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 the evening of June 11, 2003, at the SBC Center, San Antonio Spurs fans witnessed the birth of a new record!
By the fourth quarter, both teams had already put in their bench lineups.
The reason for such a quick surrender was primarily Tony Parker's uninspired performance in the latter part of the game.
When the French Sports Car turned into a French Tractor, relying solely on the aging "Admiral" and the Argentinian Rookie naturally couldn't win the game.
(A/N: That's Tony nickname in chinese. It's hilarious tho đ)
"Boo!"
To express their feelings, over eighteen thousand San Antonio Spurs fans booed from time to time.
The battle for honor was gone.
Tonight, the San Antonio Spurs were destined to create new history!
At the commentary table, Tolbert and Bill Walton had long stopped talking about the game, only Nessler, with a stiff upper lip, introduced:
"In the 1998 Finals, the game between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks set the largest Finals point difference in NBA history at 42 points!"
"There are still 1 minute and 58 seconds left in the game, Danny Ferry made both free throws, and the San Antonio Spurs are still trailing by 44 points."
"Tonight, we might witness a new Finals record."
His two partners didn't mention this information, mainly because they were afraid of complaints from San Antonio fans after the game.
Nessler also felt a bit awkward after saying this.
It wasn't a good thing.
Tolbert cleared his throat and quickly introduced another record:
"With the San Antonio Spurs losing tonight, we will also witness the seventh 4-0 sweep in NBA Finals history!"
"No one wanted to see Tim Duncan's injury. After eliminating the defending champion, the San Antonio Spurs should have played better, but this is competitive sports, and injuries are sometimes part of the game."
After the San Antonio Spurs moved into their new arena, fans initially thought they would witness a championship in their new home and see their championship banner hanging above the new SBC Center.
But tonight's game broke the hearts of many fans.
Even the old fan holding a whiteboard to cheer for David Robinson gave up, which was simply outrageous!
The San Antonio Spurs fans sitting in the back rows couldn't hold it in anymore, and many were booing and shouting:
"Refund!"
"Do you deserve us? Refund!"
After consecutively "feeding trash" to the fans in two home games, this massive loss and being completely swept out of the Finals was a result San Antonio Spurs fans could not accept.
Coach D'Antoni stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, smiling, waiting for the game to end.
In just one season, he successfully left his name in NBA history.
This experience was even more outrageous than the Bald Young Coach before him.
The New York Knicks had already put in their 12th man, Matt Barnes, who also successfully made his Finals debut.
Everyone was still playing hard, not letting up at all.
The point difference consistently floated around 44 points.
Clay Lee, who had changed into his practice uniform early, felt a slight regret.
This record was still not as shocking as the future 58-point difference.
With 36.6 seconds left in the entire game, both teams stopped attacking.
Lee also stood up, smiling and clapping continuously.
The New York Knicks Rookies were jumping and cheering.
It was their first championship in their professional careers, and everyone was impatient!
On the other side, on the San Antonio Spurs bench, Tim Duncan just kept watching the situation on the court, not saying more than 5 sentences throughout the entire game, seemingly completely broken.
Gregg Popovich, sitting on the bench, was also stunned.
He didn't expect Tony Parker to surrender so early, and the San Antonio Spurs were already down by 26 points at halftime.
Assistant Coach Mike Budenholzer also seemed unable to accept this result, lowering his head, looking very dejected.
Assistant Coach Mike Brown on the other side kept watching the game, looking thoughtful. After this series, he realized the importance of a true MVP!
As the final buzzer sounded, the diminutive Knight tossed the basketball into the air, and the New York Knicks players on the court cheered happily, embracing each other.
117:72, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs by a large margin, sweeping their opponent 4-0 and winning the championship again.
Sports reporters all rushed to the bench area.
Mike D'Antoni held onto Lee and wouldn't let go.
Only after the game ended did Mike D'Antoni confirm that he had indeed won the championship:
"Thank you! Lee! You helped me achieve my dream!"
After achieving success in Italy, Mike D'Antoni's first foray into the NBA was a failure.
His emphasis on disciplined basketball and the concept of seeking mismatches were out of sync with that era.
It wasn't until he became the Head Coach of the New York Knicks and understood the "AFK (Away From Keyboard) essence" that everything changed!
Lee understood Mike D'Antoni's feelings and proactively patted Mike D'Antoni's shoulder:
"Coach, I promise, this is just the beginning, we will keep winning!"
Controlling his excitement, Mike D'Antoni then realized it was time to greet the opponents.
Several assistant coaches and trainers also came forward to hug Lee.
Among the current team, they had worked together the longest, witnessed the rise of the New York Knicks, and also witnessed last year's defeat.
Winning the championship by rebuilding in such a way made everyone very happy.
As for the so-called championship's value, no one cared about it at this moment.
After Lee and Ewing embraced, Gorilla was beaming with joy.
His old opponent not doing well made him feel exceptionally good.
David Robinson was still sitting on the bench at this time, unwilling to get up, looking down at the floor, not saying a word.
His professional career ended without a championship.
Among the once Four Great Centers, only he didn't win a championship, and David Robinson still felt a bit sad.
Gregg Popovich also sat on the bench and didn't go to comfort his players.
He could hear the San Antonio Spurs fans in the arena shouting "Fire him."
Such a Finals loss completely turned the team into a joke.
Gregg Popovich, whose white hair was becoming increasingly sparse, covered his face with his hands.
He didn't know why the game turned out this way.
This season, he led the team to 60 wins, but they were swept out.
Some New York sports reporters were smiling and circling the San Antonio Spurs bench.
There was no rush to interview Lee.
There was plenty of time in the off-season.
But seeing the opponents' broken state, they had to get first-hand information.
New York fans loved this kind of thing, and no one was getting away this year!
"Boo!"
San Antonio Spurs fans were still booing.
This game had utterly disappointed them in their team.
45 points, the largest point difference in the Finals.
Perhaps in another 20 years, when this record is discussed, future fans will still mock the San Antonio Spurs.
Tony Parker, who surrendered early, was not affected by the atmosphere.
Dressed in his San Antonio Spurs practice uniform, he proactively shook hands with the New York Knicks players after the game.
Manu Ginobili, who had just entered the NBA this season, was a bit disappointed, but he controlled his emotions very well.
Reaching the Finals was a success, and Manu Ginobili felt that the start of his professional career was quite good.
After the game, he also smiled and greeted the New York Knicks players.
Only Bruce Bowen walked to the locker room early.
This DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) for the San Antonio Spurs would naturally not compromise with the media.
Since he had chosen this most difficult path, he intended to continue on it!
With his head held high and lips pursed, Bruce Bowen quickly walked to the locker room, ignoring the shouts of the San Antonio Spurs staff behind him.
He didn't want to shake hands with the opponents.
This series was a nightmarish experience.
Tony Parker's English was still a bit halting, basically similar to Pau Gasol's.
He could barely understand everyday conversations.
When he came before Lee, he could only simply say:
"Congratulations, Clay! You are the better team, and it was an honor to play against you!"
Although the French Sports Car surrendered early, Lee liked his choice.
Tonight, he only played 28 minutes, mostly slacking off on the bench, thanks to Tony Parker's performance:
"I see your talent. Add some physicality, and you will become a big star in the future!"
Hearing such praise, Tony Parker was still somewhat happy and proactively came forward to hug him again.
Losing his first Finals in his professional career, Tony Parker was very satisfied with his experience, after all, this was only his second season in his professional career.
The Rookie Manu Ginobili didn't expect Lee's Spanish to be so good.
A bit of mutual flattery also made this Rookie happy.
At this time, Manu Ginobili's hair was still quite thick, completely different from his future image as an old bald man.
"Thank you for your advice, Lee! I will continue to hone my body, and I hope to play against you again on the Finals stage!"
Manu Ginobili smiled and proactively came forward to fist bump again.
International players, when they lose, adjust their mindset quickly.
For these players, the Olympics, where they play for their country, might be even more important than the league.
Ewing was still comforting a heartbroken David Robinson, who was still unwilling, with red eyes, having lost too badly.
Sports reporters from all around followed Lee to the center of the court.
David Robinson adjusted his emotions before stepping forward to embrace and greet him:
"Congratulations, Clay! Your fifth championship of your career!"
"Aren't you going to play one more season? Believe me, you're still better than many big men in the NBA."
Hearing Lee's words, David Robinson still shook his head.
He didn't want to change his decision easily:
"This is your era. By next year, at 39, if I have to guard pick-and-rolls, I can only watch you score at the basket. I'm too old. I need to return to life and enter another stage of my life."
After saying this, David Robinson patted Lee's shoulder, feeling somewhat relieved, and a forced smile appeared on his face.
Grant Hill comforted Tim Duncan, who was on crutches, understanding the pain caused by injuries:
"Tim, choosing to rest is the right decision. You're still young and have a long career ahead. I suggest you get another thorough check-up."
"Ankle injuries can't be taken lightly. Many times, you should be responsible for your own body, not just trust the team's opinion."
"Perhaps we'll continue to face each other next season!"
Grant Hill patted Duncan's shoulder as encouragement.
His experience with the Detroit Pistons had cost him his explosiveness, and this physical damage was irreversible.
After winning this year's championship, Grant Hill felt completely at ease, and his advice was particularly sincere.
After some mutual compliments, Duncan finally came to the center of the court.
A Grade 2 sprain was fortunate, but the losing Duncan was still unwilling.
He didn't have red eyes like his older brother, and his face still didn't show much emotion:
"Congratulations, Lee! The New York Knicks are the better team, and you've set a new record!"
Looking at Duncan on crutches, Lee couldn't help but sigh that he was indeed unlucky, but he wouldn't sympathize with his opponent.
After a fist bump, he said with a smile:
"Go back and rest well. You'll be fine in a few weeks!"
"The San Antonio Spurs are still in their growth phase. I've had this experience, and believe me, the future still belongs to you!"
(A/N: đđđ)
Duncan forced a smile.
He had heard these words in 1999, and four years later, Lee was already being discussed as one of the greatest players in history, while he himself had accomplished nothing.
Receiving the "Future Champion Award" for the second time, Duncan, on crutches, expressionlessly bumped fists with everyone from the New York Knicks one by one, then quickly walked back to the player tunnel.
San Antonio Spurs fans on both sides were still cheering for Duncan.
Unlike Tony Parker, who had surrendered early, this was their hero!
David Stern was still chatting with San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt on the sidelines.
James Dolan, who had unleashed a verbal barrage, didn't care about the other party's emotions.
When the two had talked enough, he leaned in and said triumphantly:
"The NBA should introduce some rules to protect perimeter players. Lee is a treasure for everyone. Honestly, he saved the NBA Finals ratings this year!"
"Mr. Stern has already agreed. We'll be busy during the offseason, Mr. Holt. I hope you'll cast a vote then. This is a win-win choice."
Few reporters noticed the situation here, so no one noticed Peter Holt's grim expression.
This year, the San Antonio Spurs had become the second joke.
David Stern didn't want to see news of James Dolan mocking his opponents on the next day's newspaper:
"We still have a lot of work to do after this. Now, we should congratulate the champions!"
NBA staff quickly came forward to greet the New York Knicks.
Mike Tirico hosted this year's awards ceremony, and San Antonio Spurs legend Elliot from the broadcast studio also came to the venue.
For Elliot, his mood was complicated at this time.
The failure in 1999 made his career regrettable, and this year, David Robinson followed the same path.
When he walked into the San Antonio Spurs locker room and saw everyone silent, Elliot sighed in his heart, then stepped forward to comfort his old teammate:
"David, if you choose to play one more year, I'll support you. Next season, the San Antonio Spurs will be in better form!"
David Robinson looked at the silent Duncan, but ultimately shook his head and refused.
His career officially ended today.
At this moment, the visiting team's locker room was filled with laughter.
The New York Knicks had extensive experience in receiving awards and knew that the atmosphere for an away award ceremony could be dull.
Therefore, this year, the players brought their family and friends to create a lively atmosphere.
Melinda and Kim had been watching the game from the suite, accompanied by Grant Hill's singer wife Tamia and the family members of the New York Knicks staff.
The three of them had no interest in competing with the San Antonio fans, so they had changed into their championship T-shirts early and were waiting in the locker room.
In contrast, Ron Artest had the largest group of family and friends, including relatives, friends, their neighbors, and the neighbors' friends.
With the support of numerous aunts and uncles, they formed a sizable entourage.
Everyone chose to show off in the front rows, and at this moment, they were still busy exchanging insults with the San Antonio Spurs fans on site.
Most of the other players' family and friends chose to watch the game from the front rows, feeling uncomfortable if they didn't show off.
Before the award ceremony began, everyone had already surrounded the podium.
This season's white championship T-shirts were also specially made, featuring seven trophies and the New York Knicks logo, with '73-9' and '16-0' marked on both cuffs.
The front office had long prepared the championship attire.
James Dolan had a mysterious confidence, starting to make predictions after winning Game 1.
In the end, the curly-haired owner wasn't hit by a boomerang, which counted as a successful display of arrogance.
Lee, receiving his fifth award, simply smiled and fist-bumped the excited Rookies one by one.
For him, this year's championship was simply too easy.
Grant Hill was especially happy, and Pau Gasol was beaming.
It was a completely new experience.
Melinda tied her short hair into a bun tonight.
After several years as a lawyer, she had completely lost the sweet girl aura from her college days.
Kim was the same.
After working for many years at the Federal Southern District Prosecutor's Office, she no longer had the delicate image she once had working in the mailroom of the Albuquerque law firm.
"Tamia, when we get back to Manhattan, are you two going to have another party? I've never seen Grant this happy!"
Melinda tilted her head and whispered to the big singer beside her.
Tamia immediately nodded, smiling brightly as she said:
"I know he always wanted to contribute to the team. This is his first championship after completely recovering from injury, and we definitely have to celebrate!"
"Kim, when are you taking time off? You all must come!"
"Clay won the championship, so I can take leave anytime. We can go to Long Island for a few days!"
The big singer had mentioned this at their last gathering.
Kim reminded her, which made Tamia nod repeatedly.
In the New York Knicks locker room, everyone was celebrating happily, and the staff had already prepared champagne.
The San Antonio Spurs' new SBC Center locker room was quite nice, and this locker room would soon be filled with the smell of champagne.
Mike D'Antoni had been hugging everyone he met after the game ended.
In contrast, Gregg Popovich returned to the locker room with no intention of giving pep talks.
In 1993, Gregg Popovich came to the San Antonio Spurs as general manager.
He had worked for the team for many years.
This was his home.
Team owner Peter Holt came to the locker room and noticed everyone's low spirits, and quickly reassured Gregg Popovich:
"Greg, I believe in you! One day we will succeed, don't mind the rumors!"
"David, thank you for your contributions to the San Antonio Spurs. The team will continue to strengthen during the offseason. This is my promise to everyone!"
Even if he didn't fight for bread, he had to fight for dignity.
Peter Holt was indeed furious this time, but fortunately, he also knew who the team's true backbone was:
"Tim, rest assured and recover from your injury. We will only allow you to return to the court when you are fully recovered."
"We know your talent. In less than three years, the San Antonio Spurs will definitely win the championship!"
Gregg Popovich was completely relieved.
After regaining his spirits, he joined the owner in showering the team with encouragement.
Tim Duncan remained silent throughout all the assurances, only looking at everyone's expectant gazes before finally giving his answer:
"I will not leave San Antonio. God brought me here, and I will fulfill my promise to the fans!"
"..."
The New York Knicks, who had returned to the arena, had already changed into their championship T-shirts.
The players' families were now acting as the hype squad, cheering and clapping along.
Mike Tirico has worked at ESPN for many years, and in the past, he served as a host on Sport Center, so his hosting experience is naturally very rich.
Born in New York and raised in Queens, Mike Tirico is also a fan of the New York Knicks, but he truly started liking the team in 1998.
The New York Knicks players came to the awards stage and, ignoring the boos from the SBC Center, began to cheer and hype themselves up.
At the front, James Dolan and Coach D'Antoni were beaming with joy, while David Stern and Clay Lee wore polite smiles.
"This is the first season ABC has re-taken the broadcasting rights for the Finals, and I am delighted to witness this exciting moment with the vast number of fans."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us invite NBA Commissioner Mr. David Stern to present the O'Brien Cup to the championship team."
Taking the microphone from a staff member, David Stern began to report statistics again, educating fans on how successful the NBA has been this season.
After a round of only good news and no bad, David Stern then picked up the o'brien cup and said with a smile:
"This season, we witnessed the New York Knicks create a 29-game winning streak, and after the regular season, we once again witnessed the birth of the best record in NBA history!"
"Entering the playoffs, the 73-win New York Knicks showed us their dominance, with a 16-0 record, the best playoff record in history!"
"The 2002-2003 NBA champions are the New York Knicks! Let us all congratulate the champions!"
Having specially changed into a more sharply tailored black suit, James Dolan's face was flushed.
After receiving the O'Brien Cup, he immediately raised it high, and everyone from the New York Knicks behind him cheered in unison:
"Wow!"
Making money while doing nothing, the immensely profitable James Dolan then entered a state of mindless boasting, and he was very proud of being able to select Mike D'Antoni:
"Mike D'Antoni's arrival has made the New York Knicks more dominant! He promised me back then that the team would average 110 points per game, and he delivered. We fulfilled our promise together!"
"Lee, the NBA's greatest player!"
"If you missed the era of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, missed the Chicago Bulls dynasty created by Michael Jordan in the 90s, do not feel regretful!"
"From now on, follow Clay Lee, follow the New York Knicks, and you will witness the NBA's greatest player lead the team to create miracles!"
"âŠ"
The wildly boasting James Dolan clung to the microphone, and if the NBA had not forbidden it, he would most likely have announced the New York Knicks ticket hotline:
"Want to see how a dynasty team dominates the league? Better CallâŠ"
Finally, the host Mike Tirico had to slightly interrupt the passionate speech of this individual, and after the curly-haired owner's boasting, the boos grew even louder.
David Stern did not care about these details.
When he took the microphone again, holding the golden spherical FMVP trophy, he said loudly:
"4 Finals games, averaging 35.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 11.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.0 turnovers."
"In his career, he has achieved 40+ points 12 times in the Finals. I cannot describe how excellent he is!"
"Undoubtedly, the winner of the 2002-2003 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award is Clay Lee!"
"Let's congratulate him once again on winning this award for the 5th time!"
Handing the trophy to Lee, David Stern then whispered:
"Starting next season, the NBA will introduce new rules to protect players, Lee, maintain this form and you will achieve even more!"
Lee nodded upon hearing this, then picked up the trophy and looked around, finding it identical to previous years, and then teased:
"Mr. Stern, can the NBA change the trophy design in the future?"
David Stern patted Lee and immediately laughed, then whispered:
"That's a good suggestion!"
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
In the SBC Center, a small group of New York fans began to shout continuously, venting their excitement.
The New York Knicks players handed the O'Brien Cup back, and holding both trophies, Lee stood in the center, posing for sports reporters to take pictures.
Such an easy championship, Lee simply expressed his thanks, then gave up his position, as Coach D'Antoni and his other teammates needed this interview more.
Squeezing to the back, Lee handed the two trophies to Melinda and Kim, embraced them both, and then greeted Ewing's wife nearby:
"Rita! You look beautiful tonight! Come take a couple of photos for us, I need pretty girls to help me increase my luck right now!"
Rita, with her wavy hair, chuckled upon hearing Lee's words, and after raising her camera, she even complained about Gorilla:
"He's just a show-off, all he does is eat and sleep every day. He really should learn from a young man like you!"
Although Ewing was somewhat affected by the Golden Club incident two years ago, Rita ultimately chose to forgive him, which was related to the New York Media actively suppressing the matter.
Melinda, holding the trophy, smiled with her big eyes curved, and stood on her tiptoes to kiss Lee.
Kim was still a bit shy, only leaning on his shoulder, and was soon kissed by Lee as well.
The three of them were in a playful huddle, oblivious to the sports media reporters taking pictures around them.
After the group photo, Lee handed the trophies to Ron Artest and the Rookies.
Having not touched a trophy last year, he had to get his fill this year!
Coach D'Antoni, who was currently being interviewed, was quite emotional.
After reminiscing about past hardships and present sweetness, he began to express his gratitude:
"I want to thank Lee, he saved my tactical philosophy!"
"It's hard for me to explain, even I didn't believe this tactic, which is completely different from the mainstream style, would succeed."
"He is a true genius, his understanding of basketball surpasses many people's imagination!"
"âŠ"
Lee, holding the two girls in the back, felt a sense of relief upon hearing everyone taking turns to boast.
With a thought, he quickly received feedback:
{Tony Parker's extraordinary speed}
The previous speed talent of Allen Iverson had not been fully digested, with his speed value reaching 95, and then thinking of a new batch of "new leeks" appearing, Lee smiled happily:
"I can continue harvesting in the coming years!"
ABC's awards ceremony was long, and Grant Hill, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, and others all got a chance to be interviewed.
Kobe, who was still adjusting his body in Los Angeles, also watched the game on TV tonight.
Seeing all the New York Knicks players gathered together, with Lee sitting in the very center holding two trophies for a group photo, Kobe unhappily changed the channel.
Ever since losing the Western Conference Semifinals, ESPN had been gossiping daily about his conflict with Shaquille O'Neal, Phil Jackson had not made a clear statement, and since Kobe had not accepted interviews, more fans believed O'Neal's side of the story.
After losing the game, Kobe did not have his "4 AM Los Angeles" moment.
He indeed wanted to practice intensely, but his body couldn't handle it, and his knee needed surgery.
Vanessa knew Kobe was in a bad mood, and seeing the happy group photo of the New York Knicks on TV, she couldn't help but say:
"Honey, do you want me to go with you for the surgery? I'm very worried about your physical condition."
After losing the semifinals, the spotlight was first stolen by the Chosen One about to enter the NBA, and then his "arch-rival" broke records and won another championship.
At this point, Kobe just wanted to clear his mind:
"Don't worry, it's just a minor surgery, I won't leave until the end of the month, and I'll be back in Los Angeles with you soon!"
Thinking that major sports media outlets would surely mock him during the offseason, and then the topic of "greatest player in history" would be discussed, Kobe, holding his wife, felt even more depressed:
"At this moment, I should have been standing there!"
"âŠ"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)