Y13 [EN]: Chapter 85

Y13-85 Regular Season 2010-11

“Ugh!”

It had been a while since Youngjae played a regular game, and he was struggling with the tension and fatigue unique to game days. Other players also seemed worried about returning to league play after a fairly long mid-season break. Some weren’t in as good condition as they were in the first half, while others were revitalized, their accumulated fatigue or minor injuries healed.

But the Washington Wizards, today’s opponents, were likely facing similar issues. Youngjae took solace in that thought and stretched, stifling a yawn.

Shhh-

During the last shooting practice before the game, Youngjae watched Beaubois sink a clean three-pointer. “Your shooting feels good today?”

“This is nothing.”

Since their argument at Youngjae’s house, Beaubois seemed resolved, no longer showing signs of wandering or confusion. He acknowledged that he couldn’t reach his previous speed due to the lingering effects of his injury and was training with a lighter attitude. He’d found stability in his shooting and passing through conversations and training with Coach Carlisle and Kidd. This was welcome news for both Dallas and Beaubois.

Shhh-

“It would be nice if it went in this well during the game.”

Youngjae flicked his right wrist, trying to recapture the feeling. Beaubois chuckled and lightly tapped him on the back. “You’re the shooting monster of the league, and you’re saying that? I feel like hitting you.”

“Ouch! You already hit me, and now you want to hit me again!”

That’s how he relieved the tension before the game with Beaubois. After the last shooting practice, the players gathered to listen to Coach Carlisle.

“The opponent is the Washington Wizards. They are a weak team with only 15 wins, but this is their home court. A cornered mouse can bite a cat, so never let your guard down.”

The players nodded, their expressions slightly tense at Coach Carlisle’s words.

“Stojakovic, I know this is only your eighth game, and your knee may not be in perfect condition. But you’ve had some rest through the All-Star break, so you should be a little better.”

“Yes. I feel better after the rest.”

Peja Stojakovic had been averaging just over 12 minutes in 7 games since joining Dallas, scoring 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1 assist. He wasn’t making a huge contribution, but he was playing a useful role by hitting high-percentage mid-to-long range jumpers whenever the team’s offense stalled or the opponent’s defense tightened. Stojakovic was in better offensive shape than Butler had been, with 46% from 2-point range and 40% from 3-point range in 7 games. The problem was that he was giving up more points on defense than he was gaining on offense, limiting his playing time.

“Kidd, Yoon. The opponents are John Wall and Nick Young. John Wall is a point guard, but Nick Young dominates possessions. And Nick Young prefers direct finishes rather than passes. So Kidd will cover John Wall, and Yoon will cover Nick Young. When Nick Young is substituted out, Yoon will cover John Wall.”

Coach Carlisle didn’t elaborate on the offensive aspect because Kidd and Youngjae had good chemistry.

“Nowitzki, and Chandler. You’ll be facing Rashard Lewis and JaVale McGee. As Nowitzki knows, Rashard is a stretch-four [a power forward who can shoot well from outside] who is excellent at three-pointers. His defense is solid, but he is not outstanding in either offense or defense. And JaVale McGee has tremendous physical ability, but that’s about it. He has a lot of turnovers and lacks tactical skills, so don’t overthink it and just protect the paint [the area close to the basket].”

As Coach Carlisle’s instructions concluded, the players looked at him with slightly excited expressions, ready to play.

“Finally, the other players should also carefully review the styles and records of the opposing players. You can be put in at any time, so always stay calm and concentrate on the game. Now, don’t let your guard down just because they are a weak team.”

The players chatted and walked onto the court together. Youngjae felt the game about to begin as he looked at John Wall, who was staring at him.

‘It’s not the All-Star Game anymore.’

He hadn’t talked to Wall much, but they had built some rapport playing together in the All-Star Game. However, that didn’t mean they would have that familiarity in this game. Outside the court, they were friends, but inside the court, they were rivals.

That would be the same next year, even if Kawhi Leonard met him as an opponent in the NBA.

Whoosh!

[Hello, this is ESPN bringing you the game between the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks. Our commentators are Brian Dunton and Jeff Van Gundy. Nice to meet you!]

[Nice to meet you, Brian. JaVale McGee wins the jump ball, and the Washington Wizards start with the attack.]

[The Verizon Center is buzzing! The Washington Wizards’ record isn’t great, but the home fans’ enthusiasm is still high.]

[Of course, the center of that is undoubtedly John Wall, a special prospect. Some say his shooting accuracy is a bit low and that he only knows how to pass if there’s no space, but his potential is comparable to Derrick Rose.]

[That’s right, John Wall has the ball. Jason Kidd is guarding him.]

Wall, who dribbled the ball to the half-court line, noticed that Kidd was marking him and Youngjae was marking Nick Young, and he paused to consider his options. He and Nick Young usually shared possessions.

‘If I give the ball to Young…’

Nick Young is a typical ball-hog [a player who dominates the ball and rarely passes]. He needs the ball a lot to score, and he can attack the defense with dribbling. He couldn’t expect a drive-and-kick pass or a pick-and-roll from him.

But Youngjae was effectively guarding him. It was unlikely that Nick Young’s offense would break through Youngjae. The team’s big men, Lewis and McGee, weren’t good at screening, and Washington’s team offense was predictable.

“Hmph!”

Wall eventually chose to drive past Kidd himself, deciding to attack using the pick-and-roll with Rashard Lewis.

[Now, John Wall’s signature drive-in! Rashard Lewis comes to the top and sets a screen, and John Wall goes over that screen!]

[Not a bad choice. He seems to have judged that Nick Young’s style wouldn’t break through Yoon’s defense, and Yoon’s defense is top-notch. Besides, Nick Young’s jumper is very inconsistent!]

Kidd was caught on Rashard Lewis’s screen, and Wall immediately drove to the basket and tried to lay it up.

[Here comes Tyson Chandler! He anticipates John Wall’s drive instead of focusing on JaVale McGee! John Wall seems flustered by Tyson Chandler’s defense!!]

[JaVale McGee, at times like this, should be screening to help or moving to a place where he can receive John Wall’s pass, but he can’t. He really can’t make good use of his athletic ability!]

In the end, John Wall forced a shot while colliding with Tyson Chandler. But pushing away one of the league’s top defensive centers required tremendous finishing ability.

[Ah! John Wall’s layup fails! The ball falls, and Dirk Nowitzki grabs it.]

[Dallas quickly goes on a fast break! Washington, you have to get back on defense quickly!]

Kidd, receiving Nowitzki’s pass, saw that Washington’s players were slow to transition from offense to defense and immediately threw a long pass. Players jumped, trying to intercept the pass, but such improvised defense couldn’t stop Jason Kidd’s calculated pass.

[Jason Kidd’s amazing outlet pass! Youngjae Yoon, who ran to the front, skillfully catches it!]

[John Wall belatedly chases after him, but Youngjae Yoon seems faster!!!]

Youngjae couldn’t help but acknowledge John Wall’s speed. Despite being known for his own speed and agility, John Wall was catching up from behind. John Wall looked at Youngjae, who was about to shoot, and wondered if it was a fake, but there was no time to worry. Even if he was tricked, jumping up and delaying Youngjae’s shot even a little would allow the player behind to cover him.

“Heh-”

As expected, a skillful shooting fake. A spiritless shout that was annoyingly unpleasant to hear. But John Wall did everything he could. Even if he was tricked by the shooting fake…

“?!”

Youngjae kicked the ball out to the opposite wing, regardless of whether John Wall jumped or not. John Wall landed and looked in the direction the ball was flying, flustered.

[Peja, Peja Stojakovic!! Wide open 3 points!!!]

[BANG!!]

When Peja cleanly made the three-pointer, he tapped the foal [a young horse, referring to the Mavericks’ mascot] drawn on his chest, showing that he was a member of Dallas. Youngjae ran to Peja, and they exchanged a high-five.

[You can’t help but have a narrow view in a no-mark chance. In the midst of all that, he looks widely at the court and kicks out a pass to find Peja, who is unmarked, creating a no-mark chance… This is a play that ordinary rookie players can’t do. That’s why Youngjae Yoon is a unique player!]

Perhaps hearing Jeff Van Gundy’s praise, Youngjae began to show excellent performance in all aspects of offense and defense. Washington was trying to rebuild the team with John Wall as the center, but the plan had failed due to injuries and discord among high-paid players, including Gilbert Arenas. That’s why they were showing crumbling teamwork.

[Nick Young is holding the ball too much! Youngjae Yoon’s defense is solid!]

Nick Young glared at Youngjae, grinding his teeth. He knew he had to overcome this because he was the team’s primary scoring option. However, Nick Young was a ball-hog who disregarded team play, believing that the only way to overcome it was ‘with my own ability’.

[Crossover dribble! But Youngjae Yoon isn’t fooled! He spins again, but Youngjae Yoon blocks him again!]

[It’s too obvious! No matter how fancy the dribble is, Youngjae Yoon isn’t fooled by continuing to stick to the same pattern and mixing the same skills clumsily!]

Nick Young, who had wasted about 15 seconds in a 1-on-1 with Youngjae after receiving the ball, shot an awkward fadeaway because he was pressed for time. But even that was affected by Youngjae’s outstretched hand, preventing him from seeing the rim properly, and he blew the offensive opportunity with an air ball.

“Shit…”

Nick Young turned around, muttering curses at Youngjae, but Youngjae was not afraid. Rather, he wanted him to be more desperate and curse at him, proving that Nick Young was collapsing on his own.

“That’s right!!”

In comparison, Dallas’s attack was smooth. Peja, who was in good shape, moved diligently on the outside to create space, and Nowitzki actively participated in the pick-and-roll with aggressive screens, forcing Washington to falter both inside and outside.

============================ Author’s Note ============================

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

＠Kim Ji-wan, a player from Electronic Land, played his debut game in the Philippines. I hope he learns and feels a lot while he’s there.

＠The second half of 2010-2011 is starting. It’s a little late today;;

※Ball-hog player: Refers to a player who tries to play on his own instead of team play. They are also players who tend to shoot indiscriminately.

Naye/// Yes. There is a 6-year difference. I thought someone older would be appropriate for Youngjae.

Thank you for your comments, 찬란한유산, encoding, 라피르and진트, 천상별리, CountOfDark!!

여신유리찬양/// lol Youngjae is also young for his age.

skkt0113/// The comment that Melli is like a real brother and sister was real…

비켜봐/// How is it?

가한可汗/// Jokerㄷㄷㄷ Something creepy…

쿤다라, -DarkANGEL-, 파이넨시아, misscherry, 오마리온/// Thank you!!