Chapter 332 Sealed Candy?! McGrady and Iverson: Halfway to Peak!
Chapter 332 Sealed Candy?! McGrady and Iverson: Halfway to Peak!
"Yes."
Coach D'Antoni did not deny Curry's statement, saying, "The examination results show that your ankle sprain is indeed not serious."
In theory, you can play.
If it were a regular season game, and you insisted on playing, I would definitely respect your decision.
But it's different now.
This is the playoffs, and the next game is Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a do-or-die game where the Celtics will go home if they lose.
Those kinds of guys will definitely fight with everything they have.
Once you step onto the field, they will definitely target you further.
Indeed, even if that happens, you might be fine, but you'll still have a higher risk of injury than usual.
We can't afford to take that risk now.
The team needs you, Stephen, and the upcoming Finals require your help. You can't afford to get injured again.
Do you understand?!
"I know, but... but I still want to do my part for the team, even if it's just a little."
If we can win Game 6, we can advance to the finals.
"I'm okay. I'm actually better than everyone thinks. I'll rest for another night, and I'll be fine."
Curry still wants to try.
He really wanted to contribute to the team and to Su Yan, otherwise... otherwise he would be too tired to do it all by himself.
"No."
Coach D'Antoni was resolute.
Curry looked dejected, gritted his teeth and pounded his thigh hard, "It's all my fault. We had already won the game, why did I have to show off my dribbling and my breakthroughs?"
If it's played normally.
"I wouldn't get injured! I'm the one who dragged the team down. I got cocky when I was on a hot streak. It's all my fault!"
"Stephen!"
Su Yan sat down next to him and grabbed his arm. "Don't be like this. This was an accident. It has nothing to do with you!"
"I've dragged everyone down!"
Curry felt extremely guilty.
D'Antoni frowned, paused for a moment, and then spoke in a softer tone, "Stephen, I understand how you feel."
I'm doing this for your own good, for the good of the team's future.
How about this.
Don't play in Game 6. If the team loses and the series goes to a Game 7, then no matter how well you've recovered, you'll play in Game 7.
Is this okay?
Curry's eyes showed a hint of struggle; he still wanted to play in Game 6, but in the end, he nodded and followed the coach's instructions.
D'Antoni patted Curry on the shoulder, then looked at all the players and said in a deep voice, "Game 6 will be without Stephen, and it's an away game."
It will definitely be difficult.
But it's not impossible; with Su Yan around, anything is possible.
I hope everyone will give Stephen more time to recover so that we can fight at our best in the Finals.
So... guys, no Game 7, let's beat the Celtics in Game 6.
"oh!!!"
Everyone agreed, their fighting spirit surging.
After the meeting.
Curry is resting well, and all the other players have come to the court for extra practice to maintain their form.
Su Yan practiced while deep in thought.
"We'd rather avoid a Game 7 in the series, otherwise... with our lack of experience, we'll definitely be the underdog."
Furthermore.
Curry has to play in Game 7, but he might not be fully recovered and the risk of a second injury is very high.
If injured.
Even if they win Game 7, the Finals will still be very difficult.
It seems G6 absolutely has to win.
If it were before, without Curry, I definitely wouldn't have had any confidence facing the "Big Five" of the Celtics!
Things are different now. Three abilities have been upgraded, and a new ability, [Magnetic Gloves Lv1], has been gained.
I should be able to put up a fight against the Celtics' five stars, even if they weren't at their peak.
However... just in case, what if McGrady and Iverson are in good form, but the team is still far behind?
Then let's use a [sealing candy] to ensure everything is foolproof.
Su Yan remembered clearly that the [Closed Candy] was currently only applicable to McGrady and Iverson for the Knicks.
And... the better the form, the better the performance in a single match.
But if it really comes down to it, then we can only force it, forcibly strengthening one of McGrady and Iverson.
Anyway, there are no side effects.
Out of the way.
……
9 pm.
Game 5 of the Lakers vs. Suns series has begun. Leading 3-1, the Lakers, at Staples Center, on their home court, are ready to... end the series.
Can the Suns explode like they did in the last game?!
No.
The last match was a relaxed dance after being down 0-3. They weren't thinking about winning at all; they just wanted to give the fans who bought tickets for the home team a good match experience.
As a result... by sheer luck, they found their rhythm and won the game.
Tonight, the moment the Suns had the idea of turning things around, they were destined to lose the game.
Yes.
Once you want to win, you will inevitably feel pressure, become reserved, and unable to let go, which will inevitably lead to mistakes in your haste.
This is still at the Lakers' home arena.
It will only make things more chaotic and frustrating.
This is also true.
The game started well, but when Kobe led his team on a 12-4 run, widening the score gap...
The sun panicked instantly and started attacking haphazardly.
The Lakers gave them no chance, pressing their advantage and continuously expanding it into a winning position.
They ultimately won the game.
4: 1.
The Lakers swept the Suns in style, becoming the first team to advance to the NBA Finals.
"COMEON!"
In the commentary box.
Drexler exclaimed excitedly, "Congratulations to the Lakers on advancing to the Finals! This is their third consecutive year reaching the Finals!"
That's impressive.
This year, their goal is simple and pure: to win their second consecutive championship!
Their opponent in the Finals will be the winner of the Knicks vs. Celtics series.
Congratulations again to the Lakers!
On the field.
A reporter approached the Lakers and jokingly asked, "Kobe, what do you think is the key to the team reaching the Finals for the third consecutive year?!"
"Uh……"
Kobe thought for a moment and said, "You know, basketball is not an individual sport; it's about teamwork."
That's how our team is.
Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Artest, Derek Fisher, and... Shannon Brown and other players.
of course.
We absolutely cannot forget Coach Phil Jackson, the "Zen Master".
Let's all work together, play well in every game, win every series, and finally reach the highest stage.
This is thanks to everyone.
We will continue to improve our teamwork, play with the style of the defending champions, and win another championship.
You know, it feels amazing to have one hand covered in championship rings!
"Hahaha!"
Wojnarowski laughed, "Of course! Well... I look forward to Kobe and the Lakers achieving their championship dream!"
"Thank you for your kind words!!!"
……
After the Lakers advanced to the Finals, the entire league's attention immediately turned to the Knicks and Celtics.
"New York Twins" vs. "Celtics Big Five".
Who is stronger?
The fans were buzzing with discussion.
The next morning, just before the evening's G6 battle.
The Knicks announced on their official Twitter account that one of their star players, Stephen Curry, is sidelined due to injury.
Upon hearing the news, Knicks fans wailed in despair, while Celtics fans raised their hands in celebration!
"The Knicks, with only one star, are no match for the Celtics' five superstars. Their big breakout game in the last game was only due to Stephen's good luck!"
otherwise.
The Celtics were the first team to reach match point.
"That's right.
So... if Stephen doesn't play tonight, the Knicks are guaranteed to lose.
"I watched this Game 6 match. Su Yan scored 50 points again, the most in the game."
But victory belongs to the Knicks.
Knicks fans, see you at Madison Square Garden for Game 7!!!
"I raise my hand in agreement."
I wholeheartedly agree!
"..."
As soon as the news of Curry's injury layoff was announced, the internet was filled with similar rumors.
The Knicks are confident, but also under pressure.
But I will definitely not give up on myself.
8 p.m.
After the Western Conference Finals, the attention of fans across the league was focused on Game 6 between the Celtics and the Knicks.
It's incredibly popular.
In the commentary box.
"The Knicks' roster is already mediocre, and without Stephen, their fighting power is further weakened, making it even more difficult to win."
Reggie Miller shook his head repeatedly.
"Yes."
Barkley nodded and added, "Although it's more difficult, the Knicks should be glad that it was Stephen who took the day off, not Su Yan."
otherwise.
We can skip this game and just prepare for the decisive Game 7.
On the contrary... because of Su Yan's existence, because of the existence of the "Flame God" who can always break the rules, dispel doubts, and challenge perceptions.
There are still many variables.
This makes even a match that was originally a foregone conclusion something to look forward to!
Uh-huh.
It sounds like they're trying too hard to create suspense for the competition.
The Celtics fans at home might not believe it, but the vast majority of Knicks fans watching the game live were unwavering in their belief in Su Yan!
"boom!"
The atmosphere in the stadium was incredibly enthusiastic.
The G6 showdown is about to begin.
Stephen took a break, and Iverson stepped up to fill the void.
This was Iverson's first start since joining the Knicks just before the All-Star Weekend.
This was also his first time officially partnering with Su Yan.
"Jumpball!"
A contest for the ball between Garnett and Tyson.
"You're the one fighting for the ball again?"
Tyson was unhappy.
"So what?!"
Garnett scoffed, "You need to understand, my existence is to slap the basketball over your head!"
Stop bragging!
Tyson snorted, bent over and knees, fully prepared for the jump, and then... jumped with all his might.
"Snapped!"
Tyson, true to form, tipped the ball away before Garnett could, winning the Knicks their first possession.
David Lee receives the ball and passes it to Iverson, who pushes it across half-court and positions himself at the left wing of the arc, controlling the ball while looking for offensive and passing opportunities.
Suddenly.
He found that he had a wide field of vision in front of him, and not only was Rondo the only one defending him, but he was also given half a body length of space.
in those days.
Officially listed as 183 cm tall, but actually 178 cm, he faces attacks from 2-3 "giants" over 2 meters tall every day.
Their defensive strength is incredible.
The living environment is extremely harsh.
Even so, he was still able to become the number one pick of the "Golden Generation of '96" and one of the "Four Great Shooting Guards".
Carve out your own paradise in the NBA!
That's really impressive.
Now... with ample space in front of him and minimal defensive pressure, Iverson knew that this was Su Yan's inherent intimidation.
"With such a powerful player around, we can't waste the opportunity; we must seize every chance!"
Iverson's gaze sharpened.
He was very calm and mature, lowered his center of gravity, seemingly preparing for a one-on-one fight against Rondo, but in reality... he secretly made a hand gesture.
Wilson Chandler came to cover.
Use cover.
Iverson rushed to the right elbow area, and seeing that the defense did not follow up immediately, it seemed that Iverson was about to give the mid-range shot.
Without the slightest hesitation.
He takes a jump shot.
The ball leaves the hand, two points in.
"Shh!"
It hit the target without fail.
This wasn't just the result of resting and training for most of the season; it was also... the immense defensive attention Su Yan attracted!
In the very next round.
Iverson no longer used wide crossovers in front of his body, and once again relied on screens and Su Yan's intimidation.
Cut to the basket.
A throw... and it goes in.
This was Iverson's first start of the season, and it was in the fierce Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He had two offensive possessions on his first two starts.
This made Coach D'Antoni wonder if he should have started Iverson earlier.
"Oh?"
Su Yan was also surprised, but a surge of joy filled his heart. "With this hot hand, if I use a [Blocking Candy] on Iverson, it will definitely bring him back to his peak tonight."
This gives you an extra layer of assurance to win.
Since the game has just begun and the team is not yet behind, I haven't yet tried to see if I can play as the sole carry.
It's not useful for now.
As a result... 2 minutes later, Iverson had another very good open shot, but he missed.
After Tyson grabbed the rebound, he passed it to Iverson again, who drove to the basket and dodged an dodge shot for a layup.
"Bang!"
Another failure.
"Ah this!"
Su Yan blinked, a little confused.
Iverson's inconsistent performance left him somewhat bewildered.
Despite playing decently themselves, and with Iverson's inconsistent play, the Celtics didn't have a significant advantage and couldn't win any points.
The first quarter is over.
[Celtics 27:27 Knicks]
The Knicks tied the Celtics without Stephenson.
Su Yan deserves the most credit, without a doubt, but Iverson's decent form also helped a lot.
only……
This fluctuating state made Su Yan hesitate about whether to give him the [Sealing Candy].
"Wait a little longer."
Su Yan made his decision.
Not a moment.
The second quarter is approaching.
First, it's a battle between the reserves. Tonight, the Knicks have some fighting players on the bench, with only McGrady and Larry Hughes left.
Larry Hughes orchestrated the offense, while McGrady led the attack.
McGrady faced Tony Allen, executed a series of behind-the-back crossovers, and as he received the ball with his right hand, he accelerated forward with a single step.
McGrady's first step used to be lightning fast.
Overtaking someone in one step is the norm.
Not now, but the first step speed is still acceptable, then... read the defense and suddenly stop to pull up for a jump shot.
Natural height advantage.
This allowed McGrady to continue attacking like this, but compared to his peak, his speed, explosiveness, jumping ability, and so on were all somewhat lacking, and his own performance also declined.
This reduces his offensive finishing efficiency.
"Shh!"
But tonight's shot went in.
His signature elegant and captivating pull-up jumper shot made it seem like he was lucky.
But... in the next round, a back-and-forth run, McGrady broke away from Tony Allen and cut in.
Larry Hughes promptly passed it on.
Low position on the right side.
McGrady caught the ball and took another jump shot, with Glen Davis even lunging out to contest it.
"Shh!"
But it hit again.
Double hit.
The difficulty level is not low.
"Huh?! McGrady's in good form too?"
A look of curiosity flashed in Su Yan's eyes.
But just as this idea took shape, McGrady had a shot and a layup, and the opportunity was clearly good.
It all ended in failure.
This fluctuating state, exactly like Iverson's, put Su Yan in a dilemma: should he use the [Sealing Candy]?!
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