NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On May 30, 1997, after the end of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York media entered a state of self comfort.

At the post-match press conference, Lee wore a light gray suit and sat at the top, watching the media in the audience asking questions in a friendly manner.

Ewing, who was wearing a black suit, seemed to have not recovered from the defeat and still had a depressed look on his face.

"Lee, how would you rate your first season? You had a perfect performance!"

The people in the audience tacitly agreed not to mention the Bulls and asked questions that were not related to tonight's game with a smile.

"In my opinion, Magic Johnson really had a great first year."

"As for my performance, it was average. I feel like I at least deserve the status of an All-Star player."

Lee was also happy to cooperate, but when he thought of Michael Jordan's smug face, he couldn't help but curse in his heart:

"Damn Black Jesus!"

The gorilla's expression was slightly stiff.

He knew about Magic Johnson's experience of winning the FMVP, and he felt that Lee had something else to say.

(A/N: I feel here Ewing is like pirated version of Hiruzen😂 Always worried someone will steal his position.)

Ewing also received a lot of praise.

Regardless of winning or losing, the gorilla was very competitive on the court.

Every time he played in the low post, it was a head-on collision that was visibly visible to the naked eye.

The media and fans were well aware of this.

"Pat, do you think we have a chance to win a championship next season? With 64 wins, the Knicks seem to be back to their peak."

The New York Times reporter still asked the question that everyone is most concerned about: who will win the championship.

"We will win the championship. We only have one goal every year. If the team gets on the right track, we will be in even better shape next season."

"This is only our first year as a team, and we won the division championship. Next season, the team will go one step further."

Ewing continued to paint a rosy picture for the New York media in the audience.

Although the picture was not very good, most people were still very satisfied to hear such an answer.

Lee looked at this scene and felt a little amused.

No one mentioned defeating the Bulls.

In the entire Eastern Conference, the defeated teams were imagining the future:

"Waiting for the Bulls to disintegrate!"

"."

On May 31st, in the sports sections of several New York newspapers, most of the articles had the same message: "the future is promising," and the loss was selectively forgotten.

Because the Knicks have won 64 games this season, they only got the 26th pick in the recent lottery.

Don't expect this pick to be able to become a combat force immediately.

The future of the Knicks depends on the team's current lineup.

The New York media, who like to have fun, did not forget to make fun of the Celtics, saying that they were playing badly and ended up getting the 3rd and 6th picks.

Since the Grizzlies and Raptors were not eligible to draw the No. 1 pick that season, the Celtics, like the 76ers last season, have a 36.3% chance of winning the No. 1 pick.

This is the highest probability in the league, and the Spurs' probability of winning the No. 1 pick is 21.6%.

As a result, on the day of the New Jersey lottery, Spurs owner Peter Holt became the biggest winner and successfully counterattacked.

Perhaps it was a metaphysical bonus, Peter Holt deliberately wore the Spurs' exclusive tie and horseshoe-shaped collar pin, and proudly introduced his No. 1 pick to the media:

"These Spurs exclusive accessories bring us good luck!"

Everyone knows who the Spurs will choose, and no one will miss Tim Duncan, and the Cardinal has not given up.

They still have a chance. If they fail to choose, they can trade him.

There are many people who like to see the Celtics get into trouble.

Those who are jealous like to have fun.

Every weekend, Krysten Ritter comes to New York to work part-time as a photographer.

The little follower plans to become a professional model in the future, and her family is very supportive.

After all, it is a good thing to be able to make money early.

Today happens to be Saturday.

Although I don't have work this week, the bustling Manhattan is too attractive, so I come to Lee's place as usual to eat and drink.

"Are we going to Chicago? I haven't been there yet?"

The little follower showed an expectant look.

It was the third largest city in the United States, and young people always liked bustling cities.

Lee, who was leaning on the sofa reading a newspaper, saw Krysten Ritter, who had become a little fatter, blinking her big eyes and looking at him expectantly, and responded casually:

"I have some contracts to deal with in Chicago, and I'll watch a game while I'm there to give you some exposure."

"Don't dress up too much, don't forget your age."

Young people always like to dress themselves more maturely, but in order to cater to Lee's preferences, Krysten Ritter has never dressed up deliberately.

With a black ponytail and bangs cut in the same style as Hepburn, the little follower has regained the image of a girl.

Leaning over to Lee, she also started reading the news.

Soon, Krysten Ritter pouted in boredom, and then whispered in his ear,

"Lee, let's go to the movies! Jurassic Park 2, it's said to be super good!"

Trying hard to show off his little bean bun, the little follower hugged his arms and began to act like a spoiled child.

Lee rubbed his eyebrows helplessly. As soon as he heard the name of the movie, he had already been spoiled:

"The movie might not be as good as you think!"

"Yeah!!"

The little follower kissed Lee happily and began to put on his coat with great interest. How could Spielberg's masterpiece not look good?

On the evening of June 1st, Lee and his agent Mark Bartelstein appeared in the front row seats at the United Center in Chicago.

Krysten Ritter next to him was wearing the same jeans, white T-shirt, and Converse All Star 70s retro sneakers as Clay Lee.

The little follower looked around and felt like she had become the focus of attention as he sat in the front row for the first time.

In fact, the three of them did attract attention.

Even if they were not opponents on the court, Chicago fans liked Lee's flamboyant playing style.

The front row tickets were given to him for free by Michael Jordan, which is considered the players' family area.

He is not a rival. Michael Jordan is a nice person, at least he takes care of his friends.

Lee seldom makes friends with men of the same age. Ray Allen is older than him, and he can also get along well with the older guys on the Knicks.

Smiled while winning, and showed off even when giving away tickets:

"The Finals will not be coming back to Chicago, two tickets for the game are enough!"

"."

Dressed in a black suit, Mark Bartelstein was in a good mood.

With his performance in the playoffs, Lee no longer had to worry about his sneaker contract.

It is a consensus that guards are more likely to sell shoes. If you work hard in the offseason, you can make a lot of money!

"It's a pity. If the Knicks can make it to the finals, plus NBC's broadcast, it will increase your popularity."

Lee didn't care what Mark Bartelstein said.

ESPN promoted him every day, and his buzzer beater against Michael Jordan was his best advertisement:

"It's a bit regrettable, but the Bulls have already declined, and there is still a chance next year."

The director will also turn the camera towards this side.

In addition to the stars who come to watch the game on the spot, Lee is also a walking hotspot.

Lee set records throughout the season, including 24 points in a single quarter in the playoffs and a buzzer-beater in the Eastern Conference Finals, which once again refreshed everyone's impression of him.

Li You greeted the three people in the NBC commentary booth before the game.

At this time, Isiah Thomas smiled and reviewed the Eastern Conference Finals:

"Game 2 was a turning point in the series. The Knicks had a chance to win the game, but Michael Jordan did respond with a few free throws that affected the series."

"Alan Houston lacks experience in the game. Michael Jordan always finds opportunities for him in the fourth quarter, but the Jazz will not make such a mistake in the finals."

Bob Costas, who was standing by, always felt that his partner was being sarcastic and dunking on the whistle, so he immediately changed the subject and said,

"Isiah, how would you rate Lee's performance in the playoffs? Even though he's just a rookie, he really put in some incredible numbers this year!"

Isiah Thomas didn't care about being diverted and continued to say with a smile:

"Some talents will shine after entering the league. There is no doubt that Lee is such a player. Basketball has nothing to do with race, but I think his shooting talent is better than many young black players."

"He still has room for improvement in terms of physical explosiveness and confrontation. Facing the defense of flexible and tall forwards, his efficiency will also decline. I know how difficult it is for small people to play in the league, but Lee proved himself in the playoffs!"

"."

The two chatted in the commentary booth, and Isiah Thomas did not forget to tease Karl Malone, whose MVP's statistics shrank in the playoffs.

The Bulls fans at the scene were very involved in the game.

The scores of both sides rose alternately, and the Bulls were unable to widen the gap.

Although he only rested for one day, Michael Jordan was in very good shape, and his inhuman physical strength once again played a huge role.

Lee, who was watching the game in the front row, would sometimes applaud the Jazz's beautiful cooperation and cheer for the Bulls' wonderful offense.

The pace of the game was not much different from that of the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Bulls still slowed down, which made the two sides fight until the last minute.

"oh!!"

With 9 seconds left in the game and the score at 82:82, Karl Malone stepped onto the free throw line and the noise in the stadium grew louder and louder.

Not long ago, the Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 was defeated by a buzzer beater, and some fans started covering their faces.

Soon, Lee witnessed a classic moment.

Pippen said something to Malone at the free throw line. Then, the MVP missed both free throws and the backcourt rebound was protected by Michael Jordan.

The United Center erupted in huge cheers.

Lee laughed and clapped his hands. It was very interesting to witness history:

"The Mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays!"

In the final moments, on the left wing, Michael Jordan made a simple change of direction, passed Brian Russell, and made a mid-range jump shot to kill the game!

"Wow!!"

The little follower also cheered beside Lee.

Everyone likes to watch the superstar dominate the game and defeat his opponent.

Michael Jordan made one of two free throws and almost took the blame, but in the final moments, he completed the buzzer-beater, and everyone instantly forgot about his poor free throw performance.

Mark Bartelstein shrugged and said to Lee beside him:

"This is Michael Jordan. I have witnessed such scenes many times in Chicago."

Looking at Michael Jordan showing off his fists, Lee said nothing, but the memory in his mind became clearer and clearer:

"History is repeating itself!"

The course of the finals was exactly the same as Lee remembered. Pippen, who was troubled by back and knee injuries, had ups and downs in condition, and Michael Jordan also had diarrhea on the road.

However, the above situation did not affect the Bulls' championship.

It was just that Michael Jordan was too boastful this time, and the finals eventually returned to Chicago.

In the 2-3-2 schedule, the Jazz had a chance to get the match point in one go, but unfortunately the Utah duo failed to seize the opportunity and lost Game 5.

On June 13, the Bulls returned to their home court again.

They did not give their opponents any chances, winning the championship 86:90!

After his comeback, Michael Jordan won two consecutive championships.

However, the championship also brought contradictions.

At the press conference after the game, Michael Jordan made it clear:

"I will only play for Phil. Next season, the Bulls will continue to challenge for the championship."

The conflict between General Manager Krause and Phil Jackson has long been made public, and Pippen, who has frequently been involved in trade rumors, seems to be about to be sent away.

Go for the sixth championship? Trade Pippen and rebuild?

The new season hasn't even started yet, but the sports media can't wait to get involved.

Priority Sport's headquarters is located on LS Street in Chicago, not far from the old Chicago Stock Exchange Building.

This area is also Chicago's financial district.

In addition to reading newspapers and training these days, Lee also attended many parties.

As the finals came to an end, ESPN took advantage of the heat and announced the playoff rankings for the 1996-1997 season in its program.

The moment of understanding basketball that fans love to see has come again, and then, New York fans are overjoyed.

In the 1996-1997 season, Clay Lee played in 14 playoff games, averaging 37.9 minutes per game, averaging 20.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 turnovers per game.

He averaged 15.7 shots per game with a shooting percentage of 47.1%, 7.0 shots per game from beyond the three-point line with a three-point shooting percentage of 41.9%, and 4.2 free throws per game with a free throw shooting percentage of 84.5%.

This data officially declares Lee to be the top point guard in the league!

In 14 games, he scored a total of 292 points, ranking 8th in the playoff scoring list and 13th in points per game;

122 assists, ranking second in the playoff assists list and third in assists per game;

40 three-pointers, ranking second on the three-point list, averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game, also second on the three-point list;

In the three-point shooting percentage list, even though Lee played a lot of playoff games, he still ranked ninth;

60.3% true shooting percentage, ranked 17th;

The PER of 22.8 surpassed Stockton and Karl Malone and ranked 7th!

Compared with the regular season, Lee's efficiency has increased slightly as his playing time has increased.

In this regard, the New York media does not need to compare the peaks.

The comprehensive comparison of these data can be summed up in one word:

"Win!"

The voices of "No. 1 point guard" are getting louder and louder. The New York media, which lost the game, has found a topic to talk about.

Excel has a great influence.

When comparing the strengths of players, fans and commentators like to look at the data.

Lee's data is as awesome as that of a superstar.

The impressive statistics and super high popularity also brought Lee rich rewards.

I just met with Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, the other day.

The brand was just established in 1996.

The founder had no money, but hoped that his sports bra could develop in the basketball field.

Therefore, the cooperation between the two parties ended up with Lee taking shares.

10% is neither more nor less.

If it can be listed on the stock market in the future and diluted several times, it will eventually become single digits.

Mark Bartelstein has been busy with Lee's news these days. If he wants these basketball commentators to say nice things about him, some public relations is naturally necessary.

"I don't think Under Armour can develop. Athletes are not suitable for starting a business. Lee, you know what I mean. Not every athlete likes to read and think."

Thinking of Plank, who was always talking big and making promises, Mark Bartelstein in the office couldn't help but shake his head and complain.

Mark Bartelstein, who previously worked at Morgan Investment Bank, has seen too many founders who like to make empty promises.

Lee, who was still reading the newspaper, was happy to accept the US dollars that were delivered to his door:

"Don't worry about the details. In fact, many people are looking forward to professional sports equipment, such as football and basketball. I think this can be done."

Mark Bartelstein sighed helplessly, then looked at the schedule and reminded:

"We have to attend a cocktail party this afternoon. Nike's vice president, Mark Parker, admires you very much!"

"You know, Adidas has been very active. After offering a six-year, $48 million contract to that high school guard, they recently signed another high school student."

"This is an opportunity to make a lot of money, definitely more than your rookie contract!"

Hearing the news about the US dollar, Lee on the sofa raised his eyebrows and asked jokingly:

"How much? I don't think they will offer a big contract. Anfernee Hardaway's contract is 40 million for 10 years. He is Jordan's successor."

Mark Bartelstein was naturally aware of the fake contract for Jordan's successor, but with Excel's blessing, he was confident that he could get a good contract:

"25 million dollars in 5 years? Lee, you'll be a millionaire in no time!"

"."　　

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