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***
After the All-Star Weekend each year, most sports commentators are more concerned about the movements of various teams.
For teams aiming for a championship, the end of All-Star Weekend is the perfect time to make targeted reinforcements!
However, this year's situation is a bit special.
The sports media in Los Angeles and New York were in an uproar, and this year's All Star Weekend once again ignited a fierce battle between the two sides.
On the morning of the 16th, the Los Angeles Times began to speak up for Shaq:
"Fans want to see more exciting matchups, not a contest of who can shoot three-pointers better!"
"Clay Lee ruined this year's All-Star Weekend. He led his team to shoot 40 three-pointers, and many fans even demanded refunds."
The New York Times was recently preparing to move into its new headquarters.
After the scandal of the fake Pulitzer Prize passed, its sharp writing style returned.
"Lee made All-Star Weekend more exciting and made basketball more pure!"
"Shaq's clownish rant after the game and the ignorant Los Angeles fans ruined a wonderful game!"
Although both sides fiercely criticized each other, the front page of their sports sections both featured a photo of Clay Lee holding the AMVP crystal trophy and posing with David Stern.
Perhaps the host city's player was unhappy, but the presenter Stern and the award recipient Lee were unaffected, both smiling brightly for the cameras.
Shaq left early, kicking down the locker room door, which was also reported by ESPN after the game.
Even in the morning's column, it vividly described Shaq taking his anger out on Kobe, with the two of them exchanging pleasantries in the locker room.
If it were according to past practice, the core player of the host team should indeed receive the award.
But unwritten rules sometimes cannot be taken seriously.
If you encounter an opponent who doesn't give face, receiving the award becomes about the player with the best stats after winning the game.
This year, Clay Lee didn't give face, and with Peja, Dirk Nowitzki, Miller, and others in the Western Conference All-Star team's bench also just going through the motions.
The Western Conference All-Star team shot 6 of 27 from beyond the arc, and was completely shot down by the Eastern Conference All-Star.
Since the Lakers still needed to contend for a top-half seeding in the second half of the season, they resumed training the day after Sunday's game.
Shaq, who had not accepted interviews, finally answered some questions expressionlessly at noon.
When asked why they lost the All-Star game despite having a huge advantage in the paint, Shaq glared at the TNT reporter again:
"They made 17 three-pointers, and their bench players also played seriously when they came on."
"We treated this game as a performance, but our opponents clearly didn't."
"I'm not interested in talking about All-Star Weekend anymore. That's just a small award. I'm focused on the championship now."
A small award?
His reaction after the game was so big.
Shaq's pettiness made everyone chuckle.
Finally, the ESPN reporter brought up the main topic:
"Shaq, can the Lakers make a comeback in the second half? Home-court advantage is very important in the playoffs!"
Ever since Karl Malone sprained his knee, this veteran was completely out of commission.
It's worth noting that Karl Malone was very healthy last season with the Utah Jazz, but he ended up on the injured list after coming to the Lakers.
Although the roster was not complete, Shaq had great confidence in the team:
"Of course we hope to gain home-court advantage, but I'm more concerned about the team's health."
"I don't think anyone in the Western Conference is our opponent. Perhaps the Timberwolves performed well in the regular season, but if we can face them in the playoffs, I can show them my dominance."
Shaq's voice was low.
After answering these questions, he didn't give the other party a chance to retort and immediately turned and left.
Kobe, as the host city's player, also had an unhappy All-Star Weekend.
His popularity had dropped significantly, and before he could clear his name from the sexual assault, most media were no longer interested in interviewing him.
What made him even more uncomfortable was that Phil Jackson truly disliked him!
Phil Jackson hadn't spoken to Kobe all morning.
Most of ESPN's news was true: Phil Jackson and Shaq were already in cahoots, wanting to trade him away.
Recently, only Karl Malone, who was still recovering from injury, often cared about Kobe.
Their relationship was so good that their families even ate together.
When the film session ended, most players left to prepare for lunch and rest.
Karl Malone noticed Kobe staying alone in the locker room, so he called out to his younger brother:
"I recently found a good Mexican restaurant, Kobe. Don't mind Shaq, and don't read those boring news anymore!"
"Kay is also here. Call Vanessa, we need to learn to enjoy life."
Kobe smiled gratefully and readily agreed, but he didn't notice the triumph in his elder brother's eyes:
"I think Vanessa will definitely like it, Karl. Thank you all!"
On the 16th, Lee also returned to Manhattan with the New York Knicks' main contingent.
Currently, the team's record is far ahead, and the second half of the season allows for leisurely adjustments.
For some back-to-back road games, appropriate rotation will not affect their playoff seeding.
Lee returned to the Tarrytown Training Center in the afternoon.
General Manager Grunfeld had been trying to make a trade but couldn't find a taker.
The Portland Trail Blazers could trade with the Atlanta Hawks because the latter could acquire a Rookie big man like Eddy Curry.
However, the New York Knicks always wanted to send away Knight and the big man Wright using fringe players plus draft picks.
Chasing highs and cutting losses, both players were in poor form this season, so trades naturally went nowhere.
Most importantly, the New York Knicks' draft picks were not very valuable, consistently being the 29th pick for many years, and their second-round picks were also at the very end.
The probability of finding a qualified rotation player by scratching a lottery ticket is pitifully small.
Lee's home has a room filled with numerous trophies, while General Manager Grunfeld's office is adorned with many photos.
Grunfeld, with his prominent belly, looked at the 1998 championship photo with Lee:
"Time flies, Lee! We never expected the New York Knicks to be so successful."
"However, we also have our blind spots. Mr. Norman evaluated that Amar'e Stoudemire's knees indeed have significant injury hidden dangers."
"Of course, this is just his experience, and it's not good news for us."
Norman Scott has officially retired, but he is still involved in the medical affairs of various New York teams.
The old gentleman's experience is incredibly rich, so no one doubts his conclusions.
Knees are crucial to a player's athletic ability.
Ewing's surgery back then was performed by Norman, and although it was very successful, the Gorilla's physical conditioning still declined.
This conclusion indeed matched Lee's memory.
This season, Amar'e Stoudemire's playing time was split evenly with Kurt Thomas, and he performed exceptionally well offensively.
"Beast Power Forward" could tear through the paint just by his talent, and the New York Media all believed that the Rookie had a bright future!
"No need to consider things that haven't happened yet. The team's roster structure is very good, and Tayshaun Prince and Raja Bell can also support the bench."
Lee is not worried about injuries.
Although the big man Wright has been slacking this season, he can still serve as a human shield.
Dikembe Mutombo has already taken the backup center position.
This veteran can deliver almost two blocks per game, and his rebounding is also good, it's just that his finishing ability has declined significantly.
The main rotation players are all healthy, and everyone is in excellent form.
Even if Amar'e Stoudemire suddenly goes down, the current roster foundation is
enough to defeat other teams.
Grunfeld shook his head.
A general manager and a player naturally consider different things.
"Asset depreciation" is a huge risk.
If a player suddenly declines after signing a contract, it will have a huge impact on the team's roster.
The NBA will likely introduce new clauses in the offseason, and Lee will sign a supermax contract.
In this situation, the New York Knicks will also face salary pressure.
"Actually, we had a chance to get Rasheed Wallace. As long as we sent out Amar'e Stoudemire, they would most likely agree to the trade."
"It's just that Coach D'Antoni didn't agree. He is optimistic about Amar'e Stoudemire's future."
Grunfeld shrugged.
Trading an aging All-Star was actually the curly-haired owner's wish, but it was met with unanimous opposition.
Rasheed Wallace is indeed a star player, but once a trade happens, it is bound to disrupt the existing roster structure.
An aging All-Star would also have no interest in playing off the bench.
Rasheed Wallace would definitely demand a starting position.
With the team's record far ahead, breaking the current roster structure and disrupting the locker room is something only someone with a brain problem would do.
James Dolan's proposal was rejected.
He simply hoped that all five New York Knicks players would become All-Stars, as fans would love such a lineup.
Hearing Grunfeld start gossiping about the management's angry outburst at the owner during All-Star Weekend, Lee also smiled.
The team's current situation is basically a sure win.
Doing nothing is doing no wrong.
It's foreseeable that they will likely win the division title and reach the Finals again just by coasting.
No one likes unknown risks, and the owner doesn't take the blame.
If a trade ultimately costs them the championship, who will be responsible then?
Grunfeld had gossiped enough, and now he finally made a request:
"Lee, if you don't like working with veterans, it's best to participate in recruitment during the offseason."
"Make a call to the right players. I believe no one can refuse your invitation."
In this year's draft, it's highly unlikely that a suitable point guard can be acquired with a late first-round pick.
After Knight's injury, his performance declined, and if he can't be traded, they'll just have to give up on him.
Lee nodded.
This was indeed not difficult.
As long as the veterans could accept a bench role, he would welcome them with open arms:
"I'm a bit curious, what kind of clauses will the NBA introduce?"
Grunfeld smiled.
For the New York Knicks, the clauses weren't important.
After all, the owner was paying:
"Most likely, it's to allow you to get the supermax salary early, thereby squeezing the New York Knicks' salary cap!"
"Honestly, after so many years in the NBA, this is the first time I've seen owners of various teams hoping a player earns more money!"
Coasting during a contract year, yet the team still has to offer an over-the-top contract.
Lee couldn't refuse.
Everyone wanted to see him get the max salary.
On the morning of the 17th, the New York Post reported on the NBA's plan to introduce new clauses for Clay Lee, and also made predictions:
"Lee might get a starting salary of 35% of the salary cap, which is also good news for the New York Knicks!"
For a big market like New York, Lee can earn back any amount of money he makes!
The management was furious with James Dolan precisely because of this point.
The situation was excellent, so why create trouble?
Although the specific terms haven't appeared yet, this is a big promise for young players.
Dreams are always worth having, and an extra opportunity to make a lot of money is naturally a good thing!
One person occupying 35% of the salary cap means that building a competitive roster will incur high luxury taxes.
However, players always feel they are the "next Lee," and after this news broke, players naturally gave positive reviews when interviewed.
Shaquille O'Neal was eager and also said a few good words during an interview:
"Superstars should earn big money. The NBA should have introduced such a clause a long time ago!"
"For players like me and Lee, owners should have their checkbooks ready!"
Shaq took this opportunity to call out Jerry Buss, as he needed another big contract in the later stage of his career.
Most of the 96-class players certainly won't be able to enjoy the benefits of the new clause, as team owners aren't fools and won't just give away money for no reason.
Although he couldn't get a max contract himself, Ray Allen, who returned to Seattle, also sent his blessings:
"Lee should earn more salary. I understand him, and he has put in a lot of effort for it."
"The best players should enjoy the best treatment. Lee deserves a super max contract!"
While the new clause was being hotly debated, the news that a new team would be added next season was also officially confirmed.
In addition to these announcements, a three-team trade also occurred that day:
The Atlanta Hawks sent Rasheed Wallace to the Detroit Pistons.
The Celtics traded Chris Mills to the Atlanta Hawks and Mike James to the Detroit Pistons.
The Detroit Pistons sent Zeljko Rebraca, Bob Sura, and a 2004 first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks, and sent Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter, and a 2004 first-round draft pick to the Celtics.
The Detroit Pistons successfully strengthened with an All-Star big man.
Darko MiliÄiÄ failed to win Head Coach Larry Brown's trust, and the team ultimately chose a "veteran."
After playing only a few games for the Atlanta Hawks, Rasheed Wallace had to report to Detroit again.
TNT's program kept up with current events and naturally commented on this trade.
Kenny Smith, as always, joined in the praise:
"In last year's playoffs, in 4 games, the Detroit Pistons lost 55 rebounds!"
"Ben Wallace is excellent, but the team still needs an excellent big man to protect the rim."
"When you lose a lot of rebounds, you are destined not to win games. I think Joe Dumars and Head Coach Larry Brown made the right decision."
In last season's Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Detroit Pistons lost the rebound battle in every game.
They desperately needed a big man, which is why they drafted Darko MiliÄiÄ.
However, due to a change in Head Coach, Larry Brown didn't trust the Rookie, which ultimately led to this trade.
For the Detroit Pistons, this was a highly targeted reinforcement!
Charles Barkley always disliked hearing his partner speak well and at this point began to bring up his theory on star quality:
"One who can contend with a superstar must be another superstar!"
"I admire Rasheed Wallace, but there's a big gap between him and players like Clay Lee."
"If the Detroit Pistons' goal is only to reach the Conference Finals, then they might succeed. If they want to contend for the championship, they are far from it."
Ernie Johnson listened to these words and seriously added:
"According to the current standings, the Detroit Pistons might fall to 4th place, which means they have a high probability of encountering the New York Knicks in the Semifinals."
"Reaching the Conference Finals is not an easy task either!"
These words immediately made Charles Barkley laugh.
Perhaps it hit the fat man's funny bone, as he suddenly couldn't stop laughing in the studio.
Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson exchanged helpless glances, seemingly not understanding what was so funny.
After Charles Barkley controlled his emotions, he finally spoke:
"I just suddenly thought of something. Do you think the Detroit Pistons will intentionally lose games to avoid the New York Knicks?"
"I understand them, but just thinking about the fourth and fifth-place teams starting to manipulate their records makes me inexplicably want to laugh."
Kenny Smith rubbed his forehead.
These words would surely offend Detroit Pistons fans again:
"I believe the Detroit Pistons will go all out in the second half of the season. Why would they lose? They can contend for 2nd or 3rd place."
"Losing is simpler than winning, isn't it? Trust me, this is definitely a better option."
After Charles Barkley finished these words, he stopped joking and continued seriously:
"No matter what adjustments the Detroit Pistons make, they cannot defeat Clay Lee!"
"You cannot beat the New York Knicks with Defense alone. In the playoffs, the most important thing is response, and unfortunately, even with this trade, I don't see anyone on the Detroit Pistons who can take on that responsibility."
"So, playing through games, tanking downwards, and getting a suitable position to avoid the New York Knicks, thereby reaching the Conference Finals, can also be considered a success!"
The second half of the season hadn't even started, and the big-mouthed Charles Barkley had already given Lee a loan of praise.
On the evening of the 17th, at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks hosted the Detroit Pistons.
Everyone on the New York Knicks had a good All-Star Weekend.
Both sides started slowly.
Hamilton was completely cold, shooting 1-for-9 in the first half for 2 points.
40:56. Although their offense was mediocre, the New York Knicks still maintained their lead.
Head Coach Larry Brown, walking towards the locker room, secretly shook his head.
He naturally knew that relying solely on Defense couldn't win games.
Perhaps they rested too much during the All-Star Weekend, as Ben Wallace also frequently missed easy shots in the first half, shooting 1-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, tallying 3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 turnovers.
At this moment, only starter Darwin Ham was still constantly encouraging everyone in the locker room:
"The game isn't over yet, we still have a chance!"
"The opponent isn't playing well either. We just need to reduce turnovers and put the ball in the basket to narrow the gap."
Chauncey Billups nodded but remained silent.
He knew the New York Knicks well and understood what a double-digit deficit meant.
After Head Coach Larry Brown entered the locker room, he simply went over the usual points of attention, then let the assistant coach deliver a pep talk.
The Detroit Pistons' current ranking was somewhat awkward.
Since the trade had just happened, the new additions wouldn't be able to play for a few more days, and the team would face chemistry issues then.
Therefore, losing was an acceptable outcome, as their goal was the Conference Finals, and avoiding the New York Knicks early was nothing to be ashamed of.
After the second half began, at Madison Square Garden, the New York fans in attendance started shouting loudly again:
"Defense!"
Chauncey Billups, receiving the ball on the baseline, was slowed down by Lee's on-ball Defense and advanced very slowly, almost pushing the 8-second violation to cross half-court.
The Detroit Pistons' first offensive option was still Hamilton, who quickly ran along the baseline from the right corner.
Mehmet Okur's off-ball screen near the right baseline didn't do much.
With a subtle pull from Ron Artest, Hamilton couldn't shake off the Defense in time.
When he reached the left baseline, "Ben Wallace's" off-ball screen was more aggressive.
He precisely shifted a step and stood firm, using his body to collide with Ron Artest.
The three almost crashed into a pile near the left free-throw line, but as Hamilton accelerated outwards, he finally broke free from Ron Artest's entanglement.
On the left block, Hamilton was open, but Chauncey Billups couldn't pass the ball in time.
Left with no choice, Hamilton continued to wave his hand and move, leaning on the Defense at the top of the arc.
Chauncey Billups turned with the momentum, and only when he switched to his right hand did he send out the pass.
Hamilton, who received the ball near the free-throw line, couldn't shoot directly and was instead chased down by Ron Artest again.
After a pump fake, he smoothly put the ball down with his right hand.
Hamilton shifted Ron Artest's defensive Center of Gravity, dribbled a big step forward after putting the ball down, immediately stopped short, and finally shot a quick jump shot over the Defense!
"Thud!"
Ron Artest interfered, and the ball bounced off the rim again.
Ben Wallace was boxed out by Kurt Thomas, and while the two were still pulling, Pau Gasol had already secured the rebound below the right side of the rim.
"Wow!"
The excellent Defense once again drew cheers from the home fans.
Hamilton was 1-for-10, seemingly completely lost tonight.
Darwin Ham was still the Detroit Pistons' most energetic player.
On Defense, he stayed close to Grant Hill, and both rushed past half-court early.
The Detroit Pistons' defensive discipline was very good, with timely matchups.
After Lee brought the ball across half-court, he noticed Ben standing near the left baseline and immediately waved to Kurt Thomas.
Pau Gasol actively moved towards the basket at this point, preparing to receive the ball in the low post.
As Kurt Thomas arrived at the left elbow, Pau Gasol also had Mehmet Okur sealed behind him.
Although the receiving position was too high, Lee still made the pass.
At the same time, Ron Artest in the right corner immediately moved, actively coming closer to the right wing to set an off-ball screen for Lee.
Hamilton chose to switch, following Lee to the right corner.
Pau Gasol then faked a pass to the baseline. Mehmet Okur subconsciously shouted a reminder to his teammate.
Without paying close attention, Mehmet Okur's raised left forearm felt Pau Gasol's quick turn.
Putting the ball down with his left hand, Pau Gasol leaned into the defender to complete the turn.
After scooping up the ball with his right hand, he accelerated along the baseline for a breakthrough.
Charging forward in three big strides, he squeezed past Mehmet Okur.
With the ball in his right hand, Pau Gasol arrived at the left side of the basket and slammed it in with a reverse dunk!
"Ah!"
After completing the dunk, Pau Gasol roared loudly under the basket.
His fluid move once again ignited the atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden.
Keeping Ben Wallace away from the rim was to create space for the big men to isolate.
The tactic was successful, and the few Detroit Pistons players on the court only then realized this.
However, during the defensive possessions, all of them had most of their attention on Lee.
Pau Gasol had several easy isolation scores in this game and hadn't faced a double-team since the game began.
From the MSG commentary booth, Walt Frazier first loudly praised Amar'e Stoudemire's performance, then suddenly lamented:
"If Amar'e Stoudemire could have played like this in his Rookie season, maybe we wouldn't have lost that championship."
Marv Albert was almost speechless hearing such an "if" statement.
After only three seasons, Amar'e Stoudemire had achieved such a performance, and he was already very satisfied with him:
"Many of our young players have grown this season!"
"Clay Lee is definitely a qualified leader. This season, he gave up some of his shooting rights, and you know this year is also his contract year."
"This is the purest basketball player. Lee only cares about winning!"
Although many commentators believed that Lee was slacking off this season because he couldn't get the MVP, the New York Media kept praising Lee for sacrificing his stats for his teammates.
It was difficult to judge because Amar'e Stoudemire, in his contract year, indeed exploded, with his stats reaching a new level, actively performing in every game.
Coupled with the New York Knicks' consistent top record in the NBA and the team's increasingly good chemistry, "winning fans" also began to believe that Lee actively sacrificed for victory.
During the Detroit Pistons' offensive possession, Hamilton failed to shake off the Defense immediately.
Out of helplessness, Mehmet Okur moved up to the right elbow, and after receiving the ball, he executed a simple hand-off with Chauncey Billups.
Chauncey Billups sent a pass from the top of the arc, faked a cut through the middle, and then quickly back-ran to receive the ball.
Clay Lee quickly slid his feet, squeezed past the screen at the first opportunity, and once again chased Chauncey Billups to his side.
Originally, Chauncey Billups had a chance to break free with the help of his teammate's screen, but due to insufficient explosiveness, he could only be blocked by Lee in the right restricted area.
Seeing his teammate's offense stall, Mehmet Okur again reached out for the ball, signaling for the same play to be run again.
After sending the pass, Chauncey Billups wanted to receive the ball hand-to-hand again, but Lee chased him relentlessly.
Out of caution, he eventually moved away from the three-point line to safely get the ball.
After two turns, with little time left on the shot clock, Chauncey Billups could only initiate a high pick-and-roll.
Amar'e Stoudemire stopped at the three-point line, Lee went around the baseline, Chauncey Billups dribbled the ball with his left hand for one step, then stopped abruptly at the top of the arc and took a long-range three-point jump shot!
"Bang!"
The basketball hit the back rim and bounced out of bounds.
Chauncey Billups annoyedly clapped his hands, then helplessly followed his teammates to quickly retreat on Defense.
Lee, who had dribbled past half-court, again waved to Kurt Thomas, and Amar'e Stoudemire was still posting up in the right restricted area.
Chauncey Billups watched Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, twist his body and move towards the right wing, and quickly shouted a reminder to his teammates.
Turning his head to observe his teammates' positions, Chauncey Billups was slightly distracted.
Clay Lee, with his body sideways and the ball in his right hand, suddenly exploded the ball in place, then quickly twisted his body, scooped the ball with his left hand, and accelerated horizontally.
Instantly losing his defensive position, Chauncey Billups quickly slid his feet.
Just as he approached the left wing, before he could adjust his body's center of gravity, he crashed into Kurt Thomas.
High pick-and-roll, shaking off the Defense, Lee suddenly lowered his center of gravity when facing the switching Ben Wallace and quickly changed direction with a crossover.
After switching to his right hand, Lee immediately dribbled the ball forward, squeezing through the two players and breaking into the paint in the blink of an eye.
Ben Wallace quickly chased him on Defense, and at the same time, Darwin Ham also quickly helped on Defense to the basket from the left baseline.
Directly in front of the basket, Lee, observing the Defense, accelerated slightly, allowing Ben Wallace to chase him to his side.
While in motion, he leaned on the Defense, took three steps, and then leaped into the air.
Ben Wallace and Darwin Ham both rushed to defend.
Lee, holding the ball with one hand in his right, quickly pulled the ball behind his back, and in mid-air, flicked the ball to the left corner.
Completely undefended, Grant Hill caught the ball, aimed for a while, and then took a steady jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
40:61, the difference exceeded 20 points, and Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
Chauncey Billups, who was chasing behind, nearly made a steal and was again annoyedly clapping his hands.
Lee and Grant Hill high-fived to celebrate and then stayed at the baseline.
Seeing Chauncey Billups's entire face crumpled, he couldn't help but say with a smile:
"You need to learn to observe the Defense and try to guess our plays. It shouldn't be difficult!"
"..."
Forcing a smile, Chauncey Billups really didn't want to respond.
If he could have guessed Lee's intentions, he would have completed the steal just now.
In the remainder of the game, Hamilton still couldn't find his shooting touch, throwing brick after brick.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, had multiple players scoring, with Kurt Thomas continuously making jump shots from the free-throw line after a few simple pick-and-rolls.
The Head Coach did not call a timeout.
As the lead widened, Chauncey Billups also let loose and started throwing three-pointers.
The Detroit Pistons' scoring was piecemeal: free throws, second-chance points, and occasional fast breaks when the New York Knicks missed shots.
With 3 minutes and 12 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, a missed shot from the right wing gave Lee a long rebound, and Chauncey Billups could only numbly retreat on Defense.
When he reached the left wing, Lee suddenly stopped before even getting close to the three-point line, then faked gathering the ball with his right hand.
Chauncey Billups instinctively lunged forward to interfere.
Lee then used his left hand to dribble the ball forward, instantly blowing past the Defense, dribbled one large step, and then immediately stopped abruptly on the left wing, quickly taking a jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
55:80, the lead was stretched again.
Head Coach Larry Brown calmly called a timeout, then turned to signal to his bench.
Lee's shooting touch was off tonight; this was only his second three-pointer made in the game.
Marv Albert was a bit disappointed.
He had been hoping Lee would regain his shooting touch and put on a few more performances, but the opponent had surrendered:
"By the 3rd quarter, Lee had completely found his rhythm in the game, and several of his transition offenses were spectacular!"
Walt Frazier saw that Head Coach Larry Brown had already returned to the bench and started to taunt the opponent:
"After adding Rasheed Wallace, the Detroit Pistons should be able to solve their rebounding problems."
"But they can't stop Lee, and that's why they're losing. I don't have high hopes for this reinforcement. Their offense still has a lot of problems."
New York fans loved this kind of biased commentary.
In fact, after adding Rasheed Wallace, this All-Star big man could also help the team solve their offensive stagnation issues.
At the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was set at 58:88, and the game had already lost its suspense.
On the Detroit Pistons' bench, Hamilton's face showed a dejected expression: 2-of-15 shooting, 8 points in three quarters.
Chauncey Billups was 5-of-14 from the field, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line, scoring 12 points. Neither of them spoke.
Their performance was not even as good as Mehmet Okur's and the bench unit's.
Ben Wallace listened to the cheers of the home fans, gloomily took off his headband, and then comforted his teammates:
"This is just a regular season game. In the playoffs, we will double-team Lee. That's our true defensive system."
"You just need to keep shooting. Scorers need to believe in themselves."
Larry Brown saw a few players on the bench starting to communicate and nodded secretly.
Losing was not a bad thing.
It could help them gain game experience.
During garbage time, Darko MiliÄiÄ still didn't get a chance to play.
This Rookie kept looking eagerly at the coaching staff, his hope gradually turning into despair:
"God! Why did you bring me to the Detroit Pistons!"
At the end of the game, 88:112, the New York Knicks got off to a good start for the second half of the season.
9-of-17 from the field, 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, 24 points, 4 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals, and no turnovers.
Clay Lee, who delivered a double-double, also talked about the new clause during his post-game interview.
Regarding the fact that he was about to receive a super max contract, Lee simply responded calmly with a smile:
"The clause can encourage more young players, and I think that's a good thing!"
"For me, a max contract is more about respect!"
In the first week of games after the All-Star Weekend, the New York Knicks only had two games to play.
After defeating the Detroit Pistons, they rested for two days, then easily defeated the Utah Jazz at home.
On Sunday the 22nd, the New York Knicks hosted the Cavaliers at home again.
Having completely entered a tanking state, LeBron James's stats had been rising rapidly recently, almost filling the stat sheet every game.
In that night's game, the Cavaliers again checked out after three quarters, 66:86, with the final quarter entering garbage time.
Although he only played three quarters, LeBron James's stats were good: 7-of-20 from the field, 6-of-8 from the free-throw line, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.
After filling the stat sheet again, LeBron James, sitting in his seat, showed an envious expression.
The New York fans on site didn't seem to have had enough, and at this moment, they were all shouting Lee's name.
Jeff Van Gundy had recently been pressuring the NBA.
With new teams joining, he absolutely would not agree to them getting the number one pick!
The Bald Young Coach had long been accustomed to the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden.
Noticing LeBron James's expression beside him, he habitually offered some words of encouragement:
"As long as we can lead the Cavaliers to a Finals championship, believe me, the Cleveland fans will unleash even more energy!"
"You will become a city hero! What you need to do now is be patient. Those small awards are not important to you!"
The tanking Cavaliers would most likely prevent LeBron James from winning Rookie of the Year.
However, hearing the Head Coach's encouragement and thinking about the team's situation, LeBron James still accepted this outcome.
He wanted to pursue greatness:
"I understand, Coach! I just want to win a championship for Cleveland!"
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)