On Monday, May 26, 2008, the Lakers, still in Phoenix preparing for G4, enjoyed their breakfast.
During away games, the busiest people were the coaching staff and support personnel.
The former needed to consider tactical arrangements, while the latter had to take care of the players with all their 'bags and baggage'.
Fortunately, the Lakers had a smooth postseason this year.
After securing a match point, everyone completely relaxed.
No one could come back from a 0-3 deficit, and Champion Coach Phil Jackson was their guarantee.
Before boarding the bus to the practice facility, during breakfast, the coaching staff brought out a whiteboard and explained the strategy for tonight's game.
After his assistant coaches finished all the arrangements, Phil Jackson stood smiling in front of the whiteboard.
Unlike usual, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man proactively drew up a play and casually asked everyone:
"I imagine some of you must be very familiar with this play?"
The arrows indicating direction showed that the whiteboard depicted a defensive possession, specifically a low-post Defense with outside players participating in help Defense, forcing the opponent to pass in and out.
Tim Duncan, who had already finished breakfast, intently watched the whiteboard from his seat.
He was accustomed to Phil Jackson's unconventional approach.
This Champion Coach was very charismatic at certain moments:
"This was the New York Knicks' defensive strategy in the fourth quarter last night. They started double-teaming Kevin Garnett, forcing him to pass."
Noticing Phil Jackson's gaze, Duncan proactively answered.
Hearing the desired answer, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man smiled kindly, pushed up his glasses, and said with a chuckle:
"Yes, this is a defensive trap. Unfortunately, the Celtics couldn't react in time."
"I don't want to make excuses like the Boston reporters. Head Coach Rivers made a foolish choice. They wasted the best chance to turn the game around."
"Sorry, Tim, I highly respect Head Coach Popovich, but in this matter, the San Antonio Spurs also made a mistake."
Phil Jackson's ability to 'act mysterious' should be the strongest in the league.
His vague statement piqued the curiosity of the Lakers, and everyone put down their food and looked up at the Head Coach.
Kobe was no exception.
Last night, he declined the team's card game and didn't discuss life with Vanessa.
He quietly watched Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals alone.
When the Celtics narrowed the deficit to 3 points in the 3rd quarter, he was also a bit excited, but in the ensuing 4th quarter, Kobe found it unbelievable how easily the New York Knicks crushed their opponents.
A single quarter of 32:14.
After Lee continuously hit three-pointers, in less than half a quarter, Boston's offense and Defense completely collapsed, with no counterattacks except for fouls.
Perhaps noticing Kobe's inquiring gaze, Phil Jackson stopped playing coy and began to expound on his basketball theory:
"In the playoffs, when a team plays a perfect quarter, what they should do is shoot decisively. Boston made the most foolish choice, starting to hesitate after the deficit widened."
"Help Defense? Kevin Garnett could have seized the opportunity to shoot over two defenders. When he chose to pass, everything changed. Kobe, you know best how we won games back then."
Mentioning old stories, Kobe's expression was a bit unnatural, because back then, winning was mainly due to Shaq's incredible stability, forcing his way to the basket against two defenders.
The New York Knicks' rotational help Defense was very cohesive, but the Lakers' response was simple and brutal.
When Old Shark ensured his free throw percentage, everything became solvable.
A strong response was the key to the series.
"Respond well, shoot decisively. I can do these things. I've been preparing for many years."
Kobe responded in a deep voice, not mentioning Shaq's free throws, but merely reaffirming his stance in front of everyone.
Phil Jackson didn't mind his core player's little thoughts and, after affirming him, looked at everyone and joked:
"I can guarantee that in the last quarter, Head Coach Rivers was probably still emphasizing ball movement. They had a chance to win the game, but were scared into losing confidence by Lee's offense."
"A 3-pointer is only 1 point more than a 2-pointer! A 10-point deficit can be overcome in a few possessions."
"I don't want to see any hesitation from you in the Finals. Remember, in crucial possessions, our only goal is to score. Everyone must attack decisively."
"Perhaps during the game, you might see a teammate with a better opportunity, but I still don't recommend passing, because what the team needs is a strong response."
"..."
Hearing Phil Jackson's words, Duncan was somewhat speechless.
The San Antonio Spurs did make some mistakes.
Those fluid plays did not help them.
The atmosphere group members had various expressions.
Translating the Head Coach's viewpoint, it basically meant "give the ball to the star player and let him force it."
In a way, this was a lack of trust in role players, but seeing what happened to the Celtics, no one could argue.
When the The Big Four were all off, at critical moments, it indeed relied on the star players.
Ariza was experiencing a major game for the first time, and thinking that tonight they would win the conference championship, his heart was filled with excitement.
After the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man finished his chicken soup, Ariza, standing up with his teammates, said with longing:
"Unbelievable, I'm going to the Finals! I actually hoped the Celtics would win. When I was with the Orlando Magic, no one wanted to play the New York Knicks."
Sasha Vujacic and the others also had smiles on their faces.
They often teased Ariza about his wandering career.
Just as they were about to respond, Kobe in front suddenly turned his head:
"Put away those weak thoughts! We are going to defeat New York and end their championship run."
"If anyone has other thoughts, go talk to the coach. Listen, I don't like playing with softies!"
"..."
Ariza was speechless from the rebuke.
The closer it got to the Finals, the more off Kobe's mood became.
Everyone could see that their leader seemed to be losing his composure.
Lamar Odom was already used to this situation.
Kobe was the team's 'internal competition king'.
Seeing Ariza's silent appearance, he quietly comforted him before returning to his room:
"You're right, man, we all want to face Boston in the Finals!"
"Tonight will probably be Kobe's show again. Give him the ball. He always wants to prove himself, and as for why, you all know."
Jordan Farmar scratched his head.
Kobe had even sent him a text message during the draft, and he thought he was an easygoing person, but he didn't expect him to be a 'fiery old man' on the court.
He was often yelled at by Kobe during daily training.
After Tim Duncan arrived, the locker room atmosphere improved significantly:
"I think the coach was saying that at critical moments, Tim shouldn't hesitate anymore."
Hearing Jordan Farmar's words, Luke Walton leaned over.
Seeing Lamar Odom's playful expression, he immediately lowered his head and whispered a consolation:
"Don't say that in front of Kobe! We all know the coach actually trusts Tim more."
As the MVP, Tim Duncan gained the trust of the Champion Coach after joining the Lakers.
Everyone understood the shift in tactical focus.
Only Kobe was still 'adding drama'.
Turiaf, with his braids, didn't want everyone discussing core issues.
As he passed by, he brought up some gossip, proactively changing the subject:
"Did you see that photo of Pierce? They say he soiled his pants during the game."
"New York's newspapers aren't trustworthy, but can he still play with a hamstring injury?"
"I think he got the crap beaten out of him!"
Derek Fisher heard them gossiping and chimed in with a laugh, and the atmosphere quickly returned to one of harmony and friendship.
Everyone automatically ignored Kobe's serious attitude.
Back in his room, Duncan put on a training jacket.
He was seriously considering Phil Jackson's suggestion.
Aside from his rookie year, his playstyle with the San Antonio Spurs had indeed been more team-oriented.
Thinking of facing his old rivals again in the Finals, Duncan wanted to call Gregg Popovich and the others.
After a moment of hesitation, he ultimately put his phone away:
"I hope we can bring the trophy back to San Antonio."
That night's Western Conference Finals Game 4 was again broadcast live by TNT.
As time passed, the Lakers once again easily suppressed their opponents.
Shaquille O'Neal ran back and forth on the court, putting in a lot of effort.
However, Shaquille O'Neal was still a bit of a threat on offense, but on Defense, when he encountered a pick-and-roll, he essentially just watched the shot go in.
When Kobe used Duncan's screen to drive forcefully past O'Neal's Defense from the top of the arc with the ball in his right hand, O'Neal's Defense immediately broke, and he pulled Kobe, almost making his old teammate fall flat on his face.
"Oh!!"
The jeers in the Arena grew louder.
Although the referee called a foul, the Phoenix Suns fans were especially happy to see Kobe's disheveled appearance.
Kobe Bryant straightened up and looked at Shaquille O'Neal.
Seeing his opponent glare at him, a different emotion welled up in his heart.
He smiled faintly, slowly shook his head, and walked to the free throw line.
"You won't win! You know you're overrated!"
O'Neal, leaning on his knees, yelled furiously at Kobe, appearing utterly enraged.
He only wanted to see his old teammate fail now.
"I told you, I can save you a hat. In a little while, I'm going to lift the trophy here, and you can stay and witness it."
Kobe, dribbling the ball, responded with a smile.
The angrier Shaquille O'Neal got, the happier he became.
At this moment, he felt an immense sense of satisfaction!
The game became increasingly heated, with the Phoenix Suns committing frequent fouls.
As a result, Steve Nash was heavily hit by Ariza, and the two sides almost came to blows in the 3rd quarter.
Tim Duncan remained unaffected, helping the team with screens and assists again and again.
Amar'e Stoudemire still contributed impressive dunks, but the 8-point difference persisted until the end of the game, and loud boos finally erupted in the Arena.
100:92. Relying on excellent Defense, the Lakers won another game, easily sweeping their opponents and re-entering the Finals after many years.
At the end of the game, Kobe threw the ball high in the air, cheered, turned around and high-fived Duncan in celebration.
The smile on his face couldn't be contained.
He was too happy:
"Finals! We're only 4 wins away! I swear, I'm going to take back everything that belongs to me..."
In front of the camera, Kobe pulled Duncan along as he made his grand declaration.
The latter merely patted his teammate's shoulder.
Duncan was no stranger to the Finals.
Shaquille O'Neal, barely maintaining his composure, didn't linger.
After a brief exchange with Phil Jackson, he immediately turned and left, intending to buy tickets for the Finals.
Fans on both sides of the player tunnel stood up and applauded Steve Nash.
In this series, their core player had given his all, but the team's Defense was truly lacking.
As soon as he returned to the locker room, Steve Nash ran a hand through his short hair and looked up at Amar'e Stoudemire, who was still muttering curses:
"Do we still have a chance?"
The latter also stopped complaining.
The combination of Kobe and Duncan made even Amar'e Stoudemire, who had Champion Coach experience, feel difficult.
He slumped into his seat, saying somewhat dejectedly:
"Maybe the team should make some changes."
O'Neal had remained silent.
When he joined the Phoenix Suns, they kept winning, and everyone welcomed him.
Now that they had lost an important game, conflicts also arose.
O'Neal knew his time with the Phoenix Suns was limited.
If Kobe hadn't been "supporting" him, he might have already considered retirement.
The Phoenix Suns' atmosphere was heavy, but the Lakers, preparing for the awards ceremony, were all smiling happily.
Ariza and others had never experienced such a scene, their mouths almost splitting to the back of their heads.
After many years, seeing the Conference Champion trophy again, Jerry Buss, who had specifically flown there, also clapped his hands repeatedly in front of the camera.
Although Kobe had betrayed him, adults only care about interests, and the two were now reconciled.
Amidst the scattered boos in the Arena, Jerry Buss took the golden trophy and raised it high.
All the Lakers players behind him cheered loudly:
"Oh!!"
Ernie Johnson also smiled and applauded nearby.
Once the celebration had died down, he asked Jerry Buss:
"Dr. Buss, it's great to see you lift the Conference Champion trophy again. Now you're only 4 wins away from the O'Brien Trophy. How would you evaluate the Lakers' performance this season?"
Jerry Buss's health had not been good in recent years, but after the win, he seemed to have transformed back into that spirited "old playboy," smiling brightly and praising loudly:
"Kupchak saved the team. I must thank him. He brought the great Tim Duncan to Los Angeles!"
"..."
The team owner's lavish praise made even Duncan feel a bit overwhelmed, a smile involuntarily appearing on his face.
Phil Jackson's eyes were even crinkled with laughter as he put his arm around his star player, whispering intimately:
"Trust me! You will experience a completely different Finals. You will win everything!"
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man's assurance made Duncan feel even happier.
He truly felt respected by the Lakers, even the General Manager would consult him in advance when adding to the roster.
Kobe, who had wanted to lift the trophy earlier, was in the front row.
When Jerry Buss continuously praised Duncan, he became somewhat displeased.
Noticing Phil Jackson whispering beside Duncan as well, his mood worsened:
"This is my team..."
In front of the camera, Kobe still maintained a smile.
When the trophy came into his hands, he instantly cast all other thoughts aside, raising the trophy and celebrating to his heart's content.
During the routine interview, Ernie Johnson simply asked about his feelings on returning to the Finals.
Kobe, taking the microphone, didn't hold back, nor did he offer any boring thanks.
With a serious expression, he declared:
"I will give everything for the Champion Coach! I will prove that I am the best player in the league!"
"Boo!!"
The Phoenix Suns fans present booed again, but Kobe didn't care.
He lowered his head and kissed the trophy.
At this moment, he desperately longed for the Finals to arrive.
He only wanted to defeat his "arch-rival."
On tuesday, May 27th, with the Lakers advancing, the New York Media began predicting a Champion Coach, and incidentally, continued to gossip about Pierce's "return from the depths."
Yesterday's column article almost infuriated the Boston fans.
Although they lost, their opponents should not slander their hero!
During the New York Knicks practice that afternoon, the team staff noticed that the basketball hoop seemed a tiny bit shorter, and another round of verbal sparring ensued between the two sides.
Lee seemed lazy during warm-ups.
Last night's game didn't allow him to fully enjoy himself.
It finally reached the fourth quarter, but the opponent just collapsed.
He casually responded to reporters' questions:
"I like old rivals. Whether it's the San Antonio Spurs or the Lakers, they always make me recall my experiences from when I was young."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)