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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 7, 2005, as the Game 7 between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks concluded, Houston fans were devastated!

79:115, the Dallas Mavericks made a comeback, sending the Houston Rockets home.

The Houston Rockets struggled in the first quarter, 20:32, and were already down by 15 points at halftime.

Tracy McGrady displayed extreme aggressiveness after the opening, continuously missing shots, going 3-for-9 for 7 points, helping the Dallas Mavericks secure the win.

Tracy McGrady scored a team-high 19 points on 7-for-19 shooting in the first half, but it couldn’t change the game’s momentum.

Yao Ming performed well in the first half, scoring 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting.

However, as time went on, affected by fatigue, the Houston Rockets completely collapsed after the third quarter, 20:33.

Although Yao Ming continued to work hard in the fourth quarter, scoring 9 points on 2-for-8 shooting in that quarter couldn’t change the game.

With a 12:24 score in the quarter, Dallas fans were ecstatic.

They secured a resounding victory in Game 7.

Tracy McGrady once again disappointed fans’ expectations.

Whenever this “so-called second best player” boasted, he would inevitably be proven wrong.

He shot 10-for-26, 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 4 turnovers.

Although his performance in this game was unremarkable, Tracy McGrady played exceptionally well throughout the series.

However, after a loss, the team’s leader has to take the blame.

Tracy McGrady couldn’t live up to his bold statements, and instead, Mike Brown was heavily fined for his inappropriate post-game comments.

“I believe Yao was treated unfairly in the series. The referees kept targeting our screens, and they were more lenient with the Dallas Mavericks’ fouls.”

“The series should have ended much earlier. In the end, the referees manipulated the game!”

Because Mike Brown used the word “prejudice,” which involved racial discrimination, in addition to his accusations against the referees, he was ultimately fined $100,000.

Although Mike Brown quickly apologized for his inappropriate remarks upon returning to Houston, the Referees Union continued to pursue the matter, believing the Houston Rockets should fire this Head coach.

Since Mark Cuban complained to the media about draft pick manipulation and criticized the officiating in individual games, the NBA has strengthened its supervision during the playoffs.

The NBA has arranged observers in the stands of every city to monitor phone calls and has rehired former referees to supervise games.

Furthermore, after each game, the head of the relevant staff will accompany these supervisors back to the hotel to re-watch the game, recording any oversights and missed calls during the process.

After completing the recording, a comprehensive report is compiled and delivered to NBA Deputy Commissioner Stu Jackson and Head of Officiating Ronnie Nunn’s desks before 9 AM the next day.

The report not only includes the referees’ actions but also records players’ habits, trash talk, elbowing, flagrant fouls, and personal grudges, all accurately documented.

This set of procedures, developed over many years, ensures the relative fairness of games.

Some teams do receive preferential treatment, such as high-profile teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.

People enjoy watching star matchups, and to boost ratings, balanced calls always occur.

The Houston Rockets seemingly did not receive special privileges, which is related to the leader’s personality.

In the NBA, big stars need to maintain their image.

Without swagger, referees sometimes show favoritism.

The Dallas Mavericks wouldn’t offer “praise awards” like Clay Lee after the game, and Tracy McGrady’s missed shots in crucial games didn’t have the same excuses as Carter’s.

TNT gleefully ridiculed the Houston Rockets for their lack of star power, being overturned after a 2-0 lead.

ESPN analyzed Excel, suggesting Yao Ming had rebounding issues and Tracy McGrady’s stats were good but he lacked leadership qualities.

Although the explanation was somewhat mystical, it gained acceptance from the onlookers.

On May 8th, all first-round games concluded, and the semifinals officially began tonight.

With a 4:1 series lead, the Heat gentleman-swept the Pacers.

Reggie Miller played his heart out in every game, but their perimeter Defense couldn’t contain Dwyane Wade’s drives, and a hobbled Jermaine O’Neal went cold against Shaq.

Old Miller has not yet announced his retirement for next season, but after ending this year’s series in this manner, he could only regretfully say:

“I’m sorry that even at the end of my career, I couldn’t bring a championship to this city.”

In previous years, when the Pacers were still competitive, they would always face the New York Knicks.

At that time, Reggie Miller could still put up a fight, but later, they completely struggled.

This Sunday morning press conference was Reggie Miller’s farewell, but after everyone exchanged pleasantries, a Yahoo Sports reporter asked a question:

“Reggie, Clay has once again won the MVP this year, and the New York Knicks have a chance to achieve their second consecutive championship.”

The question was only half-spoken when Reggie Miller, expressionless, retorted sharply:

“I won’t vote for him, and the reason is simple: I don’t like the New York Knicks, and I hate playing in New York!”

During this year’s regular season, when the Pacers played the New York Knicks on the road, some fans also applauded Reggie Miller.

However, there were too many pranksters, and most fans still enjoyed the spectacle, occasionally mocking and provoking him, showing a lack of respect for Old Miller.

Facing such a situation, Reggie Miller naturally had no interest in flattering them.

Noticing the surprised expressions on everyone’s faces below the stage, Old Miller added with a serious expression:

“Clay Lee lacks passion for basketball; I haven’t seen any desire in him. The NBA should become purer. For many young people, this should be a place of dreams!”

“…”

The Pacers exited, Old Miller said his goodbyes, and the Heat were still preparing for tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

This series was destined to be tough, and Shaq was no longer giving high-profile interviews, recently focusing on preparing for the games.

Although he talked about maintaining his swagger and enjoying privileges, Shaq, after arriving in Miami, was much more well-behaved under Pat Riley’s influence.

The internal environment of the Heat was “competitive.”

Dwyane Wade was definitely a good boy.

From his rookie season, he always trained on time and had no complaints about the coaching staff.

Also a gentleman’s sweep, the Detroit Pistons easily defeated the Washington Wizards.

During their interview this afternoon, when asked about tonight’s opponent, Shaq habitually boasted:

“We’ll end the series as quickly as possible. The Detroit Pistons won’t cause us any trouble.”

“Honestly, I don’t even know who their primary scorer is? Relying solely on Defense is bound to fail.”

These words sounded a bit condescending.

Chauncey Billups, Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace were all scoring threats.

However, Shaq had no interest in comparing himself to these “ordinary players,” deliberately putting them down.

The Detroit Pistons generally lacked compelling storylines, and soon an ESPN reporter asked:

“Shaq, this season, Lee has once again won the MVP. If it were a player vote, do you think he would win this award?”

The “if” argument is a great way to ride the hype.

Shaq didn’t hesitate when he heard the question, a dismissive expression on his face, and quickly replied:

“I won’t vote for him. I’ll cast my vote for myself!”

“In my first year partnering with Dwyane Wade, we won 59 games. This is a huge improvement for the Heat. I led this team very well, and I should have won the MVP.”

“…”

After the awards were announced, sports media began to capitalize on the buzz.

Not only was Shaq questioned, but the Seattle SuperSonics, who flew to Phoenix, were also asked the same question.

After eliminating the Sacramento Kings, Ray Allen was in good spirits.

A sports reporter exaggeratedly brought up related topics, and the straightforward Boy immediately responded:

“They’re just jealous of Lee. What reason do players have not to vote for Lee?”

“Most of his stats are in the top 5 in the league, and he’s in the 180 Club with 35+5+10, which is a first in NBA history. I don’t think any player will ever break this record.”

“If I absolutely had to vote and didn’t choose Lee, maybe I’d cast my vote for Steve Nash. His arrival changed the Phoenix Suns.”

Steve Nash proved himself this season, but the Phoenix Suns’ roster still had significant flaws.

Their Defense was problematic.

After blowing out the Denver Nuggets in the first round, no one favored them in the semifinals.

However, the Phoenix Suns seemed to be pursuing Amare, and this news had been confirmed.

If a trade happened, the New York Knicks would undoubtedly demand a hefty price.

In the semifinals that night, Dwyane Wade, facing tight Defense, struggled from the field, shooting 7-for-25, with a field goal percentage under 30%, scoring 16 points.

90:81, the Detroit Pistons took Game 1, regaining control of the series.

Shaq didn’t play much due to a thigh contusion.

Rasheed Wallace shot 7-for-10 from the field, 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 turnover.

As the game ended, Rasheed walked towards the player tunnel, shouting loudly:

“We don’t need scorers!”

In the other Western Conference semifinal, 91:106, in a back-and-forth battle, the Seattle SuperSonics lost the game.

The usually low-key Steve Nash spoke for the first time in a post-game interview:

“This isn’t our ceiling. The Phoenix Suns can play even better!”

Trade rumors did not affect the New York Knicks.

Amare still had to sit obediently on the bench.

Coach D’Antoni would sometimes use a one-big, four-small lineup in the regular season, but in the playoffs, this leaky lineup simply wouldn’t appear.

On Monday, the 9th, Clay Lee had to shorten his morning workout to prepare for the morning press conference.

As the weather grew warmer, many people could be seen out for walks in Manhattan in the mornings.

Around 7 AM, Lee, with his husky Happy, returned home to 82nd Street from Central Park.

Happy wasn’t happy when the weather got hot.

Although he maintained his daily exercise, the dog would still circle around Lee reluctantly after returning home, wanting to go out and play more.

Reading the newspaper on the first floor, Lee noticed the news of Black American elected official Charles Rangel’s betrayal, knowing that the Dolan Family had used their financial power.

A few months ago, this most outstanding Black American elected official had steadfastly supported the West Side Stadium project, but in just over two months, Rangel emphasized in a letter to his constituents:

“I want you all to know that I have never specifically publicly supported the idea of the stadium.”

The more Lee learned about the relevant matters, the more abstract he found it.

These people’s integrity was lower than he imagined, and the influence of the US dollar exceeded his understanding.

Since the girls had all gone to Peninsula Manor for the weekend, only Scarlett remained in Manhattan after returning from Denmark.

The large toy yacht still needed some time to be delivered, and Scarlett had some specific requests for the interior decoration.

It was almost breakfast time when Scarlett, wearing a black translucent nightgown that exposed her fair shoulders, came downstairs.

Noticing that Lee was still reading the newspaper, she quickly approached the sofa and said proudly:

“Honey, I forgot to tell you yesterday, the tarot master said our child will be exceptionally smart!”

“The master said it’s a boy!”

She was only three months pregnant, her figure hadn’t changed much, but she had become a bit rounder.

Lee wrapped his arm around the young woman beside him, and after a soft kiss, he quietly asked:

“Have you talked to your mother about this?”

Ever since she rejected several scripts, Scarlett had some conflict with her mother, who also acted as her part-time agent.

Having not used protection for a long time, the young woman was well-prepared and said nonchalantly:

“I only told Hunter the news, the family hasn’t said anything. I’ve been independent for a long time!”

Scarlett counted on her fingers, outlining her plan: one child every three years, three children before she turned 30, and then she would consider whether to continue.

Lee didn’t object.

In a few years, the Lee Family Football Team should be established.

Although she unexpectedly entered another stage of life, Scarlett hadn’t matured, and she enthusiastically shared her recent life.

Happy, oblivious to the mood, circled around the two of them.

The silly dog wanted to go out and play, occasionally whimpering.

Glancing at the clock, Lee patted Scarlett in his arms.

The latter was still not satisfied, as they hadn’t filmed any’small movies’ recently.

She suddenly straddled him and kissed him.

Quietly holding her soft hand, Lee sensed Scarlett’s mood, pulled her nightgown back up, and comforted her with a smile:

“Take Happy to Peninsula Manor for these few months. The air there is good, so you can take good care of the little one.”

Looking at the husky whimpering beside them, Scarlett giggled.

Life seemed to have become even more interesting.

At 10 AM, the press conference room at Madison Square Garden was once again packed with media reporters.

Although Lee had delivered a historic performance, he still didn’t receive a unanimous vote.

Reporters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and Indiana were highly unlikely to vote for Clay Lee.

Even if they were left with nothing but their mouths, surrender was absolutely out of the question.

Even to appease the emotions of local fans, these reporters would oppose Clay Lee winning the award.

The New York Media hadn’t yet dug up the news that Lee was going to be a father.

Most people were still discussing the impending retirement of Reggie Miller.

Old Miller was once considered a rival of New York, but after Lee joined the team, he always returned empty-handed in the playoffs.

However, Miller, who had frequently won the “Ending Clay Lee’s Winning Streak Award” in recent years, was a hot topic in New York.

After the “no vote” remarks fermented, they caused quite a stir.

Not long ago, Bloomberg delivered an hour-long New York City budget report, and Lee even made an appearance.

New York City had a huge fiscal deficit, leading to reductions in the New York Police Department and budget cuts.

Lee donated money every year, and if there were families of victims, the foundation would also provide some assistance.

After several years of continuous reporting on these actions, Lee had basically integrated completely into the city.

Reggie Miller’s words, naturally, met with strong opposition.

Aside from a few troublemakers who fueled the fire and agreed, the vast majority of fans believed that Outdated Old Miller was not qualified to comment on Lee.

NY Sport, a local radio station, even sarcastically mocked on its program, “A player with no championships in his career actually dares to comment on the GOAT?”

“Reggie Miller might be joining TNT, Charles Barkley will definitely welcome this big mouth!”

“…”

The press conference was about to begin, and the reporters below were still gossiping and discussing how to ask questions later.

Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, had short black hair and wore a well-fitting black suit.

When he appeared on the podium, he first nodded to the Knicks team on his right, then adjusted the microphone, and said with a smile, “For the NBA, this has been a successful season!”

“Let’s welcome the winner of 6 championships, the best active player, the recipient of the 2004-05 regular season Most Valuable Player award, Clay Lee!”

The crowd below burst into applause, and the Knicks players on the other side also clapped along.

Lee, who had won multiple awards, wore a blue pinstripe suit today, paired with a light blue shirt and a blue tie.

By the end of the season, his hair had grown a bit longer, and he had casually combed it up.

Lee, upon stepping onto the stage, noticed the other person extending his arms and immediately went forward with a smile to embrace him.

“Lee, you were just a little short of becoming a unanimous MVP. Although it’s a bit of a shame, I still want to congratulate you!”

Jackson patted Lee’s shoulder.

He was very displeased with those uncooperative voters, as a unanimous MVP would attract more attention.

“Everyone has their own choice. For me, being able to lift the trophy is enough!”

Lee whispered to the Vice President for a moment.

Once the applause died down, he came to the podium.

Lee was already very familiar with the small bronze trophy in front of him.

Its greatest significance to him was to express respect:

“Thank you to the basketball critics who voted for me. At 27 years old, winning again, perhaps this might be the last time I win an award, after all, I’m already old.”

Lee said this with a smile, and the crowd below burst into laughter.

This year, a large number of sports media discussed when Lee would decline, how long his peak period would last, and whether he would win more championships.

Many fans, after watching TV programs, almost forgot Lee’s age.

He was only 27, still on the rise, and his “three axes” were getting stronger and stronger.

“To win this award this year, I want to thank my teammates. This season, like most teams, we experienced more injuries.”

“Basketball is a game of five people, and when I achieve excellent statistics, someone must have made a sacrifice.”

“Raja and Tayshaun Prince are low-key, but they are the guarantee for the team’s wins.”

“Kurt is my old partner. This is his contract year, but for Defense, he sacrificed his statistics.”

“Amare is very young, but when Pau was out, he also supported the team’s inside offense. Perhaps his jump shot will be even better next season. I know he has that potential.”

Hearing their names, several people clapped along.

Lee waited until the applause stopped again, then continued with a smile,

“Everyone knows Pau’s importance. In half-court offense, having a big man who can pass is crucial. I’m glad he has recovered his health, which allowed us to easily defeat the Nets in the first round.”

“Derek Fisher secretly told me that this was the first time he experienced the feeling of being a core point guard since entering the NBA.

“This reminded me of his experience with the Los Angeles Lakers.”

“Point guard? I know he can do more. Joining the Knicks in the offseason was the right choice!”

Old Fish, who was being teased, didn’t get angry.

He pulled Pau Gasol next to him and laughed.

“Point guard” was a long-standing joke the Knicks used to tease the Lakers.

After coming to the new team, Lee never competed with him for ball possession.

The atmosphere group also received praise.

Barnes had more playing time this year.

Although he couldn’t contribute many points, his attitude was correct.

After continuously praising them, Lee didn’t forget the seriously injured Grant Hill.

Hill, who was still in recovery, was mostly responsible for urging Ron Artest to come to the training facility:

“It’s a shame Ron knocked himself out, but fortunately, Grant has been with him. He is our locker room leader, and God has always blessed Grant!”

Hill also smiled.

This injury had taken away some of his athletic ability, but he hadn’t relaxed.

He had already resumed shooting drills.

Lee spoke very quickly, and after thanking the team’s staff and management, he didn’t forget to tease Mike D’Antoni at the end:

“Perhaps the biggest regret this season is that Coach D’Antoni couldn’t win the Coach of the Year (COY) award.”

“He is too excellent. Despite the team’s injuries, he still led everyone to over 60 wins.”

“It will be difficult for the Knicks’ record to improve much in the future. I hope he doesn’t mind losing this award.”

Mike D’Antoni smiled happily, while the assistant coaches beside him felt a pang of envy.

Winning the league’s top spot by just hanging around, Mike Malone and Ewing all had the illusion of “I could do that too.”

After thanking everyone, Lee finally grabbed the trophy with his left hand and, raising his voice slightly, said:

“I love the feeling of victory, and I love seeing these shiny trophies in my collection room!”

“Perhaps next season I will lose a trophy, but my career is still very long.

“I hope everyone doesn’t get aesthetically fatigued, because I really will keep winning.”

“Thank you, New York fans, I hope you like this award!”

The crowd below applauded again, and photojournalists eagerly pressed their shutters, capturing pictures of Clay Lee holding the trophy.

The Q&A session was naturally full of flattery, and finally, a Yahoo Sports reporter quietly asked, “Clay, if you had an MVP vote, who would you vote for?”

Lee picked up the small bronze man again, glanced at the small print on it, and then confidently replied, “Of course, I’d vote for myself!”

“The Knicks are number one in the NBA, and my stats are far ahead. I don’t believe any player came close to me this season.”

“In this year’s regular season, I was the best performing player.”

“Perhaps Reggie Miller is right, I lack a certain desire, but unfortunately, I’ve achieved four consecutive championships and won six championships.”

“Compared to victory, I now crave opponents of similar strength. Shaq is old, and Duncan lacks a killer instinct.”

“This is the reality, I will only vote for myself!”

Lee, confidently showing off, was essentially saying that no active players were good enough, and being invincible was too lonely.

Aside from the Knicks team and the New York sports media who continued to cheer, many reporters didn’t know what to say, as his words were indeed irrefutable.

The press conference was about to end when a TNT reporter seemed to think of something and quickly stood up to ask again, “Lee, how would you comment on Reggie Miller’s recent remarks?”

For a moment, Lee didn’t speak.

He put down the trophy, raised his right hand, and spread out five fingers.

At the same time, Lee raised his left hand and held up his index and middle fingers:

“Championships are the best answer!”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep