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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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(A/N: Guys! Pease vote and give reviews. It'll give me motivation to translate more đ.)
October 25, 2002, as the preseason concluded, New York fans became active again.
Every year during the preseason, the Knicks usually play against teams in their own division, and naturally, they win big again.
On the evening of the 25th, after a decisive 109-83 victory over the 76ers, Madison Square Garden erupted once more.
The DJ on the second floor didn't forget to play upbeat music even after the game ended, and fans who enjoyed the spectacle continued to mock Allen Iverson, who didn't play.
As for Head Coach Larry Brown, who wore a long face, no one paid him any attention.
Instead, Mike D'Antoni was all smiles.
In 9 preseason games, the Knicks once again dominated their divisional opponents.
What Mike D'Antoni found most unbelievable was that the Knicks repeatedly used the same tactic in a single game, yet its success rate remained very high.
Recalling the reminder from assistant coach Crawford, Mike D'Antoni finally experienced it firsthand:
"In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are the strongest team."
In such one-sided games, if it weren't to give back to the fans who bought tickets, Clay Lee would most likely play only one quarter.
His 32 minutes on the court were purely because fans had paid high prices for tickets.
The Knicks were ruthless when it came to making money.
After Ewing joined the coaching staff, Madison Square Garden added many Gorilla-themed elements.
When fans ascended to the second floor, they could see not only exquisite posters of famous players and Lee but also a commemorative photo frame of Ewing himself.
The frame contained jerseys, trophies, Ewing's accolades, and some old photos.
During several home preseason games, Ewing's pre-game job was to stand next to the photo frame and wait for fans to take pictures with him.
If fans purchased Knicks memorabilia on the first floor, they would also receive special treatment from Ewing:
"A more brilliant smile during photos!"
A plain blue hoodie, with nothing more than the Knicks logo, sold for $69.
Adding snacks purchased during the game, parking fees, and other merchandise, the Knicks earned a considerable sum just from the preseason.
Under the high ticket prices, Lee had to stay on the court even if he was slacking off.
Fortunately, his body was robust.
If he only played 60+ games in a season, the fans who bought high-priced tickets would revolt.
Last season, due to the Golden Club, Ewing almost got embroiled in a scandal.
Fortunately, the New York Media gave the champion center face and barely reported much news.
Ewing had originally intended to join Head Coach Van Gundy's coaching staff, but upon hearing that he planned to coach in Cleveland, the Gorilla lost interest.
He certainly knew that Akron had produced a talented high schooler, but LeBron James wasn't a big man.
After much thought, Ewing decided it was better to stay in New York.
The Knicks had young big men, and the city was more prosperous than Cleveland.
Ewing ultimately chose to quietly join the coaching staff and continue to show his face to New York fans.
The lively atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden was non-stop.
Many people in the financial industry enjoyed coming to watch games live.
With stressful jobs, everyone liked to vent their frustrations through sports.
Lee, draped in a towel, waved goodbye to the enthusiastic fans shouting at the top of their lungs.
Ewing, in a sharp black suit, walked beside him.
As they entered the player tunnel, the Gorilla finally sighed:
"New York truly suits me best. Head Coach Van Gundy plans to go to Cleveland next year to coach that prodigy. I don't like that city. Staying in New York was the right choice."
This was the first time Lee had heard gossip about the Bald Young Coach.
He was almost at the locker room when he fully reacted, asking in surprise:
"Cleveland? I thought he'd go to Houston. Didn't the Houston Rockets owner invite him?"
Ewing, who was about to enter the locker room, stopped and lowered his head, whispering gossipy details:
"The Houston Rockets owner is too stingy. It seems he couldn't meet Head Coach Van Gundy's demands. On the contrary, the Cavaliers welcomed him wholeheartedly!"
"Once there, Head Coach Van Gundy is expected to become the second Pat Riley."
Hearing this, Lee's expression was unreadable.
Becoming the second Pat Riley was not easy.
A general manager had to be ruthless:
"ESPN is indeed very optimistic about that high schooler. Have the Cavaliers also offered a max contract? It seems their owner intends to save Cleveland sports."
Ewing nodded, indicating that both sides were already in contact and that the Bald Young Coach had indeed received a max contract.
However, he didn't agree with the "savior" notion and began to tease once they entered the locker room:
"No matter how much Eastern Conference teams reinforce, they still can't compare to the Knicks!"
In the locker room, the Rookie players were in good spirits.
Professional athletes all love to win.
The taste of victory is simply sweeter than defeat.
Pau Gasol was still gesturing with Ron Artest, explaining specific plays on the court where, after Clay Lee was double-teamed, a brief 4-on-3 situation would arise.
This season, they had added a segment where big men handled the ball.
When Mike D'Antoni returned to the locker room in a well-fitted black suit, accompanied by two assistant coaches, he saw all the players present and immediately clapped his hands, encouraging them:
"Perfect game! Remember, when an opportunity arises, don't hesitate. We must trust each other."
"If you miss a shot, quickly transition back on Defense. Everyone needs to pay attention to the situation on the court. Don't stand still, don't wait for the ball in one spot."
"Recall the instructions from training. We need to make basketball simple."
"..."
The Head Coach's words were, of course, directed at the Rookie players on the bench.
Amar'e Stoudemire had a great body, but his offensive and defensive choices were terrible.
Fortunately, he didn't need to do too much when coming off the bench.
Just put the ball in the basket.
On the other hand, the quiet Tayshaun Prince adapted very well to the team.
His experience at Kentucky University greatly helped him.
The Knicks' offense leaned more towards the academic style.
After Mike D'Antoni emphasized discipline, player roles became clearer, which was somewhat similar to the NCAA and also leaned more towards European basketball.
By the time Mike D'Antoni finished his instructions, Amar'e Stoudemire was a bit overwhelmed:
"It's this hard to get into the starting lineup?!"
On sunday, October 27, the Knicks took a day off.
There was an opening game on the 29th, fortunately a home game, and everyone who had undergone early training was already prepared.
On sunday morning news, New York City citizens saw Mayor Bloomberg announce a reduction of 10,000 city government employees within the next four years to alleviate the public finance crisis.
Lee also saw the news at his home in Manhattan.
Thinking of the mess this successor would cause, he could only sigh at the unfortunate timing.
sunday was a rare day off.
When Melinda appeared at the dining table, still half-asleep, she also complained twice:
"An average of 2,500 government employees leave each year. It seems our new mayor is going to offend people again. Will he still be able to get re-elected after this?"
Kim, eating her salad, noticed the mark near Melinda's neck, subtly gave Lee a side-eye, then took over the conversation:
"New York citizens won't react much to this news, and some might even strongly support it."
"As long as he can create more job opportunities, re-election shouldn't be a problem."
Melinda didn't care.
She first leaned over and kissed Lee, then sat down beside him, eating her fried egg and asking curiously:
"Clay, how much money did you really make from Enron? Bobby is actually planning to deepen cooperation with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and our fees are considered the most expensive in New York."
Lee ate his custom breakfast, looking at the increasingly voluptuous woman beside him, and said calmly:
"We made enough money to buy a football club, but in the end, we only kept three-quarters of it."
"Enron's CEO, Kenneth Lay, had a lot of influence. He had already cashed out most of his shares, and in the end, we even compensated the Republican Party for some losses."
In mid-October, the U.S. Securities Committee filed a lawsuit against Arthur Andersen, accusing it of destroying a large number of audit documents for Enron.
Arthur Andersen naturally denied the accusation and even expressed willingness to cooperate with the Securities Committee's investigation.
Even with the new bill signed by the President, Enron's executives were not afraid.
The company had indeed gone bankrupt, and its stock had been shorted, but most people had already made a fortune.
Those who were harvested were the confident ordinary citizens who entered the market.
The Securities Committee's accusation made Axe Capital famous in the industry again.
The early leaked analysis reports, when re-examined, all appeared well-founded.
The ripple effect was that Axe Capital gained more investors.
For many, they were only interested in the final returns; the process was irrelevant.
Melinda quietly wrinkled her nose, rolled her big eyes, saw that Lee was still seriously looking at the news, and then suddenly said with a smile:
"Let's stay home on sunday. We haven't taken a bath together for a long time!"
"âŚ"
Lee resumed training in September this year, and the New York Media naturally knew that the new season was about to begin.
Several mainstream media outlets unanimously set the tone for this season:
"Revenge!"
The whistles in last season's Finals were actually very unfriendly, but this was also expected.
Everyone knew that four consecutive championships were the limit.
Unless Commissioner David Stern had senile dementia, the NBA would never see a situation like the Celtics again.
Ignoring the referee factor, the New York Media hoped for another game this year!
To the disappointment of the onlookers, Shaquille O'Neal became extremely arrogant after winning the championship.
After the new season began, due to injuries, he would likely miss another half month.
As each team's roster was finalized, the teams' salary situations also became a hot topic among fans.
In the 2002-2003 season, the Trail Blazers' salary was already outrageous:
"$106 million!"
No matter how rich owner Paul Allen was, such a salary was truly excessive!
More importantly, while the Trail Blazers' lineup seemed strong, their record was very disappointing.
Spending the most money, suffering the most brutal beatings!
Before the new season even began, the Trail Blazers were widely mocked, and no one believed they could win the championship.
Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks truly loved basketball, and their salary this season also exceeded 72 million, ranking second.
Under the leadership of Don Nelson, the Dallas Mavericks basically embarked on a path of chaotic play.
It was common for a game to have 90 possessions, which Dallas fans really enjoyed.
Defensive battles were truly boring; watching scoring was much more interesting.
The Sacramento Kings ranked third in salary, just over 70 million.
Considering they reached the Western Conference Finals last season, critics felt the money was well spent.
The Sacramento Kings' home attendance was also excellent.
As long as they won a championship and established a winning culture for the team, the Sacramento Kings would be completely on the right track.
Although the 76ers were often beaten badly by the New York Knicks, the management had certainly done their best.
This season, the 76ers' salary also exceeded 64 million.
However, upon seeing these figures, most critics offered only one suggestion:
"If you want a championship, trade Allen Iverson and rebuild as soon as possible!"
The Lakers made no major moves during the offseason, adding a group to boost morale, but their salary still exceeded 63 million.
Shaquille O'Neal's salary alone was 23.57 million.
General Manager Kupchak was indeed saving money for the owner.
Aside from Kobe's ten-million-dollar annual salary, most role players' salaries were less than 5 million dollars.
The Grizzlies, Nets, Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks all had salaries exceeding 58 million.
What surprised critics the most was that for two consecutive seasons, the New York Knicks' salary had not exceeded the luxury tax line:
"In the 2002-2003 season, the New York Knicks' salary was 57.67 million dollars."
After the news broke, many people turned green.
They dominated the Eastern Conference without exceeding the luxury tax line.
If they added another star player, would other teams even have a chance to play?
In the New York Knicks' roster this season, most of the morale-boosting group were on minimum salaries of $350,000.
The big man Knight's salary was somewhat inflated.
General Manager Grunfeld had actually been looking for a trade, hoping to acquire an All-Star level player.
All the general managers of other teams knew this, but no one paid attention to the New York Knicks.
Not long ago, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich publicly stated his position after a preseason game:
"Tim will always stay in San Antonio. He's very happy here!"
"Not everyone yearns for New York. Tim has no interest in playing with Clay."
The New York Knicks had indeed inquired about the San Antonio Spurs.
Currently, the only balanced offensive and defensive big man in the league is Tim Duncan, and New York had coveted him for a long time.
Unfortunately, this trade was destined not to happen.
The NBA would not approve two MVP-level stars in their prime joining forces.
In addition to hyping up the three opening games, the NBA also did not forget to promote the 2003 Atlanta All-Star Game.
This year's All-Star Game also had a gimmick: Michael Jordan's last All-Star appearance.
Perhaps disappointed with the Washington Wizards, or perhaps heartbroken by the management, Michael Jordan publicly stated his position in a recent interview:
"This will be my last season. Although I still love basketball, my body can no longer sustain high-intensity games."
"I don't like my performance, which is why I made this choice. This season, for me, is more about enjoying the game."
After the Washington Wizards made trades, the new additions didn't seem to meet Michael Jordan's expectations.
Aside from consuming him, sports media no longer expected him to win a championship.
After tasting defeat again, Michael Jordan finally chose to leave.
After this news was announced, the Atlanta All-Star Game received much attention.
Regardless of Michael Jordan's choices, he still had a huge influence, and fans wanted to witness the last moment of his career.
On Monday morning, the 28th, the New York Knicks had an open practice to facilitate interviews with the New York Media.
As the practice neared its end, several mainstream New York Media reporters gathered around Clay Lee.
Throughout the practice, Lee mostly directed traffic, calling out to teammates for positioning.
His few offensive plays also showed that he was in excellent physical condition.
During the interview, Lee, wearing a blue New York Knicks training uniform, wasn't even sweating. For veteran reporters, this was nothing new:
"Lee, can the New York Knicks get their revenge this season and defeat their arch-rivals? The young men look to be in excellent form!"
When the New York Post reporter asked the question, everyone moved their recording devices in front of Lee.
Lee first pointed to the championship banners around the training facility, then casually said:
"I don't like arch-rivals, because since I entered the league, the Lakers have only won one championship."
"But I like revenge. It will give everyone extra motivation, but the Lakers have to make it to the Finals first."
"Compared to last season, our Rookies have gained valuable game experience. If our opponent is still the Lakers, we are confident we can win it back."
The New York Times reporter was very happy to hear the answer, but he didn't hold back when asking his question:
"Lee, the Los Angeles sports media believes you failed last season. How would you comment on that?"
Such news was very popular during the offseason, and Lee naturally saw it.
He simply smiled calmly:
"For me personally, making it to the Finals, failing to win a single road game, and losing to the opponent, was indeed a failure."
"Some fans may be disappointed. Everyone always hopes their favorite stars win big. I understand this very well, and I accept such criticism, after all, I need to have higher expectations for myself."
"But from the team's perspective, I don't think last season was a failure."
"I respect every opponent. Everyone on the team put in effort to reach the conference finals and the Finals."
"Losing on a bigger stage is better than falling in a divisional game. Such a failure will help the team grow, and I think it's beneficial for Rookie players."
"My career is still very long, and perhaps in the future, I will continue to reach the Finals. Failure is also a part of basketball, and I am prepared for it."
The ESPN reporter also listened and nodded, then, as per usual, asked the obligatory pre-game question:
"The New York Knicks will play the 76ers at home in the first game of the new season, Lee, what are your expectations for tomorrow night's game?"
After the question was asked, everyone looked at the young reporter with freckles on his face.
The New York Media reporters had teasing expressions, as if saying, "Are you stupid, kid?"
Having just soundly defeated the opponent two days prior, Lee didn't expect the other party to ask such a straightforward question.
He shrugged his shoulders and helplessly spoke some polite words:
"I expect the opponent to score over 90 points. Perhaps that way, they'll lose more gracefully!"
"Ha!"
The surrounding New York Media immediately burst into laughter, which reminded everyone of the New York fans cheering for the opponent last season.
On October 29th, the 2002-2003 season officially began, with three opening games that day:
The San Antonio Spurs vs. the Lakers, the 76ers vs. the Knicks, and the Cavaliers vs. the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers will hold a championship award ceremony, presenting championship rings to their players.
Shaq has confirmed he's out due to injury, so Kobe will once again lead the team alone in this game.
Of the three games, the New York Knicks' game will tip off at 7:30 PM, while the other two games, the Cavaliers vs. the Sacramento Kings, will start at 10:00 PM, and the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Lakers will tip off at 10:30 PM.
Such broadcast times are not friendly, at least many fans are complaining.
If the game plays out slowly, it will likely be close to midnight after the game ends.
New York fans don't have this problem.
Everyone heads straight to the Madison Square Garden after work.
Although there was no championship award ceremony, everyone knew tonight was destined to be a big win, and the fun-loving fans were already eager to mock the unfortunate 76ers.
It wasn't even 7 PM yet, but Madison Square Garden was already almost full.
Tuesday games are usually broadcast by TNT.
Mike Fratello became the Heat's home commentator this season, but when there are no games, he also comes to TNT.
Marv Albert returned to his familiar spot, feeling the lively atmosphere of the Madison Square Garden, and for a moment, he chuckled and said,
"It seems New York fans weren't affected by last season's failure!"
"I don't like some sports media reports during the offseason. Clay Lee made it to the Finals for five consecutive years and achieved four consecutive championships. How can such an achievement be called a failure?"
"I respect every player, but many times, the Conference Finals represent success."
"In the future, Lee will continue to lead the team to the Finals. No one can guarantee they will always win, and some commentators should calm down."
Although Mike Fratello often changes his stance, he has always been a staunch Lee fan:
"Failure precisely proves that basketball is a five-person game. The New York Knicks' interior Defense had big problems last season!"
"However, in the World Championship, Pau Gasol performed very well. It's clear that the Finals experience helped him a lot."
The two chatted freely at the commentary table, while Allen Iverson, who had come to the court to warm up, wore a long face.
It was originally a good thing to play in the opening game, but the 76ers encountering the New York Knicks gave Allen Iverson a bad premonition.
The team's new recruits, Van Horn and the big man Mcloach, were with the Nets last season, and everyone knows how they fared against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Tonight, the 76ers' starting lineup features Allen Iverson and Eric Snow in the backcourt, with Aaron McKie, Van Horn, and Mcloach as the three frontcourt players.
Allen Iverson was very dissatisfied with this lineup and had big questions about the management's operations in the offseason, always feeling that the team had not strengthened around him.
As the noisy entrance ceremony ended, Madison Square Garden became even livelier, but this atmosphere did not bring good cheer to the 76ers.
Larry Brown looked at the silent Allen Iverson with helplessness in his heart.
Since their conflict was made public during the offseason, their relationship had completely broken down.
The noise grew louder and louder, and Larry Brown had to raise his voice, holding the tactics board and reiterating:
"Keep the ball moving. If you miss a shot, transition back quickly. We need to play more cautiously. Eric Snow, control the pace of the game!"
Seeing the Head Coach's serious expression, Eric Snow quickly responded.
On the other side, Lee was greeting his superficial friends who came to watch the game in the front row.
The director frequently aimed the camera at Coach D'Antoni, who simply sat on the bench with a slight smile, appearing self-assured.
Ewing, dressed in a training uniform, was cheering everyone on at this time, but he didn't mention tactics at all, just waving his fists and shouting:
"Give that kid a taste of his own medicine! Pau, Thomas, if that guy drives into the paint, make him lie on the floor!"
"You guys need to change your playing habits. Do you know why you lost last season? It's because your Defense lacked deterrence."
"Lee might be too lazy to remind you, but I'll do that job."
The well-rounded Ewing, putting on the air of a New York Knicks legend, still looked very impressive.
Pau Gasol quickly nodded, but given his playing style, this task would ultimately fall to Kurt Thomas.
Against an unstoppable power big man like Shaquille O'Neal, Kurt Thomas truly had no solution, but helping to defend smaller players was something he excelled at.
After making a series of complex gestures, Kurt Thomas patted his chest, a confident expression on his face:
"Leave it to me! They won't score 90 points tonight."
Before the game started, Allen Iverson, wearing a headband and arm sleeves, still held his head slightly high, appearing like a star, and greeted the New York Knicks players.
However, within a few minutes of the game starting, the diminutive guard felt a strong sense of malice.
After the tip-off, in the first possession, Clay Lee initiated a pick-and-roll on the right wing.
The big man Mcloach, following the coach's instructions, cooperated with Eric Snow for a deep hedge.
Near the top of the arc, the two had not yet completed their double-team when Lee, pulling the Defense horizontally, jumped and passed the ball to the cutting Pau Gasol.
Van Horn hadn't had time to collapse.
Pau Gasol, receiving the ball, grabbed it with his left hand and drove powerfully straight to the basket.
Aaron McKie, guarding near the right baseline, originally wanted to help defend the basket, but the height difference was too great, and he ultimately watched as Pau Gasol easily completed a one-handed dunk!
"Wow!"
The dunk ignited the atmosphere on the court, and then, when the 76ers attacked, Allen Iverson received the ball on the right sideline.
He drove strongly along the baseline to the basket, but was followed closely by Lee, forcing him to stop.
The jeering grew louder and louder.
The 76ers still used the same old routine:
Allen Iverson driving along the baseline, Eric Snow distributing from the top of the arc.
Forced to stop, Allen Iverson could only pass the ball back to Van Horn, who was receiving it at the left elbow area of the free-throw line, and then he moved without the ball again, trying to get open for a pass.
Lee didn't even need to call out.
Kurt Thomas already knew what tactics the 76ers wanted to run.
Just as he had expected, after Allen Iverson received a handoff pass at the left elbow, he immediately lowered his center of gravity and drove straight to the basket.
Kurt Thomas, who was already prepared, retreated early to help defend.
At the same time, Pau Gasol, who was near the right baseline, also moved to the basket.
Upon physical contact, Allen Iverson slowed down slightly.
Sensing the defensive movement, he adjusted his steps, attempting to shoot early.
Moving into the paint, Allen Iverson suddenly jump-stepped, drifting to the right-rear, attempting to evade the Defense.
He sensed something was wrong in mid-air.
Clay Lee, behind him, jumped high.
Just as Allen Iverson released the shot, he was met with a thunderous block.
Losing his balance after dropping the ball, Iverson fell to the floor and only heard a burst of cheers before seeing Lee control the ball, casually tossing it powerfully with his right hand, and the basketball flew across half-court.
Although Eric Snow returned to Defense actively, his size disadvantage was too great.
Grant Hill, who easily scooped up the ball after crossing half-court, leaned into his opponent and quickly laid the ball in at the basket!
The game quickly fell into Allen Iverson's rhythm: missed mid-range jump shots, missed layups on drives to the basket, and falling to the floor on drives to the basket.
It was even easier than the preseason game two days ago.
No complex tactics were needed.
A few consecutive fast breaks, and the New York Knicks easily pulled away.
In a half-court offense, Lee executed a simple pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol at the top of the arc, drove to the basket with the ball in his right hand, jumped off two feet in the paint, and made the shot while absorbing contact from the helping Van Horn.
12-2, a double-digit lead, once again ignited the crowd.
"Wow!"
Amidst the cheers of the fans, Head Coach Larry Brown folded his arms and called a timeout.
With 8 minutes and 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the 76ers showed no signs of resistance.
His teammates were in low spirits, and Iverson didn't react much, simply returning to the bench and angrily throwing a towel.
Lee casually high-fived his teammates in celebration.
Coach D'Antoni also stood up with his tactics board, a smile on his face, and his assistant coach's words echoed in his mind:
"The New York Knicks have no opponents in the Eastern Conference!"
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