Check out my new fanfic.
12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
Please give it a go đ
***
On tuesday, June 13, 2006, the Dallas Morning News featured a letter from Mark Cuban to Dallas Mavericks fans:
"Fight for Dallas!"
The content was largely about hoping fans could take an afternoon off and arrive at the American Airlines Arena early in the evening, as the Dallas Mavericks needed fan energy to defend their home court!
After Game 3, Mark Cuban roared at the scorer's table, and the Dallas Mavericks were fined $50,000 for violating media regulations.
This crushing defeat also broke the hearts of Mavericks fans.
With the series losing suspense, Game 4 ticket prices began to drop.
Perhaps worried that people wouldn't come to watch the game, the loud-mouthed Cuban had been encouraging fans these past two days.
However, this move was seized upon by the New York Media for ridicule.
A column in the New York Daily News joked about Cuban's previous promise:
"Where is Game 5? Where can I get Mark Cuban's free tickets?"
He had previously announced that he would give away at least 2,000 tickets for Game 5, but after the Game 3 rout, the free tickets became a boomerang, a real slap in the face.
In contrast, New York fans haven't mocked their opponents much this year.
Compared to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks' strength seems a bit lacking.
Their regular season statistics were not impressive, and they didn't even rank in the top 5 in the league on both offense and Defense.
Furthermore, Dirk Nowitzki's playing style was not well-liked, so New York fans began celebrating their 10th franchise championship as soon as the NBA Finals began.
The New York Knicks' merchandise store has also been updated.
With a 3-0 lead, they are ready to receive their award in Dallas tonight!
ABC, as the broadcaster, was a bit regretful.
This year's ratings had seen a strong rebound, and New York fans were very interested in the new opponents.
The average viewership for Game 3 increased by 17% compared to last year, proving that new matchups indeed attract more attention.
However, with the series losing suspense, Game 4's viewership data won't be very good.
The Dallas Mavericks' performance also didn't meet New York fans' expectations, and many people on the internet are already questioning the strength of the Western Conference champions.
On tuesday's TNT show, the blame for the loss was directed at the Dallas Mavericks' core, and Avery Johnson also suffered heavy criticism.
The lack of NBA Finals broadcasting rights and exclusive interview rights didn't prevent the trio from discussing the progress of the NBA Finals.
Regarding the Game 3 rout, Charles Barkley put a big pot of blame on Dirk Nowitzki:
"I don't know why Dirk Nowitzki didn't step up when Clay Lee was scoring continuously."
"Clay Lee scored 23 points in the third quarter, and the Dallas Mavericks just watched him score. They didn't make a single effective adjustment. This is the NBA Finals!"
Facing the camera, Charles Barkley continued to complain loudly, as if going head-to-head with Lee was an incredibly simple matter, completely ignoring the New York Knicks' Defense.
In fact, at critical moments, Dirk Nowitzki still accounted for most of the team's scoring, getting 11 of his 16 points.
The director kept showing Dirk Nowitzki's statistics to New York fans: 43 minutes played, 11-of-23 shooting, 2-of-6 from three-point range, 12-of-13 from the free-throw line, 36 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 turnovers.
Except for his mental breakdown in the 4th quarter, where he clanked shot after shot, Dirk Nowitzki had performed exceptionally well in the first three quarters.
Kenny Smith didn't want to hear his partner continue to bluster.
With Jason Terry's inefficient 17 points on 7-of-23 shooting and 1-of-9 from three-point range, the loss was not surprising:
"Basketball is a five-man game. Dirk Nowitzki isn't God. In fact, he's been playing very well in the series."
"He can bring the ball up from the backcourt and finish the offense directly, he can hit shots from beyond the arc, and he can also attack strongly in the low post."
"He draws a lot of fouls every game, which to some extent even bothered Pau Gasol's performance. Losing is not just one person's fault. In fact, the Dallas Mavericks lack defensive resources."
Ernie Johnson immediately took over, and facing the camera, he revealed an interesting statistic:
"In the second half, when Clay Lee defended Jason Terry, the latter didn't score a single point. His only field goal in the second half was a three-pointer in the 4th quarter."
"What I want to say is that the Dallas Mavericks' backcourt was lost, and that's why they lost."
Prejudice is hard to change.
At least Charles Barkley still looked down on Dirk Nowitzki as usual.
Hearing his two partners refute him, he started saying "IF" again to the camera:
"A 7-foot big man shouldn't play like that! Dirk Nowitzki's jump shot simply can't change the game. That's the fundamental reason why he lost."
"If I had that height, under the current rules, no one could stop me!"
Barkley's implicit meaning was that Dirk Nowitzki played too soft.
Fortunately, he didn't say "softie" on the show, so Kenny Smith could change the subject:
"Maybe Clay Lee will win his 8th career championship tonight. Two four-peats, that's the best proof of the greatest in history!"
"..."
Statistics are irrelevant in the face of a championship.
Hearing his two partners praising Lee again, Charles Barkley fell silent.
This wasn't his forte.
ESPN next door praised him even better!
In the afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks players, who had come to the American Airlines Arena for warm-ups, still seemed unable to shake off the defeat from the previous game.
Everyone looked listless.
Dirk Nowitzki's pale face showed obvious dark circles, and his eyes were bloodshot.
This condition made many sports reporters secretly shake their headsâno miracle was coming!
Avery Johnson, as this season's Coach of the Year (COY), was crushed by his opponent in the NBA Finals, losing by large margins in every game, which led to increasing doubts about him.
The Little General, wearing a white Dallas Mavericks practice uniform, occasionally shouted loudly on the court, but these attempts to ignite the players' fighting spirit didn't have much effect.
As warm-ups were about to end, Jason Terry, who had once again underperformed in Game 3, accepted another interview.
These past two days, the Dallas Mavericks had become the worst team in the NBA Finals, and Dirk Nowitzki had solidified his "softie" label.
Whenever Jason Terry thought about the external criticism, he felt guilty.
It was supposed to be a highlight of his career, but his reputation plummeted, even costing him his big contract.
"I don't want to talk about turning the series around, but we won't give up!"
Despite the resolute look on his face, the surrounding sports reporters didn't sympathize with Jason Terry.
An ESPN reporter even asked bluntly:
"We think Dirk Nowitzki needs help. Facing Clay Lee's Defense, how many points will you score?"
"I don't care about stats, I just want to help the team..."
Jason Terry was halfway through his sentence when a Fox Sports reporter beside him chuckled, raised his recording device, and immediately interrupted:
"I don't mean any disrespect, but your biggest contribution in this series is scoring. Stats are very important. We all know you're in a contract year, Terry, show your sincerity!"
"..."
His face turned dark, and Jason Terry was so angry he couldn't speak for a moment.
Finally, a Dallas sports reporter helped him out of the awkward situation:
"Let's talk about tonight's defensive strategy. How will we limit Clay Lee's performance? I think Mavericks fans don't want to see another 23-point quarter."
"Defense requires everyone's effort. We re-watched the tape, and everyone can do better tonight."
In fact, the coaching staff still hadn't solved this problem.
Jason Terry could only awkwardly say some platitudes.
Soon, everyone lost interest.
Even Dallas Mavericks fans wouldn't accept such words.
Dirk Nowitzki, who couldn't attend the post-game press conference, took more than a day to barely calm his frustration.
Coming to the sidelines, seeing the sports reporters surrounding him, Dirk Nowitzki was still in low spirits and simply answered some questions:
"I understand fans' emotions. We really played too badly."
"Every time I watch game tape, I find many problems. We didn't do well enough in the details. The New York Knicks are indeed the better team."
"The NBA Finals are different from the conference playoffs, and also very different from the regular season. Clay Lee is the greatest in history. We tried everything, but we still couldn't limit him."
Dirk Nowitzki didn't make excuses and simply told the truth, indicating that the team wouldn't make too many adjustments on the defensive end tonight.
He couldn't even deliver pre-game boasts, which disappointed many Dallas sports reporters.
When talking about tonight's game, Dirk Nowitzki only said sullenly:
"We want to bring a victory to Dallas fans. Everyone is ready for that."
No one believed the Dallas Mavericks could win.
Yesterday, Dan Patrick, the host of ABC's remote studio, came to the American Airlines Arena to rehearse the awards ceremony.
David Stern and league staff also brought the trophy to Dallas.
For the Dallas Mavericks' battle for honor, many New York fans only hoped they wouldn't lose too badly.
Erick Dampier and Harris and a few others were already feeling down, only Stackhouse would occasionally shout to encourage his teammates.
It was hard for most players to accept the NBA Finals turning out this way after such high hopes.
The joy of a basketball game is usually built on the suffering of the opponent.
When they arrived at the American Airlines Arena in the evening for early warm-ups, the New York Knicks players were all smiles, and even David Lee, who carried their bags, felt full of energy!
Glen Rice, who was lying down, even felt like he was back in action.
In the locker room, he joined the atmosphere group in boasting:
"God has always favored us! You know, the previous NBA Finals weren't this easy."
"Think about it, we win every game by more than 20 points, which is extremely rare in NBA history!"
"After the NBA Finals this year, the New York Knicks will be the strongest team in history!"
As a member of the strongest team in history, Glen Rice, patting his stomach, also showed a proud expression.
David Lee nodded along, after all, he also made an appearance in the NBA Finals:
"I think the New York Knicks have already surpassed the 1996 Chicago Bulls. Sweeping the opponent tonight, three straight playoff sweeps, no one can break our record!"
Listening to the Rookie boasting, Anderson VarejĂŁo shook his head and added with a look of agreement:
"Don't forget the highest net scoring margin in the playoffs. Maybe we'll have another big win tonight."
Gadzuric heard their discussion and immediately stoked the fire.
Although he used to be part of the atmosphere group, it didn't stop him from showing off now:
"In 2003, we beat the San Antonio Spurs by 45 points. It's time to break that record. They're all Texas teams, we can't let the San Antonio Spurs have the record to themselves!"
Matt Barnes grinned widely upon hearing this.
Thinking of the unlucky Duncan, everyone felt even better.
Fisher noticed Michael Finley's complex expression and quietly comforted him:
"Enjoy the victory, Michael! As I said before, you can help them in the future. What the Dallas Mavericks lack is championship experience."
Seeing Old Fish's sincere look, Finley forced a smile, seemingly agreeing with the statement:
"I'm ready. Tonight should definitely be celebrated to the fullest!"
Diao and Raja Bell were also talking in low voices, but they weren't getting ahead of themselves.
They were discussing potential opportunities in tonight's game.
Even a fool would know that the Dallas Mavericks, completely broken, would surely double-team Lee like crazy.
Anyway, the series had no suspense, so the opponent would most likely choose to vent their anger.
"I think if you shoot more wing three-pointers, maybe you can also have a 15-point quarter, just like Stephen Jackson a few years ago!"
Hearing Diaw's words, Raja Bell was a bit surprised.
He didn't expect the Frenchman to remember such a minor record:
"Remember to pass me the ball. I'll treat you once I'm back in the starting lineup..."
Raja Bell chuckled and bumped Diaw.
Hill's contract ending might mean retirement, which gave him hope of starting again.
Although there were rumors that the New York Knicks planned to trade role players for Ray Allen, Raja Bell believed this trade was unlikely to happen.
Ray Allen wasn't even seen in the NBA Finals.
This Seattle SuperSonics All-Star seemed very concerned about public opinion and didn't want to be labeled a "coattail rider."
This was good news for the New York Knicks' role players, as everyone was already used to riding coattails.
They could pad their stats in the regular season, weren't blamed in the playoffs, had decent salaries, and high exposure. In such circumstances, no one wanted to leave.
Prince pricked up his ears, quietly listening to the two communicate.
He didn't mind playing off the bench, but signing a big contract put him in a somewhat dangerous position, making him a potential trade target.
Thinking of the Ray Allen trade rumors, Prince, who had changed into his practice uniform, couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"Better not come, I don't want to leave either."
Lee and the other starters were currently sitting on high stools in the center of the American Airlines Arena, accepting a pre-game interview from ABC.
Scott saw their relaxed expressions and immediately turned to tease them:
"Clay Lee said before that winning by 15 points is the true reflection of a team's strength. Have you discussed this within the team?"
Hill didn't want to offend Dallas fans or give Ron Artest a chance to run his mouth, so he took the initiative to speak, smiling,
"That's just a regular season statistic, and it doesn't have much reference value. Most of the time, we talk more about Defense. Dirk Nowitzki has been outstanding this year!"
Ron Artest was a bit disappointed he couldn't brag, but he still couldn't help adding,
"Actually, we made a prediction. Everyone was very confident about 16:0. Although we didn't get 70 wins, this season's New York Knicks is indeed in their best form."
"We have better chemistry, and no one is our opponent on both ends of the court."
"At the beginning of the season, everyone predicted we would face the San Antonio Spurs again, but we didn't expect them to lose. In short, we are the strongest team in history right now."
Regarding the topic of the strongest in history, Clay Lee was relatively humble.
Seeing Scott's gaze, he chuckled and gave his answer:
"Under the current rules, we have indeed performed well in recent years, and the championship is the best proof!"
"But we haven't played against those historical teams, so it's hard to give a definitive answer. Basketball is always progressing, and the New York Knicks' success is also due to everyone in the team."
"After Kurt Thomas's injury, Gasol took on more Defense tasks, and coach D'Antoni and the coaching staff also adjusted their tactical arrangements in time."
"We overcame these difficulties, and now we are just one game away from victory. Tonight, we don't want to give our opponents any chances."
Kurt Thomas had already taken off his protective boot.
He could have played if needed, but the team didn't require him to return, which was for his health.
"I am proud of the New York Knicks. After my injury, everyone cared about me. The entire team put my health first. It's a pity I couldn't help the team in the NBA Finals."
Gasol, standing nearby, patted his old partner's shoulder.
Scott also felt the New York Knicks' team culture at this moment.
Seeing Kurt Thomas's eyes redden slightly, he changed the subject:
"Pau, you lost to Dirk Nowitzki in international play. What are your thoughts on your direct matchup this year?"
Gasol didn't brag about himself.
From a statistical perspective, he felt a bit constrained against Dirk Nowitzki, having to constantly watch for fouls throughout the game:
"I think I played pretty well. Perhaps there was some decline in the numbers, and I encountered some trouble on the defensive end, but we won the game."
"I talked to Dirk Nowitzki, and the happiest thing for me in this year's NBA Finals is that I saved my hair and beard!"
Hearing their laughter, Scott's eyes showed a smile.
Looking at Mike D'Antoni, who was beaming, he finally brought the conversation back to tonight's game:
"Mike, Lee thinks the team performed poorly in the first half of G3. Do you have any new adjustments for tonight?"
Facing the camera, the Moustache smiled proudly.
He didn't belittle the opponent but instead teased the team's performance again:
"Actually, it mainly depends on Lee's state. In G3, he was 5 for 11 in the half, which is why we couldn't take a big lead."
"Tonight, we will still give the ball to Lee. You know, the greatest player in history will adjust himself. All I have to do is quietly enjoy the game from the sidelines!"
"..."
The Dallas Mavericks staff looked at the laughing group, feeling uneasy.
No one wanted to witness the opponent receiving an award on their home court!
At 8:00 PM on the 13th, the American Airlines Arena once again echoed with cheers.
The venue was still packed, but the atmosphere was far less intense than in G3.
It was a battle for honor.
Encouraged by Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks started the first quarter poorly.
As the rotation began, they were hit even harder, and the American Airlines Arena almost turned into a library.
60:39. Looking at the 21-point difference, the fans in the front row couldn't help but stare blankly.
What happened to the promised battle for honor?
During halftime, the director repeatedly focused the camera on Mark Cuban's long face.
That rallying letter seemed to have backfired.
James Dolan didn't consider the feelings of Dallas fans.
The curly-haired owner sat next to David Stern, occasionally grinning, showing his good mood.
Lee's girls were all watching the game in the skybox, while Ron Artest's entourage once again erupted with astonishing combat power.
Although their seats were scattered, they still fought with Dallas fans.
9 for 2 in the half, 1 for 3 from beyond the arc, and 8 for 9 from the free-throw line, Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high 13 points.
In the quiet American Airlines Arena, on the ABC commentary desk, Hubie Brown didn't know how to comment on the Dallas Mavericks' performance and could only dryly say:
"It seems the loss in G3 had a greater impact than we imagined!"
"The Dallas Mavericks have excellently completed their task this year. This is their first time on a stage like the NBA Finals. I believe failure will not defeat them."
Mike Breen couldn't stop smiling.
He was already looking forward to the end of the game.
The 10th championship in franchise history felt exciting:
"Yes, how to face failure is the key to achieving greatness. The New York Knicks have also lost, but we quickly responded."
"In 10 years, the New York Knicks have never missed the Conference Finals, made it to the NBA Finals 9 times, and won 8 championships!"
"Clay Lee created a miracle, and he is only 28 years old. The future still belongs to the New York Knicks!"
Realizing he had deviated from a neutral commentary stance, Mike Breen quickly reined in his emotions, but the excitement in his heart was hard to suppress.
Before the second half began, Avery Johnson was interviewed by Lisa Salters again.
He no longer mentioned turning the game around, only speaking platitudes with a blank expression:
"I believe in my players. The game isn't over yet. We won't give up."
Dirk Nowitzki, whose mentality had exploded, couldn't hold on anymore.
Watching Clay Lee hit another step-back three-pointer from the left wing over his Defense, he almost kicked the ball away while inbounding.
The Dallas Mavericks players' frustration began to spread, and Jason Terry quickly followed suit, going cold.
The New York Knicks, with everyone fighting hard, launched another scoring run in the third quarter.
Most of Lee's assists converted into points, and Raja Bell, coming off the bench, also seized his opportunity from beyond the arc.
31:23 in a single quarter.
After three quarters, the score was fixed at 91:62, with the lead already reaching 29 points.
The American Airlines Arena grew quieter.
As the fourth quarter entered garbage time, what puzzled the Dallas Mavericks was that their offense suddenly went cold.
On the contrary, Fisher led the charge for the New York Knicks.
Threes rained down, and the score kept climbing.
Finally, head referee Joe Crawford couldn't stand it anymore and gave the home team a few free throws.
With 1 minute and 21 seconds left in the game, as Boris Diaw also hit a three-pointer from the left corner, the New York Knicks bench erupted in cheers.
Clay Lee, wearing a blue practice uniform, laughed and waved his towel.
As the game time continued to tick down, everyone on the New York Knicks hugged each other, jumping and cheering wildly on the sidelines!
At this moment in the American Airlines Arena, only the New York Knicks' friends and family and the fans in the screaming section behind them were celebrating wildly.
Most Dallas Mavericks fans stared blankly.
They seemed to be setting another record.
Until the very last moment, Antonio Daniels didn't give up on offense.
His undefended long-range three-pointer clanked off the rim, and the final buzzer sounded.
122:74. At the end of the game, all the Dallas Mavericks players on the court lay on the floor with their hands covering their faces, and no one on the bench stood up.
Avery Johnson stood frozen, an expression of disbelief on his dark face.
48 points? They were nailed to the pillar of shame.
The New York Knicks players all raised their hands and cheered happily.
Sports reporters rushed onto the court, setting up their cameras and pointing them at Lee, who was constantly embracing his teammates.
The slightly quiet American Airlines Arena didn't affect Lee's good mood.
He walked to the center of the court, faced the camera, raised both hands, and held up four fingers on each, cheering happily:
"Oh! I did it!"
On the ABC commentary desk, Mike Breen was equally ecstatic.
Looking at Lee, who was surrounded by everyone, he said loudly in a light tone:
"In 1998, Clay Lee led the New York Knicks to victory over the Utah Jazz, setting a record for the largest NBA Finals point differential of 42 points!"
"In 2003, Clay Lee led the New York Knicks to victory over the San Antonio Spurs, breaking the record to 45 points!"
"In 2006, facing the Dallas Mavericks, Clay Lee led the New York Knicks to break the record again, 48 points, the largest point differential in NBA Finals history!"
"Congratulations to Clay Lee, congratulations to the New York Knicks! 8 championships in 10 years, this is an unrepeatable miracle!"
Dirk Nowitzki, still with a towel over his head on the bench, hadn't stood up.
Even now, he couldn't accept such a result.
This was simply a nightmarish NBA Finals experience.
With his hands covering his face, Dirk Nowitzki couldn't hold back the surging emotions in his heart, sitting in his seat and quietly weeping.
Harris and a few others nearby were affected and also bowed their heads, shedding tears.
The young fans in the front row were also like this, their face paint smeared from crying, wailing in their family's arms.
On the Dallas Mavericks side, the first to recover was veteran Armstrong.
Being thrashed during garbage time, as Lee's former opponent, he couldn't help but show disappointment.
Perhaps they had lost too much, as no one from the Dallas Mavericks came forward to greet Lee for a while.
Instead, the New York Knicks legends crowded over.
Ewing, in a black suit, grinned widely after embracing Lee.
The Gorilla didn't care about the opponent's feelings and excitedly shouted in front of the camera:
"This is the greatest in history, New York King, the true GOAT!"
The surrounding New York Media cheered.
The Dallas Mavericks players, having recovered, slowly moved towards Lee to offer simple greetings.
Harris and Jason Terry were in low spirits.
They briefly hugged Lee, offered a quick congratulations, and then turned and left.
Erick Dampier and Stackhouse didn't shed tears, but they pursed their lips and remained silent, seemingly having listed the New York Knicks as sworn enemies.
When Dirk Nowitzki, draped in a towel, appeared before Lee, the German's eyes were red from crying.
After a leaning embrace, he hoarsely wished: "You are the better team, Lee. Congratulations on winning the championship again. You deserve it!"
The sports reporters surrounding them were louder than the fans.
Everyone wanted to see the spectacle, raising their cameras to record this historic moment.
Lee smiled and patted the German.
He really hadn't expected the opponent to completely collapse tonight.
At this point, he could only offer simple comfort:
"Don't mind what outsiders say. Making it to the NBA Finals, you've already surpassed most players in the league. Believe me, this is absolutely an incredible achievement!"
"The next few years still belong to us. I look forward to our next matchup in the NBA Finals."
Although the Dallas Mavericks suffered a crushing defeat, many sports reporters realized that with their excellent roster depth, they still had a high probability of making a comeback next year.
Dirk Nowitzki, who received the "Clay Lee Recognition Award," forced a smile and stepped forward again for a fist bump:
"Next time, I won't lose again."
As Dirk Nowitzki slowly walked towards the player tunnel, applause also erupted in the American Airlines Arena.
Regardless, this was a successful season for the Dallas Mavericks.
"Ah!"
Ron Artest stood on his seat, waving his towel and cheering happily.
Mike D'Antoni maintained his historical coaching swagger, exchanging experiences with Avery Johnson at the scorer's table.
James Dolan squeezed next to Lee.
The curly-haired owner held onto his arm and wouldn't let go, continuing to shout excitedly at the camera: "10 championships! This is not our limit!"
Staff members gathered around, and Lee, surrounded by the crowd, slowly began to move towards the player tunnel.
At this moment, only some New York fans in the American Airlines Arena were cheering wildly.
Seeing the fans on both sides sitting blankly in their seats, Lee couldn't help but smile, feeling even better, and then a thought crossed his mind:
[Dirk Nowitzki's Extraordinary Shooting Touch]
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)