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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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***
The 2004-05 season saw an increase in attendance, which, in addition to the new rules, was also due to the promotion by "individualistic" basketball commentators.
Sometimes, commentators couldn't watch every game, so highlights and labels became central to their analysis.
During this period, many players hadn't adapted and didn't change their image in time.
Vince Carter was a "victim" of this, as he revealed his true feelings in an interview:
"At the beginning of the season with the Toronto Raptors, I wasn't giving my all, but I still had a strong desire for a championship. I love the Toronto fans. Those were good memories."
"..."
During the regular season, this simple interview, after being amplified, led to a boycott of Carter by many fans.
Even if you show it on the court, you shouldn't admit it in a media interview!
After all, fans are often blindly obedient, and with the promotion of certain individuals, Carter's reputation worsened.
On the night of April 26th, the Nets were trailing by a large margin, and many viewers in front of their TVs recalled the labels commentators had given Carter during the regular season:
"No desire to win, unable to lead the team."
After three quarters, once the Nets had surrendered early, this kind of public opinion began to ferment on the internet, and more and more people started to believe the previous evaluations.
During the break, at the TNT commentary desk, Kevin Harlan was subtly discussing the matter:
"Only scoring 58 points, I don't see the Nets' desire for victory."
"Vince Carter only took 16 shots. He doesn't seem to realize that this state won't win games. He should be more aggressive."
Doug Collins, however, didn't talk trash but commented seriously:
"Being down by a large margin isn't just Vince Carter's problem."
"Jason Kidd still hasn't found his shooting touch. Currently, the Nets are 3 for 17 from beyond the arc."
"Compared to the last game, these outside jump shots and numerous turnovers have given the Knicks easy scoring opportunities."
"I believe that once Vince Carter returns home, he will respond promptly. The Nets need him to activate his scoring mode, otherwise, they will likely fall behind by a large margin in the first quarter again."
6-for-16 from the field, 1-for-3 from three-point range, 6-for-7 from the free-throw line, 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover. In three quarters, Carter's only bright spots were two fast-break dunks.
Sitting on the bench, Carter naturally knew how commentators would evaluate him after the game, and his face was grim.
He didn't even listen to the coaching staff's arrangements.
Kidd symbolically listened to Frank explain the tactical adjustments for the fourth quarter, then silently returned to his seat.
4-for-11 from the field, 1-for-5 from three-point range, 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers.
With such poor statistics, Kidd knew he would definitely be "called out" by Nets fans after the game.
Every year during the playoffs, Kidd would appeal to Nets fans for support, shouting slogans loudly, only to be thrashed by the Knicks.
The Nets had repeated this same drama for several years, and this year, when Kidd called out again, some local fans even self-deprecatingly said:
"When it comes to disappointment, Jason Kidd never fails disappoints us."
58:90, the deficit grew larger and larger from the first quarter, and Kidd and Carter were forced to check out after three quarters.
At Madison Square Garden, the New York fans were already celebrating the victory.
The lively atmosphere was out of place with the Nets' bench.
Kidd stared intently at the situation on the court, then suddenly turned to Carter beside him and whispered:
"When we go home, we have to do something. We can't keep losing like this."
Carter, already changed into his practice uniform, sat leaning back with his arms crossed.
Hearing his teammate's words, he forced himself to respond:
"I know, I'll take more shots!"
With both of them looking glum, the infected atmosphere group also fell silent.
If they lost the game after tomorrow, they could prepare for an early vacation.
Frank was also clinging to their coattails.
With Kidd's terrible performance in two consecutive games, he was powerless.
Aside from posing on the sidelines, Frank was more concerned with how to deal with media reporters after the game.
The game became exceptionally fluid, and the Nets finally unleashed a thrilling offense, with Richard Jefferson continuously scoring against Matt Barnes.
5-for-8 in a single quarter, 2-for-2 from three-point range, 1-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Thanks to Jefferson's excellent performance, the Nets won the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, 86:113, the Knicks once again easily defeated their opponent, bringing the series score to 2:0.
Clay Lee, who had checked out after three quarters, didn't even break a sweat.
He stood up at this point and high-fived the fans again.
Many Knicks fans also chose to go to the away games for the next two matches.
The music and cheers were non-stop.
Craig Sager, dressed in a white and orange plaid suit, came directly to Lee's side as soon as the game ended:
"Lee, congratulations on winning two home games. Many people think the series is already over. How would you evaluate the Nets' performance?"
In the pre-game predictions, commentators were naturally one-sided.
The big-mouthed Charles Barkley had been blasting Kidd for two days, and ESPN also had nothing good to say.
Although Lee felt the Nets were indeed a bit weak, he still gave his old opponent some face at this moment:
"I think they just couldn't make their shots. 6-for-22 from three-point range, that shouldn't be the Nets' true level."
"Once they return home, perhaps more fans will support them. The Knicks won't relax. I understand Kidd and Carter's strength. They will strongly rebound."
Craig Sager chuckled at this, not believing his words:
"36 points. I noticed you took fewer three-point shots tonight. Is this a tactical adjustment?"
Aside from the half-court buzzer-beater three, Lee indeed took few three-point shots tonight.
"No, I just want to influence the game in different ways. You know, the playoffs have just begun, and I also need to adjust my physical condition."
Lee answered the question earnestly, and the TNT staff gathered around him laughed along with Craig Sager.
The first round of the playoffs was just a warm-up.
Everyone felt Lee was right.
Kidd, whose physical abilities had declined, was indeed weaker.
Frank was worried that media reporters would make things difficult for them, but at the post-game press conference, most people just went through the motions.
No one had any expectations for the Nets anymore.
This attitude not only stimulated the coaching staff but also made Carter somewhat uncomfortable.
In the past, when he was in Toronto, even though he lost to Lee, the local media would continue to support him as always.
Coming to New Jersey, the treatment was completely different.
The fans and reporters here surrendered early, and Carter couldn't help but make a bold declaration:
"We haven't been eliminated yet. The Knicks need to win four games."
"Now we need our fans' support. Back at home, I'll take care of everything!"
Compared to Carter, Kidd looked like someone resigned to ridicule.
In the past, he would have resisted, but this year he seemed completely numb.
Many sports media, while understanding Kidd, saw this faded traditional guard in such a state and joined in the mockery:
"We seem to be witnessing a second Allen Iverson. Perhaps next season, Jason Kidd will flee to the Western Conference!"
In the playoff game played on the same day, 94:102, the Cavaliers also protected their home court.
With the series score at 2:0, the Chicago Bulls seemed to be running out of time.
Unlike the Knicks' one-sided game, the Chicago Bulls and the Cavaliers only decided the winner in the fourth quarter.
Drew Gooden and Dwight Howard's excellent rebounding allowed the Cavaliers to stabilize the situation, securing the victory with several crucial offensive rebounds.
44:54, the Cavaliers grabbed a total of 16 offensive rebounds, leading their opponent in rebounding.
After the win, the new owner Gilbert was beaming with joy, and the Cavaliers fans in attendance continued to cheer loudly after the game, celebrating the playoff victory.
LeBron James went 6-for-15 from the field, 2-for-6 from three-point range, and 8-for-10 from the free-throw line, tallying 22 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers.
Hearing the Cleveland fans loudly chanting his name, James was very excited during the interview, wiping sweat and loudly saying:
"This is a perfect start! Our efforts have paid off."
"Head Coach Van Gundy devised a perfect plan for the game, which made up for our lack of experience."
"For the upcoming away games, I promise the fans that we will get to match point as soon as possible!"
Dwight Howard was plagued by some foul trouble tonight, but this did not affect the mood of this "Happy Boy."
While LeBron James was being interviewed, Dwight Howard jumped behind everyone, took control of the camera, and shouted:
"Champions! We are unstoppable!"
Van Gundy, maintaining his composure, was not as excited as the Rookies.
He had a faint smile on his face, unbuttoned his suit, and simply waved to the fans as he walked towards the player tunnel.
Many fans were loudly shouting Van Gundy's name, which made Thibodeau, standing nearby, a bit envious.
To comfort his old partner, Van Gundy patted his shoulder and said expansively:
"Tom, when we win the championship in Cleveland, you should go coach a team too!"
"Believe me, you will succeed!"
Thibodeau smiled.
This experience with the Cavaliers had indeed brought him more satisfaction.
LeBron James and Dwight Howard both needed his guidance, and the team owner Gilbert showed them respect, inquiring in detail about the team's condition without interfering with its operations.
The tactical plans were strictly executed by the players, and in the locker room, the coaching staff's word was law.
Compared to James Dolan, who only knows how to make money, likes to brag, and only cares about Lee's commercial basketball, the Cavaliers' environment is much purer.
The two playoff victories also filled Thibodeau with a sense of accomplishment, and for a moment he also began to envision the future:
"Maybe after the Rookie season, we'll have a chance to make history!"
"Bringing a championship to Cleveland, that feels pretty good."
On April 27th, the NBA announced this season's Sixth Man of the Year:
Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls won the award as a Rookie.
The University of Connecticut won big.
Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon both found success upon entering the NBA.
However, this award didn't spark much discussion.
LeBron James and Dwight Howard, the two Rookies, became the hot topic among critics.
At the same time, Jeff Van Gundy also received universal praise:
"He truly is a Champion Coach. In just one season, he transformed the Cavaliers!"
Compared to Clay Lee's unremarkable double-double performance of 36 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal, shooting 13-of-20 from the field, 3-of-7 from three, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, the Cavaliers received more attention.
Drew Gooden and Dwight Howard's performance on the boards, in particular, led many critics to sing their praises, while LeBron James's excellent athleticism also earned widespread acclaim.
On ESPN's program, data expert Hollinger also affirmed LeBron James's playing style:
"Finishing at the rim, outside shooting, LeBron James is the first Rookie to showcase modern basketball skills."
In this year's regular season, LeBron James elevated his performance, and his efficiency rating reached 25.7.
This stat surpassed Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson this year, ranking him 6th.
LeBron James, who fills up the stat sheet, became a favorite among many critics in just two seasons.
More importantly, LeBron James only took one season to elevate his physical confrontation to an NBA level.
The last player to show such performance was Clay Lee.
In his second year, Clay Lee's efficiency rating climbed to 26.0, also crushing many veteran stars, and for a time, LeBron James regained the title of "The Chosen One."
The Lakers, who were still hyping up their Head Coach candidates, suddenly lost their buzz, and Kobe, who failed to lead his team to the playoffs, suddenly became outdated.
The Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Sacramento Kings again yesterday, with Ray Allen efficiently scoring 26 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers on 8-of-15 shooting, 3-of-6 from three, and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Although they won, not many people were discussing the Seattle SuperSonics.
Regarding this, Ray Allen, who was interviewed by Seattle's local sports media, also complained a bit:
"I don't understand why everyone is discussing a Rookie team."
"The Cavaliers have no chance this season; if they meet the New York Knicks in the semifinals, Lee will teach those Rookies a lesson."
"The Seattle SuperSonics are currently the better team. Head Coach McMillan is underestimated, and this year, we will make it to the Conference Finals!"
Ray Allen's vigorous efforts still failed to attract more attention; instead, many critics began discussing the Heat.
Sports reporters who were "sucking up" compared Shaquille O'Neal to Batman, and Dwyane Wade was hailed as Robin.
Damon Jones, who performed well from beyond the arc in the last game, was called Alfred, behind the two of them.
This analogy left many fans speechless, but Mourning, who had rejoined the Heat, found it very fitting.
The Nets suffered crushing defeats to the New York Knicks in two games, and Mourning, in a pre-game interview, again explained why he left New Jersey this season:
"I discussed the team's positioning with the Nets' management."
"They didn't show any desire for a championship. Instead, they were more looking forward to the team moving back to Brooklyn."
"I want to fight for a championship, and on the Heat, everyone has the same goal, which is also a key factor in our 59 wins this year."
The Kidney Fighter might have taken Pat Riley's love potion, steadfastly following the oily-haired boss's footsteps.
These words were almost a direct taunt, mocking the Nets' management for their lack of ambition, and once reported, New Jersey fans naturally began to retaliate.
The triumphant Heat fans have been particularly active recently.
Dwyane Wade's regular season stats this year were comparable to LeBron James's.
Although he couldn't fill up the stat sheet and his efficiency rating wasn't as good as his, he was still a top 15 player in the NBA.
The Cavaliers have a promising future, and the Heat might win the championship this year!
New York fans were disdainful of the columnists and sports media's random analogies.
If Batman were as fat as Shaquille O'Neal, his ashes would probably be scattered by the Joker.
That night, despite Reggie Miller's best efforts, the Pacers still lost.
84:105, the Heat protected their home court, and the series score reached 2:0.
Old Miller scored a team-high 28 points, and Stephen Jackson also contributed 20 points.
However, Jermaine O'Neal was completely suppressed by Shaquille O'Neal, and his injury at the end of the season still affected his game status.
Smiling after the win, Shaquille O'Neal greeted Old Miller and then came to the sidelines for an interview, confidently bragging again.
Referring to the hot topic among critics, Shaquille O'Neal self-praised in a deep voice:
"Batman? I prefer everyone to call me Superman!"
"Dwyane Wade is Flash. We belong to the Justice League, and our partnership will accomplish great things!"
"..."
On the morning of the 28th, the New York Times again mocked these teams joining the excitement, and incidentally Photoshopped a picture of Clay Lee as Thanos, with the six gems on the Infinity Gauntlet corresponding exactly to the faces of his six championship rings.
New York fans thought this analogy was very fitting, as Clay Lee really does have six championship rings.
In an interview that afternoon, Lee mostly offered his blessings to his alumni, Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon.
Coach Calhoun retired from coaching after the University of Connecticut won the championship last year, having accomplished his goal.
This year, North Carolina won the NCAA championship again, their 4th in school history, just surpassing the University of Connecticut.
"The Chicago Bulls won't give up easily. I know Ben Gordon, he always plays with energy."
"Head Coach Van Gundy has indeed built the Cavaliers into a strong Defense team, and I believe the Chicago Bulls will respond from the perimeter."
Lee began talking about the opponent for the next round, and everyone tacitly assumed the Nets would lose tonight.
Jason Kidd had been calling for it for several years, but each time it ended in a crushing defeat, and even Jay-Z, the big star and small shareholder, no longer came to watch the games in person.
Many people had no interest in witnessing the Nets' failure again.
Due to the large amount of garbage time in the two games, Dikembe Mutombo also got a chance, which served as a warm-up.
The veteran was in a good mood, and when talking about tonight's opponent, he didn't forget to tease his alumnus, Mourning:
"I know Mourning likes the Heat's team culture and wants to win a championship this year, but they have no chance."
"Now is the era of young people. Actually, I wanted to suggest he come to the New York Knicks; it might be a better choice."
The New York Knicks players looked relaxed, and there was no travel fatigue on the road.
In contrast, the Nets, back on their home court, had not given any interviews for the past two days.
Only Frank was speaking for the team.
At 6:20 PM, 20,000 fans had already poured into the Continental Airlines Arena.
With over half an hour until the game, the Continental Airlines Arena grew noisier, and New York fans who bought cheap l tickets were jumping and cheering, celebrating victory before the game even started.
Previously, Vince Carter only learned about the Nets' home court situation through the news.
In his first playoff season after joining the team, Carter suddenly understood Jason Kidd.
Compared to Madison Square Garden, the front-row tickets here were cheaper.
Carter, still warming up, twitched his mouth.
At a glance, a large number of fans were wearing the New York Knicks' blue away jerseys.
Carter, back on his home court, was also fully equipped, changing his jersey back to the home white and putting on his headband again.
Perhaps due to the team's poor record this season, coupled with the crushing losses in the first two games, the Dunk King had not won the favor of Nets fans.
TNT continued its broadcast, and Craig Sager interviewed Carter this time:
"This is your first home game since joining the Nets, Vince, how does it feel to be home?"
Carter looked at the smiling Craig Sager, somewhat suspecting he was being humiliated.
Standing on the sidelines, the two could clearly hear the joyous shouts of the New York fans, with incessant cries of "Surrender."
Missing the basketball atmosphere of Toronto again, Carter forced a smile, ignoring the sounds in his ears, and said something polite:
"I feel the energy brought by the Nets fans..."
He had only spoken half a sentence when a shout came from nearby:
"Coward! Go team up with that thief!"
"Hey, where are your triple-double stats?"
Jason Kidd walked past the two, and Craig Sager, seeing Carter's somewhat awkward expression, couldn't help but whisper reassuringly:
"It's okay, Vince, most of the fans in the Continental Airlines Arena are still supporting you guys!"
"Wow!"
A sudden burst of cheers made Carter instinctively turn his head, seeing Clay Lee performing fancy dribbling warm-ups under the basket, and for a moment he was speechless:
"Is this still our home court?"
...
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