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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

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***

On sunday, February 24, 2002, after watching two weeks of games, the spectators came to a conclusion:

“The Knicks don’t seem to be too affected.”

There was no complete collapse, no players crying and begging to play for the Bald Young Coach, and no fans holding up signs to keep him.

Jeff Van Gundy left, but the Knicks remained the team dominating the Eastern Conference.

In the two weeks of games, the Knicks achieved a record of 3 wins and 3 losses.

After a 25-point victory over the Raptors, they lost to the Orlando Magic in a back-to-back game.

The Utah Jazz also pulled off an upset win, and then gave the Chicago Bulls another warm welcome.

After a three-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons and Nets, who were looking for an easy win, were easily blown out again.

With a record of 38 wins and 15 losses, they just barely edged out the Nets, who had 36 wins and 18 losses.

Whenever Nets fans felt they could catch up in wins, the Knicks would suddenly strike with a heavy blow.

The win-loss difference between the two teams was very small, and Nets fans always held out hope, but after the hope came disappointment.

Just like the direct confrontations between the two teams, whenever fans expected Kidd to step up and make a responding shot, the triple-double master would choose to pass or miss a jump shot.

It was as if it was a cat and mouse game.

The Knicks played at a leisurely pace, and only after a losing streak would Lee exert effort, then their record would rebound, and they would be first in the Eastern Conference again.

Even if their shooting became worse, in many games, the Knicks still shot more three-pointers than their opponents, and it was normal for them to attempt 25 three-pointers in a game.

After nearly two weeks of various commentators expressing their opinions, looking back, the Eastern Conference’s top spot hadn’t moved at all, still leading by two or three games.

Everyone on the Knicks realized that as long as their record could surpass the Nets, the team would still be first in the Eastern Conference.

There was no need to focus on opponents in the Western Conference.

Playing methodically and finishing the February schedule healthy became the team’s common goal.

The game on the evening of the 24th hadn’t started yet, and the sports media was already excited before the game.

After Shaquille O’Neal’s return, the Lakers went on a winning streak, and their momentum was excellent!

Los Angeles fans had already experienced Shaq’s irreplaceable nature, and during his injury absence, Shaquille O’Neal’s reputation had risen sharply.

From time to time, he would mock Kobe with sarcastic remarks, and Kobe could only listen.

Shaquille O’Neal felt great.

No one was shouting that Kobe was the team’s leader anymore.

Pau Gasol faced Shaquille O’Neal for the first time in his career, and everyone wanted to see how the Rookie would perform.

Facing a Rookie big man, Shaquille O’Neal naturally wanted to hit hard and, by the way, show off his leadership qualities!

After the game started at 8 PM, at Staples Center, Los Angeles fans cheered loudly as Shaquille O’Neal wreaked havoc in the paint, their happy shouts echoing throughout the stadium.

The Lakers didn’t have complex tactics.

Noticing that the Knicks didn’t choose to double-team, the perimeter players naturally obediently lobbed the ball to the inside.

Although Pau Gasol was prepared before the game, facing Shaquille O’Neal’s fierce post-up, some half-front Defenses were not effectively executed.

With 4 minutes and 12 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, the Lakers attacked.

After a baseline cross-screen, Shaquille O’Neal ignored Pau Gasol, who was chasing him, and moved to the left low post.

The ball was quickly passed up the court.

On the left wing, Kobe, who was being relentlessly hounded by Ron Artest, failed

to make the pass in time.

To get a better catch, Shaquille O’Neal simply leaned on Pau Gasol and moved up to the restricted area, still firmly pinning Pau Gasol behind him with his size advantage.

Upon receiving Kobe’s lob pass, Shaquille O’Neal, catching the ball with his back to the basket, smoothly put the ball down with his right hand, followed by two powerful back-down moves.

Even with desperate post Defense, Pau Gasol was still pushed under the basket. Shaquille O’Neal, full of energy, was extremely fast.

The moment he got close to the rim, he leaned into his opponent and quickly turned towards the baseline.

Pau Gasol was squeezed under the rim.

Shaquille O’Neal faked a shot, successfully deceiving Pau Gasol’s defensive balance, and as he faked out his opponent, he suddenly exploded, grabbing the ball with his left hand over the Defense and slamming it down with one arm.

“Boom!”

A monstrous dunk over a defender!

From catching the ball and posting up to turning towards the basket, Shaquille O’Neal’s movements were smooth and fluid, and his speed was extremely fast.

Shaq, who had just completed the dunk, let out an excited roar.

Although his direct opponent was just a Rookie big man, the opponent was the Knicks, and Shaquille O’Neal felt exceptionally satisfied!

“Wow!”

From the NBC commentary booth, Mike Fratello looked at the struggling Pau Gasol and once again commented:

“The Knicks might consider adding some double-teams. Pau Gasol can’t limit Shaquille O’Neal. He’s making it too easy for the opponent to score.”

“Defense starts with receiving the ball, and clearly, Pau Gasol wasn’t ready tonight.”

The difference in weight and strength was visible to the naked eye.

Marv Albert seemed to recall the Bald Young Coach’s gossip and added:

“Head Coach Van Gundy once suggested that Pau Gasol gain weight. Perhaps that’s the correct choice. To contend with an inside player like this, some sacrifices must be made.”

Opponents scoring strongly—Tom Thibodeau on the sidelines was used to seeing such scenes.

He subconsciously looked at the big man Wright on the bench, but after thinking about it, he still didn’t make a substitution.

In a twin-tower lineup, Pau Gasol’s jump shot wasn’t as consistent as Kurt Thomas’, and defending Horry, the big man wasn’t effective either.

Tom Thibodeau, with his arms crossed, didn’t call a timeout.

In the end, he just clapped his hands on the sidelines, encouraging Pau Gasol and signaling that it was a good defensive play.

On the Knicks’ offensive possession, Lee signaled a play, running the same tactic as the Lakers.

The difference was that after the baseline cross-screen, O’Neal was too lazy to chase on Defense, letting Horry guard Pau Gasol.

Having faced him once before, Horry knew he couldn’t let Pau Gasol get close to the rim to catch the ball, otherwise, it would be difficult to effectively defend against a big man who plays high-post.

Under the pulling, Pau Gasol didn’t choose to post up in the low block but instead accelerated, moving to the left wing immediately.

Kobe was still using his body to pressure Lee, who was protecting the ball sideways.

He spotted the movement behind him and immediately called for Horry to double-team.

Pau Gasol, faking a screen, took advantage of Lee pulling the ball back, then quickly moved to the free-throw line after setting his feet.

At the same time, Lee, who had switched to his right hand and completed a turn, immediately sent the pass.

Horry had just reached Lee’s side when Pau Gasol was already at the free-throw line, catching the ball and shooting a jump shot.

With a lot of physical contact tonight, the jump shot missed again.

Shaquille O’Neal, under the basket on the bottom right, boxed out Kurt Thomas and easily secured the defensive rebound.

The Lakers didn’t waste any more opportunities.

Shaquille O’Neal played more and more fiercely, establishing an 8-point lead in the 3rd quarter, and Shaq didn’t go easy in the final quarter either.

90:102.

The moment the game ended, Staples Center erupted.

Shaquille O’Neal excitedly punched the air repeatedly, yelling with the basketball in his arms!

Playing 45 minutes, he shot 16 of 24 from the field and 9 of 16 from the free-throw line, tallying 41 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.

O’Neal performed steadily, easily dominating the Knicks’ interior.

Kobe passed the ball obediently throughout the game, shooting 5 of 13 from the field for 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 turnovers.

Although he won, Kobe didn’t feel as happy as he expected.

He knew very well who the Los Angeles fans in Staples Center were cheering for.

In his first encounter with the league’s strongest center, Pau Gasol shot 5 of 13 from the field and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line, scoring 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 turnovers.

He was somewhat disheveled on Defense, and at the end of the game, Pau Gasol was still breathing heavily.

Most of his points were concentrated in the first half, and as the game progressed, his shooting percentage began to decline.

Like most Rookies, Pau Gasol also needed to increase his physicality.

Phil Jackson felt the championship beckoning him, and when the game ended, he was in an even better mood without Jeff Van Gundy in sight.

Thibodeau went to the scorer’s table to shake hands with Phil Jackson.

There was no animosity between them, and after some polite exchanges, they each left.

An NBC reporter interviewed a delighted Shaq immediately after the game:

“Shaq, you dominated the paint tonight, and I’ve noticed your form seems to be getting better and better since your return from injury!”

The cheers from the crowd grew louder, and Shaq, being interviewed, didn’t wait for the reporter to finish before happily declaring:

“I’m ready. Compared to previous years, I’m more mature and know how to lead the team. This year, I will lead the Lakers to win the championship!”

“…”

Thibodeau didn’t mind losing this game.

In his opinion, maintaining the top spot in the Eastern Conference was the most important thing.

At the post-game press conference, Pau Gasol was still a bit frustrated.

Only after playing against them did he realize the gap.

The Eastern Conference indeed had no such opponents.

Clay Lee’s stats were still unremarkable:

12-of-22 shooting, 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, for 35 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 turnovers.

After the All-Star Weekend, Lee’s shot attempts didn’t increase, but scoring 30 points became increasingly easy for him.

The proportion of three-pointers increased, with more catch-and-shoot opportunities.

If not for the drop in free throw attempts on the road, his stats might have been even better.

From his appearance alone, Lee hadn’t shaved during the recent continuous road games, making him look slightly more mature, but sitting next to Pau Gasol, both still looked excessively young.

Most sports media asked ordinary questions, but a Los Angeles Times reporter didn’t forget to stir up trouble for Lee:

“Lee, Head Coach Van Gundy seemed to have suggested Pau Gasol gain weight, while you prefer fast-paced offense. Does this loss indicate that your insistence was wrong?”

Many sports media outlets were gossiping that Jeff Van Gundy’s departure was primarily due to a conflict with Lee.

A Champion Coach couldn’t leave for no reason, so Lee always encountered these questions recently:

“Basketball games are ultimately results-oriented. Head Coach Van Gundy’s suggestion is good, but Pau Gasol is just a human being. Gaining weight and increasing physicality also require a process.”

“To achieve success and to hone one’s body, more time is needed. If a Rookie could limit Shaq, then the Knicks’ opponents in the Finals these past few years wouldn’t have been the Lakers.”

“I believe the pace of basketball games will become faster and faster in the future. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong to it.”

“Pau Gasol played very well tonight. Although his stats have dropped a bit in the past two months, he will rebound strongly.”

Most sports media naturally wouldn’t expect a Rookie to be able to contend with Shaq, and Lee’s words made everyone nod in agreement.

The New York Times reporter was quite satisfied with Pau Gasol’s performance, and the final question was also quite friendly:

“Pau, playing against Shaq for the first time, what score would you give yourself?”

Pau Gasol clearly understood the simple question, and although he was somewhat disappointed with his own performance, he answered with considerable confidence:

“I’d give myself a 6. I will impact the game in different ways. Lee has always supported me, and I will perform better in the upcoming schedule!”

On the 28th, after a few days of rest, the Knicks continued their road trip.

With a 104-84 victory over the Heat, their record reached 39 wins and 16 losses.

This record was second only to the Sacramento Kings’ 40 wins and 15 losses.

At the end of February, the Knicks ranked second in the league while still firmly holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Whenever the Nets narrowed the gap in wins, they would suddenly falter.

After unexpectedly losing to the Hornets by 20 points last night, Jason Kidd was again criticized by commentators.

Everyone loves to watch the fun and hopes the Knicks will fall behind.

Entering March, the Knicks also faced their most condensed schedule of the season, with a total of 17 games to play throughout March.

The Knicks’ fun was over, and everyone started paying attention to the Washington Wizards again.

Michael Jordan also suffered an injury.

The 38-year-old’s knees couldn’t hold up.

Kwame Brown was still the same; even with increased playing time, his stats always lagged, occasionally putting up a zero.

To maintain the top spot in the Eastern Conference, Thibodeau initially wanted to increase the playing time of the starters, but in the first week, Grant Hill experienced ankle soreness.

Then, Knight also suffered a shoulder injury.

With continuous injuries, Thibodeau ultimately chose to honestly continue Head Coach Van Gundy’s previous rotation strategy.

Since most opponents were Eastern Conference teams, Lee didn’t hog the ball.

With the tight schedule, the Knicks still proceeded with their games methodically.

On March 24th, on the road against the 76ers, amidst the boos of Philadelphia fans, the Knicks completed their second win against them this month, 101-88.

Allen Iverson was out due to injury, and after losing this game, the 76ers’ record fell to 34 wins and 35 losses.

Despite his decreased attendance, Allen Iverson still hadn’t given up on the scoring title, taking a lot of shots in many games.

The moniker of “inefficient volume scorer” could no longer be removed, and Philadelphia fans’ patience was dwindling.

On March 31st, after defeating the Orlando Magic on the road, the Knicks’ March record ultimately settled at 13 wins and 4 losses.

They lost all three back-to-back games, and by the end of the month, Grant Hill and Knight had rejoined the team.

With a 52-20 record, they successfully secured a playoff spot, and New York fans were delighted again.

That same day, after the Nets lost to the Timberwolves, their record reached 47 wins and 27 losses.

If nothing unexpected happened, they would most likely only finish second in the Eastern Conference.

There was no game on April 1st, a rare day off, but workaholic Thibodeau still chose to watch game footage at the Tarrytown Training Center.

After coaching the team for over a month, Thibodeau had also come to understand Head Coach Van Gundy’s feelings:

“This is Lee’s team.”

The roster’s shortcomings made it difficult for Thibodeau to do much on the Defense end, and on the offense, he often didn’t even know what play the Knicks would run in the next possession.

Without a system or fixed plays, most offensive possessions were decided by Lee on the fly, which meant that during many timeouts, Thibodeau could only offer motivational speeches.

Not gaining the sense of accomplishment he had imagined, Thibodeau also understood the Bald Young Coach.

Having players who were too smart was indeed not a good thing.

Assistant Coach Don Chaney noticed Thibodeau, who was watching footage, suddenly seemed lost in thought.

He patted him and started a gossip topic:

“Tom, has Grunfeld talked to you about the draft yet?”

“No, I haven’t received any news on that front.”

Thibodeau answered subconsciously, then saw Don Chaney sigh.

After fully realizing, Thibodeau also understood the management’s intention: he was not the final candidate for Head Coach.

Originally, the two still had some sense of competition, but at this moment, they could only exchange bitter smiles, and the same thought simultaneously emerged in their minds:

“Perhaps Head Coach Van Gundy was right to leave.”

….

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep