NBA: The Basketball Miracle

Chapter 56: Farewell to 1996 (Part 2)



Every Christmas, the Knicks hold an event at Madison Square Garden, inviting some children to watch the team's training and giving them gifts such as toys, clothes, and books.

Since there is no Christmas game this year, the event was held early. On the morning of the 24th, the Knicks team once again "brought warmth" to low-income families in the community.

By the end of December, the Big Apple was getting colder, and unlike Clay Lee's outfit of Martin boots, jeans, and a thick black jacket;

Charles Oakley was wearing a formal suit, a black woolen coat and sunglasses, which made people feel that he was not a good person!

"Rich people should dress like tycoons, Lee, you can't make yourself look like a college student!"

"Your annual salary is hundreds of thousands of dollars. You have to act like a rich person. Look at those envious eyes. Children will work hard for you. This is what a role model should do!"

Charles Oakley is still promoting his theory that on game day in the Knicks, everyone has to wear formal attire, which is also the old guy's requirement.

Compared to some black players who hate David Stern's "dress code", Oakley agrees with it wholeheartedly. The old guy cares more about his identity as a "rich man".

Patrick Ewing was in a good mood. After being selected as one of the 50 greatest NBA stars, his status among black fans has risen a lot. Ewing also wore a formal suit, and he looked honest and harmless.

"Charles is right. If you have money, you have to show it. This will win more respect. Lee, you are still young, it's right to listen to us!"

Ewing also began to impart his own "show" experience. Lee looked at the two old guys helplessly. Although they didn't wear black three-piece suits, their overly old-fashioned outfits didn't suit him at all:

"I have a date this afternoon. I can't wear a formal suit to meet a pretty girl. Besides, kids like me more. You just scared them!"

Charles Oakley didn't care about Lee's words and continued to promote his "tycoon" theory.

The Knicks team members returned to the bus one after another. It was not a game day, and except for a few old guys, most of them were dressed in hip-hop style in black three-piece suits.

Everyone likes to participate in this kind of fan activity. Everyone likes to show off.

Looking at those envious eyes, most players feel comfortable.

Even if his playing time is less, he has already succeeded by entering the NBA. Larry Johnson is also in a better mood. The reduction in statistics does not affect the fans' love for him. He has found the feeling of an All-Star player again.

"We have a good record. Pat will definitely get an All-Star starting position this year!"

Starks took the initiative to bring up the All-Star Game, and Ewing showed a smug expression again. Without O'Neal, he would definitely be selected as the starting center for the Eastern Conference All-Star Game.

Everyone followed suit and flattered him. Ewing had been suppressed by the Sharks for several years, and this time he finally got his revenge.

Larry Johnson felt aggrieved, he was really out of date. There was no suspense about the starting forwards in the Eastern Conference All-Star Game, they would definitely be Grant Hill and Scottie Pippen.

Hearing the topic of the All-Stars, Alan Houston was a little depressed. Seeing Lee's indifferent look, he immediately said:

"Lee, you have a chance to get 500,000 votes. You will most likely be ranked in the top four among Eastern Conference guards, and you may even be on the reserve list."

Lee immediately shook his head. The starting guards for the Eastern Conference All-Star Game were Michael Jordan and Anfernee Hardaway. There were also a bunch of veterans on the bench. It was not the turn of the newbies at all.

"The substitute lineup is selected by the coach. It's not my turn. I'm satisfied just participating in the rookie game and joining in the fun in Cleveland."

Being selected for the All-Star Game was indeed a matter of honor, and Ewing was flattered. Lee had no interest in flattering him, so he said goodbye and left at noon. It was a rare vacation, and he didn't want to hang around the old guy.

On Christmas Eve in 1931, a group of construction workers erected a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree on a muddy construction site.

From that moment on, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held as scheduled every year, and it can be regarded as a regular program of Christmas in New York.

In early December, the hostess of the White House lit up this year's 73-foot-tall Norway spruce, and the live performance that evening attracted a large number of audiences.

Lee did not join in the fun at that time. After arriving in Connecticut, he participated in an event, but after experiencing it once, he lost much interest.

This Christmas Eve, his friend Ivan decided to visit the tree first before doing other activities. Lee could only wrap himself up tightly and endure the cold.

The energy for the holiday dinner was completely taken away by the cold weather. Several pretty girls were excited to cheer with the crowd at first, but after half an hour, they forgot about taking photos and checking in:

"It's really too cold! Mason's idea is terrible!"

Melinda snuggled in Lee's arms. The huge Christmas tree was indeed beautiful, but it felt ordinary after looking at it for a long time. Perhaps only children could enjoy such a festival.

Lee looked at the girl in his arms with amusement. She had said before that Christmas should have a sense of ceremony, but after a round of shopping, she began to back off.

"Would you like to go home first? I prepared your favorite hot cocoa!"

Melinda rolled her eyes at Lee and shrank into his arms. Lee didn't care. He said hello to his good friend Ivan, and the two went home early.

After returning to the apartment, Melinda first walked around the room and sniffed everywhere. When she didn't smell any drugs, she took off her coat with satisfaction:

"What an obedient child! No more drugs!"

When Lee heard the tone of someone coaxing a child, he immediately hugged the child again:

"I've said it before, I will never touch those things!"

Melinda is very similar to Emma Stone in Lee's memory, except that her figure is a little more choppy and a typical American blonde. She is three years older than him and often acts like an older sister.

The two of them came to the study room laughing and joking. Seeing Lee's notes, Melinda was a little surprised and turned her head to ask,

"Clay, are you still planning to enter law school?"

Reading books and newspapers is also a form of entertainment for Lee. In addition, he has a good memory, so continuing his studies is a must:

"Of course, I will be able to get enough credits next year. You know, I have a good memory, and history courses are not difficult."

The two of them were not officially dating, but Melinda was still happy to see that Lee hadn't changed much, so she leaned over to whisper in his ear:

"I'll reward you tonight! I bought you a set of sexy lingerie!"

"."

On the morning of the 25th, Lee, who controlled the big ball with both hands last night, was a little tired. He had just taken a nap when he heard a knock on the door.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw my good friend Ivan with dark circles under his eyes appearing outside with six chattering girls.

"My God, you will die at the hands of a woman sooner or later!"

Lee complained in a low voice and tapped his friend's chest in annoyance.

"Christmas Party! Melinda is gone, it's time to enjoy life!"

Ivan, who had also been partying all night, didn't care about his waist at all and started to invite the girls in.

"No drugs! There's wine in the fridge, everyone can enjoy themselves. Oh, and don't play rap music!"

Lee gave some instructions to the girls who entered the room. Ivan usually invited some new models who had just entered the industry. He was used to this kind of parties.

The girls who took off their coats cheered and came forward to kiss Lee enthusiastically.

Noticing a tall black-haired girl nervously holding a bottle of whiskey and preparing to take a sip, Lee walked over and handed her a cup of hot milk:

"You are not allowed to drink if you are under 21. Don't tell me you are 21!"

As if she was frightened by Lee, the black haired girl argued:

"I'm already 21 years old!!"

Seeing that Lee didn't say anything, but just handed the milk to her again, the black-haired girl rolled her eyes and said weakly:

"Okay! I admit that I just had my birthday, but I'm already 15 years old!"

Lee looked at the black-haired, big-eyed girl in front of him with a washboard figure and slapped his forehead helplessly:

"Shit! Ivan! You brought an underage girl to my side!"

Several girls nearby burst into laughter and began to tease this little white rabbit who had entered the adult world. Ivan didn't care and continued to play with the girls.

"Happy birthday! Remember not to participate in such activities next time, and remember to go home early on Christmas."

Lee put a coat on the girl and took a scarf, indicating that it was a birthday gift. He was ready to send her away, but he didn't expect her eyes to turn red and she began to cry:

"I'm sorry, you're such a nice guy! I just arrived in New York and I have no money."

Lee, who was given the nice guy card, reluctantly grabbed a roll of US dollars and handed it to the other party, but he didn't expect the black-haired girl to cry even harder:

"Sorry, I haven't eaten all day."

The five white girls on the other side were almost crying with laughter when they saw this scene. Lee shrugged helplessly and decided to be a good person and brought the black-haired girl to the restaurant.

The black-haired girl ate the sandwich in big mouthfuls, as if she felt embarrassed for eating and drinking for free. She glanced at Lee secretly, and then whispered:

"My name is Krysten Ritter, and I swear, I will pay you back!"

(A/N: Search or come to discord)

"."

In the Christmas game of 1996, the Bulls easily defeated the Pistons and the Lakers defeated the Suns. Both games were mediocre and both were crushing wins.

Although Michael Jordan performed mediocrely, shooting 9 of 21 and scoring only 23 points, no one cared about it after the Christmas game.

The Bulls had 25 wins and 3 losses. Following this trend, they are likely to win 70 games again!

Two consecutive championships? All sports media started discussing this matter, and the Bulls became very popular.

Lee's Christmas party didn't go ahead. After the Christmas holiday, the Knicks had only three games left in December.

On December 30th, at Madison Square Garden, New York fans cheered loudly for the home team.

86:100, the Knicks easily defeated the Nets, ending 1996 perfectly.

Clay Lee and his teammates waved to the home fans:

"Goodbye, 1996!"

...

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