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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On Thursday, June 7, 2007, ESPN's Sports Center program once again began to warm up for the evening's game.
As expected, the viewership for Game 1 dropped significantly, with ABC only giving it a 7.0 rating.
Most casual fans weren't interested in the San Antonio Spurs.
Instead, it was the scene of sideline reporter Stuart Scott interviewing Lee after the game that many casual fans found amusing.
It turned out that even big stars watch TV dramas.
"Ratings? Probably not too good. You know, The Sopranos is having its finale, which will definitely draw away some attention."
Lee answered the question with a relaxed expression.
Scott, the bespectacled black reporter, was stunned and didn't speak for a long time.
What was he talking about?
This interview's view count on YouTube surged, and Scott's sharp questions turned into a joke.
Even more outrageous was that the next day, when David Stern was interviewed and asked about the decline in viewership, he also solemnly gave the same reason:
"HBO did attract more viewers. The subsequent games will be even more exciting."
In fact, this reason was completely unfounded.
It was all an excuse.
All basketball commentators knew that the fundamental reason for the decline in viewership was that this matchup lacked any novelty.
The San Antonio Spurs' poor performance also had to take some blame.
Michael Wilbon claimed Duncan would get 35+10+5+5, but his stats ended up being discounted.
Playing 37 minutes, he shot 11-of-23 from the field, 4-of-6 from the free-throw line, for 26 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.
Despite playing hard in garbage time, Duncan still couldn't score over 30 points.
81:118. As soon as rotations began, the point differential continuously widened, and the suspense was lost by halftime.
He was hyped as the greatest power forward in history for a week, but Duncan's offensive efficiency was mediocre, and he didn't play any role on the defensive end.
It was as if he had gone back to the 2004 Olympics, completely transforming into a blue-collar player.
In contrast, Pau Gasol's hands were almost numb from dunking, shooting 10-of-13 from the field, 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, for 24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 2 turnovers.
He put up a double-double, and although most of his points were easy buckets, his overall performance was still superior to Duncan's.
Being able to efficiently put the ball into the basket is not a simple matter.
Dwight Howard proved this in the previous round.
The morning Sports Center program took fans back to review the performances of the two power forwards.
If Pau Gasol didn't have American citizenship, he would have replaced Tim Duncan as the "greatest power forward in history" this year.
Besides the Finals news, the drama in Los Angeles continued.
Recently, a "controversial" video of Kobe has been circulating on YouTube.
For just $1.99 to the uploader, you could watch a 24-second video of internal Lakers gossip.
ESPN's program also seized on this hot topic, excerpting a segment where Kobe mocked General Manager Kupchak on the practice court, while also continuously criticizing Andrew Bynum and others.
"Are you kidding me?! You should have gotten rid of those lazy bums earlier."
You could clearly hear insults like "n-word."
The video wasn't shot recently but rather at the end of last month, and the two were discussing the Jason Kidd trade after the All-Star Weekend.
The voice of Linda Cohn continued on the television.
This New York-born sports fan joined ESPN in '92, though she rarely appears on morning shows:
"Tonight, we'll continue to bring fans exciting games."
It was almost 9 o'clock, and the program was nearing its end.
Dwyane Wade, who was idly watching TV, had an unreadable expression.
Noticing that his friend wasn't speaking either, he simply chuckled and teased:
"Gregg Popovich isn't that magical. All these coaches are the same. The NBA isn't college basketball. The roster is key. 5 All-Stars will definitely win a championship!"
LeBron James came to South Beach, Miami, mainly to congratulate his friend on the arrival of his second son.
In a few days, he would also welcome a new family member, and Dwyane Wade would then go to Cleveland.
Sunshine, beaches, and a pleasant climate.
Every time he came here, LeBron James was in a good mood, but when discussing coaches, he didn't quite agree with his friend's point of view:
"At least they make adjustments, instead of sticking to the same tactics. How about Pat Riley? You never talk to me about these things."
Dwyane Wade waved his hand at his friend.
He couldn't very well say that he was so disciplined he didn't dare to resist.
In fact, there were too many veterans on the Heat.
Mourning led the support for the coach, and only Shaquille O'Neal would encourage him to slack off:
"Old-school coaches are outdated. Don't believe what those commentators say. Basketball is a simple game. You should know that the Head Coach is more about coordinating internal team relationships."
"Tactics? That's for assistant coaches and video analysts. During the game, the players have the final say. In the end, it's always 'give the ball to me.'"
"Tim Duncan just isn't good enough. We all know how he performed in '04. Like Kobe Bryant, he's an overrated All-Star."
"Shaq said a long time ago that David Robinson was the true core of the San Antonio Spurs back then. He has a point."
LeBron James, who often blamed the coaching staff after losses, could only "chuckle" upon hearing his friend's words.
If that were the case, all the blame would fall on him, implying he wasn't good enough?
In the 4 Eastern Conference Finals games, he averaged 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 3.0 turnovers, with a field goal percentage of 35.6% and a three-point percentage of 20.0%.
Thinking of such embarrassing statistics, LeBron James wanted to completely forget this year's games.
His friend was clearly subtly mocking him as well.
The two always enjoyed watching each other's misfortunes and had a rivalry between them.
"8 consecutive championships, I thought that only happened in the early days of the league. I didn't expect to have the chance to witness it..."
LeBron James slumped on the sofa, sighing, but Dwyane Wade interrupted his friend.
After several years of hard knocks, he had summarized a lot of experience:
"Fans care more about those championships. Maybe Clay Lee and Nike prefer ABC's commercials. Think about the sales of our signature shoes, and then look at the NBA's statistics on jerseys."
"This is a business, a win-win! I didn't believe Shaq when he said these things before, but in these past few years, they've never heavily promoted my shoes."
Dwyane Wade spoke of these things with some indignation.
He signed with Converse back then because he wanted to be the main face, but Nike simply didn't value the acquired sub-brand, and his shoe sales plummeted.
"Even if it's a business, I want to win a few times."
Thinking that his own signature shoe sales weren't great either, LeBron James murmured and then fell silent.
The only thing that comforted him was that his signature shoes sold better than Kobe's.
It wasn't because fans liked him more than Kobe, but because Lee's series included outdoor shoes, which were "cheap and plentiful," and the styles were similar to Kobe's, so the latter was replaced.
The Heat had already begun tryouts.
In the past, Dwyane Wade wouldn't pay attention to these things, but the old guys couldn't be relied on anymore.
He now wanted to be deeply involved in team building:
"Instead of considering changing coaches, it's better to pay attention to the free market. It's said that Nike has also prepared a big contract for that Rookie."
LeBron James knew his friend was talking about the talented Kevin Durant, but he wasn't interested in that.
The Cavaliers' draft pick wasn't high this year, and what he needed now was immediate impact players.
Ever since Clay Lee was eliminated in the first round as MVP, his public image has been getting better and better.
His dominance hasn't affected the league
The fundamental reason for the decline in viewership is the poor performance of this generation of All-Stars.
Although some might question the true value of the championship, Lee had won enough to create a perfect closed loop.
Tim Duncan, who had reached the Finals four times, saw his reputation plummet after G1, essentially falling to the same level as Dirk Nowitzki.
On TNT's afternoon show, aside from hyping up the evening's game, most of the time was spent lambasting Duncan.
Digging up old dirt is what the media does best.
"Tim Duncan's performance reminds me of the 2004 Olympics, when everyone was blaming Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson, but Tim Duncan was the true leader of that team."
"Whenever we expect him to lead his team to victory, Tim Duncan always disappoints the fans. Four trips to the Finals, and he's losing more and more. Perhaps this is his true level."
In the studio, Charles Barkley once again began his daily "star quality" debate.
Unlike the Rookies from the 2003 draft who had just finished their Rookie contracts, the 31-year-old Duncan had already been labeled with "no future prospects."
Even Kenny Smith didn't refute him this time.
After all, Lee would only turn 30 by the end of the year, and the Rookie had time to help out.
Duncan's entire career completely overlapped, leaving him with almost no hope of winning a championship:
"ABC should thank Clay Lee. At least he played 37 minutes in the Finals, which saved the game's ratings."
"Although my words might be disrespectful to the San Antonio Spurs, the fact is that most fans watching on TV might be more focused on Clay Lee's individual performance."
"It's hard to imagine how the San Antonio Spurs will adjust. Gregg Popovich complained about the officiating after the game, but they lost by 37 points, and the margin once approached 50. We all know what that means."
The two kept talking in front of the camera, completely forgetting how they had praised Tim Duncan as the greatest power forward in history just a few days prior.
Because Gregg Popovich complained at the post-game press conference that "the referees will favor the New York Knicks' home court," he was fined $15,000.
This incident was only reported by sports media in San Antonio.
ESPN and TNT didn't discuss it much.
When the difference is small, a coach putting pressure on the referees is effective, but losing by so much, complaining loses its meaning.
Ernie Johnson sat upright in the center of the studio, listening to his two partners "criticize" Duncan back and forth, eventually, he reluctantly changed the topic and said:
"It is said that Lee will welcome his fifth child this Saturday, June 9th. This means he might not travel to San Antonio early with the team."
"This is an opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs. With three consecutive home games, they have a chance to turn the series around."
The New York Knicks had a 41-0 home record in the regular season this season, followed by 6 consecutive home wins in the Eastern Conference Finals series, making them undefeated at home for the season.
This forced commentators to predict the outcome of away games.
Unlike before, Charles Barkley had completely lost faith in Duncan and simply went on a broad attack:
"What if they go back home? The 31-year-old Duncan's championship window is getting smaller and smaller. No one wants to play in San Antonio."
"Tim Duncan cannot be a true leader. Perhaps that's why he retired from the national team. He's afraid of exposing his true level. He's just an overrated ordinary star."
This statement made the other two almost walk out immediately.
Kenny Smith couldn't help but show an awkward smile and reminded him in a deep voice:
"If Tim Duncan strongly rebounds tonight and leads his team to an away victory, I hope you will retract that statement and apologize to Tim Duncan and the San Antonio fans."
"I will apologize, but a San Antonio Spurs win means Clay Lee had an off-night, and then I'd rather mock Lee!"
Chuckling, Barkley brought up his promise to "eat the table" again.
The San Antonio Spurs had clearly become the clowns in his mouth.
Duncan, who had reached the Finals four times, not only saw his reputation plummet but also his historical standing severely decline.
At 8 PM that evening, one hour before the game began, Jeff Nix, who had worked for the New York Knicks for 15 years and was in charge of college scouting, became the focus of the New York Media.
This year, the New York Knicks owned the Pacers' first-round pick.
Although it ultimately only landed as the 11th pick, many sports reporters still paid attention to the recent tryout work.
Jeff Nix, who had renewed his contract with the team, was in a great mood.
Over the years, he had been loved by New York fans, and in the hearts of the fans, the current roster could not have been built without his efforts.
In reality, like most management, Jeff Nix had been resting on his laurels for several years, plump and content.
His double chin and large beer belly were the best proof.
"All players dream of playing in New York. No one can refuse to team up with Lee. This represents success and championships!"
"The young men all performed well. Donnie believes many players will become championship pieces, and we will select the ones most suitable for the team."
Jeff Nix chuckled and spoke pleasantries, but a New York Post reporter proactively asked about specific players.
Joakim Noah, who attended high school in New York and New Jersey, was a focus for many:
"How did Noah perform? Who is better between him and Al Horford?"
Greg Oden and Kevin Durant had already secured the top two spots.
The inside duo who helped the University of Florida win their first-ever championship last year were also hot prospects in this year's draft.
"I believe they both have bright futures, and they will establish themselves in the NBA."
The well-known Rookies were destined to be selected in the top 10 picks.
Jeff Nix spoke good words freely, without revealing any team preference until the very end.
The San Antonio Spurs players were met with indifference.
After losing by a large margin, fewer and fewer sports reporters paid attention to them, which left Gregg Popovich with no good opportunity to complain.
On the other side of the court, everyone was busy circling the New York Knicks staff.
After finishing warm-ups and returning to the locker room, Tony Parker couldn't help but curse under his breath a few times:
"It's just one game..."
Robert Horry actively interrupted his teammate.
The veteran looked serious and said to Tony Parker in a deep voice:
"Don't complain about such trivial matters. We must maintain confidence. Going back home is our opportunity."
Manu Ginobili looked at the increasingly silent Duncan and didn't say much.
Being criticized so heavily after reaching the Finals was something he had never experienced before.
The mood among the role players was low.
The experience of playing in New York was indeed not good.
When Gregg Popovich and the coaching staff returned to the locker room, they found the locker room to be very quiet:
"Seven games, the first to win four games wins the championship. Think about the effort we put in to get here..."
The old man started with a pep talk.
Bruce Bowen felt his emotions surge.
If it weren't for the coaching staff's instructions, he would have wanted to contribute to the team in the first game.
Matt Bonner and Beno Udrih, among others, hoped to be called upon, but Gregg Popovich gave no indication, clearly not planning to change the lineup tonight.
Duncan, with his shaved head and beard, eventually said nothing, only gathering everyone around.
After a collective shout of "Team," they began their final preparations.
The Madison Square Garden tunnel looked very old.
Duncan's mood was complex as he followed everyone to the players' tunnel.
He had, of course, noticed the outside criticism, but he was powerless to refute it.
He vaguely heard shouting, and Duncan knew that the New York fans in the arena were already celebrating victory:
"Manu, we need your help..."
Hearing Duncan's whisper, Manu Ginobili actively patted his teammate and nodded in agreement.
He had to take on more ball-handling duties.
ABC's broadcast naturally didn't stop.
Before the game began, the director introduced the matchup from the previous game to the audience watching on TV.
Clay Lee efficiently delivered a double-double: 14 of 19 from the field, 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, 5 of 5 free throws, 37 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, and 1 turnover.
Tony Parker, with 7 of 17 from the field, 0 of 2 from beyond the arc, 2 of 4 free throws, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 turnovers, only found his rhythm from the second quarter onwards, having been completely suppressed for most of the time.
As the two players' stats were displayed, the director turned the camera to Eva, who was sitting in the front row.
She was dressed in athletic wear, wearing a San Antonio Spurs fan T-shirt, and smiled as she waved to the camera.
With the game about to start, ABC began playing a previous interview.
Ron Artest, with a bright smile, couldn't help but boast when talking about the Finals:
"Lee has transformed Madison Square Garden into a true basketball mecca. As a kid who grew up in Queens, I'm incredibly proud to be a part of this process!"
"The Knicks represent the highest level of basketball in the world. We never consider our opponents. The hardest part on the path to a championship is maintaining our own condition."
"Keeping up with Lee isn't easy. The GOAT not only puts pressure on opponents but also on his own team. Everyone has to work harder."
Every year, the Finals are a huge promotional event.
Ron Artest, who once punched a fan, was whitewashed.
To the online fans watching on TV, he was simply a "good guy" who played hard.
The restless New York fans began to loudly cheer along with the music, and the live DJ's music started to make the Madison Square Garden erupt.
As the game began at 9 PM, the three commentators at the ABC desk also became engrossed in the game.
Mark Jackson, wearing headphones, noticed that Tim Duncan had adjusted his Defense position for several possessions and immediately commented:
"It's the San Antonio Spurs who are changing their Defense strategy first. Clearly, Pau Gasol's excellent performance last time made Tim Duncan wary."
Jeff Van Gundy was more focused on the San Antonio Spurs' tactical starting point.
Manu Ginobili's time with the ball clearly increased, and Tim Duncan also sped up his ball handling.
After seeing Tim Duncan make two consecutive mid-range jump shots, the former Champion Coach immediately praised him:
"I like the aggressiveness Tim Duncan is showing tonight. He really needs to set the tone for the team early."
After four minutes, the two awkwardly stopped commenting, and only Mike Breen at the commentary table continued to praise cheerfully:
"Another pick-and-roll from Clay Lee! Tony Parker seems to have no answer. What incredible ball-handling skills!"
On the left wing, Pau Gasol came to stand beside Tony Parker.
Clay Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, first twisted his wrist, and as he pushed the ball outward, his body swayed forward and to the left.
The hesitant Tony Parker ultimately misjudged, and just as his body slid to the right, Lee's in-and-out dribble completely shook off the Defense.
Pau Gasol seized the opportunity and suddenly rolled, accelerating to pop out to the left block.
The out-of-position Tony Parker quickly switched, squeezing in front to try and cut off the passing lane.
At the top of the arc, Tim Duncan once again faced Lee, who was accelerating horizontally.
He faked a drive after a sudden stop, then pulled the ball back between his legs while moving.
Lee switched to his left hand, lowered his center of gravity again, and floated the dribble.
Instinctively stepping forward, Duncan turned his body, attempting to force Lee to drive left, but his raised arm had no effect, and he watched helplessly as his opponent changed direction early again.
With a silky footwork reset, as Lee's right hand touched the ball again, he precisely attacked Tim Duncan's front pivot foot.
Amidst the cheers of the New York fans, Lee lowered his shoulder and accelerated.
Tim Duncan forcefully twisted his body, trying to slide and delay, and the two tangled as they reached the free-throw line.
While moving, Clay Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, pulled it back between his legs again.
The collision of their feet caused Tim Duncan's body to sway, and then he completely lost his balance, stumbling and nearly falling to the floor.
"Oh!"
Excited shouts echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
The big man almost got faked out.
Clay Lee calmly gathered the ball at the free-throw line, then hit another mid-range jump shot!
4:16, with 7 minutes and 47 seconds left in the first quarter.
Gregg Popovich stopped complaining and immediately called a timeout.
He turned, took the clipboard, and silently watched his players return to the bench.
Lee didn't even look at his opponent.
With a smile, he patted his chest with his right hand, then made a downward pressing gesture with both hands, indicating that this was just "routine operation."
On the bench, Rajon Rondo couldn't help but cheer along with the atmosphere group.
No matter how much dissatisfaction he had, seeing Duncan's disheveled appearance against Lee in two games could only make him secretly exclaim how ridiculous it was.
"Champion! I'm a champion too, damn it!"
JR Smith, waving his towel, shouted excitedly, as if he himself was the one dominating the court, completely immersed in the moment.
Raja Bell, dressed in his practice uniform, was equally excited.
He went up and high-fived his teammates, cheering while not forgetting to loudly egg on Lee next to him:
"Bro, break his ankles! Show them how pathetic these clowns are!"
On the other side, Tim Duncan, who had twisted his left ankle, angrily threw his drink upon returning to the bench.
The New York fans behind him cheered even louder, mocking the San Antonio Spurs for calling a timeout too early:
"Bench him!"
The mocking shouts grew louder.
Even with Gregg Popovich yelling at the top of his lungs, most of the players didn't hear much.
Tony Parker, breathing heavily, returned to the court with emotion.
As he inbounded the ball, his fiancée was not far away.
He passed the ball to Tim Duncan, then received it back beyond the arc, and immediately drove with the ball.
Tony Parker, holding the ball in his left hand, forced a drive on the left wing.
His overly obvious offensive choice allowed Lee to slide calmly.
When Tony Parker realized he couldn't shake off the Defense, he suddenly stopped, trying to find Tim Duncan again.
Near the block, Tony Parker, leaning into the Defense, quickly spun around.
Just as he twisted his body to switch to his right hand, attempting another pick-and-roll, Lee seized the opportunity, suddenly accelerated, and precisely poked the ball away with his right hand.
Tony Parker, who had dropped the ball, quickly twisted his body to chase it, but Lee was too fast.
Before he could push off with his feet, they collided, and he sprawled horizontally on the floor.
Laughter caused Tony Parker to angrily pound the floor.
Clay Lee, who had completed the steal, rushed even faster.
It was a 1-on-0 fast break in the frontcourt, with no one defending.
After taking off with both feet in the paint, he spun 360 degrees in the air and extended his right arm for a powerful dunk!
"Ah!"
Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
The easily defeated opponent didn't dampen the New York fans' spirits.
Instead, it made everyone even more excited.
The New York fans behind the basket cheered even louder.
Manu Ginobili's free throw helped the San Antonio Spurs break their scoring drought.
However, on the very next possession, it was another pick-and-roll by Pau Gasol at the top of the arc, and Duncan couldn't keep up with Lee's offensive rhythm.
When Pau Gasol popped out to the top of the arc, Tony Parker had already chased him.
The helping Tim Duncan slid along.
Clay Lee, who had crossed the three-point line, paused slightly, then flicked his wrist, faking a bounce pass.
With a sudden stop and start, Lee accelerated.
Tim Duncan desperately slid, ultimately watching Lee steal a step for a layup, scoring another two points!
Tim Duncan, inbounding the ball from the baseline, heard the shouts of the New York fans behind him again, and for a moment, he could only rage in futility:
"Shit!"
....
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