NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 73 The Importance of Excel (7900 word chapter)
The 96-97 season, for Michael Jordan, suddenly became the so-called "proof season".

Before the start of the regular season, the NBA's 50 superstars were ranked 46th, with 4 championships, including a three-peat championship, but the result was still not respected.

At the end of the regular season, the Bulls led the league in record and maintained their No. [-] position. As a result, the MVP was still in suspense. This award was selected by the media, and these people did not respect it.

With 4 championships, you have to prove yourself again in the end?
Repeated consumption by the media made Michael Jordan's mood worse and worse, and after the loss to the Knicks, the worst mood reached its peak.

The media in New York are not afraid of slaps in the face. Anyway, we won tonight, and everyone is comfortable. We must take this opportunity to ridicule. It is not easy to win the Bulls once:

"Mike, can you talk about why you took so many shots in this game? How would you evaluate your efficiency if you scored 32 points from 36 shots?"

The oblique irony that Michael Jordan played too independently, the media in the audience looked happily at the No.1 in the league who had always been glorious in the past.

"I didn't pay attention to how many shots I took. Maybe 32 wasn't enough, at least not to bring victory."

"Efficiency is not what I consider. I don't play for statistics. I will remember the feeling of losing. This will give me extra motivation."

Michael Jordan had heard too much of this kind of old-fashioned criticism, and he completely calmed down the depression in his heart. Michael Jordan at the press conference just secretly wrote down the defeat, and by the way, he also took note of the audience's comments. Unscrupulous media.
"Michael, how would you rate the performance of the Knicks and Jazz this season?"

After a while and back to the topic of MVP, Michael Jordan only felt that these people in front of him had amnesia:

"53 wins and 8 losses. This is the record of the Bulls. We are still the first in the league. If they can surpass this result, I will give an evaluation at that time."

"."

Throughout the press conference, Michael Jordan answered questions with an expression of "we are all clowns", which made the media in the audience very unhappy:

"What is the pride of the loser!?"

NBA superstars not only have to deal with the problems on the court, but their relationship with the media should not be too tense.

Everyone eats in the same pot, looking down and seeing each other. It can be said that they are interdependent.

It's just that Michael Jordan doesn't like to consume his media frequently, and with his super strength, the brand behind him also helps Jordan.

Therefore, the two sides are not in harmony. In the face of the US knife, most of the media bowed their heads, but this season is different. Michael Jordan has slapped the NBA in the face, which makes everyone encounter a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:

"If you have a good record, you get the MVP? Who recognizes it?"

"."

On the morning of March 3th, Li You was at home happily watching the newspapers ridiculing the Bulls overwhelmingly, and the reporter who wrote the article was so sad that he once again ignored the opponent's status as the number one in the league.

Perhaps it was because they felt that their friends had been blinded by the MVP, and the losing Bulls went straight to Boston, and no one was in the mood to stay in New York anymore.

18 of 4, 8 of 1 from beyond the three-point line, and only scored 14 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Pippen's excellent performance can be called the sixth man of the Knicks.

You don't need to think about it to know that the newspapers on the second day are full of sarcasm. It is not the Bulls' style not to leave and get angry.

The NBA also announced the player of the week by the way, Patrick Ewing of the Knicks successfully won the award.

Ignoring the first three abuse games, Ewing played perfectly against the Bulls:

18 of 12, 13 of 8 free throws, 32 points, 14 rebounds and 3 turnovers. Therefore, the gorilla won the best of the week, and it is well deserved.

When Mark Bartelstein came to deliver the tickets, Li You also got out of the fun mode.

"A few tickets to the UNC ball game. The Knicks only have two games next week. Remember to go to the game. You need to be in front of the fans all the time."

"It's a pity Connecticut didn't make it to the tournament this year, otherwise it would have been better."

Players need exposure, and Mark Bartelstein worries about Ray Allen every day.

Compared with ordinary players, Ray Allen is still a talent that has attracted much attention, but as long as he sees how Li You is treated in New York, Ray Allen will also feel sad
"North Carolina game? Vince Carter? His popularity is getting higher and higher recently!"

After entering the crazy March, Li You can always see reports from Tim Duncan and Vince Carter.

The former has basically secured the No. 1997 pick in [-], but the latter is very popular, everyone loves beautiful dunks!
"With the renewal of the NBA league, there is a high probability that the focus will be shifted to outside players."

"The league shows what the fans want to see, and that's a good thing for smaller players."

Mark Bartelstein is also busy with the company's business recently, and big-name players can't be found, so it's not bad to sign some small players on the outside.

Once the lottery ticket is successfully scratched, there will be a good income
Li You looked at the tickets in his hand and felt that he should take a break. The schedule from the end of February to the beginning of March was so dense that he almost vomited.

After the game against the Bulls, the team can be considered to have completed the phased goal. There will be a lot of rest this week, and the players will naturally be given a holiday.

On March 3, the Knicks challenged the Mavericks in an away game. The last time they played against each other, the opponent had not yet made a deal, and the team was in internal strife.

With 20 wins and 41 losses, the Mavericks will only be able to make the playoffs unless they win all the subsequent games.

But there are too many bad teams, such a bad record, but it is ranked 11th in the Western Conference, and there are three teams behind.
The game process that night is difficult to describe in one word. Perhaps the law of conservation of character broke out, and Ewing was in poor form at the beginning.

The Mavericks' defense wasn't great either, simply because they couldn't make the shot and the gorilla missed.

On the contrary, Charles Oakley was in a surprisingly good state of play. Not only did he rush to grab offensive rebounds frantically, but he also made several mid-range jumpers steadily.

Li You, who originally planned to fish, saw that the score had not been opened at halftime, so he had no choice but to play seriously.

Fortunately, the opponent really didn't want to win, so they fed the Dallas fans collectively in the second half.

In the end, 98:90, the Knicks struggled to defeat the Mavericks.

尤因本场比赛15中4，靠着罚球拿到了14分12篮板3助攻2盖帽3失误的数据，回到更衣室，大猩猩就郁闷了。

"Pat, don't worry about the stats, we won anyway, that's the most important thing!"

The holiday is coming soon, Charles Oakley is in a good mood, and the old guy comforted his friend again.

Starks naturally saw that the boss wanted to brush data!
Karl Malone's Excel is better than Ewing's. If the MVP is to be selected, Excel becomes a key factor when neither of these two teams is the first in the league.

Ewing said a few words of encouragement in the locker room, and then said:
"Anyone who wants to go to the Georgetown game with me, I'm sure they're all front-row tickets."

Everyone shook their heads. Apart from cheering for their alma mater, no one wanted to make a fuss about the rare holiday.

Li You didn't say a word, and if he followed the gorilla, he would become a bag-carrying boy, and he wasn't interested in watching the Georgetown game either.

Jeff Van Gundy was in a very good mood. Ever since he won the Bulls, the bald young coach was smiling from ear to ear:

"Everyone has a good rest this week, and strive to get a complete victory record in March!"

"The regular season is over soon. If you feel uncomfortable, remember to communicate with the team doctor in time. The record is very important, but health is more important."

"I don't want to see the team downsizing before the playoffs start!"

Assistant coach Thibodeau set his sights on Ewing. The gorilla's knee has always been a potential injury. If the players didn't need data, the coaching staff would even take the initiative to reduce Ewing's playing time.

After some exhortations, the coaching staff announced a holiday, and everyone can move freely tonight.

Alan Houston's two games were bang and bang, and his mood was not high:
"Li, where are you going for the holiday? Are you still practicing?"

A shooter needs tactics, and more importantly, the right to shoot. The shooting state is stretched, and Li You can only comfort him:

"After playing for so many days in a row, it's time to relax. Don't worry about the data, the next game can't be worse!"

On March 3th, Li You, who returned to New York, happened to meet up with his friends. Young people have been influenced by Yahoo recently, and Ai Wen was fascinated by the Internet.

"Believe me, the future must be the era of the Internet, and this is what young people should do!"

Perhaps because they drank too much Jerry Yang's chicken soup, everyone imagined that they could create the next Yahoo, be sought after by capital, and reach the pinnacle of life.

Li You looked at Ai Wen, who was talking about the future of the Internet, and couldn't help but teased in a low voice:
"I remember you also said that the insurance industry will flourish, and that finance and insurance are the real future!"

Ai Wen didn't care about the ridicule, but continued to say with a smile:
"Finance and insurance are indeed the future, but the Internet will definitely make a lot of money!"

"I'm telling the truth. Look at Yahoo now. Young people like it. I'm sure they'll make a lot of money selling ads."

The blonde girl Alia rolled her eyes secretly, seeing her boyfriend start daydreaming again, she immediately said angrily:

"What you should do is to prepare for the bar exam, not daydreaming and dreaming!"

Hearing his girlfriend's words, Ai Wen had no choice but to shrug his shoulders, but the emotion on his face was "a woman's view".

Mi Linda has been leaning on Li You's arms, smiling and watching the two angry faces:
"We don't know how to implement those technologies. Don't you want to go to an investment bank? Then you might as well study actuarial science!"

Aiwen simply nodded and admitted that the opportunity to make a lot of money is in front of him, so there is no reason not to give it a try:
"I will prepare for the bar exam, and I also want to go to investment banking. I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to make a lot of money!"

Ai Wen held his girlfriend in his arms, and ended up being punched twice. Li You looked at the two fighting and decided to support his friend's plan:
"Anyway, we are still young, and there is room for trial and error. The Internet can indeed make money in the past few years!"

Ai Wen and Li You bumped their fists. Both of them are not short of money now, and they can choose their future freely.

At worst, go back and eat the old man, this is Aiwen's confidence
Aliya is a good girl, with good grades, and she is also very beautiful, and she prefers to live a comfortable life. At this time, she can only sigh helplessly:

"Obviously, you can live well without too much money."

Affected by the wave of the Internet, some young people are preparing to start their own businesses, while some young people are content with the status quo and step by step to graduate and enter the society.

Li You knew some opportunities to make money, and what he had to do now was to accumulate the principal.

At night, only Li You and Li You were left in the apartment, so Milinda asked with a smile:
"How long will they date? I remember Ivan's record is 3 months!"

Li You is no stranger to dating a formal girlfriend every few months, but this time he is dating a top student, this type has never appeared before:
"It's not as long as our relationship anyway!"

On March 3th, Li You and his friends flew to Windsor to watch the game between North Carolina and Fairfield in the Eastern Division.

Mark Bartelstein helped Li You prepare front-row tickets. Li You and his party were all dressed as students, no different from fans who came to watch the game.

The control of the big ball was too intense last night, so Milinda tied a scarf around her neck helplessly. After tossing around for most of the night, her body was still a little weak when she flew here.

"There are so many people watching the game, many of them are North Carolina fans, Vince Carter, this guy dunks really looks good!"

Ivan noticed that the Lawrence Joel Stadium was full at this time, and he also lamented Carter's popularity.

Li You saw that Antawn Jamison was still in the North Carolina lineup, and then he remembered that in another year, these two will also reach the top of the NCAA.

The DJ at the scene quickly noticed several NBA players on the sidelines. Naturally, Stackhouse wanted to cheer for his alma mater. When he was introduced, North Carolina fans cheered for him.

When Li You got up to pay tribute to the fans, all the fans in the audience booed. He often went on TV and was selected as an All-Star. Even if he didn't watch the NBA, most of the fans had watched Li You's compilations.

The fans at the scene thought it would be a one-sided game. At the end of the half, at 28:35, North Carolina was behind by 7 points.

The Lezi fans at the scene were happy, and they capsized when they came up, which would be interesting.

Milinda, who has been leaning by her side, can clearly feel that Li You is happier:

"Aren't you here to support North Carolina?"

Li You hugged this confused silly girl, and said cheerfully:
"I'm here to have fun!"

Unfortunately, Li You's wish was not fulfilled. In the second half, both Carter and Jamison broke out, turning the game around easily.
At 82:74, North Carolina escaped danger and successfully advanced.

Li You felt a little regretful, he was looking forward to North Carolina's upset exit.

Mengxin Carter and Jamison took the initiative to say hello after the game, and Carter said excitedly:

"Li, ClayGod's move is so cool, many people are imitating it, how does it feel to pass Michael Jordan?"

"It's like passing an old man, you know, Mike is old!"

Hearing Li You's words, the two Mengxins were a little dazed, and then seeing Li You laughing, they realized that it was just a joke.

The three of them took a simple group photo together. Li You didn’t expect that fans would remember him not as an All-Star, but because he passed Michael Jordan:

"Is everyone expecting the Bulls to win the championship?"

On March 3th, Li You and the others stopped watching the game and simply browsed this small city.

By the way, Li You bought some local specialty cigars, and reserved them for "Big Brother".

When he returned to New York again, Li You just felt that the vacation was too short and there was not enough time.

In the training session in the afternoon, everyone got off early, and no one cared about the game against the Nets in the evening.

Li You, Starks, and Oakley smoked in the locker room, enjoying the aroma of cigars:
"Karl Malone has scored a lot of points this week. Pat won the best of the week. In less than a week, he will be surpassed by the opponent again."

"I didn't expect the Jazz to have such a good record, and the Rockets fell behind. This is not a good thing!"

Starks really wanted to help Ewing get an MVP, and had been paying attention to the movements of his competitors. As a result, Karl Malone broke out in this week's game.
"It's fine if you don't get it, Pat, and don't take it to heart. I still think most media will vote for Michael."

Oakley, who was breathless, also comforted his friends. Although the record is good, Excel is really no match. Malone has been performing very well in the regular season this season.

The most important thing is that the Jazz are first in the West and the Knicks are second in the East. Even if the record is better, the name is wrong.

The MVP is selected from the No.1 team in the Western Conference, which still sounds the same.

But it's different when it's the Knicks' turn, selected from the No.2 team?

Considering the gimmick issue, Oakley thinks that there is a high probability that this matter is due to Michael.
Ewing didn't say a word, he was completely attracted by the MVP, there is no championship, these honors are his pursuit!
In the game against the Nets that night, Ewing was in poor form again and entered a state where he couldn't make any shots.

With 19 wins and 44 losses, the Nets ranked third from the bottom in the Eastern Conference, ahead of the completely rotten Celtics and the diving No. 76 pick [-]ers.

Facing this kind of big team, the whole team wants to help Ewing pull up the data. After all, Karl Malone on the other side has made a big killing. Excel, you have to keep up with your opponent!
结果当晚尤因又是16中6，罚球8中5，只拿到了17分12篮板2助攻1盖帽3失误。

In order to avoid overturning, Li You once again made 14 of 8, 9 of 4 outside the three-point line, 2 of 2 free throws, quietly scored 22 points, and also sent 7 assists.
On the morning of the 17th, the NBA announced this week's player of the week, Karl Malone of the Jazz successfully won the award!

爵士队本周4胜1负，马龙场均出场39.0分钟，场均31.4分10.2篮板3.6助攻1.4抢断0.4盖帽2.6失误；

He averaged 22.8 shots per game, shot 50% from the field, averaged 10.6 free throws per game, and made 81.1% of his free throws.

This data is indeed more beautiful than Ewing's best last week. Although the New York media is helping the gorilla, most of the media votes still look at the table.

How to define the strength of a player in the regular season depends on Excel, Ewing began to worry about the data
Entering the end of March, the Knicks still have 3 games to play. There is no particularly strong team. As long as they are not particularly stretched, they can basically maintain a winning record.

At present, the Jazz have lost one game. If the Knicks can win in March and Ewing is elected as the best player of the month, maybe there is still hope for the MVP.

After easily defeating the poor Grizzlies at home, on the night of the 19th, the Knicks challenged the Pacers away.

I thought it was a simple game, but it turned over.

At 96:109, the Knicks were technically knocked down by the opponent in three quarters.

After tossing back to back, everyone felt nothing. Ewing performed pretty well, scoring 17 of 7, scoring 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.

On the opposite side, Reggie Miller suddenly broke out, played 43 minutes and scored a game-high 29 points.

Jeff Van Gundy also had this embarrassment after the game. Of course he knew that this was a critical period to help Ewing hit the MVP. Losing this game was also due to the lack of targeted arrangements before the game.

After returning to the locker room, the bald young marshal took the initiative to take the blame:

"In the next game, everyone should be serious, don't underestimate any opponent!"

"The regular season is not over yet. Although we still have two wins, the gap is narrowing. Remember, we must go all out in every game!"

Li You rested his chin on the seat and didn't make a sound. He tried his best. Every time he attacked, he basically looked for the gorilla first. If the tactics failed, he would attack other points.

But he really can't do anything about the jump shot. Of course, this is also related to the big man on the opposite side.

Rick Schmitz is 2 meters tall. He is in good form this season and can be regarded as a powerful helper for Reggie Miller.

Once Alan Houston puts too much effort into defense, the offense will likely stretch. In this case, everyone has to give Ewing statistics, and this game becomes a bit strange.

After returning to the hotel, Larry Johnson followed Cha Lemon, ate the supper brought by the cow and horse McCarty, and whispered a few words:
"Pat can't digest too much ball possession at all, and every time he plays back-to-back away games, his state will decline."

"This is different from Malone. Although the two are about the same age, the other is in better condition!"

"I don't think this award can be awarded to two people. The most important thing is to stabilize the record."

Alan Houston expressed his understanding, and the loss has something to do with him:

"This is the privilege of the boss. Anyway, we try our best. If we lose a game, we still have a chance to get the best of the month. Then we compare the data in April, and we still have a chance to win the prize."

Ewing's treatment reminded Li You of the "admiral" scoring points. This is also a kind of team culture. At critical moments, everyone helps their own.

"After playing the games in March, we have to prepare for the playoffs. Don't you pass on some experience in the playoffs for rookies?"

Li You started to change the subject, and "Auntie" stopped complaining, and then made a few more complaints:

"Damn it! Get into the All-Stars and stop calling yourself a rookie!"

The Knicks stayed in Indiana before heading to Milwaukee for an away game.

On the night of March 3th, Charles Oakley pulled Li You into the small ballroom of the hotel with a silver smile on his face.

"Surprise!!"

"Li, I'm not only a loyal fan of the Knicks, but also a big fan of yours. I'm so happy to meet you!"

Looking at the bloated and bald middle-aged white man in front of him, Li You had a question mark on his face, fan meeting?
Kaplan still maintained an enthusiastic attitude, and said with a smile:
"I know that Pat is aiming for the MVP. I saw that you guys lost, so I flew here specially to reward everyone. Don't worry, this time it will be absolutely confidential!"

"Everyone can play with confidence, and the whole process is free, which is a little bit of my heart as a fan!"

"The reward ball is officially open!"

Before Li You could react, two beautiful blondes appeared in front of everyone. With the cheers from the Knicks team, an indescribable scene appeared.

The vanguard was responsible for heating up the atmosphere, and as more than 10 young girls entered the venue, the atmosphere became more and more anxious.
Under the hot dance, the booing became louder and louder.

Charles Oakley leaned on the sofa, playing with the ball in his arms, and said to Li You:

"Relax, Li, don't worry about Kaplan doing things, no one knows these secrets!"

This kind of scene really opened Li You's eyes. In the past, the scale of his party was not so spectacular. He curled his lips and leaned on the sofa, played with the Persian cat in his arms, and said in a low voice:

"Why don't you see Pat, you won't forget him!"

Charles Oakley picked up his cigar, smiled twice and said:

"Pat has entered the next stage, there is still a lot of time in these two days, enjoy it!"

"."

On March 3, on the plane to Milwaukee, everyone in the Knicks team showed a tired look. After repeated battles, they couldn't stand it anymore!

That night, the Knicks were sluggish, and everyone in the Bucks was almost dumbfounded.

79:88, away defeat.

After returning to the locker room, Ewing also showed a look of remorse. It was obviously a critical period to hit the MVP, so why did he become obsessed with women!

I don't know if Kaplan also prepared gifts for the coaching staff. In short, after the loss in this game, everyone tacitly did not find the reason.

Li You looked at the team's shooting percentage in the early [-]s in terms of technical statistics, and could only secretly make up his mind:

"You were hurt by alcohol and sex! From now on, quit drinking!"

On March 3, the Knicks returned to their home court to face the Trail Blazers back to back.

In this game, the whole team still created opportunities for Ewing. The gorilla is worthy of being a historical center and has fully recovered from the high confrontation game in the past few days.

Ewing, who had adjusted his form, showed his might in front of the New York fans, completely blowing up Sabonis on the opposite side.

94:101, after returning home, the Knicks ended their two-game losing streak.

出场40分钟，22中11，三分线外1中1，罚球16中12，尤因砍下35分12篮板3失误的数据。

35 points is also the highest score in the game, but at the post-match press conference, the New York media in the audience asked the reason for the disastrous defeat, and Ewing could only answer embarrassingly:
"Consecutive away games are a bit exhausting, continuous high-intensity games have affected our physical fitness, but we have adjusted our physical condition in time, and we are very happy to win at home!"

"."

On March 3, the NBA announced the player of the week again, and Karl Malone of the Jazz won the award again!

本周比赛，爵士队3胜0负，虐菜的比赛，马龙场均出场33.7分钟，场均拿到29.7分9.3篮板4.0助攻1.0抢断2.7失误；

He averaged 17.7 shots per game, shooting 67.9% from the field, averaging 8.0 free throws per game, and shooting 70.8% from the field.

Such terrifying efficiency, even if Ewing plays normally, Excel can't beat the opponent!

If you get the player of the week twice a month, you will basically lock in the best player of the month.

In the afternoon training session, Patrick Ewing's face was full of depression.

54 wins and 15 losses, this is the current record of the Knicks, followed by the Heat's 51 wins and 17 losses.

The two teams rank second and third in the Eastern Conference.

In the Western Conference, the Utah Jazz ranks first with 52 wins and 17 losses. Although the Knicks have a better record, the Bulls above their heads are still leading the league.

There are only three games left for the Knicks in March, the schedule pressure is not high, and everyone has enough rest time.

But after Karl Malone won the best of the month, the competition between the two seems to have come to fruition.

No matter how the New York media trumpets the Knicks' record, Ewing just can't beat the opponent in terms of Excel.

The boss was sulking from the sidelines, and the atmosphere group didn't dare to talk too much. After all, everyone was a "brother" who had sex together, and they all understood the emotions of the gorilla.

Li You, as always, conducts basic training, controlling the ball with both hands, fixed-point shooting, turning back and running and shooting
His physical condition has declined compared with last month, and the minor injuries caused by the collision caused some impact.

But in the case of Jeff Van Gundy slamming the main force, with the blessing of a lot of playing time, [Ray Allen's excellent explosive power] finally turned into a bronze color.

The obvious improvement is that it is easier to stop and start quickly!

What bothered Li You was that he had done a lot of strength training with the team's trainers, but his muscles still hadn't improved.

The training effect of the newcomer John Wallace is much more obvious than him.

"Very good, Lee! By the end of the regular season, you have fully adapted to the intensity of the NBA game."

"I really want to thank your basketball coach when you were a kid. You have the best weak side of any player I've ever seen."

Assistant coach Don Chaney, wearing a white training suit, puffed out his stomach and praised Li You's performance.

"I really want to thank them, but I want to thank Coach Calhoun even more. During my two years in college, I got rid of many bad habits."

After all, Li You is not a child. He has been interested in training his weak side since he was exposed to basketball since he was a child. However, he is sincerely grateful to Coach Calhoun. He has absorbed a lot of tactical concepts in college basketball.

Thibodeau on the side just went over to comfort Ewing, and seeing the two chatting here, he also said:
"Lee, prepare in advance. The playoffs are different from the regular season, and there are more targeted defenses."

"If nothing else, our opponent in the first round will most likely be the Magic."

"You know Anfernee Hardaway's size advantage, don't relax, we must always maintain this tight state."

"It doesn't matter if the opponent is deflated, after all, the opponent has more experience."

Li You nodded with a smile. The coaching staff has already started preparing for the playoffs, so naturally he can't relax:

"Don't worry, I'm an All-Star too!"

　Thank you for your subscription(﹃)
　　This chapter explains the MVP,

　　There will be no regular season after that.
　　The number of water words is not important, the next chapter is the playoffs~
　　Thanks again for your subscription support~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)