NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 105 God is Helping
In the 97-98 season, there were many anxious series in the first round of the playoffs.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers and Eagles have pulled back one victory after returning home, leaving the game still in suspense.

The game between the Hornets and the Heat was beyond everyone's expectations, and it was the Hornets who got the match point first.

In this regard, the New York fans laughed. After the match point against the Nets, everyone cared more about their opponents in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Compared to the tough Heat, New York fans and the media naturally prefer to encounter the Hornets.

Despite Glenn Rice's explosive state, the Knicks really aren't afraid of this opponent.

Compared with the Heat's "iron-blooded" basketball, the Hornets' show operations are less than half.

On the night of April 4, the Knicks became the first team to advance to the semifinals this season.

114:99, after returning to the home court, the Nets continued to lose, with a big score of 3:0, and the Knicks swept their opponents in the first round!
The Nets couldn't find a chance, and the whole game was suppressed. The New Jersey fans who bought tickets to watch the game could only watch the New York fans cheering and celebrating in their home court.

After the game, no one cared about the eliminated Nets.

The media are not interested in Kassel's injury, after all, aliens look a bit special, but now is the era of looking at faces
Li You and Ewing sat on the stage in formal attire, and most of the media were concerned about the gorilla's injury:

"Eastern semifinals, Pat, will you officially come back? After returning to the team, will the Knicks still stick to the current tactics?"

ESPN reporters simply asked questions that the New York media had been dealing with.

Ewing enjoyed the feeling of becoming the focus again, and replied quite confidently:

"If everything goes well in the Eastern Conference semifinals, then I will return to the team in the finals."

"Of course, if the team encounters difficulties, I will come back early and contribute my strength."

"As for the tactics, I don't think there is any problem. The Knicks are no different from the past. Last year we reached the Eastern Conference finals, and this year we have a better run-in!"

The New York Times reporter immediately asked a question and changed the subject by the way:
"Li, which team do you want to play against in the semifinals?"

Li You was planning to fish from the sidelines, but after hearing the question, he answered easily:

"No matter who the opponent is, the Knicks will win! We are the number one in the league, and we have an absolute advantage in the regular season."

No one asked about the MVP award anymore, and everyone seemed to already know the answer.

Li You thinks this is very interesting. Last year, he disrespected the data and made random selections, but this year he was forced to make up for it.

Both O'Neill and Karl Malone are complaining about this matter. No matter in terms of record or statistics, Mikou has not crushed everyone this year. The consolation prize this time is not convincing.

On April 4, the NBA announced the best rookie of the season, and Tim Duncan won the award without any suspense.

Sweeping all the Rookie of the Month awards, this season, Tim Duncan crushed all players in the same class.

Sweeping opponents, advancing easily, and giving the Knicks a lot of rest time.

On May 5, fans and the media in New York began to pay attention to the G3 between the Hornets and the Heat.

The big score is 2:2, one game will determine the outcome!

In the critical game, the old Knicks player Anthony Mason Jr. broke out completely, 18 of 13, scored 29 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists.

Glenn Rice maintained an efficient performance, 23 of 11, and scored 26 points again!
Heat team Mourning 14 of 11, also scored 29 points, Tim - Hardaway contributed a game-high 33 points.

But Jamal Mashburn was 9 for 1, Voshan Leonard was 6 for 1, reducing the number of rounds, and the Heat's role players were all stretched
In the end, at 91:85, the Hornets successfully counterattacked the Heat and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals!

Seeing the Hornets advance, some New York fans felt sour while being happy. Anthony Mason's performance was really not bad, and his physical condition seemed to be better than "Auntie".

Simultaneous G5, 70:84, Drexler was 13 of 1 in the key game, Barkley was injured, and the Rockets' old Big Three fell in the first round.

With a big score of 3:2, the Jazz successfully advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

Coupled with the Supersonics who eliminated the Timberwolves 3:2 before, all 8 teams in the Eastern and Western semifinals were released:
Hornets VS Knicks, Pacers VS Bulls;
Lakers VS Sonics, Spurs VS Jazz.

Both the Pacers and Bulls eliminated their opponents 3:1, and the Eagles and Cavaliers in the lower half did not cause too much trouble for the two teams.

Larry Bird just won the best coach of the season not long ago, and he met Michael Jordan again in the semi-finals. Such a matchup gave the media another opportunity to hype it up!
As for the game between the Hornets and the Knicks, most commentators gave the same answer:

"The Knicks will make it easy!"

In the regular season, the Hornets have not won a game. The Heat's role players may be stretched, but the Knicks are all soldiers.

On the morning of May 5th, the Knicks had just finished the video lesson. Jeff Van Gundy, who was in a particularly beautiful mood, suddenly sighed with the coaching staff:
"Even God is helping us! Meeting the Hornets in the semifinals, this schedule is perfect!"

Assistant coach Don Chaney once again praised Li You's performance in the last regular season:
"Winning the Bulls, Lee changed the team's schedule, and that win was so critical!"

"Imagine if we met the Pacers in the semifinals, and the Bulls easily advanced all the way!"

Thinking of such a schedule, Thibodeau on the side also sighed:

"That victory is indeed too important. Now we can deal with our opponents calmly, and the boys can continue to find their status."

Larry Johnson finished the video class and shouted excitedly:

"I will definitely make the Hornets look good this year! They made the wrong choice!"

When he met his old club, he was excited, Alan Houston shook his head funny, and then sighed:

"I thought I would meet the Heat, but I didn't expect this year's schedule to be so easy."

Realizing that his teammates didn't take the Hornets seriously, Li You didn't make a sound to remind him, but just joked casually:
"Larry, against Glenn Rice, the other side was in very good form in the first round. You also saw the video lesson just now."

"Don't be blown away by your opponents, the first two games are our home games."

Glenn Rice even went 19-for-15 in a game where the All-Star devoured the Heat's forward line!

The atmosphere group also booed. The experience of fighting in the regular season made everyone understand that the team cannot be defeated by single-point blasting, but it is very interesting to ridicule the outdated "Auntie".

Soon Larry Johnson began to complain in a low voice, missing his 20+10 highlight moment, and the training hall was full of joyful atmosphere for a while
Oakley didn't expect this year's schedule to be so smooth. As long as the old guy thinks that the Bulls will encounter the Pacers in advance, he will be in a particularly good mood:
"Pat, we really have a chance to make it to the Finals this year."

Ewing also felt that his chance had come. Olajuwon fell in the first round, and David Robinson and O'Neal might not be able to make it out of the West. Thinking of such a situation, the gorilla also grinned:
"It's our turn to win the championship!"

The two began to think about the future, and the more they chatted, the more excited they became. Starks on the side didn't want to spoil the fun, but murmured in his heart:

'This isn't the Knicks it used to be'

On May 5th, the semifinals officially started, and David Stern also came to the United Center Arena to present the MVP trophy to Michael.

Winning the MVP for the fifth time in his career, he also smiled as he lifted the bronze trophy in front of the home fans.

As for the voices of the outside world, Michael Jordan doesn't care, he is confident that he will blow up his opponents in the playoffs.
After the start of the game, the Bulls dug a hole, 22:16 in a single quarter, 6 points behind.

Fortunately, in the third quarter, the Bulls broke out completely and regained the lead.

The game was not completely decided until the last moment, 79:85, the Bulls narrowly beat the Pacers.

面对步行者队针对性的防守，迈克尔-乔丹28中11，罚球10中9，拿到了31分6篮板1助攻5抢断的数据。

The game is so anxious, but also because of the conscientious second-in-command Pippen, who scored 9 in 1 and scored 4 points.
Fortunately, the Bulls grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and got more offensive opportunities, which finally won the game.

Jeff Van Gundy and the coaching staff also paid attention to the game, seeing that the Bulls were exhausted, everyone was in a good mood.

The bald young marshal even secretly prayed to God:
"May the Pacers make it to the Eastern Conference Finals!"

"."

On the night of May 5th, at Madison Square Garden, all the New York fans present were shouting happily.

In the second quarter of the game, Divac's low singles turned to the inside and was cut off by Oakley who was helping to defend.

Losing the ball, Divac didn't have time to complain, and the old guy threw the ball to Li You, who was responding on the left wing.

Along the left sideline, after receiving the ball, Li You continued to accelerate with his left hand holding the ball, and David Wesley, who reappeared, was delayed for the first time.

The little point guard did his best to delay Li You, but he didn't notice that his teammate had a problem with the retreat.

Before he got close to the center line, Li You threw the ball to Alan Houston, who rushed across the half court. The latter caught the ball without slowing down, and went straight to the basket with the ball!

Bobby Fiers, who retreated to defense, cursed secretly, and was counterattacked when he made a mistake. Realizing that he was out of position, he simply fouled directly in the paint area.

"squeak!"

The referee immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the free throw line, indicating that Alan Houston had won two free throws.

The head coach Dave Cowens next to him rubbed his eyebrows helplessly, and loudly reminded him not to foul, but it didn't work.

In the MSG commentary seat, Walter Fraser was about to lose his temper. The game was too easy. He concluded with a chuckle:
"The Hornets completely lost the rhythm of the game in the second quarter. Too many mistakes in the half are the main reason why they fell behind!"

Standing outside the three-point line, Li You nodded his head lightly with his left hand, with a teasing smile on his face, which immediately made the Hornets very angry.

In the first half of the game, the Hornets assisted the most inside big man Divac.

Every time David Wesley organizes an offense, Li You can guess the Hornets' offensive routine. As a result, the halftime game is about to end, the little point guard only sent one assist and was intercepted twice.
Two free throws were made steadily, Alan Houston let out a sigh of relief, and the Hornets requested a timeout again.

32:39，半场比赛还剩4分50秒，尼克斯队又将分差扩大到了7分。

"Bobby Fiers did a good job defending tonight, but Houston's shooting touch is also picking up after a few free throws!"

"It can be seen that the coaching staff has fully prepared for this game, and Lee has completely restricted David Wesley's performance!"

The commentator Mike Breen smiled and praised Li You's performance.

In the half of the game, the Hornets frequently relied on Glenn Rice to score points in singles. Coupled with the absence of Anthony Mason Jr., the score was fixed at 32 points for more than 3 minutes.
After the timeout, Dell Curry came on and replaced Bobby Fiers. The Hornets and their intentions were very obvious, that is, to score points on the offensive end.

"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

The more they watched, the more energetic they became, the New York fans at the scene immediately shouted loudly and continued to cheer for the home team's defense.

Li You observed the positions of the Hornets players, and noticed that Dell Curry on the right flank began to move towards the baseline, and immediately stuck to David Wesley who had passed halftime.

Not giving the opponent a chance to move to the left flank, Li You began to consciously block the passing route.

Dell Curry, who just slipped out of the baseline and bounced to the left block, saw his teammates being covered, and didn't stand still waiting for the ball. Instead, he continued to move and quickly walked to the free throw line.

David Wesley, who was outside the three-point line, hurriedly turned halfway to switch to his right hand at this time, and quickly sent a diagonal pass.

The quality of the pass was not high, and Dell Curry, who received the ball, adjusted it. The moment he shot, he was interfered by Alan Houston who was chasing up.

"state!"

The basketball hit the back edge of the basket, Dudley on the inside stuck Divac tightly, and Oakley grabbed in front of Mason to protect the backcourt rebound.

When Li You received the ball and rushed along the right sideline again, David Wesley could only chase and defend desperately.

The right flank was close to the three-point line. Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, began to slow down. After lowering his center of gravity, he dribbled the ball under his crotch twice in a row.

David Wesley retreated before he could react, and Li You, who was out of space, joined the ball on the right flank and made a quick jumper!
Glenn Rice followed Larry Johnson back to half court, and when he came to the paint area and looked up, he saw the basketball hollow into the net
The cheers of the New York fans came from the ear, and when he saw that his teammates didn't even make a block, Grace was so angry that he cursed in a low voice:
"Damn game!"

At 32:42, the point difference reached double digits. Li You, who completed the conversion attack, raised his arms with a smile and began to greet the fans on the scene, signaling that the noise should be louder.

"Oh!!"

The happy New York fans immediately shouted with excitement, the familiar score difference made everyone realize that victory was already waving to them!

Coach Dave Cowens on the sidelines saw the 10-point difference, and couldn't hold back completely, and loudly reminded everyone on the field to pay attention.

He was very dissatisfied with David Wesley's defense this time, but at this time he could only choose to trust.

When Glenn Rice received the ball from the left wing and made a jump shot, the Hornets bench, the atmosphere group followed with their eyes straightened, watching Li You rush across the half court after receiving the long rebound.

With the ball in his right hand, Li You accelerated in a straight line in the middle, and rushed into the paint against the retreating David Wesley.

Holding the ball with his right hand and completing a giant loop above his head, Li You twisted his body, crossed and squeezed past the defense, and rushed to the bottom left of the basket after closing the ball, and succeeded in picking the basket with his right hand!

The retreating David Wesley was completely stunned, and subconsciously made a move gesture to the referee
The commentator Mike Breen was also taken aback, and then praised loudly:

"Brilliant! Lee completely swayed the defender, unbelievable ability to combine the ball! How did he do it?"

Madison Square Garden was completely boiling. Seeing Li You smiling and retreating quickly, the noise became louder and louder.

The Hornets' offensive rhythm is getting faster and faster. This time, Anthony Mason Jr. made a jumper from the left elbow and Larry Johnson protected a long rebound.

Li You just received the ball and accelerated along the left sideline. Before halftime, David Wesley was called a defensive foul by the referee because of his excessive defensive action.

Seeing Li You standing on the free throw line, Madison Square Garden began to shout loudly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

Michael Jordan won the award, and New York fans were very unhappy. Tonight, many fans held up a whiteboard "True MVP" to express their support for Li You.

On the bench, Ewing's smile froze. In the past few years, such shouts belonged only to him. Seeing Jeff Van Gundy also laughing and applauding, the gorilla was in a bad mood.

Li You made both free throws. In the last few minutes of the half, the Knicks' defense became more and more vigorous.

No timeout was requested, and the halftime game ended quickly.

At 15:26 in a single quarter, at the end of the half, the score came to 38:52, and the Knicks had already led by 14 points.

After the start of the second half of the game, the Hornets completely collapsed, and the offensive end was crazy, and the consecutive timeouts did not play any role.

The New York fans at the scene just felt that the game time passed quickly. The Knicks continued to launch transition attacks, and the score went up.
At 10:27 in a single quarter, after three quarters, the score was fixed at 48:79.

On the Knicks bench, the atmosphere group jumped up and down, shouting happily, and everyone bumped fists with Li You who was off the field.

"It was a fantastic game, and I want to give Lee another credit for his performance in the regular season compared to another semi-final!"

"That 40+10 performance not only allowed the Knicks to secure the No. [-] position in the league, but also completely changed the playoff schedule!"

In the commentary seat, Walter Fraser was completely comfortable and couldn't stop playing.

When Mike Breen saw Li You sitting back on the bench, he also praised him:

“15中10，三分线外5中4，罚球4中4，28分3篮板6助攻，今晚李打出了完美表现！”

"While watching the game, I didn't even think he had ever missed a shot. It's hard to imagine that he's only 20 years old!"

The two people in the commentary automatically ignored the defense and matchup of the Hornets, and they bragged Li You to the sky again.

Larry Johnson just felt that the game was enjoyable. Seeing that it was difficult for his old club to score 80 points, he covered his mouth with a towel, and complained to Li You next to him with a smile:

"Glenn Rice is grossly overrated, I totally froze him tonight!"

After the Hornets played the away game of G5, they flew to New York non-stop. After more than a day of rest, there was another Eastern Conference semifinal.

The Knicks took advantage of the schedule, but this is the playoffs, and Li You automatically ignored these situations, and followed the words of "Auntie" with a smile and praised:
"Come on, Larry! Keep this up and the team will offer you a big contract!"

Larry Johnson burst into laughter, and everyone on the bench was talking and laughing. Such a scene made Ewing secretly think of lemons, and secretly planned in his heart:

"Maybe I should come back early to find my status."

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(End of this chapter)