NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 251 Data and Spirit

On April 2002, 4, after the regular season ended, it was time for ball commentators to comment on the game.

ESPN analyst John Hollinger this year proposed an indicator based on player efficiency value and playing time-EWA.

This indicator mainly reflects the player's contribution to the team's victory in a season. The data model is similar to PER. After calculation, this thing was blown away by Li You again.
For ESPN's commentators and data experts, Li You is simply an Excel god!

No player has ever been able to play like Li You in the past. After more detailed statistics were gradually introduced at the end of the 20th century, Li You's performance was simply possessed by God.

However, every column written based on pure data will be questioned. For many old-school football commentators, Li You lacks a "spirit" in his playing.
Especially after adding a large number of three-pointers, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently commented on Li You's performance this season:
"Maybe Lee's statistics are good, but I like Kobe's way of playing better!"

"Basketball games are more than just statistics. Lakers games can also reflect the spirit of competitive sports!"

There is always an indescribable feeling of weirdness when these words are spoken from the mouth of the all-time leading scorer. Such comments also attracted a wave of strong output from the New York media:
"If Lee was as efficient as Kobe Bryant, there would still only be two championship banners over Madison Square Garden!"

"."

In the morning, USA Today's news reports did not forget to ridicule the historical scoring champion. During a random interview, a young New York fan said irritably:

"Basketball games require victory, and Lee is the GOAT! He is a born winner just like Michael Dunk!"

"**Kobe! Get the MVP and then compare with Lee!"

The New York media usually compares Li You with Magic Johnson, and they cannot be lowered. What everyone likes to discuss is:

"Who is the best point guard in history?"

The Los Angeles media always likes to use Kobe to benchmark Li You, and the same goes for Philadelphia.

The back-and-forth competition naturally annoyed the New York fans. In everyone's opinion, there was an essential gap between the two sides, and both of them were riding on Li You's popularity.
The news report broadcast early this morning really entertained the masses.

Both NBC and ESPN prefer Li You's data, and it's the same for many fans. They can't pay attention to every game, and big data can help them understand the game better.

At the end of the regular season, some people are happy and some are sad. This year's Western Conference competition is fierce and the competition is crazy.

The rookies in the Eastern Conference are pecking each other and fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

In the 2001~2002 season, the eight teams in the Western Conference that reached the playoffs were:

The Kings won 61 games, the Spurs won 58 games, the Lakers won 57 games, and the Mavericks won 56 games;
The Timberwolves have 49 wins, the Trail Blazers have 46 wins, the SuperSonics have 44 wins, and the Jazz have 44 wins.

The eight teams in the Eastern Conference that have reached the playoffs are:

The Knicks had 61 wins, the Nets had 51 wins, the Pistons had 48 wins, and the Celtics had 47 wins;
The Magic had 46 wins, the Hornets had 43 wins, the Raptors had 41 wins, and the Pacers had 41 wins.

The 41-win Bucks were unfortunately eliminated and both belonged to the Central Division. In the end, the Pacers squeezed into the playoffs based on the relationship between victory and defeat.

Allen Iverson was sidelined due to injury in April, and the 4ers dropped 76 wins after a losing streak.

The same goes for the Wizards. McQueen missed the last few games due to a knee injury in April. With a record of 4 wins, they ranked 40th in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks failed to make the playoffs, and Ray Allen was a bit out of control. After last night's game, he started to output again:

"Such a result is unacceptable. We should have achieved a better record, but there are always people holding the team back."

"The league should pay more attention to us. The Bucks should have reached the Eastern Conference finals last season!"

"Without the care of the referees, the 76ers would not be able to reach the Eastern Conference Finals."

"I don't like the team's current game strategy and I have no interest in making changes.

"In the past two seasons, my efficiency has been higher than that of Iverson, but no one is talking about me."

"I hope the Bucks can build a championship team around me!"

Ray Allen is second only to Li You in terms of shooting this season.

Troubled by some injuries, Ray Allen only played 69 games in the regular season, but hit 229 three-pointers, with a three-point shooting rate of 43.4%.

Although he failed to break the record of 99 three-pointers set by Li You in the 00-254 season, this performance is already outstanding.

Ray Allen did try his best. As for who delayed the team's record, it was naturally "Lazy Dog" Robinson and head coach George Karl.
Paul Pierce was very happy to reach the playoffs for the first time in his career, and he did not forget to deliver a wave last night:
"The Celtics deserved more attention and I should have been a straight-up All-Star."

"If I take 27 shots in a game, I can average 30 points per game!"

"Some players are overrated. Fortunately, basketball doesn't lie. We don't need to discuss him in the playoffs."

A vindictive Pierce made the sports media happy when he sarcastically mocked a star player who was kicked out of the playoffs. Everyone loves gossip like this.
The bearded Baron Davis, who was also excluded from the All-Star Game but made it to the playoffs, also followed up with a wave of output, which also triggered discussions among football commentators.

In contrast, there are not so many grievances in the Western Conference. Only O'Neal occasionally mocks his teammates.

On April 4, the NBA announced the leaders in various statistics for the 19-01 season:
Ben Wallace of the Pistons averaged 13.0 rebounds per game and was elected the rebounding leader;
Andre Miller of the Cavaliers was elected the assists leader with 10.9 assists per game;
The Pistons' Ben Wallace averaged 3.5 blocks per game and was elected as the block leader;
Li You of the Knicks defended the steals title with 2.9 steals per game;
There is no suspense about the scoring champion. Li You successfully surpassed all players with an average of 32.1 points per game and won the scoring champion again!
Li You didn't give Iverson any chance this season. He played in 82 games and scored 2630 points in a single season;
场均出场36.0分钟，场均拿到32.1分4.7篮板8.8助攻2.9抢断0.6盖帽2.8失误；

Averaged 20.3 shots per game, shooting 51.2% from the field, 9.0 shots from beyond the three-point line, and 42.7% from three-pointers;

He averaged 8.3 free throws per game and made 90.2% of his free throws.

Reached the 180 club for the second time in his career, tying the record set by Larry Bird!
At the same time, he hit 317 three-pointers in a single season, breaking Li You's own three-pointer record in the 99-00 season and taking the lead in NBA history!

ESPN also announced the regular season data rankings as usual. Data expert John Hollinger wildly praised Li You's performance:
"Lee's style of play represents the future, and he is the real GOAT of this era!"

"This season, God is still playing in the No. 1 jersey!"

This evaluation is also given because Li You's PER this season is as high as 35.5, which also broke the inhumane record he set last season.

On April 4, the New York media ushered in another carnival. Early in the morning, TV and print media began to report on the outrageous record set by Li You.

Although the famous Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believed that Li You lacked some "spirit", the 61-win scoring champion made New York fans very happy.

The Wizards were only one win away from entering the playoffs. At the end of the regular season, Michael Jordan was naturally in a bad mood.

TNT began to warm up for tonight's four playoff games, and did not forget to interview Michael Dun at this time.

When McQueen, who was about to go to the Chicago training camp to prepare for the draft, was asked about Lee You's incredible PER, he looked calm and simply responded:
"Lee just fully demonstrated his talent. The most important thing in the game of basketball is to put the ball in the basket, and he did that."

"I will not deny the role of data. Lee is very smart and he has further amplified his advantages this season."

"Excellent shooting touch is also an important talent. Records are meant to be broken. I like to see young players like this emerging in the league."

When the TNT reporter heard this answer, he quickly asked provocatively:
"Having played with crazy efficiency for two consecutive seasons, Maidu, has Li surpassed you?"

Upon hearing such a question, Michael Jordan immediately laughed:

"I have five championships, five MVPs, and 5 scoring titles."

“In Lee’s words, it’s a math problem!”

"."

March Madness is over, and the NBA lottery ceremony is about to begin. Not only is McNugget preparing for the draft, but the Knicks are also busy with it.

The Suns have won 36 games this season, ranking last, and are destined to contribute a high draft pick.

The Pacers, who flew to New York in advance, have been bombarded with advertisements in the past two days.

With 60 wins in three consecutive seasons, the swollen New York fans didn't forget to say "Fuck Miller" before the game.
The Lezi fans are naturally happy to meet the Pacers in the first round, and everyone likes to see Reggie Miller break the defense.

However, the old Miller was no longer young and vigorous, and faced these taunts and did not respond at all.

There is a difference of 41 games between 61 wins and 20 wins. Even the Pacers players themselves don’t believe it.

Being able to win at home is the goal of this rebuilding team.

During the more than two days of rest, head coach Thibodeau was very nervous. It was his first time experiencing the playoffs as a head coach, and he was afraid that he would be blackballed accidentally.
Everyone could see that the rookie coach was nervous, but since we had been together for so many years, it was natural to give the head coach face and cooperate actively in training.

That night's game officially kicked off at 20:30. Before the game, a large number of sports reporters surrounded Li You in the home team's locker room.

Li You is not worried about tonight's game. Playing against newcomers or old men has always been what he is best at.

He smiled and introduced his new signature shoes. Li You specially chose a pair of Knicks colors tonight:

"I like this year's pricing, which allows this pair of signature sneakers to better accompany basketball enthusiasts. Of course, I still recommend pure white. You can also choose this pair of sneakers for daily wear."

After some commercial exchanges, the Yahoo Sports reporter brought up the scoring champion again:

"Averaging 31.4 points per game, Allen Iverson believes that if he had not been injured, he would be the scoring leader this season."

"Li, do you agree with the other party's point of view?"

Li You put down the sneakers in his hands and blinked. Only after the New York Post reporter whispered a reminder did he learn about Iverson's statistics this season.

Played in 60 games, averaging 27.8 shots per game, averaging 31.4 points per game, shooting 39.8% from the field and 29.1% from three-point range.

With 1883 points in a single season, Iverson has suffered a serious decline this year due to injuries.

"Injuries are also part of the game, and I can only express my blessings." "As for the scoring champion, I actually don't care. Scoring is never something that leaders should think too much about. Every player has a different way of affecting the game. "

"Maybe Iverson is right. I hope he stays healthy next season and I look forward to playing against him again in the playoffs."

"."

At 20 o'clock, witnessed by nearly 2 fans in Madison Square Garden, Li You smiled, hugged two trophies, and accepted the cheers of the crowd:

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

Because Marv Albert had a car accident at the end of the regular season, Bob Costas appeared in the NBC commentary box again tonight.

After deafening cheers, the lights came back on, and Bob Costas sighed before introducing the Pacers' starting lineup:
"The trade made with the Bulls after the All-Star break did not improve the Pacers' record."

"Tonight's starting backcourt is still Jamal Tinsley and Reggie Miller, and the frontcourt three are Jaylen Rose, Jermaine O'Neal, and Brad Miller."

Partner Mike Dunleavy noticed that the Pacers still had a twin-tower lineup, shook his head in his heart, and commented tactfully on Isiah Thomas' lineup arrangement:

"Facing the Knicks, it's not a good choice to play two big men. Lee is very good at pick-and-rolls, and the Knicks' perimeter defense is very oppressive."

"Judging from the regular season games, if the Pacers want to win the game, outside players must step up in time."

When the referee called the players from both sides to the center of the field, Li You did not forget to say hello to his old opponents.

Artest didn't care about the big faces on the other side, and went to Reggie Miller's side with a smile.

Regardless of the fact that Reggie Miller is about to turn 37, Artest has no intention of respecting the veteran:
"Don't even think about scoring 20 points tonight, retire early!"

"."

Reggie Miller didn't even look at the newbie next to him, and he didn't bother to respond to the trash talk. He knew that the more provocative the young man was, the more excited he would be.

"Let's go Knicks!."

Amidst the cheers that resounded throughout the arena, the referee threw the basketball high into the air, and Pau Gasol successfully moved the ball into his own half.

Taking control of the ball, Li You immediately made tactical gestures, and then slowly moved through the half court.

Jamal Tinsley is a little nervous. As a first-year rookie, he also won the Rookie of the Month award this season, but every time he plays against Li You, the statistics are ugly.

Seeing the tactical gesture, the newbie noticed Gasol standing behind him at the left elbow, and immediately realized the tactical coordination the Knicks were going to play.

Li You handed over the ball immediately after halftime. When Gasol received the ball, Artest had already stood in the left corner, and Grant Hill also stopped on the right wing.

Kurt Thomas slowly moved up near the baseline on the right side.

Reggie Miller saw the Knicks' position and began to loudly remind his teammates.

Amid Big Brother's greeting, Jamal Tinsley saw Li You cutting in without the ball and subconsciously slid to the back left.

The newbie seemed a little nervous and didn't pull too much. This allowed Li You to run back easily. Before he got close to the free throw line, he bounced out again. While Gasol moved up, he quickly passed hand to hand. ball.

Jamal Tinsley, who was pursuing the defense again, was delayed by Gasol. The moment he lost his defensive position, Li You stopped dribbling, approached the left wing, and quickly made a jump shot from outside the three-point line!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly.

The seemingly random offense is the norm for the Knicks this season. The New York fans cheered and took their seats. Then everyone shook their orange handkerchiefs and prepared to continue watching the show.

The defense failed in the first round. Jamal Tinsley became even more nervous. He caught the ball from the baseline and was defended by Li You, almost violating an 8-second violation.

Amid the cheers, the newbie crossed the midline with his butt raised and hurriedly passed the ball to Jaylen Rose, who was receiving the ball at the top of the key.

Jamal Tinsley led Li You to the left corner. At the same time, in the three-second zone, O'Neal Jr. also crossed screens with big man Miller.

Gasol immediately switched defenses, causing physical confrontation and stretching out his long arms to interfere. Grant Hill, who was on the line, also defended with his elbows and did not give his opponent a chance to pass the ball easily.

When Jaylen Rose lobbed the ball to O'Neal Jr., the receiving position changed from the low post to the blocking area.

After catching the ball with his back, he immediately turned around and turned into a face-to-face attack. After taking a tentative step, O'Neal released the ball with his left hand, trying to get to the basket, and after the confrontation, he got close to the basket.

At the bottom left of the basket, O'Neal Jr. feinted with the ball, trying to make a time difference, but in the end, his slightly hasty shot was interfered by Gasol, and the basketball knocked out of the basket.

Kurt Thomas got stuck early, shrinking the basket immediately and protecting the rebound. The Pacers immediately retreated quickly.

When Li You responded at the top of the arc, his opponent had already retreated to the midline. After receiving the ball, there was no one in front of him to interfere, and he immediately chased his opponent's butt across the half court.

The opportunity for a semi-conversion attack was similar to the previous round. The Knicks passed halftime early. At this time, coach Thomas on the sidelines also reminded loudly:

"Confrontation defense!"

Li You, holding the ball in his right hand, accelerated and approached the right wing. At the same time, Grant Hill also pretended to move up.

While Reggie Miller was pulling the defense, he also didn't forget to remind his new teammates to pay attention to switching defenses.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Grant Hill suddenly accelerated and ran in the opposite direction. The moment he slapped the opponent's arm off, he went straight to the basket!

Li You, who was holding the ball with his right hand on the line, flicked his wrist in an instant and sent a ground pass. The basketball rebounded and fell into the hands of Grant Hill who was close to the paint area.

O'Neal Jr., who was on the right elbow, had no time to help defend the basket. Hill received the ball and easily picked up the basket!

At 0:5, the Knicks seemed to be in a stable state of abuse again.

In the commentary box, Mike Dunleavy began to comment tactfully again:
"Only the Kings and Knicks are going to be cutting without the ball that often this season."

"It's difficult for the two big men in the starting lineup to help defend quickly, and there will also be problems guarding the pick-and-roll. They need to respond as early as possible on the offensive end."

As soon as he finished speaking, the same tactic was used. The big man Miller caught the ball with his back in the low post on the right side. After releasing the ball with his left hand, he continued to hit throws close to the basket and hit another iron.
Pau Gasol protected the rebound and immediately threw the ball to Grant Hill, and the Knicks launched another transition attack.

The yelling of head coach Isiah Thomas on the sidelines still had an effect. Reggie Miller delayed the game in time, and Grant Hill simply stopped at the top of the key.

Having already reached the left corner, Li You shouted, reminding Artest on the left wing to cover him.

When Grant Hill passed the ball to Pau Gasol at the left elbow, Artest also began to move toward the corner.

Jamal Tinsley observed the Knicks' movements, and with the reminder from his big brother Jaylen Rose, he slid up the line and prepared to quickly change defense.

The new player's defensive aggression was insufficient. Li You in the bottom corner just swayed upwards and then suddenly accelerated, cutting along the baseline from left to right.

Pau Gasol, who raised the ball, quickly dropped the ball and immediately sent a ground pass, easily finding Li You who was cutting in.

O'Neal Jr. was very fast in assisting defense. He returned to the basket immediately, jumped high, and tried to block the shot.

On the lower left side of the basket, Li You, who received the ball, took off with both feet. After a confrontation in the air, he leaned back slightly, grabbed the ball with his right hand, hovered briefly, and when O'Neal hit his shoulder, he threw the ball toward the backboard!

"My bowl!"

"Boom!"

The basketball hit the board high and accurately fell into the basket, and the referee immediately blew the whistle.

Bob Costas heard the cheers in the arena and felt that Li You was starting to exert his strength:

"Mike, you're right, it's hard for the Pacers to keep up with the Knicks' offense."

"Maybe Coach Thomas should ask for a timeout."

Gasol, who sent the assist, pumped his fist excitedly. The first playoff game in his career was easier than he imagined.

Li You, who was walking to the free throw line, high-fived his teammates one by one in celebration. Looking at O'Neal with his hands on his hips, he couldn't help but smile and joke:
"If you want to defend well, remember to leave all your fouls to me!"

"."

O'Neal Jr. noticed that coach Thomas reminded him to be aggressive when fouling, but there was a helpless expression on his face.

After Li Youjia made a solid free throw, head coach Thibodeau, who had been standing on the sidelines, was completely relieved and sat back on the bench.

At 0:8, the Knicks entered the game early.

The Pacers, who insisted on a twin-tower lineup, tried to slow down and rely on the inside to open up the situation. However, the big man was slow to warm up tonight, and several attacks failed.

The game lasted 3 minutes and 02 seconds before big man Miller hit two points under the basket.
Completely stuck in a scoring drought, head coach Isiah Thomas yelling loudly on the sidelines had no effect.

In several consecutive rounds, the Knicks seized the opportunity of a semi-conversion offense to score easily, and the game suddenly collapsed.

At the end of the first quarter, when the Pacers made no substitutions and started to delay Li You, Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas also responded easily with mid-range jumpers.

At 11:28, at the end of the first quarter, the Pacers' outrageous performance once again entertained the New York fans at the scene.

During the break, on the Knicks bench, Thibodeau suddenly didn’t know what to say while holding his tactical board. In the end, assistant coach Don Chaney clapped his hands and praised with a smile:
"Li, keep this pace, we have to end the game as early as possible tonight!"

"."

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