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***
On Friday, June 9, 2006, David Stern answered many questions from sports media during his morning annual address.
David Stern gave his views on the officiating standards this season, the free throws in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the one-sided NBA Finals.
The Seattle Times took this opportunity to inquire about the arena and relocation matters, which was the only time David Stern shook his head during the entire press conference:
"I really don't think I can do more. The arena contract still has four years left. This is a stalemate. Seattle fans are very enthusiastic, and I hope there will be a proper solution in the end."
Since purchasing the team in 2001, the team owner has claimed more than once to have lost nearly $60 million.
Currently, the Seattle SuperSonics have explored moving to Bellevue and Renton, while also considering selling the team, and a new buyer is highly likely to relocate the team out of the area.
Related news has been ongoing for a season, and the Seattle SuperSonics' early fishing trip was also related to the team atmosphere.
The reason sports reporters were interested in the Seattle gossip was mainly because Ray Allen might play in New York, and related trade rumors appeared early in the season.
If the Seattle SuperSonics are confirmed to disband, then this trade is likely to happen faster than expected!
Not every fan wants to see the birth of 'brotherhood basketball.'
After losing G2 last night, Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks didn't want to talk about the team's status and seized the opportunity to unleash a wave of criticism:
"I apologize to Clay Lee. I shouldn't have compared Kobe Bryant to him."
"In the NBA Finals, I personally felt Clay Lee's dominance. We had no way to stop him."
"But I don't want to see the New York Knicks continue to accumulate stars. This is unfair to many teams, and perhaps the league should prevent some potential trades from happening."
Mark Cuban avoided mentioning the loss, and in addition to continuing to encourage Dirk Nowitzki, he mostly made sarcastic remarks about the New York Knicks' roster depth.
Mark Cuban is not the only big-mouthed owner.
James Dolan, in an interview with the New York Times, boldly declared from a distance:
"In the future, I will pay over $100 million in salaries. I don't care about the luxury tax at all!"
"The New York Knicks will not give up excellent players to save money. New York needs more star players, and we don't need anyone's guidance."
This season, two teams with salaries exceeding $90 million met in the NBA Finals.
Facts proved that the New York Knicks' money was well spent, while the Dallas Mavericks' roster depth had significant flaws.
The sour remarks were mainly due to spending money and getting beaten.
The San Antonio Spurs never paid luxury tax every year and didn't lose so badly in the NBA Finals.
Mark Cuban's breakdown, ironically, garnered more sympathy.
With a score of 99:126, the Dallas Mavericks, who lost G2, flew back to Dallas overnight.
New York fans continued to celebrate their second four-peat and the team's 10th championship.
From last night to this morning, no commentator discussed the outcome of the series, and the big mouths also quieted down.
ESPN's morning show once again praised Lee to the heavens.
On Saturday the 10th, the New York Knicks had already flown to Dallas, and the next three games would be on the road.
The New York Media reported that James Dolan and the team staff also departed together, implying the series would not return to New York. Fans once again started criticizing the playoff format.
Unlike ESPN's exaggerated praise of Excel, TNT's afternoon show, surprisingly, discussed the topic of "who is the best player at defending Clay Lee."
Dwyane Wade, who was turned into a "softie" in the Eastern Conference Finals, received more praise, and the three people in the studio, for once, agreed.
Seemingly forgetting their mindless disparagement of Dwyane Wade a few days ago, Charles Barkley, in the studio, spoke of the topic with nothing but praise:
"Dwyane Wade can definitely become a superstar in the future!"
"Looking back at the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks' perimeter Defense couldn't contain him at all. Dwyane Wade didn't score in garbage time. He was definitely underestimated."
Not long ago, it was all about "garbage time, playing aggressively and fearlessly," but compared to Nowitzki, Wade became the Heat's core player, lacking support.
Kenny Smith automatically ignored his partner's ramblings, and while reviewing the stats, briefly discussed Nowitzki's performance in Game 2:
"A slow start was one of the reasons they lost by a large margin. That's the difference between Nowitzki and Lee. He struggles to lead his teammates."
"You're all criticizing him, but I want to say that Nowitzki did his best on defense. We can't ask him to do more."
Playing 34 minutes, 9-for-19 from the field, 2-for-7 from three-point range, 7-for-10 from the free-throw line, 27 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 turnovers, Nowitzki dug himself into a hole in the first quarter, but performed exceptionally well later.
Ernie Jensen, worried that his partner might talk too much, immediately turned to him, agreeing, saying:
"We can't expect players to do everything in a game. In fact, Clay Lee also had defensive issues when he first entered the league."
"Back then, Ewing was the defensive anchor, and even now, Artest remains the best defensive player on the team."
"Many times it's not just a matter of defensive willingness. Coach D'Antoni also doesn't want Clay Lee to expend too much energy on defense. Their roster is designed to compensate for Lee's weaknesses."
Most players aren't exactly two-way players.
Looking solely at defensive stats, the best guards are Clay Lee and Jason Kidd.
But Kidd's offense is inconsistent, and Lee's defense is often lackluster.
Nowitzki's defensive stats are those of a decent big man, at an average level in the league, but sometimes prejudice is hard to change.
Charles Barkley has never had a good word to say about the German:
"My disappointment with Dirk Nowitzki isn't just about his defense. He always likes to initiate attacks from beyond the three-point line. His pick-and-roll with Jason Terry has been completely broken down."
"To win games, he has to attack the basket in the low post, instead of constantly floating outside and shooting."
"Don't forget he's a 28-year-old, seven-footer. I wouldn't have played like that at his age!"
The director showed Dirk Nowitzki's advanced stats for the season: a win shares of 17.7 and an efficiency rating of 28.1, both second in the league, only behind Clay Lee.
Looking at the Excel spreadsheet, Nowitzki's defensive efficiency rating is indeed lower than Dampier and Diop, who are among the top 50 in the league.
It's understandable that he was targeted in the Finals.
"Two of the best players this season met in the Finals. Although they couldn't directly match up, Lee's performance was still superior!"
"The stats also accurately reflect Clay Lee's dominance. His 39.4 efficiency rating is truly reflected in the playoffs. It's the best in history. Clay Lee might break Bill Russell's record."
Looking at the director's stats for Clay Lee's Game 2, Kenny Smith praised him again.
While Dirk Nowitzki is excellent, the gap is clearly visible.
12-for-16 from the field, 4-for-8 from three-point range, and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line, Clay Lee filled the stat sheet in 32 minutes of playing time, scoring 36 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 1 turnover.
Although many joked that all the Knicks players had a chance to compete for the Finals MVP, Clay Lee consistently produced more efficient stats despite similar shot attempts. Charles Barkley remained silent when discussing statistics, waiting for the Finals to conclude before showcasing his abilities.
Ernie Jensen glanced at his partner and quickly gossiped with a smile:
"Bill Russell is actively involved in the Finals this year. He's already flown to Dallas."
"Many people seem to have gone to the Fairmont Hotel to wish Clay Lee his 8th championship in advance!"
During the morning media break, the Knicks players continued to give interviews.
In the afternoon, Knicks legends arrived at the hotel to celebrate the upcoming championship.
Patrick Ewing, who hadn't appeared in the media for a long time, also showed up.
After more than a year of drama, the "Gorilla" had finally divorced.
Starks, currently working for the Knicks, naturally flew to Dallas with them.
Larry Johnson and Charles Oakley were more there to gloat over their opponents.
The two portly figures constantly boasted in front of the media, confidently stating "IF" when discussing this year's Finals:
"This is absolutely the weakest opponent we've ever faced! In fact, if the Mavericks had faced that Knicks team, they wouldn't have even scored 90 points!"
"I could handle that kid all by myself, and I could also take care of that top Western Conference center."
Charles Oakley, with slightly graying hair, dressed in a black casual suit and still in good shape, was barely finished speaking when Larry Johnson, with his protruding belly, teased:
"Come on, Charles, you're too short! The Mavericks will teach you a lesson with three-pointers."
Oakley immediately retorted loudly, but the "Grandmama," who occasionally appeared on local New York radio and television programs, had an even stronger ability to boast, instead exaggerating "her" own abilities to the skies.
If the Knicks win the championship this year, Oakley's jersey will be retired, marking the team's 10th title and arguably the perfect time to retire it.
Allan Houston, like his former teammates, wore a black suit, but he was more low-key, not circling the media.
He chatted with Hill in a corner of the conference room, discussing future plans.
"Tamia wants me to retire after my contract expires. She's worried about my body getting injured again, but I feel good right now."
Hill, wearing a blue Knicks training vest, pointed to his abdomen, his hernia recovery better than he expected.
Houston, who announced his retirement last October, looked younger than his former teammates, his physique unchanged, even showing signs of training.
He glanced enviously at Hill, then subtly suggested:
"It's hard to sign another big contract. You know I've been getting a lot of TV invitations lately. Many media outlets think Donnie Walsh will disrupt the team's current roster."
"It's said he came to New York because of disagreements with Larry Bird about team-building strategies, and the new general manager will definitely have his own moves."
Thanks to the relentless digging by the New York media, Donnie Walsh's disagreement with building the team around Jermaine O'Neal has been exposed.
Larry Bird believed the team should continue to strengthen its existing structure, while Donnie Walsh believed they should completely rebuild by clearing out the current roster and stockpiling draft picks.
Both of them held significant influence within the Indiana Pacers.
Donnie Walsh selected Reggie Miller, which led to the "One Team, One City Award."
When legends clash, even the always outspoken Reggie Miller avoided this topic, suggesting it was an internal team struggle.
He would be 35 at the end of next season and had an extensive injury history, so Houston naturally understood how difficult a big contract would be.
Even he couldn't guarantee he would stay healthy in the future.
Having been in New York for so many years, Hill naturally understood the implied meaning of Allan Houston's words: if he signed the contract, he might be traded, just as Allan Houston had gone to the Orlando Magic to share championship experience back then.
"I will exercise my player option. I still have time to consider."
Looking at Grant Hill, who still wanted to play, Allan Houston smiled but said nothing more.
Years of experience had made him realize that most New York fans were "win-only fans."
Orlando Magic fans would still 'IF' he stayed healthy and won a championship with Tracy McGrady, but New York fans rarely reminisced about the past.
The young people clamoring to surpass the Boston Celtics wished awards were given out every year.
Being in New York and the high ticket prices brought more sense of superiority.
Even if a meritorious player was traded, as long as they kept winning, the fans would be satisfied.
Allan Houston looked at Lee, who was surrounded by media reporters, and complex emotions surged within him.
As long as the core remained, no one was irreplaceable—this was a unique "winning culture."
The previous game was won by 27 points, and Clay Lee's "15-point theory" seemed to have gone awry.
That afternoon, most of the reporters were from New York, and everyone stopped being modest, with questions becoming more and more inflated.
"Clay, we've received a lot of feedback from fans, who want to participate in the award ceremony together at home. Can you fulfill their wish?"
This question was frustrating, but the New York reporters surrounding him all showed expectant eyes, as if losing two games and then winning two was effortless.
Knowing what these guys liked to hear, Lee didn't keep up the pleasantries like he had that morning.
Instead, he patted his bicep and boasted earnestly:
"In fact, I don't know how we could lose this year's NBA Finals. The Dallas Mavericks' backcourt is excellent, but they need to add some physicality. Fouls alone can't stop me."
Upon hearing such boasting, the sports media outlets immediately grinned, while only a few from the Dallas Morning News looked displeased.
Ever since entering the NBA Finals, they had been subjected to constant taunts.
Reporters from the New York Daily News had recently been more focused on the NBA Draft.
On October 23rd last month, the lottery ceremony was held in Secaucus, New Jersey, and the Toronto Raptors secured the first overall pick with an 8.8% chance.
The New York Knicks naturally had the 30th and 60th picks, but fortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers' draft pick in their possession was quite good, making the 22nd pick barely worth choosing.
"Several players from the University of Connecticut are participating in this year's NBA Draft. The Nets have invited starting point guard Marcus Williams for a tryout. Clay, will you recruit alumni to play in New York?"
Lee didn't know much about the team's tryout process.
In fact, Rookies joining the team would also sit on the bench, though the situation might improve next season, as Old Fish planned to "return to his roots."
"I am proud of Connecticut, and Marcus is a genius, but I am completely focused on the NBA Finals right now. I believe our management will select the most suitable players."
Although Lee didn't give a definite answer, many reporters made their own assumptions: Marcus Williams would come to play in New York!
Indeed, many excellent guards participated in this year's draft.
The combo guard Randy Foye had received the Clay Lee template and was currently a hot prospect.
J. J. Redick was also called a potential Rookie by many sports media outlets, with hopes of breaking Lee's three-point record, and was highly likely to receive an invitation to the "Green Room."
Kentucky University's Rajon Rondo also garnered significant attention, with many rumors currently circulating that the Boston Celtics seemed interested in this Rookie.
Watching everyone discuss the NBA Draft, the Dallas reporters completely lost their composure and left directly.
It was supposed to be 3 home games, but the opponent felt no pressure whatsoever.
Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Patrick Ewing gathered together; the three, also being interviewed, were quite modest, and Gorilla even took the initiative to praise the opponent:
"The NBA Finals are completely different from the regular season, and even vastly different from the playoffs."
"I understand Dirk Nowitzki. In fact, my performance in my first NBA Finals was also somewhat poor."
"Making it to the NBA Finals is already a remarkable achievement. Losing is not scary. I believe he can rise from this failure!"
"..."
This encouragement made Walt Frazier and Willis Reed, who were standing nearby, smile awkwardly.
Although they both thought the same thing, Ewing shouldn't have said it so directly.
The New York Knicks' atmosphere team was also celebrating the series victory in advance.
As for tomorrow's game, no one was concerned—the Dallas Mavericks had no chance.
On sunday, June 11th, the New York Times brought the latest news to fans bright and early, with a group photo of the New York Knicks team in Dallas appearing in the newspaper.
Upon seeing the news, cloud fans were bewildered, almost thinking the NBA Finals had already ended and the league had presented awards.
Opening champagne at halftime usually doesn't end well, but this time, only the Dallas media refuted it.
Even members of the "Anti-Lee Alliance" remained silent.
The Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks had no prior grievances, and many Dallas fans were even Clay Lee fans, but after this year's NBA Finals, a large number of "fans turning anti-fans" would emerge locally.
After reading the related news, it was definitely enough to make even God angry.
Such blatant taunting was rare in NBA history.
That afternoon, as the Dallas Mavericks arrived at American Airlines Arena for warm-ups, Mark Cuban, dressed in a white short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, pulled a long face and actively accepted an interview, shouting to the fans:
"For Game 5, the team will release over 2000 free tickets!"
"They lack respect for the Dallas Mavericks, and I hope the fans can unite. Now we need more energy."
The intensity of the NBA Finals isn't necessarily a good thing.
The Dallas Mavericks players were heroes before the games, but after losing two straight, their reputation plummeted.
In Game 2, Jason Terry again shot 5-for-15 from the field, 1-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line, contributing an inefficient 16 points, with most of his scoring coming in the 3rd quarter.
Back at home, ABC, as the broadcaster, naturally gave more camera time to the home team.
Before the game, they not only showed the growth journey of the Dallas Mavericks players but also featured more outdoor shots of Dallas.
As per custom, Scott was to interview the home team's core before the game, but noticing the expressionless Dirk Nowitzki, the black reporter sighed inwardly:
"Dirk, I noticed in the training sessions these past two days that you seem to have practiced more three-point tactics?"
Avery Johnson and the coaching staff actually had no room left for adjustments.
Jason Terry, as the team's second-best player, had performed poorly, so after much thought, they ultimately decided to just let him shoot freely.
Dirk Nowitzki, wearing a Dallas Mavericks white training T-shirt, heard the question and didn't deny it, nodding with a serious expression and simply responding:
"I know no one believes in us, but back at home, everyone has more confidence!"
"The first two games were not our true level. Terry gave an inspiring speech in the aerial meeting, and tonight we will respond."
"In fact, the New York Knicks' shooting performance wasn't good enough either. We will cut off Lee's connection with his teammates."
Dirk Nowitzki didn't hide the team's adjustments, but his messy blonde hair and dark circles made him seem less confident.
Scott nodded and didn't make things difficult for the core player:
"I look forward to your strong response tonight!"
As the Coach of the Year (COY) this season, Avery Johnson became a joke.
As the schedule progressed, all the buzz had been completely absorbed by Coach DAntoni.
When they arrived at American Airlines Arena for warm-ups, a group of sports media outlets looked at Coach DAntoni, who was strolling courtside with his hands behind his back, with expressions of admiration.
Everything is feared by comparison.
The New York Knicks completely suppressed their opponents, and all of Coach DAntoni's adjustments worked, revealing the strength of a Champion Coach!
Although the Moustache was very low-key, such a performance made many sports reporters even more respectful.
This was truly a historical-level renowned coach, and his predecessor, Jeff Van Gundy, clearly had a stroke of luck.
Assistant Coach Mike Malone truly didn't know how to describe his work this season.
Aside from watching game footage, he was AFK for the entire regular season and playoffs.
This coaching style was unimaginable before.
At least Mike Malone and the others had never seen it.
As the warm-up neared its end, Coach DAntoni, standing courtside, was again surrounded by everyone.
Mike D'Antoni, wearing a training uniform, smiled and, without waiting for questions, immediately joked about himself:
"Don't ask how to adjust for tonight's game. In fact, Lee knows better than I do. My work ended before the NBA Finals began."
Hearing such a joke, everyone only felt that the Champion Coach was too modest.
An ESPN reporter couldn't help but flatter him, asking with an expression of reverence:
"Mike, I think what fans care more about is how many points the New York Knicks will win by tonight? Under your coaching, the New York Knicks are the most dominant championship team we have ever witnessed!"
Coach DAntoni was flattered by the blatant praise, and an involuntary smile of pride appeared on his face.
He simply responded:
"I just did some minor work. I have always maintained the same view: leave the game to the players."
"Perhaps the opponent has discovered our game strategy and will cut off Lee's connection with everyone, but this won't solve the problem."
"I won't worry about Lee's form. As for how many points we'll win by, perhaps you should interview Lee. He is the key to determining the game's outcome."
The sports reporters surrounding him didn't find anything wrong with such an answer.
They all took it as a humble display from the Champion Coach.
Mike Malone, standing nearby, felt complex emotions.
As someone deeply involved in the coaching work, he knew that everything the Moustache said was true, and looking at Coach DAntoni, who was being showered with praise, a feeling of envy surged within him:
"Coaching a superstar is actually so simple. Maybe I can be a Head Coach too!"
....
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