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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 April 18, 2002, after the regular season concluded, it was time for sports commentators to discuss the games.

John Hollinger, an analyst for ESPN, introduced a new metric this year called EWA, which is calculated based on a player’s efficiency rating and playing time.

(A/N: This is an alternative timeline. Somethings are different.)

This metric primarily reflects a player’s contribution to their team’s victories in a season, and its data model is similar to PER.

After all the calculations, Clay Lee once again blew this metric out of the water.

For ESPN’s commentators and data experts, Clay Lee was simply the god of Excel!

No player in the past had ever played like Clay Lee.

After more detailed data statistics were gradually introduced at the end of the 20th century, Lee’s performance was simply god-like.

However, every time a column article written purely based on data was published, it would face skepticism.

For many old-school commentators, Clay Lee’s playing lacked a certain “spirit”.

Especially after adding a large number of three-point shots, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently commented on Clay Lee’s performance this season:

“Perhaps Clay’s stats are great, but I prefer Kobe’s way of playing!”

“Basketball is not just about data. The Lakers’ games better embody the spirit of competitive sports!”

These words from the all-time leading scorer always had an indescribable strangeness.

Such comments also provoked a strong backlash from the New York Media:

“If Clay’s efficiency were the same as Kobe Bryant’s, then Madison Square Garden would still only have two championship banners!”

“…”

In the morning, a news report from USA Today also didn’t forget to mock the all-time leading scorer.

A young New York fan, interviewed randomly, angrily stated:

“Basketball is about winning, and Clay Lee is the GOAT! He and Michael Jordan are both natural winners!”

“F*** Kobe! Come compare yourself to Lee when you get an MVP!”

The New York Media usually compares Clay Lee to Magic Johnson, maintaining a high standard.

What everyone likes to discuss is:

“Who is the greatest point guard of all time?”

However, the Los Angeles Media always likes to compare Kobe to Clay Lee, and Philadelphia is the same.

These comparisons naturally angered New York fans.

In their view, there was a fundamental difference between the two, and those two were just trying to piggyback on Lee’s popularity.

The news report that aired early this morning truly amused the onlookers.

NBC and ESPN both preferred Lee’s stats, and it was the same for many fans.

Not everyone could watch every game, and big data allowed them to understand the game better.

The regular season ended with mixed emotions.

This year, the Western Conference was fiercely competitive and incredibly intense.

The Eastern Conference was a chicken-pecking contest, with teams fighting tooth and nail for playoff spots.

In the 2001-2002 season, the 8 teams that made the playoffs in the Western Conference were:

The Sacramento Kings with 61 wins, the San Antonio Spurs with 58 wins, the Lakers with 57 wins, and the Dallas Mavericks with 56 wins.

The Timberwolves with 49 wins, the Portland Trail Blazers with 46 wins, the Seattle SuperSonics with 44 wins, and the Utah Jazz with 44 wins.

The 8 teams that made the playoffs in the Eastern Conference were:

The New York Knicks with 61 wins, the Nets with 51 wins, the Detroit Pistons with 48 wins, and the Celtics with 47 wins.

The Orlando Magic with 46 wins, the Hornets with 43 wins, the Toronto Raptors with 41 wins, and the Pacers with 41 wins.

The Milwaukee Bucks, with 41 wins, were unfortunately eliminated.

Belonging to the same Central Division, the Pacers ultimately squeezed into the playoffs based on head-to-head record.

Allen Iverson was sidelined due to injury in April, and after a losing streak, the 76ers’ record dropped to 40 wins.

It was the same for the Washington Wizards.

Michael Jordan also missed the last few games in April due to a knee injury, finishing with a 40-win record, ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference.

The Milwaukee Bucks failed to make the playoffs, and Ray Allen was somewhat broken.

After last night’s game, he started to speak his mind again:

“This result is unacceptable. We should have achieved a better record, but someone always drags the team down.”

“The NBA should give us more attention. The Bucks should have made the Eastern Conference Finals last season!”

“Without the referees’ favoritism, the 76ers couldn’t have made the Eastern Conference Finals.”

“I don’t like the team’s current playing strategy, and I’m not interested in making changes.”

“These two seasons, my efficiency is higher than Allen Iverson’s, but no one discusses me.”

“I hope the Bucks can build a championship team around me!”

Ray Allen’s shooting this season was second only to Clay Lee.

Affected by some injuries, Ray Allen only played 69 regular season games, but he made 229 three-pointers with a three-point shooting percentage as high as 43.4%.

Although he failed to break Lee’s record of 254 three-pointers set in the 99-00 season, this performance was already outstanding.

Ray Allen indeed tried his best.

As for who delayed the team’s record, it was naturally “lazy dog” Glenn Robinson and Head Coach George Karl.

Paul Pierce, who made the playoffs for the first time in his career, was very happy and didn’t forget to make some comments last night:

“The Celtics should get more attention. I should have been directly selected for the All-Star Game.”

“If I took 27 shots a game, I could also average 30 points!”

“Some players are overrated. Fortunately, basketball doesn’t lie. Everyone won’t have to discuss him in the playoffs.”

The vengeful Pierce’s sarcastic taunts towards a certain star player who was squeezed out of the playoffs made sports media happy.

Everyone loves such gossip.

Similarly, Baron Davis, who was also squeezed out of the All-Star Game but made the playoffs, also made some comments, which also sparked discussion among commentators.

In contrast, there was not as much animosity in the Western Conference, with only Shaquille O’Neal occasionally mocking his teammates.

On April 19, the NBA announced the statistical leaders for the 01-02 season:

Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons won the Rebounding Title with an average of 13.0 rebounds per game.

Andre Miller of the Cavaliers won the Assists Title with an average of 10.9 assists per game.

Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons won the Blocks Title with an average of 3.5 blocks per game.

Clay Lee of the New York Knicks successfully defended the Steals Title with an average of 2.9 steals per game;

The Scoring Title was no surprise.

Clay Lee successfully surpassed all players with an average of 32.1 points per game, winning the Scoring Title again!

This season, Clay Lee gave Allen Iverson no chances, playing all 82 games and scoring 2630 points in a single season.

He averaged 36.0 minutes per game, with 32.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.8 turnovers per game.

He averaged 20.3 field goal attempts per game, with a field goal percentage of 51.2%.

He averaged 9.0 three-point attempts per game, with a three-point percentage of 42.7%.

He averaged 8.3 free throws per game, with a free throw percentage of 90.2%.

He entered the 180 Club for the second time in his career, tying the record set by Larry Bird!

At the same time, he made 317 three-pointers in a single season, breaking his own three-point record from the 99-00 season, far ahead in NBA history!

ESPN, as usual, also announced the regular season statistical rankings, and data expert John Hollinger praised Lee’s performance wildly:

“Clay Lee’s playing style represents the future. He is the true GOAT of this era!”

“This season, God is still playing in a No. 1 jersey!”

Such an evaluation was also given because Lee’s PER this season reached 35.5, also breaking his own inhuman record from last season.

On April 20, the New York Media once again celebrated.

Early in the morning, television and print media began reporting on the outrageous records set by Lee.

Although legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believed that Lee lacked some “spirit”, the 61-win scoring champion made New York fans incredibly happy.

The Washington Wizards were only one win away from making the playoffs, so Michael Jordan was naturally in a bad mood after the regular season ended.

TNT began to warm up for tonight’s four playoff games and didn’t forget to interview Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan, who was preparing to head to the Chicago training camp for the draft, was asked about Lee’s inhuman PER.

He remained calm and simply replied:

“Lee just fully demonstrated his talent. The most important thing in basketball is to put the ball into the basket, and he did that.”

“I will not deny the role of data. Lee is very smart, and this season he further amplified his advantages.”

“Excellent shooting touch is also an important talent. Records are meant to be broken, and I like to see such young players emerge in the league.”

The TNT reporter heard this answer and quickly asked provocatively:

“With two consecutive seasons of incredible efficiency, Michael, has Clay surpassed you?”

Hearing this question, Michael Jordan immediately laughed:

“I have 5 championships, 5 MVPs, and 10 scoring titles.”

“In Lee’s words, this is a math problem!”

“…”

After March Madness concluded, the NBA draft lottery was about to begin.

Not only was Michael Jordan preparing for the draft, but the New York Knicks were also busy with it.

The Phoenix Suns had 36 wins this season, ranking near the bottom, and were destined to contribute a high draft pick.

The Pacers, who had flown to New York early, were bombarded with advertisements these past two days.

Having won 60 games for three consecutive seasons, the inflated New York fans didn’t forget to “F*** Miller” before the game.

Being able to face the Pacers in the first round naturally made the fun-loving fans happy.

Everyone loved to see Reggie Miller get upset.

However, Reggie Miller was no longer young and fiery, and he simply did not respond to these taunts.

With 41 wins and 61 wins, there was a difference of 20 victories. The Pacers players themselves didn’t believe they could pull off an upset.

Winning at home was the goal for this rebuilding team.

After more than two days of rest, Tom Thibodeau (Coach) was very nervous.

It was his first time experiencing the playoffs as a Head Coach, and he was afraid of being upset.

Everyone saw that the Rookie coach was nervous, but having been together for so many years, everyone naturally showed respect to the Head Coach and actively cooperated in training.

The game officially tipped off at 8:30 PM.

Before the game, in the home team’s locker room, a large number of sports reporters once again surrounded Lee.

Clay Lee was not worried about tonight’s game.

Facing either Rookies or veterans was always what he was best at.

Lee, smiling, introduced his new signature shoes, specifically choosing a New York Knicks colorway for tonight:

“I like this year’s pricing. This allows these signature shoes to better accompany basketball enthusiasts. Of course, I still recommend the pure white version, which can also be chosen for everyday wear.”

After some commercial pleasantries, a Yahoo Sports reporter brought up the Scoring Title again:

“31.4 points per game. Allen Iverson believes that if he hadn’t been injured, he would have been this season’s scoring leader.”

“Lee, do you agree with his view?”

Lee put down the sneakers in his hand, blinked, and only realized Iverson’s stats for this season after a quiet reminder from a New York Post reporter.

He played 60 games, averaging 27.8 shots per game, 31.4 points per game, with a 39.8% field goal percentage and a 29.1% three-point percentage.

With 1883 points in a single season, Allen Iverson’s performance severely declined this year due to injuries.

“Injuries are part of the game. I can only offer my best wishes.”

“As for the scoring title, I don’t really care. Scoring is never something a leader should overthink. Every player has different ways of influencing the game.”

“Perhaps Allen is right. I hope he stays healthy next season. I really look forward to playing against him again in the playoffs.”

“…”

At 8 PM, witnessed by nearly 20,000 New York fans at Madison Square Garden, Lee smiled, holding two trophies, and accepted everyone’s cheers:

“MVP! MVP! MVP!”

Because Marv Albert had a car accident late in the regular season, Bob Costas was back on the NBC commentary desk tonight.

After the deafening cheers, the lights came back on, and Bob Costas sighed before introducing the Pacers’ starting lineup:

“The trade with the Chicago Bulls after the All-Star Game did not improve the Pacers’ record.”

“Tonight’s starting backcourt is still Jamal Tinsley and Reggie Miller, and the frontcourt trio is Jalen Rose, Jermaine O’Neal, and Brad Miller.”

His partner, Mike Dunleavy, noticed that the Pacers were still using a twin-tower lineup and shook his head internally, subtly commenting on Coach Isiah Thomas’s lineup arrangement:

“Facing the Knicks, putting two big men on the floor is not a good choice. Lee is very good at pick-and-rolls, and the Knicks’ perimeter Defense is very oppressive.”

“From the regular season matchups, if the Pacers want to win, their perimeter players must step up in time.”

When the referee called both teams to center court, Lee didn’t forget to greet his old opponents.

Ron Artest didn’t care that the other side was pulling a long face.

He just grinned and went over to Reggie Miller.

Regardless of Reggie Miller being almost 37 years old, Ron Artest showed no intention of respecting the veteran:

“Don’t even think about getting 20 points tonight. Retire early!”

“…”

Reggie Miller didn’t even look at the Rookie next to him, nor did he bother to respond to the trash talk.

He knew that the more he provoked, the more excited the young man would get.

“Let’s go Knicks!”

Amidst the thunderous cheers echoing through the Madison Square Garden, the referee tossed the ball high, and Pau Gasol successfully tipped the ball to his team’s half.

Controlling possession, Lee immediately signaled a play, then slowly dribbled past half-court.

Jamal Tinsley was a bit nervous.

As a first-year Rookie, he had won the Rookie of the Month award this season, but every time he matched up against Clay Lee, his stats were dismal.

Seeing the tactical signal, the Rookie noticed that Gasol had moved to the left elbow, immediately realizing the play the Knicks were going to run.

Lee passed the ball immediately after crossing half-court.

As Gasol received the ball, Ron Artest was already at the left corner, and Grant Hill had stopped on the right wing.

Kurt Thomas slowly moved up from the right baseline.

Reggie Miller saw the Knicks’ positioning and began to loudly alert his teammates.

Amidst the veteran’s shouts, Jamal Tinsley saw Lee cut off-ball and subconsciously slid back and to the left.

The Rookie seemed a bit nervous and didn’t pull much, which allowed Lee to easily reverse his cut.

Before he even got close to the free-throw line, he popped out again, and as Gasol moved up, he quickly received the ball handoff.

The recovering Jamal Tinsley was delayed by Gasol, and the moment he lost his defensive position, Lee stopped dribbling, moved to the left wing, and quickly jumped to shoot from beyond the three-point line!

“Swish!” The three-pointer went in cleanly.

What seemed like a casual offense was the Knicks’ norm this season.

The New York fans in attendance cheered, then sat down, and then everyone waved their orange handkerchiefs, ready to continue watching the show.

Failing on the first possession, Jamal Tinsley became even more nervous.

Receiving the ball on the baseline, he was again tightly guarded by Lee, almost resulting in an 8-second violation.

Amidst the jeers, the Rookie dribbled past mid-court with his rear sticking out, quickly passing the ball to Jalen Rose, who was waiting at the top of the arc.

Jamal Tinsley led Lee to the left corner.

At the same time, in the paint, Jermaine O’Neal and the big man Miller executed a cross-screen.

Pau Gasol immediately switched, provided body contact, extended his long arms to interfere, and Grant Hill on the high side also put up an elbow to defend, not giving the opponent an easy passing opportunity.

When Jalen Rose lobbed the ball to Jermaine O’Neal, the receiving position changed from low post to the restricted area.

After receiving the ball with his back to the basket, he immediately turned to face the basket.

Jermaine O’Neal took a jab step, then put the ball down with his left hand, trying to drive to the basket, and after contact, get close to the rim.

At the lower left of the basket, Jermaine O’Neal gathered the ball and faked, trying to create a timing difference, but his somewhat rushed shot was still bothered by Pau Gasol, and the ball bounced off the rim.

Kurt Thomas had already established position early, collapsing to the basket immediately to secure the rebound, and the Pacers quickly retreated on Defense.

When Lee was receiving the ball at the top of the arc, the opponent had already retreated to mid-court.

After receiving the ball, with no one in front of him, he immediately chased the opponent’s rear, rushing across half-court.

It was a semi-transition offense opportunity, with similar positioning to the previous possession.

The Knicks had already crossed half-court early.

At this time, Coach Isiah Thomas on the sideline also loudly reminded them:

“Matchup Defense!”

Clay Lee, dribbling with his right hand, accelerated towards the right wing.

At the same time, Grant Hill feigned a move upwards.

Reggie Miller, while pulling on Defense, didn’t forget to remind his Rookie teammate to pay attention to switching.

But no sooner had he spoken than Grant Hill suddenly accelerated and cut back, slapping away the opponent’s arm as he drove straight to the basket!

Lee, holding the ball with his right hand on the high side, instantly flicked his wrist, delivering a bounce pass.

The ball bounced perfectly into Grant Hill’s hands near the paint.

Jermaine O’Neal at the right elbow had no time to help defend under the basket, and the receiving Hill easily scored with a layup!

0:5, the Knicks seemed to have entered their usual state of effortlessly crushing opponents.

On the commentary desk, Mike Dunleavy began to subtly comment again:

“This season, only the Sacramento Kings and the Knicks frequently use off-ball cuts.”

“Their two starting big men will have difficulty quickly helping on Defense, and they will also have problems defending the pick-and-roll. They need to respond early on the offensive end.”

No sooner had he spoken than the same play was run, and the big man Miller received the ball with his back to the basket in the right low post.

After putting the ball down with his left hand, he continuously backed down and shot a floater near the basket, hitting another iron.

Pau Gasol secured the rebound and immediately threw the ball to Grant Hill, and the Knicks launched another transition offense.

Coach Isiah Thomas’s loud shouts from the sideline still had an effect.

Reggie Miller delayed in time, and Grant Hill simply stopped at the top of the arc.

Already at the left corner, Lee shouted, reminding Ron Artest on the left wing to screen for him.

As Grant Hill passed the ball to Pau Gasol at the left elbow, Ron Artest also began to move towards the corner.

Jamal Tinsley observed the Knicks’ movement, and with the reminder from his veteran teammate Jalen Rose, he slid towards the high side, preparing for a quick switch.

The Rookie’s defensive aggressiveness was insufficient.

Lee at the corner just faked a move up and then suddenly accelerated, cutting from left to right along the baseline.

Pau Gasol, holding the ball, quickly put it down and immediately delivered a bounce pass, easily finding the cutting Lee.

Jermaine O’Neal’s help Defense was very fast, returning to the basket immediately and leaping high, attempting to block the shot.

To the lower left of the basket, Lee, receiving the ball, naturally jumped with both feet.

After contact in the air, his body leaned slightly back, holding the ball with one hand, briefly suspended, and as Jermaine O’Neal hit his shoulder, he smoothly shot the ball off the backboard!

“Off the glass!”

“Bang!”

“Swish!”

After hitting high off the backboard, the ball accurately went into the basket, and the referee immediately blew the whistle.

Bob Costas heard the cheers in the Madison Square Garden and felt that Lee was starting to exert himself:

“Mike, you’re absolutely right. The Pacers are having a hard time keeping up with the Knicks’ offensive pace.”

“Perhaps Coach Isiah Thomas should call a timeout.”

Pau Gasol, who delivered the assist, excitedly pumped his fist.

His first playoff appearance in his professional career was easier than he had imagined.

Lee, walking to the free-throw line, high-fived his teammates one by one in celebration, and looking at Jermaine O’Neal with his hands on his hips, he couldn’t help but laugh and tease him:

“If you want to play good Defense, remember to save all your fouls for me!”

“…”

Jermaine O’Neal noticed that Coach Isiah Thomas was reminding him to foul aggressively, but a helpless expression appeared on his face.

After Lee calmly made the free throw, Coach Tom Thibodeau, who had been standing on the sideline, finally relaxed and sat back down on the bench.

0:8, the Knicks had already entered game mode early.

The Pacers, sticking to their twin-tower lineup, tried to slow down the pace and open up the game from the inside, but their big men were slow to start tonight, hitting iron on several possessions.

3 minutes and 02 seconds into the game, the big man Miller finally scored two points under the basket.

Completely bogged down in a scoring drought, Coach Isiah Thomas’s loud shouts from the sideline had no effect whatsoever.

After several consecutive possessions where the Knicks capitalized on semi-transition opportunities to score easily, the game suddenly fell apart.

By the end of the first quarter, when the Pacers didn’t make substitutions and started to heavily delay Clay Lee, Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas’s mid-range jump shots also easily responded.

11:28, at the end of the first quarter, the Pacers’ outrageous performance once again entertained the New York fans in attendance.

During the break between quarters, on the Knicks’ bench, Thibodeau held the tactical board, suddenly unsure what to say.

Finally, assistant coach Don Chaney clapped his hands and praised with a laugh:

“Lee, keep this pace, we want to end the game early tonight!”

“…”

…..

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep