Y13 [EN]: Chapter 202

202. 2011-2012 Regular Season

Youngjae was selected as the MVP of today’s game and was preparing for an interview. He recognized Bonnie Bernstein, whom he had interviewed with during his NCAA days, and greeted her warmly.

“Yoon! It’s so good to see you. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“It’s good to see you too, Bonnie. It’s been over a year since the NCAA.”

The interview, which began with a friendly greeting, proceeded smoothly. Bonnie Bernstein was as stunning as ever, especially for someone in her 40s, but Youngjae remained focused on the interview.

“You recorded a whopping 33 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 steals in just 31 minutes in today’s game. Don’t you think that’s an amazing performance? What are your thoughts?”

“Ah, well, it was a great game. I’m honored to be selected as MVP, but I’m even happier that my teammates’ performance is improving.”

Bernstein nodded at Youngjae’s response but then posed a slightly sensitive question.

“Even though you won today’s game, you still have a disappointing record of 3 wins and 4 losses. In all three games that Dallas has won, you, Yoon, have been the MVP, showing a significant difference in performance compared to other players. Your performance has been consistent, while other players have shown a lack of preparation during the regular season. What are your thoughts on that?”

“Honestly, it’s true that we were a bit complacent after last year’s championship. Not only my teammates but also I was basking in the afterglow of that victory. Fortunately, I was able to join the national team and train consistently, but even I wasn’t sure if this season would even happen. Maybe the other players had similar doubts.”

Youngjae paused to gather his thoughts, shrugged slightly, and continued. These kinds of questions are always tricky, so players usually have standardized answers prepared. Youngjae was no exception.

“Even though I was disappointed with our poor performance and frustrated with myself, I didn’t resent or fail to understand my teammates. If I hadn’t joined the national team, I probably would have taken a long break as well, and my performance would have suffered too. If we can raise our performance from here on out, I think we can fully regain the glory of last year. It will take time, but I believe we’ll be back to our peak form by the playoffs.”

Youngjae already knew that this season would be shortened and had been training individually, but he downplayed it, suggesting he had just gotten in shape at the right time, showing consideration for his teammates.

“I see. Lastly, what about that amazing buzzer-beater you hit at the end of the second quarter today? I know you’ve hit buzzer-beaters in the playoffs last season, but this is the first time in the regular season.”

“It was really thrilling! It’s hard to describe. When that shot went in, I was convinced that we could win today’s game! And I’m sure it wasn’t just me who felt that way. I think my teammates were energized by that shot. And because our team has excellent clutch shooters like Nowitzki and Terry, I don’t usually get many chances to take the last shot, but tonight I did.”

Bonnie Bernstein finished the interview with thanks, and Youngjae headed to the locker room, feeling tired but proud. The mental fatigue was intense; the pressure Nash exerted was even more overwhelming than he had imagined.

“Phew!”

Feeling the warm water from the showerhead on his face, he felt a wave of relief. Showering after a game gave him a refreshing and almost dreamy pleasure that was truly addictive.

“Good job, everyone! Get some rest, and see you tomorrow.”

Because it was a home game in Dallas, the players headed home with a spring in their step, and Youngjae was planning to talk to Emily on the phone on the way.

“Yoon, just a moment.”

Youngjae, who was about to leave the locker room with his bag, turned to face Nowitzki, not showing any signs of fatigue at the call.

“It’s nothing much, but a friend of mine wants to have a meal with you. If you’re not too tired, would you like to have dinner with us?”

Youngjae couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at Nowitzki’s words. Nowitzki seemed to read Youngjae’s expression, smiled slightly, and nodded.

“That’s right, Nash said he wanted to have dinner with us. We usually have dinner together when we have time after the game. I’m going with you today.”

Nash saw Youngjae walking with Nowitzki and recalled Youngjae’s interview earlier.

“Hey, that guy.”

On the court, they were rivals who wouldn’t give an inch, but off the court, Nash and Nowitzki were closer than anyone else. The two players, who had been friends for over 10 years, watched Youngjae’s interview from a distance and talked.

“Ah, Yoon?”

“Yeah. What do you think of him?”

Nash had heard various stories about Youngjae from his agent, friend, and helper, Bill Duffy, but he had never spoken to him directly, so he was subtly trying to gauge what kind of person Youngjae was. They had faced each other several times last season, but they hadn’t had much conversation beyond simple greetings.

Nash wasn’t antisocial, but he wasn’t particularly outgoing either, and Youngjae only greeted players from opposing teams who he had known since his NCAA days.

“You’ve heard a lot, haven’t you? You have the same agent, don’t you know?”

“Just because we have the same agent doesn’t mean I’ve ever met him, and I’ve only heard things indirectly, so how would I know? It’s not like players with the same agent have company dinners or gatherings. We haven’t even done commercials or schedules together.”

Nash replied with a light smile. Unlike entertainment agencies, sports players weren’t necessarily close just because they shared an agent. One agent manages a large number of players, and players rarely visit the agency, nor do they have gatherings.

“Okay, so what did Duffy say?”

At Nowitzki’s words, Nash scratched his head and began to speak.

“He told me many things, but one thing stuck in my mind. He said that if an MVP comes out of the players he manages after me, it would be him. How can I not be interested in someone who says that?”

Nowitzki scoffed at Nash’s words and nodded.

“Hmph, that’s a more generous statement than I thought. Well, I’m not quite at that level, but I’m sure he’ll reach a similar level. Maybe Duffy came to that conclusion after seeing many things besides his game, just like me.”

Nash became more and more curious at Nowitzki’s confirmation and subtly brought it up to Nowitzki.

“How about we have dinner tonight?”

“Are you asking that friend to eat with us? Without paying?”

…

“Tsk, fine. I’ll pay this time.”

“Okay. I’ll have to get a big meal this time.”

[“…]

Nash chuckled at the thought of his wallet getting lighter, but if his curiosity was satisfied by meeting Youngjae for the first time, it would be worth it. Besides, Nash and Nowitzki, who earned millions of dollars every year, weren’t exactly going to break the bank over an expensive meal.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Youngjae Yoon.”

“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Steve Nash. Good game today.”

It hadn’t even been a few hours since they were trying to outplay each other on the court, but the sight of the two number 13s awkwardly introducing themselves and shaking hands like strangers was amusing to Nowitzki.

“Hehe, what is this, a blind date? You two? I’m hungry, so let’s go somewhere. Yoon! Is there anything you want to eat?”

“I think Nash, who came all the way from Phoenix, should choose…”

“What do you mean Nash? Just call me Nash. It’s okay, let’s go eat what you want. Nash is paying for everything today.”

In the end, under Nowitzki’s lead, the three entered a fancy-looking restaurant and decided to have a full-course meal. As the appetizers arrived, the three lightly whetted their appetites and began to talk.

“It’s your second year, how is it? Are you adjusting… Ah. I guess it’s too late to talk about adjusting?”

Nowitzki nodded as if it were obvious at Nash’s words.

“Even though he’s like this, he’s our team’s ace. Honestly, when I see Yoon’s performance this season, I feel embarrassed more than once or twice. It feels like I’m causing a lot of trouble. He’s the youngest guy, but it feels like this young guy is grabbing us by the collar and dragging us along.”

Youngjae waved his hands, saying it was absolutely not true, but Nash nodded as if he agreed.

“Today’s game was really… I can’t even describe how amazing it was. I’ve met you a few times last year, but it wasn’t like this, was it? It’s really amazing that you’re showing this kind of skill in just two years. How many players put up these numbers in their second year?”

“Thank you. I’m just trying not to have any regrets, but I’m embarrassed to hear these compliments.”

As the light conversation ended, the soup arrived, and after eating the soup, the fish dish came out. The sequentially served dishes were a bit small, but Nowitzki reassured Youngjae, saying that there were still seven more dishes to come.

After eating a refreshing fruit sherbet, the main dish arrived, and the three talked while cutting their steaks.

“Usually, you can tell the potential of players to some extent in their second year. Players who don’t grow even if they’re given playing time in their second year are often stuck there unless they find a special opportunity. On the other hand, players who improve in their second year are more likely to continue to grow. In that sense, this is a very important time for you. Even though this offseason was long, I was surprised at how much you’ve grown compared to when we played last year. I thought you were impressive for a rookie last year, but this time it’s a completely different feeling.”

“The experience of playing for the national team and the playoff games, including the last Finals, were a big help. That fierce competition of facing excellent players every other day, that thrill of being watched by the whole country, no, the whole world. These things made me grow. I didn’t want to be a weak player. It wasn’t arrogance, but I chose to move forward with confidence rather than hesitating and being afraid.”

Youngjae put down his fork and knife and engaged in a serious conversation with Nash. Nowitzki listened to the conversation between the two with a gentle smile. Nash looked at Nowitzki suddenly while talking to Youngjae.

“Nowitzki, do you remember when you first came to America, I gave you a tour of the city and helped you a lot to adapt to this culture?”

“I remember. That’s why we’re like this now. You were the only one who treated a rookie who came to America so kindly. Thanks to you, I was able to adapt in less than a year.”

Nowitzki listened to Nash’s question and recalled memories of the past. Nash had kindly helped Nowitzki in many ways so that he could learn about NBA culture and American culture and integrate well with his Dallas teammates. That’s why they always had dinner together like this after finishing games in Phoenix or Dallas, even after their teams were separated.

“Be good to this friend too. Like I did to you. Like you’re supporting Dallas after I leave. So that this friend can support Dallas even after you leave.”

Nash’s voice was filled with regret. He had intended to play in Dallas for a long time, but he was reminded of the past when he couldn’t do so due to financial constraints.

“Don’t worry. I’m not a leader who takes the lead and talks a lot, but I take care of things. Besides…”

Nowitzki paused for a moment, his expression hardened, and he continued.

“Just like you blocked the discrimination and disregard I received as a ‘non’-American here, I’m doing the same.”

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

★Thank you to those who gave me a pre-emptive pick, recommendation, comment, and coupon!!

★Thank you for the sponsorship coupons, Vamp, Bangin798, Mangojoa, and Jaepping!!

@Nash and Nowitzki are actually very close. Nash is from Canada, so he wasn’t discriminated against as much as other foreign players, but I think he was the colleague who could understand Nowitzki the best. Nowitzki also said that he would not have built his current career without Nash. That’s how much help he received from Nash. That’s why Nowitzki can understand Youngjae better.

Sarajil Younghon/// Wow, Joara, these guys need to come to their senses….

Painenxia, ​​Lee Dongseokdong, -DarkANGEL-, Omarion, misscherry/// Thank you for your comments!! Be careful not to catch a cold. Kellock

H0h/// The days go by so fast ㅋㅋㅋ

Ultra10/// There will be ups and downs appropriately. And there is such a thing as class ㅋㅋㅋ

Goimosp/// We also like Nash very much. That’s why we put in a separate meeting like this ㅋㅋㅋ. Nash was starting to get old at this time, and his condition wasn’t very good at the beginning of the season.

Dreaming That Day/// Thank you ㅋㅋㅋ. I just like the NBA and watch it hard ^^

Eunssang/// Garbage is trash, but it is used in a slightly different meaning at this time. Usually, there is a term called garbage time, which refers to the time after the game has already been decided. For example, 20 points difference 3 minutes before the end. Fans and the media often refer to the players who are put in at that time as garbage members. Usually, if the starting lineup and core bench are 8 to 10 out of 15 roster, the remaining 5 to 7 are insurance players who have difficulty playing more than 10 minutes on average, and these are mainly called garbage members. The broadcast does not directly call them garbage members. They use garbage time though.