NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 45 "Iron Blood" Basketball ([-])

On November 1996, 11, the Madison Square Garden Arena resumed its hustle and bustle.

After the game, the New York fans did not leave the field and continued to shout loudly, celebrating the end of the team's three-game losing streak.

After successive losses to the Hornets, 76ers, and Sonics, Jeff Van Gundy was increasingly questioned.

Charlie Ward's technical characteristics have been thoroughly figured out by each team, and the data is also showing a downward trend.

In this case, Li You's playing time finally broke through 20 minutes.

The last time the Knicks were beaten by the Sonics at home, they were beaten by the Sonics 3:36 in the third quarter and lost the game in one fell swoop.

Patrick Ewing was limited to 15 of 2 by the highly mobile striker of the Sonics, scored only 8 points, and contributed 4 turnovers.
Li You is considered the best player in the team. Although all the inside breakthroughs were made with iron, he scored a team-high 6 points by virtue of his performance of 4 of 5 from beyond the three-point line and 3 of 15 free throws.

Meeting the Kings with 5 wins and 10 losses since the start of the game tonight, the Knicks played a hearty offense again, 99:115, and beat their opponents at home, ending their three-game losing streak.

The MSG TV network interviewed Li You immediately after the game. The commentator, Mafu Albert, was in a good mood and was currently in a state of winning and smiling:
"18 years and 334 days, Lee, tonight is your record night again, congratulations on becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points and 10 assists!"

"It's an amazing record, how would you like to rate your performance?"

13中6，三分线外7中3，罚球6中6，21分4篮板10助攻2抢断2失误，这是今晚李佑交出的数据。

Wiping the sweat from his head with his armguard, Li You seriously doubted that the media in New York calculated his age every day, and recently several paper media have blown him up.
"Records and statistics are not important. I will give myself 70 points for my performance tonight. I missed some chances at the basket."

"Compared to the old players in the league, the confrontation is still a bit worse, but I have strengthened my strength training, and I hope I can become more comprehensive."

Ball critic John Andaris looked at the humble and confident Li You, and secretly scolded Jeff Van Gundy for his conservative employment:
"Li, it's a pity that you missed the best rookie of the month with a high probability this month. Do you have any regrets about this? We all know that you are more efficient!"

Hearing that the ball critic brought the question to the awards again, Li You replied indifferently:

"10 wins and 4 losses, the team started well, that's the most important thing, there are still 5 months left in the regular season, I still have a chance to get this award."

"."

尼克斯队在11月末休息了5天，帕特里克-尤因也从上场的惨败中恢复过来，今晚20中12，砍下29分14篮板2助攻2抢断，没有失误。

In the press conference after the game, Jeff Van Gundy and Ewing were questioned again.

Tonight, the Knicks speeded up in an all-round way. The team took 86 shots. Charlie Ward only played 20 minutes, and Li You played 27 minutes instead.

"We have the ability to play faster, our offense can become better, Jeff, why not stick to this style of play?"

The New York Times reporter had been supportive of Jeff Van Gundy in the past, but after the disastrous home loss to the Sonics, he followed suit.
Only one month later, the hair on Jeff Van Gundy's head became thinner visible to the naked eye. Faced with such a question, he could only answer formulaically:
"Facing different opponents, the coaching staff will formulate different game strategies."

"When players are in poor form, the regular season is very long, and the final test is the discipline of the team!"

"I just want to emphasize one point. Defense wins the championship. Our goal is very clear. The regular season is for the playoffs."

After the playoffs, the media in the audience complained, but they no longer embarrassed the two of them.

Patrick Ewing cheerfully looked at the people who changed their faces, feeling quite comfortable, he is still the team's thigh!

On December 1996, 12, the NBA announced the best player for the first month of the season:
The Chicago Bulls achieved a record of 11 wins and 15 loss in the November game, and Michael Jordan was elected the best player of the month without any suspense;
场均出场35.9分钟，场均拿到31.9分4.9篮板3.4助攻1.5抢断0.6盖帽1.5失误；

He averaged 24.4 shots per game, shooting 50.3% from the field, 3.3 shots from outside the three-point line, and 37.7% from the three-point range. He averaged 7.3 free throws per game and made 84.6% of the free throws.

Michael Jordan's stats are the only one among outside players, and his shooting percentage is [-]%, which is already in the sky!
Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone, who had won the best of the week before, could only be speechless when they saw this data. The best player of the week may be just a consolation prize given to them by the league.
November's Rookie of the Month was awarded to Allen Iverson of the 11ers:
76人队在11月取得7胜8负的战绩，艾弗森场均出场37.2分钟，场均拿到21.8分5.3篮板6.4助攻2.7抢断5.3失误。

After the awards were announced, the fans in Philadelphia burst into laughter. Even though the team's record was mediocre, everyone believed in the process and the future is bright!
Taking advantage of the heat, the New York media followed suit and released Li You's data for November:

场均出场18.5分钟，场均拿到13.1分2.4篮板6.1助攻0.8抢断1.4失误；

He averaged 8.8 shots per game, shooting 47.4% from the field, 4.8 shots from beyond the three-point line, 43.3% from three-pointers, 2.8 free throws per game, and 85.8% from free throws.

Compared with Allen Iverson's 42% shooting rate and 36% three-point shooting rate, Li You is more efficient. Finally, the New York media concluded:
"Jeff Van Gundy cost Lee Rookie of the Month"

The 1997 Cleveland All-Star Game opened the voting session on this day, and the Knicks took the opportunity to start fan activities.

Knicks Day is a daily event held by the team every year. Fans, players, coaches, and team celebrities will all be present.

The All-Star Game NBA League will hold a 50th anniversary event, and the legendary Knicks head coach Reed Holzman will definitely be included in the list of the top 15 coaches.

The old man is not in good health, so this fan event held at Madison Square Garden can also be regarded as a blessing event.

After coming to the team for a few months, Li You met general manager Ernie Grunfeld for the first time.

Willis Reed and Walter Frazier, who led the Knicks to the championship, were also present.

The two were chatting and laughing with Ewing about the upcoming All-Star game, and all three of them were selected as NBA 50 superstars.

"Good job, Lee! Believe me, you'll get more playing time."

Dressed in formal attire, the burly Grunfeld gave Li You a big cake with a smile.

For his own situation, Li You has a clear understanding, playing time is only part of the reason, more because he has to assist the old guy.

Facing the delicious pancake, Li You didn't show much emotion:

"I don't care whether to start or come off the bench, winning is the most important thing!"

"Coach Van Gundy is a good guy and I support any decision he makes."

"."

Jeff Van Gundy, who was chatting with the coaching staff, frowned subconsciously when he saw Li You and Grunfeld talking happily:

"Head coaching is not a good job"

　Thank you book friends for your collection ￣﹣￣
　　
　
(End of this chapter)