The ups and downs of life often only take a few days.
In the NBA playoffs, this seems especially true.
Unlike those sports games where the outcome is decided by one game, a series stretches everything out.
Tactical confrontation, psychological game, and reversal of public opinion are all a big drama.
The encounters in the regular season often provide inspiration, and the same opponent is played at least four times in the series.
The back and forth between the two sides can fully reflect the strength and tenacity of the team.
As the playoffs progress to April 24, the situation in some series is already clear.
The strong team took an early 3:0 lead, and no team in NBA history has been able to come back.
Some have experienced reversals, such as the Nuggets taking the lead at home and Anthony scoring 42 points in a single game.
As a result, they were defeated by the Jazz in three consecutive games and were on the verge of elimination in just a few days.
There are also some confusing games, such as the Bucks and Hawks, which tied at 2:2.
It feels like we are rushing to the tiebreaker.
The Los Angeles Derby is full of anticipation before the start of the playoffs.
The curtain seems to be coming to an end soon.
The Lakers easily took a 3-0 lead.
The media commented: "The Clippers have no home court advantage at all in Los Angeles. This has to be said to be a tragedy for the Clippers."
There is also criticism from ESPN experts: "The style of play of the Clippers and Curry proves that they can win in the regular season, but it is impossible to win with three points in the playoffs."
On the morning of April 24, Min Congda was sitting in the general manager’s office, browsing the post-match comments and news.
Faced with all kinds of criticism of the Clippers, he still despises these experts.
"What kind of bullshit expert predicted before the game that the Clippers would cause big trouble to the Lakers, but what happened? You got your fart back."
"Look at these prediction posts, 4:2, hey, everyone is slapped in the face, right?"
In Min Congda's post-game commentary, his evaluation of the Clippers was much fairer.
He believes that the Clippers' core problem is perimeter defense, and also mentioned the coach's command.
In Min Chongda's view, Dunleavy was too rigid in rotation and command during the playoffs.
For example, they have been clinging to the starting lineup and insisting on starting Baron Davis.
In fact, Balang played shooting guard, which was okay in the regular season, but really struggled against Kobe at full strength in the playoffs.
There is also a trio of Camby, Gasol, and Randolph inside, which can theoretically fight against the Lakers.
In fact, the effect of Camby's appearance was very poor. He is old after all.
In particular, the Lakers replaced Odom, who was very handy when Camby was out of position.
Deng experimented with new lineups and tactics for a season, but in the playoffs it was still the same.
It shows that his experiment was not prepared for the playoffs, but to cope with Min Congda's "everyone has a ball to play".
Fan Chen, who was on the other side of the ocean, was very confused when he saw Min Congda's post-match analysis being so accurate.
He asked Min Congda directly, "Mr. Min, you see these issues so thoroughly, why don't you let Dunleavy change the tactics and replace the lineup? It's already 0:3, do you really not want to win a game?"
Facing Fan Chen's question, Min Congda was a little embarrassed. How should he answer?
He had no choice but to deal with it in a daze: "The coaching staff has their own concerns. I am just speaking as a family and respect the professionalism of the head coach."
Fan Chen said: "Mr. Min, I had a feeling the last time I watched the game that the NBA is entering a new era. The era of old coaches like Dunleavy is about to pass."
Fan Chen has watched a lot of games recently, and this feeling has become stronger.
Dunleavy began coaching in 1991. In the past 20 years, the NBA has changed a lot.
He couldn't beat Jackson's Lakers and Kobe before, but now it seems there's still nothing he can do.
Min Congda did not reply. He felt a little uncomfortable thinking about Lao Deng's disappointed look after these games.
What can I say about Lao Deng? He is still very dedicated as a coach. His son also plays in the NBA. It is obvious that he is a person who loves basketball all his life.
He is an excellent player and coach, otherwise he would not be able to play in the NBA and achieve these results while coaching in the NBA.
It's just that whether you are a player or a coach, there is always a gap between you and the top, and you always miss out on the highest honor.
As a player, I lost to the Celtics in the Finals, as a coach, I lost to the Bulls, and as a coach, I lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. I always played a supporting role.
"Hey, don't worry about it. After the game tonight, Lao Deng can rest."
"Playing 82 games in a season is hard enough. Wouldn't it be nice to go back and have your grandchildren?"
After turning off the computer, Min Congda went to the training center to eat as usual at noon.
Facing the desperate situation of falling behind 0:3, the Clippers players who had already been announced to be eliminated early were in a depressing mood.
In just one week, they went from exciting to the playoffs to quickly reaching the edge of elimination.
Competitive sports are so cruel.
However, during training in the afternoon, the players rarely had some disputes.
Ricky Davis, who had a bad temper, collided with Randolph, and they both got angry and even started pushing each other.
Min Congda, who was sitting on the sidelines watching everyone's training, rushed up and stopped the two of them.
"Hey, what are you doing? The series hasn't even ended yet. Do you want to fight among yourself?"
The two used to be members of a foursome of drunkenness, sex and wealth, but later changed their ways and returned to playing football.
Their relationship is still very good, but the sudden conflict can only mean that they are angry.
Yes, who wouldn't feel angry when they were beaten 0:3 in the series?
In fact, in the third home game, the referee's whistle favored the Clippers, so they had a chance.
It's a pity that the team was in poor condition in that game, and the Lakers were still playing at home.
So we lost the chance to win a game, and it was very disappointing to suddenly become 0:3.
Sitting back on the sidelines, Lao Deng asked everyone to practice freely and go back when the time came.
Arrive at Staples Center on time at five o'clock in the evening and prepare for the game.
The words were spoken weakly, as if he was giving his last words, everyone can leave after the fight tonight.
The surging passion of a week ago was gone.
Min Congda felt even more uncomfortable.
Jordan Peele and Michael Key came over with cameras and asked, "Mr. Smart, we want to shoot a few scenes and conversations to end the season."
Min Congda said: "When does the season end? Is the series over?"
Jordan Peele said: "0:3, no one can come back, the season is definitely over."
Michael Kiddow: "I heard that Staples Center has been rented out on the 26th because we don't have to play Game 5."
When Min Congda heard this, he suddenly became angry and said, "What? Who said we can't reach the fifth game!"
Dunleavy said at this time: "Everyone says this. It's normal. We can't beat the Lakers, but we have a future, don't we, Smart?"
Min Congda said: "How old are you and you still have a future? Are you Captain America? Cherish the present!"
Several people said nothing. Their words made sense, but what was their use?
Min Congda thought about it for a while and said, "Old Deng, listen to me. If we make adjustments tonight, we may still have a chance."
(End of chapter)
