NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 213 The Desperate Eastern Alliance (6500 words chapter)
On April 2001, 4, the NBA announced the best coach of the season (COY):
Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy won the award without any suspense.

As the only team with 60+ wins this season, Van Gundy deserves the award!
Star players suffered injuries, the main center faced retirement, and starting positions 3 and 4 were rookies. After abandoning most of the low-post offense, the Knicks played the best offensive performance in the league.

In 82 regular season games, the Knicks averaged 104.6 points per game, took 85.7 shots per game, and averaged 22.6 shots per game from beyond the three-point line. With this performance, they almost led the way!

The Kings, ranked second, averaged 2 points per game;
第3名的雄鹿队场均100.7分，第4名的湖人队场均100.6分，第5名的小牛队场均100.5分。

Only the above five teams have averaged over 5 points per game this season. If compared with the Bulls, who are last at 87.6 points per game, the Knicks are far ahead!

At present, the offensive capabilities of outside players are stretched and inefficient, and most teams still have big players in charge.

The reason why the Knicks are loved by many fans is mainly because of Li You's performance.

Just like the outside players in the early 90s who were set off by Michael Jordan were all trying to compete with each other, Li You, who reached the 180 club this season, also crushed all outside players.

History is always surprisingly similar. In the past, the Eastern Conference teams were taught by Michael Knicks, survived the Bulls, and then ushered in the Knicks.
Many players are already imitating Li You, such as early fishing and Antoine Walker of the Celtics who spoke plausibly in the face of doubts:
"Li can shoot three-pointers, why not allow me to follow suit?"

Facts have proved that shooting is also a kind of talent. Antoine Walker was so good that he dismissed coach Pitino and gained a new title:
"Wave Throwing Brush!"

It's not that everyone doesn't want to learn, but it's just that they really can't learn. Even if most Eastern Conference teams strictly defend Li You's three-pointers this season, they still lead in production.

The New York media, which got the news early, boasted about the bald young coach early in the morning. Jeff Van Gundy even made headlines in the sports section of several newspaper media.

Whether it's the regular season or playoff winning percentage, Jeff Van Gundy has an absurdly high rate.

Phil Jackson has become a "Kentucky Fried Chicken" old man, a true champion coach, and it depends on coach Van Gundy!

The coaches union also sent blessings. Jeff Van Gundy has become a super coach, surpassing Cardinal Auerbach. It seems to be only a matter of time.
The bald young coach led the Knicks to play a beautiful offense, but the defensive end has declined further, allowing opponents to average 96.0 points per game, ranking 14th in the league.

No. 13 happens to be the Kings, and No. 15 is the Lakers.

Even if the defensive data is converted into hundreds of rounds, the above three teams are still at this level, with excellent offense and defense. No one in the league can achieve this currently.

The defensive end has declined, the Knicks have staffing problems, and the Lakers have been affected by injuries to O'Neal and Kobe.

In the morning TNT program, in addition to congratulating coach Van Gundy for winning the award, he also discussed the changes in the Knicks this season.

Kenny Smith has seen the team's data a long time ago, but it is difficult for him to comment on the Knicks' performance. He can only give his own opinion tactfully:

“The competitive environments facing teams in the East and West are completely different.”

"Most of the time, the Knicks' opponents are Eastern Conference teams. No disrespect to everyone. From a schedule perspective, it is indeed easier than the Western Conference teams."

"Coach Van Gundy is indeed amazing, but the Knicks are still declining this season. This has nothing to do with the head coach's ability, but a problem with the team building ideas."

Charles Barkley didn't look at the data carefully, he just grinned and said:

"If I were to coach the Knicks, I might be able to perform well. I believe I can do better than Thomas. At least the Pacers won't only win 41 games."

"Kenny is right. The Knicks have problems with their interior defense, and the big men are not taking on more scoring tasks on the offensive end."

"But this lineup can achieve such results, I must praise coach Van Gundy, he is underestimated, he deserves more respect!"

After Ernie Johnson praised the bald young coach, he then introduced Li You's relevant data:

"The best offense in the league cannot be separated from Lee's performance!"

"This season, Lee averaged 13.5 shots per game within the three-point line, and as many as 0 shots from 3 to 6.3 feet under the basket."

"His shooting percentage at the basket reached an astonishing 74.3%, and his production and efficiency lead all backcourt players in the league."

"Perhaps this is also the reason why the Knicks changed their tactics. Lee's finishing at the basket is even better than most big men in the league!"

Mentioning these data, Charles Barkley was speechless, and in the end he could only talk about the situation:

"Teams in the Eastern Conference need to be prepared. In the playoffs, Lee's scoring efficiency will increase. I can't think of anyone who can limit him."

"."

The first round of G24 officially started at 20:2 on the [-]th. Before the game, Jeff Van Gundy received the best coach trophy in the press conference room.

The bald marshal always had a smile on his face. In addition to the New York media, there were also reporters from China Sports Weekly.

Su Qun looked at Jeff Van Gundy receiving the award and groaned along with the media at the scene, while the young staff around him complained quietly:

"If Van Gundy can coach the Mavericks, maybe Da Zhi will get more opportunities."

"Old Nelson is too stubborn. It's really incomprehensible that Nowitzki can still start with a [-]% shooting percentage."

Many young staff members have just come into contact with the NBA. Su Qun did not stop everyone from complaining. He was also a little unhappy with Wang Zhizhi's treatment.

China's best young player only played a few games at the end of the regular season for the Mavericks, which was not in line with fans' expectations.
The more interesting phenomenon is that because the 76ers have won a lot of honors this season, after these boastful reports, Chinese fans have learned about the rebellious Iverson.

Li You is just an "equipment dog", while Iverson is a fashionista.

Unlike the Knicks who strictly enforced the dress code, factors such as "chains", "dreadlocks", "large casual suits", "unyielding fighting spirit" and so on gave Iverson an unparalleled reputation on the other side of the ocean. Few fans.

When Li You, wearing training clothes, appeared at the press conference, he also brought a gift to the bald marshal, a customized ROLEX watch.

Although he got the maximum salary, Jeff Van Gundy didn't have many luxuries other than a suit. Even after giving gifts, Li You didn't forget to joke:

"Coach, I hope you like what everyone thinks. Don't forget to change your Toyota car too. You know, that doesn't fit the team's temperament at all!"

The New York media in the audience burst into laughter. When I often go to the Tarrytown Training Center, I will find that among the luxury cars in the parking lot, there is always a special Toyota car.
Jeff Van Gundy hugged Li You, returned to his seat, and also smiled and joked:
"I will definitely change my car during the offseason. I'm sorry for holding the team back for so many years!"

"."

The bald young marshal has promised to change his car many times, but he is reluctant to spend the money every time. It is really difficult to accept this watch worth over ten thousand yuan and then drive a small car.

The Chinese media didn't get the laugh. Su Qun looked at Li You's back and sighed secretly. Some things cannot be reported at all. Too many reports on the lives of top stars will be incorrect.

The entire Knicks team was beaming with joy, while everyone on the Pacers team was still smiling when they came to Madison Square Garden after two days of rest.

After the players from both teams came on the field, the atmosphere became more and more heated. Nearly [-] spectators were smiling and waiting for the kickoff. No one cared about the opponent's state. The Knicks would win anyway.

In the final warm-up period before the game, Grant Hill moved his body and dunked from time to time.

Ewing was chatting and laughing with the celebrities in the front row on the sidelines, and the gorilla seemed particularly relaxed.

Li You just shot casually. His warm-up activities had been completed long ago, and he occasionally said hello to the Pacers players.

Isiah Thomas was not in a good mood. As a rookie head coach, reaching the playoffs would be considered a success, but ball commentators repeatedly ridiculed his coaching level, which made him uncomfortable.

After the game started, the two sides entered into an offensive battle. The Pacers no longer deliberately pressed the rhythm. They threw away when opportunities came from the outside and switched offense to directly attack the frame.

By the second quarter of the game, Isiah Thomas was completely furious, shouting on the sidelines and trying to encourage the players.

Reggie Miller, whose shooting form was particularly stretched in the last game, finally broke out.

Watching Reggie Miller receiving the ball from the left wing outside the three-point line, he feinted the ball, and after a tentative step, he forced a jump shot and returned it. The stadium was booed for a while.

At 47:51, Reggie Miller, who had never missed a shot in the second quarter, roared when he retreated, giving himself two hard blows to vent his frustration.

"Reggie Miller is in great shape. He has only missed two shots in the game so far!"

He scored 9 of 7 in the first quarter, and his form continued unabated in the second quarter. Groom Albert in the commentary box could only admire that this was completely different from the state of Bang Bang in the previous game.

"Let's go Knicks!."

The New York fans at the scene were irritated, their shouts became louder and louder, and they kicked the ball from the baseline. Li You gave the ball to Grant Hill before half time.

The Pacers implemented a mindless double-teaming game strategy again tonight. Compared to complex defense changes, this tactic seems more suitable for a big man like O'Neal.

Seeing Lewis standing in the left elbow area, Ewing moved to the right elbow area, and Isiah Thomas on the sidelines shouted to remind Best:

"Follow the defense! Keep an eye on the defender!"

Even if he didn't hear the head coach's shout, the little Best was almost hanging on Li You at this time.

When the two came to the left wing, Best did not look at his position and kept pulling covertly. He kept moving his hands and concentrated on defending Li You.

At the top of the arc, Jaylen Rose did not guard Grant Hill, leaving a step of space, and at the same time loudly greeted his teammates to continue to maintain the matchup.

On the right wing, Alan Houston suddenly made a horizontal cut. He first went to the line and tried to get rid of Reggie Miller with the help of Ewing's defense. He moved close to the free throw line, immediately walked off the line, bypassed Lewis and then bounced out quickly.

Li You started simultaneously. Under the pull, he first rushed to the left side near the baseline, and then suddenly shot diagonally outward. With the help of Ewing's cover, he ran to the right flank.

The two ran at the same time, and finally an opportunity appeared on Li You's side.

On the right wing, before Li You could catch the ball, Ewing immediately followed it down. O'Neal hesitated again and was continuously eaten by the gorilla, which prevented him from immediately jumping in front of Li You.

Best saw that his teammates did not choose to delay the change of defense, and before he had time to remind him, Li You, who received the ball from the right defensive wing, did not make any adjustments, turned around and drifted slightly, and quickly shot a jumper from outside the three-point line!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly.

At 47:54, with the last 2 minutes and 46 seconds left in the half, the point difference was widened again, and everyone on the Pacers bench had their eyes wide open.

Reggie Miller performed superbly but still couldn't tie the score.
"Wow!"

The cheers in their ears reminded everyone in the Pacers that they were still lagging behind. Best, who received the baseline ball, was defended by Li You again, and his advancement speed dropped sharply.

After frantically attacking for half the game, Reggie Miller also started to gasp for air at this time. He repeatedly tossed back and forth on the baseline and bounced to the right wing, but still failed to find an opportunity.At this time, O'Neal Jr. was asking for the ball in the low post on the left, looking particularly confident facing Ewing.

Coming to the left wing, Best, under the interference of Li You, the quality of the lob was not high, which prevented O'Neal from receiving the ball in the most comfortable position.

Approaching the left block, he immediately faced the frame when he caught the ball. O'Neal didn't move much. After releasing the ball with his left hand, he arched hard against Ewing and hit the lower left side of the basket. It exploded immediately, causing the gorilla thug. foul.

Ewing, whose lateral movement speed had decreased, looked a little embarrassed when faced with the impact of the young center. Jeff Van Gundy, who was hanging up, took advantage of the opponent's free throw and immediately replaced Ben Wallace, and at the same time comforted:
"Pat, get some rest!"

Since Ben Wallace committed two fouls in the first quarter, Ewing had to play for a while in the second quarter and returned to the bench, unable to help but gasp for air.

Although the Pacers were chasing points with great momentum, the Knicks still didn't react much. O'Neal missed the second free throw, cursed, turned his head and retreated quickly without bothering to grab offensive rebounds.

Crohill also followed Lewis and rushed across the half court. Ben Wallace, who grabbed the rebound, passed the ball to Grant Hill and followed the crowd in rushing.

At the top of the arc, Li You, who ran to the left wing, moved laterally, away from the three-point line, and received a pass from Grant Hill.

Facing the double-teams of Jaylen Rose and Best, he took a step laterally and pulled the defense. Li You quickly turned around and returned the ball to Hill on the left wing.

When the latter caught the ball, there was no one in front of him to defend him. Instead of choosing a three-pointer, he took two big steps forward, blocked the area on the left side, and succeeded in a sudden stop jumper!

Scoring so easily made Grant Hill smile. The unguarded mid-range near the free throw line was still very stable.

48:56, the score difference is still widening.

In the commentary box, Hubie Brown immediately shook his head when he saw this situation:

"Stay away from the three-point line, there's no need to execute an aggressive defensive strategy."

"If they want to chase points, the Pacers must pay attention to defensive details. Coach Thomas needs to continue to make adjustments in the midfield."

While talking, Jaylen Rose used the cover of O'Neal on the right elbow, rolled up and cut straight into the inside.

Ben Wallace kept sliding to the right and back, jumping with his opponent in the paint.

Jaylen Rose realized that he couldn't get rid of the defense, so he wanted to touch the ball directly. He twisted his body in the air, but it had no effect. The throw with his left hand was directly blocked by Ben Wallace.
"Oh!"

Seeing Jaylen Rose rushing to the street, the stadium was filled with excited shouts for a while.

Lewis took control of the ball and immediately threw it forward.

Best looked at Li You beside him and accelerated again, and could only chase after him.

While Li You was fishing for the ball, Best hurriedly pulled the ball while engaging in physical confrontation. The two came to the right wing, and Li You suddenly stopped and dribbled the ball quickly behind his back.

The moment you switch to your left hand, immediately go in and out, shake right and left, take advantage of the body to exert force outward, and immediately use your right foot as the axis to complete the turn at an extremely fast speed.

Best completely lost his defensive position and watched Li You grab the ball with his right hand. He tried to pursue the defense again, but his hand movement was slapped away by the ball protector. The two collided, allowing Li You to use his strength again and drive straight to the basket. .

From shaking to passing, Li You moved too fast. When the fans reacted, they only saw Best losing his defensive position in embarrassment. He watched Li You break through to the basket. After taking off with both feet, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and made a tomahawk burst. buckle!
"Boom!" The converted dunk was successful!
At 48:58, the score difference reached double digits, and Madison Square Garden was completely boiling.

Li You, who had a fierce fast break and easily dunked, retreated on defense with a smile. When he returned to half court, he noticed that Reggie Miller seemed to be unable to run, and joked in a low voice:

"Reggie, retire! I think you are suitable to be a commentator!"

"What a fool!"

Reggie Miller pushed away Li You who was hugging him, growled, and started to run again.

Faced with the rotation of defense in the Knicks' backcourt, the old Miller, who didn't rest for one minute in the half game, really couldn't stand it.

No matter how he ran back, Li You was always chasing him. The attack time consumed 14 seconds and the tactics failed. In the end, Crohill forced a breakthrough on Lewis in the right block and missed the layup under the basket.

Ben Wallace once again grabbed a backcourt rebound. Looking at the Pacers who quickly retreated from defense, he immediately gave the ball to Grant Hill who was receiving the ball.

Accelerating along the left sideline, Hill chased the opponent's butt across the half court after catching the ball.

There was a slight pause at the three-point line. Grant Hill, holding the ball in his left hand, broke through with his shoulder. Against Jaylen Rose, who kept sliding to the right, the left wing accelerated to cut in.

Unable to completely get rid of the defense, Grant Hill suddenly passed the ball from behind while traveling. Ben Wallace, who followed up in the middle, received the ball and then exploded down the field!

O'Neal Jr. also showed his talent and interfered with the inevitable dunk.

Without complaining to the referee, Ben Wallace took off twice after landing, grabbed the rebound again, and then immediately threw the ball to the top of the arc outside the three-point line.

After receiving the ball, Li You released the ball with his right hand. Facing Best, who came to defend again, he dribbled the ball under his hips and swayed to the left, and then changed direction significantly in front of his body.

Best, who was still sliding to the right, was staggered. He had no time to adjust his defensive focus and was passed by Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand.

At this time, the Pacers had just completed their defensive confrontation. O'Neal, who had completed the block, was still observing the situation on the court. In the blink of an eye, Li You soared into the air in the paint area directly in front of the basket.

Taking off with both feet, Li You ignored O'Neal who jumped up to block the shot again. He grabbed the ball with his right hand, knocked away the defense in the air, his head was almost even with the frame, and swung the ball into the basket!

"boom!"

The basket roared, and Li You dunked from behind!
"Wow!"

Madison Square Garden was completely blown away. The fans stood up and shouted excitedly. Ben Wallace, who was under the basket, was stunned for a moment, and then he stepped forward and hugged Li You who was on the ground, followed by a burst of yelling.

"what!!"

Before he could pretend to be X, Li You was surrounded by his teammates, and everyone was greatly stimulated by the sudden buckle.

Little O'Neal, who almost threw himself into the street, stood stupidly under the basket, seemingly unable to believe that he had been dunked.
The guard dunked on the center, the visual effect exploded, and Marv Albert also subconsciously raised his voice:
"God! It's incredible, Lee's dunk was so exciting!"

Hubie Brown noticed that the Pacers players were a little frustrated, and for a moment he could only sigh:
"In the transition attack, Grant Hill and Lee's breakthroughs can always easily create opportunities. If they want to recover the score in the second half, they still need to strengthen their defense."

In the last minute or so, the two sides began to stand on the free throw line. At the end of the half, 1:50, the Knicks led by 62 points.

半场14中11，三分线外3中2，罚球4中3，雷吉-米勒爆砍27分。

Just thinking that the team was still behind by double digits, the old Miller, who was walking towards the tunnel, could only gasp in anger.

另一边，李佑半场只打了16分钟，12中8，三分线外3中1，罚球4中4，拿到21分2篮板6助攻1抢断1失误。

Artest was still shouting beside Li You as he walked towards the tunnel, as if he had not yet recovered from the excitement of the dunk.

The status of the players on both sides is written on their faces.

After the start of the second half of the game, Reggie Miller, who was in great shape, was completely sluggish. He was constantly pursued and could not get rid of the defense.

Jaylen Rose, who took over the offensive ball, started his blacksmithing performance again
Head coach Isiah Thomas on the sidelines watched the Knicks rush faster and faster, counterattacking wave after wave. He could only shout loudly, but it had no effect.

Several timeouts failed to stop the offensive attack of Jaylen Rose and Reggie Miller.

Watching Li You grab the long rebound, he squeezed past Best and cut in again from the right wing. O'Neal, who was chasing after him, simply gave up the defense.

Jaylen Rose retreated to the basket, only to see Li You throw the ball to the upper left side of the basket, and Grant Hill followed up by grabbing the ball from the air and dunking easily with both hands!

65:85, the point difference came to 20 points.

"The victory or defeat is determined, the Knicks once again relied on counterattack to defeat the Pacers!"

"Perhaps Coach Thomas should consider how to defend the home court."

Hubie Brown looked at everyone on the Knicks bench grinning and could only shake his head helplessly. The game did not meet his expectations.

Marv Albert saw the Pacers requesting a timeout and talked about topics other than the game:
"The 76ers defeated the Magic again last night, and they have a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Finals this season."

"It's a pity that head coach Larry Brown missed out on the Coach of the Year award. The Knicks really did a great job this season."

The two began to talk about awards. After a pause, they stopped commentating on the game in every round.

After three quarters, the score reached 69:92, and the game entered garbage time in the fourth quarter.

During the break, Madison Square Garden was full of jubilation. Although the old rivals performed well tonight, the Knicks seemed to be getting better, which made New York fans in a good mood!
Back on the bench, Li You also fist-bumped with everyone and put on his training clothes. He planned to throw the towel in the fourth quarter.

"I think everyone underestimates your speed. You're even faster than some shorter guards!"

Grant Hill, who was getting better tonight, returned to his seat and praised Li You's performance in a low voice. Obviously, that dunk also scared "Jordan's successor".

Taking the water bottle from Billups, Li You replenished his water. After hearing Grant Hill's words, he just shrugged:

"There are still some gaps, but I think I still have room for improvement."

The atmosphere team on the side was speechless. Can they still make progress?
Li You raised his eyebrows at everyone and smiled without explaining. What he said was true:

[Allen Iverson’s extraordinary speed]

The talent obtained by the Atlantic Division champion in the regular season, considering that he is not slow, will not improve much after adapting this talent.

Looking at the atmosphere group that was full of motivation and ready to go on the field to gain points, Li You exhaled the talent panel and saw that the new talent was already purple, and sighed with regret in his heart:

"Sure enough, we are reaching our limit again."

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(End of this chapter)