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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
***
On October 18, 2003, several consecutive preseason games reignited the New York fans' passion for watching.
Recently, the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Boston Red Sox met again, and the Yankees avenged themselves, winning the American League Championship!
New York Media were all warming up for the upcoming World Series.
Besides filming commercials, Lee also took the girls to watch games when he had time.
Watching a baseball game often meant bringing the whole family to the stadium to eat snacks.
The Yankees' dominance goes without saying; they are also a team that has won abundantly.
To date, they have won 12 American League East Division titles, 39 American League Championships, and 26 World Series Championships!
During the years the New York Knicks won the championship, the Yankees also won big!
Among the four major sports leagues, fortunately, the New York Knicks have caught up in recent years, otherwise, they wouldn't attract many "fair-weather fans."
The preseason game on the evening of the 18th was also Jeff Van Gundy's first return to Madison Square Garden as Head Coach.
In addition, the media has been discussing the explosively popular LeBron James every day, making onlookers eager to see the The Chosen One's performance.
Not long ago, the 76ers were once again blown out by the New York Knicks in a preseason game.
Allen Iverson did not play and left New York early after the game.
New York Media didn't care about this, and fans weren't discussing Allen Iverson's loss.
The former scoring champion was completely past his prime.
Perhaps only a small portion of Philadelphia fans still held out hope, hoping Allen Iverson could re-prove himself and completely shed the label of "inefficient stat-padder."
The game officially began at 8 PM. At the MSG commentary booth before the game, Marv Albert happily chatted with his partner about baseball, as the rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox always made for interesting conversation.
After some idle chatter, Walt Frazier finally gossiped about the Cavaliers' locker room story:
"Head Coach Van Gundy believes LeBron James is the sole core for team building, which seems to have angered the Cavaliers' veteran players."
"In the first few preseason games, Ricky Davis didn't give the Rookie any respect, wanting to completely control the locker room. LeBron James still needs some time."
Marv Albert usually lets loose when commentating games at MSG.
Hearing this, he immediately burst out laughing:
"I guarantee that if Davis continues with this attitude, Head Coach Van Gundy will soon trade him away!"
"On the Cavaliers, besides owner Gordon Gund, only Head Coach Van Gundy calls the shots. After clearly stating that they will continue to strive for draft picks this season, I believe many players are no longer in the team's plans."
The two gossiped at the commentary booth.
In the visiting team's locker room, Jeff Van Gundy didn't bother to say much.
Instead of adjusting tactics, he preferred to continue watching LeBron James's performance.
The Bald Young Coach didn't care if the team's veterans had opinions.
With full authority, he planned to thoroughly clean out the team and get rid of the previous coach's imprint:
"Keep up with the New York Knicks' game rhythm. I don't care about the result. I want to see how you perform against different opponents."
"Not caring about wins and losses doesn't mean you can play tricks on the Defense end. Go look at Charlie's performance. If you don't want to play, have your agent talk to Paxson."
Jeff Van Gundy's face was stern.
After he finished speaking, Charlie Ward next to him puffed out his chest, looking like a "trusted confidant."
In the locker room, Carlos Boozer was very unhappy.
Although he was only a second-round pick, the previous Head Coach would not have been so biased.
Ricky Davis was the same.
He didn't expect the Head Coach to control even the locker room, which was completely different from what he had imagined.
Davis, with his braided hair, glared at LeBron James in the corner of the locker room.
The more he looked, the more annoyed he became.
He had clearly been the core player before.
Sometimes, a Head Coach's good intentions can also cause trouble for players.
LeBron James had intended to act as a supportive younger brother when he came to the Cavaliers, but the Bald Young Coach had already designated him as the core early on, which caused the locker room conflict to erupt immediately.
James, wearing a headband, remained silent.
Hearing the Head Coach's words, he nodded seriously.
Since the training camp began, few people on the team had spoken to him.
Only Zydrunas Ilgauskas would look after him a bit.
The reason why the Cavaliers' players disliked the The Chosen One was because they were all about to be traded.
Jeff Van Gundy gave a few more instructions, then turned and left.
He still had to greet his old friends in New York and had no time to socialize with players who were not in his plans.
The Bald Young Coach left decisively, leaving only assistant coach Thibodeau to clap his hands and re-emphasize the tactical requirements.
LeBron James didn't care about his teammates' hostile glares at this moment.
Looking at Jeff Van Gundy's back, a feeling of reverence welled up in his heart again:
"As expected of a Champion Coach who won four consecutive championships!"
Before the game began, New York fans cheered for Jeff Van Gundy, and the New York Knicks players also came forward to greet him.
Lee, wearing a New York Knicks training uniform, stepped forward to hug and greet, initiating a session of mutual commercial flattery:
"Coach, welcome back to the NBA! This is the stage that suits you best!"
The fans' cheers and the players' flattery made Jeff Van Gundy feel elated.
Hearing Lee's words, he couldn't help but laugh:
"I knew you guys would succeed last year, Lee. I hope you don't mind having another opponent in the Eastern Conference!"
Looking at the spirited Jeff Van Gundy, Lee couldn't help but sigh that power was a good thing.
On the New York Knicks, Jeff Van Gundy would never show this side of himself.
The owner didn't value him, the general manager often manipulated him, and the players revolved around Lee.
No matter what achievements Jeff Van Gundy made, he only had the function of a coach.
Lee turned and left.
Back in his seat, Jeff Van Gundy began to lean back strategically, seizing both popularity and power.
The Bald Young Coach was just waiting for this season to end, then he would select a big man and completely rise to prominence.
Watching Ricky Davis warm up with a sour face, Jeff Van Gundy didn't care.
It wouldn't be long before he traded him away.
When facing a weak team in the preseason, New York fans usually spend more time in the team store, buying team merchandise.
The new 73-win commemorative T-shirts have seen continuous sales increases since the Finals ended.
Last season's 73-win commemorative hats were actually similar to usual, just with "73-9" and "16-0" added to the sides of the hat.
They added some color schemes and reaped another wave of profits.
Ewing waited by his commemorative framed photo for fans to take pictures until the game was about to begin, then he returned to the bench.
As the game neared, the Madison Square Garden was completely full, and the noise grew louder and louder.
Many people stood up waiting for the director to show them on camera, while some fans started eating snacks, seemingly planning to have dinner while watching the game.
During warm-ups, LeBron James felt uncomfortable seeing such a scene at the Madison Square Garden.
Clearly, New York fans didn't take him seriously.
No matter how much the sports media hyped him, in this city that loves to win big, there would be no respect without a championship.
Dikembe Mutombo, who had just joined the team, had already entered the towel group and was sitting next to Ewing, whispering and laughing.
The Cavaliers' starting lineup was somewhat similar to the New York Knicks', mostly players with forward builds.
Marv Albert, introducing the opponent's lineup, also sighed:
"Ricky Davis, LeBron James, Darius Miles, and Carlos Boozer are all similar in build, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas is 7 feet 3 inches tall."
"Although the Cavaliers have had poor results in recent years, they have accumulated some talent!"
"However, Head Coach Van Gundy seems to have other plans."
Walt Frazier, recalling Jeff Van Gundy's coaching style, also speculated:
"It should be a Defense-first team. LeBron James has excellent physical attributes, and Head Coach Van Gundy will likely place him in a help-defender position."
"Back then, Ewing was the New York Knicks' defensive core. Currently, it seems this Cavaliers team still lacks an excellent big man."
The two chatted idly at the commentary booth.
The referee at this point had already begun to call both sides to center court.
Clay Lee stepped forward and simply greeted the Cavaliers players, and LeBron James smiled again.
Not long ago, the two had met.
Nike was shooting new season promotional photos for its players, and LeBron James was currently in the third position, standing to Lee's left.
Anfernee Hardaway was completely past his prime.
Nike's second-in-command had become Grant Hill, while the fourth were Jason Kidd and Gary Payton.
After joining the Lakers, Payton gained popularity again and seemed to have a chance to go further and become a champion guard.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The DJ at the Madison Square Garden started playing rhythmic music, and soon, the fans also began to cheer loudly.
This was also a show of respect for Jeff Van Gundy.
In the game against the 76ers two days prior, the fun-loving crowd had been laughing and mocking Allen Iverson, completely uninterested in the outcome of the game.
Pau Gasol had also competed in the EuroBasket held in Stockholm with the national team during the offseason, but they lost to Lithuania in the mid-September final.
Pau Gasol was the New York Knicks player who played the most games, only getting a rest in late July.
After August, he joined the national team for joint training.
In tonight's game, Pau Gasol would not play much either.
The coaching staff did not want the team to suffer injuries before the regular season even began.
As Zydrunas Ilgauskas successfully tipped the ball, and Davis gained control of possession, cheers for Defense once again echoed in the Madison Square Garden.
Quickly dribbling past half-court, Lee only symbolically defended.
Davis noticed this and immediately called for a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.
Carlos Boozer quickly moved to the top of the arc and settled there, leaving LeBron James to spread out on the left wing.
Ron Artest had expected LeBron James to get more opportunities tonight, but he didn't expect the The Chosen One to be waiting for the ball from the start:
"After months of promotion in the offseason, turns out you're just a bit player!"
Ron Artest was right next to LeBron James, turning his head to watch the screen on the high post, and casually taunting the isolated The Chosen One.
"..."
After the game started, LeBron James felt that Ron Artest seemed to have ill intentions towards him, and naturally, he wouldn't respond to such provocation.
However, seeing Davis accelerate with the ball in his right hand after a screen and drive straight to the basket, only to be blocked by Pau Gasol on the defensive rebound, LeBron James's face was expressionless as he retreated on Defense, but he cursed inwardly:
"Stupid offensive choice!"
"Wow!"
After being tempered by the European big man during the offseason, Pau Gasol had gotten tougher, and playing more games also had its benefits, as his physical condition was excellent.
After completing the block and securing possession, Pau Gasol passed the ball to Lee, and then the New York Knicks players all quickly ran to half-court.
Clay Lee was not in a hurry.
Pau Gasol, being in a contract year, had gained a higher tactical status, and Mike D'Antoni had also added more tactics for this Rookie.
Watching Lee dribble past half-court, Davis again showed his status as a core player, loudly instructing LeBron James to pay attention to Defense.
LeBron James, running towards the left baseline with Ron Artest, was speechless.
Couldn't he see that he was already squatting in the corner?
"Let's go Knicks!"
On the first offensive possession, the New York fans cheered enthusiastically.
Lee didn't hold the ball for too long, but instead quickly passed it to Pau Gasol, who received it with his back to the basket in the right block.
Grant Hill stood on the left wing, while Kurt Thomas stood in the right block, everyone spreading out the offense, which made Zydrunas Ilgauskas think it was a simple low-post play.
After passing the ball, Lee ran off-ball, cutting into the paint from Kurt Thomas's side, arriving directly in front of the basket, then suddenly stopping and faking a move towards the high post.
At first, Davis thought Lee would run to the right corner, but his sudden stop nearly made him lose his position, and then seeing Lee's fake, he instinctively stopped.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas also didn't notice what was happening behind him.
Suddenly, he saw Pau Gasol passed the ball towards the basket and instinctively turned his head.
Right in front of the basket, after a sudden stop, Lee made a reverse cut, pushed away Davis, and jumped off both feet in the paint, instantly soaring into the air.
Despite the short run-up, Lee jumped very high.
As he caught the ball in the air, Davis could only watch Lee catch the ball with his right hand and forcefully slam it into the basket.
"Boom!" An alley-oop dunk was successful!
"Wow!"
The cheers immediately echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden.
These flashy plays were what attracted fans to buy preseason tickets, and everyone could see such exciting teamwork in every game.
LeBron James in the corner wanted to seize the opportunity to call for the ball, but Carlos Boozer, when inbounding the ball from the baseline, passed it directly to Davis.
Knowing they weren't in the team's plans, some players stopped pretending.
Within a few minutes, Davis executed pull-up jump shots after screens, passed the ball to Carlos Boozer after screens, and then dumped the ball to LeBron James with 24 seconds on the shot clock.
Forced to shoot a three-pointer, LeBron James's shot hit the backboard without even touching the rim, which again drew a burst of laughter from the New York fans.
On the New York Knicks side, Pau Gasol frequently dished out assists, executing the same play four times.
This time, the offense finally changed its approach.
Receiving the ball in the left block, Pau Gasol had his back to the basket. After receiving the ball in the left low post, Lee accelerated his steps, ran towards the baseline, and then quickly slipped under the basket.
After a sudden stop, he ran back again.
Davis couldn't save face and chased him relentlessly.
Quickly receiving the ball hand-to-hand, Lee dribbled with his right hand in a circle, moving close to the right elbow area, and with the help of Kurt Thomas's screen, easily shook off Davis's Defense.
Carlos Boozer moved to help defend, and Kurt Thomas accelerated on the cut, arriving at the free-throw line.
Clay Lee suddenly pulled his arm back, then quickly passed the ball.
The basketball flew straight to the basket, and Kurt Thomas received the ball unguarded, forcefully dunking it with both hands!
0:10. After the start, the Cavaliers had not scored a single point, and the New York Knicks had continuously executed their plays.
Hearing the jeers and cheers from the New York fans, LeBron James, who had been continuously squatting in the corner, couldn't hold back and couldn't help but whisper a reminder when inbounding the ball from the baseline:
"You should switch Defenses in time to cut off the passing lanes!"
"Shut up, Rookie! We don't need you to tell us how to play!"
Davis, who received the ball on the baseline, immediately retorted.
Since he was going to be traded, he couldn't be bothered to give face to the future core.
The director captured the exchange of words between the two, and at the commentary table, Marv Albert said with a chuckle:
"It seems LeBron James has run into some trouble. He's only taken one shot since the game started."
Walt Frazier could guess the situation in the Cavaliers' locker room and also joined in the gossip:
"Head Coach Van Gundy must want to test LeBron James. Becoming a team leader is not an easy task."
"The Head Coach designates the core position, but that doesn't mean everyone on the court will obey your commands."
As the New York Knicks continuously scored, Jeff Van Gundy on the Cavaliers' bench didn't stand up to coach the team but watched LeBron James become a scapegoat, continuously taking bad shots.
In terms of game experience, Davis was far more seasoned than the Rookie.
Every time he passed the ball to LeBron James, he made sure the other party received it uncomfortably.
It was Carlos Boozer's mid-range jump shot from the free-throw line that finally broke the deadlock for the Cavaliers.
With 2 minutes and 03 seconds left in the first quarter, as Charlie Ward entered the game, LeBron James finally received a pass on the left wing.
Not having to take a bad shot, facing Ron Artest's Defense, LeBron James quickly called for a screen, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas stepped up to set the pick.
Putting the ball down with his right hand on the left wing, LeBron James couldn't shake off Ron Artest's chase.
When he drove to the free-throw line, he quickly passed the ball to Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who had cut to the left near the baseline.
The latter received the ball and, without much adjustment, made a mid-range jump shot.
Having dished out an assist, LeBron James actively high-fived his teammates to celebrate.
The New York fans were somewhat disappointed.
After months of hype in the offseason, was this all the performance amounted to?
18:36. The first quarter ended, and the game had already lost its suspense.
The Cavaliers lacked defensive discipline, and Jeff Van Gundy didn't care.
Such a performance only strengthened his resolve to trade the players.
Returning to the bench during the break, LeBron James silently wiped his sweat.
These few preseason games had left a deep impression on him, and he couldn't help but secretly make a resolution:
"No one can treat me like this. You are all here to assist me!"
With 3 minutes left in the first quarter, Clay Lee was substituted out, and the New York Knicks made early rotations.
With the bench lineup on the court, Dikembe Mutombo made his debut first.
The two sides went back and forth.
After watching for a while, Ewing said in a low voice:
"I knew what the sports media promoted was unreliable. The Cavaliers will likely be the same for these two seasons."
LeBron James's long two-point shot missed, and the New York Knicks seized the opportunity, with Tayshaun Prince scoring an uncontested dunk on the fast break.
"Head Coach Van Gundy probably doesn't care about the team's performance like this. There are indeed good big men in next year's draft."
Lee casually responded.
Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard both had good talent.
Coach Calhoun specifically told him to watch Connecticut's games next year, precisely because of interior players like Emeka Okafor, that the old man was confident in leading the team to another championship.
On the New York Knicks bench, the assistant coach was communicating with Pau Gasol and Grant Hill.
After changes in the tactical initiation, the plays also changed accordingly.
This required Pau Gasol to read the Defense more.
In his third year as a Rookie, with more game experience, Pau Gasol could take on such a role.
This preseason game completely turned into a tactical experiment for the New York Knicks.
The two teams had an absurdly large gap, and the opponent also had locker room issues, so LeBron James could only continue to lose.
With 1 minute and 24 seconds left in the game, LeBron James, who had returned to the bench, watched the players on the court silently, feeling dejected.
Of course, he wouldn't blame Van Gundy, but such an encounter made him unhappy.
The regular season hadn't even started, and LeBron James was already looking forward to the team making trades.
Ultimately, 81:116, LeBron James suffered his fifth preseason loss.
He shot 5-of-17 from the field, 0-of-3 from three-point range, and 1-of-3 from the free-throw line, finishing with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
After delivering another mediocre stat line, LeBron James still had to force a smile and shake hands with the New York Knicks players after the game.
"Don't worry about the preseason, man. You played well tonight. This is Head Coach Van Gundy's test for you!"
Lee casually consoled the smiling LeBron James, who, upon hearing these words, found them reasonable:
"I know, I'm still learning. Head Coach Van Gundy is indeed great, and I like playing under him."
Noticing that the other party was speaking from the heart, Lee couldn't help but blink.
The Bald Young Coach's motivational talks still had some effect.
Because LeBron James's performance was subpar, the New York fans at the Madison Square Garden didn't bother to mock this Rookie.
In their opinion, the Cavaliers, who were destined to miss the playoffs, were not worth paying attention to.
LeBron James, walking towards the player tunnel, noticed that the New York fans on both sides were loudly shouting Lee's name and couldn't help but show a look of longing:
"Becoming a city hero, that's what a true superstar is!"
On October 20, another blockbuster trade occurred:
The Celtics traded Tony Delk and Antoine Walker.
Ultimately, they acquired Raef LaFrentz, Chris Mills, Travis Best, and a 2004 first-round draft pick from the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks had previously traded Nick Van Exel, their main scorer from the bench, and acquired Antawn Jamison from the Warriors.
Therefore, after this trade, the team's salary cap exploded, exceeding $79 million.
The New York Knicks are destined to pay the luxury tax in the new season, but Mark Cuban seems not to care at all, continuing to strengthen the team.
Unlike the San Antonio Spurs, who fill their salary cap, the Dallas Mavericks are truly willing to spend money.
The Celtics traded away their core players, which also means the "two-star model" has completely failed.
The New York Media, however, was very happy about this.
The New York Knicks had one less opponent!
On the 24th, the New York Knicks played their last preseason game.
They challenged the Pacers on the road, and the game went into the fourth quarter.
With a single quarter score of 28:17, the Pacers ultimately lost 109:96.
Earlier this month, Rick Carlisle replaced Isiah Thomas as the new Head Coach of the Pacers.
Although he had only taken over for a short time, the team was completely revitalized.
Stephen Jackson, now in the starting lineup, showed his vitality and earned the trust of the Head Coach.
Reggie Miller, who took a pay cut, was also working hard to adapt to the new coach's tactics.
The Pacers regrouped and once again launched an assault on the championship.
Although they unfortunately lost in the last quarter, after the game, Reggie Miller proactively praised his teammates and coaching staff during an interview:
"Coach Thomas was great. I can only express my regret at his departure."
"My physical condition is very good, no need to worry about me. I like Jackson's vitality, and Head Coach Rick Carlisle has also brought us different tactical ideas."
"The Pacers will never give up. In the new season, we will continue to challenge for the championship!"
Reggie Miller, who had completely entered his veteran state, could no longer be the team's primary offensive player.
Although he still had excellent scoring ability, he played more of a spiritual leader role on the team.
This statement delighted the Pacers fans.
Everyone believed the Old Miller's words!
After the last preseason game, the New York Knicks once again achieved a perfect record.
On Saturday, the 25th, Clay Lee took the two girls to the Bronx, the northernmost part of New York, to watch this year's World Series.
Since Kim had been prosecuting criminal organizations in the South District Federal Prosecutor's Office for the past few years, for safety reasons, only Scarlett Johansson and Krysten Ritter went with him today.
Yankees Stadium can accommodate nearly 60,000 spectators.
Before the game started at 8:18 PM, Lee first made an appearance in the open-air stands.
As Lee's figure, wearing a baseball cap, appeared on the big screen in the field, many people began to cheer excitedly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Having reached the World Series again, the New York Media believed that Lee brought good luck to the Yankees.
Returning to the box, Lee saw the two girls already eating snacks and couldn't help but shake his head:
"If you keep eating, you might actually get fat. Your mother called me. You need to maintain your figure."
After "Lost in Translation" was released, Scarlett worked for a while, but in less than a month, she returned to New York to enjoy herself.
Lee had already received several calls.
Scarlett's mother, who was also the young girl's agent, seemed to think this was her rebellious phase and specifically instructed him to take good care of her "obedient daughter."
Wearing an oversized hoodie and slim-fit jeans, Scarlett was eating a hot dog heartily, also wearing a baseball cap, completely disregarding her image.
Instead, she waved at Lee.
Sitting between the two, the young girl handed the hot dog to Lee's mouth and then said with a giggle:
"I didn't even eat dinner. Alyce can testify for me. We were both hungry all afternoon!"
Deliberately offering her finger, Lee sucked on it.
Scarlett smiled even more happily, her voice a bit hoarse, and whispered in his ear:
"Anyway, we'll be exercising tonight, so I definitely need to eat more now!"
The little follower saw the young girl actively kissing him and felt that she had completely let herself go.
In the past, when the three of them played little games, they would need a couple of drinks to get in the mood, but now the young girl had fully adapted.
Krysten Ritter, wearing a matching red hoodie and with her hair in a ponytail, asked while eating a cheese stick:
"Can't Kim and Melinda come here? I think it's very safe!"
Lee patted Scarlett, who was still snuggled in his arms, and said somewhat helplessly:
"This is one of the cities with the highest crime rates. If you two didn't want to watch the game, I most likely wouldn't have come here."
"It's that dangerous? We won't come here again then. The Upper East Side is the best."
Scarlett hadn't paid attention to these news.
Her mother's admonitions had long been forgotten.
She only gasped when she heard Lee's words.
Lee was exaggerating.
In reality, this city was relatively safe.
As long as one didn't wander around at night and stayed home, they naturally wouldn't encounter danger.
Baseball games are slow-paced and long, so the two girls started gorging themselves on snacks, and Lee also ended up eating a bellyful of them.
Perhaps it was because the New York Sports Media had boasted too much before the game, under the jinx, the Yankees couldn't hold on.
In the 9th inning, the Marlins' pitcher completed a strikeout, ultimately shutting out the Yankees.
Having made the rare trip to watch the game, the Yankees ended up losing to their opponent by a large margin of 4:2, losing the championship.
Lucky Star Lee quietly took the two away.
Their loss truly wasn't his fault!
The little follower volunteered to be the driver.
This custom Cadillac SRX looked ordinary on the surface, but the car was bulletproof, with maximum safety.
The back seat had ample space, and soon Scarlett started playing new tricks.
Krysten Ritter glanced at the rearview mirror, her breathing also becoming a bit rapid.
Scarlett, straddling Lee, unfastened her restraints, revealing clear dimples on her lower back.
Her figure had lost the awkwardness of a young girl.
A new car indeed required some sense of ritual.
Lee embraced the young girl who was biting his shoulder, noticed the car speeding up, and quickly reminded her in a low voice:
"Alyce! Don't speed up! Concentrate!"
On October 28th, the NBA prepared three opening games for the fans:
Dallas Mavericks vs. Lakers, Heat vs. 76ers, San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks.
The Dallas Mavericks, with their big-money trades, had already become a championship favorite for the new season.
The Lakers, having formed the
Superteam, were also highly anticipated!
The matchup between Rookie Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson was also highly anticipated, with many commentators believing Wade had the potential to become the next Clay Lee.
In last season's Finals, the San Antonio Spurs suffered injuries, and Bruce Bowen's seven-injury foot led to Duncan's regrettable defeat.
The first game of the new season was a continuation of last season's Finals.
Without their big brother David Robinson, many fans discussed whether Duncan, leading the team alone, could achieve revenge.
Of course, the NBA also didn't forget to promote the Cavaliers.
The outcome of the game wasn't important.
Everyone wanted to see LeBron James put up impressive stats!
On the morning of the 28th, the New York Knicks still trained as usual.
There was an award ceremony for the opening game, so everyone had to rehearse in advance in the afternoon.
After the training session, a New York Times reporter interviewed Lee again.
The New York Knicks had just announced the injury status of the short guard Knight.
The unlucky fellow was injured in the last preseason game, and the injury was more serious than expected.
"Lee, it's regrettable that we've suffered an injury right at the start of the new season. Will this affect your playing time?"
Everyone knew that the New York Knicks lacked a backup point guard, and Knight's injury might disrupt the team's rotation.
"The coaching staff hasn't made arrangements yet, but more playing time won't affect my performance."
"Grant can also initiate offense, and I believe the team will get through this difficulty!"
After Lee finished speaking, Grant Hill, who walked over, immediately joked along:
"Perhaps Lee can help me win the assist title this year! Believe me, Knight will be back in two weeks at most, so everyone doesn't need to worry about the New York Knicks."
After saying this, Grant Hill chuckled and pulled the Rookie away, ready to eat.
A New York Post reporter nearby, however, asked again:
"Forced to increase your playing time, Lee, will this affect your efficiency? We all know the regular season is different from the playoffs."
Lee proactively interrupted and then answered confidently:
"Increasing my playing time won't affect my efficiency. Don't forget, I'm only 25 years old. Many times, playing the entire game doesn't make me feel tired!"
"Plus, this season we've added more offensive starting points, so stamina won't be an issue for the team."
The New York sports reporters all nodded secretly after hearing this.
At 25 years old, Lee's body was indeed still in peak condition.
[Stamina]: 99.
This was the first attribute to reach 99, which was Lee's confidence.
After a period of training during the offseason, the value also increased.
Finally, a few people routinely asked about the evening's game.
Lee thought about the San Antonio Spurs' current roster and couldn't help but smile, saying:
"Since I joined the team, the New York Knicks haven't lost an opening game. We naturally want to continue this tradition."
"The seventh championship banner will be raised above the Madison Square Garden. Only victory is worthy of such a moment."
"15+, I think the New York Knicks should be able to win by a small margin against their opponent!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)