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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On the evening of January 21, 2002, after the Knicks defeated the Hornets at home, Bynum hadn't even had a chance to say "Bro" to Lee before PJ Brown pushed his teammate aside.
Every time the Knicks faced the Hornets' backcourt duo of David Wesley and Bynum, the Knicks' stats were always impressive.
PJ Brown, feeling the lively atmosphere of the Madison Square Garden, took the initiative to fist bump Lee:
"Lee, congratulations on being the All-Star Game's top vote-getter!"
Belonging to the same agent, Mark Bartelstein had already revealed to Lee that the other party wanted to play for the Knicks.
However, the Hornets were also generous, and PJ Brown intended to play both sides, going for the highest bidder.
Having been in the NBA for a few years, Lee also understood the thoughts of players in a contract year, but since he wasn't the one paying the salary, helping to drive up the price was just a matter of convenience:
"Thanks! Bro, tonight you taught our Rookie another lesson. I liked this game!"
Pau Gasol, whose technical characteristics were gradually being figured out, performed generally against the alternating Defense of two big men, Elden Campbell and PJ Brown.
In each game, he would attempt low-post isolations for a fixed number of possessions, but tonight Pau Gasol was soft.
Bynum waited until his teammate finished showering him with praise before glumly fist-bumping Lee, then self-deprecatingly saying:
"It seems I won't have a chance to make the All-Star Game this year!"
Their builds were similar, both weighing 95 kilograms, and their playing styles also had some similarities.
This season, the bearded player also began confidently taking three-pointers.
Imitating the MVP's playing style was indeed reliable.
After fist-bumping the other party, Lee remembered that the Celtics' record seemed to be better than the Hornets', and with Allen Iverson getting a boost from being the host city, the reserve spot might indeed be taken by him, squeezing out the person in front of him.
"You're only 22, stay in form, and you'll always make the All-Star."
Hearing Lee's comfort, Bynum was still not in high spirits.
Most players still strongly desired All-Star status.
Especially thinking about Allen Iverson's poor form, losing to such an opponent was truly frustrating.
Bynum knew the Knicks were about to play the 76ers, so before leaving, he gleefully suggested:
"In the upcoming games, give that overrated guy a taste of his own medicine!"
"..."
Pau Gasol still had some language issues at the moment, only giving simple answers during interviews, and sometimes needing Lee's help during video and tactical training sessions.
After receiving the Rookie of the Month award, his stats had dropped a tiny bit, mainly because opponents were paying more attention to his playing style.
On the 22nd, at the Tarrytown Training Center, after the morning video session, Jeff Van Gundy no longer suggested Pau Gasol gain weight, just as Grant Hill voluntarily chose to lose weight.
Everyone didn't want to adapt to the Head Coach.
"Once you make an offensive choice, whether it's a shot or a pass, it needs to be quicker."
"Many times, opponents position themselves around the paint. This kind of near-zone Defense makes it easier for big men to be double-teamed!"
Assistant Coach Thibodeau spoke a bit fast.
Lee, sitting in a chair, looked at the tactical board and simply translated it for Pau Gasol next to him.
Grant Hill, who was once again selected for the All-Star, was particularly happy recently, but he was somewhat slacking during games.
He really didn't want to miss this year's All-Star Game again due to injury.
The coaching staff had reminded him more than once to maintain his shooting from beyond the three-point line, but shooting, in many cases, is a skill developed from a young age.
If you practiced little before, it's impossible to suddenly break out in one or two seasons.
Grant Hill's shooting percentage has been very stable since the start of the season, consistently fluctuating slightly around 50%.
A large number of drives to the basket and fast breaks, combined with a small number of pull-up jumpers and mismatch isolations, made his Excel stats exceptionally beautiful.
"The coach is right. It seems I really should change some of my offensive choices."
After the video session, Grant Hill looked at the tactical board given to him by the coaching staff and wanted to hear Lee's opinion.
"There's no reason to keep shooting if you're not making them. Basketball isn't just about three-pointers."
"Do what you're good at. Maintaining your strengths is easier than making up for your weaknesses. Losing a few games doesn't affect our ranking."
With the season nearly halfway over, Lee had accepted the reality that the Knicks were no longer a jump-shooting team but had transformed into a fast-break specialist.
Ron Artest strongly agreed with Lee.
Even if TNT mocked his jump shot, it was currently unsolvable.
Many times, he just couldn't make them:
"We can still win with Defense. After all, we're still first in the Eastern Conference!"
Seeing his good brother secretly throw the tactical board aside, Stephen Jackson didn't say a word, but instead showed a thoughtful expression.
Shooting accurately seemed to lead to more playing time.
The mood-makers, Knight and Mark Blount, noticed that Jeff Van Gundy was speaking less and less.
In the past, the Head Coach would still guide the rotation, but as the season deepened, this happened less and less.
Before, when playing as a substitute, Wright still fantasized that the Head Coach would continue to play twin towers and let him start at center, but now that idea had long been thrown out of his mind:
"Is Head Coach Van Gundy having problems at home?"
Knight heard the big man's gossip, looked around, and seeing only Luc Longley, immediately whispered:
"Perhaps it's related to the management! Anyway, we just need to play."
"..."
On the 23rd, the Knicks flew to Toronto for an away game against the Toronto Raptors.
Vince Carter left the game with an injury after playing less than one quarter.
Shaquille O'Neal had already confirmed he would miss the All-Star Game, and Carter's injury also made many fans start to worry.
No one wanted to see the "Dunk King" miss the All-Star.
Without their star player, the Toronto Raptors suffered a crushing defeat, 96:81.
Relying on Defense, the Knicks continued their winning streak.
The old man Hakeem Olajuwon was also in poor physical condition and did not gain an advantage against the Rookie Pau Gasol, playing only 14 minutes, going 0 for 7, and scoring zero points.
Lee completed 4 steals in two consecutive games.
Although the opponent's backcourt strength was average, it still made the New York Media ecstatic.
More three-pointers, more fast breaks, Clay Lee also began to adapt to the fast-break team.
On January 24th, the NBA announced the All-Star Game reserve rosters.
After seeing the list, some were happy, some were sad:
The 7 Eastern Conference All-Star reserves were:
Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Antoine Walker, Jermaine O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning.
The 7 Western Conference All-Star reserves were:
Steve Nash, Gary Payton, Wally Szczerbiak, Peja Stojakovic, Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Webber.
After the reserve list was announced, Paul Pierce believed someone had pulled strings!
While still preparing for the game against the 76ers, Pierce, who was not selected for the All-Star, spoke out during an afternoon interview:
"25 wins and 16 losses, the Celtics are the better team, I should have been selected for the All-Star!"
"Everyone is taking care of the 76ers just because they are the host city. This is unfair, Allen Iverson is overrated!"
The one who was actually being taken care of was Alonzo Mourning, but the spirit of the kidney warrior was indeed worth encouraging, so Allen Iverson was caught in the crossfire again.
The grievances between players arise this way.
There are only so many All-Star spots, and the 76ers' record and Allen Iverson's stats aren't convincing, so naturally, everyone picks on the weakest link.
Bynum also didn't forget to speak sarcastically, and the New York Media, eager for excitement, called for Pau Gasol to be selected.
On January 24th, in a back-to-back game, the Knicks hosted the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden.
Marbury received a warm welcome from New York fans.
Whenever he missed a shot, the crowd cheered loudly.
In the third quarter, Marbury missed both free throws, and the delighted New York fans began to shout loudly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Sprewell had also experienced this treatment, and Marbury's mentality shattered, as the Knicks continuously narrowed the 16-point lead the Suns had at halftime.
With 14.8 seconds left in the game, the Phoenix Suns still held a 91-90 lead.
With little time left on the shot clock, Marbury used a screen to drive hard to the basket, drawing another shooting foul from Pau Gasol.
Amidst the cheers, Marbury missed both free throws again, and for a moment, the shouts of the 'troll' fans almost broke through the Madison Square Garden.
Pau Gasol secured the rebound, and Jeff Van Gundy didn't call a timeout.
With 11.2 seconds left in the game, everyone stood up to watch Lee receive the ball and unhurriedly dribble it past half-court.
Time passed quickly.
Marbury, whose mentality had shattered, kept trying to steal the ball.
The two tangled as they crossed half-court, with only 5.8 seconds left in the game.
Seeing his teammates waving angrily, Hardaway didn't go up for a double-team.
On the right wing, Lee, protecting the ball with his back to the defender, suddenly accelerated after switching to his right hand.
Taking advantage of Marbury sliding backward to the left, he immediately dribbled behind his back, pausing slightly the moment he switched to his left hand.
Marbury, with a fierce expression, readjusted his center of gravity and lunged to defend.
Lee calmly dribbled between his legs, evading the opponent's steal attempt, and simultaneously completed a jump-step dribble as he pushed off with his left foot.
Pushing off with his feet, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, lowered his shoulder and accelerated, instantly gaining a step.
Marbury, desperately trying to contest him physically, could only slide backward to the left, completely losing his balance.
The moment Lee dribbled past the three-point line, he sensed the opponent's defensive movement and took advantage of it with a large crossover step-back, returning outside the three-point line.
Amidst the screams of all the New York fans, Lee, completely shaking off his defender on the right wing, calmly adjusted and released a buzzer-beating jump shot!
"Buzz!"
As the basketball flew through the air, a buzzing sound rang out, the shot clock light illuminated, and the game ended.
Lee, having released the shot, landed and raised both hands.
As the basketball traced a beautiful arc and swished through the net, Madison Square Garden instantly erupted.
"Ah!!"
Ron Artest roared, immediately ripped off his jersey, and rushed over from the left sideline, embracing Lee and shouting excitedly.
Soon, the 'atmosphere group' all rushed onto the court, not giving Clay Lee too much time to show off.
Everyone embraced in a huddle, celebrating wildly with the fans.
At the MSG commentary booth, Mike Breen was also very excited.
However, he had already started praising Lee when he received the ball for the final play, and now he just laughed and added:
"I knew Lee would make that shot! The Phoenix Suns made a huge mistake!"
"This is New York's superstar! Lee never disappoints!"
After shouting a couple of times, seemingly still not satisfied, Mike Breen looked at Marbury, who was standing dumbfounded, and suddenly quipped:
"Thanks to New York's Son! Marbury's free throws saved the Knicks."
At halftime, it was 58-42. Despite being down by 16 points, the Knicks completed a comeback thanks to Lee's game-winner.
After the game, many New York fans were shouting Lee's name.
He played 42 minutes, shooting 18 of 27 from the field, 7 of 14 from three-point range, and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line, for 51 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.
In the back-to-back game, the Knicks were possessed by a 'blacksmith' (meaning they shot poorly), and Lee achieved a new season-high.
Walt Frazier waited until the Knicks had finished celebrating before grinning widely and embracing Lee in greeting:
"What a wonderful game! Lee, how does it feel to hit a game-winner?"
This game wasn't nationally televised, so Lee didn't speak formally but instead joked with a smile:
"I always have extra motivation against the Phoenix Suns, and the feeling of hitting a game-winner is just too wonderful!"
"Most importantly, the Knicks got a double reward! I'm glad I didn't let the fans down!"
Holding the Phoenix Suns' draft pick, New York fans also had extra motivation.
Seeing Marbury walk towards the player tunnel, the 'trolls' didn't forget to cheer for New York's Son:
"MVP!"
Marbury, who shot 7 of 21 from the field, 0 of 3 from three-point range, and 5 of 10 from the free-throw line, finishing with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 turnovers, immediately flipped off the fans when he heard the shouts, cursing defensively:
"F*ck! F*ck you!"
Although it wasn't a nationally televised game, ESPN's SportsCenter began to repeatedly broadcast Clay Lee's spectacular game-winner.
Watching the highlights of Lee's clean moves, calm release, and perfectly timed execution made fans who hadn't seen the game exclaim in regret.
After a day of rest, the Knicks flew to Philadelphia to challenge the 76ers on the road.
In the game against the Celtics, Allen Iverson faced the loudmouth Paul Pierce, shooting 16 of 31 from the field, 4 of 8 from three-point range, and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line, scoring a furious 47 points!
After a dominant 106-90 victory, Allen Iverson also verbally attacked his opponent after the game:
"Minor characters shouldn't lecture me! Win a scoring title, then come question me!"
"..."
On the evening of the 26th, at the First Union Center, Philadelphia fans had high expectations for this game, as Allen Iverson's form had recovered!
However, once the game started, expectations turned into disappointment, and by halftime, disappointment had turned into despair.
Allen Iverson shot 5 of 16, clanking shots against the Knicks' zone Defense, and only managed to score 15 points in the first half.
The Knicks entered the second half with a 54-38 lead, a 16-point advantage.
An enraged Allen Iverson stopped stubbornly taking jump shots, instead falling to the ground repeatedly and constantly going to the free-throw line, but he still couldn't narrow the deficit.
Matt Harpring's touch was completely gone due to Ron Artest's constant harassment, and the interior duo of Dikembe Mutombo and Mark Blount also couldn't gain an advantage.
Erik Snow, distributing from the top of the arc, was as steady as ever, but the 76ers' 'four-out-one-in' offense completely collapsed.
At the end of the game, with the score 104-86, boos began to erupt at the First Union Center.
Playing 44 minutes, he shot 9 of 27 from the field, 2 of 6 from three-point range, and 14 of 17 from the free-throw line, for 34 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 5 turnovers.
Allen Iverson, who had given his all, stood in the middle of the court.
Hearing the boos, he felt a bit wronged, his eyes reddened, and he almost burst into tears.
Watching Lee and the Knicks players laughing and comforting Gasol, who had fouled out, Allen Iverson hugged Dikembe Mutombo, who was comforting him, and whispered with a choked voice:
"I want to win, I really tried my best..."
.....
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