On Christmas Eve, the Lakers lost to the Cavaliers again on the road, suffering a double-kill.
General Manager Kupchak had made a trade before this, but fans were indifferent to it.
They sent away Brian Cook and Maurice Evans, who were completely past their prime and on big contracts, and traded for Trevor Ariza, a mood-setting player, from the Orlando Magic.
This second-round pick almost didn't make it into the NBA and wandered in the lower leagues for several years before making a name for himself and finding an opportunity in Orlando.
However, the Magic were still in a semi-rebuilding phase this new season, and the coaching staff didn't give Ariza much playing time, so the Lakers eventually extended an olive branch.
This trade couldn't stop the Lakers fans' complaints.
In recent years, they have always lost more than they won against the Cavaliers, being humiliated by young players, which really doesn't fit the prestige of a powerhouse team.
Although Dwight Howard's free throws have been getting worse in recent games, going 5-for-13 in New York and 6-for-16 in Los Angeles, the big man's dominance is visible to the naked eye.
Bynum fouled out tonight.
This year, the Cavaliers and the Heat also got the opportunity for the Christmas War.
Howard was very excited to participate in such a major event again, so much so that he spoke carelessly after the game:
"For me, tonight's game was just a warm-up for the Christmas War. You always like to overestimate the Lakers. In fact, they have no competitiveness."
"I like to see Kobe shoot. He always gives me more rebounds!"
"81 points can only happen against the Toronto Raptors. We are a conference finals team, hey! In a few days, the Cavaliers will play in the Christmas War, and Kobe can enjoy the game on TV."
Since the national team, Howard had looked down on Kobe's style.
Everyone trained normally, but he insisted on being a 'roll king' (someone who overworks themselves).
After training, everyone would gather to gamble a little, but Kobe would scold them, acting as if he were the team leader.
Howard was particularly annoyed by this.
He loved to party happily with his friends. Making him wake up at 4:30 AM was like killing him.
A 'Mr. Hundred Million' should enjoy life!
Cleveland sports media had developed immunity to such talk.
More importantly, they had no interest in respecting the Lakers, a first-round pushover, completely out of the fans' consideration.
Howard, chattering and laughing, had his fill of talking, sarcastically mocking Kobe, the outdated stat-padder.
He was fed up with the special Mamba constantly telling him what to do and showing off.
LeBron James was actually very much looking forward to the upcoming Christmas War, but he was too lazy to mock his opponent.
They were already past their prime.
Even with Tim Duncan joining, the Lakers were just a dual-core team.
Not to mention, if the Cavaliers wanted to go further, they still had to overcome the two big mountains in front of them, and the media had never created a rivalry between him and Kobe.
Both were Nike-sponsored players, and LeBron had more resources.
For LeBron James, Kobe was, in a sense, a 'negative example.'
Both of his former agents warned him not to be like Kobe.
"I'm glad to see my good brother recover from his injury and return to the team. Being able to play against him on Christmas is something we've been looking forward to for a long time!"
"I will be waiting for them in Cleveland. Shaq has also been in good form recently. I hope we can present a wonderful game for the fans."
In front of reporters, LeBron James on the court smiled happily.
He was very satisfied with the league's hype: duo vs. duo.
This time, he was confident he could beat Dwyane Wade.
The Christmas War also made critics stop focusing on the Cavaliers' internal conflicts.
Larry Hughes eventually returned to the bench, which was a victory for LeBron James, as the star player regained his voice.
Sports reporters naturally sang praises for the two Cavaliers players, but when Kobe Bryant appeared at the press conference, many reporters lost their smiles.
LeBron James was easy to deal with, but Kobe Bryant never cooperated.
ESPN intentionally ranked Kobe lower in every ranking, and in the new season's MVP standings, LeBron James also led Kobe Bryant.
On this list, Clay Lee, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and Kevin Garnett occupied the top five spots.
Sixth was Amare Stoudemire, followed by Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, and Carlos Boozer.
Kobe Bryant didn't even make it into the top 10.
This was the respect ESPN gave him.
The Lakers and the Utah Jazz had the same record, yet Kobe was unranked.
He naturally appeared at the press conference with a dark face.
He would not compromise with the media!
"Kobe, it's said that Shaq is unhappy about not being able to come to Los Angeles for the Christmas War. He believes that the subsequent trade won't help you."
The Heat had been losing badly, but Shaquille O'Neal always found ways to entertain.
The Christmas War provided more laughs for fans, recently mocking Kobe for being abandoned by the league and unable to participate in such a major event.
Kobe interrupted the other person.
He was still somewhat dissatisfied about not being able to participate in the Christmas War.
He was a championship guard:
"You can report whatever you want. By June, the Lakers will be in the Finals!"
"Remember, no one wants to face us this year!"
Such bold words instantly stunned many reporters.
No one at the scene refuted him, but everyone noted down this statement.
Seemingly pleased with everyone's reaction, Kobe's mood brightened considerably.
Thinking that a trade was very likely to happen before the All-Star Weekend, he was already impatient for it:
"It's time to get rid of these lazy bums sooner!"
On Friday the 21st, the Knicks finished their last game before Christmas, easily defeating the Pacers at home.
Their record now stands at 24 wins and 2 losses.
With the Celtics losing to the Detroit Pistons, the two teams are back at the same starting line.
The Detroit Pistons selected Wilson Chandler in this year's draft, which perfectly filled their small forward position.
They started the new season slowly, but now they have quietly caught up behind the Cavaliers.
Chauncey Billups went 8-for-17 from the field, 2-for-5 from three-point range, and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line, scoring a strong 28 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers against the Four Giants.
Hamilton was even more efficient, going 9-for-11 from the field, 3-for-4 from three-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, scoring the team's second-highest 21 points.
The inside combination of Rasheed Wallace and McDyess, though somewhat lacking offensively, combined for 23 rebounds, successfully suppressing their opponents.
After defeating the Celtics, Rasheed Wallace made a bold statement, publicly mocking 'team-ups' at the press conference:
"Only losers like to gather together and pray to win that way."
"But they forgot one thing: basketball doesn't lie, just like that damn referee is going to jail, losers will eventually get nothing."
"Yes, I admit I'm no match for Clay Lee. He beat me badly in the game, but tonight, these cowards will never earn my respect!"
If he had only said these words, perhaps only the Detroit local sports media and fans would be happy.
But after a Yahoo Sports reporter fanned the flames, Wallace made even more outrageous remarks:
"A championship? I'd rather join the Knicks on a minimum contract to wave a towel than recruit some All-Stars to pretend to be winners!"
"I don't like Clay Lee. He's not money, and he's not a pretty girl, but purely in terms of basketball, he's the GOAT. If I want a ring, I'll give him a call."
Rasheed Wallace's wide-grinned photo made it to the sports sections of several mainstream Detroit newspapers the next day, breaking the hearts of Detroit Pistons fans, while Kevin Garnett was also enraged, leading to a war of words between the two from afar.
At 92-119, when the game ended, it was almost 10 PM, and Madison Square Garden was still lively, with the Christmas atmosphere having long swept through the arena.
Holding up "Say Yes" whiteboards, a large group of New York fans sitting in the back rows were still shouting and screaming, with someone leading the cheers, and young people who had drunk beer eagerly joining in.
This wasn't a marriage proposal.
Rather, the fans wanted Lee to accept Rasheed Wallace's request to wave a towel.
For those who enjoy a good show, they just wanted to see the excitement!
Wearing the New York Knicks' home white practice uniform, Lee smiled and waved to the jumping fans, instantly making the atmosphere even more lively.
"Lee! Lee! Lee!"
The fans kept chanting non-stop.
The MSG staff member in charge of interviews was caught between laughter and tears, as he knew very well that Rasheed Wallace and the New York Knicks had some history.
The situation in the NBA was perplexing.
Veterans over 30 seemed to be "breaking down," and such open acts of defection were unimaginable in the past.
It seemed more and more stars were willing to let go of their pride.
The emergence of the "Four Giants" had, instead, allowed some to act freely.
Lee was delighted by this and proactively joked about the recent gossip in front of the camera:
"I read the newspaper. Rasheed is a tough guy, and we respect each other!"
"He underestimates himself too much. An experienced veteran like him would be welcomed with open arms by all teams in the NBA, and the New York Knicks are no exception."
The young reporter didn't expect Lee to say such words.
It should be known that Gary Payton still held a grudge, complaining about some teams' lack of respect for veterans whenever he had the chance to be interviewed.
Although everyone in the NBA knew Gary Payton was subtly criticizing the New York Knicks, no one would explicitly say it.
Some sports commentators took years to notice the signs.
In his Rookie season, Clay Lee suffered two losses against the Seattle SuperSonics and performed poorly against Gary Payton, perhaps this was the source of their animosity.
However, considering that this incident happened almost 10 years ago, many fans didn't believe it.
But regardless of the outcome, Lee still ruined the veteran's championship dream, so Gary Payton's complaints were somewhat understandable.
While the New York Knicks could enjoy their Christmas, Jermaine ONeal of the Pacers felt increasingly worse.
Upon returning to the visiting team's locker room, he kicked over the ice bucket.
"Damn the NBA!"
Returning to his seat with a furious expression, Jermaine ONeal, after tearing off his headband, muttered a curse and still felt unsatisfied, so he threw the towel next to him flying.
Losing would affect his mood, but more importantly, he might miss out on the All-Star Game this year, while Tyson Chandler would likely be selected.
In Jermaine ONeal's view, the opponent had stolen his spot, and no matter how hard he tried, he would most likely be left out.
This made him particularly upset.
Could a blue-collar player also be an All-Star?
Mike Dunleavy, with disheveled hair, saw his teammate venting and shrugged helplessly at everyone.
He had a terrible night, shooting 6 for 18 from the field, 0 for 5 from three-point range, as if the rim had a lid on it.
"Maybe the fans can vote for you, and you might even become a starter in the end..."
Dunleavy's words of comfort seemed extremely perfunctory.
The competition at the forward position was too fierce, and Jermaine ONeal had no chance.
Danny Granger, who had just secured his starting position, also had an average performance tonight.
Although Ron Artest shot terribly, he was very diligent on the defensive end.
The Rookie also wanted to offer some comfort but didn't know what to say.
Eventually, Danny Granger looked at Jamal Tinsley, signaling the veteran to say a few words, as the complaints after the loss were severely affecting the locker room atmosphere.
"Jermaine, don't mind the boring All-Star Game. It's just an exhibition game, and it's being held in New Orleans."
"If you want to go watch the game, everyone will follow you. This year we have a great chance to return to the playoffs. After two days off for Christmas, we still need to stay focused."
Jamal Tinsley was an early "anti-Lee" pioneer and had grown accustomed to being beaten.
Jermaine ONeal, hearing the veteran's words, finally calmed down:
"My bad, I just wanted to win too much. I just wanted them to know that we are not nameless opponents!"
"These damn New York fans disgust me. They've always lacked respect."
Complaining incessantly, Jermaine ONeal vented his dissatisfaction.
Thinking of the news he had recently seen, a sense of bitterness involuntarily surged within him:
"Maybe I should have gone to Los Angeles!"
When Lee became the representative of the "One Person, One City Award," the award no longer seemed so important.
After all, everyone was "teaming up," so no one should laugh at anyone else!
The more Jermaine ONeal thought about it, the more he regretted it.
If he had known the NBA would become like this, he wouldn't have persisted.
Although the Pacers were good, they weren't his original team.
If he had gone to Los Angeles, maybe he wouldn't have to suffer.
Antonio Daniels sat silently in the corner.
Many people had forgotten that he was once a member of the San Antonio Spurs, one of the earliest backcourt players to compete against Clay Lee in the Finals.
Former San Antonio Spurs players couldn't believe it when they saw the news that Tim Duncan wanted to leave the team.
Antonio Daniels was utterly shocked by this.
Troy Murphy and a few others also joined in the condemnation.
When everyone was discussing Rasheed Wallace's intention to wave a towel, Antonio Daniels suddenly spoke up, saying with a sense of frustration:
"Perhaps in the future, more players will choose the New York Knicks as their first choice."
The locker room suddenly fell silent.
Many players realized one thing: since "teaming up" had become a fact, older players who had maintained their pride no longer had a psychological burden.
The Eastern Conference environment would turn into a competition of super teams.
Thinking of these things, everyone lost interest in discussing.
When Head Coach Jim O'Brien returned to the locker room, he found the players quietly looking at him.
He thought they were dejected from the loss, so while distributing the statistics, he said with a smile:
"Remember, this is just a regular season game. At 12 wins and 13 losses, we haven't fallen behind!"
"December is almost over, and we must stay focused before the All-Star Weekend. This year we will return to the playoffs. Think about the fans who support the Pacers. We have a responsibility to everyone."
"..."
Jermaine ONeal didn't listen to the Head Coach's words.
They went in one ear and out the other.
He leaned motionless in his seat.
2007 was coming to an end, which also meant the results of the second round of All-Star voting would be released.
Thinking of his situation, Jermaine ONeal could only mutter to himself:
"Ranked in the lower half of the playoff bracket?"
Before Christmas, after the Celtics decisively defeated the Orlando Magic, their schedule also concluded.
After the Christmas War, it would be decided which team would top the NBA.
According to statistics from the past 10 years, teams that secured the top position in the first two months of the season ultimately had over a 90% chance of winning the Finals!
ESPN's report was actually nonsense, because for the past 10 years, the New York Knicks had won overwhelmingly.
They were always first in the NBA at the end of the year, making this statistic useless.
However, for Celtics fans, many were superstitious about this view, as if getting first place would increase their chances of winning a championship.
Before the Christmas War even began, the atmosphere at North Shore Garden Arena was incredibly heated every night.
On December 23rd, before Christmas Eve, the Celtics also organized a community outreach event, delivering warmth to the community.
They didn't have to worry about traveling for the Christmas War, as the two cities are very close, so they could enjoy their holiday.
Fans can be very realistic sometimes.
In previous years, when the team was losing badly, Pierce led the outreach, and people weren't very enthusiastic.
Now that the Celtics have turned things around, the fans' passion has returned.
They donated gifts, toys, and food to impoverished families, and afterwards, everyone personally visited a hospital to comfort sick children.
NBA teams have very close ties with their communities.
Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs is a good person off the court.
The Celtics were not taken seriously in the past, but this year's outreach was grand.
In the ward, Marbury smiled brightly, and after giving a gift, he kindly posed for a photo with a pale little boy on the bed.
On the other side, Ray Allen also smiled.
When he was in Seattle, ever since the team changed ownership and planned to relocate, the relationship between the team and the local government and community became very tense.
Coupled with last year's poor record, Ray Allen had been feeling frustrated.
Marbury hadn't had a good win in almost 10 years, and he had been so happy these past two months that his depression had even cleared up.
Looking at the children's expectant eyes, he immediately made a promise:
"We will bring the championship back to Boston! When that happens, everyone can come to watch the Finals, and I promise to get you front-row tickets."
"..."
Ray Allen's smile froze.
He wasn't that confident.
One could say he was more realistic.
In last year's playoffs, Clay Lee's true shooting percentage was 79% in 16 games.
Any NBA player knows what that statistic means.
Ray Allen didn't want to deceive himself by saying the data was useless or didn't reflect value, so he subconsciously took over the conversation:
"Everything will be fine. Do you still like baseball? It seems you must be a supporter of the Red Sox."
The little one happily shared his limited baseball experiences, following Ray Allen's lead.
Such a heartwarming scene, however, displeased some people.
Pierce, who had grown arrogant from winning so much, couldn't help but complain outside the ward:
"What is he worried about? Damn it, this is when he should show his confidence. We've been preparing for an entire offseason!"
"I'm not Allen Iverson. I've beaten Clay Lee. Back then, our roster didn't have much talent, but with me and Antoine, we could still win."
"Look at the situation now, we almost took the lead against our opponents. I can play 48 minutes. Those reporters don't even know what a real basketball game looks like."
Whenever Head Coach Rivers would pump everyone up, Ray Allen would calmly analyze the data, and then everyone would look at each other.
The Boston media was full of praise, and the passionate fans brought out the best competitive state in everyone on the team.
Ray Allen, however, remained calm, running plays and meticulously completing his tasks.
This greatly displeased Pierce.
He liked heroic plays and would act on impulse when his emotions ran high, while Ray Allen's situation was completely opposite to his, as if he was still playing in college.
Kevin Garnett didn't want to spoil the fun.
He nudged his teammate, telling Pierce to shut up.
He pulled off his own Christmas hat and put it on Pierce, then stared with wide eyes and said in a low voice:
"We are brothers! We are family! Ray is sometimes right. Someone has to remain calm."
"I've played in the Conference Finals. Talent alone isn't enough. We must unite, and we must win the game the day after tomorrow."
"..."
Wearing the hat, Pierce fell silent.
He adjusted his green hoodie.
Only Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen on the team had experienced big games
He was still a first-round "Rookie."
This is also why many commentators did not favor them.
Clay Lee's game experience was too rich.
He had stepped over the twilight Michael Jordan, defeated the prime Shaquille O'Neal, and crushed the peak Tim Duncan.
In the past, some people would talk about "the gold content of the championship," but after winning so much, no one mentioned it anymore.
"I know, let's talk about it when we win. He will find his confidence, Stephen is performing better than him..."
Muttering softly, Pierce said no more.
On the other side, Head Coach Rivers was surrounded by accompanying reporters.
The All-Star Head Coach position this year was likely going to be him:
"It's said that the team practices extra every day, Doug, what are your plans for the Christmas holiday?"
Head Coach Rivers looked at the Boston Globe reporter, his face showing a "you caught me" expression.
Then he looked towards Kevin Garnett, praising him profusely:
"Kevin is outstanding, his energy influences the team, uniting everyone around him!"
"We must rest on Christmas so we can better prepare. You know, my coaching staff has reviewed hundreds of New York Knicks game videos from the past 10 years!"
At this point, Head Coach Rivers paused slightly.
The surrounding sports reporters gasped involuntarily when they heard the number.
This made the outdated Coach of the Year (COY) very proud, and he continued in a hoarse voice:
"No player is perfect, and Clay Lee is no exception. We have found a solution!"
"Basketball is a five-person game, and you have already witnessed a completely different Celtics. Now we will continue to advance towards victory."
"..."
Under Head Coach Rivers' inspiring encouragement, the outreach event concluded successfully.
Boston sports reporters were already eager to go back and write their articles, full of confidence in their home team.
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, the New York Knicks also delivered warmth to their fans in the morning.
A young girl from a poor family even received a $15,000 scholarship fund, and some children received All-Star Game tickets.
The unlucky Rangers were almost "ruined" by James Dolan, leading some sports fans to criticize this "successful owner."
James Dolan was a bit embarrassed to be criticized by some sports fans when he rarely participated in team activities.
Before getting back on the bus, he quietly called Lee aside.
Both wearing black woolen coats, the curly-haired owner affectionately put his arm around Lee, showing his concern for the team, and proactively shared the latest news he had received:
"Lee, you can also recruit All-Star players. Salary is not an issue. I don't mind spending more on luxury tax."
In New York, the weather isn't very good in December.
Seeing his breath turn white in the cold, Lee smiled and shook his head, patting the other person's shoulder affectionately, and spoke of his plans:
"I don't need All-Star players to keep winning. The New York Knicks only need people who work hard!"
"It's just a group of players in their 30s teaming up. They lack winning experience, or rather, they have no winning experience at all."
"Playing step by step, we will eventually surpass our neighbors. Listen to Donnie's advice. His experience can help the team."
JR Smith, who had just been full of joy while sitting on the bus, noticed the scene outside and his heart suddenly went cold.
He was truly scared this time.
He didn't want to be traded.
He tugged at Ron Artest beside him, quietly pouting his lips.
When he looked at his "big brother," his eyes seemed to speak, and Ron Artest immediately understood what his younger brother meant:
"It's over..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)