Check out my new fanfic. A cote x hikigaya crossover.
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***
In the NBA, most teams that lose the Finals are not worth remembering, but the 2000 Finals were a bit different!
Although the Lakers lost, Shaquille O'Neal's fans could proudly declare:
"The Lakers lost, but Shaquille O'Neal didn't!"
In tonight's game, Shaquille O'Neal shot 16 of 28 from the field and 4 of 13 from the free-throw line, scoring another 36 points.
Although he couldn't lead the team to a comeback, his performance was more than enough.
In the 5 Finals games, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 46.8 minutes, 38.6 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
He averaged 26.6 field goal attempts per game, with a 57.2% field goal percentage, and 17.8 free throw attempts per game, with a 45.7% free throw percentage.
Shaquille O'Neal's monstrous double-double stats also stunned many critics:
"The stats are off the charts!"
Although his field goal percentage was similar to the regular season, the increased shot attempts without a drop in efficiency already demonstrated Shaquille O'Neal's dominance.
If it weren't for his abysmal free throws, a super-sized double-double averaging over 40 points wouldn't have been a problem for Shaquille O'Neal.
On the evening of June 16, while the Knicks were celebrating their third consecutive championship, a stone-faced Shaquille O'Neal appeared at the post-game press conference.
The New York Media also greatly admired Shaq's performance in the series, so they immediately expressed their respect at the press conference.
Watching the Lakers duo take their seats, a reporter from the New York Post quickly stood up and seriously asked Shaquille O'Neal:
"Shaq, have you considered joining the Knicks? Ewing is about to retire. Come to New York, team up with Lee, and you two can dominate the league!"
Upon hearing such a question, Shaquille O'Neal almost got up and left.
He was the regular season MVP.
Joining a team he couldn't beat would mean he could never hold his head high again:
"I don't like New York, and I don't like the Knicks, and I have no interest in teaming up with the person who defeated me!"
"I'm an MVP, and Lee is also an MVP. In my opinion, we are both superstars. He can win against me once, and next year I will win it back."
"That's what I want to say. Next year, I will still be in the Finals!"
After answering the question in a low voice, Shaquille O'Neal fell silent.
He always felt that the New York Media below the stage were mocking him.
Kobe, who was beside him, had a low presence.
Tonight, he shot 9 of 19 from the field, 1 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line, also scoring 24 points.
However, most of his points came in the second half.
When the Lakers' deficit widened in the first half, Kobe Bryant didn't respond in time.
In the 5 Finals games, he averaged 42.0 minutes, contributing 21.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.8 turnovers per game.
He averaged 18.0 field goal attempts per game, with a 45.8% field goal percentage, 2.6 three-point attempts per game, with a 13.3% three-point percentage, and 4.8 free throw attempts per game, with a 76.7% free throw percentage.
Compared to the regular season, Kobe's stats had a slight dip, but overall he performed normally and also had some highlight plays.
Kobe was not satisfied with his stats, or rather, he was not satisfied with his body.
Under intense physicality, his shooting percentage dropped.
His scoring was inconsistent and relied too much on his shooting touch.
Kobe felt particularly uncomfortable whenever he thought about Lee putting up 180 Club stats under his Defense:
"I was completely outplayed."
Most media reporters directed their questions to Shaq.
Kobe's stats were good, but not eye catching.
Finally, the Los Angeles Media saved some face for Kobe by routinely asking:
"Kobe, we noticed a slight dip in your performance in the Finals compared to the regular season and Western Conference Playoffs. Can you elaborate on the specific reasons?"
Finding shortcomings after a game is a common issue for young players.
Kobe didn't offer platitudes but responded seriously in a low voice:
"I will continue to refine my body. I need to score efficiently in highly physical games."
"Shaq is right, we will be in the Finals again next year."
Both Shaq and Kobe were dressed in loose formal wear, and the entire press conference had a subdued atmosphere.
The Los Angeles Media had been hyping them up all season, only to be swept by the Gentlemen, losing a lot of face.
They really couldn't hype them up anymore.
As Kobe got up to leave the press conference, he noticed that the Knicks staff had brought over all 6 trophies and placed them on the long table.
The gleaming golden trophies looked particularly striking.
Kobe turned his head and watched for a moment, a look of longing in his eyes, before finally lowering his head and leaving in resignation.
When Ewing, who had recovered from his nostalgic mood, appeared at the press conference, the New York Media below immediately applauded.
Looking at the trophies in front of him, the Gorilla smiled brightly.
In the twilight of his career, he had also become a big winner!
Having achieved a three-peat, more media began to focus on Ewing's final season.
A reporter from Yahoo Sports was the first to ask:
"Pat, do you plan to retire immediately after your contract ends? Can you tell us more about the details of your farewell tour?"
When the topic of retirement came up, Ewing's good mood didn't wane.
Instead, he enthusiastically explained:
"After this contract ends, I plan to officially retire, but I won't leave basketball. I want to inspire more people to pursue a career in basketball!"
"As for the farewell tour, we haven't been able to formulate a detailed plan yet. You know, during the Playoffs, I was completely focused on the games!"
"However, the purpose of the tour is to let fans see me at my best. I still want to contend for a championship. At 38, age is not an issue."
Watching Ewing speak eloquently on stage, the New York Media felt conflicted.
His talk of continuing to contend for a championship couldn't fool anyone.
This year's Finals held Shaquille O'Neal to regular-season performance.
If they face the Lakers again next year, an aging Ewing definitely won't be able to handle him.
Most sports media outlets were still very interested in the tour; new things are always a favorite among the public!
Clay Lee, smelling of champagne, was the last player to attend the New York Knicks press conference.
James Dolan spent a fortune tonight, with over $100,000 just on champagne.
Besides what was drunk, most of it was sprayed in the locker room or on the players.
In Game 5, Clay Lee shot 9-of-20 from the field, 3-of-7 from three, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, tallying 27 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.
Although his stats were unremarkable, the New York Media below the stage were still showering him with praise!
After much flattery, a New York Times reporter quickly asked a question many fans were concerned about:
"Lee, USA Basketball announced they would invite you. Will you participate in this year's Sydney Olympics?"
Lee, who had just received the news, was well-prepared for this question.
He shook his head and said earnestly:
"I think I need to rest more this offseason. Making it to the Finals three years in a row is not an easy feat."
"I'll use this offseason to get some good rest. I'll leave this opportunity to other players!"
No one was surprised by this answer.
With so many NBA stars, most media believed that just sending a few All-Star players would be enough to win the gold medal.
After the press conference, the New York Knicks' celebration continued.
James Dolan didn't host a political party.
Instead, he chose a private city club for the celebration.
Socialites who love to party wouldn't miss this opportunity, and the Saturday night revelry continued.
On Sunday, it was Lee's turn to spend money.
He called his superficial friends and brought the New York Knicks team to continue the party, throwing nearly $200,000 in one day.
On June 19th, while the Finals' buzz hadn't faded, ESPN released the postseason statistical leaders for this season, leaving the public stunned again.
The Lakers played many playoff games, and Shaquille O'Neal unsurprisingly topped the playoff total scoring list.
However, on the average scoring list, Shaq was overshadowed by Lee:
In 16 playoff games for the New York Knicks, Clay Lee averaged 31.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 turnovers.
His field goal percentage was 51.1%, three-point percentage was 40.5%, and free-throw percentage was 93.7%!
First place in playoff average scoring, and a 180 Club season in the playoffs.
After seeing these stats, even basketball critics were bewildered:
"Can a point guard achieve this?"
In the playoff assist list, Clay Lee had 156 assists in a single season, ranking 1st, and his average assists ranked 2nd.
In the playoff steals list, Clay Lee had a total of 26 steals, ranking 3rd, while his average of 1.6 steals ranked 10th.
Averaging 10.9 made field goals per game in the playoffs, Clay Lee ranked second in made field goals, only behind Shaquille O'Neal.
On the three-point list, with 50 made three-pointers in the playoffs and an average of 3.1 threes per game, Clay Lee had a commanding lead, and his three-point percentage also ranked 5th.
On the free-throw list, averaging 6.8 made free throws per game, he ranked 4th, and his free-throw percentage ranked 3rd.
Under high usage and facing numerous double teams, his true shooting percentage for the entire playoffs was 64.8%, ranking 5th.
And when it came to efficiency rating, which many basketball critics cared about, Shaquille O'Neal's PER this playoff season reached 30.5!
Many critics thought Shaquille O'Neal's PER was already outrageous, but after seeing Clay Lee's PER, many even suspected the data was miscalculated:
"PER 35.3!"
With this advanced stat, Clay Lee was the second player to have a PER over 35 in the playoffs!
Ranked 1st was Hakeem Olajuwon in the 87-88 season, but this legendary center only played 4 games in the playoffs that season, with a PER of 39.0.
In the 89-90 season, Michael Jordan also played 16 playoff games, with a PER of 31.7.
In comparison, Clay Lee's PER was far ahead!
On the morning of the 20th, in his Manhattan apartment, Lee was speechless while reading the sports column in the New York Post during breakfast.
The entire article could be summarized in one word:
"Win!"
His average scoring in the Finals didn't exceed 40, being overshadowed by Michael Jordan.
After his PER was announced, the New York Media got excited again.
If scoring wasn't enough, they'd look at advanced stats!
With the customized stats, Clay Lee surpassed Shaquille O'Neal and outshone Michael Jordan!
Kim, across the table, noticed Lee's helpless expression and, while taking small bites of her sandwich, playfully remarked:
"Isn't this great? Everyone loves to see first place!"
Lee tossed the newspaper aside, looked at his old acquaintance, and said seriously:
"Tonight, I'm meeting a self-made billionaire. I'm still debating whether to collaborate deeply with him."
Kim pondered for a moment, instinctively brushed back her blonde hair, and then asked:
"Bobby Axelrod of Axe Capital?"
Lee nodded.
The nearly $400 million in his account was more than he expected.
Stocks accounted for three-quarters, and the rest was the other party's sincerity:
"I don't trust him, but this is a great opportunity!"
"..."
....
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