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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
Please give it a go đ
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For the 2004-2005 season, the NBA continued its broadcasting strategy of recent years, and the broadcasters did not revert to the number of games aired during the NBC era.
Before the opening game on the evening of November 2nd, David Stern also boasted to the media:
"By eliminating the Hand Check, the NBA will provide fans with a more complete viewing experience."
"We believe the new rules are beneficial for the league's development!"
The NBA also adjusts its rules based on circumstances.
This rule had been abolished before, but it was reinstated with Michael Jordan's return.
Considering that most perimeter stars in the NBA at this time were rookies, and Clay Lee alone couldn't sustain the viewership, this flexible rule was ultimately modified again.
Before the opening game began at 8 PM, New York fans arrived early at Madison Square Garden.
New York fans didn't care about the rules.
Winning was all that mattered, and the process of victory wasn't important.
David Stern was also hosting tonight's awards ceremony.
His pre-game endorsement of the new rules was mainly to state his position: he was working hard to increase viewership!
How to improve attendance in small markets and help teams become more profitable has always been a focus for the NBA.
The Nets, the team next door, had Kidd injured and were likely out until December, so their ticket prices had recently been discounted.
Even with discounts, there was still a possibility that fans wouldn't be interested in attending the games.
The Nets weren't the only team facing such an awkward situation.
The Milwaukee Bucks' attendance had also been plummeting in recent years.
Ultimately, it was because the games were ugly, with too many free throws, constant referee whistles, slow offensive pace, and frequent missed shots in a single game.
Not only was the live viewing experience poor, but the television broadcast ratings were also subpar.
This is why "insufficient star power" was frequently mentioned.
If individual strength wasn't enough, players had to rely on rules to enhance their performance.
The Knicks didn't have these worries.
In the regular season, their playstyle was more unrestrained, and their game pace was ahead of most teams in the league.
The excellent watchability kept ticket prices high, but New York fans still paid up.
Tuesday games were usually broadcast by TNT, and MSG was also well-prepared.
Unlike neutral broadcasters, MSG's studio usually boasted wildly and angrily blasted opponents.
Before the game, studio host Al Trautwig invited Grunfeld, the New York Knicks' General Manager.
They didn't chat much.
After some boasting, Grunfeld made his usual statement:
"The new season has just begun, and we still have a lot of work to do. The New York Knicks are accustomed to championships, and we've found our winning culture."
"Fast-paced offense, aggressive Defense, we accept any challenge, and the team will still reach the Finals this year!"
This speech was repeated almost every year.
Trautwig had been hearing it for years since becoming the studio host in 2000.
However, no one would refuse to win, and Trautwig showed an "it should be so" expression, smiling and wishing them luck:
"As we witness the eighth championship banner, I also wish us good luck. Before long, perhaps another banner will be raised in Madison Square Garden."
The Detroit Pistons, who had recently arrived in Manhattan, were once again overlooked.
Despite adding some players during the offseason, the New York Media still didn't favor this team.
Most importantly, the Detroit Pistons lacked buzz.
After maintaining the same starting lineup as last season, Head Coach Larry Brown didn't say much in interviews.
After the Olympics defeat, Larry Brown's reputation plummeted, and he could only flaunt his seniority.
In the visiting locker room, Ben Wallace was a bit dispirited.
His uncle had been hospitalized recently due to brain cancer, and the situation was not optimistic.
His family had prepared for the worst.
Larry Brown was getting old, and he was experiencing some physical problems.
Hip pain prevented him from giving a lengthy speech.
He looked around and simply said:
"I believe you all like to win games in front of New York fans."
"This is a revenge match. We've gotten better. Go show off the results of our training!"
Rasheed Wallace was full of fighting spirit.
Upon hearing the Head Coach's words, he immediately called out to his teammates.
With Ben Wallace in low spirits, Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups took on the responsibility of locker room leaders.
Madison Square Garden had darkened by then, with only the happy shouts of New York fans in Madison Square Garden.
Everyone saw the championship banner covered above Madison Square Garden.
The live DJ briefly introduced the visiting players.
When it was time for the home players to appear, the cheers were deafening.
In the center of the court, six championship trophies were displayed.
The DJ's loud introduction made the New York fans even more excited:
"Six championships in eight years, let's welcome the World Champions, the New York Knicks!"
Mike D'Antoni was the first to appear.
Although four of the trophies didn't belong to him, Mike D'Antoni was very confident, believing he would soon surpass Van Gundy.
Waving to New York fans with a smile, Mike D'Antoni approached the management, and everyone embraced with smiles.
As the players came out one by one, the cheers grew louder.
In the player tunnel, Clay Lee looked at the team logo on the wall, surrounded by eight trophies.
Compared to last year, the symmetrical design made him much more comfortable.
"Let's welcome the King of New York from UConn, ClayâLee!"
Lee hugged the enthusiastic cheerleaders on both sides of the player tunnel and quickly ran to the center of the court amidst screams.
David Stern has been in a very good mood every time he came to Madison Square Garden in recent years.
If every team's attendance was like New York's, the NBA wouldn't have to worry about it.
After handing the microphone to Lee, Stern clapped heartily with a smile.
Six championships in eight years, including a four-peat, naturally made it a night worth celebrating.
"Six championships in eight years, this is our era!"
"But this is far from over. The team has the best coaching staff in the NBA, the most considerate management, and most importantly, we are still very young."
"Like you, I hate losing. The New York Knicks will continue to win. Thank you very much to the New York fans who came tonight. This is our greatest support!"
After saying this, Lee raised both hands and applauded the New York fans.
Those who came to Madison Square Garden to watch the game spent a lot of money.
After winning the championship, ticket prices for the opening game and Christmas War would increase.
Courtside seats were $28,000, luxury boxes exceeded $30,000, and tickets for the lower two tiers rose to $1,500.
The cheapest tickets to join the fun cost around $200.
If you chose to drive to the game, parking was not cheap, plus the cost of snacks and merchandise.
Those who could afford to support the team live were mostly wealthy die-hard New York fans.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
The shouts once again echoed through Madison Square Garden.
Although tickets were a bit expensive, New York fans remained enthusiastic.
Years of winning culture had completely changed the fan base.
Derek Fisher, following his new teammates, instinctively compared the fervent atmosphere at the venue to the situation in Los Angeles.
After multiple Finals losses, Lakers fans had long grown impatient.
The most obvious sign was that they no longer fell for hype.
The situation only improved in the year they won the championship.
Seeing that special ring next to the trophy and recalling his experiences over the past few years, Derek Fisher couldn't help but feel that "choice is greater than effort."
Six championships, according to previous definitions, also held special significance.
This year's championship ring was simple and direct, entirely golden, with a large trophy on its face.
Three small trophies at the top and two small trophies at the bottom, five O'Brien Trophies combined to form a large trophy, symbolizing six championships in total.
This was unique in the NBA, as only the earlier Celtics had achieved such a feat of six championships in eight years.
Management and players all wore their rings and stood behind the trophies for a group photo.
When the team's eighth championship banner was unveiled, the fireworks and light show ignited the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden.
On the visiting bench, Head Coach Larry Brown looked at the scene with some frustration.
Being ignored by the opponent didn't feel good.
Tonight's game felt more like a joyous party.
Before the game even started, many New York fans were already getting hyped.
The two teams were old rivals.
After the game started, Grant Hill sat on the bench in a formal suit.
When the director showed him on camera, Grant Hill raised his left hand, showing off his new ring.
Although he was likely out for the season, he was in a very good mood tonight.
To the New York fans' surprise, the New York Knicks were called for several fouls in the opening possessions.
Seeing Lee send Chauncey Billups to the free-throw line, Doug Collins, from the TNT commentary booth, couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"I know many commentators believe the new rules will strengthen perimeter stars, but everyone has overlooked the defensive restrictions."
"The New York Knicks clearly need to control their defensive actions, which will lower their defensive intensity. For other teams, this is the most important thing."
Kevin Harlan, who was beside him, felt that this statement made sense, but still added:
"Perhaps the new rules will indeed change the New York Knicks' Defense, but Clay Lee will be even harder to limit. More composed dribbling might improve his offensive efficiency."
Chauncey Billups, who made both free throws, couldn't help but pump his fist in celebration.
In the first few possessions after the tip-off, the Detroit Pistons quickly got into the game.
Hamilton and Corliss Williamson both scored.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The continuous fouls also made the New York fans at the Madison Square Garden a bit angry, and their cheers grew louder.
The continuous missed shots by his teammates after the tip-off did not affect Lee.
After receiving the ball early, he accelerated past half-court.
Chauncey Billups did not aggressively smother him like last season.
While quickly sliding his feet, he loudly reminded his teammates to switch.
The Detroit Pistons started with man-to-man Defense.
Head Coach Larry Brown had obviously seen the New York Knicks' performance in the preseason.
It was still a "V-shaped" offense.
Clay Lee approached the left wing, while Raja Bell and Ron Artest were already in position in the left and right corners.
As Pau Gasol came up for a screen in the left elbow area, Lee dribbled behind his back, switched to his right hand, and squeezed past his teammate.
Without the usual pulling on the defender, Chauncey Billups, who failed to squeeze through the screen in time, immediately lost his defensive position.
Fortunately, Ben Wallace was well prepared.
Although his mood was not high after the tip-off, he remained focused on Defense, sliding to the left immediately and guarding in front of Lee early.
At the same time, Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas both rolled down.
After switching, Chauncey Billups mainly cut off the passing lanes and also called for Hamilton to collapse the Defense.
The solid screen quickly brought Lee near the free-throw line.
As Pau Gasol was about to squeeze into the paint, Lee, observing the Defense, suddenly passed the ball behind his back.
Raja Bell, who had moved from the left corner to the top, received the pass and shot quickly without much adjustment!
It was an open jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
Pau Gasol alone used his body to block both Chauncey Billups and Hamilton.
This type of screen made Head Coach Larry Brown on the sideline extremely angry, and he immediately complained loudly to the side referee:
"Illegal screen! This isn't the first time!"
The referee showed no indication.
There are gains and losses, so some balance must be found.
Chauncey Billups saw Head Coach wave, signaling to control the tempo and continue to drive inside.
After dribbling past half-court, he was not in a hurry to pass the ball.
At the top of the arc, he shielded the ball with his body, waiting for his teammates to run into position.
Hamilton quickly cut along the baseline from left to right, used Rasheed Wallace's screen near the right baseline, and accelerated to pop out to the right block.
Upon receiving the pass, while Raja Bell was chasing back, Hamilton put the ball down with his left hand, leaned into the defender, and drove straight to the basket.
Attracting Pau Gasol's help Defense, Hamilton passed the ball to Ben Wallace, who was under the basket on the left side.
The latter received the ball, intending to explode for a dunk, but Pau Gasol adjusted his center of gravity very quickly, jumping with him and raising his hands high.
Under the interference, Ben Wallace's dunk ultimately hit the back rim, and the ball bounced high.
Kurt Thomas, who had retreated to the basket, tipped the ball out of the paint.
The moment Lee received the ball near the free-throw line, cheers immediately erupted in the Madison Square Garden.
Chauncey Billups did not choose to foul, but instead retreated early, attempting to establish a defensive position in advance.
However, this Defense gave Lee a huge space to accelerate.
After dribbling the ball with his right hand past half-court, he approached the three-point line in the blink of an eye.
Chauncey Billups, who was still retreating at the top of the arc, tried to step up and smother him.
Clay Lee, while in motion, suddenly executed an In and Out move, faking left and driving right, actively exerting force and colliding with his opponent.
The decelerating Chauncey Billups was immediately thrown backward upon impact, stumbling as he could only watch Lee easily break through to the basket.
Taking three large steps, Lee grabbed the ball with his right hand and slammed it down with one arm!
"The New York Knicks are gradually finding their rhythm. This kind of fast break, relying on individual ability, is very difficult to defend. Clay Lee's finishing ability is even better than a big man's!"
Doug Collins, seeing such a scene, couldn't help but start boasting.
Kevin Harlan noticed that Chauncey Billups had again passed the ball to Rasheed Wallace in the left low post.
The latter's fadeaway jump shot missed, and he immediately sped up his commentary, saying:
"This is a good opportunity for the New York Knicks!"
After grabbing the rebound, Pau Gasol immediately threw the ball to Lee beyond the three-point line.
After receiving the ball, Lee continuously accelerated along the left sideline.
The New York Knicks' big men trailed, while the wing players accelerated past half-court.
The Detroit Pistons' retreat Defense was very fast, with Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace both returning to the paint area early.
Observing the opponents positioning themselves around the paint, Lee, who was accelerating with the ball in his left hand, suddenly slowed down and sent a cross-court pass forward.
Ron Artest, who had accelerated along the right sideline to the right wing, received the ball and first faked a shot.
Corliss Williamson did not step up to defend, so Ron Artest pulled up directly from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
6:11. In the blink of an eye, the difference came to 5 points.
Larry Brown, with his arms crossed, began to frown.
This time, Chauncey Billups, who received the ball on the baseline, still passed it immediately after crossing half-court.
In the right elbow area, Ben Wallace handed the ball back to Chauncey Billups, who then put the ball down with his right hand and drove forward.
Cutting from the right wing, Chauncey Billups attempted to shake off Lee, but the screen quality at the top was mediocre, allowing Lee to easily chase him down and block his driving lane.
Despite his efforts to accelerate, Chauncey Billups ultimately failed to squeeze past the Defense.
After stopping abruptly in the block area, he actively exerted force, stepped back laterally after body contact, and released a fading jump shot.
The basketball again bounced off the rim.
Watching Lee twist his body to grab the rebound, Head Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines couldn't help but shout, reminding his players to get back into position in time.
The New York Knicks' wing players began to accelerate along the sideline.
Noticing that the Detroit Pistons had completed their matchups, Lee simply slowed down his advance.
Pau Gasol came to the left wing and stopped, immediately setting a high pick-and-roll.
Quickly dribbling behind his back, Lee squeezed past his teammate.
The solid screen made Chauncey Billups only able to loudly remind his teammates.
His consecutive made shots forced Ben Wallace to raise his help Defense position.
While still sliding horizontally, Lee, who had switched the ball to his left hand, suddenly lowered his shoulder and accelerated.
He instinctively reached out to pull, and the referee immediately blew the whistle.
Ben Wallace spread his hands helplessly, indicating that he didn't make any unnecessary movements.
Without waiting for the Detroit Pistons to respond to each other, Lee came to the sideline and immediately passed the ball to Pau Gasol beyond the three-point line.
Returning to the court, Lee first moved horizontally towards the top of the key, then suddenly accelerated and ran back.
Near the left sideline, still some distance from the three-point line, Pau Gasol made the pass, and Clay Lee caught and shot!
Chauncey Billups, who was briefly delayed, could only stop and turn his head to look at the rim.
Ben Wallace also turned his head back, and soon, the cheers of the fans reached their ears.
"Wow!"
The three-pointer swished through the net again.
Clay Lee shrugged his shoulders at the sideline, and for a moment, the cheers were non-stop.
6:14. On the Detroit Pistons bench, Campbell and the rest of the atmosphere group exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.
Larry Brown called a timeout.
This was not the game he had envisioned, and the coaching staff's game plan had gone awry.
Mike D'Antoni clapped his hands repeatedly on the sideline.
Although the new rules reduced the New York Knicks' Defense intensity, they also prevented opponents from aggressively guarding Lee.
As long as the screen quality was high enough, shooting became even easier than last season.
On the New York Knicks bench, Lee high-fived everyone one by one.
Kevin Harlan looked at the starkly different atmospheres of the two teams and immediately quipped:
"Perhaps this is the game fans expect. Scoring is always more exciting than Defense!"
Doug Collins realized that the Detroit Pistons might not be able to keep up with the response shots, and immediately made a belated comment:
"Offense is sometimes the best Defense. It seems the New York Knicks have also made adjustments this new season."
No matter what game plan the Detroit Pistons had formulated before the game, as the point difference approached double digits, Chauncey Billups gradually began to pick up the pace.
In the first possession after the timeout, Hamilton scored with a floating jump shot from the right restricted area using a screen.
Turning back, a big screen after an up-line pick-and-roll allowed Lee to easily find Pau Gasol, who faked a screen and rolled to the basket.
The latter received the ball in the paint and responded with a one-handed slam dunk!
Chauncey Billups slightly quickened the offensive pace, using Ben Wallace's high-quality screen.
His cut and drive from the left wing attracted Pau Gasol.
A precise bounce pass allowed Ben Wallace to complete a two-handed dunk under the basket.
Quickly inbounding the ball from the baseline, before crossing half-court, Lee found Kurt Thomas, who was frantically sprinting across half-court.
The latter received the ball and scored a fast-break layup before the Detroit Pistons could react!
After running back and forth, the Detroit Pistons involuntarily sped up their offensive rhythm again.
Ultimately, Hamilton received the ball in the left restricted area and missed a jump shot.
Chauncey Billups had no choice but to commit a tactical foul, forcing Clay Lee, who had secured the long rebound, to stop.
It was a rare half-court offense, and Kurt Thomas's high-quality screen on the right wing allowed Lee to drive straight to the basket.
Near the paint, he leaned in for a layup and scored 2 points!
Rasheed Wallace, who switched to guard him, stood under the basket with his hands on his hips, helpless.
Clay Lee had stolen a step while moving, catching him off guard:
"Fuck!"
He cursed, slamming the ball onto the backboard in frustration.
Rasheed Wallace had just vented his emotions when the baseline referee immediately blew a technical foul on him.
"Hey! I didn't do anything!"
Shouting at the referee, Rasheed Wallace was extremely displeased with the call.
He rushed forward, attempting to explain his actions.
Fortunately, the Detroit Pistons reacted quickly enough, rushing forward to embrace their teammate.
While the opponent was still arguing with the referee, Lee had already stepped to the free-throw line:
"Relax, buddy! The game will be over soon!"
Rasheed Wallace stopped talking, staring intently at Lee with wide eyes.
This move sometimes works on the basketball court, but as Lee made the free throw, the fans behind the basket cheered excitedly:
"Ball don't lie!"
10:21. After a few possessions, the point difference unknowingly reached 11 points.
The jumping and cheering fans still stimulated the Detroit Pistons.
Rasheed Wallace led the charge, attacking the inside forcefully and drawing a foul for free throws.
After several possessions, continuously stepping to the free-throw line, Mike D'Antoni simply made an early substitution.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Tayshaun Prince's entry completely changed the game's rhythm.
Every missed jump shot by Chauncey Billups and Hamilton would trigger a transition offense from Clay Lee.
When the Detroit Pistons entered the bonus, there were still 3 minutes and 42 seconds left in the first quarter.
A simple pick-and-roll, Lee attracted Ben Wallace's help Defense at the free-throw line, and delivered a precise through pass.
Amar'e Stoudemire, who quickly rolled to the basket, ignored Rasheed Wallace's help Defense under the basket, caught the ball with his left hand, and slammed it into the rim over the Defense!
"Ah!"
Seeing Amar'e Stoudemire roaring loudly, Rasheed Wallace was so angry that he pushed him.
Before the two could get entangled, the referee squeezed between them and issued another verbal warning.
Larry Brown on the sideline kept shouting reminders to his players, but unknowingly, the Detroit Pistons still lost their game rhythm.
Jump shots missed, layups missed, sudden three-pointers from beyond the arc continued to miss...
Chauncey Billups failed to complete an offensive possession for three consecutive times.
Entering the bonus, the opponent no longer committed tactical fouls.
Clay Lee, who collected the long rebound, had just dribbled past mid-court and delivered another long pass.
The slow, lob pass just cleared Rasheed Wallace's fingertips.
To the left front of the basket, Amar'e Stoudemire took one dribble after receiving the ball.
Taking advantage of Rasheed Wallace's defensive mispositioning as he retreated, he immediately exploded, leaned in to the lower right of the basket, caught the ball with his left hand, and scored with a reverse dunk!
The Detroit Pistons scored under the basket, while Lee urgently accelerated.
Both sides played faster and faster, and the game completely entered a back-and-forth scoring frenzy.
For the New York fans in attendance, this was the familiar game rhythm.
Even when three-pointers were missed on offense, the fans would still cheer.
The New York Knicks, with their thoroughly small lineup, had excellent defensive mobility.
On a rare fast-break opportunity, Chauncey Billups quickly rushed past half-court, but the New York Knicks had already retreated to the paint.
Lee retreated while gesturing to his teammates to get into position.
On the left wing, Hamilton, who was left open, received a pass from his teammate but chose not to shoot.
Entering a half-court offense, Rasheed Wallace attracted Amar'e Stoudemire's help Defense.
Ben Wallace received the ball under the basket but had it swatted away by Tayshaun Prince.
"Wow!"
Amidst the cheers, Lee, who received the ball, continuously accelerated along the right sideline.
Chauncey Billups, retreating on Defense, immediately stepped up to delay him, entangling with him to the right wing.
Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly stopped abruptly and pulled it back between his legs.
Billups, who had lost his defensive position, realized something was wrong and quickly adjusted his center of gravity, rushing to defend.
On the right wing, Lee gathered the ball without any adjustment, leaned back slightly, and calmly released a jump shot from beyond the three-point line over the Defense!
"Screech!"
The referee blew the whistle, but the basketball was unaffected, tracing a beautiful arc before precisely falling into the basket.
Lee, who was knocked down, slid along with the momentum, finally lying motionless on the floor in a "spread-eagle" position.
The atmosphere in the arena was ignited again.
Chauncey Billups, who was pulled up by his teammates, felt it was outrageous.
He subconsciously looked at the Head Coach, only to find that Larry Brown had already returned to his seat.
Doug Collins watched as Lee was surrounded by the New York Knicks and stepped to the free-throw line, subconsciously commenting:
"That's truly a crazy shot! Compared to his rookie season, Clay Lee's jump shot form has changed significantly."
"It should be said that he still retains his previous shooting habits. He pursues speed on open jump shots, and then there's a different way of exerting force for pull-up jumpers."
Kevin Harlan nodded along. He also found it outrageous and couldn't help but ask:
"Two shooting forms, freely switching between them, yet maintaining an extremely high shooting percentage. How does Lee do it?"
"Perhaps only God knows!"
In the final 2 minutes of the first quarter, both teams' players ran frantically until the end of the quarter, when the Detroit Pistons realized they seemed to have lost a lot of points.
22:38. The New York fans in attendance began to celebrate the victory prematurely.
6-of-8 from the field, 3-of-5 from three-point range, 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Clay Lee, who played the entire first quarter, scored half of the team's points by himself and held his direct opponent, Chauncey Billups, to 1-of-5 shooting for only 4 points.
David Stern, sitting behind the basket, watched James Dolan beside him smiling from ear to ear, a smile on his face while secretly pondering:
"The new rules seem to need some adjustments..."
.....
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