In the increasingly volatile NBA, a player's reputation can take a sharp turn for the worse in just one game.
Since the formation of the The Big Four, the Boston Media, having lost so much, had not been stingy with their praise.
Even if such a team-up violated some unwritten rules, in this era, winning was all that mattered!
After several months of hype, and with the Celtics' winning streak at the start of the new season, the inflated media finally began to predict a championship.
If everyone was unable to refute before the Christmas War, then after the game on Christmas Day, some veteran players who had won the 'One-Person-One-City Award' were ready to strike back!
The Celtics players were aware of this situation, but they had already 'teamed up.'
If they showed any sign of backing down, their remaining prestige would vanish.
Before the game, they seemed relaxed, but in reality, everyone felt considerable pressure.
During that night's game, the pressure completely disappeared in the third quarter.
A complete defeat was the best portrayal.
At 4 PM on the 25th, the Christmas War was nearing its end, and Madison Square Garden was filled with jubilation.
This Christmas gift would keep New York fans happy until the New Year.
From the second half onwards, the ABC director frequently focused the camera on the Celtics' bench, specifically on Stephon Marbury.
The more he was hyped before the game, the more embarrassing it was now.
Ignoring the fact that he was 'brutally beaten' by Clay Lee in the first quarter, Marbury's only contribution in the subsequent game was committing fouls.
With Eddie House being heavily targeted, Head Coach Rivers chose to risk using Marbury, and the 'New Yorks Son,' who eventually broke down, committed six fouls in three quarters.
According to previous years, referees would not have called fouls so strictly, but with the betting scandal case set to reopen in December, the officiating for this nationally televised game was exceptionally stringent.
Referees who used to favor opponents with balanced calls returned to normal, and with a strict emphasis on hand movements, Marbury suffered greatly.
His speed and strength were completely suppressed.
Facing frequent individual attacks, he had no choice but to pull and grab.
Ultimately, Marbury played only 25 minutes before leaving the game in frustration.
"Oh!"
The fourth quarter had entered garbage time.
When Diaw faked a pass and drove from the right elbow, instantly blowing past the Defense and drawing a foul at the basket, the New York fans in attendance did not hold back their cheers.
This foul also prompted Head Coach Rivers to pull his starting lineup, officially declaring surrender.
Kevin Garnett, walking towards the bench, grumbled and waved his fist in frustration.
After their starting point guard collapsed, the team fell into an isolation offense dilemma.
At this point, Pierce was tied up by the opposing forwards and couldn't respond in time.
The Celtics completely lost their game rhythm, running chaotically with the opponent, and were ultimately defeated by Clay Lee's simple and brutal pull-up jumpers.
2-of-9 from the field, 0-of-3 from beyond the arc, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers.
Kevin Garnett was somewhat dissatisfied with Marbury's performance.
But seeing his old teammate's frustrated look, Kevin Garnett returned to his seat, controlled his emotions, and looked at his old teammate, comforting him in a low voice:
"Listen, this is just a regular season game! We still have three more chances to play them. Even if we lose this game, we're only one game behind."
Kevin Garnett, covering his mouth, widened his eyes and continued to grumble after saying these words.
Marbury's mood improved slightly, but thinking of tomorrow's newspapers, he couldn't help but complain:
"Shit! I don't want to read those boring news articles anymore. These damn referees are always giving us trouble!"
Due to the excessive noise in the Madison Square Garden, the two briefly exchanged words and then fell silent.
On the other side, Ray Allen silently wiped his sweat.
He didn't want to deceive himself, the gap between the two teams was not small.
Playing 32 minutes, 6-of-13 from the field, 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.
Ray Allen could only give himself a 6 out of 10 for his performance.
Perkins, who was always a big mouth, had been benched early.
Ray Allen thought his teammate was upset about reduced playing time, so after hydrating, he initiative said:
"You know, we need your energy. It's just that we fell too far behind in the first quarter, that's why the coach made this arrangement."
"."
Looking up at his teammate, Perkins, who had been hit hard, forced a smile on his face.
Remembering his pre-game boast that he could limit pick-and-rolls, he muttered in even greater frustration:
"I just know that we lost too badly this time."
Not fully hearing what his teammate was saying, Ray Allen patted Perkins and said nothing more.
Watching the players on the court go back and forth, his thoughts raced, and his mood was very complex.
To show his tough stance, Pierce was the last to leave the court.
As he walked towards the bench, he didn't forget to yell at Ron Artest:
"Next time you come to Boston, you won't have a chance to lick the referees' butts."
His old rival was having a bad day.
After an intense physical battle, Ron Artest was in a great mood.
Facing Pierce, who was in 'meme' mode, he also turned his head and yelled back:
"What the hell are you talking about? Which of those championships belongs to you? I can save you a spot in New York, how about coming to carry the rookie's bag!"
The two loudmouths were yelling in front of the scorer's table.
Ron Artest's words clearly hit Pierce where it hurt.
Currently, the championship banners above the TD Garden had nothing to do with him.
The team culture wasn't built by Pierce either.
He was just an ordinary 'passenger' who got on the Celtics' big ship to have the opportunity to perform as he did now.
Watching Pierce being pulled back to the bench by the assistant coach, the New York fans behind him were all laughing.
These 'Giants' were nothing special after all.
6-of-16 from the field, 0-of-4 from beyond the arc, 8-of-11 from the free-throw line, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers.
Paul Pierce, the former core who fought until the fourth quarter, had a mediocre performance and angrily threw his towel upon returning to his seat.
Due to the added interview segment with the coach during quarter breaks, Head Coach Rivers, who was about to become the Eastern Conference All-Star Head Coach, also received significant attention tonight.
However, this master of motivational speeches stood dazed on the sidelines, seemingly unable to accept reality, staring intently at the players on the court with his arms crossed.
Watching Rajon Rondo drive past Eddie House after a pick-and-roll, Head Coach Rivers no longer shouted.
In the final minutes, he showed no reaction, letting the players play increasingly chaotically as the score difference widened again.
When the final buzzer sounded, the cheers echoing through Madison Square Garden brought Head Coach Rivers back to his senses.
Prompted by his assistant coach, he finally composed himself and walked towards the scorer's table.
Mike D'Antoni, wearing a red scarf, had already arrived there.
Mike D'Antoni smiled brightly, shook the other's hand firmly, and exclaimed loudly:
"This is absolutely the most exciting game of 2007. In my opinion, tonight's matchup even surpassed last year's Finals. This is the biggest challenge I've faced since taking over the team!"
"."
86:118. If one didn't look at the score, Little Beard's words would be more convincing.
At this moment, Head Coach Rivers's eye twitched slightly, and he was so angry he couldn't speak for a moment.
Pulling his hand back, no longer looking at the other's triumphant smile, Head Coach Rivers secretly took a breath, forced a smile, and praised in his hoarse voice:
"This was indeed an exciting game. The defending champions taught us a lesson, and I'm already looking forward to our next encounter!"
In front of the camera, both men appeared poised.
Head Coach Rivers did not show any signs of exasperation, as if losing by 32 points was within his expectations, and he still appeared very confident.
At the end of the game, ABC, the broadcasting network, displayed the final statistics of the core players from both teams for the viewers at home:
Playing 32 minutes, 16-of-23 from the field, 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, 46 points, 4 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 1 turnover.
Clay Lee delivered a double-double performance.
Playing 34 minutes, 8-of-17 from the field, 0-of-1 from beyond the arc, 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers.
Kevin Garnett also showcased his versatility.
Many fans had a strange expression when they saw this screen.
The 'The Big Four,' who were hyped differently before the game, looked more like 'four role players.'
The director quickly focused the camera on Clay Lee and Kevin Garnett.
The two simply bumped fists on the court as a greeting.
Seemingly feeling that he had lost face, the former MVP finally added:
"This was an unforgettable experience, and I will win it back soon."
Looking at his opponent, who was glaring with his head down, Lee simply raised an eyebrow.
After sitting on the bench for almost a quarter, his slightly agitated emotions had calmed down:
"You know, Bro, the regular season is just about me adjusting my form. I'm more looking forward to your performance in the playoffs. I like strong opponents!"
When Lee said this, it gave Kevin Garnett a feeling of 'you can say whatever you want, I'll still win.'
He felt extremely displeased but still managed to offer a hug before turning and walking away.
The two's interaction was relatively harmonious.
On the other side, Paul Pierce and Ron Artest started yelling again.
They were actually the true 'old rivals.'
Long ago, the two had constantly matched up, and each time they met, neither's stats looked good, resulting in a crushing defeat for the Celtics and a huge win for the Knicks.
Pierce had thought that with help this time, he would finally be able to hold his head high, but the outcome was no different from the past.
He couldn't hold it together and was mocked by New York fans on both sides of the aisle as his teammates pulled him away.
During the interview, Lee was holding Ray Allen's eldest son.
The little boy was 3 years old this year, and the atmosphere at the Madison Square Garden tonight was too intense, making the child a little scared.
Michelle Tafoya had interviewed many Finals over the years and had witnessed the Knicks' brutal dominance.
While some reporters were surprised, she remained calm:
"Lee, let's talk about tonight's game. You showed dominance in the first quarter. After this matchup, how would you evaluate your opponent?"
"The score difference doesn't reflect the true strength of the two teams. From my personal perspective, they were a bit slow to start tonight."
Lee responded simply, his expression normal.
Michelle Tafoya, who knew him somewhat, heard the implied meaning: 'the opponent is too weak.'
"It seems Lee has acknowledged their strength. What are the Knicks' plans for the upcoming schedule? You've successfully topped the league!"
Bouncing the little one in his arms, Lee tilted his head and, without any grand pronouncements, said rather casually:
"Getting home-court advantage is enough. I'll be 30 in a few days, and the Knicks aren't young anymore. We have to take care of our bodies."
"Health is the most important thing, provided we secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. I want to thank the Knicks family, coaching staff, and support staff for their extra efforts."
Shannon, on the sidelines, hugged her husband.
She was happy to leave Seattle, but compared to Boston, she still preferred New York:
"Promise me, don't read tomorrow's newspaper. I can already imagine what those reporters will write."
Hearing his wife's whisper, Ray Allen just shook his head slightly.
He never believed that the newly formed "The Big Four" could overwhelmingly defeat the defending champions.
Lee had accumulated too much "high-stakes game" experience since entering the league, which was enough to overpower any player in the league.
In the visiting team's locker room, once all the players were seated, Rivers, standing in front of everyone, said "Hey, hey" twice to quiet them down.
After the assistant coach finished distributing the statistics, he said loudly:
"Listen, guys! Losing isn't a bad thing. This is just a regular season game. We can rewatch the tape to learn from it."
"Losing by 1 point and losing by 32 points both have the same result, so don't listen to what those guys who don't understand basketball say. We just need to do our best!"
"Stephen, you played great. We like your aggressiveness, but you need to be smarter. This is Madison Square Garden. Next time you're back at the TD Garden, show your strength!"
Marbury, who had been silently looking down, was touched by his coach's words.
In the past, commentators only blamed him, and it was only after coming to Boston that he received such praise.
"Kevin, Ray, I saw your energy. Keep it up, and we'll soon reclaim the No. 1 spot."
Kevin Garnett pounded his chest, a look of longing on his face, while Ray Allen beside him also smiled.
In truth, Rivers' pep talks tasted good, but too much of it could become tiresome.
The fuming Pierce soon also received praise from the Head Coach.
Rivers actively pulled over the former core player, pointed at him, and said passionately:
"Paul makes me feel unfamiliar. I think everyone felt his desire for victory. That's how it is, guys! We need to maintain that desire!"
"Go home and enjoy Christmas. Next, we're going all out! Let's go!"
A shot of adrenaline revitalized the Celtics.
Rivers' mood also recovered considerably, until the press conference, when he broke down again:
"Doc, we didn't see the Celtics display 100 sets of tactics in the game. Why can't you always limit Clay Lee?"
The Fox Sports reporter was clearly looking for trouble.
Rivers, who had taken his seat, finally patiently explained the foul issue, shifting the blame to the "officiating."
On Wednesday, December 26th, the impact of the Christmas War began to ferment.
This nationally televised game made Lee's die-hard fans proud.
Early in the morning, the New York Times sports section's headline mocked their opponents:
"1 is greater than 100."
Cloud fans, who didn't understand, only learned about the previous gossip after reading the newspaper.
The Knicks had only one core tactic, and Clay Lee proved with his actions that the tactical master made the most correct choice.
Despite telling his players not to read the newspaper, Rivers, who was preparing for a road trip to the West, couldn't control himself and ended up tearing the newspaper to shreds under the surprised gaze of his staff.
The Boston Herald, as a local media outlet, actively helped the team find excuses.
Marbury's foul became the "turning point of the Christmas War" in the columnist's writing.
What surprised many commentators was the Miami Herald's report.
Although the Heat suffered a crushing 82-106 defeat to the Cavaliers, after the Christmas War, Shaq started to stir things up again.
The old Shaq was clearly secretly following the "The Big Four."
After confirming their crushing defeat, he almost burst out laughing on the spot, then followed with a torrent of praise:
"Only true superstars can contend with Clay Lee. I've said it before, those guys who haven't experienced the Finals simply don't know Lee's other state!"
"You tell me Lee didn't dunk in the game? I know him. If you see him dunk over an opponent's big man, that means he's serious."
"Defeating opponents with only shooting, the Celtics won't have any chance!"
"I appreciate hardworking players, but the NBA is so cruel. Not every player can reach that level. I'm old now, it's Clay Lee's era!"
These words made Dwyane Wade feel embarrassed.
He was exaggerating with wide eyes.
He didn't remember a "Shaq era."
The Miami Herald didn't report much on the home team's game results.
Instead, it hotly debated Shaq's "superstar hierarchy theory," explicitly proposing the view that a superstar is far greater than an All-Star.
Although this had hints of plagiarizing Charles Barkley, both in terms of star quality and star level, it seemed to emphasize one thing:
"Clay Lee's strength is ridiculously strong, and the statistics truthfully reflect part of his strength!"
The last game to finish last night was between the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers, 79:99.
Kevin Durant shot 8-for-20, scoring 23 points, ending his first career Christmas War with a crushing defeat.
The viewership for this game was a bit disappointing.
The players were too cold, and the game lacked highlights, so the league's attempt unfortunately ended in failure.
The losing Kevin Durant soon saw some good news, which was the only comfort last night.
At that time, big stars were very real on social media.
Scarlett even clapped back at a hater on Twitter, stating that she wouldn't marry and was living a very happy life.
The goddess is still single, and that's enough!
The New York Daily News was clearly more adept at stirring things up.
They interviewed Marbury's family, and seeing their "big son" being "brutally beaten," the whole family spoke out!
What was thought to be a normal interview turned out to be quite different in the morning newspaper.
It ridiculed the Celtics and did not forget to add insult to injury by disparaging the "New Yorks Son," once again stripping him of his New York citizenship:
"Stephon Marbury has been losing since he entered the league. He has no winning experience whatsoever!"
"He shouldn't call himself 'New Yorks Son' anymore. Now there's only the New York King—GOD-Lee."
The content in the newspaper was extremely explicit.
After years of development, ordinary bragging no longer attracted New York fans.
There had to be a mix of praise and criticism for people to feel happy after reading the newspaper.
Early in the morning was the New York Media's carnival, with all sorts of chaos, fierce praise and criticism, and some even directly declared the champion's ownership.
The townhouse on 82nd Street in Manhattan was still dim.
The consecutive Christmas War matchups made Lee wake up a bit late, and in the morning, only the succubus who hadn't participated in the activities joined him for a hot shower.
Scarlett, who had become a mother again, hadn't changed much physically yet, but her demeanor had become increasingly mature.
While applying bubbles to Lee, she looked up and whispered:
"30 years old, time flies, dear. What gift do you want this year?"
Lee casually pinched her somewhat plump face, then reopened the shower, and casually played with her abundant hair, thinking for a moment before shaking his head helplessly:
"I really can't think of anything. I just hope everything goes smoothly."
Luxury goods were no longer a pursuit.
The gifts over the years were mostly the girls' small tokens of affection.
Scarlett, leaning in his arms, thoughtfully nudged him twice, then casually turned off the shower.
Seeing her lean down and chuckle, Lee couldn't help but gasp.
The succubus's years of honed skills always brought surprises:
"Oh."
On December 31st, commentators were still bickering, and the legends of the "One Person, One City Award" were still speaking out, denouncing the Celtics.
The NBA wished Lee well early in the morning, and ESPN and TNT also spoke out simultaneously.
Famous commentators joined in the fun, and Twitter's traffic surged:
"The 30-year-old GOAT!"
For ordinary players, 30 means going downhill.
The smaller the player, the faster the decline.
Gary Payton is a clear example.
The Glove's later years were tough.
The Celtics' crushing defeat further boosted Lee's popularity.
Although some fans claimed "one person, one city" wasn't an honor, "loyalty" was worthy of praise!
The internal competition within the Knicks continued.
After Christmas, they easily defeated the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls, ending the year perfectly.
With a 27-2 record, their excellent performance also led to increasingly loud calls for a championship.
As the New Year approached, the giant billboard outside Madison Square Garden also changed to a promotional poster of Lee and his new shoes.
Since there were no NBA games on the first day of the New Year, players had a short holiday again, but the "King of Hustle" wouldn't relax.
Instead, he would train even harder.
After losing to the Knicks, the Celtics' last game of the year was a dominant 112-91 victory over the Lakers, bringing their record to 26-3, continuing to closely follow New York.
Kobe Bryant appeared in the training facility early in the morning.
Last night, he shot 6-for-25, scoring 22 points in a losing effort.
After the game, Los Angeles reporters were greatly disappointed.
Clay Lee's 46 points in three quarters showed too big a gap.
Kobe, who had just changed into his jersey, ignored the empty locker room.
It wasn't until he heard a text message sound that he pulled out his phone again, and upon seeing the name on the screen, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face:
"Will we succeed?"
"Yes, I am absolutely certain!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)