Chapter 94 Whose team is this (10,000-word chapter)

On November 30, 1997, after the game against the Suns, the Knicks successfully defeated their opponents and achieved 15 consecutive victories.

After tying the winning streak set by the Rockets in the 1993-94 season, the team did not receive a metaphysical bonus, but instead suffered injuries.

The New York media's poison finally got the better of them. At the post-game press conference, Jeff Van Gundy looked ugly. The team was reduced at the beginning of the season, which was not in line with the expectations of the coaching staff.

What's even worse is that the team is still in the running-in period, and it is almost impossible to expect Chris Dudley on the bench to shoulder the heavy responsibility of rebounding.

At the press conference after the game, the crazy New York media was silent at this time and could only simply ask:

"Jeff, it's so unfortunate. Can you talk about Pat's injury? How many games will he miss?"

It was rare that the New York Post did not make things difficult for the bald young coach and asked questions that everyone wanted to know.

"I don't know yet. The medical team has not been able to give an accurate answer, but we have to prepare for the worst!"

"Perhaps Pat will miss the rest of the regular season. I can only say that this injury is really serious."

"oh!"

The media in the audience all shouted in a low voice. Although everyone consumes gorillas from time to time, Ewing played for New York for 13 seasons after all.

Gorilla has accompanied many New York fans in their youth, and over the past 12 years, it has also continuously provided news material for some unscrupulous reporters.

There have never been many problems with attendance in the past, but no one expected Ewing to be injured so seriously!

Jeff Van Gundy, who was in a bad mood, started to wander with a face on his face. Without Ewing, what should we do with the inside defense?

On December 1, the Knicks officially announced Ewing’s injury status:

"Fractured right wrist, torn ligaments"

Fortunately, the gorilla's wrist had no nerve damage and the ligaments were partially torn.

But considering that the 35-year-old injured his shooting hand, the New York media all looked down on the Gorilla and concluded by the way:

"The Knicks' Patrick Ewing era is over"

The NBA announced the Player of the Year for the first month of the 1997-98 season in the morning. Ewing, who achieved a 14-0 record in November and led the Knicks to the top, successfully won the award:

Averaged 32.1 minutes per game, 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 2.5 turnovers per game;

With a field goal percentage of 50.4% and a free throw percentage of 72.0%, Ewing was still very efficient in November while averaging 15.5 shots per game!

It's rare to win the best award of the month, but the gorilla can't accept the award in person.

After Ewing was injured, he was transferred to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. In the morning, Li You and his teammates went to visit the gorilla after the surgery:

"Pat, don't worry about your wrist problem. Didn't the doctor say that the nerves were not injured? Just rest and recover!"

Oakley felt sad in his heart, but on the surface he only showed concern.

The old guy feels the same way. Fortunately, Ewing signed a big contract this year, so the second half of his career is guaranteed.

Seeing Ewing's right wrist being tightly wrapped and lying listlessly on the hospital bed, Oakley strengthened his idea of ​​pursuing a big contract.

"Damn injury, I just used my right hand to support my body!"

The gorilla knew that his wife Rita and the child were also in the ward, so he did not yell or curse, but just complained in a very tough manner.

Li You put the Player of the Month trophy aside, and everyone in the atmosphere group didn't say a word. Everyone looked at the unlucky Ewing in silence.

The last thing a player wants to face is an injury. No one wants to see a serious injury. After leaving the hospital, Larry Johnson also sighed:

"If a serious injury occurs at the age of 35, it may be difficult for Pat to return to his previous state."

"Big Mom's" back injury still attacks from time to time, but despite some minor health problems, Larry Johnson still insists on playing.

Alan Houston also didn't expect Ewing's injury to be so serious. He pulled on his tie and whispered helplessly:

"It's really not the right time to get sick this time. Pat is really unlucky. The team is in good shape and he just won the Player of the Month award. I thought he would perform at his peak again."

Li You also felt the importance of a big contract at this time. No matter what Ewing's physical condition is in the future, he will have a beautiful knife as a guarantee:

"As long as he patiently completes the rehabilitation training, Pat will regain his form."

When the old guys heard Li You's comfort, they could only nod silently, but everyone understood in their hearts:

"The Ewing era is most likely coming to an end."

"."

There is no suspense about the Rookie of the Month award in November. Tim Duncan of the Spurs successfully won the award!

The Spurs achieved a record of 8 wins and 6 losses, and Duncan started all 14 games;

Averaged 35.4 minutes per game, 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.6 blocks and 3.3 turnovers per game;

He averaged 11.9 shots per game, shooting 55.8% from the field, and averaged 4.3 free throws per game, shooting 46.9% from the field.

Since the Knicks will fly to the West to play away games next, the coaching staff is naturally paying attention to the status of their next opponent, the Spurs.

After winning the Rookie of the Month award, Duncan did not act like a rookie at all, and the twin-tower lineup formed with David Robinson has been quite effective.

"Pat just got injured and we have to face the Spurs in the Twin Towers."

Assistant coach Thibodeau glanced at the Spurs' technical statistics and couldn't help but rub his eyebrows. There was a high probability that he would not be able to withstand the rebound.

"We also have an advantage. The Spurs' perimeter is far behind ours. If we shrink our defense, there won't be any big problems."

Assistant coach Don Chaney is more optimistic. In his opinion, the Spurs refuse to shoot from the outside. Even if they add a big man, nothing will change.

After a brief discussion, everyone began to pack their things. In the afternoon, the Knicks were about to fly to San Antonio.

Jeff Van Gundy was not in a good mood and kept his expression on his face and remained silent.

The situation within the Knicks is not complicated, with old players and new players competing for data.

After spending many years with the Knicks, Jeff Van Gundy naturally sides with the veteran players. If he serves Ewing well, he can keep his job and at the same time keep the team's record at a lower limit.

After witnessing Old Nelson being kicked out, the bald young marshal lay flat.

The rise of Li You has caused Jeff Van Gundy to hang up frequently. Now without Ewing's restraint, the head coach's prestige cannot be improved.

In November, Li You played 29.0 minutes per game, averaging 16.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 turnovers per game;

He averaged 11.5 shots per game, shooting 47.71% from the field, 5.9 shots from outside the three-point line, 42.8% from three-point range, 4.1 free throws per game, and 88.2% from the field.

Li You's extremely efficient top point guard statistics left Jeff Van Gundy speechless. Seeing this Excel that was so close to a double-double, he thought helplessly:

"How do you coach players like this?"

On the morning of December 2, everyone from the Knicks team arrived in San Antonio.

While having breakfast in the hotel, everyone started chatting and gossiping:

"Is Sprewell crazy? He choked the head coach?"

The atmosphere team was all whispering about the morning news. This was a big event, which directly triggered the major sports media. The headlines on the front page were choked.

Warriors All-Star guard Latrell Sprewell choked head coach P.J. Carlesimo during practice.

The media followed up and exaggerated, claiming that the chokehold lasted for more than 10 seconds, and coach Carlesimo almost went to see God on the spot!

Such bad behavior naturally made the Warriors management furious, and immediately announced that Prewell was suspended for 68 games.

The Warriors have just 68 games left in the regular season, which means the All-Star guard's schedule for this season has ended.

Jeff Van Gundy ate his breakfast in silence. The bald young coach always felt that Li You and Larry Johnson were looking at him from time to time.

Thinking about "Auntie" practicing boxing every day, Jeff Van Gundy's mouth twitched:

"NBA head coaching is indeed a high-risk profession."

After Tim Duncan joined the team, the Alamodome expanded its capacity and opened more seats from time to time.

On the night of the 2nd, more than 30,000 spectators poured into the Alamodome.

Although the center duel can no longer be seen, fans who like to watch the fun buy tickets to watch the game to witness the Spurs end the Knicks' winning streak!

Of course, there are also some Knicks fans who buy tickets to watch the game to witness the birth of a new record.

Popovich, a rookie coach, is not qualified to make harsh words and brag. Jeff Van Gundy has the best coach in the league by his side, so it is no longer something that a rookie can touch.

In an interview before the game, David Robinson did not talk about the outcome of the game, but sent his blessings to Ewing:

"Pat is a good man. It's a pity that he suffered a serious injury. I hope he can recover as soon as possible!"

"."

This game, which was supposed to be a showdown between centers, was broadcast live nationwide on TNT.

In the live commentary box, after both teams completed their appearance ceremonies, Dick Stockton felt that the atmosphere was completely different from last year, and he immediately joked with a smile:

"The Tim Duncan effect, it can be seen that San Antonio fans like this big man very much!"

Hubie Brown looked at the technical statistics and then said aloud:

"Duncan performed poorly in games against the Jazz and SuperSonics. In recent games, his scores have been in single digits."

"Perhaps he has encountered a rookie wall, but Duncan has always done a good job rebounding. This is difficult for the Knicks to deal with. The Spurs have a huge height advantage in the interior."

The Spurs' twin-tower lineup also made Dick Stockton nod frequently. Noticing that the starting lineup had not changed, he immediately made an introduction:
To be continued...