Y13 [EN]: Chapter 120

Y13-120 2010-2011 Playoff Round 1 =========================================================================

Was it Rick Carlisle’s words that motivated the players? The early, sloppy turnovers decreased significantly, and Tyson Chandler, as the team’s vocal leader, began to find his rhythm. Consequently, the team’s previously disorganized defense started to solidify within a well-structured system.

[Alright! The first quarter ends with a score of 25 to 21, a 4-point difference. Considering the initial 10-point deficit, this is a satisfactory result for Dallas.]

[Indeed, Rick Carlisle’s ability to manage the players, his tactical acumen, and his rotation choices are those of a master coach. He took a calculated risk by substituting Marion with Corey Brewer to contain Gerald Wallace’s scoring burst early on, and as a result, Wallace didn’t score after Brewer entered the game.]

[Now! Before the second quarter begins, let’s have a quick word with Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.]

Rick Carlisle, maintaining his usual stoic expression, began the interview, and the TNT commentator focused on the first quarter’s key moments.

“Rick, what are your thoughts on the first quarter?”

“We had a challenging quarter. We seemed a bit sluggish, and our shots weren’t falling. But believe it or not, I didn’t think it was too bad.”

The commentator nodded and moved to the next question.

“Rick, not just in today’s game, but also in Game 6 against Portland, defending LaMarcus Aldridge seems crucial. What are your thoughts on this?”

“I’ve consistently urged the players to be aggressive. Aldridge is an excellent player; there aren’t many power forwards of his caliber in the league. Besides Duncan, Garnett, and Nowitzki, only Bosh or Love are at a similar level. He’s certainly capable of being a team’s primary scorer and deserves his All-Star selections.”

However, Carlisle shrugged and added a pointed remark.

“But I still think he has a ways to go before he can be compared to Dirk Nowitzki. Containing Aldridge is important for our defense, but actively pressuring him to force turnovers and disrupt his scoring rhythm is the best way to stop him.”

Even though Aldridge is a good player, Carlisle implied that he wasn’t yet on Nowitzki’s level. This was generally accepted, even by some Portland fans. LaMarcus Aldridge was just entering his prime, while Nowitzki was at his peak and still playing at a high level. Before his injury, Nowitzki was a leading MVP candidate. Of course, Nowitzki would eventually decline, and Aldridge would have his prime, but at this point in time, Nowitzki was still superior.

The second quarter saw both teams resting their starters and relying on their bench players. Of course, rotations couldn’t consist solely of bench players, so two or three starters inevitably had to play alongside them. Peja Stojakovic and Jason Terry, who saw some playing time in the first quarter, were heavily used in the second, but their performance didn’t quite match Carlisle’s expectations from the interview.

In the first possession, despite securing three offensive rebounds, Brandon Haywood’s rushed shot was blocked by Nicolas Batum, and Jason Terry’s three-pointer, along with Shawn Marion’s floater, all missed.

However, Rudy Fernandez, who had been relatively quiet since the fifth game, began to find his rhythm and bolster Portland’s bench, energizing their offense.

[Rudy Fernandez, a dazzling crossover dribble in front of Stojakovic, followed by a hesitation step! And then a step-back jumper!]

[Rudy Fernandez takes flight!]

Swish-

[BANG!!!!]

[He’s contributing even though he’s not at 100 percent!]

[Rudy Fernandez hits two consecutive mid-range jumpers!]

But Dallas gradually found their offensive footing as well. Youngjae and Nowitzki were the only players shooting above 50%, while the rest of the team struggled, fluctuating between 0-30%. This was a concerning statistic that could erode shooting confidence, but Peja Stojakovic, like a seasoned veteran, shot with skill and confidence.

[Peja Stojakovic! Off-ball movement along the baseline to confuse the defense! Creates an open look on the left side!]

[Rudy Fernandez closes out quickly!!]

Whoosh!

Peja Stojakovic anticipated Rudy Fernandez’s predictable defense and subtly faked a shot. Fernandez bit hard, jumping so high he crossed the baseline, leaving Stojakovic with an unobstructed shot.

Swish-

[BULLS EYE!!]

[Dallas Mavericks close the gap with a 3-pointer! They need to capitalize on this momentum!]

Carlisle replaced Shawn Marion, who was having an off day, with Dirk Nowitzki, shifting the focus back to scoring. He also brought Youngjae and Barea back in, substituting Kidd and Terry, and faced Portland with a lineup of J.J. Barea – Youngjae – Peja Stojakovic – Dirk Nowitzki – Brandon Haywood.

[Youngjae Yoon dribbles at the top of the key and passes to Jason Terry on the left.]

[As soon as Jason Terry gets the ball, Dirk Nowitzki cuts to the basket! Jason Terry delivers an amazing bounce pass to Nowitzki!]

Nowitzki caught the pass and went up for the shot. At 7 feet (213cm), he towered over Chris Johnson, who had replaced Marcus Camby. Johnson had no chance to block the shot.

Beeeep!

[Oh my god! Dirk Nowitzki, an incredible layup! And he gets the and-one!]

At that moment, Chris Johnson, seemingly upset, approached Nowitzki and appeared to shove his shoulder aggressively. Referees and players immediately intervened to separate them, but the situation was already tense.

“He hooked my leg in the air!”

Chris Johnson shouted, stepping back at Fernandez’s urging, but Nowitzki shrugged, seemingly bewildered by Johnson’s reaction, and calmly sank the and-one free throw without showing any emotion.

[Well, the second quarter is almost over. It’s so intense it’s making me sweat!]

[Dallas’s comeback is fierce. Portland is playing with a sense of desperation because a loss today would be devastating, but that desperation is causing the young players to force things. They need to be careful. Chris Johnson is a prime example. There’s no need to complain about a no-call in a normal aerial contest! A technical foul could completely change the game’s momentum!]

But contrary to Kevin McHale’s prediction, Chris Johnson caused an incident as soon as McHale finished speaking.

Thwack!

“Ugh!”

Beeeep!!

[Ah! Chris Johnson, what is he doing! That’s a dirty play!]

[Is he still upset about the previous no-foul call?! After the defensive rebound, instead of securing the ball, he hits Nowitzki in the face and casually walks away!]

“You son of a bitch!”

Everyone knew the playoffs were more intense and physical than the regular season. But the Dallas players weren’t going to stand by and watch an opponent hit their teammate in the face and brazenly walk away.

“Damn it, you coward. Apologize if you don’t want any trouble. You son of a bitch!”

It was Youngjae who stepped forward, unable to contain his anger. Tyson Chandler and Kidd, who were resting on the bench, stood up to confront Chris Johnson as soon as the whistle blew, but they were surprised to see Youngjae running up and cursing at an opponent who was six inches taller. They rushed to stop him.

“You cowardly bastard!! If you hit someone in the face, you apologize! He’s our team captain! You can’t just hit him and walk away like nothing happened!”

“You little runt, you just talk too much.”

Chris Johnson mumbled, quickly backing away. Seeing Youngjae’s expression, Johnson was scared and felt pressured.

“Referee! That’s an intentional foul! Nowitzki went down like that, and he just walked away!”

“Okay. I understand, calm down!”

At the referee’s urging, Youngjae calmed down and was willingly pulled away from Chris Johnson by Chandler and Kidd. In the end, Chris Johnson received a flagrant 1 foul. The Portland players protested lightly, but fortunately, he didn’t receive a flagrant 2.

[We need to avoid such dirty plays. Chris Johnson, that was a very disappointing play.]

[I have to be neutral as a commentator, but I can’t be right now. No one who saw that can defend Chris Johnson’s actions, no matter how big a fan they are of him or Portland. Unsurprisingly, Chris Johnson is benched by his coach as a disciplinary measure.]

With that incident, the second quarter ended. Perhaps because of Chris Johnson’s unnecessary foul, Portland’s momentum stalled. Instead, Dirk Nowitzki, who was hit in the face, and Youngjae, who was furious at Chris Johnson, channeled their anger into their shooting, overwhelming Portland.

[Nowitzki double-teamed in the low post! He passes to Barea on the outside! As soon as Barea catches the ball, the defender rushes him, so he quickly passes to Youngjae Yoon, who is open on the right side!]

[Youngjae Yoon, wide open!]

Swish-

[BANG!!!]

[Youngjae Yoon! Yoon’s 3-pointer rains down on Portland, the Rose Garden! Playing 16 minutes through the end of the 2nd quarter, 2/2 from 3-point range, 7/10 from the field! He’s pouring in 18 points!! Today, Youngjae Yoon isn’t the 2nd or 3rd option, but the primary scorer! The 1st option Youngjae Yoon!]

[Youngjae Yoon’s regular season career high is 27 points, and he already has 18? He’s playing even better in the playoffs than in the regular season. In today’s game, he’s forming a dynamic one-two punch with Dirk Nowitzki, who has 10 points!]

[Besides, J.J. Barea’s play, paired with Youngjae Yoon, is also very impressive! He’s usually inconsistent, but today seems to be one of his good days!]

Kevin McHale couldn’t help but marvel as he watched Barea steal the ball again and go on a fast break.

[I’m not the only one who sees him as a small giant despite being 6-0 tall. He’s only played 8 minutes so far, but he has 5 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. That’s amazing.]

[Another pass from Barea! Dirk Nowitzki, already on the left wing, takes a 3-pointer as soon as he receives Barea’s pass!!]

[LaMarcus Aldridge! He jumps, but it’s too far! Dirk Nowitzki’s height is too much!!]

Swish!

[BANG!!!! HE SINKS IT!!!!!!]

[Dallas!!! 52 to 40 with about a minute left in the 2nd quarter!! Dallas, who was trailing by 4 points at the start of the 2nd quarter, is now leading by 12 points after 11 minutes!]

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

★Thank you for your advance reading, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

@Doc Rivers. I saw your interview. Although it’s a country across the sea, I sincerely hope that you get backstabbed the same way next year. Then, will you be able to say the same thing you’re saying now? Or will you criticize? You broke the unspoken rules and proudly said that you’re not at fault. I regret the 4 years I respected you as a master coach.

@In the meantime, Kanter received a maximum offer. Matthews also received a maximum as a reward for Cuban keeping his promise. These days, if you do a little well, you get a maximum;;;

CutieDong/// Doc Rivers is still proud. The Clippers will be the worst team in my sports life. Originally, I liked players like Paul or Reddick, but now I can’t.

reinhard, MartialArtsFan/// Yes. It was almost like a nuclear bomb. It’s a bit difficult to compare it to the Ma Jae-yoon incident. The Star League has collapsed. A similar thing is the match-fixing of Moon Seong-hyun and Park Hyun-joon. There was a lot of controversy, but baseball is still the most popular in Korea.

magara/// 연참은.. We can’t guarantee it. Because it’s the second semester of our senior year, daily updates are not easy ㅠ.ㅠ

Seongcheon/// I don’t think there will be any major changes. It’s a problem that requires CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] revision… I thought there would be some action, but maybe not. Only the victims will be wronged.

캐바밤/// Y13’s day

ShootingStart/// DeAndre Jordan signed a contract with the Clippers without an agent. The agent is also in a bit of a problem… Thanks to Jordan, the franchise image has also fallen;;;

Hanurang/// As far as I remember, McDyess kept his verbal promise. Although he was forced to prevent him from changing his mind, he kept his faith and fulfilled the contract well. DeAndre Jordan’s actions are similar only to the Carlos Boozer case.

Yabes/// That’s what I’m saying ㅡ.ㅡ

zigichacha, -DarkANGEL-, CupInCup/// Doc Rivers is pouring gasoline

쿤다라, misscherry, 찬란한유산, 오마리온, huhcafe, 1234567890123/// Thank you for your comments!! Have a good weekend~

ㅎ0ㅎ/// I hope so. GM Doc Rivers says he’s proud, but I wonder if he’ll say the same thing after being backstabbed.

라피르and진트/// There’s no legal way to do it 쩝…

CountOfDark/// If it were Korea, it might have developed into a serious situation.

백월량/// That’s what I’m saying. The victim has no choice but to feel wronged…