Y13 [EN]: Chapter 285

Y13-285 2011-2012 Finals

Coach Carlisle waited calmly as the players, suitably tense after their final warm-up, returned. Once the players had gathered in a circle, Carlisle glanced at Assistant Coach Stotts, who nodded silently beside him, and began to address the team.

“We are on the verge of a miracle.”

*On the verge of a miracle.* Carlisle’s words carried significant weight.

“Last year, we performed a miracle. Everything was against us, everyone predicted our defeat. But we won.”

Carlisle’s words filled the players with pride. He smiled faintly, acknowledging their expressions.

“We were the champions last year. Don’t be careless, but don’t lose your confidence. We overcame every opponent who came at us, eager to take our title. To lose in the final, the last battle, would be the most unfair outcome imaginable. Wouldn’t it?”

“Yes!!!”

“Good.”

Carlisle’s gaze swept over the spirited players, landing on Youngjae. Even before Youngjae’s arrival, Dallas had been a contender. However, their key players were all aging veterans, a significant disadvantage. Without Youngjae, even a championship win would likely have been a fluke. While veteran role players could be replaced annually, key members were irreplaceable.

*If Yoon wasn’t here, this season would have been the last gasp for this roster. Cuban [Mark Cuban, the team owner] said he’d target the free agent (FA) market in ’12 and ’13.*

A year had passed since Youngjae joined, and the second year was drawing to a close. Carlisle believed that maintaining the existing roster last offseason had been the best decision. The team was now built around Youngjae, Nowitzki, and Chandler, securing their future. Like a domino effect, Youngjae’s arrival led to keeping Chandler, solidifying the team’s offensive and defensive core.

*Kidd and Nowitzki’s leadership is excellent, but it wasn’t tough enough. Yoon and Chandler filled that gap perfectly. The current roster is so well-balanced that there’s nothing more to wish for. The opponent is the strongest team, but we have the most wins this season. We can definitely do it.*

[Hello! This is ESPN bringing you the 2010-2011 NBA Finals!! The first game will be held at the American Airlines Center! With commentator Mike Breen! And analysts Steve Kerr and Jeff Van Gundy. Welcome!]

Unlike the pre-game show, the on-site commentary team was different. Steve Kerr and Jeff Van Gundy teased Mike Breen, who had joined them after the pre-game show, about being tired.

[I did sweat a little, but I’m still young, so I’m okay. So! How do the two analysts see today’s game?]

Mike Breen, responding with a joke, smoothly transitioned to the game analysis, and Steve Kerr calmly shared his perspective.

[The Dallas Mavericks seem to have the advantage in terms of stamina. They’ve had a full five days of rest, while the Miami Heat have only had two. Moreover, Dallas, having finished ahead in the regular season, starts the series with home-court advantage, meaning Miami had a short rest period and had to travel.]

Jeff Van Gundy pointed out another Miami Heat weakness besides stamina: Chris Bosh’s uncertain availability.

[Not only that, but Udonis Haslem will start as center for the Miami Heat today. It’s still too much to include Bosh in the starting lineup. Coach Spoelstra [Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat’s coach] seems to be taking a long-term view of the Finals. He’ll manage Bosh’s playing time and adjust his minutes carefully, given that he hasn’t fully recovered from his injury.]

Jeff Van Gundy took a sip of water and paused before continuing.

[So, Miami’s starting lineup is Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Shane Battier, LeBron James, and Udonis Haslem. It’s an improvised lineup due to Bosh’s injury, but it’s been surprisingly effective. Their win rate and point differential were better than the lineups with Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf as centers.]

As the players entered the court, Mike Breen began discussing the home team, Dallas Mavericks’ lineup.

[The Dallas Mavericks are sticking with their usual starting lineup: Jason Kidd, Youngjae Yoon, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler.]

[They’re one of the teams with very few changes in their starting and closing lineups. The only real change is Jason Kidd starting and Jason Terry coming in for the closing, which boosts their scoring ability in clutch situations.]

As Steve Kerr finished speaking, Tyson Chandler and Udonis Haslem faced off, and the ball soared into the air at the referee’s whistle.

Thump!

[Tyson Chandler wins the jump ball again!]

[Udonis Haslem’s size disadvantage and Tyson Chandler’s superior physical condition were factors.]

With Kidd on the court, Youngjae’s playing style resembled that of any other top-class shooting guard. Kidd briefly held the ball, surveying the court as he crossed the half-court line.

*The matchups are all tight.*

Kidd considered his options. Except for Bosh and Chalmers, everyone was a top-tier defender. Chalmers and Bosh were also above average. The situation felt similar to facing the Boston Celtics. Since he couldn’t easily create his own shots, penetrating towards the center, Bosh, was the best option.

*But Chandler lacks offensive ability. In the end, the only way is to pass the ball around a lot and create cracks in the opponent’s pressure.*

Chandler was a defensive-minded, blue-collar center. It was unrealistic to expect much offense from him. Ultimately, even with a smaller lineup, they had to attack similarly to other teams. He, Marion, and Nowitzki could post up, but only Nowitzki offered a truly efficient offensive option.

Whoosh-

[Jason Kidd passes the ball to Youngjae Yoon.]

[He’s arguably the key player in Dallas’s offense, capable of running a two-man game with anyone and shooting from anywhere on the court.]

As soon as Youngjae caught the ball on the perimeter, Chandler automatically moved to set a screen. Youngjae knew Wade’s defensive ability and physicality were formidable, so he had no intention of forcing a one-on-one.

“Heuk!!”

Wade tried to stay glued to Youngjae as he navigated the screen, but even for Wade, keeping up with Chandler and Youngjae’s pick-and-roll play was a challenge.

“…”

Youngjae glanced at Haslem, who was guarding him only until Wade cleared the screen, and then drove forward without hesitation.

Squeak-!

[Crossover!!!]

Even with Youngjae’s subtle movements—leaning his upper body slightly to the right and then bouncing to the left—Udonis Haslem maintained solid defense, and Wade quickly came over to double-team, creating a potential crisis.

Whoosh-

[Wow! Youngjae Yoon, an amazing kick-out pass!]

But Youngjae wasn’t easily trapped by a double team. He knew a double team meant someone was open, and he spotted Nowitzki, who had drifted to the top of the key during the pick-and-roll with Chandler.

[Nowitzki, a 3-pointer from that spot!!!]

At a towering 7 feet, the ball, launched like a stone from a catapult, arced high before…

Swish!

[WOW! DIRK FROM DOWNTOWN!]

[It’s a tremendous high-angle 3-point shot! That kind of 3-point shot with that kind of height is a nightmare for the opponent!]

[Battier was close, but he couldn’t stop it because there was some distance. Nowitzki’s height is so high that he is not disturbed by the shot even if there is a little distance.]

He made his first 3-pointer cleanly, but immediately on the next possession, LeBron James’ turnaround pull-up mid-range shot went in cleanly despite Marion’s defense. Marion had defended LeBron well last season, but LeBron’s post-up game had improved, while Marion was only maintaining his previous form, making the matchup challenging.

“Hey!”

After LeBron’s jumper, Marion hurriedly received the ball and threw a direct pass, attempting a quick break.

Thump!

[Shawn Marion! Too hasty a pass!]

[Shane Battier, who was in position, steals it!]

Battier glanced at his teammates who had retreated and moved to the side 3-point line, immediately launching a 3-pointer.

Clang!

Fortunately, the 3-point shot missed, bouncing out as a long rebound towards the half-court line.

[LeBron James and Youngjae Yoon rush at each other!]

Thump!

Youngjae, maintaining his speed, pushed the ball forward. Nowitzki and Marion, who were behind the half-court line, began to sprint forward.

[Youngjae Yoon’s ball! He finally gets the rebound!]

Youngjae, securing the ball three or four steps behind the top of the key, dribbled low, appearing to set up a slow, deliberate attack, while assessing Shane Battier and LeBron James, who were blocking his path.

Whoosh!!

A sudden over-the-head pass. Youngjae, who had been directing the players as if running a set play, suddenly grabbed the ball with both hands and hurled it towards the top of the key, delivering it directly to Nowitzki, who stretched out his left hand.

[Nowitzki!!! Another spot-up 3-pointer!!!]

Dirk Nowitzki shoots again without allowing a chance for a block. His fingertips were heating up in the first quarter.

Swish!

[BAAAANG!!!! DIRK, DIRK AGAIN!!!]

[6 points alone in less than a minute! And Youngjae Yoon has 2 assists alone! These two created 6 points for Dallas in an instant!]

But points were points, and the previous turnover was a mistake. Youngjae lightly high-fived Nowitzki, then patted Marion on the shoulder, gesturing for him to calm down. Marion nodded and moved on.

After that, the first quarter was a tremendous battle, worthy of the top teams in the East and West. Both teams displayed impressive firepower, but also intense defensive focus, making each possession hard-earned.

[Udonis Haslem, steal!!]

[Outlet pass as it is! LeBron James soars as it is!!]

Kwaaang!!

[BANG! WHAT A NICE SLAM!!]

[LeBron James is unparalleled in fast breaks in the open court! It’s really amazing speed!]

When LeBron James tried to seize momentum with a dunk, Dallas didn’t stand idly by.

[Shawn Marion rebound!]

[Mario Chalmers’ shooting was unstable! Dallas is developing a fast break quickly!]

Marion grabbed the rebound and sprinted out. However, with Miami using a small lineup, Wade was already at the top with a quick backcourt, Battier was in the high post area, and Haslem was inside the paint, guarding the situation.

“Hup!”

At that moment, Marion threw a skillful pass to the right, unlike before. LeBron had already jumped to block Marion’s path, and the uninterrupted pass went straight to Youngjae, who was unguarded.

[Mario Chalmers’ slow backcourt is causing trouble!!!]

[Youngjae Yoon, no mark?!!]

Battier momentarily tried to run to Youngjae, but the presence of Nowitzki, standing open on the right side, made him hesitate.

Swish!!

[BANG!!!! Dallas’s outside shooting is exploding today!! All three went in. Miami must block Dallas’s open chances. It’s a match between Dallas, one of the teams that creates the most open chances in the league, and Miami, one of the teams that causes the most turnovers.]

[It’s Mario Chalmers’ miss. He needs to concentrate a little more. He is an essential player for Miami’s backcourt pressure, but he seems to lack concentration today.]

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

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

＠I’m sorry. I couldn’t upload it yesterday because I couldn’t write the story at all. Miami is so different from other teams, and it’s the finals, so I think I had a brief slump. I’ll be back to posting at midnight from today.

magara님/// Knocking down LeBron is ㄷㄷ

eastarea님/// Finals to determine the strongest!!

사라질영혼님/// The internet connection hasn’t been good for the past few days, and the writing hasn’t been going well, so that’s what happened. Sorry. I took a day off and secured some leeway, and it will be uploaded at midnight from now on.

anguqwhdk님, goimosp님, 울트라10님/// Yes. It was LeBron’s first win. Bean or King!!

잉킹둘님///Hehe, that’s a secret.

위티드님, 오마리온님, Han512님, 파이넨시아님, CountOfDark님/// Thank you for your comments as always. Have a nice weekend~~

라피르and진트님/// Haha, in the story, LeBron is bound to be Youngjae’s antithesis.

흑월화야님/// Well, it’s already completely different from reality. It was OKC vs. Miami, but because of Youngjae’s existence, lol. Youngjae fighting!!

ㅎ0ㅎ님///Yes, I heard Youngjae’s words.

야베스님/// Kobe’s career is brilliant, and his personal stats are so great… With Youngjae’s second-year performance, it seems difficult to compare to Kobe even if he does it steadily. He would have to achieve better results than here and have at least 15 years without major injuries and more than 5 championships to be able to aim for Kobe. Of course, Kobe is not a very efficient player, but when comparing legendary players, they don’t look at secondary stats very much. Well, the all-time legend rankings are different for each individual.

강자일님/// Thank you for the coupon. Be careful not to catch a cold^^