Chapter 289 Swept the Western Conference Finals and entered the finals
The game continued. Although Dameng and Barkley wanted to win this game, their strength was not as good as the Suns, and they failed in the end.
92:121, the Suns defeated by 29 points, won the G4 game, completed the sweep of the Mosaics, and achieved a staggering three sweeps in the Western Conference.
This is also the first team in the history of the league to truly complete a three-round sweep and reach the finals.
Dameng and Barkley carry the team's offense, plus Kenny Smith counts as half. An offense of two and a half people cannot withstand the firepower of the Suns.
Of the Suns' five starters, only Green only scored 6 points after being defended by Barkley. The others all scored more than 15 points. Dan Marley scored 15 points, Kevin Johnson scored 23 points, and Drexler
He scored 27 points, Wang Tiejun scored 31 points, and the five of them scored 102 points together.
Barkley and Dameng scored 59 points together. With the Suns' outside defense, their efficiency was not very high. The two shot only 42% overall.
"Congratulations to the Suns, who entered the finals with a three-round sweep." After the game, John Hanks sent his congratulations in the ABC commentary box.
Bill Walton also sent his congratulations for entering the 0th Army, and then analyzed: "The reason why Mosaic was swept was mainly because the outside line was severely damaged.
Although Old K's offense inside is unstoppable, his defensive effect against Dameng and Barkley is also average, and the inside can be regarded as a blow to each other.
The outside line could not guard the Suns on the defensive end, and the offensive end could not form an effective containment force, allowing the Suns' outside line to frequently double-team the low post, which to a certain extent reduced the offensive efficiency of the low post Dream and Barkley."
John Hanks said: "So although Mosaic has two low-level superstars, it is not surprising that they were swept."
At this time, Bill Walton talked about another issue. He said: "From the mosaic, I think of the bull.
The Bulls are a level better than the Suns on both offense and defense. So when the two teams meet in the finals, will the Suns encounter the same situation as Mosaic, that is, being beaten by Jordan and Pippen on the defensive end?
On the offensive end, they couldn't contain Jordan and Pippen, and then they went to help defend K?"
John Hanks immediately shook his head and said: "It's impossible. No matter how strong Pippen and Jordan's defense is, they can't really strangle Glider and Lightning Thunder. They shouldn't be able to do what the Suns did to Mosaic tonight.
.”
"I can't tell, let's watch the finals later," Bill Walton said with a smile.
At the scene, after the game, Lao Wang took the initiative to comfort Barkley and Dameng and said: "Poor old guys, how do you feel about being swept away?"
"I wish you can enter the finals and be swept by Jordan." Dameng said angrily.
Buckley nodded repeatedly, glared at Old Wang and said: "Old K, don't be proud, we will come back next year."
When Dameng heard this, he quickly found Drexler, pulled him to the side, hugged the other person's shoulders and whispered: "Clyde, I'll be counting on you next year."
Drexler said helplessly: "The focus of the Suns during the offseason is to renew K's contract. Now they have not negotiated a contract extension with me. I will basically leave here next year.
But what kind of contract does your team give me? Hakim, this is very important. You have to do something, right? This is probably my last contract. It will be a four-year contract at least. The total contract cannot be smaller. I will spend the rest of my life.
It depends on it, you know my current contract is very low, only 9.4 million in 7 years, and only 1.58 million US dollars this year."
Dameng nodded quickly and said: "Leave it to me, I will put pressure on the management immediately."
At this time, Colangelo received the Western Conference championship trophy from league vice president Sharif, and the American West Arena was filled with cheers.
The Suns began to celebrate with the Suns fans present. Not to mention, as soon as Mosaic returned to the visiting team's locker room, Dameng went crazy.
"Bang!"
He kicked a closet door into a hole, startling everyone.
"What's going on?"
"Hakim, calm down."
Head coach Tomjanovich, assistant coach Carroll Dawson, and general manager Steve Patterson heard the noise and came in quickly.
Dameng roared: "I've had enough. I've decided to leave after playing next season."
The Patterson trio secretly sighed, knowing they were in trouble this time.
If Dameng really chooses to leave next season, he will be a completely free man by then, and the Mosaic team will not be able to leave even a hair.
At this time, Dameng yelled again: "Obviously we had a chance to bring Drexler to Houston, but you didn't do anything. If the glider was on our team this time, we would be the ones entering the finals, not the Suns.
I've had enough of you, I'm leaving and I will do what I say."
"Hakeem, calm down, we will operate." Patterson said quickly.
"Shut up, Mr. Patterson, you are always talking nonsense, can you get money from Alexander? He is sending you away like a beggar." Dameng said angrily.
Patterson was speechless, so what can I do? The team has encountered a stingy owner again. If he doesn't pay, I really can't get anyone.
"Go tell him that if he doesn't bring the glider in, I will leave and let his golf market go to hell." Dameng said angrily.
The three of them looked at each other. They could only do this and force the boss to take out the money. Otherwise, the dream would really be gone and the team would only have one Barkley left. How could it be competitive? If they couldn't even make it to the playoffs, the ball market would really be ruined.
It's over.
After they went out, Dameng quieted down and talked quietly with Buckley.
"Charles, do you think the boss will take out the money?"
"Probably so. He just joined the team not long ago. If the football market collapses, the team's market value will plummet. He definitely doesn't want that." Barkley said.
"I hope so."
Dameng muttered, thinking that the glider might come to him next season, he couldn't help but get excited, but when he thought about being swept away just now, his mood immediately dropped, and he said dissatisfiedly: "Old K, that bastard, must get rid of the glider this time
, dismantle his team and prevent him from even making the playoffs next season."
Barkley said with a wry smile: "The Suns chose to trade me to rebuild. I didn't expect that with a transitional lineup, they could actually reach the finals."
Dameng said bitterly: "That's because Old K is too cheap, so they have enough salary space to accommodate AC Green and Drexler.
Look at the big contract he got this time, how much room does the Suns have to introduce other stars? Their strength will definitely decline significantly next season, and if they can't draft good rookies, it will be difficult to rebuild."
"Maybe Old K will be poached by the Lakers. The Lakers are chasing him very closely." Barkley suddenly said.
"Damn, he can't go to the Lakers, he should go to the New York Knicks. The Heat also have money, so he can go to the Heat." Dameng said irritably.
Barkley nodded. Once Old K goes to the Lakers, with the financial resources of the Lakers, it will be easier than the Suns to build a championship-competitive team. The threat to the Mosaic team will be greater. Even if it is obtained by then,
The glider might not be able to defeat the Lakers.
May 30th is the game day of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
This morning, at the New York Knicks headquarters, Ewing and his agent David Frank were negotiating with the management to renew his contract.
After being rejected by Hawksman, the Knicks came under pressure from David Frank, and finally chose to renew Ewing's contract.
The contract amount is still the original negotiated amount, which is US$21.72 million for two years. Next season, that is, the 1995/96 season will be US$18.72 million, and the 96/97 season will be US$3 million.
After signing the contract, Ewing officially became the first star in league history to receive an annual salary of tens of millions. At 10 o'clock in the morning, the Knicks held a press conference to announce the contract extension.
Once the amount of this contract was announced, it immediately shocked everyone. Only some people who knew the inside story were not surprised.
For example, Jordan knew about this contract from David Frank a long time ago. Although he was a little envious, he was not jealous, because his own contract only had one year left, and it would be at least 20 million by then. He would have
With this confidence, if the Bulls didn't give him a 20 million contract, he would fire the Bulls.
The reason why the Knicks gave Ewing this two-year contract with a huge gap was just for him. He also knew clearly from David Frank that the Knicks wanted to recruit him and were willing to offer a sky-high contract.
"I x, more than 18 million US dollars a year?"
When Lao Wang saw the news, his mouth watered.
He ignored the 3 million in the second year and drooled over the 18.72 million in the first year.
"More than eighteen million dollars?"
After Pippen saw the news, he was completely stunned.
In 1991, he signed a seven-year, $20 million contract. He was so happy that he went crazy. Jordan suggested that he not sign for such a long time because the league's salary cap would increase every year, but he ignored it. Now I see
This contract is so painful that it almost goes crazy.
His salary next season is 2.93 million, the next season is 2.25 million, and the last year is 2.78 million. He has to work for nothing for three years before he can end that damn labor contract. The total of these three years is only 8 million.
That's less than half of what Ewing will be next season.
We are both superstars, why is he so miserable?
But the worst thing is yet to come. Some media immediately took out his contract, compared it with Ewing's, and said: "Pippen will make 3 million next season, so Ewing's salary per year is equivalent to 6
Pippen, all I can say is, Bulls, you guys are so lucky, you are using a superstar for free."
"Ewing is equivalent to six Pippens, which is great. You know I will only be equivalent to 1.5 Pippens next season." Barkley was interviewed outside the K-Martial Arts Center in Phoenix that day.
"One point and five skins?" The reporter's face twitched.
"I will be equal to 1.8 points next season," Dameng said.
The two men started a trend, and many players began to use the "skin" as a unit of measurement for their wages.
Wang Tiejun also followed the trend and told the media: "I got exactly one skin this year. I hope I can get an annual salary of ten skins in the future, haha!"
"I have 2 points and 4 points, which is pretty good." AC Green said.
"I'm going to be 1.8 times better next season," O'Neal said.
"I am most miserable. If one skin is worth three million, this season I am only worth 0.539 skins. My expectation for the next contract is at least four skins per year, for at least four to five years." De
Rexler said sadly.
"These bastards!"
After Pippen saw the news, he was so angry that he almost vomited blood.
Jordan knew that Pippen would not be in a good mood, so he walked to the latter and planned to comfort him.
"Hey, man, don't take what those guys say to heart. Some of them are not as good as you. Look at that Drexler guy. He's just over half skinned. How dare he laugh at you?"
"Michael?"
Pippen glared at Jordan angrily.
Jordan realized that he had said something wrong and was about to apologize when he heard Pippen yell at him angrily: "After this contract is over, I must sign a big contract with a total amount of at least 20 pieces."
"..."
Jordan was stunned. You said this yourself, not me.
In the evening, Pippen, who was stunned, showed his strength and scored 32 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals, leading the team to defeat the opponent.
At this point, the Bulls eliminated the Magic with a score of four to one and advanced to the finals.
"Hey, Big Sewer, congratulations, you can go fishing."
After the game, presumably when O'Neal returned to the locker room, Lao Wang made a condolence call.
"You bastard, old K, we can't beat the Bulls, and you definitely can't beat them." O'Neal was not in the mood to think about the nickname "Big Sewer" that he had eliminated, and said weakly.
"Go to Chicago and wait and see how I kick Jordan's ass." Lao Wang laughed.
"Old K, if you beat the Bulls and win this year's championship, I won't compete with you as the fourth super center." O'Neal snorted.
"really?"
"really."
"Okay, it's a deal." Lao Wang laughed and hung up the phone.
O'Neal had some regrets over there, but he immediately put aside this regret, because he knew that if Old K could really defeat this powerful Bulls team and win this year's championship, he would not be able to compete even if he wanted to. He is the fourth super center.
It must be from Lao K.
Even in the selection of the top 50 superstars in 1996, his chance was very small. Old K had a greater chance than him.
…
The finals start on June 5th, and there are still a few days of rest. With a best-of-seven game and a two-three-two schedule, the Bulls have home field advantage.
In addition, this year's finals will be broadcast live across the United States by TNT TV station. More than 200 TV stations, large and small, around the world have purchased satellite real-time broadcast signals, and more than a dozen TV stations are broadcasting live in real time.
On the morning of the 1st, Hoxman notified Wang Tiejun by phone that Mammoth contacted him again and asked to start contract renewal negotiations, and he agreed.
Hoxman said: "Mammoth's situation is not good. You are their only big-name star, and the others are not so good. Although your shoes sell well, other sales are not good, and the market competition pressure is too great.
, now the company can no longer invest more R&D funds in the laboratory, so my opinion is that if possible, we will switch to other brands."
Lao Wang asked doubtfully: "If Mammoth can't survive, why will they renew my contract?"
Hawksman explained: "You are their last hope now. If you don't renew the contract, they will go bankrupt soon, so now they can only hold on to you and not let go. If you let go, they will sink."
Companies such as Lao K, Nike, Adidas, and Puma have been contacting me in the past two years, and they are willing to offer you a top-level contract worth tens of millions of dollars. What do you think?"
"A top-level contract worth tens of millions?" Lao Wang was shocked.
"Yes, this is your second sneaker contract. With your current strength and future development, it is not surprising that they offer such a contract. The key is that generally speaking, centers do not sell shoes, but you
With the exception of O'Neal, you are completely different from previous centers. Your style of play is very popular and your sneakers are selling well, so they are willing to give such a contract." Hawksman explained.
Lao Wang suddenly thought of Jordan's MJ brand, and asked out of curiosity: "What contract did Jordan get?"
"Well, Old K, Jordan is the only one with a lifetime contract. He is the only one in the history of the league who has received a lifetime contract from Nike, with a sales share." Hawksman said.
"Lifelong contract? It sounds high-end and classy at first glance!" Lao Wang said with envy.
"Yes, the lifetime contract is Jordan's status symbol." Hawksman said with a smile.
"Lance, I am nostalgic. You should talk to Mammoth first and see what conditions they offer." He said at this time.
"Of course, but I won't reach any agreement with them before the finals are over. Old K, you strive to have a brilliant performance in the finals, so that I will be more confident. In addition, Old K, besides Mammoth,
I have prepared multiple endorsements for the world's top and first-tier brands for you. If you can win the championship and FMVP this time, those endorsements will be yours," Hawksman warned.
Lao Wang was very excited when he heard it and said with a smile: "Don't worry, I will take care of the bull."
Hawksman pondered there for a moment and said: "Old K, I just told you about Mammoth's operating situation, and their influence is limited. Don't you really want to consider changing brands?"
"Not for the time being. Didn't you also say that all other brands have big-name players, am I the only Mammoth?" he said.
"That's true," said Hoxman.
Lao Wang actually thinks very clearly. With the big mountain of CAA as his back, as long as he performs well, there will be no shortage of resources. Therefore, Adidas’ big brands are no different from Mammoth, but his significance to Mammoth is even greater.
At noon that day, TNT previewed a program about the Finals, which will be broadcast at 8pm on June 4th. The guests are Magic Johnson, Bird Bird, the recently retired Moses Malone, and Rick Barry.
In the afternoon, Wang Tiejun made arrangements and took a group of brothers to the shooting range of a gun shop in the suburbs.
Over the past two or three years, he has had many different types of guns in his home. He has all the guns available on the market that he can buy.
In the basement below the villa, he decorated a gun room of hundreds of square meters, specifically to house these guys.
Before the finals, I went to target practice with my brothers because I wanted to relax and prepare for the upcoming finals.
Since the martial arts gym opened, target shooting has become his and his brothers' favorite entertainment and leisure program. They shoot at least twice a month, and he is planning to build a shooting range on the outskirts of Phoenix.
With the help of Wang Tielong and a group of brothers who had served as soldiers, his marksmanship is now pretty good with the consumption of a large amount of bullets.
For an assault rifle's 200-meter target, generally ten shots will not be lower than 95 rings. The best record is 103 rings, and the distance will be worse.