NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 295 Become famous in one battle (8000 words chapter)

On the night of June 2003, 6, there was little time left in the fourth quarter.

On the Spurs bench, Steve Kerr noticed that his teammate David Robinson clenched his fists and watched the game in silence. He couldn't help but sigh secretly:

"This is a nightmare match"

Superstars also have their days, and no one can resist the invasion of time. Although David Robinson scored 15 points in this game with jump shots and free throws, as long as he comes on the court, he will be targeted on the defensive end.

Steve Smith, who also sat on the bench for most of the game, only played 5 minutes in the entire game.

The veteran couldn't make a shot on the offensive end and was passed over on the defensive end. He completely turned into a soft persimmon and was destined to fall out of the rotation.

Steve Kerr is also a veteran himself, so he can naturally understand the mood of the two. Popovich didn't even let him play.

After playing the first half, Tim Duncan took a break at the end of the third quarter, and with the two minutes at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the game ended immediately, and his playing time tonight came to 3 minutes.

In Madison Square Garden, New York fans started celebrating the victory early. Many people like this kind of game because Li You plays more time.

"Wow!"

With 18.6 seconds left in the game, Duncan missed his second free throw, and cheers echoed throughout the arena again.

Running back to the half court, Duncan waved his arms dejectedly, retreated to the paint area and leaned on his knees, looking straight at Li You who stopped moving after the half.

The game time passed, and Parker no longer defended. Several members of the Spurs team were a little disappointed. The game was completely different from what they expected.

The buzz at the end was almost drowned out by the cheers of the fans. 90:114, the Knicks defeated the Spurs and ushered in a good start to the finals.

Everyone on the Spurs left early, and only Popovich came to the technical stage and shook hands with D'Antoni as a routine.

The two exchanged simple greetings, and soon Popovich walked quickly towards the player tunnel without looking back.

A smile appeared on D'Antoni's face, and he walked slowly on the sidelines, continuing to enjoy the joy of victory.

At the end of the game, the three people in the ABC commentary box also changed positions and came to the venue. Watching Li You being interviewed, Bill Walton was the first to speak:

"If the Spurs can't make adjustments, the series will be over soon."

"Tim Duncan is great, but he needs the support of his teammates. They are facing a 73-win team!"

24中13，罚球12中8，34分13篮板4助攻1抢断2盖帽，邓肯今晚又交出了一份两双数据。

Bill Walton, who shaved his beard during the Finals, looked much more energetic.

But the way the famous star angrily criticized the rest of the Spurs team made his bald partner Tolbert laugh:

"How to adjust? I don't know. In my opinion, the Spurs have tried their best. They almost rotated with 7 players tonight."

"Tony Parker, like Lee, both played 41 minutes, and Ginobili's playing time also reached 42 minutes."

"The gap is huge, and Lee's impact on the game surpasses any opponent the Spurs have faced in the Western Conference."

24中14，三分线外6中3，罚球11中10，41分5篮板12助攻2抢断2失误，李佑在总决赛又贡献了一次40+两双。

Both partners acted as if the Spurs were completely finished. Nessler almost failed to catch the words. In the end, he could only smile at the camera with Xini and said:

"Although the Spurs lost by 24 points tonight, the series has just begun. I believe Tim Duncan will lead the team to rebound strongly in the following games."

"The second game of the finals will be held on the 2th, and ABC will continue to bring you exciting games."

The Spurs attended the press conference with Tim Duncan and David Robinson. When asked about the team's support, Duncan did not have his teammate CBA:

"Tony is just a second-year rookie and I thought he did a good job tonight and he was fighting Lee the whole game."

"We will study the video carefully when we get back. The team still has room for improvement. There was a huge problem with our defense tonight."

The look of disappointment disappeared from his face, and Duncan became expressionless again when he answered the question.

帕克今晚15中5，罚球4中2，拿到12分4篮板4助攻1抢断3失误。

There were only two sports goals in the first half, and the situation did not improve until the last quarter.

Familiar sports reporters in the audience were all communicating in low voices. The trend of the game was completely beyond their expectations. A reporter from TNT suddenly asked:

"David, if the Spurs don't win a championship this year, will you still choose to retire?"

In less than two months, the "Admiral" will be 38 years old. David Robinson turned to look at Duncan and finally answered calmly:

"I will still choose to retire. Many times, I can no longer help the team."

"In the NBA, there are more than just championships. I enjoy my career very much!"

The reporter accompanying the Spurs only felt sad. David Robinson spent his entire career in San Antonio and accompanied many fans in their youth.

When Li You attended the press conference in a dark blue formal suit, the reporters in the audience were full of flattery. No one discussed the data, and no one questioned the outcome of the series.

The New York Times reporter boasted happily at this time:

“李，今晚的41分，也是你职业生涯总决赛第11次40+得分！目前你已经打破了杰里-韦斯特总决赛10次40+得分纪录！”

"This is really an incredible achievement! On this record night, let's talk about your feelings!"

In last year's finals, Li You tied Jerry West's record, but after losing, the New York sports media just kept a low profile.

This year's situation is completely different, with 73 wins, 13 wins and 0 losses so far in the playoffs, and a 40+ record, everyone can't wait to brag!

"I don't consider myself a scorer. Like I said before, numbers are just for winning."

"Jerry West is a legendary star, and I feel honored to be able to break the record!"

Seeing Li You saying these words seriously, most people in the New York sports media were speechless except for the New York sports media who laughed and clapped their hands and applauded:

"Not a scorer?"

On June 6, the sports sections of major mainstream newspapers across the United States, in addition to reporting that the Knicks won the game, were all boasting about X Li You's new record.

The front page of the New York Times made another exaggerated headline:

"Beyond a legend! A New York miracle—Clay-Lee!"

Jerry West has entered the Finals 9 times and has 10+ points 40 times, which is regarded as an unsurpassable record.

Counting this year, Li You has entered the finals exactly 6 times. At the age of 25, he easily broke the record!

The more outrageous the record, the more "winners" it will attract. Just like New York fans love Excel and records, people who don't follow the NBA will also be attracted by such reports.

ABC and the NBA have worked hard to promote and take over the broadcast of the first finals. Both parties hope that the ratings will reach a new high.

No one came out to naysay this time, because this record is really outrageous and opens the door to outrageousness - so outrageous.

In the TNT program, Charles Barkley, who has always had a loud mouth, could only follow suit:

"In another century, if the NBA is still around, no one will break the record set by Lee!"

"Perhaps we can see more 40+ in the finals before Lee's career ends!"

"."

Everyone on the Spurs team who was still watching the game video in the hotel on the morning of the 5th just felt tired. No one reported on them, and no one cared about their feelings.

Manhattan seems to be in a state of carnival. The new record has made New York fans ecstatic. People can be heard discussing Li You's record during breakfast.

As for the newspaper, after one glance, Popovich and the coaching staff threw it aside, making them feel uncomfortable.

Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown regrets it every day this season.

If he had become the head coach of the Knicks last year, he would have become a super coach after one season!

As a result, the famous coach did not take it seriously, but accompanied the Spurs as a backdrop. Mike Brown was not in a good mood during the video class and almost said directly:

"There's no chance, we're doomed to lose, let's go home."

"Brown Bread" ran out of ideas, and another assistant coach, Mike Budenholzer, took the initiative to suggest:

"We should double-team Lee more and let other players finish the offense!"

The other two assistant coaches didn't say anything. Popovich didn't have any good ideas for a while. Although he gave chicken soup to the players, he lost by 20 points. The gap was too big.

The coaching staff had a discussion, but no one had lunch. The more they talked, the more they lost their appetite. There was no solution to the gap in player strength.

Sensing that the assistant coaches were starting to feel depressed, Popovich finally said:

"I believe in Tim! Let's continue to cheer up the boys in the afternoon!"

Mike Brown looked at Popovich and once again realized why he was snatched away as the head coach by D'Antoni. At the same time, an inexplicable confidence surged in his heart:

"As long as I have the right opportunity, I will definitely become the head coach!"

6月6号，总决赛G2依旧是当晚20:30正式开战。

There is only one day left for the Spurs to adjust, and ball commentators unanimously believe that the Knicks will sweep the championship.

Two hours before the start of the game, ABC continued to warm up for that night's game in the back studio.

Host Mike Tirico remained the same, trying to remain neutral and avoid inadvertently making any comments that would cause discomfort to San Antonio fans.

In the studio, Jeff Van Gundy put on a look that I knew would be the case:

"Tim Duncan may still be able to put up good numbers, but unfortunately, he can't change the Knicks' defensive strategy."

"In fact, in the 99 Finals, Tim Duncan also performed very well. If you want to win the series, role players need to step up."

Elliott on the side knew that the bald young coach was right. He shot more than 50% from the field and did not stretch his free throws. Duncan's performance reminded him of the finals that year:

"I believe coach Popovich will make adjustments and the Spurs still have a chance!"

Mike Tirico noticed that the Spurs legend repeated this sentence over and over again, and couldn't help but ask Jeff Van Gundy on the other side:

"Jeff, how should the Spurs adjust to win the game?"

Hearing this question, the bald young marshal smiled again, glanced at his former opponent, and said meaningfully:

"It's tough, Tim Duncan is going to get double-teamed, but the Knicks rotate very quickly on the perimeter."

"If the Spurs can complete the pass in time and the role players can hit some open three-pointers, it may be able to change some game situations."

"Their second-leading scorer, Tony Parker, was completely misfired. No matter how many points Tim Duncan scored, Lee was able to respond."

"If the Spurs choose to double-team and the Knicks role players hit those open shots, maybe they lose faster."

"Of course there are many factors that can affect the game, but at the home court of the Knicks, based on the current situation, the Spurs have no chance."

"."

The comments from the rear studio were quickly fulfilled after the game started. In the ABC commentary box, after half the game, Nessler couldn't help but sigh again:

"Coach Van Gundy really knows the Knicks very well, and his prediction was absolutely correct."

At 41:54, at the end of the half, the Knicks led by 13 points.

The trend of the game is exactly the same as that of G1. The difference is that Duncan made 6 of 2 free throws at halftime.

12中7，半场邓肯又砍下了16分6篮板2助攻1盖帽2失误。

Bill Walton frowned as he looked at the technical statistics, always feeling that this was a repeat of the game the night before:

"The Spurs didn't make any adjustments. They kept giving the ball to Duncan. Occasionally David Robinson would get a chance and hit some jumpers."

"But this couldn't change the situation on the court. The Knicks still scored 26 points in the second quarter, and their double teams had no effect."

Tolbert was not surprised at all. He had already sentenced the Spurs to death:

"It's a bad matchup. When Parker is guarding Artest, all he can do is pray that the opponent misses the shot except for a foul."

"The Spurs defense is falling apart and Lee is in complete control of the game!"

The three of them took turns giving advice to the Spurs in the commentary box. As the third quarter of the game began, the atmosphere in the arena became more and more lively.

"Defense!."

Amid the defensive cheers, Parker dribbled past halftime and immediately gave the ball to David Robinson at the left elbow.

The latter caught the ball, and Parker cut in diagonally. He failed to get a direct chance and led Li You to the right corner.

After David Robinson received the ball at the elbow, Duncan moved to the low post on the lower left side of the basket early, and kept pulling with Kurt Thomas, trying to get the ball with his back.

The Spurs also started to move on the line. Ginobili quickly ran to the left wing, and Bowen followed to the right wing to open up space.

In a simple high-low cooperation, David Robinson lobbed the ball to Duncan in the low post, and then moved Gasol to the right near the baseline.

Duncan, who was receiving the ball, was still observing the defense and noticed that Gasol suddenly stepped forward to double-team, and realized that the big brother was open. However, Duncan was surrounded by two big men, but failed to send the pass immediately.

Kurt Thomas held on to the line, not giving Duncan a chance to easily turn around and release the ball. Gasol, who helped defend, mainly relied on his wingspan to interfere on the line.

Any star who faces a double-team with no brains will usually hit the iron. Duncan released the ball with his right hand and pulled back the defense. David Robinson saw that something was not right and hurriedly returned to the free throw line.

David Robinson received Duncan's pass, and Gasol once again moved to help defend the paint area.

Almost left open, near the free throw line, David Robinson made a decisive jump shot.

Li You, who retreated to the right side near the baseline early, grabbed the rebound and saw the Spurs quickly retreating from defense, and he dribbled through the half court unhurriedly.

The Spurs decisively changed to another defensive strategy in the second half. David Robinson and Duncan stood on the left and right near the baseline on the right side.

Parker led the defense on the line, with Ginobili and Bowen shrinking within the three-point line on the left and right wings. Seeing his opponent adopt a 32 zone defense position, Li You first turned his head to look at Artest on the left wing, and then waved his teammates to run to the right corner.

Artest began to move, first sliding to the left corner. Ginobili, the left wing, moved back to intercept Li You's ball route.

Parker also began to control the defensive distance and always pay attention to the movements behind him.

"Let's go Knicks!."

In the cheers of the New York fans, Gasol accelerated his lift. David Robinson did not follow up and defended. Instead, he loudly ordered his teammates to pay attention to shrinking the defense.

Grant Hill saw that Artest had reached the basket, and immediately walked off the line from the right wing and quickly ran to the left corner.

Bowen hesitated and chose to loudly remind Ginobili to pay attention to his defensive position, while he stayed in the elbow area, ready to double-team and help defend at any time.

Gasol stood still at the top of the arc. Ginobili noticed that Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, seemed to break through from the left, and subconsciously slowed down.

The high-quality screen allowed Li You to easily get rid of Parker. Ginobili stopped and wanted to step forward to attack, but Li You was faster and got rid of the defense and suddenly pushed the ball quickly to change direction.

Li You grabbed the ball with his right hand and broke through to the paint area instantly. Bowen retracted in time, but he was still a step too slow.

The moment Li You got rid of the defense, he immediately jumped up and threw the ball. Bowen, who raised his hand to interfere, could only watch the basketball fly straight to the right corner.

Duncan was delayed by Kurt Thomas and did not follow up to block the shot. This is what the Spurs want to see.

The unguarded Artest received the pass, squatted down, stuck out his butt, exerted all his strength, and made a steady jump shot!

"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!

At 41:57, the point difference continued to widen, and Artest, who hit the shot, celebrated with a fist pump.

It was the Spurs' turn to attack again, but the Knicks were still man-to-man defense. This time Duncan, who received the ball in the low post on the right, assisted David Robinson on the free throw line and made an open jumper.

Looking back, Popovich reminded loudly on the sidelines that the Spurs still adhered to the defensive strategy.

Li You still passed the half court leisurely. Seeing that the opponent was still upset, he made tactical gestures again.

Loudly reminded Artest to go to the right corner again, and Grant Hill stood in the left corner early.

The Spurs Ginobili and Bowen moved back slightly to cut off the passing route. At this time, they saw Gasol and Kurt Thomas moving up to the three-point line at the same time, and they couldn't help but move up to the line again. step.

Parker was already blinded at this time. He was sandwiched between two big men. Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, quickly pushed the ball to change direction. Parker was stuck in place.

Seeing Li You switch to his right hand, Bowen and Duncan, who was near the baseline on the right, began to move faster.

Pulling the defense on the line, Li You pretended to pass the ball to the right corner, then suddenly jumped up and swung the ball hard against Bowen's defense.

The basketball accurately fell into the hands of Gasol down the middle.

David Robinson actively assisted in defense, and Duncan also hurriedly shrank toward the basket. Gasol received the ball and distributed the ball to Artest in the right corner.

Facing Duncan's turning attack, Artest didn't make any adjustments this time and just caught the ball and threw it!

"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!

At 43:60, the point difference widened again.

"Wow!"

After hitting consecutive three-pointers, Artest jumped up and down and returned to defense excitedly, and the cheers in the arena became louder and louder.

In the first half, he made 3 of 0 three-pointers. In the second half, the iron tree suddenly blossomed. Popovich stopped shouting loudly on the sidelines and folded his arms to express depression about the situation on the court.

Parker and Duncan again played a high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc. Facing Li You's defense around the line, they made a jump shot from the left elbow area.

On the Spurs bench, the atmosphere team cheered. As Popovich made tactical gestures, several people on the court continued to defend.

Li You once again called Gasol for a pick-and-roll, and the Knicks were still in the same position, except that Artest moved to the left corner this time.

Changing the pick-and-roll position, Gasol stood firm on the left wing, and Li You, holding the ball in his left hand, easily got rid of the defense again.

Bowen saw Li You slowing down and hurriedly stepped forward to double-team. Li You took advantage of the situation and distributed the ball to Artest in the left corner.

The latter immediately raised the ball and feinted after receiving the ball. David Robinson subconsciously moved forward. At this time, Artest immediately released the ball with his left hand and accelerated the breakthrough.

David Robinson was not completely out of position, but Artest relied on his body to grab half of his position, tilted his body and broke through to the basket.

Kurt Thomas has moved to the right block at this time, leaving a passing route. At the same time, he also provides an off-ball screen for Grant Hill in the low corner on the right to prevent Ginobili from attacking.

At this time, Duncan still chose to help defend to the basket, and then saw Artest twisting the ball to the left corner.

Completely unguarded, Grant Hill took aim at his sweet spot for a while before making a steady jumper.

"Whoa!" Another three-pointer!

45:63, the score difference is still widening.

At this time, Li You smiled and clapped his hands, and then tapped his head with his fingers, which made everyone in the Spurs team furious.

The Spurs continued to adhere to this defensive strategy, and the Knicks naturally also experienced a situation of blacksmithing.

It's just that long rebounds are sometimes out of control, resulting in two transition attacks, and more often they fall into positional battles.

This time, Duncan was not double-teamed when attacking in the low post on the left. After releasing the ball with his right hand, he leaned against Kurt Thomas. He rushed up in three strides and came to the front of the basket to throw the ball successfully!

51:65，第3节比赛还剩7分02秒，马刺队将分差缩小。

After missing three-pointers in several consecutive rounds and relying on Gasol to score two points, D'Antoni took the initiative to request a timeout.

Jackson came on the bench and replaced Grant Hill. Seeing this substitution, Bill Walton subconsciously commented in the commentary box:

"The Knicks seem to want to continue to adhere to such tactics. This is an opportunity for the Spurs!"

In the first round after the timeout, the Spurs still defended in a zone. The Knicks passed the ball from the outside and pulled the defense to no avail. Li You once again chose to initiate a pick-and-roll on the left wing.

Although Parker squeezed through the screen in time, Ginobili chose to let go of Jackson, who had just appeared, and double-teamed Li You again.

Jackson, who had just debuted, received a pass from the left wing and noticed that David Robinson did not move at all and threw the ball without making many adjustments!

"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!

"Wow!"

Cheers instantly echoed throughout the arena, and Jackson pumped his fists repeatedly.

At 51:68, the score difference returned to 17 points.

This situation made everyone in the Spurs team more and more anxious. Parker came to the left wing and immediately handed over the ball.

Duncan was not completely stuck in his position. He caught the ball in the left block and was immediately assisted by Li You.

Quickly pass the ball back to Parker, who immediately releases the ball with his right hand and breaks through.

Artest on the right elbow immediately stepped in to help defend, and Parker took advantage of the situation and passed the ball to Bowen on the right wing.

After receiving the ball, facing Artest's block, Bowen made a quick jump shot from outside the three-point line!

"state!"

The rebound popped up, and Gasol grabbed the rebound in front of David Robinson to protect it.

After Duncan's loud reminder, the Spurs finally changed their defensive formation to a 23 zone defense, leaving only Parker and Bowen on the line.

David Robinson still did not follow the defense, and Gasol continued to pick and roll at the top of the arc.

Seeing Li You holding the ball in his right hand briefly get rid of Parker, Bowen let go of Jackson again, trying to cooperate with his teammates to complete the double team one after another.

Ginobili had been staring at Artest in the right corner. When he saw Jackson receiving the ball from the right wing, he rushed forward to defend.

After receiving the pass, Jackson still didn't make any adjustments, facing the defense and throwing the ball quickly!

"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.

At 51:71, the score difference returned to 20 points, and the cheers almost broke through the stadium.

Popovich looked ugly, watching Li You and Jackson bumping chests in celebration, and cursed a few times in his heart.

Back on the bench, Duncan also threw the towel angrily and stared at the coach, seemingly asking if he still insisted on such a defense.

"Patience! We still have time!"

Popovich sat in front of everyone and repeatedly emphasized that the third quarter was only halfway through.

After the timeout, the Spurs' top-notch defense did not get the expected results. On the stage of the finals, with a big lead, Jackson had no pressure in his heart and ushered in his own explosion.

With 3 minute and 1 seconds left in the third quarter, the Knicks passed the ball continuously from the outside. From the left wing, Jackson got an open opportunity and hit another jump shot!

Jackson's fourth three-pointer in this quarter. After hitting the shot, the former undrafted player raised his head and pulled his neck and roared loudly.

"what!"

Duncan hit the basketball hard at the baseline. Whenever the point difference approached about 14 points, the Knicks would respond and would definitely hit a three-pointer.

Whenever they miss a three-point shot, Li You can seize the opportunity and play some easy-scoring transition attacks.

This kind of blind chicken throwing mode makes D'Antoni very happy. Compared to the big-faced Popovich, the mustache has been cheering loudly from the sidelines.

The Spurs, who implemented a defensive strategy, completely witnessed the explosion of the Knicks' role players.

Jackson, who hit consecutive three-pointers, raised the ball in the right corner and feinted past Ginobili, who was defending him.

He released the ball with his right hand and accelerated the breakthrough along the baseline. Leaning on Duncan who came up to help defend, Jackson rushed up in three strides and leaned forward to avoid the block. He came to the lower left side of the basket, grabbed the ball with his right hand and turned back to pick the basket!

"squeak!"

The basketball entered the frame, and the referee blew the whistle. Malik Rose, who came on as a substitute, stared blankly at Jackson on the other side of the basket, beating his chest and roaring.

"Well done! Bro!"

Li You stepped forward to fist bump with Jackson, and the New York fans at the scene also began to applaud the substitute.

65:82, Jackson made an extra free throw, and the point difference was still 17 points.

In the last two possessions of the third quarter, Ginobili hit two three-pointers, and the Knicks also missed open shots.

With 3 seconds left in the third quarter, Li You slowly passed the half again.

In the logo position, Li You, holding the ball in his left hand, stopped, turned sideways to protect the ball, and continued to waste time.

Seeing that no one from the Spurs was double-teaming him, Li You also had a smile on his face.

Parker got in front of him and interfered. Li You suddenly shook his shoulders, pulled the ball back and leaned forward to accelerate.

Parker hurriedly slid back to the right, only to see that Li You was just blasting the ball in place, and then slowly moved forward two steps, continuing to waste time.

Somewhat close to the three-point line, Parker began to maintain a defensive distance. It was not until there was less than 3 seconds left in the third quarter that he realized that something was wrong.

Parker hurriedly stepped forward to defend, but Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, dribbled the ball with his hips. The moment he switched to his left hand, he blasted the ball again and retreated significantly.

Parker, who was trying hard to jump to block the shot, saw that Li You's body had not deformed in any way, and he easily completed the shot. The basketball flew past his fingertips, and Parker who landed quickly turned his head.

The buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter while the basketball was still in mid-air.

After the basketball drew a huge arc and accurately fell into the net, cheers immediately broke through the arena!

"OMG!"

"Twenty-seven feet? Or more!"

"God, Lee hit a super long three-pointer to help the Knicks lead by 20 points!"

In the commentary box, Nesler watched Li You twist his height and raise his hands to celebrate confidently early on. At this moment, he felt that ESPN's bragging was too conservative.

After scoring 15 points in a single quarter, Jackson hugged Li You behind him and said excitedly:

"Thank you! Bro, this is the most glorious moment of my career!"

Everyone in the Knicks team rushed forward, hugged Jackson and started celebrating. The game was no longer in suspense.

At 65:85, the Knicks scored 3 points in the third quarter and hit eight three-pointers in a single quarter. In the commentary box, Bill Walton did not expect that the game would go like this:

"Tonight Lee showed us how to break the opponent's zone defense. In most rounds, the Knicks shot open!"

"Stephen Jackson scored 15 points in a single quarter in the Finals. After tonight, everyone will recognize this striker!"

Tolbert noticed that Li You sent 10 assists in three quarters and couldn't help but sigh:

“Playing next to Lee always gives you more opportunities!”

"Those commentators who question Lee's high usage rate should look at the game, not the data sheet!"

"Become famous in one fight! I'm so happy to witness such a competition!"

"..

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(End of this chapter)