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 😊
***
On November 5, 2002, the Lakers began their Eastern Conference road trip.
After the new season began, due to broadcasters reducing regular season broadcasts, fans who wanted to keep up with team developments needed to pay more attention to relevant sports programs.
Commissioner David Stern hoped to boost viewership by reducing games, but this method still had many problems.
TNT gave up its prime weekend slot to the other side, and the ESPN broadcast team was somewhat disorganized, causing viewership to show signs of decline just as the regular season began.
As the defending champions, the Lakers received more attention, and with ESPN constantly broadcasting gossip news, curious fans also wanted to see how Kobe would perform leading the team alone.
Soon, Lakers fans were disappointed:
70-89, the underdog Cavaliers taught the Lakers a lesson!
Ricky Davis and Zydrunas Ilgauskas both exploded, combining for 47 points to lead their team to a big victory over the Lakers.
Kobe shot 5-for-13, putting up a near triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 5 turnovers.
This game was just the beginning.
The Lakers subsequently lost to the Celtics, Wizards, and Hawks.
After losing to the Hawks at their home American Airlines Arena, Lakers fans were greatly disappointed.
They had thought it would be an easy schedule in the Eastern Conference, but the Lakers themselves became the easy target.
A four-game losing streak brought their record to 2 wins and 6 losses, showing the reigning champions' dominance was no more.
For four consecutive games, Kobe's field goal percentage failed to exceed 40%, and this performance naturally sent his reputation plummeting.
When facing opponents with strong interior players, Eastern Conference teams often struggle.
But if the opponent's core is on the perimeter, everyone will strike hard!
Under Clay Lee's influence, Eastern Conference teams have developed extremely mature solutions for how to double-team a perimeter ball-handler.
While they can't stop Lee, they are currently easily shutting down Kobe.
Fortunately, the Lakers only had three games this week, and their next opponent is the struggling Warriors, so they will likely end their losing streak.
In contrast, the Knicks had a very stable start, with no back-to-back games for two consecutive weeks, making their schedule relatively easy.
On the 12th, in a home game, the Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 110-88 at Madison Square Garden.
Facing 'old man basketball,' the energetic Knicks blew out their opponents by halftime.
Using the same pick-and-roll, Lee made last season's team practice player, Jerome Collins, unplayable.
The 40-year-old Stockton simply couldn't handle the task of perimeter Defense.
The old man truly couldn't keep up.
This game shattered Stockton's mentality.
When he attended the post-game press conference, he appeared extremely dejected, even voluntarily revealing the news:
"This is my last season. I can no longer keep up with the pace of today's game."
"Although I don't like the Knicks, their basketball is undoubtedly the right way to play."
"The way to defeat a big man isn't by finding another excellent big man!"
"Regardless, we will still contend for the championship this season."
Karl Malone, who was standing by, was also quite depressed.
He truly yearned for a championship, but the reality was that 'old man basketball' was no longer effective.
Throughout the press conference, Karl Malone didn't say much and didn't declare his intention to retire.
When asked about his future choices, he calmly stated:
"I don't know. I hope to win a championship this year. As for the future, I haven't considered it yet. I'm focused on the current game."
The main reason for the two old guys' shattered mentality was Lee's performance.
In just 32 minutes, he shot 15-for-21 from the field, 7-for-10 from beyond the arc, and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, accumulating 45 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
Aside from a somewhat high number of turnovers, Clay Lee played with extremely high efficiency in this game.
His true shooting percentage even reached 91.8%.
Even with the old guys giving their all, scoring was as easy as drinking water for Lee.
The headline of the sports section in the New York tabloids the next day read:
"Superman — Clay-Lee!"
The frequent use of "Superman" was naturally to mock the big-mouthed Shaquille O'Neal, and with the Lakers' poor record, it was the perfect time to heavily criticize their opponent.
They started the season with an 8-0 record, and although their opponents included the injured Sacramento Kings and Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks and Hornets were both in good form.
The Knicks still had one game left this week against the 76ers, which was three days away, and since it was another home game, the team decided to take a day off.
Not long ago, Time Inc. Sports Group changed its editor-in-chief, and Terry McDonell naturally became the 18th editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated.
On the evening of the 13th, this 58-year-old renowned editor and writer hosted another party at his Manhattan home.
McDonell had two beloved sons.
His eldest son, Nick, had just published a novel, and thanks to his father's connections, famous magazines like The New Yorker and Entertainment Weekly followed suit in promoting it.
His younger son, Thomas, also looked good, and if nothing unexpected happened, he would likely become an actor in the future.
Next week's Sports Illustrated magazine cover would again feature Clay Lee.
Although Shaquille O'Neal stole the spotlight during the offseason, after the new season began, the Lakers' struggles and the Knicks' excellent record brought them back into the limelight.
Although McDonell was almost 60 years old, he was well-preserved.
Aside from many wrinkles on his face, the golden hair on his head was still quite thick.
He brought his second wife, smiling at everyone at the party.
Having worked at Rolling Stone and Newsweek magazines, he had extensive connections within the industry.
His two good sons, both 17 years old, were now gathered around Lee, chattering non-stop.
Growing up in Manhattan, they had watched the Knicks grow up and had been season ticket holders many years ago.
Their entire family were die-hard Knicks fans.
Both wearing formal suits, Nick was more outgoing than his brother, and he was still complaining about last year's officiating:
"The league is just biased towards the Lakers, otherwise we definitely would have continued to win the championship. All summer it was Lakers news, it felt terrible!"
Lee saw that the two young men were genuinely upset, so he smiled and comforted them:
"It's okay, we'll keep winning. Perhaps in a few months, Manhattan will have another championship parade!"
"Want to sit on the front of the bus? That feeling is really great!"
Winking at the two, Lee briefly described the feeling of the parade.
His younger brother, Thomas, looked somewhat longing and quickly added:
"The celebrations a few years ago were even livelier than the Thanksgiving parade. I love championship parades!"
Many media professionals and magazine editors from other industries came tonight.
After exchanging pleasantries with old friends, McDonell finally walked over to Lee with a smile.
He patted his two good sons and handed the red wine he was holding to Lee.
The two reluctantly left, and only then did McDonell gently say:
"Lee, it looks like you have a chance to win another MVP trophy!"
Lee was a bit surprised.
Nike had already told him that he wouldn't be getting the MVP this year:
"Winning this award three years in a row? The league and sports media probably don't want to see that. I've already given up hope."
In his incentive clause, Lee specifically noted this situation: losing the MVP wouldn't affect his earnings, but he still had to try his best to collect other honors.
McDonell shook his head slightly, then whispered a reminder:
"Sixty wins and impressive stats can get you a lot of votes. Of course, if your opponent also gets 60 wins, then I can't do anything."
"But given the Lakers' form since the start of the season, they probably won't achieve a very good record, Lee, this is your chance!"
Seeing the old man's confident expression, Lee offered a few compliments, but in his heart, he pouted:
"I thought it was a done deal, but it turns out to be a shakedown!"
Memories in Lee's mind told him that the San Antonio Spurs would once again emerge from the Western Conference in odd-numbered years.
The San Antonio Spurs also recently embarked on an Eastern Conference road trip.
On the evening of the 13th, they lost 82-91 to the Knicks' second unit.
The next day, in a back-to-back challenge against the 76ers, the San Antonio Spurs lost again, 94-99.
It proved that the Eastern Conference 'easy gains' were not so easy to come by.
Allen Iverson completely exploded when he faced the San Antonio Spurs.
He shot 12-for-25, scoring 37 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
Allen Iverson performed exceptionally well against the San Antonio Spurs' perimeter Defense!
Losing this game brought the San Antonio Spurs' record to 5 wins and 4 losses.
Tim Duncan's recent performance has been mediocre, with his field goal percentage below 50% for several consecutive games.
Although Gregg Popovich was a bit vexed, he still praised his star player as usual after the game:
"The new season has just begun, Tim is still recovering, and he will soon find his form!"
The 37-year-old David Robinson was still pursuing a championship, but the San Antonio Spurs' form since the start of the season had been average, and sports reporters in San Antonio were also feeling a bit down.
Everyone wanted to see David Robinson win a championship.
Among the once-renowned Four Great Centers, only the Admiral still lacked a championship ring.
This season was the last dance for many veterans, and with "sentimental value being priceless," many New York fans also hoped to see a perfect ending.
But for the New York fans, the opponents' dreams were none of their business.
They bought tickets to watch a game, not to see the opposing team achieve their dreams.
On the evening of the 16th, at Madison Square Garden, Allen Iverson suffered his 26th regular season loss.
He was completely lost throughout the game, playing 43 minutes, shooting 5-of-22, and tallying 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 5 turnovers.
89:108. After the game, Iverson covered his face with a towel and left early.
He experienced this kind of defeat four times every season.
Losing so much was his true portrayal!
At the MSG commentary booth, Walt Frazier was all smiles.
He loved to see such a dominant performance:
"Beautiful basketball! Pau Gasol's improved screen quality this season has changed the team's offense."
"Clay Lee is playing more easily, and when opponents choose to double-team him, others always get easy scoring opportunities."
"Most importantly, our Defense is excellent. No team in the league can do better than us in pressing the ball handler!"
The New York Knicks achieved a 9-game winning streak, and Marv Albert was also very happy, joining in the praise:
"The team has a great chance to go undefeated in November!"
"A perfect start is beneficial for the rest of the schedule. December also has 13 games, and New York fans will receive a nice gift for Thanksgiving and Christmas!"
The New York Knicks only had two games next week, making the schedule even easier.
There was a game against the Timberwolves on Sunday, but considering the opponent's roster strength, both commentators agreed that the New York Knicks would achieve an undefeated record before Thanksgiving.
On the evening of the 17th, fans across the ocean finally witnessed Yao Ming's breakout performance.
In the 93:89 road game against the Lakers, Yao Ming played 23 minutes, shot 9-of-9, and scored 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 turnovers, a performance that was eye-catching.
American fans also welcomed a joyful moment, as Charles Barkley, who thrives on attention, fulfilled his promise.
With encouragement from his TNT colleagues, a donkey wearing a "Kenny Smith" name tag appeared.
After Charles Barkley kissed it, this news naturally amused the fans.
Unlike the usual serious and rigorous sports programs, entertainment seemed to be more popular.
And for many chinese fans, Kobe's performance of 46 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 3 turnovers on 18 of-37 shooting was also impressive.
Although the Lakers lost again, bringing their record to 3 wins and 7 losses, Kobe's fans could still shout:
"The boss did his best."
Perhaps sports media across the ocean would heavily praise Kobe's performance, but for professional basketball commentators, Kobe's current leadership ability was truly lacking.
For MVP, everyone had higher standards, and Kobe's boasts hadn't materialized, while O'Neal, sitting on the bench, received much praise.
Missing a core player, the Lakers became a weak team, and Shaquille O'Neal had completely solidified his position as the leader.
On Monday evening, the 18th, in the New York Knicks' home game against the Detroit Pistons, Chauncey Billups left the game injured less than 7 minutes into the first quarter.
However, this did not affect the Detroit Pistons' overall strength.
Atkins, who came off the bench, learned from their previous encounter and did not take any wild shots.
Thanks to their excellent Defense in the first half of the quarter, the New York Knicks only led by three points, 9:12.
The New York fans at the arena were unaffected.
After the game resumed, cheers quickly reverberated through the arena:
"Let's go Knicks!"
As a smaller player, Atkins relied entirely on his hustle on Defense.
Lee made a tactical gesture early, then dribbled quickly across half-court, pushing against his opponent's tight Defense.
After his Strength attribute increased, Lee was too lazy to make too many moves.
With an acceleration and a sudden stop, the closer the opponent stuck to him, the easier it was to create offensive space.
In the left wing position, Atkins, who was desperately sticking to him, was shaken off by Lee's sudden stop.
Before he could continue to chase, Kurt Thomas's screen was already in place.
Noticing that his teammate couldn't get through the screen, Ben Wallace hedged out to the three-point line.
Kurt Thomas then quickly rolled down, and Atkins chose not to chase or cut off the defensive route, but continued to follow behind Clay Lee.
They hadn't formed a double-team yet, and Lee, without looking, suddenly delivered a behind-the-back bounce pass while in motion.
The fans in the Madison Square Garden cheered.
Kurt Thomas, who received the ball at the free-throw line, didn't waste the opportunity.
Uncontested, his mid-range jump shot found nothing but net!
When it was the Detroit Pistons' turn to offense, Lee led the Defense, delaying Atkins's advance.
Ron Artest relentlessly chased Hamilton, and Grant Hill also followed Michael Curry to the right wing for a big hedge.
Under the triple-team Defense, Atkins ultimately chose the safest pass.
After crossing half-court, he passed the ball to Ben Wallace, who was receiving it in the left elbow area of the free-throw line.
Kurt Thomas also understood "Ben Wallace" well, giving him a wide berth and ready to retreat to the basket at any time.
Head Coach Rick Carlisle on the sidelines helplessly realized that his perimeter players found it difficult to even receive a hand-off pass.
Sensing his teammate's predicament, "Ben Wallace" simply passed the ball to the big man in the paint, Rebraxia.
Despite receiving the ball in the paint directly in front of the rim, Rebrača's left-handed floater while posting up against Pau Gasol's top Defense immediately clanked off the rim.
Pau Gasol grabbed the rebound, and the Detroit Pistons players desperately retreated on Defense.
Ben Wallace, back on his half of the court, was still loudly calling out to his teammates when he quickly noticed Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, making the same tactical gesture.
It was still a "V-shaped" alignment.
After Lee made the tactical gesture, Kurt Thomas moved to the left wing, preparing to screen.
Pau Gasol at the right elbow immediately ran to the right baseline position, ready for a lob or to crash the boards.
In the two corner spots, Ron Artest didn't move, and Grant Hill slowly moved up to the top of the arc, reopening the offensive space.
It was as if the previous possession was replayed.
Atkins was still bumped off by Lee's sudden stop, and Grant Hill stepped up to set a screen.
The difference was that this time Ben Wallace hedged faster, and Lee also lowered his center of gravity, accelerating in a straight line with the ball in his left hand, driving past Ben Wallace straight to the basket.
After setting the screen, Kurt Thomas rolled down and then stopped near the free-throw line.
Watching Atkins chase Lee, he knew he would get another opportunity.
Sure enough, in less than two seconds, Lee, relying on the Defense, faked a shot and made a fancy behind-the-head pass.
The basketball flew past Atkins's side, and Kurt Thomas, who was already prepared, received the ball just inside the paint.
His open jump shot found nothing but net again!
"Wow!"
With consecutive baskets, cheers echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden, and Kurt Thomas also pumped his fist in celebration.
In the next few possessions, as the Detroit Pistons fell into a scoring drought, Lee repeated the same tactics.
Atkins rarely managed to get through the screen, but before the two could double-team, Clay Lee delivered another bounce pass, and Kurt Thomas scored again at the free-throw line.
Rebrača drew a foul on Pau Gasol, but missed both free throws.
On the fast break, Lee drove to the paint against Atkins's Defense, drawing a double-team from Ben Wallace.
Quickly slipping along the baseline, Lee circled under the basket, causing the Detroit Pistons' two big men to lose their defensive focus.
Near the bottom right of the rim, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, looked at Kurt Thomas cutting in front of him, then subtly flicked his wrist.
The basketball flew into Pau Gasol's hands at the right baseline position.
Uncontested, he sank another mid-range jump shot!
9:20. The double-digit deficit forced Head Coach Rick Carlisle to call a timeout.
Hamilton looked a bit dejected.
The Detroit Pistons had just been on a winning streak, but tonight they were hit hard again.
On the New York Knicks' bench, the atmosphere was particularly cheerful.
According to the current trend, everyone would get more playing time tonight.
In half a quarter, Clay Lee dished out 5 assists.
After the timeout, the New York Knicks players came out swinging.
First, Pau Gasol hit a mid-range shot after a screen, then Grant Hill scored on a fast break layup.
After Hamilton's step-through drive was stolen by Ron Artest at the free-throw line, Clay Lee, on the fast break, strode towards the basket, attracted the Defense, and then passed the ball to the trailing Ron Artest for a dunk!
After stopping the bleeding with free throws, it was Lee again, driving from the left wing, attracting a triple-team from the Detroit Pistons.
Grant Hill was wide open in the left corner, and his three-point jump shot also went in!
In the final minute of the first quarter, Head Coach Rick Carlisle on the sidelines watched Grant Hill and Clay Lee feign drives and continuously pass the ball at the top of the arc.
When Lee received the ball on the right wing, he unleashed a long-range three-pointer that also went in.
Rick Carlisle crossed his arms, shook his head slightly, and sat back down on the bench.
This extremely simple and brutal offense also sent Madison Square Garden into a frenzy.
At the end of the 1st quarter, 18:38, Coach D'Antoni was grinning from ear to ear, walking onto the court and constantly clapping in approval.
At the commentary booth, Marv Albert also knew the outcome of this game was decided, and at this point, he stopped talking about the game:
"I love this week's Sports Illustrated. The greatest of all time? At 24 years old, Clay Lee is the greatest of all time!"
This week's Sports Illustrated cover featured Clay Lee in a black suit, wearing four rings on his hand, posing thoughtfully, with a blunt title:
"The Greatest of All Time?"
Michael Jordan didn't win his first championship until he was 28, while 24-year-old Clay Lee has only missed one Finals in his professional career so far.
Their starts were indeed different, because the Chicago Bulls were a toxic team back then.
Therefore, most commentators usually compare Clay Lee with Magic Johnson.
Both benefited from strong rosters, and Magic Johnson also had the care of a big brother.
Walt Frazier, a New York Knicks legend, naturally joined in the praise:
"I believe Lee will lead the team to another championship. He will soon claim his fifth personal championship."
"Considering his current age, I believe Clay Lee will quickly become the greatest of all time."
"And before becoming the greatest of all time, he is already the greatest player in New York Knicks history. Everyone here loves him!"
The huge point difference made this game a one-sided affair.
The two commentators almost deified Lee, while also not forgetting to mock the utterly dominant Los Angeles Lakers.
In the second quarter, the Detroit Pistons still couldn't solve their offensive problems, scoring only 14 points in the single quarter.
The halftime score was 34-66.
During the halftime break, Madison Square Garden once again turned into a lively party.
Tonight, beer and snacks will likely set a new sales record for the season.
Ultimately, the New York Knicks crushed their opponents 119-80.
The Detroit Pistons players looked dazed as they walked towards the player tunnel.
Ben Wallace, despite being dejected, still actively comforted his teammates.
Although he had won many honors since leaving New York, a championship seemed out of reach.
Coach D'Antoni still had a smile on his face during his post-game interview:
"119 points? That was also part of our plan. When our big men can hit those shots after pick-and-rolls, the team will be unstoppable."
"Lee has changed the current basketball game. No one can play like him. In my opinion, he is the greatest of all time!"
"…"
The latest issue of Sports Illustrated once again drew commentators' attention to Clay Lee.
Commentators are very adaptable.
At least since the start of this season, no one has questioned Lee's shot selection anymore.
Even if Lee likes to attempt ultra-long three-pointers when opportunities arise with a lead, no one is criticizing him at the moment, because the New York Knicks have been winning by large margins.
Before Thanksgiving, the New York Knicks did not take a holiday.
Although they had a lot of rest time, the coaching staff did not relax their demands.
Players still had to arrive at the Tarrytown Training Center on time every day for training.
Lee has been living in Tarrytown recently.
As the weather got colder, he also brought his husky, Happy, over.
He wakes up early every day to walk the dog, has video lessons in the morning, training sessions in the afternoon, and occasionally practices ball handling in the evening.
On the morning of the 19th, ABC reporters timed it perfectly and ambushed Lee as he was walking his dog home early in the morning.
After acquiring broadcasting rights, the ABC production team moved back to Times Square in New York.
Their recent task was to dig up material for Saturday's NBA Countdown.
After the weather in New York turned colder, Happy's eyes became clear again.
He circled Doris Burke, seemingly waiting for her to smile and pat his head.
Doris Burke has always worked for ESPN, primarily covering the WNBA, and she is also a commentator for the New York Liberty.
In 2000, Doris Burke became the first woman to serve as a commentator for a New York Knicks game on television.
It was not yet 7 AM, and the town was very quiet.
Clay Lee saw the few people waiting early at his doorstep and joked helplessly:
"Doris, this week should be an ABC show. Are you planning to switch jobs?"
37-year-old Doris Burke, with rich interviewing experience, greeted her ABC colleagues before smiling and saying:
"I just want to make the show more exciting and let more fans understand your life!"
A group of five people followed Lee into his home in Tarrytown.
Some people curiously looked around the house, and soon everyone discovered that Lee was preparing breakfast by himself.
The camera crew naturally filmed, and Doris Burke, who had already learned about Lee, interviewed him very naturally:
"Lee, it seems the latest Sports Illustrated hasn't caused you too much trouble!"
Lee, who had taken off his jacket, was unaffected by the crowd.
Hearing such a topic, he joked again:
"These topics are discussed every year. I'm used to it. Most importantly, if I win the championship again this season, I'll have five championships."
"I have to say, this year is indeed the best time to discuss this topic!"
Despite predicting the championship, everyone agreed with this statement.
The New York Knicks, with their winning streak, indeed showed stronger dominance.
The New York Knicks' morning training schedule was also adjusted to facilitate the ABC team's filming.
Ewing was already used to such scenes and naturally boasted during his interview:
"Look at the championship banners around the Madison Square Garden. This represents the New York Knicks' achievements in recent years!"
"Young players playing in such an environment are always full of motivation!"
"I think Lee should win the MVP. Don't forget we are still in a rebuilding phase, and most of our players are Rookies."
"In this situation, we've had a perfect start. Although the league always favors other players for small awards like Player of the Week, I believe Lee should continue to win awards this season."
"Compared to Larry Bird, Clay Lee is even better!"
The MVP question has naturally been a frequently discussed topic recently.
Although the regular season has just begun, the New York Knicks' form is simply too good.
Considering that the December schedule is also not tight, even if they achieve a 20-game winning streak, commentators would not be surprised.
Without back-to-back games, the New York Knicks are terrifyingly stable.
Grant Hill has also maintained his excellent form since the start of the regular season, with his usual 50% shooting percentage and his usual ferocious fast breaks.
Even the wide-open corner three-pointers he gets can go in a few times.
At the end of the video session, Grant Hill, who was being interviewed, also stated seriously:
"The Regular Season Most Valuable Player award naturally goes to the player with the better record and more outstanding statistics."
"I don't like aesthetic fatigue. For the media reporters who vote, everyone should respect the facts."
"This season, we are confident of winning 60 games again. If we secure the top spot in the league, I believe Lee should win the award again."
"This is an affirmation of him and a respect for us."
"…"
The ABC reporters quickly found that the New York Knicks players were boasting a lot, and everyone was very active in training.
Amar'e Stoudemire seemed to enjoy the attention.
During his interview, besides praising Lee wildly, he also revealed some of his innermost thoughts to the reporters:
"Uh, there's indeed a lot of pressure. I want to get into the starting lineup. That's my constant goal."
"But I'm still adapting to the game. It's different from high school. Every player on the court is very talented."
"Lee is very strict. Of course, I mean on the court. In private, he's a good person."
Amar'e Stoudemire, in his interview, revealed more information, such as the New York Knicks players liking to play cards internally, enjoying a couple of drinks after returning home, and occasionally frequenting some interesting clubs.
Having obtained the desired material from the Rookie, the ABC film crew finally left satisfied.
Whether it's NBA Countdown or NBA Inside Stuff, to boost ratings, simply reporting pre-game previews is outdated.
On November 22nd, the New York Knicks flew to New Orleans, Louisiana.
This season, the Hornets officially moved from Charlotte, and this was the New York Knicks' first time playing in New Orleans this season.
In the second encounter between the two teams this season, the bearded Baron Davis was depressed to find his own fans had turned against him.
Perhaps it was because Davis's performance in the first half was truly underwhelming, shooting 3-for-11 for only 6 points.
Just before halftime, Clay Lee hit an ultra-long three-pointer from mid-court with a running jumper, and the New Orleans Arena erupted:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Listening to the cheers grow louder and louder, Baron Davis, walking towards the player tunnel, angrily tore at his jersey, looking at his dejected teammates, and muttered to himself:
"I didn't provoke anyone..!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)
