Y13 [EN]: Chapter 215

2011-2012 Regular Season

[Hello, this is FOX SPORTS bringing you the match between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs! We’re live with commentary by Derek Harper. I’m Mark Followill, your host. Nice to be here.]

Mark Followill’s skillful introduction was met with Derek Harper’s consistently serious voice as they exchanged greetings and began discussing the game.

[Dallas is 4th in the West with a record of 14 wins and 6 losses, while San Antonio is 6th with 12 wins and 8 losses. Comparing only the last 10 games, the San Antonio Spurs have 6 wins and 4 losses, while the Dallas Mavericks have a dominant 9 wins and 1 loss, showing Dallas’s clear advantage.]

Current Western Conference standings. Team (Last 10 Games)

1st Oklahoma City Thunder 16-4 (8-2)

2nd Denver Nuggets 16-5 (9-1)

3rd LA Clippers 15-5 (7-3)

4th Dallas Mavericks 14-6 (9-1)

5th LA Lakers 13-7 (7-3)

6th San Antonio Spurs 12-8 (6-4)

6th Utah Jazz 12-8 (6-4)

6th Memphis Grizzlies 12-8 (5-5)

6th Houston Rockets 12-8 (7-3)

Derek Harper nodded in response to Mark Followill’s comments.

[As befits rivals, both teams suffered losses to Minnesota. Minnesota was expected to make the playoffs this season, but their inconsistent performance has made them spoilers. And these two teams were among their victims. The absence of Manu Ginobili, San Antonio’s key shooting guard, seems significant. He’s the team’s assist leader and the only one granted a free role to inject creativity, and without Ginobili, they haven’t been able to show unexpected plays.]

[Therefore, Tony Parker’s burden of leading has increased, causing difficulties in the offense. Since Gary Neal has to lead from the bench, Kawhi Leonard, known for his defensive skills, is being used as the starting shooting guard, which increases the pressure on Richard Jefferson’s three-pointers and scoring. Kawhi Leonard has great defensive potential but isn’t particularly talented in three-pointers and scoring. The problem is that Jefferson isn’t replicating his performance from his New Jersey days at all.]

Richard Jefferson was an All-Star small forward who thrived on fast breaks and attacks at the rim thanks to his exceptional athleticism. He gradually extended his shooting range and, after being traded to San Antonio, developed a respectable three-point shot, but he wasn’t living up to his $10 million salary. Despite the plays designed for Jefferson, he wasn’t performing beyond the role of a role player.

[He’s a player that San Antonio fans had high hopes for, but even in his third year, there hasn’t been much improvement. He plays somewhat better when he’s with Ginobili, but when he plays with Parker and 3&D shooters [players who specialize in three-point shooting and defense], he just becomes an average player.]

Youngjae felt that the lunch he had with Leonard sat well in his stomach, and he hoped the game would go just as smoothly. It was just a minor feeling, but in professional sports, such minor things can sway a game, so Youngjae couldn’t help but feel good. Fortunately, Youngjae didn’t have a specific pre-game meal routine, so his performance was never affected by meal issues.

Swish-

“Wow, that’s clean.”

“Yoon, if you keep feeding us like that, we’ll gladly take it.”

Brandon Wright, who was always sticking close to Tyson Chandler, approached playfully as they watched Youngjae’s clean shot. Chandler, true to form, always had the young Wright and Mahinmi by his side, teaching them a lot. Thanks to this, Wright was making early progress in his screen and pick-and-roll abilities. His box-out and inside defense were still lacking, but they were gradually improving.

“Come on, what are you guys saying? You guys always know how to get it done no matter how I pass it,” Youngjae replied with a nonchalant smile, acting like he knew nothing. The two put their arms around Youngjae’s shoulders from either side.

“Hey, Yoon. Let’s not be stingy. Don’t you remember what you said at training camp? You told me to try for a 15-15 center [averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds per game]? I’m still hovering around 10-10 on average. I can get the rebounds myself, but it would be great if you could help me with the scoring.”

“Help me out too. It’s hard to score that easily without you, you know? It would be great if teammates could help each other out, right? I’ll catch it perfectly and rack up assists for you. You trust my helicopter passes, don’t you?”

Seeing the two players playfully whining on either side of Youngjae, Youngjae chuckled and reassured them not to worry.

“Who else would I trust but you two? I’m playing comfortably thanks to your screens. But if you don’t catch it perfectly, I won’t pass to you.”

“Yikes! I guess I’ll have to make sure I score.”

As the three players joked around, Mark Followill and Derek Harper were passionately commentating. Once they were done talking about San Antonio, the two began discussing the Dallas Mavericks.

[Dallas is also missing Jason Kidd, but Nowitzki is returning in today’s game. Surprisingly, Dallas has a record of 6 wins and 1 loss when Kidd is out, and 3 wins and 1 loss when Nowitzki is out, which is quite good.]

Derek Harper pointed out that while San Antonio was feeling the absence of Ginobili, Dallas wasn’t feeling the absence of two of their starters.

[It seems like the team performs much better without Kidd. And the same goes for Nowitzki. Does this mean that these two players’ influence has diminished?]

Mark Followill questioned whether this data meant that the two players’ influence was decreasing. Derek Harper shook his head as if to say no and began to explain.

[Kidd has been showing weaknesses in both his outside shooting and defense this season due to his age, so his absence isn’t felt as much. However, Dallas hasn’t scored over 100 points in all four games without Nowitzki. They barely won thanks to their defense, but their offense was very frustrating. In that sense, Nowitzki’s return today will be a big boost. Of course, while Nowitzki was out, Parsons and Marion started as forwards, which greatly reduced the points allowed.]

Derek Harper paused to catch his breath and then continued his explanation.

[It seems that Nowitzki needs to make up for his defensive shortcomings with his offense while he’s playing. Of course, we can say that they were able to win without Nowitzki because their opponents in those four games were New Orleans, Phoenix, Minnesota, and Utah.]

[Beaubois is filling Kidd’s spot, and Parsons is doing a good job of filling Nowitzki’s spot. Beaubois has shown strengths in scoring and blocks rather than leading, and Parsons has also played the role of Nowitzki’s replacement that Carlisle wants with his tenacious defense and accurate shooting. This season, Dallas has a good rotation that can fill the void of any player to some extent, as long as there aren’t any long-term injuries.]

Finally, all preparations were complete, and the players from both teams came onto the court. Dallas wore their home uniforms with a white background and sky-blue lettering, while the San Antonio Spurs wore their away uniforms with a black background and white lettering as they stepped onto the court.

[Here is the starting lineup for the home team, Dallas Mavericks. Point guard Rodrigo Beaubois, shooting guard Youngjae Yoon, small forward Shawn Marion, power forward Dirk Nowitzki, and center Tyson Chandler.]

[There have been changes to the lineup due to Kidd’s injury and Nowitzki’s return. Chandler Parsons, who started for four games, has returned to the bench. Parsons played well during those four games, allowing Nowitzki to rest comfortably even while injured.]

[The starting lineup for the away team, San Antonio Spurs, is point guard Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, and center DeJuan Blair.]

[Without Ginobili, San Antonio’s offense will have to rely heavily on Parker and Duncan. And the proportion of three-pointers will also increase significantly. Dallas has a pretty good three-point defense this season. The outcome will depend on whether they can block San Antonio’s three-pointers or get hit by them.]

Swish!

The game began with a jump ball, which Tyson Chandler won against Tim Duncan.

[Tyson Chandler, as expected! He easily wins the jump ball with his towering 7-1 height! He’s a smart big man who has a long standing reach and good jump timing.]

[Blair is the center, but Duncan is responsible for the jump ball due to the height issue. Blair is an undersized center at only 6-8 (203cm). He’s a blue-collar style player with tremendous strength and tenacity, assisting Duncan.]

Tyson Chandler safely passed the ball to Beaubois, who slowly crossed the half-court line. Beaubois was well aware that he wasn’t good at reading passing timings and had a narrow view of the court, making it difficult to develop quick attacks.

[Rodrigo Beaubois has now reached the top of the key.]

Beaubois dribbled for a moment, scanning the court. As expected, the San Antonio Spurs’ defensive system was incredibly solid. Tony Parker, who was guarding him closely, was an offensive guard with defensive weaknesses, but the help defense that followed the Dallas players, who were working hard to create space like interlocking gears, was still tight.

‘Then.’

[Beaubois moves slightly to the right wing instead of passing the ball.]

As soon as Beaubois moved to the right wing, Duncan instantly double-teamed him. Beaubois was momentarily flustered by the well-timed double-team, as if San Antonio had been waiting for him to move there. Beaubois was significantly lacking in his ability to break out of pressure and deal with double-teams.

[The San Antonio players know that Beaubois is weak at handling double-teams. That’s why it’s difficult for Beaubois to be the main ball-handler. Parker and Duncan instantly surround Beaubois! There might be a turnover from the first possession!]

[Youngjae Yoon, who was on the opposite side, is running towards Beaubois! Kawhi Leonard is momentarily running towards Youngjae Yoon as if he’s not even there! It seems like he’s going to call for the ball near Beaubois! Kawhi Leonard quickly chases after Youngjae Yoon!]

Thud!

“Ugh!!”

A solid screen, so hard that a groan escaped from Kawhi Leonard’s usually stoic mouth. Tyson Chandler, who had somehow read the timing to set a screen himself and came near the top of the key, had properly tied up Kawhi Leonard.

[Tyson Chandler, as expected, knows exactly when to come out and set a screen even though it’s not a set play. Beaubois passes the ball to Youngjae Yoon, who came from behind, and moves to the right. Yoon immediately breaks through the open space towards the high post!]

Youngjae felt the need to disrupt the opponent’s defensive system once rather than immediately shooting a pull-up three-pointer. The offense had an absolute advantage because any option was possible from this position.

“!!”

However, Youngjae didn’t dare to break through to the low post with all his might. Tim Duncan, who was like a god in Youngjae’s past life and the pillar of the San Antonio Spurs, was quickly moving in front of Youngjae, lowering his stance. At the same time, DeJuan Blair also began to pressure Youngjae from the side. The front and left were blocked.

[Nowitzki is cutting to the basket! Probably to distract Duncan’s attention. But Jefferson, who was on the opposite side, moves to check Nowitzki instead of Duncan!]

At that moment, Youngjae was able to see an open player thanks to Nowitzki. Nowitzki moved to draw Duncan out or to receive a pass himself, but Jefferson moved to stop him. The moment he looked at the opposite sideline, Shawn Marion was standing on the left sideline, ready to shoot with no one guarding him.

Whoosh!!

[Youngjae Yoon’s quick and accurate overhead pass! It goes over DeJuan Blair and Tim Duncan’s heads! The two players jump, but it’s no use!]

[Youngjae Yoon shows off his wide vision and accurate passing as expected! Despite the high overhead pass, it goes right into Marion’s hands! Shawn Marion, wide open three-pointer! Jefferson belatedly jumps to contest the shot!]

Swish!

[BANG!!! SHAWN MARION MATRIX THREE POINT!!!]

[A perfect clean shot that doesn’t even touch the rim, as if protesting to Richard Jefferson! Shawn Marion finishes after the Dallas players’ good movement and Youngjae Yoon’s pass that found a gap in San Antonio’s defense! As befits a game between two teams skilled at creating wide-open shots, Dallas takes an easy early lead.]

Youngjae lightly high-fived Nowitzki after the pass was successful and Marion’s three-pointer went in.

“Nice.”

“Wow… Nowitzki. You’re really amazing.”

“You did better. I just did my best in my position. Marion too.”

Nowitzki’s expression was calm. As Nowitzki said, Nowitzki showed the best movement in his position, and Marion stayed in place on the outside when Nowitzki cut in. Normally, Marion would cut in and Nowitzki would move on the outside, but he adjusted to it when Nowitzki moved first. And thanks to that, a crack appeared in San Antonio’s defense, and Youngjae just found it.

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

★Thank you to those who subscribed, recommended, commented, and gave coupons!!

★Thank you to cwl and hsmking for the sponsored coupons!!

＠I’ll be taking a break from posting tomorrow. It’s midterm season, and I have several exams the day after tomorrow, so it’ll be hard to post. Thank you for your understanding.

＠It’s a common ranking in the early season. In reality, all four Southwest teams, including Dallas, were 12-8 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ. New Orleans was in last place after Gordon and Kaman, who they got instead of Paul, failed, but the other four teams all went to the playoffs. Honestly, aside from the Southwest, there isn’t that much of an overwhelming difference with the East to call it WWW. The Southwest is just too overwhelming… Having a team with a win rate of over 70% and a team with over 67% in the same division for 10 years is;;; They’ve probably revised the minimum ranking for division-leading teams regarding home-court advantage twice because of them.

＠In reality, Kidd was only needed as a leader and veteran at this time, and his performance itself was too poor to be a starter. There were even talks that he should retire after this season… Well, he’s 40 years old in Korean age.

misscherry/// Thank you for the first comment^^ Thank you for always leaving comments.

Ultra10/// Leonard is a versatile player who can play the 2-4 positions. He can even play power forward in small lineups, and he played shooting guard at this time due to team circumstances. The problem was that his shooting range was short at the time, so he was a bit frustrating on offense. Of course, the position that optimizes Leonard’s defense and size is small forward. Most of the league’s best scoring machines are small forwards, so it’s good for stopping them, and his offensive movements are also closer to a forward.

ㅎ0ㅎ///ㄷㄷ There was another person using a Galaxy Player. My friend used a Galaxy Player and sold it around the summer, so I borrowed it a few times in the first half of the year ㅋㅋㅋ

Heukgom12/// Hehe, it’s a game. It’s a pretty complicated scene, so I’m worried about whether you’ll be able to imagine it well.

SarajilYounghon/// Q. What is vacation for a senior? A. ㅠ.ㅠ

Yabes/// San Antonio was a blessing. They weren’t even in last place ㄷㄷ. Moreover, Parker was the 29th pick, and Ginobili was the 59th pick. Kawhi was also the 15th pick, and Green was a 2nd rounder, etc. They really picked and developed the lower picks in the 1st round and the 2nd round well.

goimosp/// He’ll probably get 1000 wins without much difficulty. I don’t think San Antonio will fail to get 50 wins. If Duncan plays for 3 more years, he’ll probably surpass Abdul-Jabbar (1074 wins)… but I don’t know if he’ll play for 3 more years. Or maybe San Antonio will get around 65 wins for two consecutive years

-DarkANGEL-/// I think it was possible because of Duncan. I think Duncan is above Kobe and LeBron in terms of current career. Popovich was also a guy who only had Duncan Go as an offensive tactic when Duncan was young. They’ve grown together and are now doing everything even in their old age ㅋㅋㅋ As you said, LeBron would probably be rejected in San Antonio…

Omariyon, Lee Dongseok/// Thank you for the comments. Have a good day tomorrow~

rtg98///Yes. It seems that even simple conversations are possible. I’m glad he’s alive for now.