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***
On the morning of November 10, 2006, the NBA officially issued penalties for the Pepsi Center brawl:
Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets was suspended for 15 games, Carmelo Anthony for 12 games, and Nene Hilario for 1 game.
Rajon Rondo of the New York Knicks was also suspended for 15 games, JR Smith for 10 games, and Gadzuric for 1 game.
Ron Artest, who rushed onto the court, was suspended for 4 games, and Novak, who also illegally entered the court, was suspended for 1 game.
Steve Novak, who rarely made it onto the active roster, was suspended before even making an appearance.
A total of 8 players were suspended for a cumulative 59 games, with player losses due to suspension exceeding $1.3 million.
The two teams were also fined $500,000, and the heavy penalties from the NBA caused an uproar among commentators.
ESPN had predicted this on last night's PTI program, and Michael Wilbon naturally defended the Black players:
"This was just an ordinary conflict, it just happened to be on national television."
"Players shouldn't be heavily penalized. We all know that among the four major sports leagues, NBA players are always subjected to stricter scrutiny."
After the NBA's disciplinary results were announced in the morning, commentators immediately spoke out, arguing that the punishment was too severe.
Even some Black political leaders came forward, attempting to mediate between the NBA and the players.
At the same time, some also pointed fingers at George Karl.
The third quarter entered garbage time early, and the Knicks had already made substitutions first, yet the Denver Nuggets still played their starters.
New York reporters even revealed that during garbage time, George Karl was still shouting to his players:
"Don't let them score easily."
It was the Head Coach's indulgence that led to Allen Iverson body-slamming Rajon Rondo.
As for the Rookie punching the superstar, New York commentators completely avoided the topic, implying it was all the opponent's fault.
Neither team spoke out, only Allen Iverson, with a black eye, stepped forward again to state:
"I just did what I had to do. I won't seek forgiveness. That Rookie showed me a lack of respect!"
Carmelo Anthony, who sneak-attacked Rajon Rondo, also took two punches.
After being body-slammed by JR Smith, Carmelo Anthony was tackled into the baseline crowd and pinned down by a swarm of people.
Fortunately, Finley remained calm, otherwise Raja Bell would also have been suspended.
As for Ron Artest, he was actually just grappling with the Denver Nuggets' atmosphere group.
His 4-game suspension was due to his previous record.
The Knicks team had already flown to Houston.
The previous brawl also caused a huge stir across the ocean, and Allen Iverson's fans expressed their dissatisfaction on the internet.
Not everyone is a fair-weather fan.
The lone hero Allen Iverson embodies more of the basketball spirit.
Although a bit niche, having lost for so many years, he still has loyal fans.
Allen Iverson's highlights are very entertaining.
Game content and statistics are not important.
For young people, "style" is the only criterion for judging a star!
The impact of the brawl was even greater within the NBA circle.
A first-year Rookie punching an established superstar was unimaginable.
Rookies in the team are usually bag-carriers, and they must show respect to their elders.
The NBA also has a culture of respecting veterans, but Rajon Rondo broke this unspoken rule.
When going to the Toyota Center for warm-ups in the afternoon, Rajon Rondo, who had minor abrasions on his face, did not participate in training and had to stay at the hotel.
For the next half month, he would be unable to play.
Houston sports reporters naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
Everyone swarmed into the hotel and, with the staff's arrangement, managed to interview Rajon Rondo and a few others.
Rajon Rondo, who became the center of attention, didn't say much, constantly speaking pleasantries, until a Houston Chronicle reporter asked:
"We all want to know why you punched Allen Iverson. He's been a scoring champion and an All-Star player."
Rajon Rondo, wearing the Knicks' away practice uniform, frowned and interrupted the reporter before he could finish.
Looking at everyone holding recording devices close to him, he said without hesitation:
"He used a non-basketball move to disrupt my offense. Why can't I retaliate?"
"I know you want to say I lacked respect for Allen Iverson, but why should I respect him? To respect his 0 wins and 41 losses regular season record?"
"Has he contributed to basketball? Is he a champion? I'll win a championship earlier than Allen Iverson. Maybe he should respect me."
The surrounding sports media were stunned, but the arrogant Rookie's remarks were hard to refute.
After all, the Knicks are still dominant this year, while the Denver Nuggets, with their starters suspended, will definitely have problems with their record.
Rajon Rondo said no more and was quickly pulled away by Knicks staff.
On the other side, JR Smith, who was not being interviewed, was still provoking, continuing to add to the drama, shouting:
"We have to let those trash know we're not to be messed with. We are family, they messed with the wrong people."
JR Smith, who was joining the fun, was still yelling and was quickly restrained by Knicks staff.
Looking at the two Rookies who showed no signs of remorse, many reporters exchanged glances, and a thought popped into their minds:
"Maybe Allen Iverson really is past his prime…"
The Knicks remained silent.
James Dolan and the management did not appeal the fine, but the Denver Nuggets continued to protest, believing their opponents lacked respect.
In less than two days, fans from both sides had a fierce argument on the revamped Reddit, and the New York fans naturally won big:
"What kind of champions are you? Do you even deserve to talk about respect?"
Allen Iverson completely lost his prestige after this game.
A superstar being punched by a first-year Rookie is a rare occurrence in history.
Some players also disliked the Knicks' behavior.
During the Houston Rockets' warm-up in the afternoon, Tracy McGrady, as the "second player" who was past his prime, proactively spoke out for Allen Iverson and criticized the defending champions:
"I've said it before, Knicks players all have an arrogant attitude. Their team culture has problems."
"Allen Iverson is an idol for a generation, yet they show no respect. I don't know why so many people praise the Knicks."
"Rajon Rondo and JR Smith should apologize to Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. They ruined a national broadcast. Basketball should not have violence."
Tracy McGrady, during the interview, shed his usual sleepy-eyed image, as if empathizing, staring with wide eyes and sternly criticizing.
This outpouring of emotion made many reporters secretly pleased, but when they interviewed Yao Ming, they heard a different answer:
"I think this was just an ordinary conflict. There's no need to elevate it to the level of respect."
Yao Ming had recently recovered from the World Championship loss.
If he had once looked up to some stars when he first entered the NBA, that mindset had long been forgotten.
Currently, Yao Ming only lamented that "choice is greater than effort."
After all, Tyson Chandler, whom he had casually played against back then, was on the verge of a championship, while he still had to fight for the playoffs.
The "second player" halo also disappeared in the eyes of the Chinese media.
Wang Meng, who had been following the team, noticed Tracy McGrady was still talking and couldn't help but secretly curl his lips:
"Allen Iverson is also a superstar?"
Dikembe Mutombo did not like Allen Iverson's "no help" comments during interviews.
He was once the All-Star center in the East.
He contributed his last peak to the 76ers, but received no respect.
Dikembe Mutombo had already given his former teammate face by not complaining publicly.
In the locker room before the game, facing a crowd of reporters, the champion center didn't comment much, just leaned back in his seat and casually said:
"Respect needs to be earned, at least that's how it was in the past. As an old-school player, I won't dwell on this."
Rafer Alston and Shane Battier did not accept interviews.
After all, Tracy McGrady was still the nominal leader, and they couldn't contradict him at this time.
Seemingly unaware of his teammates' emotions, after starting the season with a 3-2 record, Tracy McGrady was somewhat inflated.
Before the game began, he clapped his hands in the center of the locker room while wearing his practice uniform and said:
"Win this game, we need to make them understand what respect is!"
The atmosphere group members had puzzled expressions on their faces, not knowing how the brawl had affected Tracy McGrady.
Coach Mike Brown, however, didn't say much, only giving a final reminder before stepping onto the court:
"Remember to communicate on Defense, and pay attention to switching on screens!"
"…"
Across the ocean, it was Saturday today, and CCTV Sports naturally broadcast the Houston Rockets game in the morning.
A in the studio was in a state of schadenfreude, still teasing before the game began:
"Allen Iverson lost not just his salary, but most importantly, he lost respect."
"Superstars need to have their own swagger. Fighting a Rookie during garbage time, that's too embarrassing. I think he'll miss the All-Star game this year."
B was somewhat helpless.
This matter actually had nothing to do with them.
Seeing the Knicks' starting lineup, he could only change the topic and once again exclaimed:
"This is the defending champion. Everyone is a soldier, and their rotation also has David Lee in the paint. This late first-round Rookie from last year has also been in excellent form recently."
A also recovered from his spectator mode.
Seeing Yao Ming receive the ball and score with a jump shot in the right block near the paint after an early cross-screen in the first possession, he took over the conversation:
"Yao Ming is in excellent form recently, but it's a pity the Houston Rockets lack depth."
"The pace of offense and Defense in modern basketball is too fast. The Knicks didn't waste their money. Their $97.46 million payroll is the highest in the NBA. This is what champions are!"
The Houston Rockets' payroll this year was $63.84 million, filling the salary cap without paying luxury tax, ranking 14th in the NBA.
One could only say they had a promising future.
At the Toyota Center, nearly 19,000 Houston Rockets fans were loudly cheering with the DJ. Yao Ming, retreating on Defense, was in a good mood.
Facing Chandler, he had absolute confidence!
Rafer Alston and Tracy McGrady partnered in the backcourt, with Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes, who had just joined the team, in the frontcourt.
For the Knicks, Tayshaun Prince and Boris Diaw partnered in the frontcourt.
Both teams played with one big and four small players.
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive shouts, Tracy McGrady, retreating to the left wing, loudly called out, reminding Rafer Alston not to lose his position.
The Knicks still used a 1-3-1 zone, with only Chandler under the basket.
The suspension didn't affect anyone's mood.
Diaw, who had regained his starting position, was in good spirits, actively moving up from the free-throw line while reminding Prince to move towards the right baseline.
Feinting to receive the ball by moving up, Alston turned his head to observe the Defense, and Diaw immediately curved, heading straight for the right wing.
At the same time, Lee also suddenly pushed the ball for a change of direction, instantly switching to his left hand, flying close to the ground.
Amidst the low exclamations of the New York fans, Alston was beaten in one step, and his lost position at the three-point line allowed Lee to cut from the middle into the paint in the blink of an eye.
Yao Ming, under the basket, could only move his feet.
Just as he arrived directly in front of the hoop, Lee, in motion, casually tossed the ball towards the upper right of the basket.
Unable to get back on Defense in time, Yao Ming ultimately watched Chandler leap high, catch the ball in the air, and dunk with both hands!
"Oh!"
2:2, the spectacular alley-oop made the New York Knicks' atmosphere group cheer loudly, with Barea shouting particularly enthusiastically.
Rajon Rondo's suspension directly benefited Barea.
Clay Lee couldn't play a full 48 minutes, and the Puerto Rico guard was so happy these past two days he almost couldn't sleep.
Tracy McGrady was annoyed seeing Clay Lee's relaxed expression.
On the offensive possession, without waiting for Alston to dribble past half-court, he called for the ball early and dribbled it himself to the left wing.
When Yao Ming stepped up to set a screen, Tracy McGrady dribbled behind his back to his right hand, accelerated horizontally, and, taking advantage of Hill's inability to squeeze through in time, quickly cut into the middle.
Chandler had switched early and was now continuously sliding to help defend under the basket, while Hill, trailing on Defense, cut off the passing lane.
When Tracy McGrady drove to directly in front of the hoop, Diaw also collapsed.
Before the triple-team could form, Tracy McGrady, lowering his shoulder and accelerating, passed the ball to Hayes near the right baseline.
Hayes caught the ball, used the momentum to dribble, and laid it in under the basket.
What seemed like a perfect opportunity, however, saw Hayes's right hand barely release the ball before Diaw, twisting his body to help defend, leaped high and swatted it away!
As Diaw regained control of the ball, he immediately found Lee for the assist, and the New York Knicks instantly launched a transition offense.
Yao Ming had just chased to the mid-court line, and Lee, accelerating along the left sideline, was already driving past Alston to the left wing.
The Streetball King, accelerating back on Defense, had intended to establish a defensive position at the three-point line but was directly shaken off by Clay Lee's large-scale push-dribble change of direction while in motion.
Hastily adjusting his defensive Center of Gravity, Alston chased to the paint, but Lee executed a spin move, instantly shaking off the Defense, gathered the ball, arrived at the lower left of the hoop, caught the ball with his left hand, and scored with a bank shot.
"Boo!"
The boos were quickly drowned out by the cheering, and the chinese commentators studio followed with praise:
"If you replaced Alston and Tracy McGrady in the backcourt with Clay Lee, Yao Ming should also be able to win a championship. The individual abilities are too far apart."
Every time the Streetball King encountered Lee, he felt a surge of resentment.
He had shown goodwill more than once, but the New York Knicks didn't even give him a chance at the water cooler.
He felt Lee was responsible for this.
Glaring at his opponent, Alston saw only the back of Lee's head.
After entering the NBA, the two had never spoken.
When the Houston Rockets attacked again, Yao Ming successfully pinned Chandler behind him in the left low post.
Although Alston's pass was half a beat late, Yao Ming took only one dribble towards the baseline after receiving the ball, stepped into the paint, and, after gathering the ball, leaned back slightly for a jump shot, scoring another 2 points.
Receiving the ball in his sweet spot, his height advantage amplified, Lee gestured for a front-screen and then actively sped up the offensive tempo.
Diaw had already run to the right baseline.
As the New York Knicks spread out, Chandler, who had rushed past half-court, stopped early, setting a screen at the top of the arc, away from the three-point line.
After crossing the mid-court line, Lee, dribbling with his left hand, suddenly decelerated, casually changing direction between his legs.
Alston hastily slid to the left.
As soon as their bodies made contact, Lee quickly spun, the basketball seemingly sticking to his hand after being released, and in the blink of an eye, his left hand re-touched the ball, continuing to accelerate horizontally.
Yao Ming, stopped at the three-point line, could only slide to delay, and at the same time, Tracy McGrady on the left wing also collapsed, attempting to double-team early.
Just as the two were about to form a trap, Lee flicked his wrist, and a pocket pass in motion instantly pierced the Defense, the ball bouncing to Hill, who cut to the basket.
The latter increased his stride, and, before the ball went out of bounds, caught it and casually tossed it off the backboard!
6:4, Hill, who scored, let out a sigh of relief.
In less than 9 seconds, the Houston Rockets had to inbound the ball again.
Amidst the shouts of the New York fans, Tracy McGrady, who received the ball early, again used Yao Ming's screen at the top of the arc to accelerate horizontally.
Noticing Chandler retreating on Defense early, briefly shaking off the Defense, and nearing the right elbow, Tracy McGrady suddenly pulled up for a stop-and-pop, ignoring Hill's close-out Defense, and immediately shot an air ball.
Lee stood with Alston on the left wing.
Prince, in the left corner, collapsed in time, and taking advantage of Chandler and Diaw's boxing out, he immediately picked up the ball.
Battier, who had been camping in the corner since the start, hesitated but ultimately rushed directly towards Lee, who was accelerating along the right sideline, cutting off the passing lane.
The Houston Rockets' defensive matchups were problematic.
Prince, dribbling with long strides and sprinting, was undefended for a moment.
Yao Ming, retreating on Defense, watched helplessly as Prince went coast-to-coast for a one-handed dunk!
"Ah!"
Prince, having completed the dunk, roared under the basket.
Mike D'Antoni on the sideline smiled and rose to applaud.
It was another 8-second offense.
Coach Mike Brown now displayed a side that Chinese fans often criticized.
He shouted loudly on the sideline, simultaneously making downward pressing gestures with both hands, signaling his players to calm down.
Point guard Alston again passed the ball early, running with Lee to the left corner.
At the top of the arc, Tracy McGrady moved horizontally using Yao Ming's screen but couldn't shake off the Defense, passing the ball to Battier on the left wing.
The latter received the ball, actively stepped forward for a hand-off, and then ran back to the right wing.
At the same time, Hayes followed up, continuing to set a screen for Tracy McGrady.
Yao Ming was tangled with Chandler at the lower right of the basket, wanting the ball, but helplessly found his teammate double-teamed.
The ball was passed out from the top of the arc again.
Tracy McGrady gave the ball to Hayes, who had rolled off the screen.
Receiving the ball inside the three-point line on the left wing, Hayes didn't even look at the rim, calling for Alston for a hand-off.
After continuous ineffective perimeter passing, with more than half of the shot clock gone, a somewhat anxious Alston, trying to shake off Clay Lee, actively stopped abruptly as he approached the baseline, then accelerated a second time.
Amidst the fans' exclamations, Alston's fake move fooled his teammate.
Hayes passed the ball out immediately, directly into Lee's hands.
The Houston Rockets players looked bewildered.
Hayes tried to chase back on Defense, but it was too late.
Clay Lee received the ball, sprinted past mid-court with long strides, and with a full-court 1-on-0, he was incredibly fast, grabbing the ball with his right hand and scoring with a gliding dunk!
8:4, consecutive fast-break dunks, leaving the Houston Rockets' atmosphere group deflated.
At this moment, in the CCTV Sports studio, B seemed to recall the scene of the Houston Rockets' big loss last season and could only tactfully comment:
"Tracy McGrady must find his shooting touch quickly."
What the New York fans expected didn't happen.
Tracy McGrady, attempting to respond, again shot an air ball on a long two-pointer from the right wing after a screen.
Yao Ming fought hard for the rebound, but Chandler still secured the rebound.
When Lee came to assist, the two big men were again left behind.
As Lee, dribbling with his right hand, continuously accelerated past mid-court, Alston was almost shaken off again by a push-dribble change of direction.
Battier, who had retreated to the left wing, hastily adjusted his direction.
Hearing his teammate's warning, Battier could only watch as Lee slightly decelerated, then casually passed the ball in the opposite direction.
Shaking off Hayes with his speed, Diaw continuously accelerated, driving straight to the basket from the right wing.
After receiving the ball, he took three big steps and rose for another one-handed dunk!
Lee, retreating on Defense, clapped his hands.
All five players on the court had scored. For a moment, several players on the New York Knicks' bench were in high spirits, and Raja Bell even furiously waved his towel, joining in the cheering:
"Dunk again!"
Glancing at Hayes, who was working hard on Defense, Tracy McGrady's face was grim.
He stared wide-eyed and shouted loudly, extremely dissatisfied with this Defense.
The Houston Rockets didn't speed up, attempting to continue playing from the low post, but when Alston passed the ball to Yao Ming, Lee on the left wing helped defend the ball.
As the ball returned to Alston's hands, the latter put the ball down with his right hand, drove forward, heading straight for the basket, and was ultimately met by Lee, who chased him down for a powerful block off the backboard.
Hill got in front of Tracy McGrady and successfully controlled the basketball in the paint, then took the ball and charged again.
Alston, who was knocked out of bounds, was still complaining to the referee.
Yao Ming didn't have time to call for his teammates, and Lee had already shaken both of them off.
On a three-line fast break, Lee trailed behind. Prince had already rushed past mid-court, driving straight to the basket from the right wing.
On the other side, Hill, who was continuously push-dribbling and changing direction, neared the top of the arc and casually delivered a cross-court pass.
Still some distance from the three-point line, near the right sideline, an undefended Lee received the ball without any adjustment, pulled up, raised the ball, and shot!
"Got it! That was a beautiful shot!"
As the basketball swished through the net, Mile Breen again chuckled and praised.
In a few years, long-range three-pointers had become a reasonable shot selection.
The cheers from the Toyota Center could also be heard in the studio.
Trashy B sighed inwardly as he watched Yao Ming run back and forth, and could only simply comment aloud:
"The Houston Rockets also need this kind of offense. So far, they haven't had a single fast-break opportunity."
13:4, the game had completely entered the New York Knicks' rhythm.
In the subsequent game, Houston Rockets fans watching on TV felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Yao Ming responded with scores near the basket, but the perimeter remained cold.
Some possessions saw shots made and missed.
Alston's three-pointer was an air ball, and after receiving the ball, he drove forward, pulled up for a stop-and-pop, and shot an air ball.
The New York Knicks protected the rebounds very well, frequently launching transition offenses.
The Houston Rockets either fouled or just watched layups go in.
The timeout had no effect either.
Tracy McGrady seemed to have lost his aggressiveness, and under his leadership, the New York Knicks, who had entered their rotation early, maintained their fast break speed.
With 1 minute and 29 seconds left in the first quarter, Tracy McGrady again shot an air ball on a three-pointer from the right wing, and the long rebound was picked up by Clay Lee near the left elbow.
Luther Head, who had come off the bench, was directly shaken off by Lee's behind-the-back dribble.
When he chased back on Defense to the right wing, the Houston Rockets also failed to retreat on Defense in time.
As Lee decelerated and feigned gathering the ball with his left hand, looking up at the rim, Luther Head subconsciously lunged forward, then was beaten in one step.
UnGuarded, Lee cut into the paint from the right wing.
Before the defender could catch up, he gathered the ball early while moving and scooped it in.
Tracy McGrady, who was chasing back, could only watch as Lee casually tossed the ball off the backboard with his right hand, and it ultimately banked high into the basket.
32:17, the lead continued to widen.
In the final few possessions, Yao Ming missed a jump shot, but David Lee, who came off the bench, continuously grabbed offensive rebounds, and along with Raja Bell, further extended the lead.
With Dikembe Mutombo, who was substituted in, making one of two free throws, the score was set at 37:18.
At Toyota Center, some late-arriving fans had confused expressions on their faces.
A game that started at 5:30 PM, had it lost its suspense so quickly?
The New York Knicks players were all smiles on the bench.
With an early lead, they could clock out early tonight, and everyone would have a chance to play.
Tracy McGrady was 0 for 6 from the field, 0 for 2 from beyond the arc, and finished the first quarter with 0 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists.
He successfully led the Houston Rockets to a deficit, and he was destined to be the New York Knicks' biggest contributor to their win tonight.
In the CCTV Sports studio, upon seeing the director frequently focusing the camera on Tracy McGrady, B could only sigh and start making excuses for the home team:
"It seems Tracy hasn't recovered from his back injury. He hasn't found his touch on his jump shot."
"The Houston Rockets still have a chance. Yao Ming is 5 for 7, with 10 points. As long as the outside shots go in, they can still catch up."
In the first quarter, the New York Knicks attempted 24 shots, while the Houston Rockets only attempted 17.
In the second quarter, forced to pick up the pace, Luther Head performed well amidst chaotic play, and Tracy McGrady, who had only rested for a little over a minute in the first quarter, also started making consecutive shots.
However, the lead consistently fluctuated around 17 points.
The Houston Rockets, despite picking up the pace, couldn't seize the opportunity, as Finley continuously scored, and Barea also got points in the chaos.
With 5 minutes and 21 seconds left in the first half, Lee and the starting lineup returned.
With mutual attacks, time flew by.
68:46, a 22-point lead, indicating that the game was beyond suspense.
In 17 minutes of play, Clay Lee filled the stat sheet with 18 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
In 21 minutes of play, Tracy McGrady, with 7 points (3-11 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-1 FT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 turnover, helplessly caused the game to collapse.
This highly anticipated game for Chinese fans entered garbage time early in the second half.
Delusional chinese fans in front of their televisions could only listen to ever delusionals A and B envisioning the future:
"If they stay healthy, the Houston Rockets have a chance to make it to the Finals!"
"..."
Year after year, promising big things to fans, but by the end of the third quarter, the lead was heading straight for 30 points, and most fans couldn't take it anymore.
The Houston Rockets' bench, Juwan Howard was completely outplayed by David Lee, and Dikembe Mutombo also failed to hold up the team's rebounding.
At Toyota Center, some season ticket holders left early.
124:91, when the final buzzer sounded, the dark-faced Tracy McGrady headed straight for the player tunnel without looking back.
Yao Ming scored a team-high 26 points (12-17 FG, 4-4 FT).
His teammates beside him were dejected.
Rafer Alston was substituted out early, and the streetball legend, with only 2 points, sat dejectedly in his seat.
Amidst scattered cheers, Clay Lee smiled and shook hands with the Houston Rockets players, and seeing the sullen Dikembe Mutombo, he stepped forward and joked:
"Remember to say hello to Tracy for me. Everyone showed him great respect tonight. 33 points, we really gave it our all!"
"Lee, don't mind his mouth. You know, he just wants to campaign for himself."
Dikembe Mutombo forced a bitter smile and tried to explain for his teammate, but the veteran knew that as long as Tracy McGrady kept speaking out, the next time would likely still be a crushing defeat.
Yao Ming was not in a good mood at this time either.
Looking at the smiling Chandler, he felt a bit uneasy.
10 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks (5-8 FG), the opponent easily got a double-double and was substituted out early.
After a brief exchange with players, Lee waved to the fans and left the court.
They would have to fly to San Antonio overnight, as the back-to-back games had to continue.
Looking at Pau Gasol and Chandler behind Clay Lee, Yao Ming, who was slowly walking towards the player tunnel, felt a bit envious.
Dikembe Mutombo stepped forward and patted his shoulder, simply comforting him:
"Don't think too much, Yao! Basketball is a five-person game. Although I really like the Houston Rockets, it's hard for us to pursue a championship right now."
"..."
On November 11th, that night's New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs game was also broadcast nationally on ABC.
In the morning, the New York Knicks canceled practice and went to SBC Center early in the afternoon for warm-ups.
The brawl incident began to cool down, and a group of sports reporters finally got to interview Clay Lee.
Despite the back-to-back game, Lee showed no signs of fatigue.
During warm-ups, he even actively led the atmosphere group in a 3-on-3 scrimmage.
When everyone was interviewing on the sidelines, observing closely, there wasn't much sweat on his head.
Seeing Lee's increasingly burly physique, many reporters secretly exclaimed how unbelievable it was.
"Clay, can you talk about the previous conflict? Because of the suspension, the Denver Nuggets have been losing consecutively recently, and Allen Iverson insists that you lacked respect for him."
The ESPN reporter wished they could drag Lee back for an exclusive interview.
The New York Knicks had previously blocked many interviews, citing a busy schedule.
Even if Lee attended a press conference, he could only be asked about game-related questions.
"Perhaps we have some differences in our understanding of respect. For me, when an opponent gives their all, that is the best respect!"
"I like to play against excellent players. I enjoy the feeling of a game being entangled until the very last moment before a winner is decided."
Lee showed a nostalgic expression.
Although clocking out after three quarters was good, experiencing too many such games left him with nowhere to exert his energy, forcing him to train diligently.
"We beat the Denver Nuggets by 43 points. Even if the game was interrupted, it didn't affect everyone's enthusiasm for the game. All the players who played gave their all, and that is the best respect!"
"..."
Everyone was momentarily speechless.
Although that's what he said, everyone felt that Lee was once again humiliating his opponent.
Seeing the sports reporters suddenly fall silent, Lee simply spoke up proactively, smiling as he retorted:
"Are you expecting me to cooperate with Allen Iverson to pad stats? He's my arch-rival, I just want to suppress him on both ends of the court!"
"Of course not, we love such matchups!"
"Clay Lee is right, this is indeed the best respect. I think Allen Iverson was just upset for a moment, he will calm down."
"..."
The sports media surrounding them agreed vociferously, not liking "mutual stat-padding" either.
Anyway, Allen Iverson was the victim, and everyone just wanted to watch the show.
With a smile on his face, Lee even had the presence of mind to include Pau Gasol and Hill, who were passing by, in the conversation.
"As defending champions, the greatest respect is to give it our all. This is our team culture!"
Although he felt that Allen Iverson was very unlucky, Hill could only respond seriously in front of everyone, and Pau Gasol was the same, emphasizing with a serious expression:
"Not just in official games, but in daily training, everyone competes for playing time. I don't know why the opponent would have such a big reaction."
In the second battle against the San Antonio Spurs that night, Duncan scored an efficient 30 points (13-16 FG, 4-12 FT), but ultimately lost the game.
108:94, thanks to the opponent's three-point shooting percentage of less than 30%, the New York Knicks joyfully welcomed their 7th consecutive win!
At SBC Center, the boos continued unabated after the game.
Parker and Manu Ginobili's inefficient performance wasted Tim Duncan's show, and many fans were also booing their own home team.
If his free throws had been more accurate, the San Antonio Spurs wouldn't have scored only 19 points in the fourth quarter.
Tim Duncan felt somewhat self-reproachful about this and proactively took the blame during his interview.
Upon hearing the ABC reporter ask about the previous brawl, Duncan, the stone-faced player, suddenly "kicked him while he was down" and self-deprecatingly said:
"In the Finals that year, with the largest point differential, I didn't feel humiliated. On such a stage, both sides gave their all."
"I understand the New York Knicks, and I understand Clay Lee. They show great respect to their opponents."
"As for that conflict, I don't want to comment. Everyone has a different understanding of respect, and there's nothing more to say about it."
The staff around him were somewhat surprised by this answer, clearly Duncan didn't like the Denver Nuggets players who fought hard in garbage time.
On November 12th, the NBA announced the Players of the Week for the second week of the new season:
Tayshaun Prince of the New York Knicks and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets successfully won the awards.
Although Tracy McGrady underperformed in the "strong matchup," the Houston Rockets achieved a 3-1 record this week.
Yao Ming averaged 24.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 4.3 turnovers, with a field goal percentage of 54.9% and a free throw percentage of 80.8%.
After Yao Ming delivered a double-double, Tracy McGrady's reputation across the ocean gradually declined.
Fans who enjoyed surfing the internet gave him a high evaluation:
"Yao Ming did his best, his teammates are CBA!"
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By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)