On sunday, May 24, 2008, the "verbal sparring" between sports reporters in New York and Boston affected Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals that night.
One in the East, one in the West, they were far apart, but reporters in Los Angeles also liked to join in the fun.
The Lakers' "easy wins" led to the Eastern Conference Finals being far more popular than their series.
Although the home team had already flown to Phoenix, the Buss Family was still there.
Before the game started that night, a Los Angeles Times reporter gossiped on his Twitter:
"Mr. Buss believes the Knicks lack respect for history. The Lakers have great respect for the Celtics as an opponent."
The emergence of Twitter brought a carnival for sports reporters.
Many discovered its wonderful use.
No need to write much, a few words could "stoke the flames," and fans could get news instantly.
As for whether these words were said by Jerry Buss or the younger Buss, it didn't matter.
In any case, the Lakers showed respect, and Los Angeles fans also "proudly declared":
"Only historical powerhouses can understand each other!"
TNT, as the broadcaster for the Western Conference Finals, started hyping the game early.
Everyone expected Shaq to stir things up, but unfortunately, after two consecutive losses, Shaquille O'Neal remained silent.
To everyone's surprise, the Lakers' family and friends group was more active this year.
Duncan's wife, Amy, had just given birth to their youngest son last year, and after moving to Los Angeles with her family, their lives underwent tremendous changes.
Many times, women easily get lost in the spotlight.
After living an ordinary life in San Antonio, the media attention in Los Angeles made Amy increasingly active.
A college cheerleader, Amy's looks were decent.
During the playoffs, she frequently appeared in the front row seats at Staples Center, and this time she even traveled with the Lakers' family group.
Perhaps years of losing had made Duncan complain at home.
VAmy, who was interviewed, began to speak up for her husband, echoing the complaints about New York basketball:
"We've always disliked playing in New York. The NBA has special treatment for them, and the fans there are crazy. They don't genuinely love basketball."
"My husband has led the team to the Finals many times, but New York fans only mock him and show him no respect!"
"Now they're starting to mock Boston. I don't understand why this is happening."
"I simply can't understand seeing Stephon Marbury leave with an ice pack and still be mocked by New York fans. He's a player from New York! They've completely lost their minds."
Already a mother of two, blonde Amy was like the stereotypical American "sweetheart," expressing her subjective emotions and always focusing on herself.
In contrast, Vanessa, who had already seen through the media's true colors, was very low-key.
She brought her eldest daughter to cheer for her husband and simply smiled when interviewed by TNT:
"I don't pay much attention to what's happening on the East Coast, but I believe respect is mutual."
"Now I want to see the Lakers win. I know what my husband has put into this. Basketball is almost his everything, and I want to see him lift the o'brien cup again."
The deliberate pre-game connection to the two wives was mainly because Kobe and Duncan refused to create any drama during their interviews.
Fortunately, the family group didn't disappoint them.
Both Amy and Vanessa were dressed in Lakers' away purple T-shirts and jeans.
Noticing that the reporter wanted to continue the interview, Vanessa pulled Amy next to her, which greatly disappointed the TNT reporter.
In the studio, the trio all smiled.
Interviewing family members was just as good as interviewing players.
After the connection ended, the director played back the interviews from after last night's Eastern Conference Finals.
The impolite New York fans seemed to have completely enraged Marbury's father.
Wearing glasses, Old Marbury almost shed tears when he saw his son leave the court in pain after the game, and he said in an interview:
"My son has always deeply loved this city. No matter where he played, he would return to New York every year to give back to the community. He has always been connected to this city."
"Now these fans are constantly hurting him. My son is a fighter, he won't be defeated by Clay Lee, and I believe he can lead the team to victory."
"New York basketball shouldn't be like this. I am ashamed of the fans here. They should respect my son!"
For two consecutive home games, Marbury's family and friends were present.
Not watching the game from the front row allowed them to experience the madness of the younger fans in the back.
Game 2 became highly physical under the "care" of the referees.
Several players from both teams received 5 fouls, and a large number of free throws and physical confrontations made the game "ugly."
Perhaps it was like watching a game in the early 90s again, as New York fans at the venue cursed the Celtics after the game, and there were even drinks and debris thrown on both sides of the player tunnel.
The "Fan Code of Conduct" distributed before each game was completely disregarded, so much so that this morning the NBA issued a $50,000 fine to the Knicks.
89:113, winning and cursing the referees, perhaps this phenomenon can only happen at Madison Square Garden.
The Eastern Conference Finals were broadcast by ESPN and ABC.
Yesterday, TNT didn't immediately follow up and join the fun after the game.
After a day of fermentation, the trio had seen enough entertainment and only then began discussing the game.
"Stephon Marbury is a tough guy, but his performance was a mess. His Defense habits sometimes hurt the team."
"Sometimes I don't like New York's basketball atmosphere either, but they are true winners, they have the right to be proud, and those championship banners hanging above the American Airlines Arena say it all."
Kenny Smith praised Marbury's performance, and the director seized the opportunity to show some confrontation footage to the fans watching on TV to increase credibility.
Shortly after the first quarter began, in a pick-and-roll offense, Marbury used Kevin Garnett's screen to drive strongly to the basket, bumping Pau Gasol aside to score 2 points.
After that, there were no more field goals. Lee backed Marbury off the three-point line, then in a fast break, he collided with his opponent, tearing his lip.
He then completed a 2+1 by backing down and scoring at the rim while draped by his defender.
In the second half, the camera showed Lee's overwhelming blocks, Marbury being pulled to the floor on a strong drive to the basket, being stripped one-on-one, and being forced out of bounds on a fast break.
At the end of the game, the camera captured Marbury's bleeding knee, an ice pack wrapped around his ribs, his lower lip covered with ointment, and him limping.
Yet, he was still doused with beer by New York fans.
Fans who hadn't watched last night's game were surprised after seeing these clips, and they also somewhat understood why Old Marbury almost shed tears.
His good son was truly miserable.
While agreeing with his colleague's words, Charles Barkley also didn't forget to add to his own narrative, putting on a sympathetic expression:
"Adults must take responsibility for their decisions. I can understand the desire for a championship, but when several All-Stars team up, they are destined not to receive much respect."
"If I were Lee, I wouldn't respect such opponents either. They took a shortcut! No matter how it's explained, this is a sign of weakness."
"As an MVP, I never make any excuses for my decisions back then, and I certainly don't demand any respect."
Boos erupted in the studio. Clearly, Charles Barkley was showing off his accolades again.
Ernie Johnson chuckled twice and didn't continue discussing the matter, shifting the topic to tonight's game:
"The Lakers have had a perfect start, easily defeating the Phoenix Suns in two consecutive home games!"
"We can see Kobe's form getting better and better. He seems to have overcome his torn finger injury. Do you think the Lakers can secure a match point tonight?"
Charles Barkley seemed unsatisfied.
He still wanted to stir things up, but Kenny Smith, sitting on the far right, immediately responded, seriously commenting:
"Excellent Defense is the key to winning in the playoffs, and the Celtics have already proven this!"
"Even a team with the league's top offensive efficiency like the Knicks will be affected by Defense. The Phoenix Suns want to win a game, they must show their even better Defense."
"I'm more optimistic about the Phoenix Suns returning home. After some adjustments, they will face their opponents more calmly."
His colleague's comments were always by the book.
Charles Barkley didn't agree, but instead chuckled and teased:
"Perhaps after the game, we should ask Shaquille O'Neal if he has ever received respect from New York fans? Besides Clay Lee, he is the only active player who has won both MVP and FMVP."
Hearing this, Kenny Smith immediately chuckled and took over, quipping:
"Why don't you ask Kobe?"
A joyful atmosphere immediately filled the studio.
Kobe had also been seeking respect for many years, but he didn't have Marbury's entourage and could only shout for himself.
At 7 PM that evening, the stadium was packed.
Although Shaquille O'Neal's individual performance had declined significantly, he was still excellent at selling tickets, and all 18,422 seats were sold out early.
Phoenix Suns General Manager Steve Kerr also arrived at the venue, a proper smile on his face, as if the gossip hadn't affected his mood.
Rumors about Alvin Gentry's intention to resign were growing.
Trading Marion had clearly displeased the coaching staff, but the team reaching the Western Conference Finals seemed to prove that Steve Kerr had made the right decision.
The Phoenix Suns' internal issues did not affect the players' morale.
After the entrance ceremony, Amar'e Stoudemire immediately started dunking and warming up with bounces, quickly igniting the atmosphere in the arena.
Wearing the Phoenix Suns' white jersey, Shaquille O'Neal looked serious.
After arriving in Phoenix, his physical condition had recovered well with the help of the team doctors.
Constantly eyeing his old partner, Shaquille O'Neal grew annoyed when he saw that the other person wasn't looking at him at all, and he couldn't resist showing off with two dunks.
At the TNT commentary desk, Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller were still discussing the game's trajectory, and incidentally praised last night's Eastern Conference Finals:
"It's been a long time since I've seen such a confrontation. I re-watched the game, and I have to say it was a wonderful matchup. I hope tonight's Western Conference Finals can also surprise us!"
Reggie Miller commented with a chuckle.
Kevin Harlan noticed the finger splint on Kobe's finger and couldn't help but exclaim again:
"Playing with injuries all the time, Kobe Bryant's performance is outstanding. Tim Duncan's arrival has put the Lakers on the right track, and I have to say, their form is getting better and better."
"..."
Kobe, who was warming up, chewed gum and focused on his shots.
He had accepted reality.
These commentators just liked to watch the show, and the Eastern Conference Finals had higher viewership.
No one discussed his efficient performance in this series.
Instead, Duncan's performance repeatedly received recognition from the Los Angeles sports media.
If Duncan hadn't been relatively steady in character, Kobe would have even suspected that the two would get into a fight over some issues, as they had different understandings of the game.
The atmosphere grew more fervent, but Duncan, who was warming up, wasn't much affected.
After completing his jump shots from his usual spot, he proactively greeted the atmosphere team and coaching staff, then walked towards the center circle.
Trevor Ariza didn't have as many emotions as his boss.
He was just excited.
This was the first road game of the Conference Finals, and the Phoenix Suns fans were all trying to make noise.
This was the big stage he had long awaited!
"You have no chance! I'm serious, you have no chance at all!"
Shaquille O'Neal arrived at the center circle with a mysterious smile, yelling at the opposing side.
When he found no one responding, he became even more annoyed:
"You can't surpass me! You know what I'm talking about, give up your delusions."
Shaquille O'Neal looked at Kobe Bryant and continued to provoke him, but the latter didn't care.
He held his head high, casually glanced at his old partner, and while stretching, responded nonchalantly:
"You'll see me lift the trophy! I can save you a championship hat! Sorry, the Lakers don't make oversized T-shirts, so there's no size for you now."
Perhaps angered by Kobe, Shaquille O'Neal wasn't focused enough when Amar'e Stoudemire jumped for the tip-off.
He received the ball only to have it immediately stolen by Duncan, and the arena was filled with boos.
Completely different from the Eastern Conference Finals, the Phoenix Suns, back on their home court, launched a dazzling offense early on.
Steve Nash was on fire in the first quarter, and he frequently assisted Amar'e Stoudemire.
Shaquille O'Neal abandoned the low post, and the beast returned, as the Phoenix Suns' strong performance gradually put the Lakers behind.
Ariza seemed overly nervous, clanking several open shots.
Although Phil Jackson substituted Lamar Odom in early, the latter was also possessed by the iron-maker spirit, and was as soft as if he'd been drained by a big-buttocked girl.
Towards the end of the first quarter, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a fast break, ignoring the retreating Radmanovic, receiving the ball and slamming it into the basket with one arm!
"You'll never surpass me!"
As he ran to half-court, Shaquille O'Neal continued to yell at Kobe Bryant.
The latter's eyes twitched slightly upon hearing it, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he got.
Everyone had ignored him back then, which led to no one respecting his championship now.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man noticed Kobe's mood was off.
Looking at his core player, who was taking shots and clanking them repeatedly, Phil Jackson instinctively frowned, but didn't give instructions immediately.
24:31, at the end of the first quarter, the arena was filled with cheers.
Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire's pick-and-roll was unstoppable!
The atmosphere in the Arena grew even noisier.
On the Lakers bench, Kobe stared wide-eyed.
He was still bothered by O'Neal's taunts, which made him look visibly annoyed.
"Calm down! Move the ball around! Tim, you can handle the ball more!"
"..."
Duncan nodded upon hearing the Head Coach's arrangement.
Kobe still wanted to say something, but Derek Fisher quietly pulled him aside.
Old Fish saw the game situation clearly and whispered a comfort:
"Win this game, and Shaq will shut up immediately!"
Taking a deep breath, Kobe no longer demanded "give me the ball" as he used to.
From the start of the second quarter, Duncan participated more in high pick-and-rolls and hand-offs at the top of the key.
This was not the Lakers' usual Triangle Offense.
It was more like the San Antonio Spurs' team basketball.
More patient passing and screens allowed Kobe to easily shake off Defense.
Once he found his shooting touch, his drifting jump shots from mid-range after repeated screens quickly helped the Lakers take the lead.
Whether it was Amar'e Stoudemire or Shaquille O'Neal, defending pick-and-rolls always presented problems.
When the Lakers extended their lead to 8 points, Phoenix Suns fans felt the game was over.
Screens, rebounds, ball handling, occasional low-post attacks, and mid-range jump shots after splitting the Defense—Duncan's stats weren't flashy, but his game content was incredibly rich, making Phil Jackson nod repeatedly.
Without needing his reminders, Duncan used his influence to change the game.
When the Phoenix Suns started to double-team in the low post, Derek Fisher also found opportunities on the perimeter.
Duncan easily passed the ball to the three-point line, and Old Fish decisively shot and scored from the left wing!
"Boo!!"
As the game entered the final quarter, the boos wouldn't stop.
The Phoenix Suns were unable to close the gap.
Instead, the Lakers seized more opportunities, and Ariza, whose shooting was off, repeatedly made steals.
108:102, as the final buzzer sounded, Shaquille O'Neal, who had been covering his head with a towel on the Phoenix Suns bench, remained seated for a long time.
Shaquille O'Neal instantly became withdrawn.
This was a Duncan-esque victory: a modest 20+13 double-double, yet it allowed the Lakers to come back and win.
Kobe now smiled, proactively bumping fists and hugging his partner:
"Perfect game! We're back in the Finals!!"
"Well done, man!"
Duncan's expression was calm.
He patted Kobe's shoulder, raised an eyebrow at him, and then said nothing more.
The latter turned around and only then realized that O'Neal had already left through the players' tunnel.
The boos at Arena did not affect Kobe's good mood.
For him, this season could definitely be described as "the dawn has broken."
Having reached the Finals again, he couldn't help but begin to envision the future:
"We must win…"
At the post-game press conference, many sports reporters initially thought Shaquille O'Neal wouldn't attend, but to their surprise, Shaquille O'Neal sat on the stage with Steve Nash, looking calm.
This situation immediately energized the reporters below, and TNT was the first to fan the flames:
"Shaq, it's regrettable that the Phoenix Suns lost again. There's a high probability that this year's Finals will be a showdown between Los Angeles and New York."
"We all know what happened to the Celtics in the last Eastern Conference Finals. If the Lakers go to New York to play again, do you think the other side will show more respect?"
With a 3-0 lead, Shaquille O'Neal naturally knew he couldn't stop his old partner.
Thinking about the other side eliminating him made him feel a bit emotional, and his feelings surged.
He asked in a deep voice:
"New York will respect Los Angeles, but they won't respect Kobe!"
"Why should they respect him? He's not even the best player in Lakers history!"
"..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)