Y13 [EN]: Chapter 114

Y13-114 2010-2011 Playoff Round 1 =========================================================================

April 16, 2011, American Airlines Center.

The arena was packed, every seat filled, and the energy was electric. It was finally the day of the Dallas Mavericks’ first playoff game.

Dallas was already a popular team, ranking third in the league with a 97.3% attendance rate during the regular season.

“Wow, look at this crowd! So many people!”

Rodrigo Beaubois nudged Youngjae playfully in the ribs, a subtle boast that he’d experienced the playoffs the previous year. Youngjae, however, felt a sense of calm excitement, a fresh perspective. He didn’t say much, aware that he was on this stage in a different uniform and a different situation than he remembered.

“Hey, don’t be nervous, okay? It’s just another game.”

“Beaubois, why are you so chatty today?”

Youngjae smirked, noticing Beaubois’s nervous energy manifesting as talkativeness. Beaubois made a “Ugh-” sound and lightly punched Youngjae in the ribs.

“Don’t tease me, alright?”

“Who started it? You have such a short fuse; I don’t know why I’m friends with you.”

Joking with Beaubois helped Youngjae ease his tension. He then turned his attention to the Portland players shooting on the opposite court. Their expressions were serious, a stark contrast to their demeanor during the regular season. All playfulness was gone, or perhaps it was now channeled into the game itself. The Portland players looked determined. Portland was a regular playoff contender, but Dallas had advanced for 11 consecutive years, and many of their players were seasoned veterans, almost jaded by the playoff grind.

[TNT is broadcasting live the first playoff game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers! The commentators for today’s game are Matt Devlin and Kevin McHale. Kevin, this is the first game of the Western Conference Playoff Round 1 between Dallas and Portland. What are your thoughts on today’s game?]

Kevin McHale, a legend from his 13 years with the Boston Celtics, boasting two NBA Sixth Man of the Year awards, three All-Defensive First Team selections, three Second Team selections, and seven All-Star selections. He was celebrated as part of a historic frontline alongside Larry Bird and Robert Parish, and his low-post moves were considered unstoppable.

[I’m excited to be broadcasting the first game of what should be a very interesting series. Both teams are entering the second half with their key players healthy. Of course, both teams are missing their ace-level players, Caron Butler and Brandon Roy, who are out due to injuries. Experts are calling this series a 50-50 matchup. Personally, I’d give a slight edge to Portland, considering their strong finish to the regular season.]

Kevin McHale, who transitioned to commentary for TNT after managing and coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves, was a fan favorite for his insightful and balanced analysis and his ability to clearly articulate the nuances of the game. Matt Devlin nodded in agreement as McHale predicted Portland’s advantage.

[It’s a matchup between the 1st and 8th seeds, but you’re suggesting Dallas’s late-season struggles are a concern. Before we delve into predictions, let’s introduce the starting lineups. No surprises here. For Portland, we have Andre Miller at point guard, Wesley Matthews at shooting guard, Gerald Wallace and LaMarcus Aldridge at forward, and Marcus Camby at center.]

[An intriguing lineup. LaMarcus Aldridge is a dominant inside presence, leading the league in alley-oops this season, but he also possesses a deadly mid-range shot, making him a versatile threat. The battle between the power forwards will be crucial in determining the game’s momentum.]

Matt Devlin smoothly transitioned to introducing Dallas’s lineup, timing it perfectly with the end of Kevin McHale’s analysis.

[And for the Dallas Mavericks, we have Jason Kidd at point guard, Youngjae Yun at shooting guard, Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki at forward, and Tyson Chandler at center.]

While Kevin McHale and Matt Devlin provided commentary, the Dallas Mavericks players listened intently to Coach Carlisle’s final instructions, mentally preparing for the battle ahead.

“Alright, it’s finally the playoffs. The regular season had its ups and downs, but we achieved a great result, finishing first in the Western Conference for the first time in five years. However, that first-place finish means nothing if we don’t perform in the playoffs. Just like in the 2006-2007 season.”

Dirk Nowitzki visibly bristled at the memory, his competitive fire burning brighter. The regular season MVP award is typically presented during the first game of the second round of the playoffs. It’s customary for the NBA Commissioner to hand the MVP trophy to the player amidst a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Back then, despite a remarkable 67-win regular season, the second-highest in NBA history, they suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat in the first round against the Golden State Warriors, who were playing an exciting, up-tempo style of basketball. Dirk Nowitzki was forced to accept the trophy in a suit, quietly posing for pictures instead of receiving the roaring applause of the crowd while in uniform.

“I don’t want our regular-season accomplishments to be meaningless again. I know you all feel the same way. So, let’s stay focused. Treat each playoff game like ten regular season games.”

“Yes, sir!”

With a final shout of agreement, the players removed their jerseys and began heading onto the court, one by one.

[Both teams have similar regular-season records. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle has stated in an interview that they must win all their home games to have a chance in this series. The two teams split their regular-season matchups 2-2. Dallas lost both of their away games against Portland this season, and Portland’s Rose Garden arena is notoriously difficult for visiting teams. Winning all home games has to be Dallas’s minimum goal.]

[Portland needs to exploit their physicality. By wearing down the opponent with constant movement and aggressive play, dragging the game into a drawn-out battle, Portland gains an advantage. Most experts predict Portland will win if the series goes to Game 7. Coach Nate McMillan is well aware of this.]

[Interestingly, neither team is particularly strong at rebounding. Therefore, whichever team wins the rebounding battle will likely win the game. The performances of Tyson Chandler and Marcus Camby will be critical.]

Tyson Chandler and Marcus Camby faced off at center court. The referee tossed the ball high in the air, signaling the start of the game.

[The game begins! Tyson Chandler wins the jump ball. Jason Kidd receives the ball and crosses the half-court line!]

[Kidd is holding the ball at the top of the key. All the other eight players are moving around in the post. Ah, Yun on the left wing quickly cuts along the baseline. Wesley Matthews’ movement is blocked by Tyson Chandler!]

Youngjae, anticipating Kidd’s play, immediately began to move. Marion was nearby, and he also shifted, seeing Chandler moving towards the basket. Youngjae planned to move to the right elbow, using Chandler’s screen to his advantage. He aimed to exploit the crowded area and the flurry of movement.

Wesley Matthews, an undrafted player who had earned his place through hard work and was known as ‘Iron Man’ for his tough defense, was caught off guard by Chandler’s well-placed screen. He momentarily lost track of Youngjae and stumbled.

“?!”

Youngjae caught Kidd’s pass as soon as he cleared Matthews. He initially intended to take the shot himself, but he was surprised to see a player rushing towards him. LaMarcus Aldridge was closing in, leaving Nowitzki, a renowned shooter, unguarded.

[Youngjae Yun is wide open, but LaMarcus Aldridge is closing in fast! Is Youngjae Yun going to take a contested shot?!]

Youngjae slightly raised his hand, and Aldridge desperately reached up, trying to block the shot…

Thump!

[Wow!! Youngjae Yun uses a pump fake and throws a fantastic bounce pass to Kidd!]

As if to prove he deserved to be called a key player in this playoff series, Youngjae remained composed under pressure and passed the ball back to Kidd. Aldridge was caught off balance, hesitating whether to recover to Nowitzki or continue to pressure Youngjae.

[Yes! That’s the power of the pass!]

[Portland’s defense is completely scrambled! They need to reorganize quickly!]

But Kidd wasn’t about to give them time to recover. He quickly passed the ball back to Youngjae, who this time didn’t hesitate and fired a spot-up shot.

[Aldridge, still recovering, closes out on Yun and extends his hand!]

Swish!

[BANG!!! It’s good! Dallas scores the first points of the game. Great ball movement by the Dallas players.]

Youngjae, after making the shot, quickly backpedaled on defense. Chandler patted him on the back, acknowledging the good play, and then took his position.

[Dirk Nowitzki. He throws a lob pass to Jason Kidd, passing the key. Jason Kidd tries to shoot a 3-pointer but changes his motion and breaks through to the basket.]

[Is he going up for the layup? Ah, he passes the ball to Yun, who was open on the left wing! Youngjae Yun, Dallas’s best 3-point shooter this season! But Rudy Fernandez is closing out quickly and reaching out his hand. Yun quickly retracts his shooting stance and drives to the basket!]

A drive that requires as much care as Youngjae’s shot. Rudy Fernandez was focused on Youngjae’s reputation as a shooter, reacting strongly to the potential shot, and Youngjae capitalized on the opening.

[He quickly drives past Fernandez’s left, but Marcus Camby is standing in front of him.]

[Even if Marcus Camby’s offensive game is limited, his rim protection and rebounding ability are among the best in the league. Is Youngjae Yun going to challenge him at the rim?!]

Youngjae was genuinely impressed by Marcus Camby’s rim protection. He had the upper hand in the box-out battle with Tyson Chandler and was watching Youngjae intently, ready to block his shot at any moment. Youngjae gritted his teeth and jumped, facing Marcus Camby head-on.

[Ah! This seems reckless! Is Youngjae Yun attempting a layup!!]

Matt Devlin’s voice conveyed a sense of concern, but at that moment, McHale couldn’t help but exclaim, “Ah!” Youngjae was already scanning the court behind him as he went up for the layup.

[Watch closely! The reason why Youngjae Yun jumped is about to become clear!]

As if to justify McHale’s anticipation, Youngjae retracted the hand he was about to use for the layup. His eyes remained fixed on Camby, but the hand holding the ball was already throwing it behind his head.

[Yun’s no-look back pass while looking straight ahead! Jason Kidd is standing in the high post position near the top of the key!!]

[It connects with Jason Kidd! Camby is caught completely off guard! He already jumped with Yun, so he can’t defend Kidd properly! What was Rudy Fernandez doing? He’s still stuck in that spot! There’s no one to stop Kidd! Kidd goes up for the shot!]

[BULLS EYE!! The players’ shooting touch looks great today! Jason Kidd scores 5 points, including a 3-pointer! The Dallas Mavericks take the lead, 17-15! But the Portland players’ shooting touch is also good. The score difference is only 2 points.]

============================ Author’s Afterword ============================

★Thank you to those who gave advance subscriptions, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

★Thank you for the sponsorship coupon, Silver Storm!! Sorry for seeing it late ㅠ.ㅠ

＠There are various opinions about DeAndre Jordan. Some say he was a good acquisition, others are unsure if he’s worth it, and some think he’s useless. Personally, I think Dallas will see a slight improvement, and the Clippers will be further from winning a championship. DeAndre Jordan’s secondary stats are worse than I thought. However, the Clippers don’t have enough salary cap, so the void will be significant next year.

Brilliant Legacy/// You’re the first commenter today ㅎㅎ Thank you!!

Shooting Start/// As expected, DeAndre Jordan came to Dallas. With the signing of Matthews and the previous rumors and DeAndre Jordan’s demands for an offensive role… the probability of him leaving the Clippers was quite high. Rondo went to the Kings, but it’s all decorated with on-ball players… David West is a good player. I think West will decide when Aldridge’s destination is decided.

ㅎ0ㅎ/// Yes, well, there is some degree of racism in Europe and the United States. The degree is different…

쿤다라, misscherry, 사라질영혼, 지존천하, 파이넨시아, 캐바밤, 1234567890123/// Thank you for your comments today!!

-DarkANGEL-/// NFL has overwhelming broadcasting rights fees and admission fees. NBA couldn’t surpass MLB during Jordan’s time, but recently, MLB has been declining since the drug scandal, and NBA’s rise is coinciding with it.

모용사묵ㄱ지/// Haha, Emily’s cuteness is life.

야베스/// If you throw a random 3-pointer better than Curry, ㄷㄷㄷ. That’s not a human ㅋㅋ

가연을이/// How far will it go ㅎㅎ

달의물방울º天/// Me too. I think it’s a common person’s psychology that if someone has a good personality, they like them more. Yao Ming is also famous for being gentle and diligent.