On Monday, May 19, 2008, the NBA's conference finals officially began this season, with a highly anticipated grudge match for fans that very night.
The Phoenix Suns narrowly eliminated the Charlotte Hornets 4-2 in a tough series where every game went down to the wire, ultimately relying on their richer experience to defeat their opponents.
However, the rivalry between O'Neal and Kobe Bryant was far less popular than the Champion Coach who was overturned.
After last night's Game 7, sports media had a field day!
Everyone became a self-proclaimed expert, criticizing the Cavaliers' tactical adjustments with hindsight, and sarcastically commenting on Van Gundy's final play design, making the Champion Coach seem worthless.
Sports journalists might respect winners, but as soon as you lose once, they immediately suffer a relapse of amnesia, all past achievements are nullified, and everyone just wants to see the successful turn into a joke.
The public sentiment even caused Cleveland sports journalists to 'rebel,' and fans also couldn't accept their home team being overturned from a 3-1 lead.
At this moment, no one was complaining about the referees.
Van Gundy ultimately took the blame.
In even-numbered years, TNT is responsible for broadcasting the Western Conference Finals.
The game officially started at 6 PM, and related programs began to warm up two hours before the game.
However, the discussion of the game content in the studio didn't last long.
The trio inevitably talked about last night's thrilling Eastern Conference Semifinals, and also joined the discussion about the Champion Coach:
"It's very regrettable that the Cavaliers' journey this season ended this way. The young players paid an expensive tuition fee, and this series was also a rare growth experience for them."
Kenny Smith commented on the series with a smile and a serious face, and Ernie Johnson, sitting in the center, didn't want to kick a man when he's down, only casually agreeing:
"The Boston Celtics have already gone through two Game 7s, and their form seems to be getting better and better. Paul Pierce is gradually becoming the game-deciding factor!"
"In this matchup, LeBron James exposed his technical shortcomings, and Dwight Howard is the same. The Cavaliers didn't do well enough in game details."
Neither of them wanted to fire the first shot, but Charles Barkley had no such qualms.
He didn't want to miss out on this hot news, and with a wide grin, he commented unceremoniously:
"If it were a coach new to the league, being overturned from a 3-1 lead in the playoffs, we could accept it, after all, this is completely different from college basketball."
"But Van Gundy achieved great success in New York, and yet this situation occurred. Without a doubt, this is his dereliction of duty, and he must be held responsible for this loss."
"Looking back at the game, I believe it's not hard to see that the Cavaliers were always reacting passively, and their sideline out-of-bounds plays were completely ineffective."
"Now I just want to praise Head Coach Rivers. He has been underestimated. He led this Boston Celtics team to complete an epic series!"
Of course, black people help black people.
After Rivers won this series, his prestige greatly increased, and he seemed to have become a famous coach.
No matter how much he lost in the past, as long as he wins now, he must be praised!
A winner will be criticized for one loss, while a loser will be praised for one win.
Charles Barkley might know that Van Gundy isn't that bad, but the reality is that people like to see the Champion Coach suffer.
To cater to the audience, TNT also had to broadcast.
The more outrageous the views, the more people liked them.
Who would switch channels to this one if it just presented facts and reasoned arguments?
Hearing his old partner's comments, Kenny Smith had to feign opposition, and also brought up Clay Lee:
"This is just one playoff series! Think about the success Head Coach Van Gundy achieved in New York. He unearthed Lee, started the New York dynasty, and we all know how difficult that is!"
"Yes, buddy, but when we look back at all of this, it's not hard to see that it was Lee who made the change in New York!"
Charles Barkley was just short of directly saying that Van Gundy got lucky.
To prove his point, he added loudly and righteously:
"After Van Gundy left New York, the New York Knicks didn't stop. They won one championship after another!"
"And after coaching the Cavaliers, Van Gundy's best achievement was leading the team to the conference finals, only to lose 4-0 to the New York Knicks."
"Perhaps one series doesn't explain the problem, but time has given the answer: Clay Lee is the true creator of the New York dynasty."
The program naturally wouldn't explicitly reveal Van Gundy's coaching statistics, but some column writers had no such qualms.
After leaving New York, Van Gundy's win rate declined, and he never achieved 60 wins again.
LeBron James and Dwight Howard were both First-Team All-NBA this season and can be considered at their peak, yet they were overturned and stopped in the semifinals.
Young players won't take the blame, as they are important assets of the team.
Van Gundy is now unable to defend himself.
Ernie Johnson really didn't want to discuss this topic too much.
It's crazy to criticize a Champion Coach based on one series.
Watching his two partners arguing endlessly in the studio, he could only sigh.
Ernie Johnson thought of Van Gundy not attending the post-game press conference, and could only lament in his heart:
"The world of basketball changes too fast."
With an hour remaining until the game, a large number of sports journalists gathered in Los Angeles before the game, all wanting to hear Phil Jackson's opinion.
Also a Champion Coach, Phil Jackson had lost most of his prestige after consecutive losses.
Like Pat Riley, no one believed in their coaching abilities anymore.
After sarcastically commenting on Kobe, his ability to find work again with the Los Angeles Lakers was mainly due to personal friendship.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man had always been less favored than Van Gundy in public opinion, but this time he received good reviews instead.
At Staples Center, the Chick Hearn Media Studio was filled with numerous sports journalists, and the entertainment from the Eastern Conference Semifinals put many in a good mood:
"This is indeed the most exciting series of the year. Unbelievable, the Cavaliers actually lost! My article was forced to be changed several times!"
"Luck is very important. If I could coach the New York Knicks, maybe I could also earn a 10 million salary! Just give the ball to Clay Lee, is there any easier job than that?"
A Yahoo Sports reporter and an ESPN media person chatted and laughed.
The latter's words sparked joking discussions among the surrounding reporters, and Fox Sports was also delighted:
"After the loss, neither James nor Howard expressed support for Van Gundy. I wonder when we'll be able to interview this Champion Coach."
No one objected to this sarcasm.
Most reporters had lost respect for Van Gundy.
Perhaps he was very successful in New York, but everyone didn't want to admit it.
When Phil Jackson, with completely white hair and beard, appeared on the stage, he had a proper smile on his face, greeting everyone calmly:
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It means a lot to me to be back in the conference finals!"
Van Gundy being overturned secretly pleased Phil Jackson.
He enjoyed seeing his opponent suffer, and after the overturn, he had been in an exceptionally good mood these past two days.
Watching Phil Jackson, wearing glasses and speaking slowly and methodically, the Los Angeles sports journalists praised him in their hearts, thinking this was a true Champion Coach.
"Can you talk about your thoughts on last night's Eastern Conference Semifinals? From a Champion Coach's perspective, why did the Boston Celtics win?"
The ESPN reporter eagerly asked the question.
Phil Jackson didn't mind the question and continued to answer gracefully with a smile:
"Anything is possible in basketball. The Boston Celtics' desire for victory surpassed their opponents, and the Old players played a crucial role at critical moments."
"I don't want to blame Head Coach Van Gundy. Coaches in the league all know how difficult it is to coach a team. Remember, this is just one playoff series!"
He said coaches weren't responsible, but Phil Jackson's smile seemed to become somewhat brighter.
He continued to comment enthusiastically until TNT began to inquire about the game:
"O'Neal believes he will personally finish off the Los Angeles Lakers. Have you made more targeted defensive arrangements for tonight's game?"
Shaquille O'Neal performed well in the semifinals. Facing relatively shorter big men, Shaq still had dominance, but Phil Jackson seemed not to care about the Phoenix Suns' interior, and even proactively teased his opponent:
"We won't change any game strategy. In my opinion, we have an absolute advantage in terms of matchups!"
"…"
Entering the Western Conference Finals again, Kobe was overjoyed, but he didn't receive the attention he expected.
Most fans were busy holding meetings about Van Gundy and praising Clay Lee.
You should know that the public opinion environment back then wasn't like this.
Patrick Ewing was the core, and Clay Lee's first championship, like Magic Johnson's, was attributed to the team's efforts.
Now, public opinion has completely reversed.
The championship is all thanks to Lee's incredible performance, while the coach and teammates are just supporting characters.
This rhetoric from the commentators has been widely accepted by fans.
Kobe was a bit sensitive about the "Boss Championship Award."
Before, he could comfort himself that some people didn't recognize Lee's first FMVP trophy, but now all those voices have disappeared.
In the Los Angeles Lakers locker room, Kobe's "unhappy" mood also affected everyone, but the "Old players" didn't care about these things.
Odom, after changing his gear, sat down and joked:
"I bet Lee is especially happy right now. He only came off the bench in his Rookie season!"
"What's that guy's name? Charlie Ward? I wasn't even in the league then, but I knew about it. Head Coach Van Gundy definitely suppressed Lee!"
Duncan didn't want to participate in this topic.
He always respected coaches, even when Popovich only relied on the starters, he didn't have many complaints.
On the other side, Fisher had fewer scruples.
Old Fish was happy to share his inside information, but he had developed a habit of flattering while with the New York Knicks, and his opening remarks made Kobe frown:
"Lee is the most dominant player I've ever witnessed. You all know that scoring 110+ isn't easy, but the New York Knicks can always do it!"
"The core of the strategy is to give the ball to Lee. He not only understands the team's tactics but also the opponent's tactics. Any system, he can fully understand it just by looking at it."
After saying this, Fisher even theatrically pulled over a tactics board, gesticulating and staring with wide eyes as he continued to boast:
"Lee can remember the tactics of every team. He doesn't even need to watch game footage to explain more than a video analyst!"
"You haven't seen that kind of exaggerated memory. Lee doesn't need detailed guidance from the coach. He is the coach on the court."
For a moment, everyone in the locker room gasped in astonishment.
Sasha Vujacic even let out a strange cry, unable to resist asking:
"Every team? Damn, I don't believe it, unless he takes video lessons every day."
Kobe, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up, interrupting everyone's discussion.
He didn't like hearing about Lee's boasting.
After glaring at Fisher, he said in a deep voice:
"We need to focus on tonight's game. I don't want to lose at home! Don't let me see your clumsy performance during the game. We must win the division championship!"
"…"
Odom shrugged his shoulders, quietly pouting at a few people.
The Los Angeles Lakers locker room had become increasingly boring after being cleaned out.
Kobe only knew about training, and only Duncan had no complaints about this involuted environment.
Fisher, ever the fence-sitter, immediately smiled at Kobe, then took the lead in encouraging everyone.
Phil Jackson soon arrived in the locker room.
After the pre-game pep talk, he pulled Kobe aside again:
"Kobe, you've seen these reporters' reports. They only respect winners!"
Kobe, who liked to "let his game do the talking," nodded silently.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man smiled again, and finally encouraged him in a low voice:
"They don't care what time you train, nor do they care about your attitude towards basketball. If you want them to shut up, if you want them to respect you, you can only keep winning!"
"I will adjust the tactical inclination. I believe you will not betray my trust."
Kobe, craving trophies, readily agreed.
He had completely seen through the true colors of these media.
Only victory could regain his respect:
"We will win the championship! Soon they will learn to respect me!"
Looking at Kobe's serious demeanor, Phil Jackson smiled again.
He liked a core player in this state.
As long as he could win the championship, he could also regain his prestige as a Champion Coach.
At Staples Center, after the game started at 6 PM, the cheers from the Los Angeles Lakers fans on site came in waves.
Kobe got into his rhythm very early, and Barbosa, his matchup, was completely outmatched.
Quentin Richardson's inaccurate outside shooting also allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to frequently execute transition offenses.
Amare Stoudemire and O'Neal had problems controlling long rebounds.
Although Steve Nash would respond on the offensive end, the Phoenix Suns were losing points too quickly.
At the end of the first quarter, 24:29, the Los Angeles Lakers had a 5-point lead.
They successfully cut off O'Neal's offense.
Alvin Gentry, who was substituted early, didn't pay much attention to O'Neal's mood.
At this time, he was pulling Rookie Fernandez aside, giving him endless instructions, and Nate Robinson was also repeatedly briefed by the assistant coach.
Although he had been told in advance to avoid peak travel, O'Neal was still in a bad mood.
The younger brother on the opposing team frequently passed to Duncan in the first quarter, and the two got along surprisingly well.
O'Neal, standing up again, rubbed Nate Robinson's small head, looked down at him, and said loudly:
"Give me the ball! I don't want to lose tonight…"
The Phoenix Suns quickly fell behind in the subsequent game.
Kobe began to take over the game, completely erupting in the second half, easily helping the team secure the victory.
94:106, at the end of the game, the Los Angeles Lakers fans were cheering loudly.
Seeing O'Neal walk into the player tunnel without looking back, Kobe finally smiled.
Facing the TNT reporter's interview, he humbly praised:
"Tim set the tone for the game in the first half. We had a perfect start. 27 points, I was just doing my job!"
"…"
On tuesday, May 20th, in addition to reporting on last night's Western Conference Finals, major sports media continued to "hold meetings" about Van Gundy.
Some people who enjoyed the spectacle even released a video of Van Gundy zoning out while setting up tactics, and its views on YouTube were soaring.
At Yahoo Sports, a column titled "Lucky coach?" appeared on the sports section early in the morning.
They were the first to officially fire, but certainly not the last.
Last night's family meeting was a bit tense.
Lee and Ivanka were up late, and there was an extra workout in the bathroom before work.
By the time they appeared at the dining table, everyone else had already left.
Ivanka, with light makeup, immediately became more unrestrained when she confirmed Donald wasn't home.
After giving a kiss, she finally settled next to Lee to eat breakfast after some playful Entanglement:
"Are we flying to Moscow tomorrow night?"
Ever since Manchester United made it to the Champions League final, Lee's schedule became tight.
David Gill specifically flew to New York, and all board members would be present for the final.
Lee ate the fruit Ivanka offered, and under her playfully annoyed gaze, he leaned over and kissed her again.
Thinking of the Champions League final, he was in an even better mood:
"This was a pre-scheduled trip. You can come along and experience the charm of football. Don't worry about your father. As long as the income is received, he'll be in a good mood very soon."
Before, he was worried about losing money on investments due to the financial crisis.
Now, he was worried that the expected income wouldn't be received.
Seeing his obedient daughter completely unconcerned, Donald lost his temper last night.
Ivanka was tempted, but thinking of her father's bad temper, she ultimately shook her head:
"I need to go back to Florida recently. The children are all there…"
"…"
While Lee was enjoying his family breakfast, Van Gundy, who hadn't slept all night, was greeted by his old partner
Thibodeau early in the morning.
The latter stammered upon entering, looking as if he had something difficult to say.
This apartment was also where the two of them worked through the night.
Seeing Van Gundy's wrinkled white shirt and bloodshot eyes, Thibodeau finally spoke:
"Jeff, I plan to accept the Chicago Bulls' invitation…"
Van Gundy looked at him as if he hadn't heard clearly, his eyes wide.
His heart was filled with mixed emotions, which finally coalesced into one question:
"Why?"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)