On tuesday, February 19, 2008, many newspapers celebrated Ray Allen, who won the All-Star Game MVP for the first time in his career.
With a score of 119:134, the Eastern Conference All-Star team easily defeated their opponent.
Ray Allen had the best stats with 30 points, but the game was a showcase for Clay Lee and a few others.
The Los Angeles Times was no exception, though their content still had a sour note, mentioning that the injured Kobe Bryant and the full-time coasting Tim Duncan had no spectacular performances in the game.
The former only played two minutes, while the latter, despite getting 12 minutes of playing time, only scored 4 points on 2-of-5 shooting, disappointing many Los Angeles Lakers fans with Duncan's overly plain style of play.
They sarcastically mocked New York's game as flashy but unsubstantial, but Los Angeles Lakers fans actually prefer showmanship.
The New Orleans All-Star Game was a complete success, with recruited volunteers all saying it was the most spectacular All-Star Game, and City Hall also boasted, claiming that sports reduced the crime rate.
For ordinary fans, this exciting All-Star Game might be their youth, but for the local citizens of New Orleans, the damn mayor was just drawing another empty promise—this city is beyond saving!
With rising crime rates, economic downturns, and problems with urban reconstruction, many people naturally couldn't empathize with the joy of sports fans.
After all, they have to live in this city, while the fans have already packed up and left.
While reporting on the All-Star Game, the free agency market was also lively, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics both vying for PJ Brown, and agent Mark Bartelstein became key.
In recent years, there have actually been few reports about Lee's agent, but Priority Sports & Entertainment has been developing better and better, and industry insiders are aware of the company's influence.
Sports agents can sometimes be called a different kind of "gambler".
Latching onto a big name can lead to soaring success.
There are so many examples of this that truly talented college players have become even more sought after.
In earlier years, agents preferred to take a chance on big men, but now, practitioners don't mind signing some overlooked smaller players.
Such a shift has become increasingly apparent in recent years.
ESPN data expert Hollinger recently proposed a "modern guard" theory, which has brought much more attention to many smaller players than ever before.
Pick-and-roll, three-pointers, and finishing at the rim are basic requirements.
If a guard also has excellent passing and the ability to break double-teams, then such a guard will become a core player after entering the league!
Hollinger even joked in his column:
"In the future basketball world, big men with crude skills and only physical attributes might exit the stage. Shooting will be supreme, and basketball will become purer."
This statement was met with resistance from Los Angeles Lakers fans, because Kobe Bryant simply did not meet the criteria for a modern guard.
Every aspect was mediocre, perhaps only his mid-range performance was better.
Currently in the league, Wade, Parker, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams fit this theory very well, especially the former two, who have a high frequency of attacking the rim and are good at finishing.
Chris Paul runs the pick-and-roll well, and Wade's use of the pick-and-roll to drive or pass is also very threatening, which is why these two can be ranked above Kobe by commentators.
On tuesday night, in the first game after the All-Star Weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers had no new additions, but Kobe and Duncan were confirmed to play.
Perhaps the commentators' random remarks angered this old-school team.
After Phil Jackson delivered a strong pep talk, the Los Angeles Lakers, who had been gelling for half a month, displayed the temperament of a championship contender!
The Atlanta Hawks, who made trades early, were clearly a bit slow to start, scoring only 14 points in the first quarter, which immediately ignited Staples Center.
14:32. Los Angeles Lakers fans in the screaming seats were shouting with all their might.
This was the game they had been waiting for!
During the break before the quarter, Joel Meyers, who had taken over from the legendary commentator, also showed joy.
Ever since Duncan joined the Los Angeles Lakers, he had been full of praise.
Besides catering to the fans, Joel Meyers genuinely felt that the previous "lazy guys" couldn't compare to the MVP.
After the trade, the team visibly strengthened on both offense and Defense:
"I always follow ESPN's articles, but I think they're sometimes just talking nonsense. The role of big men is irreplaceable. They really should watch Tim Duncan's games!"
"Tim Duncan is like a gem. After coming to Los Angeles, he has re-emerged with brilliance!"
Stu Lantz, who has been a commentator for the Los Angeles Lakers since 1987 and was dressed in a black suit, also showed a happy expression on his dark face, and, building on his partner's words, added encouragingly:
"Modern guards? I don't understand why such a theory would emerge? ESPN might be trying to please Clay Lee. hey are always keen on various data and concepts."
"But basketball isn't like that. Simple data models simply cannot truly reflect the content of the game. Kobe Bryant is much better than everyone imagines."
Every team's home announcer is the same.
The NBA Finals are broadcast nationwide on ABC.
Tim Duncan couldn't defend Clay Lee on the defensive end and couldn't respond in time on the offensive end.
His poor performance on both ends of the court happened last year, but fans love to hear this kind of bragging.
At least they can find happiness tonight, and whether it's true or not doesn't matter.
As long as they can win, the home atmosphere at Staples Center is definitely among the best in the league.
Sitting on the Los Angeles Lakers bench, Duncan was still a bit unaccustomed to his jersey, watching the game expressionlessly.
"How are you feeling, Tim? The coach's tactics are a bit complex, but we can communicate anytime."
Fisher was one of the veteran Los Angeles Lakers players who fully understood the triangle offense.
He currently also serves as the locker room leader.
Duncan was a man of few words, so Fisher took the initiative to communicate whenever he had the chance.
"I don't think it's complicated. When I was with the San Antonio Spurs, we always watched Los Angeles Lakers game footage. I'm very familiar with this tactical system."
Duncan responded simply, noticed the smile stretching across Fisher's face, shook his head slightly, and after putting down his towel, said quietly:
"Right now, I'm more concerned about health. It's almost impossible for the team to achieve absolute home-court advantage, but we at least need to advance further in the Western Conference."
While the two were talking, Kobe, who was laughing and chatting with his teammates, also pricked up his ears and listened.
With a current record of 33 wins and 19 losses, their performance was average.
Thinking about home-court advantage, he also turned his head and said:
"We still have time. The upper bracket isn't difficult."
Hearing Kobe's serious statement, both of them remained silent.
Phil Jackson also called a timeout at this moment.
Kobe, preparing to enter the game, took off his practice jersey and said with a smile again:
"I guarantee the team's record will get better and better."
23:42. The huge score difference completely ignited Staples Center.
Seeing Kobe and Duncan preparing to enter the game, the fans cheered even louder.
After the game resumed, Phil Jackson leaned back in his seat on the bench.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man saw clearly that the opponent dared not easily double-team Kobe anymore.
This was the effect of the triangle offense.
Near the restricted area, once Duncan got the ball, the players on the court would also move.
The big man could always deliver high-quality passes using his height advantage, which was much better than that traitor Bynum!
The Atlanta Hawks were completely helpless, and the score difference continued to widen.
Although Josh Smith delivered two spectacular blocks and showcased his athletic talent with a beautiful dunk, the Los Angeles Lakers had already entered a rhythm of multiple players scoring, and the game lost its suspense by halftime.
37:73. With 41 points in the second quarter alone, the Los Angeles Lakers fans on site went completely wild.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
On both sides of the player tunnel, seeing Duncan approach, excited fans cheered freely, venting their excitement.
Kobe, following behind, frowned slightly.
He hadn't received such treatment in a long time.
In the past, Los Angeles newspapers always complained that winning by a large margin was no fun, but when beating an opponent happened to the home team, everyone started to say, "It's actually good!"
On the other side, Al Horford and a few others walked dejectedly towards the locker room.
In fact, they were already used to losing by large margins to the New York Knicks, but this was the first time against the Los Angeles Lakers, which made everyone a bit uncomfortable.
"Damn it! Tim Duncan is a softie. I thought he would stay in San Antonio forever."
Josh Smith threw his headband as soon as he entered the room and started complaining from his seat, blaming Duncan for the large loss.
4-of-6 shooting, 7-of-10 free throws, 15 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.
At halftime, Duncan nearly filled the stat sheet.
If the Atlanta Hawks' shooting remained poor in the second half, he had a chance for a big double-double tonight.
The 36-point deficit reminded Joe Johnson of the New York Knicks.
Although he was selected for the All-Star Game this year, he was basically invisible in the game.
The development of the league confused him, and he also sighed at this moment:
"How long will this situation last? These veterans are crazy!"
On Wednesday, the 20th, the anticipated trade did not happen.
Instead, the Denver Nuggets' victory over the Boston Celtics at home became the focus of commentators.
119:124. Garnett returned from injury, but he only played 20 minutes and was ultimately defeated by the Denver Nuggets' two stars.
Being selected for the All-Star Game again seemed to ignite Iverson.
The small guard seemed to have transformed back into that omnipotent fighter, playing a tough 46 minutes in this game!
7-of-16 shooting, 0-of-1 from three-point range, 14-of-20 free throws, 28 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 turnovers.
After the game, Iverson passionately shouted to the fans:
"I'm back!"
For this game, the Denver Post gave extremely high praise, considering it Iverson's best performance since joining the team, and also praised Anthony and Head Coach George Karl.
41 wins and 10 losses.
The Boston Celtics lost, and their record was pulled a little further apart, because the New York Knicks easily defeated the Washington Wizards last night.
Caron Butler was out due to injury, and ultimately, Lee and a few others finished in three quarters, winning 119:90, an easy road victory against their opponent.
After the All-Star Weekend, there was a back-to-back road trip.
Fortunately, the New York Knicks players returned from their vacation in good form, and facing a slumping opponent, they ended the game early.
When they arrived at the Wachovia Center for warm-ups that afternoon, a group of sports reporters were already gathered around Lee.
Since the Los Angeles Lakers game this season had already concluded, the sports media could only engage in virtual commentary.
This did not dampen everyone's enthusiasm.
On the contrary, without a game to comment on, they could speak freely, making the long-distance dialogue even more newsworthy!
After flying back to New York from New Orleans, Lee only rested for one night before boarding another plane.
This unfriendly schedule drained his passion for playing, but it didn't affect his ability to comment with his mouth.
"I know what you want to ask. PJ will most likely go to Los Angeles. Mark and I have briefly discussed this matter."
"Don't ask why. I think you can definitely guess the reason?"
Wearing a blue away practice uniform, Lee stood by the court wiping sweat, giving everyone a knowing look.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reporter remained silent.
To this day, they still haven't forgiven Lee.
This season, the 76ers' home attendance has further declined, and loyal fans are not interested in watching ugly losses.
The city's attention to the home team is also diminishing.
If they reported gossip from elsewhere, fans might be more interested.
The cause of all this was Clay Lee.
Since 1996, Philadelphia had been getting beaten badly.
It's been almost 12 years, and the long period has worn down a generation of fans, and even the practitioners like them have been subjected to scorn.
"Uh, I want to know why. Sorry, Lee, I just joined Yahoo."
A young white reporter scratched his head, continuing to ask the question without understanding.
The New York Media veterans didn't make it difficult for him and quickly gave the answer:
"Because going to Boston Celtics to play means no chance to play in the NBA Finals!"
"..."
With a dry laugh, the young reporter didn't know how to respond.
Although it sounded like bragging, considering Lee's experience, this answer would very likely turn into a fact.
ESPN reporters are also following the free agency market.
The Chicago Bulls seem to be targeting Joakim Noah from the bench, while the New York Knicks have no news of any reinforcements:
"Lee, does the team have any other plans before the trade deadline?"
The other party was referring to trading JR Smith or Ron Artest.
Lee understood this, but after the general manager got a hold of them, both worked hard on their game, even skipping vacation.
This was the time for encouragement:
"We're in great form! If you watched last night's game, it's not hard to see everyone's good condition."
"Basketball is sometimes like a car. If there are no malfunctions, we shouldn't interfere too much. If JR wasn't injured, perhaps he could compete for Sixth Man of the Year."
"I'm not worried about Ron's body. He's a tough guy and will get better. Viva la France!"
Although Lee's attitude seemed different not long ago, upon hearing these words, most sports reporters smiled and nodded.
This is the privilege of a winner.
As long as he wins, whatever he says will be supported.
JR Smith, who has been diligently warming up on the court, has become increasingly well-behaved lately.
As long as the trade deadline passes, he will most likely stay in New York!
For this contract, both father and son even stayed at the Tarrytown Training Center for extra practice during the All-Star break.
Old Smith even publicly declared his loyalty to the media:
"We only want to play in New York. My son will help Lee achieve an even greater career."
David Lee, who couldn't get playing time with the New York Knicks, wanted to find an opportunity, but the team disagreed, not giving any potential opponents a chance to compete!
He was occasionally sent down to the G-League, but the atmosphere member was not in a hurry to leave.
If he could have an excellent performance in the playoffs, a subsequent contract would be secured.
Among the team, J.J. Barea and a few others, aside from some financial pressure, were the most patient.
They all believed that opportunities are for those who are prepared.
Halfway through the season, no one was discussing Diaw's overpriced contract.
His stats seemed unremarkable, but the Frenchman provided very rich game content, impressively playing multiple positions.
"Fortunately, I didn't go to New Orleans. French style? I wouldn't be interested..."
Gasol shared an anecdote from the All-Star Game.
Diaw, dribbling near the three-point line, smugly said something, and then everyone complained about him.
Due to historical issues, New Orleans has retained many French and Spanish-style buildings, and its culinary culture is also influenced by both countries.
The group, vacationing together, eventually chose Italy at Diaw's persuasion.
Rajon Rondo, who participated in the Rookie Challenge, couldn't get a word in.
He wasn't happy at all this All-Star Weekend:
"Why does Chris Paul get to be a Western Conference All-Star starter?"
Thinking of the All-Star Game, Paul, the host, put on the air of a big star, which made Rajon Rondo particularly annoyed.
The more the New York Media praised the other party, the more he wanted to prove himself.
As warm-ups neared their end, Ron Artest saw a familiar reporter and jokingly teased the 76ers' recent situation:
"Ben is a good guy, but he can't help you win!"
"I heard there are only 10,000 fans tonight? My God, you should really give away free tickets. Maybe they'd like to watch the New York Knicks play."
Ben Wallace had once made Ron Artest his bag-carrier, and now that the latter was slumping, he seized the opportunity to retaliate.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reporters were already numb.
In fact, they shared the same view as Ron Artest: an inside player who can't attack is outdated in this era, and a trade wouldn't have much effect.
At 7:30 PM, the game began, and the Wachovia Center was not even full.
With a record of 21 wins and 33 losses, Philadelphia fans truly didn't want to show up to support the team.
Fans who came to watch the game regretted it after just one quarter.
37:17, a 20-point deficit in the first quarter, and the game was back to their familiar rhythm.
Head Coach Maurice Cheeks was checked out the entire game.
He knew he would most likely leave the team next season.
He wasn't optimistic about the 76ers.
Their chaotic team-building philosophy was unlikely to succeed.
After the second quarter began, what was difficult for Philadelphia fans to accept was that the opposing Rookie Thaddeus Young suddenly exploded, scoring twice with overpowering drives, completing a steal from a turnover, and getting to the free-throw line on a fast break.
He scored 6 points in a short time.
In contrast, the 76ers' Willie Green suddenly went cold, losing his efficient performance from the first quarter.
At halftime, some fans in the back rows quietly left.
By the end of the third quarter, even seats closer to the front were empty.
The game entered garbage time early, and Joakim Noah, who came off the bench, was completely numb.
Having lost for most of the season, no one in the locker room even complained anymore.
Everyone was just numbly playing the game.
124:82, in a back-to-back game, the New York Knicks once again crushed their opponent!
"Boo!"
Amidst scattered boos, Joakim Noah watched his opponents happily celebrate their victory, feeling increasingly depressed.
At this moment, he no longer opposed being a trade chip, as the Chicago Bulls had a chance at the playoffs.
"Let's go, Bro, this is the NBA. You have to accept reality. Not everyone gets to taste victory."
Andre Iguodala patted the Rookie who was frozen in place.
The latter nodded silently, recalling the newspaper column praising Rajon Rondo, and finally couldn't help but complain:
"I want to be a lucky Rookie too!"
On Thursday morning, the 21st, a leaked trade occurred as expected, and the Cavaliers once again became the focus.
They sent Larry Hughes, Ira Newble, and a 2008 first-round draft pick to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.
The three-way trade involving the Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Charlotte Hornets was overshadowed by the Cavaliers' buzz.
Giving up a first-round pick and the "Steal King," Szczerbiak's contract was also substantial, just one year shorter.
From a trade value perspective, this was completely imbalanced.
Recalling the news of Jeff Van Gundy being marginalized, another coach came out to speak in support of the Champion Coach.
There were only three games that day, and TNT's program quickly connected with renowned agent Aaron Goodwin, which surprised fans watching the show.
Since when could an agent represent a team?
"This is a win-win trade. Larry can get a starting position, and Wally can become the Cavaliers' sixth man!"
Charles Barkley and the other two did not comment much on this reason during the live connection.
Only at the end of the program, Kenny Smith subtly complained:
"A team should only have one voice. I support Head Coach Van Gundy. His success in New York was not a fluke."
"..."
The next day, Friday, back at home, the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Toronto Raptors.
Jose Calderon and Chris Bosh almost had mental breakdowns after the game.
This was their worst performance since the All-Star Game.
86:113, the score difference wasn't huge, and Madison Square Garden was still a scene of jubilation after the game.
Clay Lee, who was being interviewed by MSG, was also asked about the Cavaliers' trade.
Naturally, he had to voice his support for Head Coach Van Gundy's plight:
"I know Coach Van Gundy's ability. He is the first Head Coach in modern basketball to achieve four consecutive championships. The Cavaliers should respect his opinion."
"If Coach Van Gundy ultimately chooses to terminate his contract early, do you think he would still accept an invitation from New York?"
Although he was a "home" reporter, the other party clearly liked to stir things up.
Lee glanced at Mike D'Antoni, who was bragging on the other side, shrugged, and whispered:
"The coach is tired. Maybe the commentary booth is a better option."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)