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***
On February 6, 2003, most NBA teams had already begun enjoying their All-Star Weekend holiday, with only three games scheduled for that day.
Most sports media outlets were still calling for the Eastern Conference All-Star players to yield their spots to Michael Jordan, emphasizing that his last All-Star Game of his career must be a dignified farewell!
However, this matter had been discussed for half a month.
Clay Lee, as the top vote-getter, naturally had to start, and Tracy McGrady was an Adidas athlete, so even if the players agreed, the sponsors would not.
After much discussion, Grant Hill and Vince Carter were deemed suitable.
Both were Nike athletes, and Vince Carter hadn't played many games in the past two months, leading sports media to conclude:
"Vince Carter should give up his spot!"
This matter remained unresolved even on the evening of the 6th, at least Vince Carter had not clearly stated his position.
Tonight, the New York Knicks' opponent was the Warriors.
This season, second-round pick Gilbert Arenas had risen strongly, and with Jason Richardson and Antawn Jamison, the Warriors indeed showed signs of a resurgence.
In the paint, Erick Dampier and Troy Murphy were also good players, and with this five-man combination, the Warriors achieved a record of 22 wins and 27 losses.
The record might not seem ideal, but considering that the Warriors were out of contention early last season, achieving this record was already commendable.
However, to make the playoffs, the Warriors still needed to push harder.
The Western Conference was fiercely competitive, and 40+ wins were typically needed to secure a playoff spot.
94:108, the Warriors lost without much fight; their team's Defense discipline was their weakness.
The 'fishing team' still had a long way to go to become a playoff contender.
Gilbert Arenas played 38 minutes, shooting 9-of-19 from the field, 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line, scoring a team-high 25 points and dishing out 8 assists.
Although he had 4 turnovers, his overall performance was very good, after all, he was just a second-round pick, and no one would demand too much from him.
Entering the starting lineup this season, Gilbert Arenas played very hard.
In a post-game interview, he didn't complain about the loss but earnestly stated:
"It was great to play against Clay Lee. Although we lost, I learned a lot."
"I like games like this. Lee is stronger than he appears in videos. You can only truly feel it after playing against him."
"I've also played against the Los Angeles Lakers. They won the championship last season, but I don't think I'm worse than Kobe!"
"If I played alongside Shaquille O'Neal, maybe I could also win a championship. I think I should be selected for the All-Star this season."
"Some players are overrated, and I will prove myself later!"
After putting up impressive numbers, Gilbert Arenas didn't forget to promote himself.
A second-round pick's salary was pitifully low, and he hoped to receive a big contract at the end of this season.
Reporters from the New York Times had been mocking their old rivals for the past few days, and after Gilbert Arenas's statement, they maliciously asked:
"Could you talk about the differences between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers from your perspective?"
Gilbert Arenas also enjoyed trending topics.
After hearing the question, he pondered for a moment before metaphorically stating:
"The Los Angeles Lakers play for themselves. They don't seem like a championship team."
"The New York Knicks are different. Before the game, we watched a lot of videos, but on the court, we still couldn't keep up with their game pace."
"Simply put, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of isolations, and we can't limit Shaq. The New York Knicks have more tactics and a faster pace, and we can't limit Lee."
In a game played concurrently that day, the Seattle SuperSonics lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 91:97.
Gary Payton and Ray Allen both scored 27 points, and interestingly, both had a 50% field goal percentage, with almost identical statistics.
In recent trade rumors, Head Coach George Karl seemed to be planning to trade Ray Allen and coach 34-year-old Gary Payton again.
In this battle of proof, Ray Allen somewhat regained his dignity and spoke out after the game:
"I wasn't left out of the All-Star because I wasn't good enough, but because someone was sabotaging the team's locker room!"
"Some people will eventually regret this foolish decision, and the future will never turn out the way he expects!"
At this point, everyone knew that the conflict between Ray Allen and George Karl was irreconcilable.
After the New York Knicks' game, Lee did not attend the post-game press conference.
Tonight, Ivanka's father, dressed casually, sat in Lee's exclusive front-row seat, constantly winking during the game.
After the game, he didn't, as usual, grandly accept interviews and make critical remarks.
Instead, he made a gesture to Lee early on, and the two left soon after the game ended.
Upon reaching the top floor of the family's iconic building, it was almost 11 PM.
Lee watched the man in front of him incessantly nagging, feeling a bit helpless.
They had already discussed these matters over the phone not long ago:
"She thinks I don't know, but she drinks often!"
"Does she want to make me a joke! Don't let her use my card anymore, stop all her spending. Ivanka must come home obediently after graduation."
Lee casually glanced at the bill that Ivanka's father handed him, his eyes wide.
Luxury goods accounted for most of the expenses this year, but the family's cutoff of funds didn't seem to affect Ivanka.
Without pocket money for the past two months, the 'good daughter' hadn't softened to her father.
When Ivanka's model stepmother came into the study with two glasses of red wine, she acted demurely:
"Don't make it sound so serious, she hasn't graduated yet, she's still a young girl!"
The beautiful model acted like a virtuous wife, continuously whispering sweet nothings.
Lee also gave a dry laugh:
"I'll try to persuade her. Ivanka doesn't want to leave you, but don't worry about daily expenses. Even without my support, she's not short on money."
Although her biological mother wasn't particularly wealthy, she wouldn't restrict her daughter's spending.
Donald always thought he was the sun, and everyone in the family had to revolve around him.
Donald was unhappy that Ivanka didn't work for her father during this winter break.
His 'good daughter' hadn't given him the cold shoulder in a long time.
Although he was old and had another daughter with his second wife, he would likely continue to have children in his third marriage.
Perhaps in a few years, Ivanka would have another younger brother.
After repeating "no" several times, and once his wife had left, Donald handed Lee another document:
"The JPMorgan Chase loan is not a problem. I can get you up to 300 million pounds anytime. This is the appraisal document, your idea is good!"
This real estate magnate's two older sisters, one worked in the New Jersey judicial system and was expected to become a chief justice, and the other held a mid-level management position at JPMorgan Chase in Manhattan.
Although their daily interactions weren't close, Ivanka had introduced them to Lee.
Looking at the document in his hand, he knew the loan would definitely not be an issue.
Lee nodded, noticing that the other party still wanted to continue nagging about the conflict between his daughter and stepmother, so he proactively changed the subject:
"By the end of this month, we will have about 28% of Manchester United shares. Another acquisition offer will be made at the end of the month."
"Of course, there will definitely be some minor issues in this process, but the acquisition should be fully completed within two years. This money will come in handy in a few more months."
Donald nodded in satisfaction.
Although he wasn't close to his sister, they were family after all, and completing this loan might lead to her promotion and salary increase.
Seeing that Lee had drunk and was about to leave, Donald seemed to remember something else and loudly called out towards the door:
"Don't forget the club membership fees, you have to pay for two! The meal fees also need to be paid, even if you don't consume, this money cannot be less!"
The private club in Florida charged $100,000 for one membership and $2,000 for meal fees.
Lee twitched the corner of his mouth, finally waving his hand to indicate he understood.
Although the fees weren't much, he secretly grumbled in his heart:
"I'll earn this money back sooner or later!"
On February 7, players participating in the All-Star Game flew to Atlanta early.
As this year's game was a "customized game," it featured many elements dedicated to Michael Jordan.
Players from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference no longer wore their respective team jerseys.
The NBA changed its usual rules.
This year, the Eastern Conference All-Star team wore white jerseys, and the Western Conference All-Star team wore red jerseys.
Not only was the attire standardized, but during halftime, it was no longer an unconventional "concert" like in previous years.
The NBA would play a tribute video to Michael Jordan, and Mariah Carey would sing a song for Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan's old fans naturally wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
Everyone had been looking forward to this All-Star Game for a long time.
Unlike previous broadcasts, this year TNT would broadcast the All-Star Game via cable television, setting a new historical precedent.
There was no need to worry about ratings; with the hype of "Michael Jordan's last All-Star Game," everyone would watch.
This year, the NBA also introduced a new skills challenge.
Dribbling through obstacles, passing, and shooting three-pointers, the Skills Challenge officially debuted this year, and the invited participants were all top guards:
Clay Lee, Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Stephon Marbury.
The four will compete in the Skills Challenge, a competition the NBA has been heavily promoting recently.
Turner Sports' headquarters are in Atlanta, and Magic Johnson was invited to TNT's Friday show, with the four serving as a warm-up for the upcoming All-Star Weekend.
Magic Johnson was invited mainly because the topic of discussion among them was related to him:
"Who is the greatest point guard of all time?"
In the studio, the trio was initially polite, but as Kenny Smith started making predictions, the atmosphere changed.
"I mean, if Clay Lee wins the MVP this season, and then wins the championship and FMVP, does that mean he becomes the greatest point guard in history?"
Kenny Smith asked with a smile, and Charles Barkley immediately shouted:
"No doubt, 5 championships, 5 FMVPs, 4 MVPs."
"Among them are four consecutive championships and three consecutive MVPs. No one can achieve such accomplishments. If Lee wins the championship this year, he will be the greatest in history."
Magic Johnson, dressed in a black suit, grinned at the other end, showing his signature smile, and immediately shook his head upon hearing such a view:
"Why such a hypothesis? I think the Lakers will successfully defend their title. Recently, our record has been improving!"
Noticing that the two still wanted to speak, Magic Johnson waved his hand and then said seriously:
"OK! If Clay Lee can really achieve these accomplishments this year, then we really should discuss this issue."
"Not the greatest point guard, but the greatest player in history. 5 championships already say it all, and he's only 25 years old, with at least 10 more years in his career!"
"As long as he stays healthy, I think he has a chance to continue winning championships."
Hearing "greatest player in history," Ernie Johnson glanced at his two partners and immediately smiled, fanning the flames:
"Greatest in history? Magic, do you think Clay Lee has surpassed Michael Jordan?"
Magic Johnson did not shy away from the topic, instead looking at the three and speaking frankly:
"The times have changed. In the past, no one played like Clay Lee!"
"We would pursue transition offense, seek finishes at the rim and from mid-range, but never solve problems from beyond the three-point line like Lee."
"Every era has a different greatest player. Without a doubt, Michael Jordan was the greatest player of the early 90s, and Clay Lee is the greatest of the new century!"
"What impressed me most this year were the All-Star votes, 2.58 million votes, that's a truly crazy number!"
"If we were to ask young fans now who they think is the greatest in history, I believe kids around 15 years old would undoubtedly answer Clay-Lee!"
"When the Lakers were defeated back then, I also lost the chance for a three-peat, but history is remarkably similar. Clay Lee also defeated Michael Jordan, preventing him from completing a second three-peat."
"If Lee truly wins the championship this year, he will be the greatest player of this era, and at his age, perhaps in a few years, he can achieve the status of the greatest in history."
Charles Barkley kept nodding in agreement, but then added to the discussion:
"I think Clay Lee has already surpassed you guys. This season, he even has a chance to challenge the best regular season record in history."
"This is too crazy, and what's even more terrifying is that the Knicks haven't triggered the luxury tax line yet, and they still have a chance to bring in another All-Star."
"If that trade really happens, other teams will find it hard to beat such an opponent!"
Kenny Smith also strongly agreed with this view, and incidentally added some gossip:
"We all know that Clay Lee and Ray Allen are very good friends, perhaps in the future we will witness the two of them teaming up!"
"Just like Drexler chose to join the Houston Rockets, Ray Allen might also join the Knicks in the future."
"In this situation, perhaps until Lee retires, the Knicks can always maintain a championship-contending roster."
Seemingly thinking of the Lakers' internal situation, Magic Johnson laughed heartily again and simply started advertising on the show:
"The Lakers also welcome star players to join. With Kobe, Shaq, and one more All-Star player, there's no doubt we will also start a Lakers dynasty."
"."
On Saturday, February 8th, there was the Rookie Challenge and the Skills Challenge.
However, for the fans who came to Atlanta, everyone still wanted to see Michael Jordan.
Vince Carter was a bit shaken during his interview in the afternoon.
Public opinion had put a lot of pressure on him.
Although Michael Jordan repeatedly stated that he should start, fans and the media did not buy it.
As the Head Coach of the Eastern Conference All-Star team, Mike D'Antoni was a Rookie, and when asked about this topic, he just smiled slightly:
"I choose to leave the game to the players. No matter who starts, Lee can lead the Eastern Conference All-Star team to victory!"
"."
In the afternoon, when taking the official photos, Ewing, who had come to Atlanta to see Michael Jordan, also noticed the Eastern Conference All-Star team's jersey and quickly complained:
"It's almost identical to the 1988 All-Star Game jersey!"
Clay Lee, who had already changed into his jersey, couldn't help but smile when he heard Gorilla's words:
"Perhaps the NBA is paying tribute to Michael Jordan. That year's Slam Dunk Contest was spectacular!"
A bunch of old guys came in the afternoon; they were all there to see Michael Jordan.
Compared to the 1998 All-Star, Michael Jordan at this time felt truly past his prime.
When taking the official photos, Michael Jordan didn't smile much.
For him, his experience with the Washington Wizards in the past two years was not good.
Clay Lee and Michael Jordan were still sitting in the front.
Noticing that the old man was unhappy, Lee couldn't help but tease him before the photo shoot:
"The league has changed the trophy design this year. How embarrassing would it be if we lost!"
Although he might come off the bench, Michael Jordan still retorted when he heard "lose":
"With me this year, we're sure to win. I don't like special trophies. If any of you like them, remember to perform well!"
Tracy McGrady, wearing a white jersey behind him, looked like a complete fanboy.
Hearing his idol's words, he immediately followed suit and buttered him up:
"We'll win the game, the trophy belongs to you, we all want to see you lift this special trophy tomorrow night!"
The Rookie Pau Gasol at the very back couldn't get a word in, but in his heart, he also wanted to see this perfect farewell.
Grant Hill also felt they should win the game this year.
The league had set the stage:
"Don't disappoint the fans' expectations, everyone will definitely win the game tomorrow night!"
As soon as Hill finished speaking, the All-Star fans behind him also expressed their commitment to winning the game for Michael Jordan.
They couldn't bear to see the old man leave the court in a dismal state.
On the other side, the Western Conference All-Stars, wearing red jerseys, naturally knew about this year's custom game.
However, Kobe still wanted to compete.
Michael Jordan was also his idol and had helped him with basketball problems.
He wanted to show himself in front of his idol.
In the Rookie Challenge that night, the sophomore team once again defeated the freshman Rookies.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Tayshaun Prince of the Knicks were on the freshman team.
Pau Gasol, who was selected for the All-Star Game, did not play in the Rookie Challenge.
Ultimately, thanks to the excellent performance of the Warriors' dual core, the sophomore team won the game 105:96, and Gilbert Arenas ultimately lifted the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy.
Since it was Michael Jordan's last All-Star Game, everyone from the Knicks came to Atlanta to join the fun.
Before the Skills Challenge began, Ron Artest led the hype squad in a loud cheer, rooting for Clay Lee.
Lewis also came over to the Knicks' side, cheering for Lee as well.
Gary Payton, who was warming up, had a somewhat grim expression.
He hadn't left the team yet!
Wearing the Knicks' away-colored practice uniform, Lee dribbled the ball, turned his head, and chatted with the three next to him:
"First ever competition, I like this championship, it's very meaningful!"
Gary Payton, in a bad mood, mocked him with his somewhat high-pitched voice:
"Look at your demeanor! You think you're going to win? Young people nowadays have problems with their fundamentals."
With his head held high, Gary Payton looked at Lee, acting like an old veteran.
Kidd was still warming up and didn't say anything, but Marbury found a way to make his presence felt:
"I like this trophy."
Marbury was about to say more, but he quickly realized no one was paying attention to him.
Gary Payton kept nagging beside him, seemingly trying to affect Lee, who was up first.
"I just hope you don't get too desperate when you see the results. It's not that you're not good enough, it's that I demand too much of myself!"
"I want to set an unbreakable record in this first competition, so that future contenders will be more motivated!"
Clay Lee took off his outer practice uniform, revealing the Knicks' away jersey.
He was unusually not fully geared up, but the shoes on his feet were particularly eye-catching.
One red and one blue, a mandarin duck color schemeâLee's new sneakers this year didn't follow the usual promotional fanfare, but instead quietly debuted directly at the All-Star Game.
The official sneaker launch event was held after the All-Star Weekend, as Nike planned to leverage Michael Jordan as a hot topic for a major advertising push.
The live director repeatedly aimed the camera at Lee's sneakers.
This pair, similar to the future Kobe IV, was also the proud work of designer Erik Avar this year.
Currently, all sneaker configurations are kept secret, but just the flashy color scheme alone attracted the attention of most fans.
Compared to the previous generation, this pair of sneakers is purely a guard shoe.
Lee only made demands regarding torsional rigidity.
Gary Payton and Kidd also wore their own signature shoes.
In comparison, it was immediately clear that Nike wasn't very invested in these two, as their sneakers for the past two years had only seen normal iterations, never introducing new technology.
Kidd had originally intended to remain silent.
He had a good relationship with Gary Payton and a superficial one with Lee, but upon seeing the disparity in the sneakers, a pang of sourness hit him, and he immediately complained in a low voice:
"Damn it! I knew Nike was biased!"
The DJ on site began introducing the four players participating in the skills challenge.
When Lee's name was finally called, a huge cheer erupted in the Philips Arena.
Seeing Lee appear first, the cheering became unstoppable for a moment.
Lee smiled and waved to the fans, then slowly walked to the left baseline corner, a posture that made Gary Payton repeatedly curl his lips.
The Skills Challenge involved dribbling around obstacles, chest passes, bounce passes, and a three-point shot in a loop.
The difficulty wasn't high, but to achieve a good score, accuracy in shooting was key.
As the music started, the three sitting on the bench watched Lee effortlessly navigate the obstacles, complete the pass on the first try, reach the three-point line, pick up the ball, and shoot, then sprint on without looking back.
"Swish!" The basketball went through the net without touching the rim.
The cheers from the crowd grew louder and louder.
By the time Clay Lee returned to the basket for a dunk to finish the challenge, the three of Gary Payton looked at each other in dismay.
The DJ excitedly announced Lee's score:
"God! 25.8 seconds! This is Clay Lee, he's simply omnipotent!"
Kidd, who was second to appear, had a solemn expression.
Perhaps feeling the pressure, he ultimately had trouble with the three-point shooting segment.
Fortunately, he completed the passing segment on his first try, ultimately achieving a time of 29.8 seconds.
Returning to the bench, Lee smiled and high-fived the departing Kidd:
"It seems the Finals will be a duel between the two of us!"
Gary Payton glanced at the two of them, then ran towards the left baseline corner with an unconvincd look.
Soon, the old guy also ran into problems with his three-point shooting.
With his mentality crumbling, he only managed to complete the through pass on his second attempt.
33.6 seconds.
Hearing his score, Gary Payton's face darkened even more.
Marbury, the last to appear, was perhaps a bit nervous and ultimately didn't perform exceptionally, finishing with a time of 31.9 seconds.
At this point, Gary Payton, who was at the bottom, felt he had lost face and completely fell silent.
In the Finals, Kidd, who went first, was still the same.
Perhaps due to some nervousness, he had issues with both his three-point shooting and passing, ultimately taking 34.6 seconds.
"Sorry, it seems I'll be taking home the championship of the inaugural competition!"
After dropping that line, Lee, looking relaxed, ran to the left baseline corner to await the music.
Amidst the cheers of the fans, Clay Lee, whose body was gradually warming up, became a tad faster, leaving the three on the bench speechless.
As the music stopped, the DJ excitedly shouted again:
"25.1 seconds! God! Clay Lee broke his own preliminary record!"
"Congratulations to Clay Lee for successfully winning the 2003 Atlanta All-Star Game Skills Challenge!"
The trophy was presented by a seven-year-old New York Knicks fan.
After handing over the trophy, the little guy hugged Lee and wouldn't let go.
Holding up the silver, spherical trophy, Lee smiled brightly, embracing the little one beside him.
His collection room had gained another item.
In the subsequent Slam Dunk Contest, Jason Richardson once again won the championship.
In the Three-Point Contest, Peja Stojakovic, who replaced Chris Webber in the All-Star Game, scored 22 points in the decisive round and ultimately lifted the trophy!
On February 9th, the day of the All-Star Game, the old guys all came to support Michael Jordan.
Everyone knew this was Michael Jordan's stage!
Lee didn't join the old guys' gathering.
He simply wasn't interested in complimenting them.
Helping them win the game was already his limit.
Among the All-Star players, only Gary Payton had attended the old guys' gatherings over the past two days.
Coach D'Antoni was just playing a supporting role, bringing his family to Atlanta for a vacation.
Everyone was waiting for Michael Jordan's performance that evening, and the old fans who bought tickets were already impatient.
TNT also arranged heavyweight commentators on site.
Before the game, Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, and Jeff Van Gundy reminisced with fans at the Philips Arena.
Jeff Van Gundy didn't like Michael Jordan.
He never forgot the scene when Phil and Michael Jordan mocked him back then.
However, after eliminating the Chicago Bulls in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bald Young Coach never spoke ill of Michael Jordan in public:
"Michael Jordan's comeback with the Washington Wizards didn't lead the team to success, but he boosted team morale and reshaped the team culture. These are all things young players should learn from."
No sooner had Jeff Van Gundy finished speaking than Marv Albert also lavished praise on Michael Jordan to the camera:
"Yes, Michael Jordan, who is almost 40 years old, gives his all in every game. Basketball isn't just about winning and losing. This spirit of constantly striving for victory can also inspire fans."
The three had been praising for several minutes and were now a bit parched.
Mike Fratello glanced at the Bald Young Coach and suddenly asked meaningfully:
"Jeff, what team culture do you think Clay Lee has established for the New York Knicks? They've been too outstanding this season, with a 29-game winning streak. It will be very difficult for any team to break such a record in the future!"
The 19-game winning streak was achieved by the New York Knicks led by Jeff Van Gundy.
After his record was broken, the Bald Young Coach was naturally not in a good mood.
After all, New York fans will only remember the first.
If Mike D'Antoni can keep winning, perhaps in a few years, fans will completely forget him.
"The locker room culture Lee has shaped for the New York Knicks is championship and victory."
"This is obvious. Regardless of whether the team is in a rebuilding phase, the New York Knicks' record has always been leading. Last year, they still reached the Finals."
"Winning is the best locker room culture. If a team keeps losing, and players adapt to such a competitive environment, then trying to make a change becomes a very difficult thing."
"However, times are different. Lee doesn't like to teach players how to play, and in this aspect, he might be very different from Michael Jordan."
"This is also because of New York. Madison Square Garden is a basketball mecca. Every player wants to come and play here!"
"And to secure a starting position on the New York Knicks, one undoubtedly has to put in tremendous effort. What Lee needs to do is lead the team to keep winning. Victory is the most suitable locker room culture for this team."
After saying this, Jeff Van Gundy remained outwardly composed, but felt some regret in his heart:
"Superstar supremacy! That's the true team culture."
Mike Fratello heard the Bald Young Coach's sentiment and, while nodding, quickly added:
"Clay Lee and Michael Jordan indeed have many differences, but they are both excellent leaders."
"I think the fans watching on TV are also very happy. This year's All-Star Game is the last time the two will play side by side. I am very much looking forward to their performance."
"..."
Before the game, in the Eastern Conference locker room, Michael Jordan had chatted with old friends for two days, and his mood had recovered quite a bit.
Although he might appear as an awkward substitute, Michael Jordan didn't complain.
When Coach D'Antoni arrived in the locker room, he simply said cheerfully:
"Lee, control the pace of the game. We must play until the very end.
Victory belongs to us!"
Everyone realized that the Head Coach seemed too lazy to even give a pep talk, and they were speechless.
Lee patted his chest, showing confidence, and finally made a promise:
"Don't worry, don't be scared by their big guys. We just need to respond from the perimeter!"
Grant Hill patted a somewhat nervous Pau Gasol beside him, then whispered:
"Don't worry, Pau, just like in the regular season, pay attention to Lee's tactical hand signals. It's guaranteed to give you a few easy dunk opportunities!"
Ben Wallace, Pierce, Antoine Walker, and Jermaine O'Neal all remained silent.
With Michael Jordan there, everyone felt a bit constrained.
Allen Iverson on the other side also didn't want to speak.
He always felt that being a substitute was losing face.
Only Tracy McGrady wanted his idol to win an award:
"That's right, we'll respond from the perimeter, and we run faster. Their big guys can't keep up with our pace!"
Vince Carter glanced at his cousin, still conflicted, as he really didn't want to give up his spot.
The All-Star Game entrance ceremony in Atlanta was much more spectacular than in previous years, with a specially built stage illuminated by lights.
As the DJ loudly called out the players' names, young fans on both sides of the tunnel screamed continuously.
When the Western Conference All-Stars appeared, the youthful Yao Ming also received a little cheers, perhaps due to controversy.
The first Eastern Conference All-Star to appear was Michael Jordan, wearing a Washington Wizards practice uniform, smiling and waving to the fans.
The Philips Arena completely erupted.
The last to appear was Clay Lee, and the cheers grew noticeably louder.
The excited young fans on both sides almost ripped off his practice uniform.
During warm-ups, Lee took Yao Ming aside to play some fancy dribbling.
Due to the language barrier, Yao Ming seemed very nervous.
Before the game started, Vince Carter was also a bit nervous.
Just as he was about to enter, he suddenly put his arm around Michael Jordan and whispered, voluntarily giving up his starting position.
Michael Jordan initially didn't agree, but as the cheers from the fans grew louder, he finally took off his warm-up shirt and entered the game.
Vince Carter, back on the bench, sat down in his seat wearing his practice uniform, letting out a long breath with a smile.
The fans had been booing him, and he naturally knew why.
In the first half, the Western Conference All-Stars continuously fed the ball inside.
After scoring 2 points, Yao Ming was quickly substituted out by Shaquille O'Neal.
The Eastern Conference All-Stars had anticipated this, diligently defending the outside passes of Steve Francis and Kobe, trying to keep the big men from receiving the ball near the basket.
The first half of the game was still somewhat intense, with the Eastern Conference All-Stars leading by 3 points, 55-58.
During halftime, a tribute video to Michael Jordan began playing on the big screen in the center of the court.
A magnificent stage was also set up in the center of the court.
All the players and all the sports media stood on the court, watching the short film and waiting for Mariah Carey to appear.
When Mariah Carey, still in her prime, came to the center of the court wearing a dress styled like a Washington Wizards #23 jersey, the familiar BGM also echoed through the Philips Arena.
As the music for 'Sirius' played, Clay Lee applauded next to Michael Jordan.
This music indeed brought him a lot of pressure back in 1996.
The Chicago Bulls' home arena still uses the same BGM, but the former sense of oppression has now become a joke.
"Let's welcome a 5-time champion, from North Carolina, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, number 23 of the Washington Wizards!"
"Michael Jordan!"
Mariah Carey, in a sweet voice, called out this familiar introduction, and the cheers in the Philips Arena grew louder and louder.
After a rendition of 'Hero,' Michael Jordan almost shed tears.
After returning to the stage and taking the microphone, he finally controlled his emotions.
"Thank you to the fans who have always supported me, thank you to my teammates, and thank you to my opponents!"
"I should say goodbye, just as the predecessors passed the torch to me, I should also pass the torch to the younger generation."
"Thank you for your continuous support for basketball, and thank you for your love of basketball."
"Now I will leave the basketball I love with a sense of satisfaction and peace. Thank you all again!"
After saying these words, Michael Jordan calmly walked off the stage and high-fived his old friend Gary Payton.
Seeing Lee still smiling and applauding nearby, all his emotional buildup vanished.
Jordan laughed and cursed, then bumped fists with Lee:
"I need to win this damn game!"
.
In the third quarter, the Eastern Conference All-Stars erupted, or rather, Clay Lee and Tracy McGrady exploded from beyond the arc.
With a single quarter score of 31-38, the Eastern Conference All-Stars led by 10 points after three quarters, 86-96.
The script was already prepared for Michael Jordan.
As the substitute lineup entered, the Western Conference All-Stars began to catch up.
With 46 seconds left in the game, the score was tied at 112-112.
As Michael Jordan continuously missed shots, the script became thrilling.
The Western Conference All-Stars organized their offense, with three big men calling for the ball inside and Kobe also demanding the ball on the right wing.
After some maneuvering, Steve Francis finally passed the ball to Shaquille O'Neal in the low post on the right side.
With 31 seconds left in the game, facing Pau Gasol's Defense, Shaquille O'Neal began to post up repeatedly.
Before he could turn, Lee collapsed into the paint and immediately fouled him.
"Boo!"
As O'Neal stepped to the free-throw line, boos erupted in the Philips Arena.
He mockingly went through his shooting motion, ultimately making one of two free throws.
With the score at 113-112 and 29.2 seconds left in the game, Pau Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound.
Lee received the ball and quickly dribbled it across half-court.
Although Jordan was bricking shots in the fourth quarter, after continuous cross-screen actions, Lee finally signaled everyone to clear out and passed the ball to Michael Jordan, who popped out to the left elbow.
After receiving the ball with his back to the basket, Michael Jordan first leaned back, feigning a post-up against Marion, who had switched onto him.
After wasting some more time, he suddenly spun quickly, holding the ball in his right hand, and accelerated towards the baseline.
He stopped abruptly near the baseline on the right side, and as he drifted backward to the right, Michael Jordan, facing the block, released his signature fadeaway jumper!
"Swish!" The mid-range jumper went in.
113-114, the Eastern Conference All-Stars once again took the lead.
"Wow!"
With 6.8 seconds left in the game, the Philips Arena erupted in cheers.
Michael Jordan, who had just made the shot, also smiled.
After a chest bump celebration with Clay Lee, he continued to high-five the other players on the court.
After the timeout, the ball was inbounded from half-court.
Kobe received the ball at the top of the arc and, facing Lee's Defense, immediately put the ball down with his right hand and accelerated to drive.
However, his first step failed to shake off the Defense.
Under physical contact, Kobe was forced to slow down.
As he drove to the right restricted area, Kobe stopped abruptly, immediately gathered the ball, and quickly faked a shot.
He intended to create a time difference, but Lee reacted extremely quickly.
Seizing the moment Kobe slightly lowered the ball, he immediately chopped down hard with his right hand.
"Slap!"
The basketball was slapped away, and Kobe tried to regain control of the ball, but the final buzzer immediately sounded.
Tracy McGrady laughed happily, hugging Michael Jordan next to him and cheering, entering full fanboy mode again.
Lee looked at Kobe's angry expression, shook his head, and said with a smile:
"Give the old man some face. We can't let the league's custom-made trophy go to anyone else!"
Kobe was about to retort, but he turned his head and saw Shaq, who had shaved his beard and was acting like a Rookie, which immediately infuriated him:
"You shouldn't have missed that free throw! Otherwise, we'd have overtime now!"
O'Neal, who was slacking off, intended to join the fun, but hearing Kobe's words also made him quite angry:
"Damn it, this is an exhibition game! You want overtime?"
"..."
Seeing the two seemingly ready to argue again, Lee pouted and walked past them, giving a hug to Yao Ming, who had 2 points and 2 rebounds tonight, as a greeting:
"Don't worry about the stats, this is just an exhibition game. The most important thing is that the fans have fun!"
Yao Ming looked at Michael Jordan, who was surrounded by sports media, and showed a longing expression:
"Being able to witness such an All-Star Game, I am already very satisfied!"
Playing 32 minutes, Michael Jordan shot 8-for-22, scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.
His performance was average, but the trophy was still his!
David Stern and the NBA staff came to the center of the court, and the staff pushed up the golden human-shaped trophy.
Unlike the usual crystal trophies for the All-Star Game, anyone with eyes could see that this year's All-Star trophy was custom-made.
The Commissioner was beaming.
After presenting the trophy to Michael Jordan, he continued to applaud from the side.
While the sports media once again swarmed Michael Jordan, David Stern came over to Clay Lee with a smile, first patting him twice encouragingly, then quietly encouraging him:
"Well done, Lee, I'm happy to see your achievements this season!"
"Records are meant to be broken. Keep up this form!"
Seeing the Commissioner's meaningful expression, Lee also smiled contentedly:
"There's no obstacle to a three-peat MVP!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)