On sunday, December 2, 2007, the Phoenix Suns once again faced the New York Knicks.
Before the game, Lee received his Player of the Month award, and Madison Square Garden was naturally filled with cheers.
This was almost an annual tradition.
The Player of the Month for the first month would always be from New York.
Last time at the Phoenix Suns' home court, Steve Nash performed poorly, and his team ultimately lost by 18 points.
If sports media were to do a tally, they would find that the Phoenix Suns hadn't won against the New York Knicks since 1996.
Many players joked about Allen Iverson, but the reality was that everyone was an "Allen Iverson."
There were plenty of teams that hadn't won a single game against the New York Knicks in recent years.
The Son of Philadelphia was just the most famous one.
Many fans couldn't even name some of the role players; their wins or losses were completely ignored.
Steve Nash was showing a similar trend.
People were tired of the "imitation show."
As the 4th quarter was about to begin, from the MSG commentary booth, Mike Breen was also sharing his gossip, talking about the Spanish rookie on the opposing team:
"Rudy Fernandez reportedly wanted to play in New York more before the draft, with the Phoenix Suns being his second choice. I have to say, this rookie has a very clear understanding of his own positioning."
"Pau Gasol clearly introduced the current situation of the league to his national team teammate. It's a great pity that we didn't have the opportunity to sign him."
"Shawn Marion is still in trade rumors. General Manager Donnie Walsh is very interested in him, but I haven't received any definite news."
If one paid attention to the Phoenix Suns, they would notice that Marion was rumored to be traded every season, but it never materialized.
This All-Star forward continued to shine in Phoenix.
Walt Frazier, who was beside him, did not delve too deeply into this topic, as it was a tactic used by the General Manager to pressure players.
Ron Artest, who was in a contract year, was still in his recovery period.
The player's agent would definitely try to secure a big contract, at least higher than Boris Diaw's.
Negotiations began now, and finding a "substitute" was a common tactic.
Clearly, Donnie Walsh did not want to continue overpaying.
Even if the owner was willing to spend money, once a player experienced a rapid decline, the General Manager would become the scapegoat.
For the sake of their jobs, both sides were silently competing.
"It's great to see Amar'e Stoudemire's growth. Injuries haven't defeated him. This is the fighting spirit a championship member should have!"
"With a 12-point difference, Steve Nash must step up. He needs to regain his shooting touch."
2-of-9 shooting. So far in the game, Steve Nash had contributed 5 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
Walt Frazier's words were more subtle, but the deficit was indeed Steve Nash's fault.
73:85. After three quarters, the New York Knicks had suppressed their opponent throughout the game, and the Phoenix Suns were running out of time.
As the game was about to start, Alvin Gentry seemed uneasy about the rotation lineup, wishing he could play himself.
He kept pulling Nate Robinson aside and repeatedly instructing him:
"Don't make silly mistakes. Try to create opportunities for Leandro Barbosa!"
Robinson, who had been benched for his chaotic play during the previous rotation, could only nod at this point.
He had to compromise with the Head Coach, and his dream of being a core guard was shattered once again.
During the rotation, the Phoenix Suns had Robinson and Barbosa in the backcourt, while the frontcourt consisted of Marion, Quentin Richardson, and Brian Skinner.
Since Marion took on too many Defenseive tasks, the primary scorer during the transition period was the Brazilian Flash.
Even if Nate Robinson was dissatisfied, he had to keep it to himself at this moment.
The New York Knicks also made rotations, with Rajon Rondo and Gary Neal in the backcourt, and Boris Diaw, David Lee, and Gadzuric forming the frontcourt for the first time tonight.
Each team initiated its first wave of cuts in October, and November was also a probationary period.
Only after surviving the All-Star Weekend could a player secure a stable contract.
Mike D'Antoni was not stingy with opportunities.
As long as someone performed well in practice, they would always get a chance.
Gary Neal was an example.
Although he was a 60th overall pick, he had more playing time than Novak.
When the game resumed, Steve Nash, sitting on the Phoenix Suns' bench, began to frown, resting his chin on his hand.
In the first possession, they seemed to be on the defensive again.
"Let's go Knicks!"
Amidst the cheers, facing the Phoenix Suns' near-zone Defense, the New York Knicks immediately completed a double screen on the perimeter.
Marion, guarding the big man, switched in time against the pick-and-roll, forcing Rajon Rondo, who was dribbling with his right hand, to cut into the paint from the right wing without finding a good opportunity.
Nate Robinson pulled and tugged, attempting to disrupt David Lee's roll, but Rajon Rondo, who was "circling" with Marion, boldly passed the ball near the left side of the basket.
The moment he stopped, he lofted the ball to the other side.
David Lee ultimately jumped with the smaller player hanging on him, and with one hand, he tipped the ball into the basket.
"Oh!"
The referee blew the whistle, and cheers erupted again.
With the same tactical system, facing a zone Defense, the New York Knicks were better at using faster guards to tear through the Defense and create mismatches.
Being suppressed by a rookie throughout the game made Nate Robinson particularly upset.
Seeing Rajon Rondo seriously remind his teammates to prepare for Defense, he sarcastically remarked from beyond the three-point line during the free throw:
"Don't act like that in front of me, lucky rookie!"
"…"
Rajon Rondo glanced at the opponent but ignored the smaller player in front of him.
He cherished his limited playing time and had no interest in bickering with a minor character.
After David Lee's free throw also went in steadily, the ignored Nate Robinson grabbed the ball from the baseline and charged forward head-down.
He vaguely heard his Head Coach's shouts, which made him somewhat reluctantly signal for a play.
Gary Neal knew Barbosa was fast, so he squeezed through the screen desperately, chasing him immediately when his opponent popped out to the left wing, disrupting the catch.
Seeing the play fail, Marion immediately shifted to the right wing.
After a fake screen, he quickly moved to the top of the arc.
David Lee, who followed him out, chose to guard within the three-point line.
Rajon Rondo easily squeezed through the screen and successfully interfered with the opponent's pass.
Nate Robinson nearly got a direct steal when he faked a drive and then jumped to pass.
When the ball flew into Marion's hands, he was forced to adjust after receiving it.
Facing David Lee's sag-and-contain Defense, Marion did not hesitate at all, launching a sudden cold arrow, quickly pushing the ball out for a miss.
Watching Gadzuric easily secure the rebound, Alvin Gentry on the sideline did not blame his players' shot selection.
This was their game rhythm: if there was an opportunity, they attacked!
The Phoenix Suns retreated quickly, and Rajon Rondo, for caution, did not seize this fast break opportunity.
However, once everyone was in position, Rajon Rondo, dribbling with his left hand, stopped.
At the top of the arc, he seemed to be observing the Defense, then suddenly pushed the ball for a change of direction.
The moment he switched to his right hand, he immediately lowered his shoulder and accelerated.
Rajon Rondo gained more than half a step, putting Nate Robinson behind him, and drove straight down the middle to the basket.
"Oh!"
As the two had just crossed the free-throw line, Rajon Rondo suddenly decelerated while in motion, pulling the ball back significantly with one hand.
The sudden fake made Robinson stunned, and by the time he reacted, it was too late.
With the interior Defense shifting, Rajon Rondo, having shaken off his defender, twisted his body and cradled the ball with his right hand, then smoothly tossed it high.
It looked like a pass or a shot.
Marion instinctively braced against David Lee beside him, and the ball ultimately swished through the net.
73:90. The deficit was heading straight for 20 points.
The New York Knicks' bench erupted in cheers, and Lee, dressed in his practice uniform, also stood up and applauded.
Tonight, it was highly probable that he would be done after three quarters again.
The game had just begun. Alvin Gentry looked at the bench but ultimately didn't make any substitutions.
Fortunately, with the same play, Marion's three-pointer from the top of the arc went in, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.
Within a few minutes, both sides traded blows, and the deficit did not shrink.
Rajon Rondo repeatedly drove hard against his opponent in several possessions, which somewhat broke Nate Robinson's composure.
With 7 minutes and 46 seconds left in the game, when Rajon Rondo once again completed a behind-the-back dribble and breakthrough from the left wing, Robinson directly grabbed and wrestled him to the ground, with both players falling.
Before the referee could intervene, as Nate Robinson stood up, he yelled furiously, and the situation became uncontrollable:
"You only lick motherfucker!"
Amidst the fans' gasps, Rajon Rondo glared, raised his left arm, and then landed a backhand punch to the smaller player's face with his right hand.
Seeing Robinson nearly knocked down, the arena instantly erupted.
By the time everyone separated the two, Nate Robinson, who had taken a hidden blow, was still fuming and cursing.
Hearing Rajon Rondo's taunt, he almost charged back again:
"You trash, you'll always be a nobody!"
"…"
This conflict ultimately resulted in both players receiving technical fouls.
The Phoenix Suns were unable to mount an effective counterattack afterward, and even after the starting lineup returned, Steve Nash still couldn't regain his touch, helplessly watching the time tick away.
With Amare Stoudemire's mid-range jump shots and free throws, the point difference fluctuated around 14 points.
Alvin Gentry, the Head Coach on the sidelines, could only smile bitterly with his arms crossed.
101:116. When the game ended, Steve Nash was dejected, and the cheers echoing in his ears only made him sigh.
Two years ago, he was still on the MVP rankings, but after the new season began, no one discussed him anymore.
Lee seemed to see through his thoughts and immediately went up to fist-bump him after the game, comforting him:
"Don't mind those boring lists. We all know how tough it is for a small guy in the league!"
"..."
Steve Nash was at a loss for a response for a moment.
He shook his long hair and could only offer a dry compliment:
"Congratulations, Lee! It seems you'll be getting another trophy this year. There won't be any surprises this time!"
All-Stars forming super teams are destined to miss out on trophies, which leaves Lee's competitors as only some youngsters.
Some commentators have already started saying that this year's regular season award is almost a foregone conclusion.
Hearing his opponent's blessing, Lee didn't act modest.
He simply accepted it calmly.
Locking in the number one spot on the MVP candidate list again was just routine for him.
On the other side, Shawn Marion also briefly shook hands with the New York Knicks players, but he quickly noticed hostile glances.
Facing Ron Artest's scrutiny, he frankly said:
"What's up, Bro!"
As soon as they fist-bumped, Ron Artest, dressed in a suit, pursed his lips.
He didn't play dumb but rather whispered very directly:
"You should tell your agent to cool it. You know, I grew up in Queens. I can't leave the team!"
The New York fans in the arena were still cheering loudly for their home team.
Some were even shouting Ron Artest's name, occasionally making a punching motion, happily egging him on.
Perhaps there was too much "super team formation" this year.
In the past, when caught in trade rumors, Shawn Marion, as a player, never expressed his stance.
But this time, he smiled and, after bumping shoulders with Ron Artest, said again:
"I'm always getting traded. Why can't I choose the best team in the league?"
"..."
Ron Artest was a bit unhappy.
His opponent's "defection" disgusted him, but he couldn't come up with a reason to refute it.
In the end, he could only angrily blurt out:
"New York doesn't welcome you!"
Shawn Marion acted as if he didn't care, smiled at Ron Artest, and then left. JR Smith, now off crutches, came over:
"Damn it! These guys are all crazy! Those damn Celtics. Without them, this wouldn't be happening now."
The two walked slowly towards the locker room.
JR Smith kept complaining in a low voice.
He might be used as a trade chip, which made him feel a strong sense of crisis.
The shouts of fans on both sides of the tunnel brought a smile to Ron Artest's face.
As he entered the tunnel, he saw his disheartened teammate and said in a muffled voice:
"We can go talk to Lee about this. Donnie cannot destroy the locker room like this!"
"..."
At the post-game press conference, new faces appeared among the New York reporters.
Tina Cervasio had always covered soccer.
This female reporter's contract with NESN was about to expire, and MSG seemed to intend to sign her.
The team's press spokesperson was very accommodating to her, calling on Tina Cervasio first to ask a question.
After getting permission, she smiled, tossed her wavy hair, and asked professionally:
"Lee, I've been following the New York Knicks' recent movements. General Manager Donnie Walsh seems interested in changing the team's roster. We'd like to hear your thoughts on this?"
How to make inflated players train honestly and accept arrangements is also a skill, especially since black players, when emotional, can really go against you.
After a brief discussion with the General Manager, Lee expressed respect, but when answering the question, he showed a more "emotional" side, saying somewhat sentimentally:
"I respect everyone on the team. I believe everyone is working towards the same goal!"
"Perhaps you've heard some bad news, but that's not true. We are family. We've been through so many championship games, and we play for each other."
"Ron and the others will recover soon. As for other issues, it's too early to discuss them now."
Noticing that the reporters below seemed to want a more definitive answer, Lee straightened the microphone, put on a "sad" expression, and said meaningfully:
"You all know, in a commercial league, we always hear that business is business."
"Players are starting to control their own careers, which isn't a bad thing! But I'm an old-school player. I prefer to grow with everyone."
"As long as we train hard and put on exciting games for the fans, I believe no one will leave the New York Knicks family."
If these words had been said in the past, combined with Lee's actions of cleaning out veterans, many sports reporters would have secretly scoffed.
But this season, "super team formation" has become a trend.
Clay Lee's flawless "One Person, One City Award" has higher value, making him a unique presence in the league.
Even reporters who didn't like Lee had to praise his "loyalty" at this point.
Everything is relative.
Compared to the other stars in the league, the New York Knicks have become the epitome of pure basketball!
The New York Knicks staff also showed a sense of "shared honor and disgrace."
Opponents who used to criticize New York are now suffering a humiliating defeat.
Tina Cervasio smiled and nodded in agreement, but the ESPN reporter below felt a bit helpless to complain.
They naturally understood the other meaning of these words:
"If you don't play honestly, you're not Lee's 'family'."
On Wednesday, the 5th, the New York Knicks flew to Charlotte for their first encounter with the Bobcats this season.
With a 6-10 record, the Bobcats showed their true colors as a bottom-feeder team right at the start of the new season, with a tendency to fall behind.
Although Michael Jordan prevented the Los Angeles Lakers' trade in the offseason and received praise from fans, the damage caused by the Deputy GOAT's draft picks last year continued.
No one cared about the outcome of tonight's game.
Expecting the Bobcats to pull off an upset was less likely than hoping Clay Lee would have a big game and rack up more stats.
Michael Jordan always appeared at his home arena in the new season.
Although he didn't formally appear at the pre-game press conference, he did accept interviews from some media outlets.
Dressed in a gray suit, a smiling Michael Jordan began to frown after hearing the question.
"Michael, have you noticed the recent news? Many players in the league are planning to team up. How would you evaluate this phenomenon?"
The TNT reporter threw out an annoying question.
After a brief thought, Michael Jordan shrugged and joked about the current league:
"Honestly, I'm not surprised. If you think back, this kind of thing has actually happened in the past. Players want to chase championships, and there's nothing to criticize about that!"
"Now I just feel lucky. Although my experience with the Chicago Bulls wasn't perfect, we still won 5 championships."
"..."
These words were pointed, likely referring to the Phoenix Suns.
Charles Barkley did the same back then.
Although Michael Jordan, speaking platitudes, didn't reveal his true emotions, his words still conveyed a hint of disapproval.
He even took the opportunity to criticize his younger brother:
"I saw the Los Angeles Lakers news. Kobe Bryant should mature a bit. He must unite the team."
"He can call me, or he can ask Lee for advice. We won't be stingy about sharing our experience."
"I don't know if he participated in the recruitment, but if it can solve the problem, then do your best to do it. I hope to see him prove himself again in the Finals."
Hearing the answer they wanted, the sports reporters were satisfied.
Michael criticized his "successor," and Kobe was rejected by his idol!
In that night's game, Michael Jordan, sitting in a front-row seat, quickly showed a "pained" expression.
Raymond Felton was completely suppressed, and Clay Lee easily limited the team's engine.
Head Coach Sam Vincent, despite having the Deputy GOAT's support, had already lost so much at the start of the new season that he was a bit broken, roaring repeatedly on the sidelines.
35:18. When the first quarter ended, the arena was somewhat quiet.
Michael Jordan also regretted coming to watch the New York Knicks game.
At this point, he rested his chin on his hand, staring at the bench and secretly pondering:
"Watching you guys play is really painful..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)