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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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***

The opening games of the NBA in recent years have attracted more attention.

On the one hand, it is due to the reduction in nationally televised games, and on the other hand, it is because everyone wants to see the state of the New York Knicks.

For Eastern Conference teams, the polarization is becoming more severe, and accumulating talent at the appropriate time is a reasonable choice.

One game can reveal a lot.

Pau Gasol, who went through the Olympics, was still a bit fatigued, and his offense and Defense had not recovered to their best state.

Under the new rules, the intensity of perimeter Defense has decreased, which might be due to referees interfering too much with the officiating standards.

Faster game pace, more individual offense, and a large number of three-pointers made commentators uncomfortable.

This was a game close to the late 80s, where the Detroit Pistons, who emphasized Defense, completely lost their rhythm, and their offense amplified the players’ weaknesses.

After securing the victory in the first quarter, the Detroit Pistons couldn’t climb back, a situation identical to last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Unable to hit timely response shots, Larry Brown still couldn’t solve this problem.

The game lost its suspense by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, because it was the opening game, neither side brought in their atmosphere squad early, which caused the score difference to widen.

At the TNT commentary desk, Doug Collins no longer hyped the impact of the new rules on the New York Knicks’ Defense as he did at the beginning, but instead began discussing whether perimeter scorers would experience a breakout:

“From an entertainment perspective, fans will like this rule.”

“Perimeter players can complete breakthroughs more easily, and they can also play one-on-one with the ball outside the three-point line like Clay Lee.”

“Many players might see a statistical explosion this new season, and I’m really looking forward to it!”

Kevin Harlan watched the Detroit Pistons execute their offense methodically.

Rasheed Wallace made a turnaround jump shot from the left low post.

After praising the play, he added:

“For defensive teams, this might not be a good thing!”

“When they encounter a scorer like Clay Lee, they need to spend more energy on Defense, and they also need to respond promptly on offense.”

“Clearly, the Detroit Pistons were not prepared. Their Defense also had some issues tonight, but I can understand Ben Wallace, and I hope his family can get through this difficult time.”

Ben Wallace, who was still on the court, looked listless at this moment.

With such a large deficit, it was difficult to get energized, and his enthusiasm had significantly declined.

Derek Fisher, who came off the bench, once again experienced the joy of playing alongside Lee.

Under the Los Angeles Lakers’ Triangle Offense system, in many possessions, the point guard’s most frequent tactic was to cross half-court, pass the ball, and then wait for an opportunity in the corner.

The New York Knicks were completely different; core guards usually got good stats, and within limited playing time, the ball was usually in the guard’s hands.

The guard decided whether to initiate a pick-and-roll or to play one-on-one with the ball. The tactics were not complicated.

If they failed, the star would take the blame.

Derek Fisher, who had played a few preseason games, was still adapting.

His pick-and-roll jump shots were mediocre after coming on, but assists were easy to come by.

After crossing half-court and signaling the play, Derek Fisher stayed outside the arc, not even close to the three-point line, waiting for Lee to accelerate and cut horizontally.

The tactic didn’t change much; it was still a “V-cut” alignment.

Tayshaun Prince from the left corner slipped along the baseline, and Amar’e Stoudemire from the right elbow moved sideways, setting a simple off-ball screen for Lee.

The screen quality wasn’t high, but as Lee accelerated horizontally, Hamilton could only chase him relentlessly from behind.

At the left elbow, Kurt Thomas saw Lee raise an eyebrow at him and didn’t foolishly insist on setting a hard screen.

He symbolically stood still, which instead disrupted Hamilton’s chase-down rhythm.

Unlike previous tactics, Lee did not accelerate outward but instead suddenly accelerated towards the basket after rounding two screens on the high side.

To the lower left of the basket, before even approaching the paint, Lee soared into the air.

Man and ball arrived simultaneously!

Derek Fisher passed the ball a bit high.

Clay Lee caught the ball with both hands in the air, absorbed the force, briefly suspended, and then slammed the ball into the basket!

“Wow!”

The spectacular alley-oop once again drew cheers from the New York fans.

With a flick of his wrist, an assist was in hand.

Derek Fisher, acting as the core guard, happily high-fived Lee in celebration.

The same tactic yields different results when used by different players.

“Lee Cut” has been used by many teams in recent years.

Doug Collins recalled Allen Iverson running this play for the 76ers and instinctively commented:

“Compared to Allen Iverson, Clay Lee, with better speed, strength, and shooting, is clearly more suited for this play.”

“In his Rookie season, Clay Lee’s physical confrontation was slightly weaker, but the New York Knicks’ screen quality was very high back then. Ewing, as the final screener, could create many variations from a single tactic.”

“But Lee’s shooting ability is key. In his Rookie season, a 40.8% three-point shooting percentage is a stat many players can’t achieve in their entire careers.”

Mid-sentence, realizing he might have offended someone, Doug Collins chuckled and stopped commenting.

Hamilton was a bit uncomfortable.

Although his stamina was excellent, chasing Lee was not a pleasant experience.

On offense, he wanted to get back into it, but a frustrated Chauncey Billups ignored his teammates’ requests for the ball.

Immediately after crossing half-court, he played one-on-one against Derek Fisher from beyond the three-point line, hitting a step-back jump shot.

This was clearly not the Detroit Pistons’ offensive rhythm.

Kevin Harlan watched as both teams started trading blows again and once more praised:

“Continuous offense, a fluid game—perhaps this is why everyone loves watching the New York Knicks play.”

“This really is a fantastic opening game!”

Larry Brown sat on the bench, watching Lee hit a drifting jump shot from the right wing outside the three-point line after using two high screens, and instinctively shook his head.

The enthusiastic atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden did not infect the Detroit Pistons.

The atmosphere squad saw their Head Coach either shaking his head or staring blankly with his arms crossed, and they stopped communicating with each other.

With 2 minutes and 32 seconds left in the game, the Detroit Pistons called a timeout.

Ben Wallace returned to his seat, covered his face with his hands, and after a long sigh, felt even more depressed.

With his family hospitalized, a big loss, and the first game of the new season, Ben Wallace found it hard to get into it.

5-of-12 shooting, 3-of-6 from the free-throw line, 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers—Ben Wallace, who recorded a double-double, was very dissatisfied with his performance.

“It’s my fault, I should have played better!”

As an undersized big man, Ben Wallace was usually full of energy on the court, but tonight, even loud shouts were rarely heard.

Rasheed Wallace, leaning back in his seat, didn’t want to talk.

Seeing his partner cover his face, he could only quietly console him:

“It’s not just one person’s fault. We’re just running around after the opponent!”

9-of-19 shooting, 2-of-7 from beyond the three-point line, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line, 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.

Against the New York Knicks’ rotation, Rasheed Wallace played well, capitalizing on almost all his opportunities for strong inside attacks.

Chauncey Billups was pulled aside by Larry Brown for a quiet word.

This loss started with the core guard playing erratically.

6-of-14 shooting, 2-of-6 from beyond the three-point line, 5-of-6 from the free-throw line, 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers.

Larry Brown was very dissatisfied with Chauncey Billups’ performance:

“You need to control the game’s rhythm at all times. Even if we’re down by double digits, we still have a chance.”

“The opponent is using rhythm to make you anxious, but the game is four quarters long. You need to stay calm throughout the game.”

After giving Chauncey Billups a series of instructions, Larry Brown spoke easily, but he too was startled by the New York Knicks’ shooting.

This tactic, which was outside the game plan, was the main reason for tonight’s loss.

The director also focused the camera on the Detroit Pistons’ starting five.

Compared to the cheerful scene on the other side, everyone, including the coaching staff, waited expressionlessly for the game to end.

In the final moments for the New York Knicks, Barnes and Anderson Varejão also came on to get some action.

After being part of the atmosphere squad for a few years, Barnes also entered the rotation due to injuries on the team.

Antonio McDyess, the center the Detroit Pistons signed this year with a mid-level exception, did not get much playing time.

Antonio McDyess was still playing hard in the final moments, but this signing still puzzled the two commentators.

It was garbage time, and Darko Miličić, who was on the bench, still didn’t get a chance to play.

He didn’t make his season debut until the game ended.

With a 92-118 victory, the Knicks started the new season with a win.

Although they only played for just over 2 minutes, Anderson Varejão and Barnes, who came on, both scored.

Miličić stood up, ready to shake hands, and felt a bit down seeing all the Knicks players celebrating the victory with smiles.

“Old man! If you’re not feeling well, just resign!”

Larry Brown didn’t care about the Rookie’s gaze behind him.

He went to the scorer’s table and hugged Mike D’Antoni.

“You’ve brought a new basketball philosophy to the NBA! You guys were the better team tonight.”

“We were just luckier, with a lot of three-pointers. Sometimes we lose points quickly, but luckily Lee was in good form tonight.”

Mike D’Antoni smiled as he joked about the Knicks’ random shooting tactics.

After some mutual compliments, Larry Brown’s smile gradually faded as he walked towards the players’ tunnel.

If he had a player like Clay Lee for the Olympics, how could he have shamefully won a bronze medal!

The 19,000 fans didn’t leave early after the game.

Everyone was still enjoying the joy of victory.

Many fans pointed their cameras at the Madison Square Garden ceiling, taking pictures of the eight championship banners.

Craig Sager, after greeting the players on the sidelines, squeezed next to Lee, smiling and exclaiming:

“What a crazy game, Lee! You guys took 32 shots from beyond the arc tonight.

Does this mean this will be the Knicks’ regular style of play?”

Lee nodded, openly discussing the team’s plans for the new season.

“Transition offense and finishing at the rim have always been our pursuit, and increasing three-point shooting is also the right choice.”

“As defending champions, we should remain confident.

If there’s an open shot, we should decisively take it.”

“Perhaps in some games we won’t be able to play efficient offense, but over a large sample of games, it will ultimately prove.our tactics are sound.”

The Knicks’ 14-of-32 shooting from beyond the arc, a three-point percentage over 40%, broke their opponent.

Craig Sager didn’t dislike this kind of game.

On the contrary, he also appreciated the free-flowing offense.

“Lee, we believe in you and are very much looking forward to the Knicks’ changes this season!”

“…”

Amar’e Stoudemire played 30 minutes tonight.

Mike D’Antoni took good care of him, which was also specially permitted by the team management.

He scored 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.

With Pau Gasol only scoring 12 points, Amar’e Stoudemire became the team’s second-leading scorer.

After returning to the locker room, the New York Media surrounded Amar’e Stoudemire, showering him with praise.

“I’ve fully adapted to the NBA. My knees are in great shape, and scoring in double digits is very easy for me!”

“I think I can take on more tasks this season!”

Amar’e Stoudemire confidently boasted.

If he was given a little more time, he was confident he could achieve 20+10 double-double stats.

Kurt Thomas was not in a good mood.

He only scored 8 points, but at least he grabbed 12 rebounds.

The coaching staff was still experimenting with lineups, but the competition between the two was unlikely to stop.

Lee was going to attend the press conference.

In the lively locker room, Derek Fisher proactively high-fived everyone in celebration and even joked with the Rookie with a smile:

“Anderson, keep up this performance, and Dikembe Mutombo’s playing time will definitely be all yours!”

Dikembe Mutombo didn’t play tonight due to the flu.

The veteran was happily admiring the ring in his hand at his seat, and upon hearing the teasing, he immediately showed off to Derek Fisher:

“I bet your ring isn’t as pretty as this one! Look at this huge diamond!”

Derek Fisher could only shrug his shoulders.

The Lakers’ championship ring from back then was standard, with the team logo on the face.

Thinking of Lee’s performance, Derek Fisher felt he could also win a championship in New York.

On November 3rd, basketball commentators began discussing last night’s opening games.

All three home teams won, but the Lakers’ performance didn’t meet everyone’s expectations.

With an 88-108 victory, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets, and the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady duo failed to show dominance.

Dirk Nowitzki had a double-double of 33 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 3 turnovers, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.

Tracy McGrady, who Chinese fans had high hopes for, played 35 minutes, scoring 18 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field, 2-of-5 from three-point range, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Yao Ming played 32 minutes, tallying 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, and 3 turnovers on 4-of-12 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Tracy McGrady continued his preseason form.

The “second man” still seemed unable to find his game rhythm.

After a big loss, Coach Mike Brown didn’t say much.

His tactics were also very simple: just give the ball to the star.

Instead, Tracy McGrady also made excuses for himself:

“It’s hard for me to get into game rhythm with this tempo. I hope the team plays faster. We need more transition offense.”

To accommodate the big men, the Houston Rockets’ game pace naturally wouldn’t be as fast as the Knicks’.

They took 76 shots in the entire game, while the Dallas Mavericks took 82 shots.

Such complaints were also recognized by some commentators.

The Houston Rockets’ tactics indeed had problems.

In another high-profile game, the home team Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 78-89.

At halftime, the Lakers led 31-50, by 19 points.

Although the Denver Nuggets launched a counterattack in the second half, the deficit was too large, and they ultimately had to lose.

The interior combination of Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby failed to gain an advantage.

Instead, Chris Mihm of the Lakers efficiently scored a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds on 8-of-16 shooting.

Kobe Bryant played 42 minutes, scoring 25 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, and 4 turnovers on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range, and 14-of-15 from the free-throw line.

ESPN naturally mocked Kobe’s performance:

“Without Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant will find it difficult to maintain his previous offensive efficiency!”

In the first half, Kobe focused more on involving his teammates.

Tomjanovich, as the new Head Coach, naturally had to stand up for his players.

Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, Tomjanovich praised Kobe’s performance during an afternoon interview:

“Kobe is the true leader of this team. Everyone on the team understands his contribution to the game.”

“Stats aren’t important. What’s important is that we won the game!”

The Lakers had a back-to-back game, and Kobe was too lazy to accept interviews.

After intense training during the offseason, he firmly believed he could lead the team back to the Finals.

This year, the NBA announced the Christmas War early:

Heat vs. Lakers, Cavaliers vs. Knicks.

Kobe Bryant didn’t want to lose to Shaquille O’Neal in the Christmas War.

He had to adjust his game form within two months and then strike hard in the Christmas War!

The Knicks also had a back-to-back game.

After flying to Indianapolis, the sports media were still hyping them up.

He played 38 minutes, scoring 43 points, 6 rebounds, 15 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers, shooting 14-of-24 from the field, 8-of-14 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.

The 40+ double-double in the opening game made many commentators exclaim:

“Knicks are champions!”

Recently, Ron Artest released his new album, and Sprewell, to show his close relationship with the Knicks, sent well wishes before the game:

“I like Ron Artest’s music. His new album will definitely be a big hit.”

“As a former championship guard, I believe the Knicks will still make it to the Finals this season. Lee is in excellent form, and the new rules have completely unleashed his offense!”

Still unable to reach an agreement with the team, Sprewell’s recent antics have become more and more frequent, gradually affecting the locker room.

Although Kevin Garnett was the team leader, he couldn’t say much to teammates who wanted big contracts.

After all, he himself was a beneficiary of a big contract.

Therefore, when facing interviews with sports reporters, Kevin Garnett could only say some diplomatic words:

“We are a united team, and I am not worried about Sprewell. His professionalism is beyond doubt.”

“The team is plagued by the flu. Now I hope Sam can recover to his best form as soon as possible.”

At 8 PM that night, at Target Center, Timberwolves fans eagerly awaited the season opener.

In the first half, both teams went on the offensive, and Kevin Garnett showed his excellent game form.

10 of 13 in the half, scoring 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists!

Both sides had few free throws, and the game flowed exceptionally smoothly.

Kevin Garnett, walking towards the player tunnel, pounded his chest and roared amidst the fans’ cheers, expressing his excitement.

Sprewell, whose playing time was limited, was naturally unhappy.

The management was clearly sending him a message!

58:58, the first half ended in a tie.

After the second half began, the Timberwolves attacked first.

After Olokandi inbounded the ball from the baseline, Sam Cassell wasn’t face-guarded and quickly dribbled past half-court, signaling a play.

On the left wing, the hot-handed Kevin Garnett immediately stepped up to set a screen.

After a fake screen, Kevin Garnett immediately rolled away.

Sam Cassell, with the ball in his left hand, didn’t wait for Clay Lee to catch up on Defense and immediately sent a bounce pass.

Kevin Garnett received the ball at the free-throw line, ignored Kurt Thomas’s raised hand interference, took a quick probing step with his right foot, and immediately pulled up for a jump shot.

“Swish!” The mid-range shot went in steadily.

“Wow!”

The star player continued his hot shooting touch, and the Timberwolves fans present cheered loudly.

Kevin Garnett, pounding his chest as he retreated on Defense, roared again, his passionate performance keeping the cheers going.

Sam Cassell loudly reminded his teammates that the game was going too smoothly, a situation that made him inexplicably nervous.

“Defense!.”

Amidst the cheers for Defense, Lee, who quickly dribbled past half-court, didn’t face much interference.

Pau Gasol moved up to the three-point line.

Lee, with the ball in his right hand, first slowed down and straightened his body, then dribbled between his legs, naturally swaying to the left-front.

Sam Cassell seemed prepared, attempting to squeeze through the screen immediately, but Lee suddenly dribbled behind his back, his large movement instantly shaking off the Defense.

As the ball switched to his right hand, Lee, now at the top of the arc, took a natural step back horizontally.

Ogwo Kandi was still shuffling backward, attempting to defend Pau Gasol cutting to the basket.

Only when Lee shot from beyond the arc did the big man symbolically raise his hand to contest.

“Swish!” The three-pointer swished through the net!

Sam Cassell, whose body hadn’t recovered to its best state, could only remind his teammates to switch and delay on Defense, while the Timberwolves fans present booed again.

The Timberwolves offense continued with the same tactic.

After the first pick-and-roll at the top of the arc didn’t create an opportunity, Kevin Garnett immediately shuffled horizontally and handed the ball to Sprewell, who was receiving on the right wing.

The latter received the ball, faked a drive with his left hand, and immediately, after making body contact with Ron Artest, passed the ball to Kevin Garnett, who had moved to the left block.

With a quick probing step with his left foot, Kevin Garnett, faking a shot with the ball raised, saw Kurt Thomas slide backward and decisively pulled up for a jump shot!

“Clang!”

A rare missed shot.

Pau Gasol easily secured the rebound under the basket and immediately found Lee, with both teams starting to sprint down the court.

Amidst the Timberwolves fans’ exclamations, Clay Lee first wrapped the ball behind his back to evade Sam Cassell’s steal attempt, then accelerated straight down the middle, rushing past the three-point line in the blink of an eye.

Before Sam Cassell could interfere from behind, Lee wrapped the ball behind his back while moving, and after three big strides, he switched the ball to his right hand in mid-air, faking a layup with a single hand.

Kevin Garnett, retreating with long strides to the basket, leaped high but found the basketball flying directly to the left corner.

Most of the retreating Timberwolves players were concentrated in the paint.

When Raja Bell received the ball in the left corner, Szczerbiak finally rushed to defend.

The shot, without much adjustment, ultimately sailed over Szczerbiak’s fingertips and accurately dropped into the basket!

64:60, two consecutive three-pointers, widening the lead again.

Head Coach Saunders on the sideline had to loudly remind his players to retreat on Defense and match up in time.

The game tempo was incredibly fast.

After a quick baseline inbound, Sam Cassell crossed half-court and again ran a pick-and-roll with Kevin Garnett on the right wing.

Following the same offensive pattern, Kevin Garnett quickly rolled away.

When he reached near the free-throw line, Sam Cassell chose not to pass but drove straight to the basket with the ball in his right hand.

Kurt Thomas didn’t delay, allowing Sam Cassell’s drive to be unobstructed.

Amidst the fans’ cheers, Sam Cassell, after three big strides, quickly laid the ball up from the lower right side of the basket.

As soon as the ball left his hand, Sam Cassell felt a strong force from behind in mid-air, followed by a “thwack,” and the ball flew into the paint.

“Oh!”

Lee, who had adjusted his footwork early behind him, completed a left-handed block.

Upon landing, he immediately secured possession.

Facing the delaying Kevin Garnett, he flicked his left wrist, and the ball flew directly between his opponent’s legs.

Feeling a chill between his legs, Kevin Garnett instinctively tightened his legs.

By the time he reacted, Lee had already squeezed past his side, completely shaking off the Defense.

The beautiful nutmeg also instinctively drew cheers from many fans present.

Lee, with the ball in his right hand, was now rushing faster and faster.

As Sprewell converged towards the middle, the ball flew directly into the paint.

A precise bounce pass found Ron Artest, who was cutting undefended.

The latter received the ball, grabbed it with his left hand, and glided in for a powerful dunk!

66:60, Head Coach Saunders on the sideline again loudly reminded his players and signaled Sam Cassell to stabilize the game tempo.

No sooner had the Head Coach reminded them than, in the next possession, Sprewell, attempting a quick drive on the left wing, was stolen face-to-face by Ron Artest.

As the basketball flew past mid-court, Lee, a tiger on the fast break, instantly accelerated, leaving Sam Cassell behind.

In a 1-on-0 fast break, Lee, rushing into the paint, jumped with both feet, rotated 180 degrees in mid-air, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and effortlessly pressed it into the basket!

“Boo!”

The boos were not only for Lee but also from some fans expressing dissatisfaction with Sprewell.

Such a crucial moment of ‘undercover’ play greatly hurt the team’s morale.

68:60, seeing the score difference reach double digits, Head Coach Saunders immediately called a timeout.

Coach D’Antoni smiled as he patted everyone’s shoulders, noting that going back and forth also required star power.

The Knicks had a huge advantage in responding to scores, which was why their opponents kept falling behind.

“Their shooting percentage is dropping. All you need to do is attack, pick-and-roll, run, and when you get an opportunity, put the ball in the basket!”

Mike D’Antoni, sitting in front of everyone, didn’t even mention Defense.

So he drew two plays on the whiteboard, reminded the players to pay attention to offensive spacing, and then gave a pep talk.

On the Timberwolves bench, Head Coach Saunders was a bit hesitant.

Kevin Garnett’s performance in the first half was too outstanding.

He was conflicted inside but showed no emotion on his face:

“Finish your attacks closer to the basket, Kevin, you know what to do. Don’t forget this is our home court!”

Kevin Garnett nodded confidently.

Sam Cassell also reminded his teammates to attack the basket before going on court.

In the first possession after the timeout, it was another simple pick-and-roll.

In the left block, Kevin Garnett received the ball, saw Kurt Thomas shuffle backward, and decisively shot an air ball.

Watching Pau Gasol grab the rebound and throw a long pass, Lee received the ball and rushed past mid-court.

Head Coach Saunders on the sideline couldn’t help but rub his forehead.

As he shook off the Defense and rushed past the free-throw line, Sam Cassell no longer pulled on him, watching Clay Lee grab the ball with his left hand and glide in for a powerful dunk!

70:60, the score difference reached double digits.

“You should slow down, or the game will soon lose its suspense!”

Lee, after completing the dunk, kindly reminded his old opponent under the basket.

The baseline referee almost burst out laughing noticing Sam Cassell’s dark expression.

Seeing Lee’s relaxed demeanor, Sam Cassell, somewhat annoyed, retorted:

“Don’t treat me like a Rookie! I was winning championships when you were still a college bench warmer!”

“.”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep