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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On tuesday, October 31, 2006, TNT began to warm up for the two opening games of the day.
After the preseason ended, the most active player was Dwight Howard, a third-year Rookie who was entering a contract year and constantly painting a rosy picture for Cavaliers fans:
"We will make it to the Finals!"
"Cleveland can break the curse, we will win the championship."
In fact, fans all over the world are the same.
They only want to hear what they like to hear.
New York fans thought he was daydreaming, but Cleveland fans fell in love with the positive "Big Boy."
To maintain his persona, whenever he encountered an interview, Dwight Howard would flash his white teeth, showing his loyalty, as if he was born to break the curse.
This overly enthusiastic performance even made many fans feel awkward, but the person involved didn't care.
Dwight Howard even publicly stated:
"I don't mind signing a 5-year contract with the team. I will always stay in Cleveland!"
Compared to LeBron James's short contract, Dwight Howard seemed more sincere in the eyes of Cavaliers fans, which led to increasing calls on Reddit for "Dwight to surpass Shaq."
In mid-October, Reddit was officially acquired by Lee's Inno.
The Wall Street Journal estimated the acquisition amount at $10 million, but it was actually only 9.1 million.
After Facebook officially opened for registration, Lee's fan base surged, and a simple promotion before the acquisition helped Reddit attract huge traffic.
After the website's major revamp, NBA fans finally found a professional forum for discussions, and with reference.com also updating simultaneously, Excel fans entered a carnival moment!
Of course, Reddit isn't just for talking about basketball.
In short, this open community has seen a recent surge in traffic.
ESPN is no longer the most professional data website.
The quality of their column articles is still the best in the industry, and advanced data models are still under development, which data-loving fans are eagerly anticipating.
No one is talking about PER anymore.
That thing went out of style very quickly.
The NBA has not yet officially introduced +/- data, which is the best tool for single-game matchups.
ESPN also announced in mid-October that they would continue to improve the corresponding data models.
As November approached, Manhattan began to cool down again.
The Heat, who had just flown from warm Miami, were in a bad mood, having won only 1 game in the preseason.
Shaquille O'Neal did not play again afterward, which greatly displeased Pat Riley.
Currently, there are also some minor issues with the locker room atmosphere.
Participating in the opening game was supposed to be a good thing, but for the current Heat, a slow start was very likely to lead to a "disaster."
The New York Times didn't have much news about the Heat.
The public was busy discussing CNN founder Ted Turner's introduction of Lee to the New York Yacht Club.
The big toy, costing over $30 million, is currently docked in Brooklyn.
The "Happy" smiley face is printed on the hull.
Gossiping about wealth is much more interesting than discussing mediocre players.
If Dwight Howard was exaggerating for a contract, then Shaquille O'Neal, who had a big contract, was just giving up.
The Fat Man seemed to have completely lost his aggression.
Aside from losing weight and spending time with his family during the offseason, he no longer made bold statements after the new season began.
No matter how much Pat Riley emphasized "contending for the championship," Shaquille O'Neal never showed much reaction.
This unusual behavior left many basketball commentators puzzled, especially after Clay Lee called for a repeat championship in that Sports Illustrated exclusive interview, and Shaquille O'Neal still didn't react, which surprised many.
Madison Square Garden, this old arena, has new renovations every year.
The huge New York Knicks poster outside the arena announces the arrival of the new season.
At 8 PM, the opening game officially began.
NBA staff had been busy since the afternoon, as they also had to prepare for the award ceremony and flag raising.
Although he had renewed his contract with the team, Payton was not happy.
Every offseason, he would give clear hints, but his desired team never reacted.
In Payton's opinion, the New York Knicks using Rookies instead of signing him this year was another insult to him!
Upon arriving in Manhattan, Payton had a long face and was in a state of disliking everyone.
He didn't actively accept interviews as before, and remained silent early on.
TNT reporters observed from the sidelines for a while and quickly noticed that the Heat players were not in the right mood.
There was no excitement about participating in the opening game.
Shaquille O'Neal's mood didn't affect Dwyane Wade.
After signing a short contract, he and his good brother had prepared for the worst.
Time was on his side, as he was younger.
"Yes, we might have a slow start, but that won't affect the team."
"We've made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for two consecutive seasons. This year, our goal is the Finals, so the most important thing in the regular season is health. Shaq will adjust."
Dwyane Wade, with his hands on his hips, had sweat on his forehead.
He smiled during the interview and actively encouraged his older brother.
Perhaps not taking winning or losing too seriously, Dwyane Wade even talked about family plans, confirming that he would soon welcome his second child, and proactively stated that he wanted to have more children while he was young.
The thinner Shaquille O'Neal indeed looked healthier.
During the interview, he proactively cracked a joke:
"During the offseason, I heard Marbury say he was the best point guard, which only shows his ignorance."
"Clay Lee in the playoffs is a different state; he hasn't experienced it. And Lee in the Finals will raise his level again. Most players in the NBA can only look at the stats for this. They can't even imagine it."
Not giving the TNT reporter a chance to interject, Shaquille O'Neal paused, then mockingly scoffed at the offseason clown:
"Let Marbury live in his own world. He has never been close to championship players like us!"
In recent years, Shaquille O'Neal would occasionally flaunt his championships and subtly put down other players.
If anyone used Kobe Bryant to question the value of his championships, the Fat Man would become sarcastic.
MVP + Championship + FMVP are the most important achievements of Shaquille O'Neal's entire career.
Now that he's laid back, the Fat Man has gradually become the most staunch "Clay Lee fan."
Perhaps already having an ominous premonition, Pat Riley only spoke a few brief sentences during the interview before saying no more.
Facing an old opponent, sometimes all he could do was pray.
The Heat players were in a bad mood, but the Knicks were unaffected.
Michael Finley, who flew to Japan during the offseason to see an old friend, had been in a good mood since receiving "forgiveness."
Dirk Nowitzki didn't object to his plan to return to Dallas to share championship experience, which significantly lessened the veteran's guilt.
Unlike the silent warm-up atmosphere of their opponents, the Knicks players were full of laughter.
The injured Pau Gasol was also practicing free throws, and the scene was very harmonious.
"I think the team is stronger. When the playoff roster is complete, no one can compare to us."
"The new additions to the team are also very talented. I even feel the pressure of competition. JR Smith will get better. He can establish himself here."
Michael Finley's dark face broke into a smile, offering his blessings.
The New York Media believed that JR Smith would soon leave the team, but Finley, as his competitor, did not gloat.
JR Smith's body, which had been drained by the big-assed girl, was gradually recovering, and his performance in training sessions was better than at first.
As for the future, that remained to be seen.
Rajon Rondo had been quite unhappy recently.
He had been regretting it.
When Lee asked him during practice, he should have said "Yes," but in the end, he chickened out.
Thinking of yesterday's scene, Rajon Rondo cursed himself for being a "coward."
He should have spoken up in the team.
Watching Lee surrounded by the media, Rajon Rondo continued to practice and warm up silently.
While paying attention to the situation on the other side, he looked around at everyone's happy faces and began to encourage himself again:
"... Keep pushing!"
At 7:30 PM, half an hour before the game, Madison Square Garden was already buzzing.
The Heat players all stood in front of the other basket, watching their opponents take the court.
The Knicks didn't have a mascot, but the arena atmosphere far surpassed most teams.
The familiar scene, the familiar shouts, made Pat Riley feel even worse.
Shaquille O'Neal, who had his hands behind his back and had been expressionless, couldn't help but twitch his eye when he heard "eight-time champion."
If Clay Lee had said "8 is greater than 1" in front of the media, the Fat Man would likely have broken down on the spot.
This was also why Shaquille O'Neal had insisted on bragging for the past few years: you don't need too many championships; one is enough.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
The shouts grew louder and louder.
Although such a scene had appeared once in recent years, New York fans still never tired of it.
Due to consecutive championships for many years, the Knicks' championship rings have started to evolve in appearance.
This year's octagonal ring face was the first time it appeared.
Although it looked a bit strange, the meaning was good.
David Stern continued to smile and clap.
James Dolan handed the last ring to Lee.
After they hugged, the shouts from the crowd grew even louder.
Kurt Thomas, who came to the award ceremony, couldn't put down the all-silver ring after putting it on.
Anderson Varejão also beamed at the huge ring face.
Derek Fisher hugged Barnes, and both were in high spirits, occasionally whispering to each other.
Wright, who had become the Atlanta Hawks' leader, was also full of energy.
Sharing championship experience was indeed a pleasant thing.
"I'm very happy to witness Charles's jersey retirement ceremony at this moment. I hope he doesn't blame us for stealing his thunder!"
Lee's words made Charles Oakley grin widely.
His No. 34 jersey would soon be hoisted to the top of the arena, accompanying the championship banners.
The old man was incredibly happy about this.
"Year after year, I love the feeling of winning. One championship banner after another floats above the arena. I think this is everyone's favorite gift."
"We will once again challenge historical records. This time, we will not waste the opportunity again. Future championships will still belong to us!"
Gary Payton, who had yearned for a championship but never got one, watched the Knicks players wearing their rings and clapping along.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he almost cursed under his breath.
He increasingly felt that Lee was doing it on purpose.
He had only won a few more games against him in his Rookie season, and now the "petty" Clay Lee had remembered it until now.
Payton felt increasingly miserable inside.
The championship was clearly within reach!
When the Knicks' 10th championship banner was raised into the air, the cheers almost broke through the arena.
Then, Charles Oakley didn't make a long speech; after expressing his gratitude, he took photos with Clay Lee and his old teammates, watching tearfully as his No. 34 jersey ascended into the rafters.
On the Heat bench, Mourning was dejected, looking up at the slowly rising jersey, his mind racing with thoughts.
Dikembe Mutombo also had a ring, a Georgetown center, but he was the only one without a championship.
The oily boss's motivational talk no longer tasted good.
For veterans, a championship wouldn't elevate their historical status, they just wanted to fulfill their long-held obsession.
From the TNT commentary booth, Doug Collins could only sigh, watching the familiar awards ceremony:
"We will witness the most successful team of the 21st century. In fact, this season, the Knicks only need to maintain their championship roster, and they will be strong contenders for the championship!"
"I don't think anyone in the Eastern Conference can trouble them. The Detroit Pistons have already disbanded, and the Chicago Bulls are too young."
"Seeing Shaquille O'Neal's condition in the preseason, I can only cautiously favor the Heat. This is Clay Lee's best opportunity, unlike his last four consecutive championships, his teammates are young but experienced."
Kevin Harlan also felt the Knicks' dominance was overwhelming, and the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference teams had declined again.
Currently, only the Cavaliers were swimming against the current:
"This is indeed a great opportunity. Perhaps the only thing that can stop them is health, but Clay Lee clearly hasn't relaxed his demands on himself!"
"Muscles don't lie. Now no one questions his effort. In 10 years, Clat Lee's passion for basketball has remained unchanged."
"..."
Before the game started, Dwyane Wade secretly sized up Lee's physique.
He had been following the news and hadn't seen any reports of Lee training, and although his friend said Lee was in great shape, seeing was believing.
The muscle lines were visible to the naked eye, and unlike Dwight Howard's 'tech' shoulders, Lee's muscles were simply large in dimension, looking very natural.
Dwyane Wade was a bit jealous of this.
Getting stronger required a price, and his own cheeks felt swollen.
He didn't believe Lee could maintain good condition every year.
Diaw got fatter within a month of returning to New York.
The Frenchman alone supported the French bakery in Tarrytown, and seeing Tayshaun Prince take off his jacket, he chuckled and egged him on:
"I bet we can win by 30 points tonight! Don't go easy, I don't want to carry the Rookie's bag!"
Facing his competitor who moved the coffee machine into the locker room, Tayshaun Prince, who was just along for the ride, had nothing to say.
He had been a little jealous when he heard Mike D'Antoni was holding a training camp in France, but now he just wanted to laugh:
"Don't worry, Bro! I know our old opponents, they don't stand a chance!"
The rotund Diao returned to his seat, still wanting a sports drink, but Charles Oakley, sitting behind the bench, snatched the Gatorade away, frowning and reminding him in a low voice:
"In a month, I want to see your muscles!"
"..."
The live broadcast director also aimed the camera at Ron Artest and Pau Gasol.
The former was bouncing around, while the latter still had a protective boot on his foot.
They were the only two injured players on the team.
Raja Bell had fully recovered.
This tough guy, who had surgery after his vacation, had earned the approval of New York fans.
"Let's go Knicks!"
Amidst the cheers, Payton, with a long face, watched Lee warm up on the opposite side of the court and frowned as he walked to center court.
Chandler, ready for the jump ball, was exceptionally excited, ignoring his opponent's mood and going up to fist-bump everyone, which made Haslem glare.
He didn't like a DPOY who borrowed.
As the referee tossed the ball, Chandler tipped it to mid-court, and the shouts in the Madison Square Garden increased by a few more points.
Pat Riley, arms crossed on the sideline, began loudly calling for Payton to establish a Defense position.
On the other side, Mike D'Antoni, wearing a red scarf, was chuckling and chilling.
As familiar old opponents, watching the Knicks players spread out one by one, Chandler, who had run near the free-throw line, began to move his feet.
Shaquille O'Neal quickly realized this was a high pick-and-roll.
Although the lineup was smaller, Tayshaun Prince, lurking in the left corner, and Hill, on the left wing, both had the ball, and Ron Artest in the right corner could even show off his stiff crossovers.
Antoine Walker had been in a bad mood and now had to loudly remind Shaquille O'Neal to pay attention to his help Defense position.
And Payton, on the perimeter, saw Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly lower his center of gravity.
Before the screen could happen, he suddenly dropped his shoulder and accelerated, instinctively sliding backward to the left.
The moment he neared the three-point line, Lee, almost flying low to the ground, suddenly stopped short, pulled back with a cross-step, easily shaking off the Defense, and Chandler also stopped on the three point line.
Watching Lee raise his body's center of gravity, Payton quickly squeezed through the screen, trying to delay the drive, but just as he squeezed in front, Lee again sped up his dribble, making a large body-front change of direction.
With two thumps, the basketball disappeared from in front of him.
Payton still wanted to squeeze through but collided with Chandler, which made the frowning Shaquille O'Neal reluctantly slide to delay Clay Lee's drive.
Amidst the cheers of the home fans, Lee, who again dropped his shoulder and accelerated, dashed past the three-point line and casually tossed the ball towards the rim.
O'Neal could only watch the basketball arc slowly over his head.
Chandler, who had accelerated and rolled down after the screen, had no one defending him.
He strode into the paint, jumped, easily scooped the ball in mid-air, and then powerfully slammed it down with both hands!
"Ah!"
After completing the dunk, he hung on the rim with one hand to relieve pressure.
Chandler landed with a yell, his emotions soaring.
On the bench, feeling the boiling Madison Square Garden atmosphere, Rajon Rondo couldn't help but show a longing emotion as he cheered with the others.
This was indeed different from college games.
Having their Defense so easily broken, Shaquille O'Neal and Payton exchanged glances without saying anything.
Only Pat Riley on the sideline was very displeased, turning into a "grumpy old man" in just one possession.
On the Heat's offensive possession, Dwyane Wade still preferred to receive the ball on the left side of the court.
The screen near the baseline on the right side had no effect, and Tayshaun Prince directly switched out.
Haslem had a mismatch against Hill under the basket, but Payton still passed the ball to Shaquille O'Neal, who was constantly calling for the ball in the right low post.
The moment the pass was sent from the right wing, Lee followed the ball, feigning help Defense inside.
Shaquille O'Neal, trying to save face, didn't choose to pass, received the ball, and immediately turned towards the baseline.
Chandler, who was prepared, raised both hands.
As Shaquille O'Neal gathered the ball, Grant Hill also came over from the other side to help Defense, and O'Neal finally took a hurried shot, which clanked off the rim.
Watching O'Neal, who couldn't even budge the Defense with force, Doug Collins in the commentary booth again voiced his concerns:
"This is why I don't favor the Heat. Last year in the Eastern Conference Finals, Shaquille O'Neal's scoring ability declined. Relying on Dwyane Wade alone to carry the team, it will be very difficult for them to break through the defending champions."
The rebound was grabbed by Hill, who then directly brought the ball up to initiate a fast break.
Seeing all the Knicks players accelerate, Kevin Harlan was equally excited:
"It seems the Knicks are fully prepared. Their fast break speed is too quick!"
Hill, with long strides, continuously accelerated, easily shaking off Haslem behind him, dashed past mid-court, and smoothly sent a cross-court pass with his right hand.
The retreating Payton, watching Hill cut to the basket, loudly called out to Antoine Walker.
He had intended to establish a Defense position on the three-point line but saw Clay Lee receive the ball, immediately stop short, raise the ball, and shoot!
A 29-foot jump shot?
Watching Lee turn his head and slowly retreat on Defense, Payton's eyes widened as a thought flashed through his mind, followed by excited shouts in his ears.
"Incredible shooting range! This kind of three-pointer seems to have become Clay Lee's regular weapon! It's truly unbelievable!"
Kevin Harlan no longer questioned Lee's unreasonable shots as he used to.
After seeing so many, he even felt that an undefended shot should be taken.
Seemingly triggering painful memories for the Heat players, this offensive rhythm clearly sped up.
They didn't screen for Dwyane Wade again.
Payton, protecting the ball, came to the left wing and immediately made a lob pass.
Although the ball safely reached Shaquille O'Neal's hands, the slow ball speed allowed Clay Lee to again complete a swipe-and-help Defense.
O'Neal in the left low post, amidst the fans' jeers, immediately passed the ball back to Payton.
This veteran learned from last season's lesson and didn't dribble and drive again, instead decisively taking a jump shot that clanked off the rim.
"Oh!"
After Lee picked up the basketball in the paint directly in front of the rim, cheers erupted again.
Payton, cursing under his breath, quickly slid to delay, but with a cool feeling between his legs, Lee dashed past him on his right side.
Unable to make a grabbing motion, Payton, after being nutmegged, instinctively turned his head and saw Lee had already crossed mid-court, completely giving up on Defense.
Despite Pat Riley still shouting on the sideline, none of the Heat players chased back.
Everyone eventually watched Lee soar into the air in the paint, gracefully switching hands between his legs in mid-air.
Holding the ball with his right hand for a brief moment in the air, Lee swung his arm and slammed it down, and Madison Square Garden roared again!
0:7, the familiar rhythm was back.
Shaking his head repeatedly after landing, Clay Lee had a smile on his face.
As he retreated to half-court, he high-fived the fans in the front row to celebrate.
The game had just begun, and the Knicks were frequently launching transition attacks.
Dwyane Wade's jump shot clanked, and his retreat Defense sent Hill to the free-throw line.
Shaquille O'Neal's floater directly in front of the rim missed.
In a semi-transition offense, after a left-wing pick-and-roll, Lee assisted Tayshaun Prince, who cut to the baseline, for a turnaround layup.
Trading blows, the continuously switching Knicks didn't give their opponents any chances.
Antoine Walker's contested three-pointer missed, leaving the Heat's atmosphere group staring blankly.
On the right wing, Lee, taking advantage of the Heat players having just completed their defensive matchups, instantly shook off Payton with a body-front change of direction.
He immediately slowed down after passing the three-point line.
The moment his opponent closed in again, Lee dribbled behind his back, took a lateral step, faked a shot with the ball raised in the right elbow area, and finally, hanging onto Payton, threw a one-handed floater with his left hand!
"Squeak!"
The referee blew his whistle, and the basketball swished through the net.
Payton threw up his hands in frustration, looking helplessly at the oily boss on the sideline.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Amidst the happy shouts of New York fans, Clay Lee's free throw also went in, and the Heat finally called a timeout, making the Madison Square Garden erupt in cheers.
0:14, the game seemed to end as soon as it began.
"Winning or losing isn't important, enjoy the game, buddy!"
Payton, trailing at the very back, instinctively stopped when he heard Lee's words.
He stared, wanting to say something, but ultimately walked silently towards the bench.
Dwyane Wade, back in his seat, was also stunned; he could clearly feel the team's strength regressing:
"Why is this happening!"
.....
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