Y13 [EN]: Chapter 263

Y13-263 2011-2012 Playoff Round 1 ==========================================================================

“Hoo.”

Nowitzki, at the free-throw line, discussed Carlisle’s tactical adjustments with Barea. These quick strategy sessions were crucial during every break in the action.

“Dirk, we need to push the pace on the next possession. As soon as we cross half-court, I need a screen from the right wing.”

As a visibly tired Chris Paul was subbed out for Mo Williams, Nowitzki nodded.

“Got it. Give me a signal for which way you’re going to cut, and I’ll set the screen accordingly.”

Barea nodded and retreated behind the three-point line. The Clippers and Mavericks lined up, and the referee passed the ball to Nowitzki, who dribbled twice and bent his knees.

Swish!

[Dirk Nowitzki’s free throws are deadly accurate. Automatic!]

[That makes it 22-12, a 10-point lead. Vinny Del Negro, having pulled the exhausted Paul, needs to find an answer.]

Vinny Del Negro didn’t seem to have any immediate solutions. He was sticking to the planned rotation, showing little improvisation.

Swish-

[The Clippers hit a clean three-pointer on their first possession with Mo Williams in the game.]

Mo Williams was a defensive liability, but a capable offensive player. He’d been criticized for being timid in the playoffs alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, but now he seemed more relaxed, perhaps without the pressure of being a second option. Dallas countered with J.J. Barea guarding Mo Williams, creating a matchup both sides felt they could exploit.

[Caron Butler is struggling against Youngjae Yoon’s defense, while Randy Foye, guarded by Jason Terry, is finding space and getting shots.]

Mo Williams attacked J.J. Barea with aggressive dribbling. More of a scoring guard playing point, his playmaking wasn’t his strength. Randy Foye, younger and quicker than Terry, used Griffin’s screen to lose Terry, received a pass from Mo Williams, and nailed a three.

[22-15. The LA Clippers cut the lead to 7 points!]

Youngjae dribbled deliberately to the right wing, following Barea’s instructions. With Caron Butler guarding Terry and Randy Foye on Youngjae, Youngjae dribbled a few times, then passed to the top of the key without hesitation.

[J.J. Barea receives the pass at the top, and Dirk Nowitzki sets a screen on Mo Williams!!!]

Barea’s timing was perfect. He bounced the ball in a V shape, leaning slightly to the right. Mo Williams wasn’t completely fooled, but Barea’s speed forced him to react.

Thud!

“Ugh!!”

But that hesitation was fatal. Barea intentionally leaned towards Nowitzki’s screen, and Mo Williams, momentarily deceived by the reverse fake, collided with Nowitzki.

[A split-second decision!!!]

[What a play! Barea drives to the basket!]

Barea, exploding to the left as if executing a crossover, charged towards the basket with incredible speed, blowing past the high post and into the paint. Blake Griffin, hedging on Nowitzki, and Randy Foye and Caron Butler, guarding the perimeter, were too late to react. Terry, Youngjae, and Nowitzki’s shooting accuracy forced the defense to stay honest, and Barea’s penetration was lightning-fast.

“Keuk!”

DeAndre Jordan, battling Tyson Chandler for position under the rim, stepped up to block Barea’s drive, and Barea staggered from the impact.

Tap, tap!!

[J.J. Barea! An amazing Euro step!!!]

At the last moment, Barea, channeling Allen Iverson [a legendary NBA point guard known for his incredible handles and scoring ability], took a slight step towards DeAndre Jordan, then used the momentum to bounce back in the opposite direction, leaping towards the rim.

“Uwaaa!!!”

Even with the Euro step, Barea couldn’t completely absorb Jordan’s force. His body tilted in the air, but he extended his right hand, ball in hand, towards the basket, disregarding the consequences.

Beeeep!!!

[Shooting foul!! And!!]

Barea scraped the ball with his fingertips and crashed to the floor. He landed in a controlled fall, avoiding serious injury to his face, and immediately looked up at the basket.

Thump- thud thud-

Swish!

[BUCKET!!!!!]

[Barea’s tenacity is on full display!! That’s the kind of heart it takes to break through with that size!!]

[Barea’s performance is unpredictable. They say there’s Barea Mode and Bareverson Mode, and today it’s definitely Bareverson Mode.]

“Oooo!!!”

The shot went in, and Barea pumped his fist, yelling. The 20,000 fans erupted, chanting his name.

BAREA!!!

BAREVERSON!!!!

Nowitzki, Youngjae, Terry, and Haywood rushed over, tapping Barea on the head, high-fiving and celebrating.

[The first half is over, and the score is 55-47, with the Dallas Mavericks leading by 8 points. Your thoughts?]

[This is the power of a championship contender. They faced some adversity in the first half, but they showed their championship pedigree. Along with Miami, they are one of the most balanced teams on both ends of the court. Like San Antonio, they had multiple winning streaks to close out the season.]

Reggie Miller [a former NBA player and commentator] had identified Miami, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio as the four championship favorites. They also had the best odds. The Chicago Bulls, originally contenders, were on the verge of elimination after Derrick Rose’s ACL tear [anterior cruciate ligament injury, a common and serious knee injury for athletes]. The other four teams were progressing smoothly.

[He’s been the ‘key player’ of the first half. He’s played 19 minutes, with 2/3 from three-point range and 6/8 overall! Including 3/3 free throws, let’s talk to Youngjae Yoon of the Dallas Mavericks, who has 17 points and 4 assists.]

“Hello? Yoon, you’re on fire today! How does it feel?”

Youngjae seemed surprised by Kevin Harlan’s [a well-known sports commentator] on-court interview, but quickly regained his composure.

“It’s an honor to hear that from TNT’s top commentator. I think it’s a hot game for the entire Dallas Mavericks team, not just me.”

Kevin Harlan nodded.

“Dirk Nowitzki has 12 points, Tyson Chandler has 6 points and 5 rebounds, and even Chandler Parsons has 5 points in 6 minutes off the bench. With a team field goal percentage of 55%, it must be tough for the Clippers.”

“The playoffs are a stage where you have to play at that level to win. We’re leading with a good field goal percentage at home, but the Clippers are a formidable opponent. They won’t give up easily.”

Youngjae chose his words carefully, avoiding complacency.

“I see. Seeing Youngjae Yoon’s focus, it seems the Dallas Mavericks have found their next-generation star. Any final thoughts?”

“It was a fun match against Paul and Griffin. But we will win this series. I hope we can be good rivals next year too.”

Youngjae returned to the locker room, where Coach Carlisle reiterated the second-half strategy.

“The Clippers are running out of options. It comes down to concentration and tenacity. Their tactics and lineup are similar to Games 1-4. The starters will play more minutes. They already played more than Vinny Del Negro usually allows, but today it will be even more. Paul and Griffin will play over 40 minutes. And their offensive burden is heavy. We need to attack them to wear them down.”

The players nodded.

“Attack Paul and Griffin, whoever is matched up. If there’s a mismatch after a screen, punish them with a post-up. On defense, concede points to Paul and Griffin, but minimize the scoring of the other players. Shooting is draining. There’s a reason why taking 30 shots in a game is difficult. We’re putting the offensive and defensive burden on them.”

Coach Carlisle’s strategy focused on exhausting the two stars. The Clippers lacked players to alleviate that burden.

“He’s relentless. Glad he’s our coach.”

“He exploits our strengths and attacks the opponent’s weaknesses. He used to plan meticulously, but he’s become more adaptable. We argued a lot when I first got here.”

Youngjae spoke with Kidd, listening to Coach Carlisle. Carlisle finished the tactical discussion and offered a final word of motivation.

“I won’t force it, but winning today is the best. Players and coaches shouldn’t predict the outcome. Focus on the game until the final whistle. Complacency, whether from a lead or a 3-1 series score, leads to defeat.”

“Understood!”

[The intensity is high from the start of the third quarter! This is playoff basketball!!]

[Both teams have scored on every possession in the first three minutes. Maximum concentration!]

The floor generals, Jason Kidd and Chris Paul, skillfully managed their teams. Kidd, an off-ball genius, created open looks with his movement and passing.

Chris Paul consistently scored by feeding Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, using his midrange jumper, dribbling, and pick-and-rolls and alley-oop passes.

“Stick to him!”

Kidd encouraged the players, who were struggling to contain the Clippers’ attack. The Dallas players tightened their defense, refusing to lose the momentum battle.

[Youngjae Yoon is guarding Chris Paul closely, limiting his effectiveness!]

Paul was starting to feel the pressure. Dallas’s superior outside shooting allowed them to score easily. Chris Paul had to create everything for the Clippers. Griffin’s midrange jumper was inconsistent, and DeAndre Jordan’s offensive game was limited. Vince Carter and Caron Butler were versatile, but Marion and Kidd neutralized them.

[Blake Griffin! He comes to the top again to set a screen!]

============================ Author’s Afterword ============================

★Thank you for the pre-orders, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

＠I’m uploading the first of two episodes I promised.

＠In American sports, players often talk during the coach’s speech, unless it’s a detailed tactical breakdown or a one-on-one discussion. During timeouts, coaches might only talk to the point guard while the other players rest, or the players might chat while the coach speaks. They still listen to the coach. The conversation is usually about the game’s atmosphere or tactics, not small talk.

To Yabesu, anguqwhdk, Black Moon Hwaya/// Yes. Youngjae is a versatile player. He excels in leading, shooting, driving, and defense. Few players surpass Youngjae’s stats and skills this season. He’s a difficult matchup for opponents.

BlackWam/// I can’t believe you find Big Macs tasteless… I don’t eat McDonald’s because I think the value has declined, but I’ve never thought it was tasteless.

H0H, Goddess Yuri Praise/// Haha, it’s similar everywhere. Korea is more intense, but other countries also value winning and first place. Second, third, and tenth place players are also great.

Ultra 10/// Youngjae balances offense and defense in Dallas. Nowitzki and Chandler, Terry and Kidd, Barea and Marion, Wright and Haywood have clear strengths and weaknesses. They needed an all-rounder to connect and control them, and that’s Youngjae.