in2ebook Chapter 517: The Real Softie
Chapter 517: The Real Softie
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On Monday, April 30, 2007, the NBA announced this season's All-Defense Teams:
The First Team consisted of 5 players:
Clay Lee, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Marcus Camby, Tim Duncan.
The Second Team consisted of 5 players:
Jason Kidd, Kirk Hinrich, Bruce Bowen, Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace.
After the awards were announced, New York Media sports reporters once again expressed their dissatisfaction.
On an MSG program, they began to complain about the NBA coaches' "impression-based" voting, with ample reasons:
"Kobe Bryant's defensive efficiency rating is outside the top 50, and Jason Kidd's defensive performance has sharply declined due to injuries."
"The selection process, which disrespects objective facts, should be reformed. The All-Defense Team should no longer be a joke."
Sports fans watching MSG programs in New York had long been brainwashed.
Nearly 11 years of fervent bragging and countless honors made fans believe even more in Excel.
"Data doesn't lie" became a firmly held belief for many New York fans.
Although they were selected for the All-Defense Team, Kobe and Camby's reputations were not good.
The Lakers and the Denver Nuggets were about to go fishing, as neither of them displayed dominance on the defensive end.
That night, Allen Iverson disappointed his die-hard fans once again.
His usual inefficient performance once again proved that he was a "noob."
96:89, the Denver Nuggets, with a 7-man rotation, fought to the end but regrettably lost.
At Pepsi Center, after winning the game, the San Antonio Spurs secured the match point.
Tim Duncan, who was selected for the All-Defense First Team, was in a good mood.
Even though some people had written him off after losing a home game, basketball doesn't lie.
The Denver Nuggets fans at the venue did not leave early.
The boos from nearly 20,000 people were incredibly loud.
They had been deceived! Allen Iverson was not a championship puzzle piece!
Facing the boos from the entire arena, Duncan, with a smile, put his arm around Parker, patting his teammate's shoulder in encouragement.
Tonight, the French sports car once again blew up the opposing backcourt.
He played 38 minutes, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, 1-for-1 from the free-throw line, efficiently scoring 15 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers.
As the San Antonio Spurs players walked towards the player tunnel, Parker knew the overall situation was decided.
After blowing a kiss to his fiancée Ivanka, he whispered to Duncan:
"This guy used to be Lee's opponent? No wonder the 76ers kept losing in the playoffs before."
Parker's face showed a schadenfreude expression.
The Denver Post almost praised Allen Iverson to the heavens, and the column article "The Answer Belongs to the Playoffs" almost made him believe it.
Only after playing against him did he realize that the opponent was a complete paper tiger.
The New York Media's reports were actually the most accurate:
"Allen Iverson is just an inefficient stat-padder."
Manu Ginobili, who was following behind, didn't say a word.
As they were about to enter the locker room, Duncan ruffled his short hair in encouragement:
"It's okay, Manu. We still have time. Everyone believes in you."
After his injury, Manu Ginobili's performance fluctuated.
Most teams in the NBA had become familiar with his playing style, making it more difficult for him to deliver standout performances as before.
"I feel pretty good. You should tell the coach to give me more playing time. I only had 4 turnovers. He almost got scared."
Manu Ginobili patted Tim Duncan and laughed, teasing Gregg Popovich.
That old man always blamed the players, and he and Parker were sometimes special targets, but he wouldn't change his playing style because of it.
The San Antonio Spurs' regular-season performance this season was mediocre, as injuries affected their play.
But now that the playoffs were underway, everyone realized they had a chance to comfortably reach the Conference Finals.
Their first-round opponent posed no threat.
If they faced the Phoenix Suns in the semifinals, Duncan was confident he could lead his team to defeat that "fake team."
Considering that the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz were still in a tug-of-war, everyone on the San Antonio Spurs felt that God was looking out for them this year, and this might be their easiest playoff journey in recent years.
Gregg Popovich naturally saw the confidence on his players' faces.
He believed they could definitely finish off their opponent back at home.
Thinking of what happened to the Dallas Mavericks, the old man also got energized:
"Stay focused. The playoffs have just begun..."
The old man poured a lot of inspirational talk into the San Antonio Spurs players.
Duncan sat in his seat, simply rehydrating.
He felt like the Finals were beckoning him again, and his thoughts raced:
"Maybe this is my chance."
Trailing 1:3 in the series, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony sat expressionlessly on the stage at the press conference.
There would be no miracle.
No one believed they could turn the game around.
He played 45 minutes, shooting 9-for-25 from the field, 0-for-3 from beyond the arc, and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line, for 22 points, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
Allen Iverson's shooting percentage once again failed to exceed 40%, and his 1-for-6 performance in the fourth quarter left Denver sports reporters speechless.
"Allen, in your first year in Denver, you've once again been eliminated in the first round. Does this indicate that your and Carmelo Anthony's combination cannot succeed?"
An ESPN reporter questioned their abilities more than once.
Allen Iverson hadn't thought of a good response, but Carmelo Anthony, with a grim face, spoke up for his idol:
"This is only our first year working together. You know, if we hadn't faced suspensions in the regular season, our record could have been better!"
"You shouldn't underestimate the collaboration of two scoring champions. We will prove ourselves. Next season, no one will want to face us!"
Allen Iverson was somewhat moved.
In Philadelphia, no one spoke up for him.
His former teammates were all Lee's lapdogs, and seeing Andre Iguodala cozy up to the New York Knicks players made him sick:
"Basketball belongs to 5 people. You saw my playing time. To pursue a championship, the team still needs to reinforce around us."
"As for stats, I never look at that stuff. I just play basketball purely. Once I'm on the court, I give it my all."
"We will succeed with the Denver Nuggets. I never doubt that."
The losing Allen Iverson now showed his "rebellious" side again.
However, in the Eastern Conference, he had always been beaten badly, and most sports reporters were used to his bold statements:
"When Clay Lee faced the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals, his shooting percentage never dropped below 40%. Allen, do this year's playoffs once again illustrate the gap between you and Clay Lee?"
"..."
The Fox Sports reporter's serious question suddenly silenced the room.
Allen Iverson, who had been silent, gradually showed an annoyed expression and glared fiercely at the reporter, responding:
"Next question!"
On May 1st, the Cavaliers players had already returned to Cleveland.
In Game 4, LeBron James's free throws in the final moments stabilized the situation, leading to a narrow victory over their opponent.
87:81, facing the Cavaliers' impenetrable Defense, the Nets were helpless.
After losing a home game, they trailed 1:3 in the series.
Jason Kidd, who played 45 minutes, left Nets fans dumbfounded: 2-for-13 from the field, 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, for 5 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 turnover.
Such stats even left commentators unable to evaluate.
Aside from scoring, Jason Kidd performed well, but the Nets needed him to step up.
24-for-6 from the field, 3-for-7 from beyond the arc, 10-for-14 from the free-throw line, for 25 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers.
Vince Carter's near triple-double with less than 30% shooting left fans feeling helpless.
As for Richard Jefferson's 3-for-12 shooting and 15 points from free throws, everyone was no longer in the mood to comment.
The Nets subreddit was taken over by New York fans, and the "B-team" was once again mocked across divisions:
"Jason Kidd should prepare for retirement. Vince Carter should perhaps give up the 'Black Mamba' nickname. He's not deadly at all."
The New York Knicks easily advanced.
This season, there was no need for speculation.
Commentators unanimously believed that Lee would lead the team to the Finals to contend for a 5th consecutive championship.
Many felt that this year was "God's favor."
Once a 68-win team is eliminated, who will be the New York Knicks' opponent?
The actively preparing Cavaliers received extra attention under these circumstances, as Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal's injuries quickly made them outdated, and LeBron James and Dwight Howard became their'successors'.
Jeff Van Gundy did not relax.
He organized restorative training at the training center in the afternoon, and the Cavaliers rarely had days off this season, as the Champion Coach began to work tirelessly.
With dark circles under his eyes, Van Gundy still strictly demanded his players during training, strictly prohibiting joking and messing around, which made Dwight Howard feel a bit stifled.
The Defense coached by Thibodeau showed considerable power in the playoffs, and the Nets' difficulty in scoring 80 points in 4 games is the best proof.
"I think we can continue with this lineup, letting LeBron and Larry partner in the backcourt. With their absolute height, zone Defense might be able to limit New York's fast breaks."
Hearing his partner's words, Van Gundy still frowned deeply, nodded, and then showed a thoughtful expression.
Both of them were practically living at the team's facility, just to research a lineup that could limit the Knicks.
Alexander Pavlovic, acquired from the Utah Jazz before the trade deadline in exchange for the team's three-point shooter, performed well in the playoffs.
However, Pavlovic was a morale booster for the Jazz, and Van Gundy lacked trust in this player who hadn't experienced many playoffs:
"If we can drag the game into the fourth quarter, this lineup might perform even better."
"You know, Tom, the team lacks stable scorers, and to play the game we expect, the players must put in twelve points of effort."
Van Gundy stared at the slacking Dwight Howard and whispered, while Thibodeau sighed inwardly, then helplessly patted his partner's shoulder and went up to quietly communicate with the happy big boy.
The Cavaliers' training sessions were very tense.
The coaching staff not only pushed the starters hard during games but also never relaxed during daily training.
At 4:30 PM, training ended, and Dwight Howard entered the locker room looking unhappy.
Seeing Larry Hughes, who also had a long face, he immediately complained:
"The coach is crazy! How many days off have we had this year? Now we have match point, and we still have to train after getting off the plane."
"I heard New York is still on vacation. Damn it, no wonder everyone wants to play there."
LeBron James didn't mind such training.
Although he questioned the coaching staff's tactics in his heart, the second-place record in the Eastern Conference still made him very satisfied.
At this moment, hearing the complaints from his teammates, LeBron James immediately comforted them:
"The coach is right. Perhaps this season is the best opportunity in recent years. Think about it, if we can reach the Finals, no one in the Western Conference will be our opponent."
Sweeping the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season and drawing with the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, such a record gave LeBron James more confidence.
He had only one opponent.
LeBron James continuously delivered motivational speeches in a low voice, and his Good Brother Zydrunas Ilgauskas also joined in to comfort them.
Perhaps remembering his agent's instructions, Dwight Howard also quieted down.
Larry Hughes saw that everyone in the locker room was on LeBron James' side, and finally suggested in a muffled voice:
"LeBron, go talk to the coach. We need a day off. The Detroit Pistons also just got match point. There's no need to be so tense."
Seeing LeBron James nod, the locker room became lively again, and Dwight Howard playfully teased the new MVP, with the nickname "Softie" making everyone burst into laughter.
LeBron James did not participate in this topic.
He understood the internal situation better.
Nike had not exerted much effort in the past two years, and Lee seemed to be brewing another big move.
If Dirk Nowitzki was eliminated, this trophy would most likely be predetermined next season.
Thinking of those pseudo-stars who always spoke up for him, LeBron James felt he had learned something new:
"The GOAT does not need to speak for himself."
On May 2nd, Lee accompanied Ivanka to Lenox Hill Hospital again for a check-up in the morning.
Although the New York Media had been chasing related news, the hospital's confidentiality work was quite good.
"The due date should be in early June. Your physical condition is excellent. Congratulations again to both of you!"
Ivanka let out a long breath, a smile appearing on her face, and was quickly embraced by Lee.
Unlike his other girlfriends, the blonde bombshell had become very nervous since getting pregnant.
Scarlett was too young and hadn't thought much about it back then, and Krysten Ritter, now with a baby bump, also didn't have as many worries, happily enjoying life at Peninsula Manor.
Lee knew that Ivanka, that old woman, must have instilled some ideas in her daughter, and coupled with Donald not being an easy person to deal with, Ivanka naturally felt pressure.
"Don't worry, my dear, everything will go smoothly!"
Lee kissed the relaxed girl in his arms.
Ivanka, thinking of the little ones at home, immediately whispered coquettishly in his ear:
"When the time comes, we can go back to Florida and bring those little ones with us. I think they should grow up in the sun."
The middle-aged white female doctor opposite was an old acquaintance of Lee.
Six children with five mothers, this situation was rare even in the more liberal New York:
"Lee, will Dallas be eliminated? My husband has been frantically reading those newspapers lately."
"We all think the New York Times is right. The NBA should just hand the trophy to you."
After half a month of discussion, this year's MVP successfully transcended the basketball circle and became a topic of discussion among the general public.
Dirk Nowitzki was indeed unlucky.
Clay Lee gained extra attention by stepping on his head.
"It's hard to say, but you can bet on the Warriors to win. The atmosphere at Oracle Arena is similar to New York."
"Not everyone can perform normally under pressure."
Lee blinked and responded simply.
Ivanka in his arms looked up and kissed him again, a smile reappearing on her face.
She liked seeing news about Lee on TV.
Lee, calmly awaiting the birth of his child, enjoyed the holiday with the girls, while the Dallas Mavericks, who flew to San Francisco again, felt "suffocated."
Thursday, May 3rd, was a memorable day.
Tonight, Warriors fans would witness the arrival of the upset.
Although the Dallas Mavericks managed to win one game at home, the confident Warriors players didn't care about it at all.
When the game started at 7:30 PM that evening, Dirk Nowitzki, under immense pressure, collapsed.
The golden wave at Oracle Arena completely overwhelmed the German.
1-for-10 from the field in the first half, 0-for-4 from beyond the arc, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, Dirk Nowitzki only scored 4 points.
48:50, the Dallas Mavericks' role players withstood the pressure, and the 2-point difference was negligible.
At the ABC commentary booth, Mike Breen's face involuntarily showed surprise after seeing the statistics.
The new MVP's performance was simply too poor:
"In such an important game, Dirk Nowitzki only scored 4 points in the first half."
"The MVPs of these two years have failed to show the expected level in the playoffs. I respect these players, but the gap between them and Clay Lee is simply too large."
Hubie Brown's ears were ringing from the roaring Oracle Arena.
The veteran coach didn't kick him while he was down, but his polite words made the German's situation even more awkward.
There was no strong rebound.
Under the spotlight, Dirk Nowitzki continued to collapse in the crucial third quarter, going 0-for-1 and scoring a big fat zero.
A single quarter of 15:36, the fans in the Oracle Arena went completely wild.
Jackson and Barnes shouted at the top of their lungs, and the Warriors players jumped and cheered.
"Softie!"
Returning to the bench, Dirk Nowitzki's emotions surged.
The fans behind him shouted loudly.
Under immense pressure, the German finally kicked over his seat, his eyes red, and he cursed in frustration:
"Fuck."
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