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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On sunday, June 10, 2007, the AT&T Center welcomed the most crucial game of the season.
The incredibly smooth playoff run had initially filled San Antonio Spurs fans with confidence, but after being continuously beaten and facing scrutiny from commentators, many fans began to lose faith:
"Are we really not strong enough?"
Completely different from the New York Knicks, where ticket prices soared yet demand remained high, the San Antonio Spurs faced some issues with ticket sales, which were not as hot as anticipated.
When ABC's broadcast team arrived in San Antonio, they randomly interviewed some fans, and most respondents had lost hope, with some emotional ones even lashing out at the home team:
"I've been a season ticket holder for almost ten years, and we've gotten nothing!"
"David got the scoring title back then, but now the San Antonio Spurs have nothing. All-NBA Team? I don't care about that. I just want to see the team win a championship."
Afterward, this middle-aged white fan, who was watching the game with his son, angrily criticized the team's "filling the salary cap" operations over the years in front of the camera.
This interview resonated with many San Antonio Spurs fans on Reddit.
What is a luxury tax?
They had never paid one all these years.
From a team operations perspective, the San Antonio Spurs have undoubtedly been successful.
Making the playoffs brings in extra revenue, and reaching the Finals generates significant exposure.
The Dallas Mavericks pay money every year, but they only reached the Finals once and were eliminated in the first round this year.
Mark Cuban has become a well-known sucker in the league.
The Lakers also paid a lot of money in previous years.
Although they ultimately won a championship, the championship hangover has kept them quiet all these years.
Only the San Antonio Spurs have been incredibly stable.
Since Tim Duncan joined the team, they have consistently made the playoffs.
Including this year, they have played in four Finals. Compared to their somewhat modest investment, they have already won big!
This morning, Lee welcomed a new family member.
In the afternoon practice, sports reporters did not see the New York Knicks' core player.
If Mike D'Antoni hadn't confirmed to the media that Lee would play tonight, commentators would have thought the New York Knicks would throw a game.
With the core player absent, Pau Gasol and Grant Hill became the subjects of sports reporters' interviews.
The former grew stronger with each game, outperforming Tim Duncan in the first two matches.
The latter had already confirmed he would join ESPN after this season, bringing his championship experience to the studio.
In the afternoon at the AT&T Center, the New York Knicks, who arrived early for warm-ups, were surrounded by the media after their practice session.
In the past two days, the debate over the "best power forward" has been growing.
In previous years, Pau Gasol was a swingman between the four and five positions, and only officially played power forward this season.
Previously, commentators were not very fond of skilled big men.
Shaquille O'Neal's dominant power in the paint was everyone's favorite.
But Shaquille O'Neal was old, and none of the excellent big men played like him.
Kevin Garnett with his tough jump shots, and Dirk Nowitzki with his soft fadeawaysâthese two MVPs alone illustrate the current trend.
In this situation, Tim Duncan, who could play both inside and out, was praised to the heavens.
However, Pau Gasol performed better in the Finals, and only then did commentators realize that the Spaniard was also an MVP.
As the New York Media mocked, Tim Duncan was just an overrated thief.
Pau Gasol won the World Championship MVP with his strength!
Pau Gasol, who originally didn't care about these things, saw his reputation skyrocket after this year's Finals.
He now has a strong tendency to surpass Tim Duncan and become the "best power forward."
Grant Hill, who was being interviewed courtside, was asked about this.
The ESPN reporter wasn't focused on the game's outcome.
Everyone wanted to see Tim Duncan's joke:
"Grant, do you think Tim Duncan is overrated? From a performance standpoint, Pau Gasol is clearly better!"
The San Antonio Spurs side was silent.
Tim Duncan didn't respond, and the accompanying ESPN reporters were no longer polite, immediately stripping Tim Duncan of his few "honors."
"It's hard to simply compare the strengths of the two, but in the New York Knicks' system, Pau is indeed better than Tim Duncan."
"You saw it: scoring, rebounding, assists, Defense. Pau was unstoppable in these two games. He changed the San Antonio Spurs' Defense with his performance."
"Tim Duncan is excellent, but he can't do these things. This is related to the strength gap between the two teams. I respect the opponent, but they have no chance this year."
Grant Hill analyzed seriously, naturally stepping into the role of a commentator.
It wouldn't be long before he could host Sports Center.
The veteran had already started the next phase of his career.
Unlike the serious-faced Grant Hill, Pau Gasol, who had been plagued by injuries this year, was also somewhat inflated by the praise, unable to hide the smile on his face!
The two played different roles within the team, but commentators wouldn't care about that.
If Tim Duncan played ordinarily and lost, he would take the blame.
If Pau Gasol performed efficiently, he would naturally be praised heavily.
"Pau Gasol, talk about tonight's game. Can you get a triple-double and continue to suppress Tim Duncan?"
In Game 2, Pau Gasol, with 10-of-14 shooting, 1-of-3 from three-point range, 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, 25 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers, contributed a near-triple-double that overshadowed Tim Duncan's performance.
If you didn't watch the game and only watched the highlights, Pau Gasol attacked both inside and out, capable of offense and Defense, while Tim Duncan's offense was inefficient, and his Defense was "blown up" by Clay Lee.
"I don't care about stats. I am already a champion player. Now I enjoy playing next to Lee more. We enjoy the fun of the game more!"
"Simple victory is not all we pursue. Breaking the opponent's Defense, controlling the game's rhythm, and presenting a more exciting game for the fans will give us a greater sense of accomplishment."
"As for the matchup, of course, I will give my all and contribute my strength."
Pau Gasol, with a beard, spoke these words with a relaxed expression, even showing a look of "I have higher aspirations."
The San Antonio sports reporters felt conflicted.
There was no way to refute this.
"Pau Gasol, what are your thoughts on the title of 'best power forward'?"
The TNT reporter was also fanning the flames.
Seeing that the San Antonio Spurs had no power to resist, everyone was trying to catch the last bit of attention.
Pau Gasol, hearing such a direct question, was not polite and spoke bluntly:
"It's hard to have a unified standard for such a statement. You know, last year I just won the World Championship with the Spain team, and now I'm about to welcome the 5th championship of my career."
"If judged by championships, I think I am the best big man in the league!"
"But basketball is not a one-man sport. Lee has always helped me grow. For Tim Duncan, even without a championship, he is an excellent player. Don't forget he led his team to the Finals 4 times."
....
This was truly a dagger to the heart.
After bringing up championships, sports reporters realized one thing: if they lost again this year, the 31-year-old Tim Duncan really seemed to be no match for Pau Gasol.
5 is greater than 0!
The New York Knicks' atmosphere squad didn't take tonight's game seriously either.
88:114. Game 2 was another three-quarter game, and the opponent's Defense was on par with the Cavaliers.
Pau Gasol's increased playing time meant Boris Diaw continuously played a minor role in the Finals.
To be safe, with a big-man lineup always maintained, he could only play garbage time.
However, this situation was not a problem for the Frenchman.
Waving his towel 20 times per game on average, and cheering loudly over 10 times per game on average, Boris Diaw was full of emotion and contributed his strength.
"It seems Lee will only be back before the game starts, but I'm more concerned about armand de brignac. Mr. Dolan seems to have prepared a lot!"
Boris Diaw and the rest of the atmosphere squad were still warming up, whispering quietly.
When this news was mentioned, Gadzuric, who was nearby, showed a look of regret:
"I really want to go back home to celebrate. It would feel even better to spray this champagne at Madison Square Garden."
After the defensive pressure dropped sharply, Tayshaun Prince's playing time was also affected, but he had already signed a good contract and didn't care much about playing a minor role:
"You can bring champagne during the championship parade. I'm considering the Team USA invitation. There seems to be an open tryout this year."
Chandler also received an invitation.
Although his agent, Schwartz, advised him against continuing to play, this was related to the Olympics selection.
Hearing his teammate, the big man quietly said:
"I think I can play a few games! This is much easier than I imagined. We can look out for each other then."
Diao saw Prince and Chandler discussing in low voices and then remembered that the Team USA still had to play in the Americas Championship to qualify for the Olympics.
At 8:30 PM, the AT&T Center was filled with over eighteen thousand fans.
Before the game, ABC began broadcasting interviews with the San Antonio Spurs players.
However, for many fans watching on TV, Duncan and the others' declarations of determination had become a joke.
After two consecutive blowout losses, no one believed the San Antonio Spurs could turn the tide.
After all, veteran fans had seen this kind of script more than once.
In the home team's locker room, Head Coach Popovich looked serious.
Like his coaching staff, he hadn't expected the San Antonio Spurs to lose so badly.
Their anticipated offensive strategies had completely failed.
They were behind in shooting percentage and rebounds, and besides leading in turnovers, the New York Knicks dominated every other statistical category.
"This is a battle! We must approach this game with a winning mentality and fight for it!"
"I don't want to say there will be future opportunities, because we are no longer young. I know no one wants to end their career with regret."
"The opposing team has made winning championships a habit. Tonight, what we need to do is shatter their arrogance!"
"."
Duncan, wearing the home white jersey, lowered his head silently.
He had been listening to Head Coach Popovich's pep talks for many years and was long "used to" them, but Bruce Bowen was emotionally agitated.
Before leaving the locker room, the veteran loudly called out to his teammates.
Bowen's face showed a resolute expression as he looked around at everyone and said seriously:
"We will win the game! This year, I want to give the championship to my newborn son."
Parker, who had been in low spirits due to his poor performance in front of his fiancée, immediately agreed upon hearing
Bowen's words.
His elder brother still took good care of him.
Robert Horry knew his teammates would "lead the charge" tonight.
While cheering along, he didn't forget to remind Manu Ginobili:
"Manu, stay calm during the game! I don't want to see the three of you in the locker room."
Head Coach Popovich had been pressuring the referees for two consecutive games.
Manu Ginobili also understood the coaching staff's intentions.
This time, they were truly "desperate to win."
However, he wouldn't object to such actions:
"I know, three home games, this is our chance!"
Horry patted his teammate's shoulder and said nothing more.
Just as Head Coach Popovich had said, no one wanted to end their career with regret, and Bruce Bowen had made his choice.
Lee did not participate in the afternoon warm-up.
After flying to San Antonio, he didn't touch a ball until just before the game began.
"Boo!"
The home team's entrance ceremony didn't liven up the AT&T Center.
Instead, as Lee continuously made three-pointers during his warm-up, some old fans led a chorus of boos.
Over the years, the San Antonio Spurs had faced the New York Knicks in the Finals four times.
The two teams could barely be called arch-rivals, so loyal fans naturally didn't welcome Clay Lee's arrival.
Head Coach Popovich also noticed Lee's condition while instructing his players.
The old man's eye twitched slightly.
He had been following newspaper reports, and the New York Media had been publicizing that Lee was in the hospital and had only rested for a while on the plane.
At the ABC commentary table, the three commentators were also focused on Lee's warm-up.
Mark Jackson internally exclaimed how unbelievable it was, then instinctively praised him:
"Clay Lee's love for basketball surpasses everyone's imagination. I know my own condition after a few days without training."
"Clearly, Clay Lee hasn't relaxed his demands on himself these past few days. Only by shedding countless drops of sweat on the training court can one possess such muscle memory."
Mike Breen watched Lee shoot from further and further away, even gradually increasing his shooting speed.
Seeing him warm up so seriously, he couldn't help but take over the commentary, continuing to praise:
"I never doubt Clay Lee's condition. He is the most talented and hardest-working player I have ever witnessed!"
"Clay Lee's attendance rate is the best in the league. In contrast, we can see how Head Coach Popovich takes care of Tim Duncan during the regular season."
"I respect such rotations, but Clay Lee is the true role model for contemporary professional players."
The two of them showered him with praise, completely ignoring the other protagonist, Tim Duncan.
Jeff Van Gundy was left speechless, as public opinion shifted too quickly.
Even "load management" was now being criticized.
JR Smith, looking like a "sycophant," passed the ball to Lee, shouting excitedly with every made shot, which annoyed the San Antonio Spurs players.
Bruce Bowen, still trying to pump himself up, occasionally glanced at Lee.
This unconscious action was noticed by Ron Artest, who was roaming around and interacting amicably with fans.
Although the old man had been much "quieter" in recent years, the New York Knicks had never let their guard down when it came to players with a "record."
Around 9 PM, both teams came to center court.
Grant Hill ignored the other side's long faces and once again amicably bumped fists with his opponent.
Pau Gasol was quite excited, with an eager expression on his face.
Lee was still warming up in the backcourt, occasionally stretching.
As the referee tossed the ball, Chandler tipped it to mid-court, and a huge roar erupted from the AT&T Center:
"Boo!!"
Amidst the boos echoing through the AT&T Center, Mike D'Antoni quietly sat on the bench, seemingly on autopilot.
Lee, who received the ball, loudly called out to his teammates, made a tactical hand gesture, and slowly dribbled past mid-court.
"Defense!"
The cheers for Defense began to rise.
Ron Artest, running towards the left baseline, noticed that his defender had changed to Manu Ginobili.
He turned to look at the other side, where Parker stopped in the right restricted area.
The San Antonio Spurs changed their defensive matchups, leaving Grant Hill open and having Parker swipe and help on Defense, a change that put Bruce Bowen as the primary defender on Clay Lee.
The New York Knicks' double screen at the top of the arc by the big men was also a fake.
As Chandler accelerated down, Lee wrapped the ball behind his back to his left hand, and using Pau Gasol's high screen, he moved laterally and accelerated to drive.
Duncan had already come over to help on Defense.
The trailing Bruce Bowen was briefly delayed and helplessly watched Lee deliver a bounce pass.
Watching Pau Gasol receive the ball near the free-throw line and cut down, Oberto quickly helped on Defense into the paint, then saw the basketball fly towards the upper right of the rim.
An unguarded Chandler grabbed the ball with both hands and powerfully slammed it through the rim!
"Boom!"
The rim rattled, and once again, boos echoed through the AT&T Center.
Watching the New York Knicks players quickly retreat on Defense, the San Antonio Spurs immediately sped up their offensive rhythm.
After crossing half-court, Parker, holding the ball in his right hand, immediately accelerated laterally using Duncan's screen.
Unable to shake off Lee, he smoothly passed the ball to Manu Ginobili on the right wing.
The latter received the ball, and Duncan, who was up the line, came forward to screen again.
Facing the New York Knicks' decisive switch on Defense, Manu Ginobili, holding the ball in his left hand, came to the top of the arc, faked a drive, and suddenly performed a step-back dribble.
Pau Gasol didn't expect the opponent to be so decisive and couldn't close out in time, but fortunately, Manu Ginobili's three-pointer ultimately missed.
"Oh!"
Amidst sighs, the long rebound was picked up by Lee near the right restricted area.
Parker could only chase with his head down.
The two continuously accelerated along the left sideline, crossing half-court in the blink of an eye.
When near the left wing, Lee suddenly decelerated, drawing in the retreating Bruce Bowen.
The latter's moment of hesitation gave up his defensive position.
While moving, Lee wrapped the ball behind his back. Parker symbolically reached out, but Lee, with the ball back in his left hand, sent it through the gap to the cutting Ron Artest.
The latter received the ball and slammed it down with both hands!
"Ah!"
Ron Artest, after completing the dunk, let out a shout and pounded his chest.
Bruce Bowen, who was turning to inbound the ball from the baseline, didn't notice the movement beside him.
Still moving, his mind suddenly went blank.
"Oh!"
The excited Ron Artest seemed to celebrate the dunk too aggressively.
As he passed by, he expanded his chest and swung his elbow, causing Bruce Bowen to fall to the ground, completely collapsing.
"God! Bruce Bowen is down!"
...
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