Y13 [EN]: Chapter 247

Y13-247 2011-2012 Regular Season

The game was so close that both coaches were deep in thought. Every time the Atlanta Hawks, the home team, scored, the Dallas Mavericks responded in kind. When Atlanta’s offense faltered, Dallas attempted to capitalize, only to be met with Atlanta’s relentless defense.

[This is a nail-biter! Both teams are giving it their all.]

[Absolutely. This is top-tier basketball. Both coaches are making all the right moves. Now, it’s all up to the players. Atlanta’s timeout is over, and both teams are returning to the court.]

[Looks like this will be the final possession of the 2nd quarter. Both coaches are desperate to end the first half on a high note.]

Atlanta put their starters back in after a brief rest, while Kirk Hinrich, who had played significant minutes, took a breather. The Hawks’ lineup now consisted of Jeff Teague, Tracy McGrady, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Erick Dampier. Dallas countered with Jason Kidd, Youngjae, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and Brendan Haywood.

“…”

Tracy McGrady, better known as T-MAC. With only 47 seconds remaining and an 8-point deficit (76-68), McGrady once single-handedly erupted for 13 points, coining the term ‘McGrady Time’. He was also known as ‘West Kobe, East McGrady,’ a swingman who, in his prime, rivaled Kobe Bryant.

However, chronic back issues had taken their toll, and many experts believed this would be his final season. Two milestones kept him going: reaching 20,000 career points and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. A few more years as a bench player could get him to 20,000 points, as he was already over 18,000. Plus, Atlanta had the potential to make a deep playoff run.

The game resumed with Atlanta inbounding the ball. Erick Dampier passed to Jeff Teague, who briefly sized up Jason Kidd before scanning the court.

[Jeff Teague isn’t backing down from Jason Kidd.]

Teague dribbled to the left sideline and passed to Tracy McGrady, who was cutting along the three-point line from the top of the key to the left wing.

Tung- Tung-

[T-MAC and Y13 face off!]

[Even past his prime, T-MAC still has that class. He can’t play extended minutes, but that burst of brilliance is still there, right?]

Youngjae remembered McGrady’s dominant years with Orlando and Houston. He was a contender for the title of best swingman, known for his explosive speed and dribbling skills. While not a personal role model, his highlights were undeniably impressive.

‘Different.’

It was hard to believe how much his form had declined. McGrady dribbled effortlessly, leaned back slightly, pivoted smoothly, and then turned for a fadeaway jumper.

‘But…’

Admiration had to be set aside. Youngjae anticipated McGrady’s timing and raised his hand, contesting the shot. McGrady, momentarily losing sight of the rim, relied on instinct.

Clang!

[The fadeaway hits the back of the rim! Is it going in?]

Tuttering-

[MISS! What a shame! For a moment, it felt like we were watching vintage T-MAC!]

Haywood grabbed the rebound and passed it to Kidd, who immediately launched an outlet pass to Youngjae, who was already sprinting downcourt.

[Classic Dallas fast break! Youngjae and Marion are flying, and Kidd delivers a perfect pass.]

Whoosh!

The ball arced through the air, landing softly in Youngjae’s hands. The commentators could only marvel at Kidd’s ‘MAGIC!’

[Youngjae is going for the layup! But Jeff Teague and Joe Johnson are closing in!]

Atlanta had clearly scouted Dallas well, reacting quickly to their offensive transitions. Johnson leaped to contest Youngjae’s layup, while Teague positioned himself to cover any trailing players. Shawn Marion was trailing, but Youngjae was already in the air for the layup…

Thud!!

“?!!!”

[Shawn Marion! He’s going up! Jeff Teague jumps too late!]

[Too much power! Youngjae adjusts his layup mid-air!]

Joe Johnson could only stare in disbelief. Youngjae, realizing a simple layup was impossible, had switched to a floater, banking the ball off the backboard and landing without regret.

Kwaaaang!!!

[BANG!!!! SHAWN MARION MATRIX SLAM!!!]

[Marion timed his jump perfectly, reading Youngjae’s shot! Youngjae Yoon TO Shawn Marion! Incredible teamwork!]

The two high-fived casually, as if it were routine, and then retreated on defense.

Beee-

[The 2nd quarter ends with Shawn Marion’s alley-oop dunk! The score is 56 to 59! The Dallas Mavericks lead by 3 points at the half.]

[The Atlanta Hawks need to regroup. Tracy McGrady had some good shots, but perhaps he could have been more patient? If both teams maintain this level of play, we’re in for a high-scoring second half.]

During halftime, Jerome Jurenovich, the commentator, interviewed Josh Smith, who was having a standout performance for Atlanta.

“Josh, you’re having a great game: 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7-for-9 shooting. How would you assess your performance today?”

“I think my personal stats are good. We’re playing our game and disrupting theirs. But failing to dominate at home and put them away early is a mistake.”

Jerome Jurenovich looked slightly surprised, as Josh Smith used the word ‘eliminate’ despite being on the losing team. Smith shrugged, unfazed.

“You might be surprised, but we’re playing well. Dallas got lucky on a few shots. We’re the better team. Those lucky shots won’t fall in the second half, and Dallas won’t keep up with our intensity. We’ll take the lead.”

“You’re confident. But what about Youngjae Yoon’s performance: 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists, especially with Nowitzki struggling? Aren’t you losing because you can’t stop Yoon?”

Josh Smith conceded the point.

“Youngjae Yoon is a decent guard, but he needs bodyguards like Tyson Chandler or Shawn Marion. He passes up shots he could make himself because he lacks confidence.”

Josh Smith’s arrogant assessment was relayed to the Dallas players by their coach, who was watching the interview.

“…”

Nowitzki remained impassive, used to such comments. Tyson Chandler, however, was visibly angry.

“What does he know? Energy level? Bodyguards?”

“Hey, Chandler, calm down.”

“Calm down? He’s calling you a bodyguard!”

Youngjae smiled faintly at Chandler’s outburst.

“Let him have his mental victory. There’s a saying: ‘It’s not the strong who win, but the winners who are strong.’ The scoreboard at Phillips Arena says we’re winning.”

“Exactly! Winning is all that matters. Everyone sees the numbers.”

Youngjae chuckled, trying to defuse the situation. Chandler was more annoyed than truly angry.

“So, Josh Smith, the mental victory champion, is belittling our basketball. Energy level? He can’t believe our team, with a ‘weak guard’ and ‘muscle-brained bodyguards,’ is beating Atlanta.”

“That’s right!”

“I won’t say much. We’re doing this in Atlanta because you’re following my lead. The first half was good. If we keep it up, we’ll have a happy flight home.”

[Despite Josh Smith’s bravado, the game remains close! Dallas has scored or drawn fouls on every possession in the first 3 minutes of the 3rd quarter! Atlanta is fighting hard, but the lead has grown to 7 points!]

Clang!

[Joe Johnson’s tough shot! Amazing it even hit the rim!]

[Tyson Chandler secures the rebound. Josh Smith tried to box him out, but Chandler’s positioning is too strong.]

[Chandler already has 7 rebounds. He’ll likely get a double-double today. Dallas has four 7-footers, but Chandler is their most reliable rebounder.]

Chandler passed safely to Kidd, who retreated slightly under Jeff Teague’s pressure. He decided a safe pass was better than risking a turnover against Teague’s quick hands.

‘Good!’

Whoosh-

Kidd passed to Youngjae, who was cutting towards him from the top of the key. Youngjae glanced at Kirk Hinrich, his defender, and made eye contact with Nowitzki, who was positioned at the top of the arc.

Thud!

“Ugh!!!”

[Dirk Nowitzki steps back, clearing the way for Youngjae Yoon!]

[That’s veteran savvy! That screen is invaluable for Youngjae Yoon!]

Josh Smith, torn between sticking with Youngjae or guarding Nowitzki, decided to prioritize Youngjae, who was orchestrating the offense, over Nowitzki, who was having an off night. He shifted his attention to Youngjae.

“Watch closely.”

“Huh?”

“This is teamwork, and this is what makes a good player.”

Youngjae, with a quick glance at Kirk Hinrich closing in from his left, threw a no-look pass. The pass sailed effortlessly to Dirk Nowitzki, who was wide open at the top of the arc. Nowitzki smiled and fired.

[Dirk Nowitzki, wide open 3-pointer!!]

A tremendous high release point, reminiscent of a catapult. The height and the outrageous parabola emanating from 7 feet. And a high success rate.

Swish!!!

[BANG!!!]

[BUCKET!! An amazing 3-pointer!]

Nowitzki pointed his right index finger at Josh Smith and grinned, while Smith frowned as if he had tasted something foul.

[The lead is now 10 points! 62 to 72! Incredible!]

============================ Author’s Comments ============================

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

＠Is it Atlanta’s power? The comments are decreasing like ghosts ㅋㅋ

＠Kawhi Leonard led the Texas derby to victory with two big shots. No one knew that Kawhi would grow this much. His turnaround jumper or 3-pointer after posting up is really accurate. Not to mention his defense.

Ultra10/// Well, even if the jumper is blocked, the success rate has only decreased a little. It is enough to compensate with rim attacks and offensive rebounds. Kobe… A reliable reporter posted some of the interview on Twitter, and it was shocking. So Nick Young also did a nuke interview towards Kobe and coach Scott.

H0h, Financia, Disappearing Soul, Lee Dong-seok/// Thank you for your comments!!

Yabes/// Really, Josh, who doesn’t deserve his salary… Brooklyn, who accepted Atlanta’s eat-and-run contract, was really stupid. The trade that brought Garnett-Pierce was also a mess. Honestly, even when he was in Atlanta, he didn’t deserve to receive that much salary, but Atlanta, which had difficulty bringing in FAs, felt like they overdid it a bit.

And now there are only 16 games left, so Curry’s stats are bound to be high. He will probably finish with around 20 points in the mid to late season. Thompson is messing up right now, so Curry is shooting a lot, but if Thompson comes back to life, Curry’s field goal percentage will decrease slightly. Walton, as acting coach, will reduce Curry’s playing time rather than increase it. Curry doesn’t have the iron stamina like LeBron… And Youngjae’s 2nd season is not his career high. It would be too sad if his 2nd season was his career high ㅠ.ㅠ

Besides DiGreen or Ezili, Crowder and Middleton are also good players in the 12th draft that you mentioned. Mike Scott and Will Barton are also good for their pick order. The 12th draft was evaluated as having a thick depth because there were many players who postponed their professional advancement due to the 11th lockout, and as the evaluation said, several starting-level players came out even in the 2nd round.

goimosp/// It seems that Gols will be the undisputed number 1 in the league. The problem is how many wins they will get and whether they will break through the short-term playoffs. Personally, I think San Antonio is 5:5 if they face each other. The Clippers and Houston seem hopeless, and Memphis seems to have a hard time against Gols. Even Okl won’t be able to win more than 2 wins and 4 losses against Gols unless their pick-and-roll defense is improved. I think it depends on whether LeBron is blocked by Iguodala like last season or breaks through. I think Love will be properly blocked by Green.