Champion Rules

Chapter 282, Section 278: Why Does James Have to Make Things Difficult for James? (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

Scott Brooks finally called a timeout; he couldn't continue passively waiting for the ball to die.

If we wait any longer, we'll really be doomed!
Brian Davis, the commentator at Chesapeake Energy Arena, shook his head helplessly as he watched James, Durant, and Curry being brutally beaten to the ground by Lynch.
"The Thunder desperately need LeBron James."

That's absolutely true. In the short time James Harden went to the bench for a drink of water, the Thunder, who were tied, were on the verge of losing!
James Harden is terrifyingly powerful when he's abstaining from aphrodisiacs; thankfully, he'll never be able to completely quit.

During regular time, Thunder fans believe their players are not much different from Lynch.

But in crucial moments, the difference becomes obvious.

LeBron James sat on the bench, clearly unwilling to accept defeat.

He believes that the turning point was Serge Ibaka.

Although his statistics are not outstanding, in LBJ's view, he has an irreplaceable tactical role in this team.

The presence of that young forward made the paint incredibly open, and he was also a player who could genuinely do a good job on defense.

LeBron James has played with stretch forwards before, which is why he understands all too well how rare it is to have a forward like Serge Ibaka who combines spacing ability with defensive toughness.

In his final season in Cleveland, Daniel Gilbert spent a fortune to bring in Antawn Jamison.

He is indeed an excellent stretch four, but his defense is simply criminal.

Last season in Detroit, the Pistons had good spacing, but LeBron James, as the power forward, had to allocate more of his energy to the dirty work.

With the Thunder, Serge Ibaka perfectly solved all the problems.

He provided the necessary spacing and also took on the defensive and rebounding duties that LeBron James was unwilling to focus on at the power forward position.

Therefore, when he fouled out, LeBron James immediately had a very difficult time playing.

The paint became crowded again, and defensive solidity and rebounding protection both declined significantly.

LBJ felt the Thunder were being targeted, believing the referees gave Serge Ibaka at least two highly controversial calls.

His departure severely weakened the Thunder's overall strength, and the league is clearly favoring the Knicks!
LeBron James thought about many things, but he didn't think about his ugly turnaround jump shot that could have made it onto the 5th Shaqtin' a Fool's Day.

After all, in his mind, the world was always wrong, not him.

Scott Brooks had no time to care what LBJ was thinking; his mind was entirely on another James.

James Harden, who was in red-hot form, was his last and biggest trump card. He placed his bet on the young sixth man, hoping to turn the tide.

So he changed the lineup.

"Stephen, James, Kevin, LeBron, and Nazr, I need you guys to take control of the game in the final moments! We only have a little over a minute left, and we need the most efficient offense!"
Therefore, everyone else should give James space and let him take control of the offense!

LeBron James pressed his hands down: "Don't be nervous, guys, stay calm. This is definitely the toughest battle we've had this season, but I'll bring you home with the victory."

He confidently swept his gaze across everyone, only to see head coach Scott Brooks awkwardly touching his neck:

"The determination that LeBron brings us is invaluable. James Harden, remember those words. As the primary scorer, don't be nervous."

LBJ: ? ? ?
Should I create space and let James Harden, who frequents nightclubs every day, take the lead in attacking?

I thought he was here to help me!

So what exactly is my position on the Thunder?

You have to give me a proper status!

Scott Brooks is certainly not targeting LBJ; James Harden is the safest choice.

Despite his strength, LBJ's efficiency was only average today against Lynch's defense and the Knicks' center's strong rim protection.

Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have both experienced fluctuations in their shooting touch, and the Thunder have no room for error going forward.

So, the only option is to gamble on James Harden and whether he can maintain his peak performance.

Furthermore, James Harden will most likely face DeMar DeRozan as his next defender, and Scott Brooks believes that Harden has a better chance against DeRozan.

James Harden took a few deep breaths; he never imagined he would become a key figure in this crucial game.

As the buzzer sounded to signal the restart of the game, fans in Chesapeake Energy Arena rose to their feet and applauded the Thunder players.

Unlike Charlotte, Oklahoma, despite being a small city, has local basketball fans who are extremely passionate about the sport.

They would never collectively defect to support Lynch.

The massive cheers felt like a heavy weight, making James Harden feel like he was carrying a great burden.

Upon seeing DeMar DeRozan on the opposite half of the court, James Harden's tense nerves instantly relaxed.

This is a world-class stage under the spotlight, where countless eyes are focused.

But the essence of basketball has never changed; he is still on the court, and his childhood friend is still on the court.

This is just another match like any other, nothing to be nervous about.

DeMar DeRozan was assigned to personally guard James Harden. Lynch stood beside the taciturn young man, adjusted his rubber wristband, and said calmly:

"Don't feel pressured. It would be best if you could defend against it, but even if you can't..."
We won't lose either.

The game began with the Thunder attacking first.

When Lynch saw the Thunder's entire team spread out to give James Harden a one-on-one opportunity at the top of the key, his smile instantly blossomed, and he turned to LBJ with undisguised sarcasm.

"LeBron, stop bragging that the Oklahoma City Thunder is your team. Look at this, being deprived of the ball in crucial moments, this is yet another proof that you are playing the role of Scottie Pippen."

LBJ tried to calm himself down: "Shut up, you don't understand the beauty of team basketball!"

At the top of the arc, James Harden executed a series of crossovers, keeping his center of gravity extremely low, like an arrow drawn taut and ready to be released.

Just as DeMar DeRozan was hesitating whether to defend the drive or the shot, James Harden suddenly leaped into the air without warning!

The still inexperienced DeMar DeRozan reacted a beat too slow and failed to block the shot immediately.

"Shh!"

James Harden hit a crucial three-pointer as soon as he entered the game!
Furthermore, he only took 5 seconds to execute this attack, buying more time for the Thunder's counterattack.

Before James Harden could even celebrate, number 23 raised his arms and yelled at Lynch, "In your face!!!"

Lynch: ???
Harden scores a basket, and you're standing there singing and dancing!
It can only be said that LeBron James has reached the level of the President of the United States in terms of winning strategy.

With the score difference reduced to 6 points and more than a minute left in the game, anything is possible.

Steve Nash controlled half-court, and unlike James Harden's quick-fire approach, he intended to drag out the 24-second shot clock.

Stephen Curry had to step in and pressure him, but it would be difficult for anyone in the league to simply steal the ball from the Son of the Wind.

With 8 seconds left on the shot clock, Nash passed the ball to Lynch, and LBJ took charge of defense.

Unlike James Harden, Lynch didn't get a comfortable one-on-one opportunity.

Kevin Durant completely disregarded Ron Artest's offensive threat and rushed towards Lynch to double-team him.

Lynch dribbled past his opponent before the double team could get in position, but he was still forced into a tight corner by the two defenders.

LeBron James was all set up defensively, and as was Lynch's habit, he would either turn to back-to-the-basket or step back.

Regardless of the method, a well-prepared LBJ can immediately provide close-range interference.

But Lynch didn't stop to look for the ball, nor did he hold the ball with his back to the goal.

Lynch's excellent ball handling and dribbling jump shot ability are enough to allow him to handle all kinds of extreme situations.

Despite being blocked by two people, he jumped without slowing down, maintained his balance, and then drifted backward to release the ball.

Because of the extreme backward lean, Lynch landed so hard that he even fell off the baseline.

But through the space created by Lynch's fadeaway jumper, the basketball flew past KD and LBJ's fingertips and straight to the basket.

The moment LeBron James landed, he prepared to protect the backboard. In his mind, even Lynch couldn't make that kind of extreme fadeaway jump shot. Because it wasn't something Lynch had in his arsenal.

But as he turned his head and his gaze followed the basketball toward the basket, he saw it just as it went through the net!

Lynch calmly made a jump shot despite being double-teamed, scoring 11 points in a row in the final moments!
The cheers at Chesapeake Energy Arena abruptly subsided as if choked. Lynch's difficult shot gave the Knicks a much-needed boost, but sent a chill down the spines of the home crowd.

As Lin Qi retreated, he shook his head and muttered, "If it were me, this would be too easy, too easy."

The score difference is 8 points, with one minute remaining in the game.

James Harden continued his isolation play, attempting to fake out his childhood friend with a crossover dribble before driving to the mid-range and pulling up for a jump shot.

DeMar DeRozan didn't give James Harden any space.

He knew Lynch's abilities; he knew that even if he were to be outplayed by James Harden, Lynch still had the ability to lead his team to victory.

But he didn't want to be a burden.

He became a starter this season, so he should take on more responsibility.

He may not be the key to victory or defeat, but he absolutely cannot be a useless, passive winner.

"boom!"

James Harden's scoring momentum came to an abrupt halt under DeMar DeRozan's focused defense.

Fortunately, Lynch's attempt to drive to the basket this time also ended in failure. The basketball bounced on the rim several times before slipping off, and his scoring streak was interrupted.

Scott Brooks, standing on the sidelines, clutched his chest tightly. The moment Lynch released that shot, he felt as if his heart was about to jump out of his throat.

Fortunately, Lady Luck finally smiled upon the Thunder, and the ball didn't fall into the net.

He stared intently at James Harden, hoping he would seize this hard-won opportunity to make a comeback.

But as expected, an unexpected event occurred.

When James Harden had the ball at the top of the key, LeBron James actually just stood near the midcourt line with his hands on his hips and didn't participate in the attack!

Then, he suddenly roared, "James, give me the ball!"

LeBron James wants to regain the initiative, but that rookie has already missed. What right does he have to continue dominating the offense in the final moments?
Now, the ball should be back in the hands of the star player!

James Harden froze, glancing instinctively at Coach Scott Brooks on the sidelines with a furrowed brow, then at the aggressive LBJ in the distance, instantly caught in a dilemma.

He neither wanted to disobey the coach's orders nor had any intention of publicly arguing with LBJ on the court.

With the shot clock ticking away, under immense pressure, Harden could only raise his voice, his tone filled with obvious confusion and anxiety: "LeBron? What do you mean?!"

He's almost gone crazy, why is James making things difficult for James?!
"Give it to me! Give me the ball! Now!" LBJ became increasingly agitated, spreading his hands out.

The sight of two LeBron Jameses arguing on the court greatly disappointed commentator Brian Davis.

"The players on the field seem to be arguing over who gets possession of the ball. Damn it, now's not the time for that!"

Lynch didn't give them a chance to continue arguing. Seeing that LBJ's position posed no threat whatsoever, Lynch chose to directly double-team James Harden.

Left with no other option, James Harden passed the ball to LBJ.

LeBron James has finally gotten the ball back into his hands, something he's always dreamed of!

He immediately started moving, pushing past Lynch and charging straight into the penalty area in one smooth motion.

At that moment, Nazr Muhammad was entangled with Tyson Chandler, who was unable to immediately return to the basket.

But even after being pushed aside, Lynch continued to chase after LBJ from the side and rear, and did not fall too far behind.

Given Lynch's formidable shot-blocking ability, Thunder fans were incredibly nervous.

Will LBJ come up with some new tactics? Or will he take the huge risk and go for a layup?

LeBron James opted for a direct layup; he had no options, and his only hope lay in his own explosive power.

And so, nightmares began to follow.

Just a second before the basketball began its descent, just as it was about to gently kiss the backboard, Lynch arrived in time, his fingertips lightly touching the bottom of the ball.

The orange-red sphere seemed to have lost all lift in an instant, and like a malfunctioning bird, it plummeted straight down!

"The Block!" Bryan Davis roared, while Thunder fans covered their heads with their hands.

LeBron James got back possession in the most inopportune way possible, all to pull that huge thing back!?
Lin Qi reacted quickly, jumping up again immediately after the block to grab the ball.

With little time remaining in the game, the Thunder had no choice but to commit a tactical foul on Lynch.

The moment the referee blows the whistle, the game is effectively over.

Since Lynch joined the New York Knicks, the team has never lost a game because of free throws.

LeBron James looked at his teammates, whose eyes revealed disappointment and confusion.

They didn't know why LeBron James did that in the final moments.

LBJ said nothing, offered no explanation, and simply walked to the frontcourt with his hands on his hips, ready to wait for Lynch to take the free throws.

The three young masters of Thunder just looked at him with complicated expressions.

James Harden's eyes held not only complex emotions but also tears.

He missed the big buttocks of that young woman from last night.

If I had known this would happen, I would have done it first!
林奇两罚两中，分差8分，个人数据则来到了43分11个篮板6次助攻4次封盖1次抢断。

In the next possession, Kevin Durant hit a difficult three-pointer, but time was running out for the Thunder.

They used a fouling tactic again to send Steve Nash to the free-throw line, and Steve Nash made both free throws.

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the defending champion New York Knicks at home, with the score difference remaining at 7 points until the end.

At the end of the game, LBJ walked alone into the players' tunnel with his hands on his hips.

Kevin Durant caught up with him, deliberately spreading his hands: "We couldn't beat the Knicks, LeBron."

LBJ knew he had lost his battle of the locker room.

He glanced at Durant and shrugged: "Everyone makes mistakes, especially James Harden who is still so young. Nobody can blame him later. Sometimes, we have to learn to face failure."

Kevin Durant really wanted to applaud at that moment.

You're such a great leader, LeBron.
-
Sergey's fouling out was devastating for us; we lost space, and that was the turning point of the game. I think there were a few truly controversial calls. If he had been on the court, we would have been celebrating the win. — LeBron James on the Thunder's late collapse.

I don't know, LeBron suddenly yelled, so I gave him the ball. I don't think it was an argument, I just... I don't want to answer that question. — James Harden talking about being yelled at by LBJ in the final moments of the game.

I have nothing to say. — Kevin Durant, who scored 33 points, commented on LeBron James's actions in the final moments.

I won't reveal my strategy; whatever happens on the field, that's all my plan. — Scott Brooks trying to take all the blame.

Listen, there's no problem between us. I know you guys love to make things up. I'll say it again, there's nothing wrong with the team's locker room environment. — LeBron James on his argument with James Harden.

Before this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were a talented but cohesive team. Before last season, the Detroit Pistons were a team that prided itself on dedication and sacrifice.

Both teams encountered the same problem: the atmosphere in their locker rooms changed after LeBron James joined the team.

I'm curious, why does the environment around LeBron seem to worsen wherever he goes?

All I can say is that LeBron truly has his own system.

—Charles Barkley talks about the late-game altercation with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are incredibly talented; they certainly have the ability to challenge the New York Knicks. What the Thunder lack now isn't fighting spirit, but someone to lead them. LeBron tried to prove he was that person, but failed. —ESPN writer John Hollinger posted on social media.

LBJ aspires to be a leader who steps up in crucial moments, but all he does is a poor imitation of Lynch. Ultimately, a leader doesn't stand near the half-court line with his hands on his hips in critical situations. — Stephen A. Smith's post-game summary.

(End of this chapter)