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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
***
Thursday, December 23, 2004, approaching Christmas, American sports media were still discussing the previous fun.
Due to the Players Union's appeal, Ben Wallace's suspension was ultimately lifted, while Rasheed Wallace had terrible luck and remained suspended for 6 games.
Suspension meant losses, and Rasheed didn't dare to openly curse David Stern.
During this time, he could only complain sarcastically to the media:
"I swear, I didn't do anything! I just stood at the scorer's table and yelled a few times!"
...
With teammates trying to break up the fight, Rasheed was actually gloating and watching the show, but once the NBA announced the penalties, he lost that mood.
Clearly, David Stern also had his stubborn prejudices, and he wouldn't be polite to the "Technical Foul Master."
In the past few days, New York fans also erupted in protest.
Some began to shout for people not to attend games, while others clamored for the NBA to protect fan rights.
Even the two involved Detroit Pistons fans, John Ackerman and William Paulson, sued Ron Artest.
There were also lawyers who provided legal aid, not minding the extra trouble.
In short, this farcical drama continued for a week without ending.
The Knicks suffered significant losses because David Stern adjusted the beer sales terms, limiting the quantity sold.
James Dolan almost cursed.
The alcohol business at Madison Square Garden was very good, and several teams with good attendance also complained.
This was simply an unprovoked disaster.
No one knew if David Stern would continue with such adjustments, and consequently, the owners also began to speak out.
Every Thursday, TNT's show always created excitement, but this time the trio didn't go against the NBA.
ESPN spoke out for Ron Artest and received a large number of complaints from fans.
If nothing unexpected happened, the host Flip Saunders and the studio guests would be replaced next season.
NBA professionals are all supposed to serve the fans.
TNT didn't mention the penalties at all, nor did they discuss the Auburn Hills incident too much, because they knew that if they took sides, fans would complain.
If fans were annoyed, viewership would definitely decline, and ultimately, they would be the ones to lose.
Charles Barkley wasn't stupid.
After the incident, he maintained the same stance as the NBA:
"I believe the NBA will issue a fair penalty."
Sports media stopped mentioning this matter, and everyone stood by the fans.
The Knicks were also reprimanded, suffering two consecutive losses before Christmas.
First, they allowed the Dallas Mavericks to score 124 points, and then they allowed the Celtics to explode for 118 points.
Under flexible officiating, their proud perimeter Defense was useless.
Although they lost two straight, Lee continued to dominate, just as he always did.
Including the game against the Utah Jazz, he had already scored 40+ in three consecutive games.
Scoring high points was indeed related to playing the shooting guard position, and the more direct and aggressive scoring method made commentators exclaim how absurd it was.
As Christmas approached, New York fans also calmed down and began to happily anticipate the Christmas War!
With a record of 20 wins and 3 losses, the Knicks are still in the top position in the NBA, followed by the San Antonio Spurs with 20 wins and 6 losses.
In the Eastern Conference, the Heat are on a roll, currently with a record of 20 wins and 7 losses.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns are behind the San Antonio Spurs, with 19 wins and 6 losses.
Four teams stood out as 2004 was coming to an end, and the MVP rankings were also dominated by the core players of these teams.
The New York Times mocked the Phoenix Suns more than once as "copycats," believing that Alvin Gentry replicated Mike D'Antoni's tactics.
However, in the NBA, even "copy-pasting" is fine.
Steve Nash performed excellently in this tactical system, and the MVP rankings don't lie.
Today's TNT show discussed whether the Phoenix Suns could replicate the Knicks' success and win the Finals.
Charles Barkley had some prejudice against the thin Steve Nash and still held his previous view:
"The Phoenix Suns have no chance. The playoffs are different from the regular season. I can't imagine the San Antonio Spurs losing to a team like that."
"Duncan can destroy their interior. Are you going to rely on Marion to protect the rim?"
Seeing his partner's disdainful expression, Kenny Smith started shaking his head again, then repeated what he had just said:
"I didn't say the Phoenix Suns would win the championship next year. I'm talking about the future. Steve Nash just joined the team, and they still need to strengthen further."
"It's rumored that the Phoenix Suns are eyeing Amar'e Stoudemire. Under the same system, if this trade can happen, it would be a huge reinforcement for the Phoenix Suns."
With his player still stuck on the bench, Amar'e Stoudemire's agent naturally spread rumors.
Consequently, many teams began exploring trade possibilities, with the Phoenix Suns being the most active.
Alvin Gentry seemed to want to build the Phoenix Suns into a "broke version" of the Knicks.
Naturally, the New York Media wouldn't give them a good look, and the title of "thief" was also placed on them.
Ernie Johnson didn't want to give Barkley another chance to run his mouth and immediately took over the conversation:
"I don't think the Knicks will trade Amar'e Stoudemire this season."
"His form is excellent this year, and considering the Heat's condition, they should also keep their big man."
"Currently, I haven't heard any news of conflict in the Knicks' locker room. Unlike the Toronto Raptors, Clay Lee has led this team very well."
Not long ago, the Nets sent out Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks, ultimately acquiring Vince Carter.
In the new season, the conflict between Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors deepened, and finally, the Slam Dunk King still left Toronto and joined the Nets.
This trade was not seen favorably.
Alonzo Mourning seemed unwilling to play for the Toronto Raptors, and the Kidney Fighter still wanted to return to the Heat.
Charles Barkley stopped criticizing Steve Nash and simply stated with certainty:
"Even if the Phoenix Suns acquire Amar'e Stoudemire, they won't make it to the Finals."
"Steve Nash isn't Clay Lee. In clutch moments, he hasn't proven himself yet!"
...
It had been snowing lightly in New York recently, and the lowest temperature had dropped to around -10 degrees Celsius.
At the Happy Coffee Shop on 70 Pine Street, Ron Artest and his entourage were somewhat restless.
This place was only a few minutes away from the New York Stock Exchange, and the atmosphere of the entire block was quite different from Brooklyn and Queens.
The coffee shop was still open, but the people watching the place didn't look like good guys.
Nacho, wearing a black jacket, also felt that those guys weren't decent, and his gaze towards them inevitably carried some malice.
Old Mike, sitting by the window, wore glasses and leisurely flipped through the newspaper in his hand, occasionally taking a sip of whiskey.
In the evening, this place also sold alcohol.
This hybrid coffee shop hadn't been doing well since 2001.
One person stared fiercely at everyone with a blank expression, while another didn't even look at them.
A chubby black kid with scars on his face complained in a small, aggrieved voice:
"Boss, let's just go! I don't want compensation anymore!"
"Alexander, shut your stinking mouth!"
Hearing Ron Artest's low growl, the few hip-hop dressed black followers, wearing baggy hoodies and small hats, all quieted down.
There were two fat guys and two skinny guys.
The chubby black guy named Alexander Song was Ron Artest's distant relative and also the leader among the followers.
At 5:30 PM, the shop door was pushed open, and soon the playful chatter of young girls appeared in the coffee shop.
Scarlett was wearing a red duffle coat and a red wool hat, and her slim-fit jeans still showed off her good figure.
Upon entering the coffee shop, she clamored for a hot drink.
Krysten Ritter, dressed similarly but with a blue coat instead of red, laughed uncontrollably behind her.
Her figure appeared somewhat bulky, clearly due to wearing more clothing for warmth.
The little follower teased Scarlett for prioritizing style over warmth.
The two sat near the bar, not even looking at the situation in the shop.
Lee, behind them, was linked arm-in-arm with Kim and Melinda, and all three were wearing thick black trench coats.
Kim took Lee's coat, while Melinda threw off her jacket casually.
Her golden hair styled in an updo and blue formal wear made her appear somewhat assertive.
"Ron, why aren't you talking? I also saw the news. Don't worry about those lawsuits. If the Players Union can't help, I will."
Lee also had to wear a black cashmere sweater for warmth, but in his daily life, his attire was still different from most NBA stars, as hip-hop attire was still the mainstream.
Ron Artest nodded silently.
James Dolan was unhappy about the alcohol issue, and coupled with the New York fans' protests, it made him uncomfortable.
Most importantly, to grab attention, some reporters began digging into his family history, revealing that many relatives were still in prison, which naturally led to negative comments from fans who saw the news.
When they were winning, Ron Artest was a big star, beloved by fans, but when he threw punches and caused losses for the team, management and fans immediately turned against him.
The pressure from public opinion made Ron Artest very silent recently, and he was even more worried that the team would trade him:
"Lee, does the management have other plans?"
"No one trades a DPOY at this time. Of course, to regain trust, you also have to perform well. This is New York, and many people actually want to see you fail!"
Lee answered casually.
After he sat down, Melinda handed him a cup of coffee.
Seeing the five people across from him become reserved and silent again, she also teased:
"Clay is right. I will help you sue the Detroit Pistons' Madison Square Garden operator. After all, you lost some valuables, and you can't just take a beating for nothing."
Alexander first glanced at his boss, then secretly peeked at Lee and his group, then nodded nervously and quickly said:
"It's fine if they're lost. This time it's my fault."
Lee shook his head.
He had no good way to comment on this spineless follower:
"We waited a week. The Detroit Pistons only banned fans from entering the arena and didn't mention compensation. They thought too highly of themselves."
"Melinda will help you get an explanation. Don't worry, she won't charge you lawyer fees!"
Releasing records, keeping followers, and helping relatives and friendsâsince NBA salaries are paid in stages, Lee knew that Ron most likely didn't have money, so he gave them a reassurance ahead of time.
The few of them nodded happily, followed by a torrent of flattery.
Ron Artest felt like he had lost all face and, after repeated thanks, hurriedly pulled everyone away.
When Alyce brought the coffee and sat next to Lee, she wrinkled her nose and then said helplessly:
"The smell of weed. You should make him move out of Queens."
On the other side, Nacho, who was handing a drink to Old Mike, also chimed in:
"Drug addicts are not to be trusted!"
Lee shrugged.
There were plenty of NBA players who smoked weed, and he wasn't interested in interfering with personal lives:
"It's not like we're doing business with them. It's just a favor. Everyone is an adult and has to be responsible for their own actions. If they want to smoke, they smoke. I'm not interested in meddling in these messy affairs."
"Alyce, did the coffee shop make money this year?"
Seeing Lee turn his head to ask, Krysten Ritter said enthusiastically:
"It's already profitable! I've adjusted the flavors recently, and business will only get better from now on."
The noticeable change was that the coffee became bitter, and the breakfast and lunch pastries also lost their overly sweet taste.
Lee, drinking his coffee, nodded.
He had bought this shop a long time ago.
Although it was run haphazardly, after losing money for several years, it finally got on track.
Krysten Ritter could get some of the profits, and the little follower was very attentive to this.
Scarlett, no longer feeling cold, snuggled into Lee's arms while Melinda and the others went to get food.
Krysten Ritter had her birthday not long ago, and Scarlett had been in New York recently.
"Clay, how are we going to spend Christmas this year? Are we going back to Peninsula Manor?"
Lee lowered his head and kissed the girl in his arms, then leaned into her ear to whisper.
Scarlett's face flushed slightly, and she glared at Lee.
For such an extraordinarily absurd game, she was still a bit reserved.
She rolled her eyes, and finally, with her slightly hoarse voice, she ambiguously whispered:
"I want to be on top the whole time!"
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, most NBA teams carried out charity events.
Sports media also stopped dwelling on the Auburn Hills Palace incident, and everyone, by unspoken agreement, began to praise the teams' care for their local communities.
The Cavaliers, still in Cleveland, had a very happy Christmas Eve this year.
With a record of 16 wins and 10 losses, they had a chance to make the playoffs according to the current trend.
Happy basketball swept through Cleveland, and fans also loved the big boy, Dwight Howard!
More and more sports media sang praises for Head Coach Van Gundy.
Facts proved that tanking for the top pick was the most correct decision.
In contrast, the Lakers, who also participated in the Christmas War, were not as happy.
Before Christmas, they defeated the Hornets, who had a record of 2 wins and 22 losses, bringing their own record to 14 wins and 11 losses.
Compared to before, the Lakers had lost their dominance.
The San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns also won, still firmly suppressing the former champion team.
Kobe Bryant, despite the win, was not happy because the Heat had an even better record, and Shaquille O'Neal mocked him every now and then, but he could never respond.
In the game against the struggling Hornets, Kobe played 45 minutes, shooting 9-of-26 from the field, 1-of-4 from three-point range, and 10-of-15 from the free-throw line, tallying 29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.
His field goal percentage was less than 40%, and his true shooting percentage did not exceed 50%.
Regarding this, O'Neal, who was following his old teammate, sarcastically mocked:
"Second-year Dwyane Wade is the second-best backcourt player in the NBA, only behind Clay Lee!"
"He is even better than Kobe Bryant was in his second year."
"Trying to get more stats against weak teams to boost his efficiency, I know Kobe's tricks, but unfortunately, without me, he can only play inefficiently."
"Kobe is not a leader. He will never win an MVP!"
Before the Christmas War, Shaquille O'Neal began his verbal attacks, directly mocking Kobe.
Of course, the Shark also didn't forget to curse his old team for being blind and praised Pat Riley wildly.
Lee didn't pay attention to these reports. Lakers fans liked to imagine things, but he knew this team had lost its competitiveness.
No matter how the media hyped it up, a struggling team wasn't worth paying attention to.
In the afternoon, Lee picked up Ivanka.
They were going to visit her mother.
Donald was preparing to propose, and no one could change that.
Manhattan seemed to be expecting heavy snow, and the scattered snowflakes falling from the sky brought a hint of festive atmosphere.
Ivanka, who also lived in Upper East Side, wasn't far from Lee's home.
Looking at the elegant old woman who came out to greet him, Lee couldn't help but tug at Ivanka beside him.
The latter quickly presented a gift:
"Desserts from Mar-a-Lago. They're all your favorites. The head chef would never forget your taste!"
Ivana, receiving the small gift, was very happy.
She stepped forward and kissed her daughter, then tilted her head and air-kissed Lee.
After the butler took their coats, the three came to the living room on the first floor.
Soon, Ivana gossiped:
"I knew Donald would marry that little model. Promises are all false. She definitely wants to have children!"
Ivanka's stepmother was only 7 years older than Lee.
He never participated in this topic.
The mother and daughter chattered about the little model's ambition, finally agreeing that the other party just wanted to divide the property!
Lee stared blankly at the Louis XIII style living room.
Soon, Ivana shifted the topic to him:
"Clay, help little Donald more when you have the chance. You and Ivanka should also have a child."
Looking at Lee, who only nodded and kept agreeing, Ivana secretly pinched him.
Having a child at 23 was not in her plans.
Seeing their small gestures, Ivana didn't care and continued to nag.
After dinner and watching TV, the two, who were staying overnight, went to bed early.
The soundproofing in this house wasn't great.
In the bathroom, Lee couldn't engage in intense sparring.
He could only simple dribble, casually controlling a pair of smooth white objects.
Busy work had made Ivanka completely thin.
After a kiss, her breathing was a bit rapid.
In the end, she didn't swat away the large hand on her body.
Instead, she snuggled into his arms and whispered:
"Auntie told me that loan is fine. You can activate it anytime next year."
Having quietly followed the news in England, Ivanka knew that although Manchester United's shareholders' meeting had rejected the acquisition, the largest shareholder, Manier, had not expressed much opinion.
The British media believed that Red Football Capital was very likely to acquire Manchester United, and as for the Glazer Family, they would ultimately be powerless to resist.
The Wall Street Journal had also reported on the Ziff Brothers and Ken Griffin rejecting the Glazer Family.
Ivanka knew Lee had enough funds, and this time he was just bringing everyone along to "share the spoils."
"Please thank Ms. Elizabeth for me! I'll be needing this money very soon."
While thanking her, Lee also began to explore.
When he held her waist, he couldn't help but chuckle softly:
"You've lost so much weight!"
Very satisfied with her figure, Ivanka chuckled softly, then held onto the edge, striking a pose with her back, and whispered with a slight blush:
"Be careful! I don't want mom to hear us!"
On Christmas Day, the 25th, the New York Knicks were scheduled to play the Cavaliers at 12:30 PM.
Lee, who had done extra practice last night, arrived early at Madison Square Garden for warm-ups.
This Christmas War would be broadcast by ABC, and ESPN had started hyping the game long ago.
Due to fan complaints about supporting Ron Artest, ESPN reporters were very cautious.
However, TNT reporters didn't care at all and seized the opportunity to bring up the old incident again:
"Clay, what do you think about Commissioner David Stern rejecting the Players Union's appeal?"
Lee, who had finished his warm-up, was wearing a white compression shirt.
His muscles, swollen from exercise, made him look exceptionally strong:
"I support Chairman Billy Hunter's view that a 35 to 45-game suspension is more appropriate."
"Both sides are at fault in this matter. Ron shouldn't have thrown a punch. As NBA players, we all know how important fans are."
"But the Detroit Pistons' operations also have issues. This isn't the first time fans have thrown objects at players. We will also appeal regarding this."
"Everyone needs to pay the price for their mistakes. Ron lost most of his salary this year, and the operations can't just accuse us as they please!"
Most sports reporters didn't expect Lee to actually sue the operations, and everyone wanted to discuss this topic in detail, but Lee didn't reveal too much.
The ABC reporter didn't want to talk too much about the Auburn Hills incident and quickly asked again:
"Tonight is the first time LeBron James and the Cavaliers are participating in the Christmas War. Lee, what are your expectations for tonight's opponent?"
"I hope they can enjoy the game. Head Coach Van Gundy is excellent, and we all know LeBron's talent. In a few more years, they will definitely achieve success."
"âŠ"
Thinking that Lee was about to turn 27, the Yahoo Sports reporter felt that these words made a lot of sense, and everyone thought it was a blessing.
Lee didn't explain much.
As he got older, basketball commentators started counting on their fingers when he would decline.
Sayings like "He'll be done at 32," "He has at most 6 more years," and "Point guards usually decline the most severely" were rampant, and Clay Lee was too lazy to respond.
His body was getting stronger and stronger.
If he had to give a deadline, Lee felt he could keep playing until he lost interest in basketball.
Howard was particularly happy to be in Manhattan, shouting excitedly during interviews.
"Big Boy" had become Howard's label, and influenced by him, the Cavaliers also began to enjoy the festive atmosphere after arriving in Manhattan.
The midday game didn't affect the mood of the New York fans.
After protesting, everyone continued to buy tickets to watch the game.
For New York fans, they actually wanted to see the Heat vs. Knicks game today, but unfortunately, the NBA likes to play grudge matches, and the good opponent was taken by the Lakers.
After the game began, Coach D'Antoni sat steadily on the bench as usual.
After the suspension was lifted, Mike D'Antoni didn't make too many adjustments to the lineup, and Prince appeared in the starting five.
If the opponent frequently double-teamed Lee, the coaching staff's solution was to pass the ball around for open shots.
It didn't matter if they missed.
They would speed up the game, increase the number of possessions, and in the midst of chaotic play, Lee would always find one-on-one opportunities.
After the first quarter began, cheers continuously echoed through Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks' offense was very decisive, which also led to the opposing Cavaliers playing beautiful transition offense.
After Kurt Thomas missed a jump shot from the right block, Howard grabbed the rebound, and LeBron James, who received the pass, accelerated forcefully from the backcourt, chasing after him for a fast break layup!
Inbounding the ball quickly, Lee rushed across half-court.
The Cavaliers failed to match up in time, and as Raja Bell on the right wing received the pass, LeBron James, who jumped to block, was still a step too slow.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Wow!"
20:23, the score went back and forth, dunks and three-pointers appeared constantly, and the atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden became even more enthusiastic.
At the ABC commentary table, Hubie Brown, who had already announced his retirement, commented seriously:
"This is the offensive rhythm the Knicks like. Clay Lee's passing vision is excellent, and he always finds those fleeting opportunities."
Mike Tirico, standing beside him, greatly respected the veteran coach and immediately added:
"The Cavaliers should pay attention to their transition Defense. Head Coach Van Gundy probably won't like this kind of Defense."
LeBron James actively patted his chest, signaling it was his fault.
He had intended to show off, but ended up getting scored on directly.
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive cheers, Jeff McInnis passed the ball to LeBron James before crossing half-court.
The point forward came online again.
As Howard moved up to set a screen, LeBron James, who came to the left wing, accelerated horizontally, with Prince trailing him on the baseline for Defense.
There was body contact between the two at the free-throw line, but LeBron James still drove strongly to the inside, attracting Pau Gasol's help Defense under the basket, and immediately passed the ball to Zydrunas Ilgauskas near the right baseline.
The latter received the ball, adjusted slightly, and missed a mid-range jump shot.
Prince and LeBron James were tangled up, Howard was pulled by Kurt Thomas, and eventually, the rebound was easily secured by Pau Gasol.
When Lee received the ball outside the three-point line, he had just accelerated, and Jeff McInnis immediately fouled him.
"Boo!"
The defensive intensity on both sides wasn't high, but the Cavaliers, relying on such defensive tactics, still entered a bonus situation.
Seizing the opportunity, the Cavaliers brought in point guard Charlie Ward and Drew Gooden, while the Knicks brought in Derek Fisher and Amar'e Stoudemire, with Raja Bell and Pau Gasol going to the bench for rest.
Unlike Howard's excited state, Derek Fisher had experienced many Christmas Wars with the Lakers.
He appeared serious upon entering the game, slapping himself twice, looking like a defensive stalwart.
However, New York fans, having witnessed him being blown by Devin Harris with one step, were well aware of Old Fish's capabilities.
"Let's go Knicks!"
After receiving the ball at the baseline, Derek Fisher didn't rush to dribble across half-court.
He signaled a tactical play, making himself appear like a court general.
It was still a regular Knicks play, with Amar'e Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas standing on the left and right elbow areas.
As Derek Fisher came to the Logo, Lee on the right wing immediately activated, cutting horizontally from the top.
With an "S-shaped" movement, Clay Lee successfully shook off the trailing LeBron James when he popped out to the right wing, forcing the latter to loudly remind Howard to switch.
Derek Fisher, directing traffic, easily made the pass.
As Lee just turned his body, he drifted slightly to the left-rear while receiving the ball, and without any adjustment, quickly jumped up for a shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly!
Derek Fisher laughed heartily, immediately went over to high-five Lee in celebration, then slapped himself twice again, and actively went to guard Charlie Ward.
"Oh!"
After this series of performances, the New York fans' cheers grew a few decibels louder.
Derek Fisher had found his way to show off.
Lee looked at Derek Fisher, who was defending diligently and performing to his heart's content, and didn't know what to say.
His attitude was indeed fine, which should be a good thing for the team.
LeBron James again received the ball early.
Amidst the jeers of the New York fans, he immediately opted for a post-up against Clay Lee's Defense.
Turning his body, LeBron James carefully protected the ball, came to the left block, and continuously backed down with strong bumps.
While defending, Lee was also sensing his opponent's offensive movements.
When LeBron James backed down forcefully, his left hand suddenly went down to interfere.
Unable to turn towards the baseline in time, LeBron James merely pulled the ball back, instantly disrupting his offensive rhythm.
When Lee closed in to defend again, LeBron James was pushed to a position near the three-point line.
Regaining control of the ball, LeBron James attempted to back down his defender and turn towards the baseline.
He was halfway through the move when he realized Lee's thigh was defending him.
Unable to fully exert force, LeBron James, trying to scoop the ball with his left hand, almost lost control of the ball, finally stopping helplessly near the left baseline.
He passed the ball to the waiting Drew Gooden, who received the ball and missed a jump shot.
Amar'e Stoudemire grabbed the rebound, and Derek Fisher received the ball to initiate another fast break.
Head Coach Van Gundy on the sideline loudly reminded LeBron James to match up in time, but the latter habitually retreated to within the three-point line.
Derek Fisher, who had been watching Lee's movements, seized the opportunity to send a cross-court pass.
Near the left wing, still a big step away from the three-point line, Lee immediately gathered the ball after receiving it and smoothly jumped up for a shot!
LeBron James, who had rushed up to defend, had just turned his head after landing when he heard the fans' cheers.
Before Lee could start celebrating, Derek Fisher near the Logo had already turned around, raising both hands, signaling the fans to get hyped.
"Wow!"
The cheers grew even louder.
Clay Lee's mouth twitched, and he muttered to himself:
"3 games! You've already taken all the glory!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)