Y13 [EN]: Chapter 250

Y13-250 (250/296)

00250 2011-2012 Regular Season ====================================================

April 25, 2012. Chicago, Illinois.

Youngjae sat across from Jonas Lim at a cafe, sipping coffee. Jonas had meticulously looked after Youngjae’s training, even during the season.

“The regular season ends tomorrow.”

“Haha, that’s right. It’s still amazing how eight months have flown by.”

Jonas Lim couldn’t help but smile as he recalled their eight-month journey. Eight months ago, Jonas seized an incredible opportunity that began with a phone call from Bill Duffy. For 66 games, Jonas was able to watch and learn many things about the NBA alongside Youngjae.

Most coaches enter the NBA after building careers in high school or college. By serving as Youngjae’s personal coach in between, Jonas Lim learned and felt many important things from Youngjae that he didn’t already possess.

“There were many challenges along the way. I’m really grateful for Jonas’s efforts in helping my training in every way this season. I experienced ups and downs, but the guidance Jonas provided was a tremendous help to me.”

Youngjae also gained a lot. Jonas had a serious yet pleasant demeanor, so when Youngjae did individual training after team training, Jonas would bring up recent issues to keep Youngjae from getting bored, creating a good rapport with him.

“I am very satisfied with how Yun is overcoming the various issues I mentioned before the season. The improvements compared to the previous year are evident in the games.”

[2010-11 Regular Season Shots]

Shot Type : Success Rate

Catch and Shoot (10~23Ft) : 52%

Pull-up (10~23Ft) : 40%

Inside (~10Ft) : 56%

Pull-up (3pt) : 36%

Catch and Shoot (3pt) : 46%

USG% : 24.9%

[2011-12 Regular Season Shots]

Shot Type : Success Rate

Catch and Shoot (10~23Ft) : 51%

Pull-up (10~23Ft) : 43%

Inside (~10Ft) : 59%

Pull-up (3pt) : 40%

Catch and Shoot (3pt) : 47%

USG% : 27.8%

“Yun faced tougher defense this season, and despite the increased analysis on him, he has improved in every aspect compared to the previous year. No particular area has improved dramatically, but the overall improvement means there are no weaknesses. The virtuous cycle of improved efficiency and increased playing time has also raised his overall stats.”

Youngjae nodded as he looked at the data Jonas Lim handed him. His average score increase wasn’t as significant compared to the improvement in his field goal percentage. He was most pleased that his field goal percentage improved despite the increase in USG% (Usage Percentage; the percentage of team plays a player uses while on the court).

“It seems my pull-up jumper has improved, diversifying my offensive creation routes. Plus, finishing inside has become easier. It’s a result of the opponent having more to worry about.”

“That’s right. However, it would be problematic if your catch and shoot success rate decreased. Maintaining catch and shoot accuracy and staying within the top 5% should be Yun’s career goal.”

Jonas Lim handed over the next set of data and continued the conversation.

[2010-11 Regular Season Shots (Closest Defender: Distance to Nearest Defender)]

Very Tight (Contact with defender, 0-2 Feet): 36%

Tight (Defender contesting the shot, 2-4 Feet): 41%

Open (Distance from defender, 4-6 Feet): 53%

Wide Open (Defender unable to block, 6+ Feet): 57%

[2010-11 Playoff Season Shots (Closest Defender: Distance to Nearest Defender)]

Very Tight (Contact with defender, 0-2 Feet): 34%

Tight (Defender contesting the shot, 2-4 Feet): 40%

Open (Distance from defender, 4-6 Feet): 57%

Wide Open (Defender unable to block, 6+ Feet): 60%

[2011-12 Regular Season Shots (Closest Defender: Distance to Nearest Defender)]

Very Tight (Contact with defender, 0-2 Feet): 38%

Tight (Defender contesting the shot, 2-4 Feet): 43%

Open (Distance from defender, 4-6 Feet): 56%

Wide Open (Defender unable to block, 6+ Feet): 60%

“In the playoffs, most players’ field goal percentages drop due to the short series and tight defense. So, comparing only the regular seasons, you’ve improved evenly compared to last season. Personally, I wanted the ‘tight’ category to improve a bit more, but this is good enough.”

Youngjae nodded, seemingly understanding the data better now. Despite the slump in the middle of the season, the strength training he did during the offseason ultimately had a significant impact on his inside shot success rate and free throw attempts.

“Looking at it this way, I’m even more grateful to Jonas. I’m really satisfied with this rate of improvement.”

“Don’t be satisfied yet. I think Yun has the talent to go even higher.”

Jonas took a long sip of his now-cold coffee and nodded.

“That’s right. I believe Yun can go even higher. This playoff is the opportunity.”

…

“Exactly. The playoffs and the Finals are the best stages for a player to grow. And the day to determine that opponent is tomorrow. The season isn’t over yet.”

[Hello! This is FOX SPORTS bringing you the Dallas Mavericks’ final game of the season! I’m here with commentator Derek Harper. Derek? Nice to see you!]

[Yes! Polo Will. It’s great to see you too. Today’s game is drawing national attention. Of course, it has to. Both teams are playing their final game of the season, and the Chicago Bulls are first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 49 wins and 16 losses. The Dallas Mavericks are also tied for first in the Western Conference with 49 wins and 16 losses.]

[They are truly fierce rivals. Even in this shortened season, they are trying to achieve a 50-win record. 50 wins in a 66-game season means winning more than three times as many games as you lose. That is, you have to achieve a win rate of over 75%. Today, all three 49-win teams in the league have games. Dallas and Chicago are facing each other, and San Antonio has an away game against Golden State. But San Antonio has an extremely high win rate against Golden State, so San Antonio is likely to reach 50 wins.]

[The outcome of these two games will determine which team has home-court advantage, right? Let’s consider the scenarios. If San Antonio and Dallas win, both teams will have 50 wins and a 2-2 record against each other. In this case, we look at the division win rate. Dallas has a better Southwest Division win rate than San Antonio, securing the tiebreaker. On the other hand, if San Antonio and Chicago win, San Antonio will be first in the West with 50 wins, Dallas will be second in the West with 49 wins, and Chicago will have a 1-0 record against San Antonio, giving them home-court advantage if they meet in the Finals.]

[That’s really complicated. That’s why the fans’ interest is even more intense.]

As the players from both teams came onto the court, Mark Polo Will began introducing the lineups without further delay.

[Alright! Let’s get straight to the starting lineups for both teams. For the home team, Chicago Bulls! Starting with Derrick Rose, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, and finally, Joakim Noah.]

[I think Richard Hamilton’s resurgence is notable. When Chicago, whose shooting guard position was a weakness last year, brought in Richard Hamilton, most fans thought it was another temporary measure to last another year. But this season, he’s averaging 27 minutes and 11.2 points. His size, 6-7 (201cm), allows him to defend opposing shooting guards well. He has both the outside scoring and defensive abilities that Chicago needs.]

Mark Polo Will continued to talk about the Dallas Mavericks’ starting lineup without a pause.

[For the visiting team, Dallas Mavericks, starting with Jason Kidd, Youngjae Yun, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and finally, Tyson Chandler.]

[If there are no injuries, Dallas always uses this starting lineup. Terry comes in for Kidd in the closing lineup, though. But the starting lineup’s net rating is actually stronger than the closing lineup’s. This is because their defense is among the top 3 in the league, even though their offense is slightly weaker.]

Joakim Noah and Tyson Chandler took their positions at the half-court line, and the referee blew the whistle and tossed the ball high into the air.

Thwack!

[Joakim Noah wins the jump ball, and the game begins! Joakim Noah passes the ball to Derrick Rose.]

Rose, seeing Youngjae sticking to him, began to face Youngjae with a focused expression. It was a very important game, and the opponent was a player who had grown to be one of the best in the league. And that team was the strongest team in the West. Pride was important, but winning was more important than pride.

[Derrick Rose dribbling at the top, facing Youngjae Yun!]

Youngjae’s expression didn’t change much either, but he couldn’t hide the thrill and tension rising in his chest, and the corners of his lips began to twitch slightly. Rose could relate to Youngjae’s feelings, but Rose didn’t bother to go head-to-head with Youngjae.

Whoosh-

Watching Rose float the ball high inside, Youngjae didn’t move away from Rose, continuing to scan the entire court.

[Carlos Boozer catches the ball!]

[The Chicago Bulls often use the Rose and Boozer 2-2 high pick and roll, so Chandler, who is good at pick and roll defense, is guarding Boozer. Nowitzki can’t be said to be good at pick and roll defense. That’s why Nowitzki is guarding Noah, who has good passing but a simple individual offensive route.]

[Chicago does use the Rose and Boozer 2-2 often, but Boozer’s screen ability isn’t good, and Rose doesn’t use screens very well either. On the other hand, Yun and Chandler are top-notch in pick and roll defense. The matchup is close to the worst possible for Chicago.]

Boozer leaned against Tyson Chandler, pushing him hard, but he clicked his tongue as he saw Chandler not budging. Barely managing to resist being pushed outward, Boozer turned and jumped backward.

[Carlos Boozer, turnaround fadeaway!]

Chandler didn’t expect Boozer to take such a tough shot, but his body reacted instantly as a nimble player would. The imposing presence emanating from his enormous 7-1 frame, raising his right arm and blocking Boozer’s view, made Boozer’s shot inaccurate.

Clang!

[The ball bounces off the rim! Shawn Marion grabs the rebound.]

Blocking the first attack has significant meaning. Moreover, the game was even more intense and meticulous because it was a match between two 49-win teams, so the players began to draw out their best concentration in a state of high tension.

[Jason Kidd pauses with the ball at the top.]

Kidd briefly looked around and then passed the ball to Youngjae, who was standing on the right wing. It wasn’t just a meaningless passing play. It was a pass thrown the very moment Nowitzki’s screen was next to Hamilton, who was guarding Youngjae. As soon as the ball reached his hands, Youngjae leaned his upper body forward, sticking his left foot out as if he was going to use Nowitzki’s screen.

[Youngjae Yun attempts a drive-in as soon as he receives Jason Kidd’s exquisite pass?!]

Hamilton was convinced that he was going over the screen and looked to the side to go around Nowitzki. However, after confirming that Nowitzki wasn’t next to him, Hamilton hurriedly looked back at Youngjae.

Swish!!

[It’s not a screen! Pick and slip! Joakim Noah, who was guarding Nowitzki, and Richard Hamilton, who was guarding Youngjae Yun, were completely fooled by the amazing pick and slip! A laser pass is fired with tremendous speed and accuracy to Nowitzki, who is rushing towards the basket like a flood!]

Nowitzki, who had penetrated to the low post, caught Youngjae’s pass with his large hand and immediately leaped up. Nowitzki, who refrained from driving and focused on post-ups and accurate shooting compared to his prime, was still a player capable of such deadly inside breakthroughs if he wanted to.

“Uwaaa!!”

Seeing Luol Deng rising up in front of Nowitzki like a last-ditch effort, Nowitzki shifted the ball from his right hand to his left hand, dodging Deng’s hand and executing a double clutch.

Beeeep!!!

Swish-

[YEEEESSS!! Y13 FOR DIRK!!! AMAZING!!!]

[Dirk Nowitzki’s fantastic inside finish, even drawing an and-one! Luol Deng jumped up to defend the last line, but it was a meaningless foul in front of Dirk Nowitzki! Youngjae Yun and Dirk Nowitzki’s pick and slip seem to be improving day by day!]

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

★Thanks to those who gave advance reservations, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

H0h nim/// I will try not to reveal that aspect if possible. It can’t be completely avoided given the setting.

Lafir and Jinte nim/// It was quite sensational back then, haha.

Ultra10 nim/// Brewer is an energetic player with good defense and fast breaks, but his jumper is quite unstable. He has moved to several teams but never managed to stabilize it. Even last year in Houston, it felt like he was making shots, but the result was 27%. He has a high percentage of catch and shoot shots off assists, but with that success rate, I don’t think he can be used as a shooter. After being released from New York and coming to Dallas in the 10-11 season, he has never had a season 3-point success rate of over 30%.

Athoro nim/// Our teamwork too……

Sarajil Younghon nim/// Joara always has some kind of problem;;;

Omarion nim, -DarkANGEL- nim, Financia nim/// Thanks for the comments!!

Gankeun Devil nim/// Yes. He is handsome. You can think of his appearance as similar to player Kang Byunghyun.

Yabes nim/// Ugh… you posted the comment after midnight. I don’t usually check comments posted after midnight. I’m sorry. Memphis is famous for being a team that receives away calls at home. So their home record isn’t very good. And Minnesota’s away win rate is probably second this season, right?