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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 May 21, 2004, ESPN reviewed the Eastern Conference Finals from the previous night in its morning program.

Compared to the recent semi-finals between the Detroit Pistons and the Pacers, the Eastern Conference Finals’ viewership began to rebound.

The ratings seemed to indicate that fans didn’t really care if the game was evenly matched.

As long as there were superstars, everyone would choose to watch.

The arguments claiming that the Knicks had ruined this era were no longer mentioned, and some commentators who had confidently stated that fans were tired of Clay Lee were proven completely wrong.

There was nothing to analyze about Game 1.

After so many years, teams that dug themselves a hole in the first quarter always lost.

A comeback from behind had never happened.

In even-numbered years, TNT was responsible for broadcasting the Western Conference Finals, and this series attracted a lot of attention.

After all, Kevin Garnett was this year’s regular season MVP, and the Lakers still had their F4 lineup.

Although they were a bit older, most fans didn’t mind.

Once the Conference Finals began, there wasn’t much rest time for the teams.

They had to play again every other day.

The Timberwolves had home-court advantage, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune loudly cheered for the home team in its sports section that day:

“The underestimated Timberwolves will show their fangs!”

As the largest newspaper in Minnesota, its influence couldn’t compare to the New York Times, and it wasn’t very good at creating buzz, which made most fans actually more eager to see the Lakers’ performance.

Several mainstream New York newspapers had long been clamoring to teach the “thieves” of the Lakers a lesson, while the Los Angeles Times had been gossiping daily about Lee’s disinterest in basketball and his “silver parties.”

The opposing side seemed to want to use such news to prove that Kobe’s alleged sexual assault wasn’t a big deal, that they were all young scoundrels.

East and West, by the time the Conference Finals arrived, the loudest voices were from both sides, with fans following the drama, and Kevin Garnett was once again tragically overlooked.

Seemingly confident that he could dominate the aging Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett sounded full of confidence in recent interviews:

“This season, I am the best big man in the league. I respect the Lakers. They are a championship team.”

“But basketball isn’t about who is more famous. The Timberwolves are underestimated, and I will lead the team to prove our strength in this series!”

Playing at home, Kevin Garnett exuded confidence.

For the Timberwolves, this was indeed a good opportunity for them to make an early impact.

TNT’s morning program also warmed up for the evening game. Compared to the Eastern Conference Finals, there was no need to worry about ratings here.

It was full of hype!

The trio didn’t discuss tactical issues much but instead chatted in the studio about Gary Payton’s statistics in the Western Conference Semifinals.

He averaged 38.4 minutes per game, with 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 turnovers.

His field goal percentage was 33.9%, three-point percentage was 25.0%, and free throw percentage was 73.3%.

Just looking at the Excel sheet, most fans wouldn’t believe this was Gary Payton’s performance against the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Tony Parker started strong and then faded in this series, he still averaged 16.7 points with a 38.1% field goal percentage.

Compared to the two, statistically, Tony Parker performed better than Gary Payton.

Not wanting to criticize the veteran, Charles Barkley, for once, didn’t unleash a big-mouthed tirade but rather commented tactfully:

“I believe Gary Payton can adjust his form in time. We’ve played against each other many times, and I know him very well. He didn’t show his true strength in the semi-finals.”

The statistics don’t lie. Gary Payton was extremely underperforming.

Kenny Smith, however, gave an objective assessment:

“During the long regular season, the Lakers’ starting players were often absent, which greatly exhausted Gary Payton’s body!”

“Facing Sam Cassell in the Western Conference Finals, I think it will be difficult for him to regain his form. In the regular season, Sam Cassell performed exceptionally well, just as Kevin Garnett said, he is underestimated.”

Karl Malone’s statistics also declined, but no one criticized the veteran, as injuries are unpredictable.

Ernie Johnson, seeing that the two didn’t want to discuss the veterans’ performance too much, immediately changed the topic and asked:

“Among the four teams in the Conference Finals, no backcourt player can limit Clay Lee’s performance.”

“The Detroit Pistons’ pressure Defense doesn’t seem to have caused any trouble for the Knicks.”

“Do you think the Knicks can defend their title this season?”

Both were silent after hearing the question.

Finally, Charles Barkley shrugged and said helplessly:

“Perhaps Clay Lee will continue to dominate this era.”

Shaquille O’Neal, who arrived at the Target Center for warm-ups that afternoon, was full of confidence for this series.

When interviewed, he reverted to his sarcastic tone:

“I like sending MVPs home. I don’t think the Timberwolves’ interior will cause me any trouble.”

“I haven’t fully exerted myself in the playoffs yet, and Gary Payton’s form will get better and better. That’s the experience of a veteran!”

In the semi-finals, Shaquille O’Neal averaged a double-double of 22.5 points and 14.5 rebounds.

His field goal percentage was as high as 63.5%, but a 43.5% free throw percentage indicated that Shaquille O’Neal had declined somewhat at the free-throw line.

14.2 shot attempts per game was not Shaquille O’Neal’s limit.

When he boasted to the media, everyone believed what the Big Shaq said was true.

Most reporters gathered around Shaquille O’Neal.

The Lakers’ two veterans didn’t have great statistics in the semi-finals and were completely past their prime.

As for Kobe, ever since he refused ESPN’s interview, many sports reporters stopped bothering with the Lakers’ main scorer.

More importantly, Phil Jackson had already made his stance clear: he disliked Kobe and spoke up for Shaquille O’Neal, naturally creating a significant conflict between the two parties.

Kobe, dressed in his training uniform, didn’t care about the attention.

Even if he was isolated, he didn’t mind, because the Lakers couldn’t do without him.

With Gary Payton underperforming, Kobe’s role became increasingly important.

Even if the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man didn’t like it, he had to hold his nose and give him significant playing time.

Watching everyone gather around Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe, who continued to warm up, quietly pouted, feeling a bit displeased:

“This is my team!”

In that night’s game, the Timberwolves’ fans showed 120% enthusiasm, constantly cheering loudly for the home team.

The two sides remained deadlocked in the first half, but as the third quarter began, the Lakers went on a run, and the Timberwolves were directly out of it.

97:88. Losing at home, the Target Center became very noisy after the game.

Gary Payton’s offense was poor, making 2 of 7 shots for 7 points, but Derek Fisher from the bench carried the Lakers’ outside shooting.

Making 5 of 9 shots, and 4 of 5 from beyond the arc, Derek Fisher performed exceptionally well, scoring 14 points off the bench.

Naturally in a good mood after the win, Shaquille O’Neal, who had an all-around performance of 27 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 turnovers on 9 of 16 shooting and 9 of 11 free throws, repeatedly shouted as he walked towards the player tunnel after the game:

“F**k! No one can stop me!”

His excellent performance was also Shaquille O’Neal’s leverage to demand a large contract from the Lakers.

Although he was entering the twilight of his career, he was still the league’s best center.

Karl Malone made 8 of 13 shots for 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Kevin Garnett made 7 of 15 shots for a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The MVP did not dominate the veteran, which made Kevin Garnett keep getting slapped in the face after the game.

When interviewed, he could only repeatedly emphasize:

“We will win Game 2!”

On May 22, with the Lakers securing an away victory, the New York sports media was overjoyed.

With just over a day of rest, the Detroit Pistons would find it difficult to make many adjustments.

However, most sports reporters didn’t pay much attention to them, asking some routine, innocuous questions and briefly reporting on their opponents’ dynamics, after which there wasn’t much news.

Since Grant Hill confirmed he would participate in the Athens Olympics, some sports reporters came looking for fun after Game 1.

When Grant Hill arrived at Madison Square Garden for early warm-ups that afternoon, he was once again surrounded by reporters.

Hearing the reporters chirping with questions, Grant Hill was a bit helpless.

It was clear some people had ill intentions.

“Grant, do you think Head Coach Larry Brown’s tactics have problems?”

“It’s said that you support Coach Krzyzewski to be the Head Coach of the United States Men’s National Basketball Team. Is this because of issues with Head Coach Larry Brown’s coaching?”

“Can the Knicks continue to win by large margins, Grant? Will you get a triple-double tonight?”

Since the Detroit Pistons had too few All-Star players to generate buzz, everyone started to focus on Larry Brown.

Grant Hill felt a headache coming on.

Players don’t comment on their Head Coach, so he could only maintain a smile and speak diplomatically:

“Head Coach Larry Brown is very capable, and I support him becoming the Head Coach of the United States Men’s National Basketball Team.”

“The Detroit Pistons are also a strong opponent. I won’t think too much about my own stats.”

Watching Grant Hill, dressed in a black suit, leave, many sports reporters felt unfulfilled.

If they could uncover a conflict between the Men’s National Basketball Team captain and the Head Coach, such news would definitely be very popular!

In Game 1, Hill shot 6-for-13 from the field, 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, and recorded a near triple-double with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.

The ESPN reporters, thinking about tonight’s game, immediately felt very uninspired, and a few of them complained in low voices:

“Why did the Detroit Pistons make it to the Conference Finals? If it were the Pacers, there would be more news!”

A few Yahoo Sports reporters also felt that the Eastern Conference Finals were not exciting and lacked star power:

“Besides the Knicks, the Eastern Conference’s perimeter All-Star players are all guys who don’t live up to their names.”

“Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson can’t even out-stat Clay Lee!”

As they discussed this topic, they gradually started to criticize indiscriminately.

If All-Star players could make it to the playoffs, writing articles would be much easier.

Two years ago, Corliss Williamson even won the Sixth Man of the Year award, and he was considered a star player for the Detroit Pistons, but he has been completely silent these two seasons, and sports reporters are no longer paying attention.

Hamilton’s playing style was not endearing, and Rasheed Wallace also failed to show the flair of a past All-Star.

No star players, no impressive stats—this made it difficult for many sports media outlets to find reasons to praise them.

Instead, Larry Brown received a lot of attention.

Currently, this veteran famous coach has become the Detroit Pistons’ big star.

When Lee appeared at the Madison Square Garden, most sports media outlets immediately showered him with praise.

The ESPN reporter didn’t ask about the game’s outcome but instead asked a hypothetical question:

“Lee, did you watch last night’s game? In the upcoming Finals, which team will be the Knicks’ opponent?”

Lee hadn’t watched the game at all last night.

Since Ivanka returned to Manhattan, he had been busy with ball-handling training recently.

“Both teams are very strong. No matter who makes it to the Finals, the Knicks will not lose to their opponent.”

“The coach staff has already formulated a detailed game plan for us. However, currently, I am only focused on the Conference Finals. We need to continue to protect our home court.”

Speaking diplomatically, Lee earnestly analyzed the game.

After a series of bold statements, everyone was satisfied.

Only the Los Angeles Times reporter was not entirely satisfied.

They noticed that Lee didn’t care about the Lakers at all:

“It’s said that Clay has been living in Manhattan since attending Ivanka’s graduation ceremony. I don’t believe his nonsense about training hard every day!”

The New York Post reporter, hearing such gossip, immediately retorted:

“Lee likes to train in the morning, and players also need personal space. Have you ever seen a player spending all night in the training Madison Square Garden?”

“Kobe Bryant trains extra at the Madison Square Garden at night. We all know he dedicates himself to basketball. That’s a pure basketball player!”

“Vanessa and his relationship are having problems, which is why Kobe comes home late. Don’t be so self-indulgent here. He just has nowhere to go because of that sexual assault incident!”

“…”

The two sides started bickering again.

Recently, many teams frequently discussed “mental basketball,” a concept initiated by the Los Angeles media.

This season, the Lakers’ starting players’ stats have declined.

To better praise them, the Los Angeles Times began to praise them in various ways.

Neither side approved of the other’s rhetoric.

The Knicks were almost winning too much.

Talking about mental attributes was less effective than predicting a championship, as New York fans just love to win big.

Before the game started at 8 PM that night, in the Knicks’ locker room, Amar’e Stoudemire was somewhat disappointed after the coach staff gave few instructions.

After winning Game 1 by a large margin, Amar’e Stoudemire had expected to take on more responsibilities, but the reality was that his playing time had been reduced again.

Mike D’Antoni, who had become more cautious, seemed to be in a state of relying heavily on the starters.

During the rotation phase, the playing time of role players was reduced.

The coach staff hoped to finish the game in three quarters, allowing the core players to rest, and letting role players play only in garbage time.

“Don’t be careless. Stay focused during the game. We need to win at home.”

“The opponent might continue to use zone Defense. Pay attention to their positioning and pass the ball promptly!”

“Play smart and make good use of the two corners.”

Mike D’Antoni continuously drew passing routes on the whiteboard, reminding everyone, completely disregarding the emotions of the bench players.

In crucial games, the coach staff still trusted the starting lineup more.

Everyone understood the Head Coach’s reminders.

Even if the opponent could continuously help defend and expand their defensive area with faster lateral movement, the ball is faster than the player.

As long as the ball is passed reasonably and quickly, opportunities for numerical advantages will always arise.

Several assistant coaches pulled Pau Gasol aside and reminded him again.

The same tactic couldn’t work repeatedly.

Lee had already squatted in the corner, so it was time to change the approach.

It was almost time for the home team players to enter the Madison Square Garden.

After everyone left the locker room, Amar’e Stoudemire, lagging behind, was a bit unhappy.

There were too many tactical requirements, and for a second-year Rookie, it was difficult for him to meet the Head Coach’s demands.

Amar’e Stoudemire, walking behind, adjusted his headband and secretly complained:

“We could play much more easily!”

Lee supported the coach staff’s arrangements, and the Knicks players had to cooperate.

The Detroit Pistons’ situation was completely different.

Larry Brown was extremely strong:

“I need to see you guys slide more actively on Defense. While maintaining your defensive position, expand your defensive range!”

“You can definitely do these things. The game is 48 minutes long. After the last game, you should be mentally prepared.”

“Falling behind is not scary. What’s scary is losing fighting spirit. As players for the Detroit Pistons, I will not allow you to show negative emotions.”

“Championships are never easy. Fight like men!”

Larry Brown had been refining the corresponding defensive methods for the zone Defense for a long time since taking over the team.

He firmly believed that such a Defense would work.

Larry Brown, wearing a white shirt, adjusted his glasses and tugged at his tie, finally looking at Chauncey Billups and saying:

“Slow the game down. Don’t make any more unforced errors. Victory belongs to us!”

The Head Coach had placed a heavy responsibility on him, and Chauncey Billups nodded vigorously, indicating that he understood.

Soon, everyone gathered in a circle and roared to boost their morale.

Ben Wallace, as the team leader, walked with everyone toward the player tunnel.

As the noise entered his ears, Ben Wallace began to secretly pray, hoping that the Knicks players would clank their shots off the rim during the game.

After the game started at 8 PM, in Madison Square Garden, most New York fans were no longer mocking the opponent.

They were not interested in the Detroit Pistons’ “small characters.”

With no star players and bickering with role players, New York fans only felt bored.

Therefore, after Pau Gasol successfully won the tip-off, the atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden was actually better than in the previous game.

“Let’s go Knicks!”

Amidst the cheers, the Detroit Pistons still chose a zone Defense in the first possession.

On the ESPN commentary desk, Bill Walton saw the players’ positioning and immediately commented tactfully:

“This defensive system shouldn’t have much impact on the Knicks!”

“I don’t favor their persistence. The Knicks won’t fall into their defensive trap.”

Nessler saw Lee quickly direct his teammates to their positions after dribbling past half-court and added:

“Clay Lee doesn’t rely entirely on talent to play. As the on-court brain, he can always easily dismantle the opponent’s defensive line.”

Pau Gasol, having received the instruction, had already run to the right corner.

Lee quickly passed the ball sideways to Ron Artest on the right wing, who didn’t stop the ball and quickly passed it to Pau Gasol in the corner.

After completing the pass, Ron Artest left for an off-ball cut, driving straight to the basket.

Noticing that Ben Wallace was still in his defensive position and no opportunity had appeared, Ron Artest, who was under the basket, immediately accelerated and ran towards the left corner.

Lee was far from the three-point line at this time, and as Ron Artest continued to move, he received a return pass from Pau Gasol.

Sending the ball back to Grant Hill on the perimeter, Lee’s passing speed was extremely fast, and Grant Hill didn’t stop the ball either, also staying far from the three-point line, passing the ball to the left corner immediately after receiving it.

The Detroit Pistons’ perimeter Defense moved with them, but Williams, in order to defend Grant Hill’s breakthrough, maintained his defensive position and did not move towards the left corner with the ball.

Rasheed Wallace saw Ron Artest receive the ball and wanted to rush to defend, but was faked out by the pass and couldn’t help but stop.

After faking a pass to the perimeter, Ron Artest adjusted slightly and quickly jumped for a shot from the left corner!

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

After hitting a three-pointer at the start, Ron Artest, who had more finishing tasks tonight, cheered excitedly, and his family and friends in the stands waved their handkerchiefs wildly, cheering him on.

“Defense!”

The defensive cheers rang out in the Madison Square Garden, and Lee continued to lead the Defense, pressing and delaying the opponent’s advance speed.

Head Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines saw Chauncey Billups cautiously controlling the ball, dribbling it past half-court with eight seconds remaining, and couldn’t help but recall his former “beloved player—Allen Iverson.”

Compared to Allen Iverson, who liked to get hot-blooded in games, Chauncey Billups was more stable and better at executing tactics, but when he met Clay Lee, he was just like Allen Iverson.

The New York Knicks still continued their man-to-man Defense, and Hamilton again quickly slipped along the baseline from right to left, but failed to receive a pass after reaching the left restricted area.

Similar to the Detroit Pistons’ defensive strategy, the New York Knicks also liked to pressure the opponent’s perimeter.

Williams was tangled by Grant Hill, preventing him from easily receiving the ball on the left wing.

Unable to find an offensive opportunity, Hamilton moved horizontally again, then immediately ran to the right wing to create space.

As Chauncey Billups moved to the left wing, Williams also cut without the ball, quickly running to the right corner.

Rasheed Wallace continued to demand the ball in the left low post, and Kurt Thomas’s continuous half-front Defense also prevented the opponent from easily receiving the ball.

Chauncey Billups, protecting the ball with his body, did not pass rashly, and to be safe, he called Ben Wallace to the perimeter for a screen.

Following the same defensive strategy as the previous game, facing Pau Gasol’s sudden high hedge, the well-prepared Chauncey Billups immediately sent a bounce pass to Ben Wallace in the paint.

Kurt Thomas seemed to be defending two players, but as Grant Hill, who was near the right baseline, returned to the basket, Ben Wallace didn’t foolishly charge into the encirclement of the two.

Seemingly confident in his shooting touch, Ben Wallace in the paint gathered the ball, tossed it high with his right hand, and then missed badly.

While Kurt Thomas was desperately boxing out and Rasheed Wallace was entangled, Grant Hill, who had collapsed to the basket, easily secured the defensive rebound and unhurriedly dribbled the ball past half-court.

Arriving at the left wing, observing that the opponent was still in a zone Defense, with three players stacked on the perimeter, Grant Hill passed the ball horizontally to Clay Lee at the top of the arc, then accelerated with an off-ball cut, quickly running to the right corner.

After receiving the ball, Lee moved horizontally, approaching the left wing, and immediately passed the ball to Kurt Thomas in the left restricted area.

The latter received the ball within shooting range, forcing Rasheed Wallace to move and close out to contest.

Unable to get an immediate jump shot opportunity, Kurt Thomas immediately passed the ball back.

After receiving the ball on the left wing, Lee immediately put the ball down with his left hand and quickly pushed the ball to change direction, as Hamilton and Chauncey Billups at the top of the arc “closed the door” to double-team Lee.

Before the double-team could take effect, Lee, feigning a drive, immediately passed the ball back to Ron Artest near the top of the arc.

Williams on the other side was in a one-on-two situation, and noticing Ron Artest faking a pass to the right corner, Williams couldn’t help but follow him towards the corner.

Taking this opportunity, Pau Gasol, near the right baseline, suddenly moved up, quickly coming near the free-throw line, and Ben Wallace hurriedly reminded his teammates to come and interfere.

Ron Artest made the pass immediately, and Williams, who was nearby, immediately came over to help defend.

Pau Gasol didn’t pay attention to the opponent’s defensive movements, but instead looked to the other side, then quickly tossed the ball towards the position near the left sideline.

Lee had already moved horizontally, and Kurt Thomas’s off-ball screen delayed Hamilton, and by the time Rasheed Wallace realized something was wrong, it was already too late.

After receiving the ball, Lee made no adjustments and shot immediately from beyond the three-point line!

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

“Wow!”

Just continuous quick passing created easy scoring opportunities, and the New York fans naturally enjoyed watching it, and the defensive cheers grew louder.

When receiving the ball on the baseline, Chauncey Billups involuntarily looked at his Head Coach.

The opponent was breaking the zone Defense too easily, which made him a little suspicious of the game strategy formulated by the coaching staff.

Head Coach Larry Brown, with his arms crossed, noticed the players’ gazes and immediately spread his hands, making a downward motion, signaling everyone to stay calm.

When the Detroit Pistons attacked, it was still initiated by Hamilton, only this time it was from a different direction.

Ben Wallace’s solid screen near the right baseline successfully delayed Ron Artest.

Shaking off the chase, Hamilton received the ball at the right elbow.

Lee’s interference led to a low-quality pass from Chauncey Billups, and after receiving the ball, Hamilton was forced to adjust, making his jump shot a beat too slow, and Ron Artest, who jumped up to block, successfully interfered.

“Bang!”

The rebound bounced out, Pau Gasol successfully secured the defensive rebound, and as Lee stepped forward to receive the ball, all the Detroit Pistons players quickly retreated on Defense.

Still insisting on zone Defense, Head Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines immediately shouted a reminder when he noticed Grant Hill cutting directly from the left wing to the basket, quickly running to the right corner.

The Detroit Pistons maintained their defensive positions and simply let Grant Hill go.

After Lee completed the horizontal pass, he also loudly reminded Ron Artest.

The latter didn’t hesitate, following instructions to throw the ball directly to the right corner, and at the same time, to prevent Ben Wallace from closing out, Pau Gasol, near the right baseline, also set an off-ball screen.

After receiving the ball, with no one coming to contest, Grant Hill also didn’t hesitate, and after a full adjustment, he finally took the jump shot!

“Swish!” Another three-pointer went in.

0:9, Madison Square Garden instantly erupted, and Grant Hill celebrated with a smiling fist pump.

Lee clapped his hands in encouragement.

As long as the opponent continued to play zone Defense, then in this game, the New York Knicks would shoot them down from both corners.

The cheers were particularly grating, and less than three minutes into the game, the Detroit Pistons were already close to a double-digit deficit.

Head Coach Larry Brown looked serious, continuing to make a downward gesture.

Old-school coaches never change their game strategies, and Chauncey Billups, receiving the ball on the baseline, was starting to crack, his brows furrowed as he received the ball.

“Bro! Your basketball philosophy is too outdated, you can’t win a championship with Defense alone!”

Lee stepped forward to interfere while chuckling a reminder to Chauncey Billups, who dribbled the ball past half-court, his heart also wavering.

He passed the ball to Rasheed Wallace, trying to score through a low-post offense, but Williams was directly stolen by Grant Hill after receiving the pass on the right wing.

In desperation, he could only reach out and foul, Williams raised his hand to signal, and was met with a chorus of boos from the New York fans.

Chauncey Billups looked at his Head Coach, no timeout, no instructions, and couldn’t help but curse under his breath as he prepared to retreat on Defense.

Lee noticed Chauncey Billups’s expression, and as he inbounded the ball, he chuckled lowly and reminded him again:

“Head Coach Larry Brown’s basketball philosophy is outdated, Bro, a good point guard needs to control the game himself!”

“…”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep