Check out my new fanfics.
Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go đ
***
On May 9, 2003, the NBA announced this season's All-Rookie Teams:
The First Team consisted of five players:
Caron Butler, Drew Gooden, Nene Hilario, Amar'e Stoudemire, Yao Ming.
The Second Team consisted of five players:
Jay Williams, J.R. Bremer, Manu Ginobili, Gordan GiriÄek, Carlos Boozer.
Yao Ming's successful selection to the All-Rookie First Team brought relief to chinese fans.
The top pick had indeed lived up to his talent and found his footing in the league!
It was Saturday in China, and before the Spurs vs. Lakers game broadcast on CCTV Sports that morning, Yu Jia and Zhang Weiping were still discussing Yao Ming losing the Rookie of the Year award in the studio:
"If you let Yao Ming play for the New York Knicks, he would also win Rookie of the Year!"
"Amar'e Stoudemire is in great shape. He dunks as soon as he gets the ball. The New York Knicks played so well in the regular season, the ball moved so quickly. American sports reporters love teams like that."
"But to say that Rookie Amar'e Stoudemire is better than Yao Ming, that's really not necessarily true. 73 wins, that record adds too much!"
Before the game, Zhang Weiping heavily praised Yao Ming, and incidentally criticized Amar'e Stoudemire as a technically unrefined Rookie.
His summary was one sentence:
"Yao Ming is the truly formidable one. Amar'e Stoudemire is just riding coattails!"
As the old senior in the studio praised him, Yu Jia felt a bit awkward and quickly changed the subject:
"73 wins, 3 consecutive MVP awards, and he's also the only player in history to win MVP unanimously. Clay Lee also swept the scoring title, steals title, and assists title this season!"
"Do you think he has surpassed historical players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson?"
Since increasing the broadcast frequency, not only were chinese fans stunned, but the number of "haters", "fans" surged, and "plastic fans", etc. appeared uninvited!
Even the sports media was confused; this time, it was truly a case of "Michael Jordan wouldn't be able to do this either"!
Zhang Weiping nodded repeatedly, then began to share the news he had received:
"If you read the newspapers in New York, Clay Lee has already surpassed those two. However, most reporters are relatively cautious. To become the greatest in history, he still needs to wait another two years."
"American reporters don't like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which might involve off-court issues, but in reality, the Skyhook has 6 championships."
"But Clay Lee has a very high probability of surpassing these historical stars. At 25 years old, that age is truly incredible!"
As the Lakers vs. Spurs game was about to start, the two returned to the main topic.
(A/N: From now on, I'll Use Commentator A, B, C..when it comes to chinese Commentators. Original author was forced to add some chinese commentary, and other elements, or else his book will face ban. Readers won't face problems, sentence will be altered to make it easier to read.)
As usual, Commentator A turned his head and routinely asked:
"B, what do you think of this Western Conference Semifinals? The Spurs have won two home games, and the defending champions seem to be completely at a disadvantage."
Without even looking at the statistics, Commentator B immediately spoke when discussing this series:
"The Lakers are finished! Don't look at Manu Ginobili being a Rookie. In reality, his game experience is very rich. Compared to a few years ago, the Spurs' outside strength has improved a lot."
"Phil Jackson must have lost control of the locker room. The Lakers started slowly this season, Shaquille O'Neal had surgery at the beginning of the season, and Kobe Bryant kept shooting wildly. Without home-court advantage, they will most likely lose to their opponents in the playoffs."
"Kobe Bryant's stats look good, but in reality, he's too far behind MVP-level Clay Lee!"
"The efficiency rating that American ESPN likes, Clay Lee's has been at least 30 since 1999. Kobe Bryant simply can't compare."
"Our ordinary fans' intuitive feeling is that Clay Lee plays rationally and smoothly. Everyone says Kobe Bryant is like Jordan, but Jordan really didn't play like him."
"Shooting wildly while being guarded is really not good. The Triangle Offense isn't played like that!"
"If Kobe Bryant still takes 20 to nearly 30 shots in this Western Conference Semifinals and plays irrationally, the Lakers will lose!"
Commentator A only felt that the old senior's tone changed too quickly.
Earlier years, he praised Kobe Bryant for playing like Jordan and having a promising future;
But ever since Phil Jackson led the Lakers to the Finals for several consecutive years but lost the championship, B began to look down on the "OK" combination, and Shaquille O'Neal's free throws were continuously criticized for many years.
However, the G3 of this Western Conference Semifinals, the game's progression was different from what B said.
The Spurs' outside shooting went cold, while Kobe Bryant continued to shoot, and finally, 95:110, the Lakers, back at home, won a game back!
Home-court advantage in this era was real, just as Ron Artest rarely got into foul trouble at home for the New York Knicks, Kobe Bryant also exploded against the Spurs' perimeter Defense upon returning home.
10-of-23 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, 17-of-19 from the free-throw line, 39 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers.
After the game, seeing Kobe Bryant's stats, Commentator B concluded the game with another remark:
"He plays irrationally, and his efficiency declines in the playoffs. If the Lakers play like this, they won't go far!"
While the Spurs' role players occasionally had a good game, the New York Knicks' role players were still hitting hard!
Eastern Conference Semifinals G2, 88:109, the New York Knicks decisively defeated the Pacers.
On the evening of the 10th, Eastern Conference Semifinals G3, at Conseco Fieldhouse in Polis, over 15,000 fans once again watched their home team get "beaten up."
In the first half, the Pacers withstood the pressure with Jermaine O'Neal's excellent performance.
53:48, the New York Knicks led by only 5 points.
Soon after the third quarter began, Pacers fans felt that something was wrong.
Jermaine O'Neal couldn't get the ball, and Jalen Rose started missing shots again.
Fortunately, the New York Knicks missed two open shots, so the score difference remained unchanged at that time.
During this Pacers possession, the cheers from the live audience also became disorganized.
Jamal Tinsley was suppressed by Clay Lee as he dribbled past half-court, forced to turn his body to protect the ball, frequently sticking out his rear.
As long as he couldn't shake off the Defense with speed at the first moment, facing Lee's fronting Defense and underhand interference, Jamal Tinsley found it difficult to quickly organize an offense.
Left with no choice, he passed the ball early after crossing half-court, and the big man Miller came to the top of the arc to receive the ball, preparing to give a hand-off pass to his teammate.
Jamal Tinsley cut without the ball through the middle, taking Lee to the right baseline, then stopped moving.
Jalen Rose, on the left wing, first faked a cut, then suddenly twisted his body and accelerated with a reverse run towards the top of the key.
Ron Artest controlled his fouls well in the first half, only getting one.
In the third quarter, he resumed his defensive intensity, sticking tightly to his opponent with excellent lateral quickness.
Unable to shake off the Defense with pulling and grabbing, Jalen Rose couldn't complete the hand-off with his teammate for a moment.
The big man Miller couldn't deliver the pass in time, and Pau Gasol behind him also started interfering.
Jalen Rose reluctantly ran towards the right wing, and Reggie Miller quickly accelerated from the left baseline towards the top of the key.
Grant Hill was also chasing hard, but Reggie Miller was experienced.
Unable to shake off the Defense, he fell to the ground, drawing a foul.
The referee immediately blew the whistle, and the Pacers got a sideline out opportunity.
Such a scene made Coach D'Antoni shake his head with a smile on the sidelines.
He didn't complain to the referee, but simply clapped his hands and gave his players a thumbs up:
"Good job!"
The big man Miller inbounded the ball, and Jamal Tinsley quickly came to the left wing to receive it.
As soon as he caught the pass, Lee again came up to guard him closely.
This Rookie at this moment dared not sweep the ball to make a triple-threat move.
He had been stolen twice in the first half, so after receiving the ball, he immediately turned his body to protect it.
Jermaine O'Neal was still battling Kurt Thomas, annoyed by the subtle movements from behind him, and coupled with frequent fronting Defense, Jermaine O'Neal's movements became increasingly aggressive.
Fortunately, seeing Jermaine O'Neal establish position, the referee would not blow the whistle.
Pushed to the left block, far from the basket, Jermaine O'Neal finally received the pass.
Quickly putting the ball down with his left hand, and backing down twice, Jermaine O'Neal swayed his shoulder, then quickly turned towards the baseline, and shot a fadeaway jumper over Kurt Thomas's block!
"Bang!"
Clearly, the previous contact affected his shooting touch.
The basketball hit the rim and bounced out, and Pau Gasol, who had retreated to the paint, secured the defensive rebound again.
Clay Lee received the ball, and the New York Knicks players accelerated across half-court.
Jamal Tinsley could only continue to guard him, but found that Lee was advancing very slowly this time.
Kurt Thomas now saw Lee raise an eyebrow, and quickly moved from the left elbow area to the top of the arc to set a high screen.
Sensing the movement behind him, Jamal Tinsley quickly stepped forward to defend, preparing to squeeze through the screen, while loudly reminding his teammates to double-team.
At the logo, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, took advantage of the opponent's close Defense, quickly pushed the ball to change direction, switched to his left hand, and used the screen to squeeze past Kurt Thomas.
Unable to squeeze through the screen in time, Jamal Tinsley loudly reminded him, and Jermaine O'Neal quickly moved to the three-point line near the left wing.
Lowering his center of gravity and accelerating his breakthrough, Clay Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, quickly dribbled between his legs as he approached the three-point line, and while shaking his body forward to the right, he exerted force with his feet and took a step back in the opposite direction.
Jermaine O'Neal instinctively moved a step back to the left, and then could only watch as Lee stepped back and gathered the ball, quickly jumping up for a shot from beyond the three-point line!
Although Jamal Tinsley, who had chased back to defend, jumped up beside him to interfere, it didn't have much effect.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim!
56:48, the lead was once again extended.
"Boo!" The Pacers fans erupted in boos, but the sound was much quieter than in the first half.
Coach Isiah Thomas saw Jermaine O'Neal's pleading eyes, but only continued to gesture for him to stay calm.
It was difficult for the inside players to receive the ball, so Reggie Miller, in desperation, popped out to the right wing, put the ball down with his left hand, and drove simply.
After a fumbling drive into the paint, Old Miller's fading jump shot against the Defense once again clanked off the rim.
This time, the ball, which hit the front rim, was just collected by Grant Hill, who had completed his Defense and twisted his body.
The Pacers could only retreat quickly, and both teams' players accelerated towards half-court.
Dribbling the ball with his left hand past mid-court, Grant Hill moved to the top of the arc and began to move to the left wing.
Jamal Tinsley defended Lee closely on his side, but the hand-off pass couldn't be completed.
As he reached the left wing, Grant Hill dribbled behind his back to his right hand.
At the top of the arc, Lee leaned on the defender, took the pass sideways, and immediately twisted his body to face the basket and attack.
The Pacers had just completed their defensive matchups at this point, with the big men stationed near the left and right baselines, and Old Miller and Jalen Rose also stopped on the left and right wings.
After receiving the ball, Lee protected it on his right side, and continuously probed with his left foot to the side.
Jamal Tinsley lowered his center of gravity and continuously interfered with his hands.
Suddenly sweeping the ball quickly to the left, Lee's release point was almost touching the floor.
Jamal Tinsley instinctively moved a step back to the right.
Seizing the opportunity, Lee exerted force with his feet while pulling the ball back to his right side, and as he raised the ball, he leaned back slightly, jumping up quickly for a shot against the block!
"Swish!" Another three-pointer went in.
59:48, the boos in the stadium were silenced by more than half.
Clay Lee looked at the big man Miller, who was breaking down and slamming the ball after the baseline inbound pass, and a smile appeared on his face again.
"I told you long ago, you should double-team me!"
Clay Lee shouted again to Coach Isiah Thomas on the sidelines as he retreated to defend.
Thomas's face lengthened when he heard this.
Tonight's game had actually already involved double-teams, but in the first half, the Knicks' role players performed well, and in the second half, after missing shots, they wanted to change their defensive strategy.
After several consecutive scoreless possessions, the Pacers once again passed the ball to Jermaine O'Neal, who had moved up to the right block.
This time, he didn't choose to post up, but instead faced the basket and continuously dribbled between his legs.
When he switched to his left hand, Jermaine O'Neal faked a drive, then leaned on the defender and quickly spun towards the basket.
Kurt Thomas was prepared. He interfered with Jermaine O'Neal's hands as he gathered the ball, disrupting his offensive rhythm, and Jermaine O'Neal's right-handed floater once again clanked off the rim.
Pau Gasol secured the rebound, and the cheering in Conseco Fieldhouse completely disappeared.
Pacers fans just felt the game was over.
Amidst the noise, Lee received the ball and slowly dribbled it past half-court again.
As he reached the right wing, the Pacers' defensive formation began to shift to the left as Pau Gasol moved up to set a screen.
Clay Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, approached the three-point line.
Jamal Tinsley began to lower his center of gravity, and the big man Miller also came out to defend, preparing to double-team with his teammates.
Noticing that Jalen Rose had started to move towards the paint, Lee suddenly jumped up and tossed the ball with one hand before the screen and roll could happen.
The ball flew directly to the left corner.
The ball speed was too fast, and Jalen Rose was already too late to chase back and defend.
Everyone on the Pacers watched Ron Artest receive the ball wide open in the left corner and calmly jump up for a shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
62:48, three consecutive three-pointers, completely silenced the crowd.
Coach Isiah Thomas was expressionless and called a timeout.
Ron Artest jumped up and down excitedly, raising his right arm and holding up three fingers as he ran directly towards the Knicks' bench.
The atmosphere group also cheered loudly.
With a 14-point lead, they just needed to push a little harder, and the fourth quarter would be their time to rack up stats.
At the TNT broadcast booth, Jeff Van Gundy was once again invited to this crucial game.
The Bald Young Coach knew the Pacers were definitely done when he saw this situation:
"They should have firmly executed their defensive strategy. When the game plan deviates, that's when a leader player needs to make their own judgment on the situation on the court."
"Clearly, no one on the Pacers took on that responsibility. Clay Lee is good at seizing fleeting opportunities, and in the playoffs, a few possessions can determine the outcome of the game."
"Now the Pacers need to consider how to score a response, how not to let the lead widen. Their problems on offense are greater than on Defense!"
Jeff Van Gundy spoke eloquently, making Marv Albert nod repeatedly.
Compared to Mike Fratello, who always spoke well of veterans, the Bald Young Coach didn't care about that at all.
"Jeff, do you think the Pacers still have a chance to turn the game around, or even win this series?"
Hearing his partner's question, Jeff Van Gundy answered confidently and without reservation:
"Clay Lee has taken control of the game. It will be very difficult for the Pacers to come back. The two sides' ability to respond is not on the same level."
"Most importantly, the defensive resources on both sides are actually even more disparate. Jermaine O'Neal might get good stats, but he can't change the situation on the court."
"It's a shame that Reggie Miller, who is almost 38 years old, can no longer carry the Pacers' offense. They have already performed exceptionally well by reaching the semifinals!"
The Bald Young Coach's prediction was completely correct.
After the timeout, with a large lead, the Knicks' role players began to deliver heavy blows again.
Kurt Thomas and Pau Gasol frequently received easy passes, and when the opponent missed shots, Grant Hill scored two consecutive layups on steals.
Ron Artest not only completely shut down Jalen Rose, but even had a face-to-face steal and a one-man fast break dunk.
In addition, the wide-open three-pointers also responded, and Ron Artest continuously scored for a period of time.
All Clay Lee had to do was receive the ball, dribble it past half-court, make a pass, watch his teammates score, play hard Defense, and organize transition offense.
With 2 minutes and 06 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Lee missed a three-pointer.
Old Miller secured the long rebound, and the Pacers also had an opportunity for a transition offense.
After the miss, Lee retreated at full speed.
When he retreated near the paint, it was a two-on-one situation for the Pacers in the frontcourt.
Jamal Tinsley, holding the ball in his left hand, accelerated his drive, attracting Lee to shift, and immediately passed the ball to Reggie Miller, who was cutting in from the right wing.
To their surprise, Lee's reaction speed was incredibly fast.
After Reggie Miller received the ball, he took three big steps and jumped up, wanting to throw down a one-handed dunk to vent his frustration!
Jumping off his left foot and grasping the ball with his right hand, Reggie Miller soared into the air.
Only when he was airborne did he realize that Clay Lee, who had lost his defensive position, had arrived first, chasing back and also leaping high into the air.
Reggie Miller, who was preparing to wind up for a dunk, widened his eyes, watching Clay Lee's left hand press down on the ball.
The two struggled in mid-air, and Reggie Miller immediately lost his balance, falling to the floor with a thud.
"Oh!" The visually impactful block made the Pacers fans gasp loudly.
Clay Lee intercepted the ball in mid-air.
After landing, he controlled the possession, led the ball forward with his left hand, and after scooping the ball with his right hand, he accelerated past half-court.
Jamal Tinsley was completely stunned and couldn't catch up to Lee for a moment, turning the frontcourt into a Knicks advantage.
What stunned the Pacers' frontcourt players was that Clay Lee began to slow down after crossing mid-court, then immediately stopped abruptly at the top of the arc, and confidently jumped up for a shot from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly!
This was naturally not a reasonable offensive choice, but Marv Albert on the commentary desk praised loudly:
"What an exciting possession! In the third quarter, Clay Lee has dominated the Pacers on both ends of the court!"
In China, it was Sunday, and CCTV Sports was also broadcasting the game live. For this possession, Commentator B made the same comment:
"Good shot! So beautiful! After completing the block, he immediately followed up with a trailing three-pointer. Clay Lee played so reasonably!"
B was used to Lee's offensive choices, while Commentator A in the studio was still processing it.
Hearing the praise from his senior, he could only give the other person a helpless look:
"Is this still neutral commentary?"
81:60, the lead extended to 21 points, and the Conseco Fieldhouse seemed to have turned into a "library."
Clay Lee, who made the three-pointer, high-fived his teammates in celebration.
Reggie Miller, who had gotten up from the floor, watched as the fans in the front row began to bury their faces in their hands in disappointment, and he couldn't help but curse in frustration:
"Shit! Why is it always like this?"
In the final minute-plus, Jalen Rose, who had been missing shots, scored 2 points from the free throw line, but on the other end, Kurt Thomas continuously made mid-range jump shots from the free throw line.
The single quarter score was 34:14, and after three quarters, it was 87:62, with the game's suspense gone.
In the fourth quarter, although the Pacers fought hard to catch up, time ran out.
The New York Knicks' rotation players also performed very well, and Clay Lee did not return to the court.
He played 30 minutes, shooting 11-for-17 from the field, 5-for-9 from three-point range, and 4-for-5 from the free throw line, finishing with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.
After delivering another double-double, Clay Lee smiled and got up to fist-bump with the atmosphere group as the game ended.
111:90, the Knicks defeated their opponent by a large margin, making the series score 3:0.
In the Conseco Fieldhouse, most Pacers fans quietly left.
Many people had already known in their hearts that the home team couldn't win, but they still held some hope before the game started.
It's just that reality was too cruel, and the Knicks once again exploded in the third quarter with a run that took the game away.
Coach Isiah Thomas had long lost his smile.
When he came to the scorer's table to shake hands with Mike D'Antoni, he didn't say a word.
After shaking hands, the famous player turned and left.
Bidding farewell to the season in such a manner, his position as Head Coach was also precarious.
Kurt Thomas was interviewed courtside tonight.
He scored 20 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double on 8-for-12 shooting!
When asked by the TNT reporter about the secret to his efficiency tonight, Kurt Thomas stood with his hands on his hips and said seriously to the camera:
"Strictly follow the coaching staff's arrangements, do my job well, and Lee will create open shot opportunities for me. All I have to do is put the ball in the basket!"
"Under Lee's control, in three games, our tactical discipline has been better than our opponent's! This is the secret to the Knicks' efficiency!"
On the morning of May 12th, the Eastern Conference Semifinals would continue, and Pacers fans would have to witness their opponent advance at home again.
In the afternoon, when the Knicks had an early warm-up, Clay Lee also accepted an interview with TNT.
The series no longer had any suspense, and most sports reporters no longer asked questions about wins and losses:
"Lee, have you been following the Los Angeles Lakers' game? Head Coach Popovich believes that the officiating at their home court has always been problematic."
Because the Knicks won the three games too easily, the coaching staff indeed began to prepare for the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals early.
However, Lee didn't pay much attention to the situation in the Western Conference.
He only saw the game results.
The series score was 2:2, with the Lakers protecting their home court:
"Referees are also part of the game. In the regular season, we worked hard for our ranking so that we could enjoy home-court advantage in the playoffs."
"I didn't pay attention to the game details, but I think the Spurs have a chance to eliminate their opponent. They have one more home game than them!"
Soon, a reporter informed Lee of the game's details: David Robinson fouled out in 14 minutes with 6 fouls, and the Lakers shot 45 free throws in one game.
Kobe Bryant shot 10-for-24 from the field, 1-for-4 from three-point range, and 14-for-17 from the free throw line, scoring 35 points.
Shaquille O'Neal shot 6-for-17 from the field and 17-for-23 from the free throw line, tallying a huge double-double with 29 points and 17 rebounds.
When asked to comment on their performances, Lee just shrugged and jokingly remarked:
"Shaq's free throws were pretty good, otherwise the Spurs should have had match point!"
"..."
The Pacers were completely overlooked, and basketball commentators would not criticize the nearly 38-year-old veteran.
Many people only had respect for Reggie Miller, who dedicated his entire career to the Pacers.
He couldn't win a championship, but Reggie Miller gave his all.
Before the game that night, Grant Hill praised the veteran during an interview:
"Sometimes the outcome of the game isn't important. Miller represents a spirit. He has inspired many young players!"
"However, on the basketball court, no matter the opponent's physical condition, I will give my all. This is also a way for me to show respect!"
Reggie Miller's performance in this series was very undignified.
After realizing that the veteran's physical condition had deteriorated after the Game 7 battle, Grant Hill would actively post up and attack in some offensive possessions.
The effect was naturally excellent, but this kind of "picking on" weaker opponents also drew some idle criticism.
Coach D'Antoni also completely showed his hand in a recent interview, bluntly expressing his tactical philosophy:
"On the court, the Knicks are all about finding more mismatch opportunities. All tactics serve this purpose."
"Clay Lee is too outstanding. Under his control, the team's offense has become reasonable and efficient!"
"I know everyone likes to see star matchups. If the opponent doesn't double-team Clay Lee, I will let him execute more isolation plays."
"Unfortunately, we haven't encountered such an opponent yet!"
Before the game, Mike D'Antoni said this with a smile, and then he leaned back tactically.
The Pacers' beat reporters were so infuriated, some even whispered behind his back:
"If we had a player like Clay Lee, the championship would be the Pacers'!"
With a large series deficit, sports media in Indiana began to discuss the team's building philosophy more.
Facts proved that no player can resist the erosion of time, and Reggie Miller was no longer able to carry the team's offense.
After Game 4 began that night, the Pacers fans in the arena quickly lost their enthusiasm.
As if caught in a time loop, the home team continued to repeat the previous games.
At the end of the first quarter, it was 34:20.
Looking at the double-digit deficit, the Pacers' atmosphere group also fell silent.
Unable to score, unable to defend.
When Clay Lee was double-teamed, the Knicks' role players responded.
Lee was already sitting on the bench with his jacket on.
He knew that the opposing Defense had completely collapsed.
The NBA is about to announce the All-Defense teams, and Ron Artest has been excited these past two days, still bragging on the bench:
"So what if Ben wins DPOY? He's about to be eliminated by the Nets!"
"Next year, this award will be mine!"
Ewing didn't look at Artest, who was bragging.
When he returned to his seat, he also talked about the upcoming opponent:
"I didn't expect the Nets to make it to the Conference Finals this season. Those guys really performed well."
As the game began, Lee sat in his seat with his arms crossed, leaning back tactically.
He was naturally very satisfied with his next Eastern Conference Finals opponent:
"I'll get to enjoy seven more home games, and I won't have to fly anymore. In the coming years, I really hope we can always face the Nets in the Conference Finals."
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)