers.

The game hasn't started yet.

New Yorkers are already celebrating.

After all, the Cavaliers?Could that be a match for the Knicks?

James?The King of New York fights every time he meets him!
The Knicks have been waiting for this record for 58 years.

58 years!

This is the memory and youth of several generations.

On this day, although there was no game at Madison Square Garden, it was packed with people.

At the scene, you can even see some gray-haired and extremely old fans.

They are 70, 80, or even 90 years old.

The Knicks singled out an iconic fan.

This old fan started following the Knicks in 1946.

That year, he was 8 years old.

This year, he is 66 years old.

I have liked the Knicks for 58 years, and I am nothing more than a hardcore fan.

When interviewed by reporters, old fans talked endlessly about the Knicks back then.

Players at that time wore canvas shoes, tight-fitting jerseys and no proper equipment.

All players work part-time, including mechanics, truck drivers, police officers, doctors, security guards...

In addition, celebrities from all walks of life in New York, Knicks legends, and even the mayor of New York City came to the scene to watch the game together, looking forward to the Knicks creating new history.

The activity reached an unprecedented level.

The New York City government sent a large number of security forces to maintain order at the scene for fear of a stampede.

Of course, big boss James Dolan and general manager Jerry West also came to the scene, and the two were enthusiastically welcomed by New York fans.

Dolan was very happy.

This is the first time in all his long time running the Knicks that he has been so popular.

As expected of me!
Xia Tian invited Liu He desperately, this look... tsk tsk tsk!

Dolan was happy and waved his hand: "Tonight, beer, drinks, popcorn, pizza, tacos, donuts...enough!"

"In addition, if the Knicks can set a new record tonight, I will give each of the coaching staff, players, and staff a big gold watch!"

"Finally, ten lucky people will be selected from the fans at the scene and given a Ferrari as a gift! One for each person!"

Wow!

He is worthy of being a super rich man. He gives gifts so generously, unlike Old Bass and Alexander.

Upon hearing Dolan's award, the New York fans at the scene suddenly started crying and howling, becoming even more enthusiastic.

Soon, the news spread to the visiting team locker room in Cleveland, and the entire Knicks team became even more excited.

The big gold watch given by the big boss Dolan is definitely not an ordinary gold watch.

If you give me an ordinary gold watch, that's not a loss.Where is Dolan worthy of his status?
And in the home team's locker room.

The Cavaliers are also united.

Since the All-Star break, the Cavaliers' schedule has become more difficult, and their record has plummeted.

Currently, the Cavaliers' record is 41 wins and 40 losses, tied for eighth with the Nets.

This game must be won for the Cavaliers to reach the playoffs.

Because if the record is the same, the order will be determined by the results of the two teams playing against each other.

This season, the Cavaliers and Nets have met 4 times, with a record of 1 win and 3 losses.

With the same record, the Nets can be ranked eighth and squeeze the Cavaliers out of the playoffs.

Everyone in the Cavaliers knows that they must win the final game to have a chance of reaching the playoffs.

If they lose, even if the Nets lose the game, with a 1-3 record, the Cavaliers still have to go home and go fishing.

So, they have to win!

New York, NBA headquarters.

David Stern has mixed feelings.

Isn’t the Cavaliers’ record in the first half pretty good?Why did it suddenly collapse and fall to the edge of the playoffs?

Speaking of which, the Cavaliers' lineup isn't bad either.

James is a super rookie, with Big Z and Gooden, an All-Star insider, and a quasi-star. The overall strength is quite strong!

Look at the Knicks. The strength of the team is similar to that of the Cavaliers. A group of old, weak, sick and young can all achieve a record of more than 60 wins.

Even if the Cavaliers are even close, 50 wins, no! I should be able to win 45 games.

However, the Cavaliers only had 41 wins!
Could it be that it’s really James?
In another time and space, there is no existence of Liu He and no comparison. Stern has not discovered it yet.

In this time and space, with Liu He's presence, Stern, an old man who doesn't understand football, gradually realized something.

After all, you are not afraid of not knowing the goods, but you are afraid of comparing goods.

In comparison, James is really not good!

However, considering the large amount of resources invested in James in the early stage, it would be a huge waste to just give up.

Stern still wants to help James once and send him to the playoffs.

So Stern called in his assistant to joke.

"That kid in Cleveland is only one win away from entering the playoffs, so you have to remind the referees association to make sure this game is fair and just!"

Joke certainly knows what "fair and impartial" means.

But
"Boss, the Nets are also watching this game."

Stern is unmoved, so what do the Nets mean?
Joke then pulled out his phone and played a video for Stern.

It was the scene of New York fans gathering in the grand concourse outside Madison Square Garden.

Several important people appear in the video.

The mayor of New York City, Dolan, the owner of the Knicks, and other bigwigs in New York politics, business, entertainment and even gangs.

Stern's expression gradually became serious.

The Nets are nothing, but the Knicks are not, and Stern has to pay attention.

The joke reminds us again: "New Yorkers have been waiting for this day for 58 years. If Boss, we are in New York!"

How crazy are New York fans?

Howard was involved in trouble in New York and was severely beaten by the Knicks.

Just like that, New York fans blocked the bus when the Magic left.

Some people even fired shots and set fires from the outside, scaring the Magic players half to death.

If the New York police hadn't come forward, the Magic would not have been able to leave New York in one piece.

If the league dares to cause trouble in this game and cause the Knicks to lose, who knows what the crazy New York fans will do?

The last sentence of the joke is to remind Stern that we are in New York, and New York fans don’t even need to stay overnight to take revenge.

Stern shuddered on the spot: "In this case, you must ensure that this game is fair and just, and you must not make the fans dissatisfied at all. The fans are God, and satisfying the fans is our most important purpose."

Joke nodded again and again.

It's both fair and just, but the two times have completely different meanings.

After the joke was gone, Stern murmured: "Although I can't favor you, I can at least ensure that you don't suffer in terms of penalties. As for whether you can make it to the playoffs, it all depends on you. You have to live up to your expectations. point!"

cleveland.

Quicken Loans Arena.

Both sides sent out their starting lineups.

Cavaliers:
Big Z, Gooden, James, Newbell, McGinnis.

Knicks:

Chandler, Thomas, Liu He, Hill, White Chocolate.

Nelson also gradually discovered that whenever he faced James, Chandler's defensive effect would be particularly outstanding.

So in this game, he made Chandler the starting center.

Full of targeting.

There was no way, the whole of New York was looking forward to the Knicks creating new history, and Nelson had to go all out and not dare to give up at all.

Game start.

Chandler relied on his amazing physical skills to win the jump ball.

The Knicks attack.

White Chocolate and Thomas used a high pick-and-roll and broke through inside.

Big Z relied on his 220cm height and his absolute height advantage to guard the basket, which caused enough interference that White Chocolate's layup missed.

Bang!

At this moment, Chandler jumped high, used his bounce to grab the rebound from Big Z's head, and succeeded in a dunk.

boom!
2: 0.

Chandler is afraid of Yao Ming because their bodies are not at the same level.

But facing Big Z, Chandler didn't suffer at all.

In addition, among the centers over 220cm in NBA history, Yao Ming is actually relatively flexible.

When an average person reaches this height, their movements will appear clumsy.

But look at Yao Ming, even after gaining weight, he can still use dream footsteps.

Among Olajuwon's apprentices, only Kobe Bryant's dreamy footsteps are better than Yao Ming's. Howard, James and the like are not worth mentioning.

The Cavaliers attack.

James was very calm tonight. He did not force Liu He at the beginning. Instead, he chose to rely on pick-and-rolls and put himself in front of white chocolate.

Facing white chocolate, James has an absolute physical advantage.

Unlike facing Liu He, James' advantage was infinitely reduced.

Don't think James' pick-and-roll style is embarrassing. In basketball, golf intelligence is also a very important part.

The opponent has flaws, why can't he take advantage of them?
As the saying goes, a black cat or a white cat is a good cat if it catches mice.

Even the commentators are saying: "James faces Jason Williams. He has an absolute physical advantage. This ball is stable! Everyone is optimistic about it."

Shame
White Chocolate seems to have responded early and opened up the defensive distance. This is clear: you can shoot as you like, I won't defend you.But I won't let you break through!

Anti-burst is not anti-cast!
This is of course the experience Liu He imparted to White Chocolate.

Liu He had already expected how James would fight.

There is no way, James' "smartness", as a time traveler, Liu He has heard about it for a long time and will never forget it.

James hesitated for a moment, then shot on the spot.

Bang!

It's a pity, I don't know if it was because of a poor opening touch or poor shooting skills that James missed an open shot.

This year, James' free throw shooting rate was 75%, which was not even as good as his rookie season. His shooting rate was about the same as that of some inside players.

In addition, James' long two-point shooting percentage this season is 37.3%, averaging 5.2 shots per game and only hitting 1.9.

One step further, James' mid-range shooting even dropped to 32.4%, averaging 2.5 shots per game and only hitting 0.8.

what is this concept?

Even if you allow James to take unlimited shots in this area, he will not be able to win the game.

In addition, James' three-point shooting rate this season is quite good, reaching 35.1%. This shooting rate was quite good in the 00s.

But he averaged 3.9 shots per game and 1.4 hits. This production is too low and he can't kill anyone.

Once the number of shots increases, James' three-point shooting percentage will plummet. This can be analyzed from James' career data.

This is also the reason why the Spurs dared to leave James two meters open and let him shoot casually, because he really couldn't make the shot.

On the court, Chandler protected the rebound.

The Knicks took advantage of the situation and launched a defensive counterattack.

White chocolate layup.

James caught up with him in stride, leaped high, and slapped the basketball onto the backboard.

boom!
Nailboard hat!Quicken Loans Arena erupted in fierce cheers, applauding James' performance.

but……

As soon as the cheers started, they were doused by a basin of cold water.

Because behind James, another figure arrived, jumped into the air, grabbed the basketball in the air, and smashed it into the basket.

boom!
4: 0.

Knicks No. 25, James' nemesis, the King of New York...Liu He!
He once again predicted James.

James put his hands on his hips, took a few breaths, and felt strange in his heart.

He always felt that everything about him was controlled by this guy, and he knew himself better than he did.

No matter what he did, he could not escape from his grasp.

If Liu He knew what James was thinking, he would definitely nod.

Of course!
You James only know what you look like when you are 20 years old, but I know what you look like when you are 40 years old.

I do know James better than James!
The Cavaliers attack.

White Chocolate saw that the tactic of "defending against penetration but not against shooting" worked in the previous round, so he became more determined this round and implemented the tactics taught to him by his boss.

Instead, James began to hesitate.

This is James!
Youzhan's psychology is not strong.

But after a little hesitation, James took action.

Bang!

The basketball hit the back frame and bounced in anyway.

4: 2.

James clenched his fists excitedly, and the Cleveland fans in the audience immediately cheered like a mountain and a tsunami.

It was just a stumbling open mid-range shot that looked like a game-winner.

These fans really dote on him!

James also frequently responded to the fans, and the Quicken Loans Arena was filled with enthusiasm.

The Knicks attack.

Liu He caught up with White Chocolate and patted his butt: "Keep letting him shoot, don't worry! If he loses, it's mine."

White Chocolate nodded.

With the words of the boss, James is really going to hit the target with every shot, and he is no longer afraid.

This is the importance of having a good team boss, so that teammates will be more confident.

A good boss will say when he makes a mistake: My problem.

When his teammates make mistakes, he will say: It’s our problem.

On the other hand, some bad bosses...

He made a mistake, and he said: I lost, so the team also lost.

When a teammate makes a mistake, he says: The team lost, but I didn’t!

The Knicks attack.

Facing the tough Newbell, Hill failed to succeed in his first breakthrough attempt. He did not stick to the ball and quickly distributed the ball to his teammates.

Liu He took the ball and summoned Chandler to come out for a pick-and-roll.

James failed to get around Chandler immediately, and Liu He quickly got rid of him. Big Z was forced to switch to defend Liu He.

This is a standard small versus large game.

Liu He shook his shoulders and pretended to break through, but in fact he pulled up directly on the spot and succeeded in a clean mid-range shot.

Swish!
6: 2.

The Cavaliers attack.

White Chocolate continued to let James go, and James shot more decisively this time.

Swish!
and also.

6: 4.

It seems that James feels good tonight, shooting 3 of 2 from the field, which is already far higher than his usual shooting rate.

"Keep the pace down, don't worry, Jason!"

Liu He reminded White Chocolate again.

White Chocolate nodded, feeling increasingly calm.

In the frontcourt, Liu He continued to use the pick-and-roll to pull Big Z out for military training.

I thought that in the last round, Liu He was facial-ejaculated directly, but Big Z was a little more defensive this round and got a little closer.

But Liu He seized the opportunity and passed this 220cm tall man with clumsy steps in one step.

Before Gudeng could make up the defense, Liu He had already rushed into the penalty area and successfully dunked.

boom!
8: 4.

Every time James scores a goal, Liu He can immediately retaliate, and the Knicks still occupy the initiative on the court.

Looking back, James still has good shots.

Swish!
8: 6.

away from a big spectrum.

James was actually able to make 3 of 3 shots in a row from the area he is least accustomed to. It seems that his touch was very good tonight, far better than usual.

Liu He just shrugged, showing no unusual emotion.

Who doesn't eat dumplings during Chinese New Year?

But James himself was extremely excited. After hitting the ball, he clenched his fists and roared loudly, which made the Cleveland fans at the scene extremely excited.

"Guys, I will lead you to the playoffs this season!"

This declaration made the scene even more exciting.

Liu He said, look!This guy started talking nonsense again.

Do I agree with what you said?

Bold!

The Knicks attack.

Liu He continued military training with Big Z.

To be honest, Big Z is even more clumsy than Yao Ming, and military training is too simple.

Moreover, the Cavaliers seem to be accustomed to novices pecking each other, and have never gone head-to-head with strong teams. Head coach Brandon Malone has just taken over, replacing coach Paul Silas who dismissed get out of class.

I saw Big Z being subjected to continuous military training, but he never responded.

Perhaps coach Malone felt that although the Cavaliers were lagging behind, the score was tight, so he was not anxious at all.

In this case, Liu He was not polite and continued to score points on Big Z.

Swish!
10: 6.

Before he knew it, Liu He had scored 8 points in a row, and he scored these 8 points very easily.

The Cavaliers attack.

James continues to practice mid-range shooting.

Bang!

Finally, the basketball popped out of the frame this time.

Chandler made a hard jump and protected the rebound.

James didn't feel anything. He made a small calculation in his mind and made 5 of 3 shots, a 60% shooting rate. His performance tonight was not bad, even far exceeding the season's 47.2% shooting rate.

James was even a little satisfied.

But why did the Cavaliers fall behind?
Forget it, I played so well but the team fell behind. It must be the problem of my teammates.

Even if it's not the teammates' problem, it's the head coach's problem.

There's nothing wrong with it. It's really not James' problem tonight. Coach Brandon Malone's problem is a little bigger. He continues to watch Liu He's military training with Big Z.

Liu He passed Big Z in one step and entered the penalty area.

Drew Gooden couldn't stand it anymore and actively defended Liu He.

Liu He took his time and waited until he was as close to Gooden as possible before passing the basketball.

"CIC handsome boy" Thomas naturally would not let go of such a simple ball. He caught the 2-pointer and recorded it in his account.

Swish!
12: 6.

The Cavaliers attack.

James' shot missed for the second consecutive possession.

The Knicks protected the rebound and launched a defensive counterattack, and Hill scored another 2 points.

Swish!
14: 6.

Unconsciously, the point difference widened to 8 points.

Beep!
Only then did coach Brandon Malone react, call a timeout, and lay out tactics.

After returning from the timeout, James' hand continued to feel cold, with his third iron in a row.

However, the Cavaliers' defense accelerated this time and did not allow the Knicks to launch a defensive counterattack.

White Chocolate suppressed the rhythm, controlled the ball, stabilized the wave first, and then handed the ball to Liu He, who was in excellent condition.

Liu He naturally continued military training.

Don't say that there is only one trick, one trick is fresh, and you can eat it all over the world.

But this time, the Cavaliers were prepared.

During the timeout, coach Malone made arrangements.

Once the Knicks' pick-and-roll was opened, Liu He was immediately flanked.

Newbell rushed over and cooperated with Big Z to attack Liu He.

Liu He was not in a hurry. He held the basketball high and took advantage of his height advantage to complete the ball over the head of the 201cm Newbell.

Hill took the ball, rushed into the penalty area and scored a layup.

Swish!
16: 6.

Unconsciously, the score difference has reached double digits.

The Cavaliers attack.

James was a little anxious when he got the ball again.

He also knows that if they lose this game, the Cavaliers will have to go home to fish and fail to make the playoffs for two consecutive years. This record is really ugly.

Not afraid of not knowing the goods, but afraid of comparing goods.

Last season, Liu He, who was in the same class as James, won the championship, Wade reached the second round, and Anthony also made the playoffs.

This season, the three of them have steadily won tickets to the playoffs. It is really unreasonable for them to go home to fish for two consecutive years.

Is it possible that he wants to compare himself with that long-necked dragon king?

James, who was anxious, took action in a hurry, and ended up hitting another iron!
Chandler continued to protect the rebound and the Knicks attacked.

Liu He continued military training with Big Z.

Newbell was ready and continued to attack Liu He as instructed by the head coach.

But this time, before he could take action, he found that James had directly abandoned Pachulia and pounced on Liu He.

Newbell was stunned for a moment, and then he could only choose to continue staring at Hill.

At the top of the arc, James cooperated with Big Z to flank Liu He crazily.

Compared to Newbell, James's physical condition is naturally superior and his flanking effect is even better.

Faced with the attack of these two men, Liu He was unable to complete the ball distribution and was forced to retreat beyond the three-point line.

Big Z took one look, cracked the Knicks' pick-and-roll tactics, and turned back to find Pachulia.

However, at the top of the arc, James, who forced Liu He beyond the three-point line, did not stop at the first opportunity. Instead, he defended more fiercely, trying to steal Liu He and quickly chase the points.

James is really anxious.

Because winning this game was too important to him, he really didn't want to be left too behind by the players of the same class.

Also, Liu He said that if you can't even make the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference, isn't that a waste?
So James really wants to win.

And this was precisely the opportunity that Liu He seized.

Seeing James's movements becoming more and more fierce, Liu He suddenly raised the basketball high, ready to shoot.

James jumped high and blocked Liu He.

However, after jumping into the air, James discovered that Liu He's toes had not even left the ground.

Fake action!
James screamed in his heart: It's over.

Sure enough, when James started to fall, Liu He jumped up and rubbed James' arm.

Beep!
foul.

Because it was outside the three-point line, Liu He directly got 3 free throws.

James's mind roared, and he felt a little bad.

The Cleveland fans at the scene also wailed and held their heads in pain. They could only pray to God and hope that Liu He's free throw would not be scored.

However, Liu He made 3 free throws.

19: 6.

(End of this chapter)