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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
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***
On the evening of June 12, 2001, as the NBA Finals entered its final moments, the cheers at Madison Square Garden grew louder and louder.
Although the game wasn't spectacular, no one cared about that at this point.
Kobe, who had fouled out with six fouls, sat on the bench with a towel over his head, waiting for the final moments to arrive.
With less than two minutes left and trailing by 10 points, the Los Angeles Lakers theoretically still had a chance, but with Kobe's departure and O'Neal's intermittent play, the team completely collapsed.
Most role players are good at adding icing to the cake, and after the New York Knicks, playing at home, took the lead, everyone fought bravely.
To respond at critical moments, it mostly relies on star players.
Besides shooting poorly in the fourth quarter, Kobe's continuous fouls were also a significant mistake.
After Phil Jackson used his last timeout, he folded his arms and waited for the game to end.
He glanced at Kobe, who was already in despair, and could only sigh inwardly:
"Still too young."
The referees had been turning a blind eye.
As long as the fouls weren't too obvious, most wouldn't be called.
There was a lot of physical confrontation in tonight's game, which was originally an advantage for the Los Angeles Lakers, as their inside scoring wasn't afraid of confrontation, while jump-shooting teams relied on touch, and too much confrontation led to clanking misses.
Unfortunately, the game's progression completely exceeded the referees' expectations, and the Los Angeles Lakers also started throwing up wild shots.
Failing to follow the predetermined script, it was the Los Angeles Lakers who shot poorly in the final quarter.
With 12 seconds left in the game, David Stern, sitting in the front row, felt some regret.
Just one more quarter, and the series could have gone to game seven.
James Dolan, standing nearby, hugged everyone he saw, his face flushed.
A true dynasty team had been born.
As time expired, multicolored streamers immediately floated down from the Madison Square Garden ceiling.
No one cared about the score anymore.
Everyone raised their hands and cheered happily as the multicolored streamers poured down.
96:103.
Shaquille O'Neal, with his hands on his hips, tilted his head and looked at the scoreboard, feeling a bit of self-doubt.
With such a performance in the series, how could they still lose?
Clay Lee handed the ball to "legendary referee" Dick Bavetta.
This old referee, born in 1939, was also a New Yorker, and his calls tonight had a slight hint of making up for earlier non-calls.
Being close to the action, Dick Bavetta didn't care how the Los Angeles media would comment on him after the game.
After taking the ball, he smiled, hugged Lee, and whispered his congratulations:
"Congratulations, Lee! It's great to see a four-peat in modern basketball!"
"I love this New York Knicks team. This is your era."
The other two referees, Joey Crawford and Bernie Fryer, also came forward to congratulate him.
No one wanted Lee to complain about the officiating after the fact.
Most referees are very mindful of their reputation.
In high spirits, Lee exchanged pleasantries and accepted the blessings of the three referees, which was a reassurance to them.
The New York Knicks players jumped and ran to the center of the court, also raising their hands and shouting excitedly amidst the multicolored streamers filling the stadium.
Media reporters surrounded Clay Lee again.
Facing the camera, Lee held up four fingers, posed, and let everyone take pictures.
Compared to last year's championship, Jeff Van Gundy, though still very excited this year, controlled his emotions better.
As a victor, the Bald Young Coach naturally wanted to show off.
He straightened his suit, adjusted his tie, and with a smug smile, quickly walked to the scorer's table.
On the other side, Phil Jackson no longer ignored his former "little follower."
He came to the scorer's table with a poker face and shook hands as a gesture of respect.
"These two NBA Finals have been truly spectacular. Now we're tied!"
Hearing Jeff Van Gundy's words, Phil Jackson's face finally changed, and he angrily let go of the handshake.
In the 1996 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Chicago Bulls eliminated the New York Knicks.
In the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals, the Chicago Bulls won again.
But in 1998, when Jeff Van Gundy met Phil Jackson, he could practically beat him.
He broke the Chicago Bulls' three-peat, and the New York Knicks defeated Phil Jackson's Los Angeles Lakers for two consecutive years, thus achieving a four-peat.
The 39-year-old Jeff Van Gundy was the strongest Champion Coach in the league at this moment.
Tonight, he and the New York Knicks set another record.
No one would doubt the Bald Young Coach's ability.
Becoming a historical-level super coach was perhaps only a matter of time.
The director naturally captured such a scene.
These two truly had a rivalry.
No one would have expected that the person once ridiculed by the Champion Coach would turn the tables and achieve even greater success.
The multicolored streamers were still falling from the stadium ceiling, a sight that was naturally very difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers players.
Kobe still had a towel over his head, sitting on the bench without getting up.
Derek Fisher, however, hugged everyone.
Although they lost, he had given his all.
When he came to Clay Lee, after they embraced, Derek Fisher said self-deprecatingly:
"Congratulations, Clay! I swear, I didn't want to use those flops to draw fouls, but that was the best way to Defense you."
"You are a true superstar! It was great to play against you. I learned a lot."
Lee didn't care about these defensive tactics.
As long as it wasn't dirty play, he could accept it.
He patted Fisher again and laughed heartily:
"Smart defenders will make reasonable use of the rules. Don't worry about what others say. You did very well, Bro!"
Most players in this era would try to establish a tough-guy image for themselves.
If Lee had badmouthed Fisher after the game, the label of a softie would surely have been slapped on him.
Soon, Fox also came forward to say hello.
The atmosphere-maker, Harper, and Horace Grant appeared before Lee, only able to offer a lonely smile.
Shaquille O'Neal, this star player, was still not as good as Michael Jordan back in the day.
Tyronn Lue, who only played two minutes in the entire series, very actively hugged
Lee to greet him.
This series had been very rewarding for him.
The surrounding sports media followed Clay Lee.
Ewing hugged O'Neal and talked non-stop, imparting championship experience to him.
O'Neal, having lost again, was not in a good mood.
The petty Shaq was not in the mood for commercial flattery.
Although he avoided a sweep, the boomerang had come back to hit him in the face.
"Congratulations, Lee! I will make it to the NBA Finals again. I can feel it. I'm just one step away from the championship."
Playing 45 minutes, Shaquille O'Neal had another 32 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers tonight, shooting 12 of 20 from the field and 8 of 12 from the free-throw line.
Hearing his words, Lee nodded in agreement. After a pause, he joked:
"If you can successfully lose weight next season, perhaps your chances of winning the championship will be greater. It's indeed not easy to break out of the Western Conference."
"..."
West strong, east weak?? Lee generously admitted it.
Such a frank attitude made O'Neal even more depressed.
He even thought that if he had stayed in the Eastern Conference back then, he might have already won the championship.
The two embraced.
Clay Lee didn't mock his opponent.
This player had a 60% field goal percentage in the series and dominated the New York Knicks' interior.
Such a performance truly earned everyone's respect.
In this year's NBA Finals, even his free throw percentage increased.
Shaquille O'Neal truly gave his all.
The cameras of the surrounding sports reporters clicked non-stop, and the video cameras were still focused on the two men who bumped fists again.
Putting aside the win or loss, both sides respected each other.
Shaquille O'Neal also had a deep understanding of Clay Lee's strength.
After greeting Jeff Van Gundy, O'Neal, walking with his head down towards the player tunnel, suddenly remembered the "IF" theory from the Los Angeles media:
"If the Los Angeles Lakers had traded for Clay Lee in the 1996 draft, would they have already won too many championships to count?"
"..."
The noise in the Madison Square Garden was relentless.
Kobe secretly shed tears on the bench.
He had caused the team to collapse in the fourth quarter.
He said he didn't care, but at the moment of losing, Kobe still couldn't hold it in.
The feeling of personally ruining the game was naturally terrible.
When he thought about how critics would evaluate him after the NBA Finals, Kobe felt even worse.
When he came before Lee, Kobe's eyes were still red.
Facing his "arch-nemesis," he naturally didn't have a pleasant expression.
There was no blessing.
Kobe seemed to be reassuring himself, muttering after their embrace:
"I will win it back. I don't regret those shots. Next time in the NBA Finals, I will keep shooting."
Lee didn't care about his attitude.
He wasn't interested in being superficial friends with everyone.
Noticing Kobe's low spirits, he casually comforted him:
"Work hard, Bro! Perhaps you haven't fully mastered the state of entering the white-hot space. Train hard, and it will eventually pay off!"
"..."
Perhaps truly believing this theory, Kobe actually nodded.
The two shook hands again.
Lee looked at Kobe, who had suddenly become full of fighting spirit, and muttered to himself:
"Tim Grover really has some skills. We can definitely collaborate with him on a book during the offseason."
While Clay Lee gained immense influence by achieving four consecutive championships, trainer Tim Grover's reputation also soared!
Previously, Michael Jordan was his calling card, but now, the success of Clay Lee and Kobe once again proved Tim Grover's theories.
Just as Lee was thinking of the trainer, Tim Grover, dressed in a light gray suit, appeared beside him, laughing heartily.
With a grin stretching almost to the back of his head, Tim Grover hugged Lee and then shouted to the media in front of them:
"Hey, guys! Take a picture of us, this is absolutely a historic moment!"
"…"
Ewing waved to the old fans wearing his jersey, his eyes filled with tears, constantly bowing to these fans who supported him.
Perhaps in earlier years, some people had complained about him, but as his career ended and with the final four consecutive championships, all past dissatisfactions vanished like smoke.
Lee was busy dealing with sponsors and socialites, Mayor Giuliani came forward with a big smile for a hug, and then the surrounding media reporters began a new round of photo opportunities.
This kind of group photo posing became the work Lee had to do next.
Ben Wallace was also very happy, watching Ewing interact with the old fans, and he felt a bit envious.
Although he was the Champion Center, he hadn't received much recognition from New York fans, and in the eyes of the media, the interior was even the team's weak link.
On the other side, Lewis, who had just finished celebrating with his friends, saw the longing look on Ben's face, walked over, and whispered:
"Ben, this is New York, it's time to go back to the locker room!"
Ben Wallace was speechless, then shook his head, watching Ron Artest happily celebrating shirtless with his friends and family, and quietly responded:
"This is New York."
After winning the championship, different players naturally had different mindsets.
Grant Hill, who won by simply being on the team, was very happy.
He returned to the locker room early, changed into a white championship T-shirt, put on his hat, and then Grant Hill hugged his parents one by one.
Then he thanked the staff who had always served the team, and many staff members felt pleased watching Grant Hill politely embrace them.
Although the "Jordan's successor" played a minor role, he was very popular within the team, and New York fans firmly believed that he could recover to his former self, at least scoring 20 points per game should be no problem.
New York Media also liked Grant Hill.
A champion team should have the best Small Forward in the Eastern Conference!
Most importantly, Grant Hill was quite handsome.
Ben Wallace's unpopularity might also be related to his looks.
The awards ceremony was already very familiar to New York fans.
The New York Knicks' championship T-shirt was simple and bold, with four championship trophies surrounding the team logo.
Allan Houston also felt a sense of pride when he came to the podium.
It was a contract year, and another championship meant a big contract was beckoning him!
Everyone on the New York Knicks was beaming with joy, Clay Lee and Jeff Van Gundy stood at the very front, and on the other side, James Dolan kept waving to the fans.
Cheers erupted, and the curly-haired owner laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the moment.
Jeff Van Gundy looked at the trophy in front of him, and suddenly his eyes reddened.
From an assistant to the undisputed strongest coach in the current NBA, achieving such a feat was something he had never imagined.
Clay Lee looked at the Bald Young Coach who suddenly hugged him and started crying, feeling a little helpless.
The Champion Coach's cool demeanor was gone.
There was no need for a host anymore.
Although David Stern had regrets in his heart, his face was beaming with smiles.
Overall, this year's Finals were very successful, and the numbers met expectations:
"Thank you! It's my pleasure to witness this wonderful Finals with everyone!"
"On behalf of the NBA, I thank Los Angeles and New York City for their support, and I thank everyone for presenting high-level basketball games to fans worldwide!"
"…"
David Stern changed his usual awards speech, starting to ramble about the NBA's mission, frequently mentioning globalization, cultural inclusivity, and other aspects.
The New York fans present listened to the Commissioner's rambling speech and almost booed.
Everyone was waiting for the trophy presentation and another round of confetti celebration.
"Thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers, they showed their style. In this year's Finals, there are no losers."
"Congratulations again to the team beside me! Four consecutive championships, it hasn't happened in many years, they created a miracle!"
"Hereby I officially announce that the champion of the 2000-2001 season is the New York Knicks!"
"Wow!"
David Stern finished his speech, and cheers broke through the Madison Square Garden.
James Dolan, who had been waiting for a long time, took the golden o'brien cup from the Commissioner's hand, raised it high, and shouted along:
"Yee!"
Clay Lee clapped loudly from behind, and Jeff Van Gundy also fully recovered, no longer reminiscing about past hardships, raising both hands and celebrating loudly.
A championship means a large sum of money, and an excellent geographical location combined with a championship means making money effortlessly!
James Dolan handed the trophy to Lee, then took the microphone, and hearing the fans' cheers again, immediately said loudly:
"The New York Knicks are the best basketball team in the world!"
"I know, I know what everyone is worried about. Here, I promise everyone that after Pat retires, the team will build a championship roster around Lee."
"…"
When the curly-haired owner mentioned the next Ewing, cries of "Pat" also echoed in the Madison Square Garden.
Ben Wallace sighed inwardly, clearly, he was not the "next Ewing" in the team's plan.
James Dolan's colorful vision was very convincing.
Although Grant Hill had been in recovery this season, he was indeed the best Small Forward in the Eastern Conference.
The big boss was boasting so much that he almost directly said the New York Knicks weren't worried about the luxury tax next season.
David Stern, on the side, subtly glared at the tactless curly-haired owner.
The New York Knicks' championship sometimes meant the victory of money!
As the team with the second-highest payroll in the NBA, continuous championships had long caused great dissatisfaction among other teams.
General Manager Grunfeld watched the big boss boast non-stop, almost promising to bring Shaquille O'Neal over, and for a moment, his face darkened.
The higher the hatred, the fewer people will make trades with you in the offseason.
The New York Knicks are all player options.
Fortunately, Jeff Van Gundy didn't follow suit with the bragging.
As Head Coach, he naturally understood the dilemma of a champion team:
"I am proud of the New York Knicks family, we are the best team in the NBA!"
"…"
The Bald Young Coach displayed his style as a famous coach, praising everyone in the team, and the staff members whose names were called also clapped happily.
When David Stern took the microphone again, the spherical golden FMVP trophy also appeared.
"Wow!"
"Regular season 180 club!"
"55 points in a single Finals game, 10 three-pointers made in a single Finals game!"
"Averaging 40.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks, the 4th player in NBA Finals history to average 40 points!"
"The winner of the 2000-2001 season Finals Most Valuable Player is Clay-Lee!"
"Congratulations to Clay Lee for becoming the first player in NBA history to win FMVP for four consecutive years! A great achievement!"
Every word from David Stern caused a huge cheer, and the moment Lee took the trophy, everyone present shouted loudly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Ewing smiled and handed the o'brien cup to Lee.
Holding both trophies, Lee came to the very front of the podium, posed, and showed a brilliant smile, as the cameras in the hands of media reporters flashed wildly.
The design of the trophy had not changed.
Clay Lee only glanced at it, then handed it to Ron Artest, who loved to touch trophies.
After taking the microphone, the cheers in the Madison Square Garden still did not stop.
Lee raised both hands and clapped along, and only when the sound wave gradually subsided did he seriously say:
"Oh! I never thought I could achieve such a feat. For a kid who grew up in Albuquerque, everything now is truly incredible."
"I just want to thank my teammates, thank the coaching staff, thank all the New York Knicks staff, we are family!"
"Every year I thank my opponents, they also deserve respect!"
"Thank my friends again, thank the fans who have always supported the New York Knicks, I hope everyone likes this gift!"
"…"
David Stern clapped continuously from the side.
Michael Jordan started a three-peat, and Clay Lee started a four-peat.
One in the early 90s, one in the early 21st century.
History is always astonishingly similar, and the NBA needs to establish new standards, which fans will also enjoy as a gimmick.
Lee didn't say much.
With the championship in hand, others would naturally sing his praises.
Handing the microphone back to Mr. Commissioner, Lee signaled for everyone from the New York Knicks to step forward and express themselves.
Tonight's ratings should be very high, and even the little transparent members of the atmosphere team had waved towels and exerted themselves, so it was time for them to show their faces and enjoy the benefits.
Gorilla took this opportunity to bid farewell to the fans again, and as he spoke, he suddenly choked up and shed tears, perhaps recalling those times of being ridiculed, and Ewing suddenly said loudly at the end:
"Thank you, Lee! Seriously, thanks to him, he saved my career."
"..."
The final group photo had a particularly large number of people, with some season ticket holders also invited to the center of the Madison Square Garden, Lee held two trophies in the very center, raising four fingers again with his right hand.
Allan Houston and Ewing beside him were also beaming, and as everyone cheered, golden ribbons once again rained down from the stadium ceiling.
New York fans raised their hands along with them, feeling as if golden light filled the sky above:
"Wow!"
After returning to the locker room, the New York Knicks naturally uncorked victory champagne.
At their home Arena, they could celebrate without worry.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Lakers had already changed their clothes.
Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, both wearing dark gray formal suits, attended the press conference, both with long faces.
As soon as they sat down, the first to fire was not someone else, but a reporter from the Los Angeles Times:
"Kobe, can you explain why you made such offensive choices in the last quarter of the game?"
He knew the other party was criticizing him for missing shots.
He had performed excellently in the first three quarters but ultimately ruined the game.
He played 46 minutes, shooting 13-of-28 from the field, 2-of-7 from three-point range, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, for 34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 5 turnovers.
Kobe Bryant looked at the box score again and finally replied in a low voice:
"I saw an opportunity, and I believed I could make the next shot. It's that simple. I take responsibility for the team's loss."
The Los Angeles Times reporter was so choked up by the retort that this "I just missed" attitude made him instinctively shake his head, slump back into his seat, and remain silent.
The ESPN reporter, who was watching the show from the other side, could no longer hold back the smile on his face.
He noticed O'Neal's expression, clearly indicating another friction between the two.
"Shaq, can you talk about why the Los Angeles Lakers have lost to the New York Knicks for two consecutive years? Is this related to your inability to defend the pick-and-roll?"
O'Neal was in a terrible mood, and when asked this question, painful memories began to flash in his mind:
"I can defend the pick-and-roll, my Defense is excellent!"
"If you saw Lee's Finals statistics, you should know that no one in the NBA can limit his pick-and-roll offense."
"With a 52.9% field goal percentage and a 47.2% three-point percentage, Lee is simply a monster! I admit I can't limit him. Next season, the team needs more perimeter defenders."
This 'giving up' answer made many New York Media secretly laugh.
Shaquille O'Neal was clearly broken, directly admitting that he couldn't defend the pick-and-roll, and incidentally made demands to the Los Angeles Lakers management.
Kobe Bryant glanced at Shaquille O'Neal.
He knew the other party wasn't happy with his defensive effort.
For most of the series, he was the primary defender, but it was all for naught.
As reporters from the audience asked questions, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal both broke down and responded:
"I will continue to shoot. Missing shots cannot stop me. I know my potential, and I am confident I can lead the team to a championship!"
"..."
"You can't ask a big man to defend as flexibly as a forward!"
"I played almost the entire game every game. For the championship, I gave my all. Obviously, there were some issues with our team's configuration, but that's not my job."
Throughout the series, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 45.3 minutes per game, with 38.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 3.3 turnovers per game.
He averaged 24.5 field goal attempts per game with a 60.5% field goal percentage, and 15.5 free throw attempts per game with a 54.9% free throw percentage.
Most media reporters would secretly click their tongues when they saw these statistics, and except for extreme fun-seekers, most expressed sympathy for Shaquille O'Neal.
When Clay Lee appeared at the press conference, soaking wet, New York reporters in the audience cheered loudly again, and everyone applauded.
The two trophies were casually placed on the table.
As soon as Lee sat down, a TNT reporter playfully asked:
"As the first player in NBA history to win FMVP four times in a row, Lee, do you feel any pressure now?"
Lee stroked his chin, feigning a thoughtful expression, and after a moment of contemplation, said:
"No, I feel no pressure at all. My fans support me, my teammates also support me, and I'm only 23 years old. My career has just begun!"
"In this year's Finals, I mostly enjoyed the game. I like to face challenges, and I like the process of winning even more."
"Plus, my salary should be getting higher and higher, and I can also show myself in front of fans all over the world."
"Compared to those living in poverty, I feel like I'm in paradise. Playing basketball certainly doesn't bring pressure. If my performance disappoints people, then I'll just go and prove myself again!"
Upon hearing Lee's words, many media reporters joined in the commotion, and some even teased:
"Lee is a billionaire, I believe him!"
Everyone started chatting lightheartedly, and a New York Times reporter suddenly asked:
"Lee, what are your plans for the offseason? Will the New York Knicks still strengthen their roster?"
Thinking of the troubled general manager Grunfeld, Lee simply propped his chin, saying lazily:
"I plan to rest well for a few days first. A little later, we should be flying directly to Las Vegas."
"On the 18th, the New York Knicks will also have a grand championship parade, everyone can actively participate!"
"As for strengthening the team and offseason issues, you can consult our general manager later. I believe he will be happy to answer your questions!"
Hearing that the New York Knicks planned to fly to Las Vegas for some fun, the media reporters in the audience started discussing it.
At this point, a Yahoo Sports reporter suddenly said:
"Lee, I received news that Head Coach Rivers seems to be recruiting Allan Houston!"
"The Orlando Magic have enough cap space to sign him, and it seems there has already been contact between both parties."
The New York Media gasped, seemingly hearing this news for the first time.
The combination of Allan Houston and Tracy McGrady did indeed sound somewhat reliable!
Lee blinked.
He truly wasn't aware of this matter, it should be his agent's doing:
"I believe the New York Knicks will offer Allan Houston a big contract. He is our Champion Coach guard."
At this point, no one cared about Lee's platitudes.
Everyone wanted to delve deeper into the gossip.
Considering the New York Knicks' roster structure, a thought popped into many people's minds:
"The dynasty team is also going to break up!"
On the way back to the locker room, Lee saw general manager Grunfeld looking upset. Before he could speak, the latter immediately complained:
"I just received news that Allan Houston's agent seems to be dissatisfied with the contract length."
Lee didn't wait for him to finish, putting his arm around the general manager's shoulder and saying meaningfully:
"Don't worry about these issues, and don't consider my opinion. I understand the team's situation and everyone's wishes even more."
"So, this offseason, I have no demands whatsoever."
Grunfeld still frowned deeply.
The luxury tax would be implemented next season, and new rules would also be officially introduced.
These were all changes.
Lee watched the general manager hurry towards the press conference hall, only then remembering that his rewards hadn't been settled.
With a thought, he received the feedback:
[Kobe Bryant's Extraordinary Stamina]
Thinking that his stamina value had been stuck at 97 for a long time, Lee muttered to himself:
"Seems not bad."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)