Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 487 Enjoy Your Match
At the pre-match press conference, Carlisle gave only a few perfunctory remarks.

Inside the locker room, there weren't many players chatting with reporters.

Many Chinese reporters came, but Yao Ming didn't answer many questions.

A somber and oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire locker room.

Until Carlisle returned.

After chasing the reporters away and closing the door, Carlisle stood in the middle of the locker room, arms crossed, and remained silent for a long time.

Encouragement is unnecessary.

The confidence behind their three-peat also stems from their most glorious undefeated championship run in history, which is inspiring and needs no further explanation.

We've already talked about this a lot in the previous few sessions.

At that moment, Carlisle knew what these players needed.

It's not just about verbal encouragement, but about concrete tactics and strategies to help the team win the game.

This series has led all Knicks players to a consensus: the Heat are strong enough to defeat them.

This is a question that Carlyle has pondered for a long time.

The key to beating the Heat lies with Durant.

But after six games, Carlisle has concluded that no one can stop Durant in a one-on-one situation.

If this were a regular season game, or one of the earlier games, Carlisle would still have a way.

That means the team fight can be lost, but Durant must die.

They double-team as soon as they receive the ball, using every trick in the book. I'll accept it if others shoot to death, as long as Durant can't score.

He believes the team can do it.

With this defensive strategy, even the most dominant Shaquille O'Neal was helpless.

That won't do.

This is the Eastern Conference Finals, or a Game 7? In the words of the media, this game could directly determine who wins the championship.

If you completely leave one player unattended, the other Heat players are truly capable of killing the game.

After thinking it over, this was the only way.

Carlisle gritted his teeth and began to explain the strategy for this match.

Let's talk about Durant.

The first rule is to make him uncomfortable and to make sure he's in position. Wade needs to show the fighting spirit he's going to fight. He can give up his position, but he has to push me aside first.

Second, appropriately front Durant to disrupt his receiving of the ball, with Calderick Brown ready to help double-team at any time.

If Durant drives in, Bender will have to come over to block him, along with Yao Ming.

They'd rather let others score than give Durant an easy shot opportunity.

Third, limit the Heat's transition offense.

Pat Riley, who single-handedly created the Showtime Lakers, played the triangle offense, high pick-and-roll, and had many fast transition offense tactics.

Harris is fast and can push the fast break effectively.

Durant's consistent shooting allows him to score three-pointers in chaotic situations and also provides opportunities to cut to the basket.

Therefore, it is essential to have the awareness to quickly return to defense and press and delay in the attacking third.

"And Yao, it's up to you now."

Carlisle then looked at Yao Ming.

On the defensive end, all we can say is that we did our best.

It's unlikely that the Heat can be completely contained.

So the key to victory still lies in the offense, specifically in Yao Ming.

He is the Knicks' most unstoppable offensive weapon.

Even when facing Shaquille O'Neal.

Yao Ming nodded slightly, but a hint of regret flashed in his eyes.

The three points Carlisle mentioned are actually what the Knicks have been doing for the previous six games.

Therefore, Yao Ming realized that Carlisle had run out of ideas.

This tactical mastermind was at a loss when faced with Durant, a guy who claimed to be able to change the way we understand basketball.

Carlisle was conflicted, and in the opposing team's locker room, Riley was equally conflicted.

This coach, who boasts a thousand wins, is actually very clear-headed at this moment.

He knew the Knicks would definitely target Durant with all their might, and this game would be Durant's toughest game yet.

I also know how much pressure this 18-year-old boy is under.

Fans, media, teammates, management—everyone's eyes were on him, hoping he could create a miracle today and lead the Heat out of the encirclement.

She's not even 19 yet.

Even Riley, who is usually as hard-hearted as he is, felt a pang of sympathy at this moment.

What's even more frustrating is that he has to push Durant even further.

If you win, you'll be deified.

If you lose, your fighting spirit might be completely depleted.

Perhaps there are situations where failure is the mother of success, and you can always start over, but Riley knows that more often than not, it leaves a psychological scar.

From now on, if I encounter the same situation again, I may never be able to muster that same arrogance again.

So Riley knew he had better ideas, such as utilizing Durant's playmaking ability to draw defenders and then pass the ball to his teammates to win the game. But Riley still chose to go against the grain and let Durant play.

The sharpest weapons are forged under the greatest pressure and the greatest difficulties.

If you want to become a god, this is the only way.

So Riley simply said one sentence, calling out Kevin in a deep voice.

Durant was wearing headphones, seemingly trying to isolate himself from the outside world, but he immediately responded when Riley called out and looked up.

His attention was completely focused on the music playing in his headphones.

Inside the locker room, everyone turned to look at Durant.

Riley's gaze was sharp and fierce, like a knife. He said in a deep voice, "Kevin, there is no other choice but to lead us to victory."

Durant nodded slightly.

But the next moment, he suddenly got up and rushed to the bathroom.

As soon as I went in, I grabbed the toilet and vomited all over my face.

The people chasing after them looked at each other in bewilderment.

“Pat, you’re putting too much pressure on him. He needs encouragement.” Mourning said, somewhat reluctantly.

Jordan was already quite old when he entered the league. He was tormented by the Bad Boys for several years and experienced many failures before he became invincible.

And Durant?

Mo Ning really felt that he was still too young and shouldn't be put under such great pressure.

Riley didn't answer, but just stared blankly at Durant washing his face.

Anyway, since things have come to this point, Riley will accept defeat even if he really loses.

Many legendary figures were present today.

Jordan also came to join in the fun.

The media is buzzing, saying this is the game that will cement Durant's legendary status.

Can he possibly miss a competition like that?

And Stern, he came too.

However, it was Tang Sen who presented the Eastern Conference championship trophy today.

At this rate, it won't be long before Tang Sen is able to present the Grand Finals trophy.

Tang Sen didn't go to the private box; he remained seated on the sidelines.

During their casual conversation, before the game started, Tang Sen waved to Durant, who was warming up for the last time.

He saw it and immediately ran over.

Regardless, this is his most promising disciple, someone he personally wanted to groom into a basketball god.

Tang Sen had poured his heart and soul into him, and the pressure of such a crucial match was immense. Tang Sen had to offer some words of encouragement.

I didn't ask him if he was nervous or anything like that; we just chatted casually for a few minutes.

Ask him how his parents are, and also, don't forget to come to your own wedding.

Durant nodded repeatedly, seemingly lost in thought.

He was torn between asking Tang Sen what he should do now.

In Game 7, a poor performance could mean missing out on the championship.

He hadn't thought much of it before, and even fantasized more than once when he was a child about being on the finals court, in a Game 7, and then performing a miraculous feat to save the game and become a hero.

But when Durant was actually in the same situation, he realized just how difficult it was.

Durant can't even imagine the consequences if he underperforms and fails to help the team win.

Durant wanted to get answers from Tangsen, who was his mentor.

But in the end, he didn't say it.

However, when it was time to end the conversation, Tang Sen said a few words that touched Durant.

Tang Sen smiled and said, "Kevin, you've reached the highest stage. Just like you did at the training camp last year, enjoy your game."

Tangsen patted Durant's arm and turned to sit back down.

Tang Sen was unaware that his casual words had been like a ray of sunshine, tearing away the dark clouds that had been hanging over Durant's heart.

He was a little distracted.

Enjoy the game?

"Yeah, enjoy the game," Durant murmured to himself.

One person, one basketball, one training gym, one trainer.

Those were the happiest days of my life.

There was nothing else in the whole world except basketball, my favorite basketball.

By sweating and training hard, you can enjoy every bit of progress and gain the purest joy.

And then there's the victory, and the joy of winning the game.

The more difficult the competition, the greater the joy you'll experience upon winning.

So we should enjoy it, enjoy even the most difficult competition.

A change of perspective brings clarity.

(End of this chapter)