NBA: Miracle Workers

On Thursday, January 22, 2015, TNT officially announced the voting results for the 65th Toronto All-Star Game during its evening program.

The starting five for the Eastern Conference are:

李佑（268万）、凯里-欧文（108万）、吉米-巴特勒（78万）、卡梅罗-安东尼（65万）、保罗-加索尔（101万）；

The starting five for the Western Conference are:

斯蒂芬-库里（131万）、拉塞尔-威斯布鲁克（97万）、勒布朗-詹姆斯（127万）、安东尼-戴维斯（131万）、德怀特-霍华德（91万）。

The voting results were also released simultaneously on Twitter, and the comments section was once again flooded by New York fans. Despite securing four starting positions, many fans still expressed concerns about a "rigged" outcome.
"Why does Carmelo Anthony, that clown, still have 65 votes? Serge Ibaka should replace him!"

The most upvoted comment was attacked by fans from other regions. Hawks fans couldn't hold back anymore. They were the top team in the East, yet not a single player was selected for the starting lineup.

Since January, the Hawks have gone undefeated, with a 12-game winning streak that has Atlanta fans absolutely thrilled.

Unfortunately, All-Star voting doesn't consider team record. Just recently, Stephen A. Smith openly mocked Atlanta fans' "delusions" on the First Take show:
"Nobody will vote for players they can't even name. The All-Star Game is a gift to fans all over the world, and the voting results have nothing to do with the team's record!"

"."

The show aired mid-month and received a joint complaint from a group of fans. Hawks fans, who had just secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, were almost furious with the big mouth. Many fans on social media were campaigning for votes to vent their anger.

It wasn't just fans taking action; some celebrities were also speaking out. But the reality was harsh: the Hawks' starting five were getting abysmal votes, with Paul Millsap receiving 100,000 fewer votes than Vucevic.
This can't be blamed on Atlanta fans, after all, the combined number of fans of the celebrities campaigning for them doesn't even equal that of Li You. Although the Knicks' record is mediocre, their popularity is indeed much higher than that of the Hawks.

After the poll results were announced, Stephen A. Smith, who was penalized by ESPN, immediately updated his Twitter account. The outspoken Stephen A. Smith refrained from further mockery and simply posted a few emojis.
"Laughing.jpg"

New York fans were also celebrating on social media, saying they had "won" again, that Atlanta's clowns were not worthy of competing with them, and that the combined votes of the starting five were less than those of Li You alone.

Despite being outmatched in the standings, the Knicks have opened up a new path and are still on the road to victory!

In the TNT studio, after announcing the voting results, the four almost couldn't hold back their emotions. The top seed in the East was really embarrassing, as they didn't even get a starting spot.

After defeating the Trail Blazers last night, the Hawks' record improved to 34 wins and 8 losses. Charles Barkley, who has been praising them highly, continued to advocate for them to be the top team in the Eastern Conference:

"I don't want to blame the fans for their choices, but the Hawks deserve more respect. They've played exceptionally well this month, and in my opinion, it's perfect team basketball!"

"The Eastern Conference's top seed should be encouraged. The voting results don't tell the whole story. If they continue this form, I believe the Hawks can achieve something this season."

With such outstanding results leading his team, Mike Budenholzer will be selected as the Eastern Conference All-Star head coach. Kenny Smith also agrees with this decision and offers his simple congratulations:

"The Hawks have been the biggest surprise in the Eastern Conference this season. Hats off to Coach Budenholzer. They've had a perfect first half of the season."

Upon seeing the voting results, unlike his two partners, O'Neal almost burst out laughing on the spot. Facing the camera, he resumed his performance, grinning widely and saying:
"It's a pity that my little brother was once again left out of the All-Star starting lineup, but fortunately the Lakers are currently ranked second in the West, so Kobe still has a chance."

"Kobe should thank James and Howard for leading the team to an outstanding record, otherwise he is destined to be forgotten by the fans."

"If I were him, I would retire immediately after this season. He has fulfilled his promise to Dr. Buss and should stop affecting the Lakers."

With a record of 32 wins and 10 losses, the Lakers suddenly went on a losing streak after their crushing defeat to the Knicks on Christmas Day. Kobe Bryant was naturally blamed for the losses, as he played too many minutes and disrupted the team's chemistry.

During this period, Kobe Bryant insisted on playing despite a shoulder injury, but most fans were not convinced. Lakers backup point guard Jarrett Jack even publicly criticized him after recovering from his injury.

"No one can enjoy special privileges on a team, no matter who he is. Anyone who disrupts team chemistry should be traded. We should be leading the league."

"."

There's just too much drama on the Los Angeles stage; Ernie Johnson is practically immune to it all. Hearing his partner's usual monologue, he could only tilt his head, raise an eyebrow, and change the subject:

"After defeating the Rockets, the Warriors' record is now 33 wins and 6 losses. Stephen Curry seems to have completely found his rhythm and has been playing exceptionally well during this period."

"Iguodala believes Curry has the opportunity to create a dynasty like Lee. What do you think about that?"

The Warriors have been frequently finishing in three quarters, and their number of possessions has increased dramatically recently. In their game against the Rockets, the team took 98 shots and led by 20 points at halftime.

This situation occurs frequently, and more and more sports commentators believe that the Warriors will become the next "Knicks".

"If a dynasty means eight consecutive championships, the Warriors have no chance. Four consecutive championships? Three consecutive championships? I don't think they have a chance either."

"Maybe they'll get lucky and win a championship, but that's Curry's limit."

Shaquille O'Neal, as always, dismissed Curry and the Warriors. The old Shaq didn't think much of the young players who were just throwing things around recklessly. Seemingly feeling that his opinion lacked persuasiveness, he paused for a moment, then added:
"The championship bonus will come after 2016, but it's not so easy to dominate an era. These young men should be glad they entered the league later."

Like Shaq, Charles Barkley also looked down on the Warriors. If it weren't for Steve Kerr coaching, he would have started making sarcastic remarks long ago. Now, when talking about dynasty teams, he subtly mocks them:
“Lee dominated the league at the age of 26, while Curry had not achieved anything at that age.”

"I don't like to discuss the Warriors' championship; it's uncertain whether they can stay healthy and win 60+ games."

"No one can replicate Lee's experience. If Curry wants to become a historical superstar, then his current goal should be to win an MVP trophy."

"There are many great players behind Li, perhaps young people should change their goals."

The Warriors frequently finish in three quarters, and Curry has been very efficient, but this dominance has never been recognized. Even though they are leading the league, no one believes that the young players will win a championship in the next two years.

Unlike his two teammates, Kenny Smith didn't belittle Curry. A rational assessment reveals that the Warriors have a bright future ahead.
"I agree with some of Shaq's points. The Warriors will win the championship, but it will not be by chance."

"Curry shouldn't be chasing the GOAT right now. He should be thinking about how to deal with the Lakers. This season, the two teams are very likely to meet in the conference finals, and James won't let this opportunity slip by."

-

On Friday the 23rd, despite Curry being overlooked by most commentators, the Warriors once again outplayed the Kings in three quarters during their game that night.

101-126, with 34 points in the first quarter and another 41 points in the third quarter, the Warriors' momentum was unstoppable!

Head coach Mike Malone was increasingly frustrated. Waiters had once again disappointed him, not only missing shots but also repeatedly clashing with Cousins ​​in the locker room this season.

With a record of 16 wins and 26 losses, and having lost too many games in the first half of the season, Mike Malone knew that time was running out for him from management.
The Warriors were celebrating wildly, with Andre Iguodala immediately grabbing the game ball. Surrounded by the crowd, Klay Thompson received the basketball and his smile grew even brighter.

With 37 points in a single quarter, Klay Thompson almost broke the record of 38 points in a single quarter set by Li You in the Christmas game in 08.

Despite losing at home, Mike Malone had to congratulate his opponents. The threat of being fired left the championship-winning assistant coach in a bad mood, and during the press conference, when asked about Klay Thompson's performance, he couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark:

"This is his night, but I'm not surprised. You know, I've witnessed many more great performances in the past!" "In the 08 Christmas game against the Lakers, Lee scored 65 points in three quarters, including 38 points in a single quarter and 14 three-pointers in a single game. I think basketball fans will never forget such a great moment."

"Our defense wasn't good enough, and everyone wasn't focused enough."

In contrast to the championship-winning assistant coach who was about to be fired, Steve Kerr was in high spirits. In his first season as head coach, he was selected as the Western Conference All-Star head coach, and under his leadership, the backcourt duo exploded.

With Mike D'Antoni retiring along with Li You, Steve Kerr feels he has the opportunity to become the next great coach to lead the league's trends.

When asked by an ESPN reporter about the Warriors' magical performance in the third quarter tonight, Steve Kerr chuckled and boasted:
"Everything is going as I expected. I know how hard the boys are working!"

In the away team's locker room, Klay Thompson rarely became the center of attention. Surrounded by a group of sports reporters, the young man still smiled broadly. Only when talking about almost breaking Li You's record did he show a regretful expression and respond:
"On Christmas Day 08, I witnessed Lee's amazing performance on TV. I was deeply impressed by that game. You know, Lee completely crushed Kobe!"

Laughter erupted around him, and Klay Thompson shrugged and continued:
"I never thought I could get close to this record until I made both free throws at the end of the third quarter and realized what I had missed. But looking back now, I feel more fortunate."

“Li described ‘white space’ in his book. Tonight I suddenly reached that level, which made me realize the gap between myself and the best in history.”

“I swear, Li could enter this state at any time. I can’t describe it in words; it’s more like a superpower.”

"."

When Li You's book from many years ago was mentioned, Klay Thompson looked enthusiastic, saying that GOAT was not a lie and that the contents of the book were all true.

Yahoo Sports reporters were taken aback when the young man suddenly started talking about "superpowers." As Thompson got more and more excited and his statements became increasingly outrageous, the crowd had to interrupt, as was their customary practice, to stir things up:
"Kobe seems to have proposed a similar theory. What are your thoughts on this?"

Klay Thompson, interrupted in the middle of a lively conversation, frowned slightly. He only remembered that Mamba was Li You's designated background character, and had no recollection of any of the ideas the other party had put forward.
"I don't know, but if Kobe has also expressed similar views, then he is most likely imitating Lee."

"As far as I can remember, he never responded during the game."

Laughter erupted again in the locker room. Thompson "crooked his butt," and Kobe had the "81-point dragon-slaying award" and the "62-point three-quarters crushing of the Mavericks award"!

-

On Sunday, January 25th, Klay Thompson's 37-point quarter reignited interest in the 2008 Christmas Day games, prompting the NBA to join in the discussion.

The classic matchup between the Knicks and the Lakers saw Kobe Bryant score 5 points on 1-of-6 shooting in the third quarter, which went viral. In crucial moments, the Mamba just couldn't hold on.

On the bench, Kobe Bryant covered his head with a towel and Tim Duncan stared blankly into space, and fans took screenshots of these images, suddenly sparking a "retro" trend on social media.

Despite being hampered by a shoulder injury, Kobe Bryant returned to his home court dressed in a suit and sat on the bench, with the camera repeatedly focusing on his long, sullen face.
The Rockets started the game at a breakneck pace, and Westbrook seemed even stronger than before his injury, making several long runs in the first half. Although he was blocked by James once, the young man's speed was not diminished at all.

"The Lakers made timely adjustments in the second quarter, with Jack coming on to help delay the opponent's attack."

"Channing Frye always seems to be in the right place, and his chemistry with LeBron James remains excellent."

On the ESPN commentary desk, Jeff Van Gundy routinely praised the "Los Angeles Cavaliers," the championship coach appearing somewhat proud. After all the twists and turns, both James and Howard have returned to their original planned paths.

Seeing Jason Terry continue to miss shots, Mike Breen also praised Howard's rebounding. The Lakers' fast break was also quick, and Howard's penetration and dish reignited the arena:

"A brilliant pass! James and Howard are showing increasing chemistry, as if they've returned to their old days with the Cavaliers!"

"."

Howard, who quickly followed up and completed the dunk, then tilted his head back and pounded his chest, yelling and shouting as the "Happy Beast" stirred up the fans, making the atmosphere in the arena even more heated.

At halftime, the score was 47-59, with the Lakers successfully suppressing their opponents.

Without Kobe, the game actually became smoother, and Jack, who came off the bench, also performed well, helping the Lakers widen the gap during the rotation.

Mamba, who headed early towards the player tunnel, didn't receive any cheers. The fans on both sides preferred Howard, and everyone was loudly chanting "Happy Beast's" name.
During halftime, no one in the home team's locker room paid any attention to Kobe, while head coach Byron Scott was writing and drawing on the tactics board, constantly giving instructions.

James reminded his teammates from time to time and followed the coach's instructions, while Howard clapped and shouted to encourage everyone.

Led by the two key players, the morale in the locker room soared, and everyone seemed to have become "family."
The Lakers ultimately won the game cleanly at home, and the Staples Center erupted in cheers. Under Howard's encouragement, chants of "MVP" resounded once again.

Kobe simply greeted Westbrook briefly, then turned and left, quickly returning to the locker room.

Among the Lakers, Mamba remains the most popular player with the media. After the game, many reporters crowded into the locker room to interview Mamba, asking increasingly outrageous questions:
"Clay Thompson believes you have never entered the White Heat Space. Do you agree with his opinion?"

"Kobe, according to the statistics, your shooting percentage drops sharply in the third or fourth quarter of crucial games. Is this the reason why you can't be 'Driver'?"

"Why didn't you choose to retire with Tim Duncan? Kobe, have you discussed this with him?"

"."

Compared to the beginning of the season, more and more sports reporters no longer respect Kobe. When asked questions that truly angered him, Kobe glared at the unscrupulous reporters and refused to answer any more questions, responding with rage:

"If you want to know more about the game, you can check out my channel!"

"I just want to focus on the championship and have no interest in answering your boring questions. Instead of continuing to ask me questions, you might as well post some disgusting tweets right now."

"I don't care about these things. Remember, basketball doesn't lie."

Amidst the mocking gazes of some reporters, Kobe simply got up and left. The Lakers players who witnessed this scene made no comment and continued to ramble on.

-

On Thursday, January 29th, the NBA announced the reserve roster for the Toronto All-Star Game:

The seven Eastern Conference All-Star reserves are:

John Wall, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Teague, Dwyane Wade, Al Horford, Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap.

The seven Western Conference All-Star reserves are:

Chris Paul, James Harden, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki. (End of Chapter)