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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 Thursday, April 27, 2006, the NBA announced the 2005-06 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

Kevin Garnett, who had been fishing early, successfully won the award.

The award, named after the league’s second commissioner, recognizes players or coaches for their outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Garnett, who had been out of the spotlight since the playoffs began, made a rare appearance before the media, and while accepting the award, he also reassured Minnesota Timberwolves fans:

“I’m glad I could help change the community, and I’m fortunate to be able to provide support.”

“The Minnesota Timberwolves are my eternal home, and I will not leave here. I won an MVP with this team, and we once stood on the stage of the Conference Finals.”

“As long as the fans continue to support us, I am confident I can lead the team to a championship!”

Holding the trophy, Garnett smiled, seemingly forgetting the previous losing streak and his conflict with Coach Casey.

His bold statements brought smiles to the reporters from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

The local sports media was very supportive of their star.

Superstars are limited, and Garnett is an MVP.

The Minnesota Timberwolves would be hard-pressed to find such a core player again.

Entering the offseason early, Garnett did not relax his demands on himself, checking in for training at the Target Center every day.

Although the press conference was also held there, most reporters were unaware of Garnett’s recent schedule.

Whether he was working hard or not was irrelevant.

Everyone was more concerned with gossip:

“Kevin, if Allen Iverson is traded by the 76ers, will you recruit him?”

84:124. Last night, the 76ers lost by a large margin again, and rumors of Iverson’s trade were increasing.

This disparity was unacceptable to Philadelphia fans.

They no longer held any illusions about Iverson.

The gap in star quality was greater than imagined.

Garnett had clearly also followed last night’s game and felt some sympathy for Iverson’s breakdown after the loss:

“We shouldn’t discredit an excellent player based on one series.”

Thinking of his own struggles this year, Garnett’s smile faded as he empathized, and he continued to add with a serious expression:

“I know Allen. He is a true fighter. A small player like him has put in countless efforts to achieve what he has.”

“He is the leader of the 76ers, and I don’t want to recruit him. In my opinion, that would be disrespectful to him.”

“Winning and losing aren’t that important, and the NBA isn’t just about championships. Iverson has brought many wonderful memories to Philadelphia fans, and that’s enough.”

For the subsequent questions, Garnett mostly spoke platitudes.

Seeing that Iverson was highly likely to be abandoned by his team, Lee’s words to him suddenly surfaced in his mind:

“Don’t let loyalty betray you.”

ESPN’s ‘Pardon the Interruption’ show, airing at 5:30 PM every night, had excellent ratings.

Since 2001, each episode had been watched by over a million people.

With Lee’s help, Iverson appeared on the show repeatedly, becoming immensely popular and a hot topic among fans.

That evening, during the sports news headlines segment, news of the G2 blowout loss and Allen Iverson being put on the trade block reappeared on the show.

Previously, the three people in the studio usually argued and bickered, but this time, they surprisingly reached a consensus.

After the show began, Michael Wilbon apologized to the audience with a serious face:

“In my column for the Washington Post, I once regarded Allen Iverson as a player like Clay Lee. Now, I retract those views.”

“Allen Iverson will never be Clay Lee. Perhaps he can continue to complain to fans, but he cannot lead the 76ers to a championship.”

“Clay Lee has proven one thing to us through his actions: Allen Iverson should not be compared to him!”

This bald man had once been an Iverson fan, praising Iverson’s performance more than once in his Washington Post columns.

“Indomitable Fighter” was the title he bestowed upon Iverson.

58-year-old Tony Kornheiser, born in New York, was a true New York sports fan.

The balding, white-haired old man with a gray beard smiled happily when he heard his partner apologize.

When the show was first created, the two had argued many times about Iverson and Lee, two guards from the ’96 draft class.

Kornheiser, sensing his partner’s distress, immediately joked:

“I know you don’t like stats, but sometimes stats can tell a lot. Allen Iverson has never come close to Clay Lee.”

“Even in the season where he won the scoring title, Iverson’s Win Shares were only 11.8. I think that was the peak of his career.”

“Stats can sometimes be deceiving. This year, Iverson deceived many fans. His stats are good, second in scoring, but his impact on the game is declining.”

“Interestingly, in Iverson’s peak season, Lee’s Win Shares were 22.0.”

When discussing baseball, Kornheiser preferred Excel.

Since the advent of advanced statistics, he had been its staunchest supporter and also became a well-known “Lee fan.”

Whether for show effect or genuine affection for Iverson, after so many years of praise, Wilbon also had an emotional attachment.

If the 76ers truly traded their core player in the offseason, he would also have “lost.”

Tony Reali, as the show’s “fact-checker” early on, would correct the two’s mistakes at the end of each show.

As the show gained popularity over the years, he also became one of its hosts.

Also born in New York, 28-year-old Tony Reali had been a “Lee fan” since graduating college and getting involved with New York sports.

He had also interacted with Lee when writing for New York radio station WPIX-TV in previous years.

Previously, he rarely participated much in their “arguments.”

As the five-year debate concluded, Tony Reali couldn’t help but interject:

“In fact, Allen Iverson has never been a quality idol. His on-court performance has overshadowed his off-court news.”

“Victory sometimes masks Clay Lee’s love for basketball.”

Michael Wilbon promptly interrupted.

Their show was only 30 minutes long, and they couldn’t keep praising him:

“Tony, remember to deduct 10 points from yourself. We need to end this topic!”

After this show, SportsCenter aired at 6 PM.

Iverson, who had been fading in recent years, became completely popular.

Perhaps this was the best gift Lee gave him before leaving the Eastern Conference.

On the 28th, after returning to Philadelphia, the 76ers had rested for two days.

In just two days, everyone experienced the power of the media.

In the previous two years when they didn’t make the playoffs, Iverson’s reputation was still good. Injuries and lack of help could be reasons for losing, and his unyielding spirit was even more commendable.

However, this year, after leading the team back to the playoffs, his evaluation plummeted with two consecutive large-margin losses.

Some overly critical commentators even started digging up old issues.

The label of “stat-padder” was practically confirmed, as he was second in scoring in the regular season but completely faltered in the playoffs, which even Philadelphia fans couldn’t accept.

In G2, Iverson played 38 minutes, shooting 6-of-17 from the field, 0-of-3 from three-point range, and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line, finishing with 26 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 7 turnovers.

His overall performance was not bad.

After each film session, there was a silence.

Coach Maurice Cheeks no longer got angry.

Since the second game, which was another big loss, the coaching staff had stopped emphasizing tactics too much.

After training in the afternoon, Iverson was the first to leave, and Webber said nothing.

The one who ended up being interviewed was future core Andre Iguodala:

“We’ll be fine. Trade? We all love Allen. He’s the team’s leader. He once led the team to the Conference Finals.”

Having heard too many platitudes, Philadelphia reporters naturally weren’t buying it, and soon someone posed a highly pointed question:

“Andre, what we want to know more is how the team will limit Clay Lee!”

Andre Iguodala was silent for a moment, then finally forced a smile and talked about the good aspects of the previous game:

“Leaving aside the win or loss, in G2, we only allowed Clay Lee to shoot 6 times from beyond the arc. The defensive strategy formulated by the coaching staff was effective.”

“Back at home, we still have a chance. For tomorrow night’s game, we need the fans’ support.”

Playing 35 minutes, Clay Lee shot 11-of-17 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, tallying 32 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.

Lee indeed didn’t shoot many three-pointers in the second game.

This answer naturally didn’t satisfy everyone.

Andre Iguodala sighed inwardly.

There was nothing he could say about something impossible to achieve.

On Saturday, the 29th, since Philadelphia and New York are very close, and Iverson had recently become incredibly popular, the New York Knicks’ fun-loving fans naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

At 7 PM that evening, an hour before the game, a large group of fans wearing the New York Knicks’ away blue jerseys had gathered outside the Wachovia Center.

Every fun-loving person who bought a ticket to watch the game was beaming with joy, which formed a stark contrast with the long-faced Philadelphia fans.

Lee, who had already finished his warm-up in the Wachovia Center, was also being interviewed.

He had been particularly low-key these past few days.

Iverson had already become a target for criticism, and he planned to deliver the final blow tonight.

ESPN reporters gathered around Lee early.

As the broadcasters, they enjoyed the spectacle and even hoped that a blowout game could produce explosive news:

“Clay, have you been following the recent trade rumors? What are your thoughts on Iverson leaving Philadelphia?”

The surrounding sports media all held their recording devices in front of them.

Looking at their expectant gazes, Lee said with a smile:

“Indeed, a player shouldn’t be judged by one series. Championships sometimes require patience, and I would prefer to see Allen stay here.”

“I like competing with excellent players. Allen Iverson is just 30 years old. As a guard, he is about to enter the prime of his career. I believe the process will eventually yield rewards.”

After giving the “Clay Lee Recognition Award,” Lee’s bragging made everyone’s expressions strange.

They always felt he was mocking his opponent, as Iverson’s Excel couldn’t support such praise.

Ron Artest was somewhat envious of Iverson’s controversial popularity.

He hadn’t expected that losing so badly would make him the focus of media attention.

While reporters interviewed the New York Knicks’ hype squad, Ron Artest thought of Iverson, who had frequently appeared in various sports news outlets these past few days, and suddenly felt sour again:

“I don’t understand why everyone is paying attention to a loser. He’s already proven he’s a playoff softie!”

“Honestly, I don’t like seeing his name appear alongside Lee’s. The 76ers should have traded him away long ago.”

These remarks made many people chuckle.

In fact, no one had expected Iverson to reappear in their sight in such a manner.

Boris Diaw, who secured a starting spot tonight, also garnered attention.

Compared to his gloating teammates, the Frenchman was already tired of this series:

“Adjustments? I follow the coach’s arrangements. They will continue to double-team, and my task is to pass the ball.”

The New York Media felt that Boris Diaw seemed a bit heavier than when he first arrived in New York.

The New York Knicks players were laughing and joking, preparing to return to the locker room.

Finally, Fisher displayed his leadership qualities, firmly stating in an interview:

“This is a crucial game. To secure the match point as early as possible, Lee will have more playing time.”

Looking at Fisher proudly announcing this news, several Philadelphia sports media members felt uncomfortable:

“What are you, a bench player, so proud of?!”

When the game started at 8 PM that evening, the 76ers continued with their previous starting lineup.

Although nearly 20,000 people poured into the Wachovia Center, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.

After making an active change, Coach DAntoni was again disengaged at the start, while on the other side, Coach Maurice Cheeks also seemed unconcerned about the game, having returned to the bench early.

After an efficient first quarter, Iverson didn’t hold back in the second quarter either, constantly narrowing the gap by capitalizing on several turnovers by the New York Knicks.

At halftime, with the score 58-47, the New York Knicks led by only 11 points.

“Boo!”

Seeing the New York Knicks players walking towards the player tunnel, laughing and chatting, boos once again erupted in the Wachovia Center.

On the other side, Iverson was also cheering on his teammates, high-fiving them and constantly clapping to encourage them.

As he entered the player tunnel, he even loudly delivered some motivational words:

“We’re doing great! Only 5 turnovers in the half. Keep it up and protect our home court!”

Iverson, who played the entire first half, showed his best performance of the series, efficiently scoring 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line!

Andre Iguodala also increased his aggressiveness, putting up an all-around stat line of 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover on 3-of-9 shooting and 1-of-4 from three-point range.

Looking at his boss, who was constantly encouraging everyone, Andre Iguodala felt a bit uneasy, knowing the opponent would push harder in the third quarter.

After a brief rest, as the second half began, the Philadelphia fans in attendance weakly chanted along with the DJ:

“Defense!”

The New York Knicks attacked first, and Iverson actively took the lead in defending Lee, who received the ball on the baseline.

He was prepared to play all 48 minutes tonight.

The defensive cheers did not affect the New York Knicks’ mood.

As Diop came to the free-throw line early, Lee passed the ball early.

Hill moved slowly on the left wing, set an off-ball screen for Lee, then accelerated to the top of the arc.

Salmons and Iverson chased Lee together.

Uncovered, Hill received a short pass and immediately put the ball down with his right hand, driving with a step-through.

Facing the switch-and-delay Defense of Weber, Hill easily found Diaw cutting to the basket.

Diaw received the ball, drew the Defense of Dalembert under the basket, and faked a shot with the ball held high.

As the defender shifted his feet, Diaw collected the ball and, in the same motion, passed it with his left hand to Gasol, who was on the right side under the basket.

Gasol received the ball and easily scored with a bank shot.

60-47. With continuous quick passing, the New York Knicks scored easily again.

This situation had occurred many times in the first half, and the sight of the ball being passed into the basket had already left the Philadelphia fans numb.

Watching Iverson laboriously push the ball up the court while being defended by Lee, the uniform cheers grew quieter and quieter.

Weber received the ball immediately in the right elbow area.

Andre Iguodala, accelerating towards the top of the arc from the right corner, received a hand-off pass on the right wing and immediately turned his back.

He drove hard to the basket with the ball in his right hand.

Although he couldn’t shake Ron Artest’s chase-down Defense, Andre Iguodala’s drive was very determined.

While in motion, he suddenly executed a spin move.

Andre Iguodala, gathering the ball smoothly in the paint, subtly passed the ball to Dalembert, who was lurking on the left side under the basket.

Dalembert received the ball, faced Gasol, who had his hands raised under the basket, faked a shot, and then scored with a bank shot over the Defense!

“Oh!”

The timely response made the fans in attendance cheer.

Coach Cheeks, standing on the sideline, also loudly praised Andre Iguodala’s pass.

Iverson, retreating on Defense, also celebrated with a fist pump.

Standing on the three-point line at the top of the arc, he high-fived and loudly encouraged:

“Come on! Bro! That’s it! Hold them on the next possession.”

The 76ers players all responded, as the deficit was still within reach, and no one wanted to lose this extremely crucial game.

Gasol under the basket began directing Diop to the left corner.

The road game had made him lose some of his aggressiveness.

He rarely attacked strongly in the low post tonight, focusing more on facilitating and finishing.

To deny the opponent a double-team opportunity, Lee passed the ball early to Hill on the right wing.

As Lee ran towards the block, Ron Artest in the right corner also moved inside the three-point line to set an up-screen.

Seeing Lee suddenly accelerate, Iverson immediately chased him.

Gasol delayed the opponent near the paint on the right side under the basket, which created a defensive lapse for the 76ers.

Hill, who started moving towards the top of the arc, dribbled twice and immediately passed the ball to Diaw, who was running towards the left wing.

Weber, his direct opponent, hesitated and only moved his feet, but didn’t follow him out.

When the basketball flew directly to the left corner, this aging power forward showed excellent defensive awareness.

In the left corner, the moment Lee received the ball, Weber immediately shuffled his feet, then flew horizontally out of bounds.

The timely interference bought time for Iverson, who was trailing on Defense.

Facing the small guard who rushed to defend him, Lee immediately passed the ball back to Diaw on the left wing, and then ran towards the top of the arc again.

Even though he received the ball in the open, Diaw didn’t shoot.

Instead, he turned his body to protect the ball and completed another hand-off pass with Clay Lee.

Amidst the gasps of the fans, Iverson was briefly delayed.

After receiving the ball and dribbling one step horizontally, Lee quickly gathered the ball on the left wing, stopped abruptly, and shot!

“Swish!” The three-pointer went through the net without touching the rim.

63-49. The 76ers’ Defense seemed to have little effect.

Seeing the lead threatening to widen again, the Philadelphia fans seemed to lose their composure.

Only the DJ’s cheering remained in the Wachovia Center.

After consecutive spins, Iverson switched to his right hand and accelerated forcefully, quickly crossing mid-court, then immediately passed the ball to Salmons, who was at the top of the arc.

After passing the ball, Iverson immediately ran to the right wing.

As Andre Iguodala began moving towards the baseline and slipping under it, the 76ers’ two big men also came to the left and right elbow areas.

Without anyone needing to remind them, the New York Knicks players on the court all knew the opponent was going to cut horizontally to the top.

When Iverson accelerated and rushed to the left wing, successfully receiving the ball, Diaw immediately switched defensively, and Gasol also moved to guard behind Weber in the left elbow area.

Dalembert watched Lee, who was in front of him, jostle and jump in the paint, seemingly reminding Iverson that this was a mismatch, but unfortunately, the latter did not risk a pass.

In a 2-on-2 situation, Iverson didn’t even use Weber’s screen.

After two consecutive jab steps with his right foot, taking advantage of Diaw’s shifting body weight backward, he quickly shot a jump shot from the left wing!

“Bang!” The basketball hit the rim and bounced out.

Amidst the boos from the fans, Diaw grabbed the long rebound ahead of Weber.

After securing possession, he immediately rushed up the court with the ball.

The New York Knicks players all surged into the opponent’s half.

Lee sprinted quickly, raising his left hand as he crossed half-court, signaling a play.

Ron Artest ran directly to the left corner, Gasol stopped in the right elbow area, and Hill, noticing Lee and Iverson squeezed together near the paint in the left elbow area, stopped on the right wing.

Diaw, trailing with the ball, passed it to Gasol as soon as he approached the three-point line.

Weber had been sagging off defensively at the top of the arc.

Seeing Diaw suddenly accelerate and rush over, he quickly twisted his body to retreat on Defense.

As the two just squeezed past the free-throw line, Lee suddenly activated.

With the help of Diaw’s down-screen, he instantly broke free from his defender, easily arriving at the top of the arc.

As Gasol in the right elbow area delivered a short pass, Iverson, who was chasing defensively, could only watch Lee receive the ball in front of him, then drift and shoot a jump shot!

“Clay Lee! Another three! Good!”

As the three-pointer swished through the net, Mike Breen on the ESPN commentary desk shouted out.

His familiar third quarter had appeared again.

“Boo!”

The boos in the Wachovia Center grew louder.

Hubie Brown, watching Iverson’s difficult progression, could only sigh again:

“Don’t forget, Clay Lee is the best three-point shooter in NBA history. He only made 300 three-pointers in the regular season this year, but that number is still the league’s best.”

“The New York Knicks have a rich tactical reserve, and it’s clear the 76ers didn’t anticipate this situation tonight.”

Giving the opponent no chance for a gritty, defensive game, Lee shot quickly and accurately tonight.

Every score seemed incredibly easy, and it also exhausted Iverson’s stamina.

As the two spoke, Andre Iguodala again received the ball on the right wing.

Using Weber’s screen, he drove straight to the basket from the right wing.

This time, Ron Artest firmly held his position, not giving the opponent a chance to turn while in motion.

Ultimately, Andre Iguodala drove to the basket, leaned on the defender, and tossed up a wild shot with his right hand that missed.

Gasol under the basket grabbed the rebound and immediately passed the ball to Lee, who was waiting beyond the three-point line.

Dribbling with his left hand along the left sideline, Lee continuously accelerated.

As he crossed mid-court, Iverson had already retreated defensively to the left wing, and at the same time, Salmons in the middle also closed in.

Before the two could completely converge, Lee suddenly dipped his shoulder and accelerated.

The moment he compressed the Defense, he immediately dribbled behind his back.

From the left wing, still some distance from the three-point line, Salmons’ eyes widened and he stood dumbfounded as he watched Lee stop abruptly, gather the ball, and shoot a fading jump shot with a twisted body.

“Bang!”

“Clay Lee From downtown! What a shot!”

The Wachovia Center seemed to have turned into a library, with only Mike Breen on the commentary desk excitedly shouting.

Coach Cheeks immediately called a timeout.

The 76ers’ atmosphere group silently stood up, looking at Lee, who was pointing a single finger to the sky in the center of the court.

Everyone had lost their emotion.

69-49. A 20-point deficit. The game seemed all but over.

There were no boos, and the shouting gradually stopped.

Fans in the front row silently watched Iverson walk towards the bench.

He was once their hero, but now many wanted him gone.

6-of-9 from beyond the arc, excluding two half-court heaves at the end of quarters, Lee’s frighteningly accurate shooting made Hubie Brown shake his head and sigh:

“There’s no miracle now. A huge 20-point deficit. Given the 76ers’ current state, it will be very difficult for them to catch up.”

“Basketball games can sometimes be so cruel. Facing Lee’s unreasonable shooting, perhaps all they can do is pray to God.”

After the timeout, Iverson did pray to God, but two consecutive mid-range pull-up jump shots after a crossover that clanked off the rim only made the Wachovia Center even more silent.

“Boo!”

The New York Knicks continuously passed the ball around the three-point line.

As Weber again teamed up with Iverson to double-team Lee on the left wing, Diaw, who received a bounce pass at the free-throw line, drove straight to the basket.

Dalembert, mindful of Gasol behind him, watched as Diaw scored with a left-handed layup.

Weber had just scored two points with a strong low-post move on the left side, only to be beaten by a pick-and-roll on the defensive end again.

Facing the same play, Andre Iguodala chose to sag into the paint to help defend Diaw’s middle drive.

As the basketball flew to the left corner, an unguarded Ron Artest squared his hips and calmly hit a jump shot.

Watching Artest happily chest-bump Diaw in celebration, Iverson, preparing to receive the ball on the baseline, no longer shouted loudly.

Double-teams were being broken down defensively, and on transition offense, Lee would occasionally reward himself with a three-pointer.

The 76ers could only score on fast breaks for several minutes, while their half-court offense frequently missed shots.

As time ticked away, the Wachovia Center grew quieter and quieter.

Philadelphia fans in the back rows silently left, unable to accept such humiliation.

As the third quarter was about to end, Lee grabbed a rebound, turned, dribbled twice, and then, with a fadeaway shot, casually threw the ball towards the basket.

The moment the basketball banked in, boos once again echoed through the arena.

94-67. The game entered garbage time.

In the silent atmosphere, the New York Knicks players laughed happily, high-fiving Lee in celebration.

Iverson, back on the bench, buried his face in his hands, nearly crying on the spot:

“I really tried my best…”

….

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep