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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On May 4, 2007, the NBA announced this season's Sportsmanship Award:
Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls successfully won the award.
The Rookie of the Year, announced two days prior, was overwhelmingly won by Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers.
This season's awards were nearing their end, and the most important MVP award was to be presented during the first game of the second round, but the most awkward situation occurred: the newly crowned recipient was eliminated in the first round.
In the morning, two ESPN programs were intensely reviewing last night's game, and major sports media outlets followed suit, all engrossed in the drama.
Even casual fans who only watched the Finals were drawn in.
Such a situation was truly rare.
A 68-win team was eliminated so early?
The New York Times, early in the morning, educated fans on how 'soft' the new MVP was.
New York fans were overjoyed by the Dallas Mavericks' elimination.
It was the biggest laugh of the season!
As of 2007, in the long history of the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks were only the second team to achieve 65+ wins yet fail to win the Finals.
Prior to this, only the 1972-73 Celtics had achieved this, but the Dallas Mavericks' record was far more embarrassing: they were the first 65+ win team to lose in the first round.
Naturally, the New York Media went all out with this embarrassing record, with prominent headlines on the front pages of newspapers:
"NBA's Worst MVP: Nowitzki Shames Clay Lee's Trophy."
In Game 6, Dirk Nowitzki completely collapsed, kicking over a chair during the game, and after the game, the angry German even smashed a large hole in the Oracle Arena's player tunnel with a trash can.
This moment of complete breakdown was captured, and the new MVP became the subject of ridicule among fans.
Compared to the Dallas Mavericks' predicament, Oracle Arena left a lasting impression, with the Warriors' "We Believe" golden T-shirts undoubtedly becoming a memorable classic.
Overcoming a 68-win team—such a feat would be difficult to repeat even decades later.
Dirk Nowitzki was nailed to the pillar of shame, while Stephen Jackson, who scored 13 consecutive points in the third quarter of Game 6, hit 7 three-pointers in the game, and exploded for 33 points, became hot once again.
After several years of quietness with the Pacers, through this series, commentators finally realized that Jackson was once a player who had a highlight performance in the Finals.
Unlike Dirk Nowitzki, who skipped the press conference, Stephen Jackson spoke extensively about his championship experience after the win last night:
"When I was in Indiana, people seemed to forget I was a champion player."
"I'm not Lee. I need a suitable system. Thanks to the Warriors, and thanks to Head Coach Don Nelson, they helped me rediscover the feeling of playing alongside Clay Lee."
"After joining the team, Matt and I shared our championship experience without reservation, and you all saw the result: we defeated a 68-win MVP."
"..."
Not only Stephen Jackson, but Baron Davis also bragged after the win, completely disregarding the German's feelings:
"Little guys can dominate games too! Lee led us!"
"I have great respect for the Dallas Mavericks. They achieved 68 wins, but we won't fear this team. Lee already showed how to beat them in the Finals."
"The Warriors have transformed. The championship experience brought by Stephen and Matt has established the team's winning culture."
The two sang in unison, bragging wildly at the press conference, enraging Mark Cuban, who cursed the referees on his blog and also criticized the MVP awarding process.
After a night and a morning of fermentation, the NBA's annual joke completely broke through.
Dirk Nowitzki's reputation as a "softie" echoed across America.
Since the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz went to a Game 7, the MVP award ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at the Dallas Mavericks' home arena on the 7th.
But after the Dallas Mavericks were eliminated, the NBA could only send the trophy to Dallas.
Dirk Nowitzki seemed to have become reclusive, not accepting any interviews after last night's game.
As for the MVP speech, it had now become a joke, only anticipated by spectators looking for entertainment.
That evening, the Heat and Toronto Raptors played Game 6.
Chris Bosh made a crucial turnover in the final moments, missing a chance to win, and lost on the road, unfortunately being eliminated in the first round.
95:97. Relying on the veterans' explosion, the Heat successfully advanced.
At American Airlines Center, 20,000 Miami fans celebrated enthusiastically.
With a 4:2 series lead, it was a difficult elimination of a playoff rookie, and advancing through the first round was worth celebrating, especially with core players battling injuries.
The Toronto Raptors, who had the early advantage, ultimately lost to the veteran team.
Chris Bosh, feeling the joyous atmosphere in the arena, grew increasingly dejected.
He played 42 minutes, shooting 8-of-21 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 3 turnovers.
Facing the interior duo of Haslem and Old Shark, Chris Bosh couldn't gain an advantage, failing to perform efficiently in two crucial games, and instead, his team was tied by two games.
Recently, Bryan Colangelo of the Toronto Raptors won Executive of the Year, but after making the playoffs, the team's roster exposed significant issues.
The rookies lacked experience.
Wearing a black suit, paired with a blue shirt and a dark blue tie, and sporting a side part, Bryan Colangelo was at the entrance of the player tunnel, constantly applauding and encouraging his players.
The backcourt duo of Jose Calderon and Anthony Parker simply couldn't contain the injured Dwyane Wade, though the first overall pick performed quite well.
Colangelo looked at his dejected players and immediately felt that they should bring in a veteran with winning experience:
"Don't be discouraged, we've already succeeded!"
Bosh, saying goodbye to his friends and walking into the player tunnel, felt his mood improve upon hearing his general manager's encouragement.
Thinking about the Heat facing the New York Knicks again, he couldn't help but ponder:
"Another game with no suspense."
Although Dwyane Wade played so hard he almost collapsed on the floor, sports reporters after the game all went to interview Petty Shaq.
Most media outlets didn't care about this series.
Instead, Old Shaq's big mouth was worth reporting.
Shaq, who attended the press conference, was in a good mood.
He almost got eliminated in the first round, which would have been embarrassing, but thankfully, it was all over.
"Shaq, do you think Dirk Nowitzki should accept the trophy? What are your thoughts on this season's MVP?"
Although O'Neal was past his prime, the Big Guy still wouldn't miss such a chance to show off.
Facing a group of reporters with a serious expression, his face gradually showed a pained expression after hearing the question:
"Dirk Nowitzki should certainly accept the trophy. This is a reward for his 68 regular-season wins."
"But as a player who has won an MVP, given the current situation, I can only express regret."
"Kevin Garnett was eliminated in the Western Conference Finals. I personally defeated him. Tim Duncan lost in the semifinals. The selection process has been problematic these past few years."
"I respect the award winners, but they have lowered the standard for MVP. The NBA's viewership is declining precisely because most of the stars are not up to par."
"A long time ago, I disagreed with Charles Barkley's remarks, but now it seems only he spoke the truth."
Shaq answered the question in a low voice, displaying an air of "I disdain to be compared with fake stars."
Noticing a Los Angeles reporter, he adjusted the microphone and added:
"Don't contradict me. Look at Kobe's team performance after I left the Lakers."
"He performed well in the regular season, the 81-point scorer, but in the playoffs, he could only be eliminated in the first round."
"In this era, only Lee and I are true superstars. In the future, Dwyane will become the next Lee, but he needs to take care of his body. My little brother will definitely succeed."
Dwyane Wade, standing nearby, smiled shyly.
Shaq always disparaged Kobe while praising him, and he had long grown accustomed to it.
He was about to "add a jab," but a Fox Sports reporter suddenly gossiped:
"Wade, we've received news that you seem to be experiencing a relationship crisis? Will you end this marriage in the future?"
Dwyane Wade and his childhood sweetheart had married, and the couple had always been called the "golden couple" in the NBA.
They were truly a model couple!
The Miami Herald used to always tease Lee about his overly rich emotional life, but it seemed Dwyane Wade was also about to have a scandal.
The image of him being devoted to one person was no longer mentioned by anyone.
Dwyane Wade had expected the press conference to be about the game, but he noticed that the people below the stage were more concerned with his personal affairs.
A twitch appeared at the corner of his eye.
He had fought so hard to get past the first round, and now they were asking him this?
"Our relationship is very good, and we will soon welcome our second child. I don't want to explain anything. Right now, I will only focus on the game."
"…"
Dwyane Wade was about to welcome a new family member at the end of May, but rumors of the Flash cheating during his wife's pregnancy had recently spread.
His denial this time did not stop the sports reporters' gossip.
Facing increasingly off-topic questions, Dwyane Wade quickly lost his composure.
No one cared about the Semifinals, as if everyone had already decided they were doomed to lose.
For fans across the ocean, the Dallas Mavericks being upset by a number eight seed was naturally a welcome sight.
Back then, the Dallas Mavericks eliminating the Houston Rockets had infuriated many fans.
While loyal Tracy McGrady fans often reminisced about their idol's performance that year, no matter how good the stats were, stopping in the first round was a fact.
The "soft vs. hard" debate also seemed to have ended.
As fellow MVPs, Kevin Garnett had reached the Western Conference Finals that year with the championship experience of Sprewell!
Dirk Nowitzki's tragic elimination this time made many delusional Chinese fans smile.
However, after the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz's Game 7, most fans were once again heartbroken.
Before the trade deadline, Damon Jones, acquired from the Cavaliers, hit a crucial three-pointer in Game 7.
106:99, the Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets on the road, eliminating their opponent 4:3 in the series.
In the Semifinals, they would face the Warriors.
Fans watching the game on TV across the ocean didn't know how to evaluate this series.
"Yao Ming did his best, but his teammates were CBA-level"?
Tracy McGrady, playing with an injury, gave his all, but Damon Jones and Mehmet Okur's three-pointers in the final moments rendered his efforts useless.
Throughout his career, he had still failed to break through the first round.
12 of 25 from the field, 0 of 4 from beyond the arc, 5 of 9 from the free-throw line, 29 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 blocks, 2 turnovers.
Tracy McGrady, who recorded a double-double, almost burst into tears after the game.
9 of 19 from the field, 11 of 13 from the free-throw line, 29 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 4 turnovers.
Yao Ming, who lost the game, could only stand with his hands on his hips, watching the opponents celebrate freely at the Toyota Center.
Losing this game also marked the complete end of Coach Mike Brown's coaching career with the Houston Rockets.
Against the Houston Rockets' interior duo, Carlos Boozer made 13 of 23 shots, scoring a double-double with 35 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.
Mehmet Okur also efficiently put up 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Yao Ming, who was constantly pulled to the perimeter on offense, became the target of the opposing Defense.
Even after losing weight, he couldn't protect the rim any better.
All-Star Deron Williams performed exceptionally well in this series.
When attending the post-game press conference, as the Houston Rockets lost the rebound battle by 8, Tracy McGrady frustratingly complained about the team stopping in the first round:
"Not only were we unable to limit our opponent's scoring, but we also didn't have an advantage in rebounds."
"Carlos Boozer grabbed 4 offensive rebounds. I don't know why we made such a basic mistake when we clearly had a height advantage."
Perhaps realizing he had misspoken, Tracy McGrady proactively changed the subject, but Yao Ming next to him was in a bad mood, as he was the tallest player on the court, and 6 rebounds in a game was indeed a poor statistic.
Fortunately, the Houston sports reporters didn't make things difficult for Yao Ming.
When asked about expectations for next season, he naturally only gave diplomatic answers:
"We will not stop in the first round again."
Yao Ming, speaking diplomatically, was in a terrible mood.
Basketball is a game of five players, and the Houston Rockets, with a nearly seven-man rotation, lost fairly.
On sunday, May 6, the New York Knicks played their first Semifinals game.
Clay Lee, awaiting the arrival of his child, uncharacteristically gave an interview before the game.
Just this morning, Dirk Nowitzki attended his MVP press conference.
The entire speech was very awkward.
The German seemed to have not slept for days, his eyes were bloodshot, and his beard was unshaven.
Normally, winning an MVP should be widely publicized, but stopping in the first round meant the NBA had to handle it discreetly.
According to custom, Dirk Nowitzki should have received cheers from fans at his home court.
The NBA suggested moving this segment to the Phoenix Suns' home court, but Mark Cuban ultimately refused.
If he really went to Phoenix to lift the trophy, it would be a public execution, and Dirk Nowitzki might just break down on the spot.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, held a grand press conference before the game, which sharply contrasted with the Dallas Mavericks' low-key approach.
The New York Media's dark humor was sometimes amusing.
Fortunately, Lee didn't solemnly wear a formal suit to cooperate with the performance.
Otherwise, by the end of the season, Dirk Nowitzki would also become a mortal enemy.
The German was repeatedly used for comparison, and his mentality had long since exploded.
When Lee appeared on stage wearing the New York Knicks' home white practice uniform, a group of sports reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions.
The team's press spokesperson selected the friendly New York Times:
"Lee, what is your opinion on Dirk Nowitzki refusing to go to Phoenix to receive his award?"
"I understand Dirk. For him, at this moment, he wants to receive encouragement from Dallas fans even more. Lifting the trophy with his teammates is enough. There's no need to deliberately fly to the opponent's home court."
The award ceremony was truly tragic.
Although Lee didn't kick him while he was down, Dirk Nowitzki would still be ridiculed by many commentators throughout the following week.
Apparently, finding Lee's answer not explosive enough, an ESPN reporter took the lead in stirring things up, once again acting as a mouthpiece:
"Shaquille O'Neal believes the NBA lacks true superstars. Clay, do you think Dirk Nowitzki, who won the MVP, lacks the star quality he mentioned?"
The Heat were very low-key after arriving in Manhattan.
Pat Riley turned down most interviews, and Lee didn't pay too much attention to his opponent's movements tonight.
Hearing his old rival's big mouth, he responded with a smile:
"Although the Dallas Mavericks lost in the first round, they achieved a historic 68-win record in the regular season."
"As the team leader, Dirk is certainly a superstar. Basketball is sometimes not just a competition of strength. Mentality is also very important."
"Tonight's game, the Heat may suffer a crushing defeat. Don't define a player by one series."
"…"
The pre-game press conference seemed to be a signal.
No matter how low-key the Heat were, they couldn't prevent tonight's collapse.
Having only rested for just over a day, when the game started at 7:30 PM, the Heat's starting lineup was completely out of form.
Dwyane Wade even played only 6 minutes before his shoulder injury recurred, and he returned to the locker room.
At Madison Square Garden, the New York fans cheered wave after wave as they watched Lee easily tear through the Heat's Defense.
Gary Payton entered the game in the latter half of the first quarter.
He couldn't defend and couldn't score.
Such a performance made Pat Riley on the sidelines sit back on the bench early.
15:36, Shaquille O'Neal, who was substituted early, had a long face.
All their points relied on him and Alonzo Mourning.
This game was unplayable.
The game entered garbage time early, and the slick-haired big boss simply gave up on the game early.
Dwyane Wade didn't return, and Shaquille O'Neal didn't play in the second half either.
Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1 seemed to turn into a warm-up game.
Amidst waves of cheers, time flew by.
Ultimately, 75:123, the New York Knicks easily won the game.
Clay Lee only played 26 minutes.
Among the New York Knicks' starting lineup, only Hill's playing time exceeded 30 minutes.
The rotation players and the atmosphere group had a blast.
At the ABC commentary table, Mike Breen noticed Shaquille O'Neal leaving early through the player tunnel and could only sigh:
"If we evaluate MVP by Clay Lee's standards, I think this award would have no suspense every year."
"In the eyes of New York fans, Clay Lee is the only superstar in the NBA. Congratulations to the New York Knicks for winning this game. I hope the Heat can adjust in time."
The joyful atmosphere in the Madison Square Garden also affected Hubie Brown.
The veteran coach thought of the new MVP's press conference this morning and used it as an opportunity to comment again:
"Clay Lee has shaped the current NBA, but to some extent, most superstars face even more severe challenges."
"Every award winner will be compared to Clay Lee. In the future, if there is no suitable candidate, I hope the award can return to Clay Lee."
"Clay Lee doesn't need the trophy, but the MVP needs Clay Lee."
....
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