At this time, two guests came to visit Stern's home. They were Jerry Buss and Jerry West.
Stern received them, and the three of them talked in the reception room.
After the pleasantries, Old Buss went directly to the topic and said: "David, do you have any opinions on our Lakers?"
When Stern heard this, he immediately understood and said with a smile: "Of course not, Jerry, do you have any misunderstandings about me?"
"Old fox!"
Jerry Buss complained in his heart and immediately said: "David, I plan to rebuild the team. Do you have any opinions on this?"
Stern immediately understood Bass's purpose, what was needed to rebuild the team, rookies, high-ranking potential rookies.
Half an hour later, the two Bass left Stern's home.
At eight o'clock, the game between the Knicks and the Magic begins first.
After the angry Shark met Penny Hardaway, his eyes were breathing fire and his nose was smoking.
Although the two did not openly fall out, there was actually no difference between the two. They had been teammates for two years and did not say a word after meeting, just like enemies.
Ewing returned to Madison Square Garden with extremely complicated emotions. He looked at the fans outside the tunnel with cold eyes.
After he was traded, not many of these New Yorkers retained him, and even cheered, which made him extremely chilled. He vowed to take a victory from here today to make these fans regret and the Knicks management
regret.
At the beginning of the game, O'Neal jumped high and took the lead in batting the ball away. Then he entered the paint area, squeezing Ewing close to the basket, and after turning around to catch the ball, he didn't make any extra moves, just eating Ewing behind him.
The big shark, which had lost a lot of fat, jumped high and fast. Ewing tried his best to defend himself, but was pressed down by the huge tonnage of the former, weighing 140 kilograms, and could not get up at all.
"Bang!"
"Oh oh oh..."
As a violent bomb exploded, and as Ewing staggered back, Madison Square Garden instantly turned into a boiling ocean.
"If Ewing can't stop K, he can't stop O'Neal." In a VIP room at the scene, Knicks president Dave Chalcot saw this scene and said excitedly.
Next to him was Magic general manager Pat Williams. Hearing these words, he felt as if he had been stabbed in the heart.
"Anfernee, it's up to you."
At this time, he can only hope for Hardaway.
Hardaway did not disappoint him. The Knicks first asked point guard Derek Harper to guard him. After he was beaten by him, they then asked shooting guard John Starks to switch defense, but he was still beaten and couldn't guard him at all.
Once the outside blockade is broken and the inside line is opened, the Knicks' penalty area is free to the Magic to take whatever they want.
Wang Tiejun was watching the game at home. He told reporters that he was more optimistic about the Magic. He was not just joking, because the combination of Ewing and Hardaway, plus Cobra Grant, is indeed very strong and can be called the iron of the quasi-Big Three lineup.
Triangular lineup.
Both Ewing and Grant can pull away. After the double-O inside combination of Oakley and O'Neal is pulled out at the same time, the Knicks' penalty area is empty, and it is easy to break through from the outside.
After the first quarter, as he expected, the Magic took a 2-point lead on the road. O'Neal even scored 15 points with free throws, but could not prevent his opponent from taking the lead.
The Magic's tactics are very simple. They open up the inside line and break up the outside line, which is very efficient.
It's only the first quarter now, and O'Neal still has plenty of physical energy. Once it comes to the second half, or even the last quarter, how much physical energy can the Sharks running back and forth still have under the tactics of stretching inside?
Lao Wang watched one section and then tuned to the TNT channel to watch the game between the SuperSonics and Mosaic.
The game had just started. As soon as he changed the channel, he happened to see Dameng knock down Shawn Kemp and then make a layup.
"As long as these three old guys are not injured, the Sonics will be beaten." He laughed.
"Then you don't want to play against three of them in the Western Conference Finals?" Yu Feihong asked.
"Most likely." He nodded.
"How confident are you?" Yu Feihong asked again.
He hesitated for a moment, stopped bragging in front of his wife, and said modestly: "50%, either lose or win."
Yu Feihong rolled his eyes at him, "You idiot, who are you trying to fool?" With your character, there is a 50% chance that you would have already been clamoring to sweep them away.
Lao Wang laughed. With the current lineup around him, it would be too difficult to defeat the Big Three without injuries.
Finley was reimbursed, and Wilkins' performance in the first round of the playoffs was mediocre. After all, he was old and could not withstand the playoffs. The weakening of the substitute lineup will inevitably increase the burden on the main lineup.
You don't have to count on his scoring. Person and Horry really have limited talents. They all rely on the openings he creates. When there are defenders in front of them, they can't count on their offense. The Lightning can't take too many shots.
You have to rely on him to support you, and your physical energy cannot be consumed too much, so you can only count on him for the main lineup and offense.
Fortunately, Person and Horry now both have open three-pointers, which can help him open up the defense and reduce the pressure on him in the low post.
He watched the Big Three game again. Although the SuperSonics were very strong, there shouldn't be much suspense and it wasn't very exciting, so he re-scheduled to another game.
"You're not optimistic about the Knicks?" Yu Feihong asked.
"These two teams are truly five-on-five, and everyone has a chance to win."
He nodded, shook his head and said: "If the Knicks want to win, they must prevent the Magic from breaking through from the outside. If they can't, they must also delay it and create opportunities for O'Neal and Oakley to return to defense.
In fact, the Knicks are capable. Starks and Derrick Harper are both good defensively on the outside. Hardaway is just full of physical strength, really talented, and has a quick first step, so he is somewhat unable to defend.
But as the game progresses, Hardaway's physical fitness declines and his breakthrough speed decreases. His breakthroughs will definitely decrease. If he adds some jump shots, his offensive efficiency will decrease.
The opponent's offensive efficiency is reduced. If O'Neal strengthens his low-post offense, the Magic will not be able to guard against him. The Knicks still have a chance to win."
In this game, the Magic finally defeated the Knicks. The Magic's Big Three jointly contributed 80 points, 109:105, and won the G1 game on the road.
In order to retaliate against his home team, Ewing went out with all his strength, scoring 33 points, shooting 58% from the field, and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Hardaway also scored 30 points, shooting 54% from the field, and sent out 9 assists and 4 steals.
Cobra Grant scored 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.
For the Knicks, O'Neal also efficiently scored 35 points, shooting 63% from the field, but his free throw percentage was a bit low, making 6 of 15 free throws, only 40%. He grabbed 15 rebounds and made 4 blocks.
.
The other four starters all scored more than 10 points, but none of them exceeded 15 points, so their efficiency was not good enough.
In another game, the mosaic of the real Big Three successfully defeated the SuperSonics. The Big Three jointly scored 85 points and crushed their opponents.
Both games were won by the visiting team.
Come the 7th, the second round match day for the other two groups.
At three o'clock that afternoon, Stern arrived in Phoenix, bringing the Maurice Podoloff Cup.
Just last night, he received the visiting Lakers owner Jerry Buss at his home, and the two talked for a long time.
He really wants to support the Lakers and hopes to see the Lakers regain their strength in the show time era. That is definitely a good thing for the league. Unfortunately, for the sake of balance between the East and West leagues, he can't let O'Neal come to the East. He really owes the Lakers.
Therefore, he understood the Lakers' request, but did not agree, because the lottery is sacred and cannot be influenced by human factors. Whoever gets the No. 1 pick is something that only God can decide.
In the evening, Yu Feihong, accompanied by Tian Xiaofen, a nurse, and some martial arts brothers, came to the American West Arena.
Today is the day when Wang Tiejun wins the MVP trophy, so she came to the arena with a big belly.
Colangelo Sr. left a private room for her. It was a closed private room where the fetus could be prevented from being affected by the loud noise.
The game starts at eight o'clock, and the other game between the Bulls and Pacers is at eight-thirty, half an hour late.
At 7:30, the Suns and Jazz announced their starting lineups.
Jazz: Felton Spencer, Karl Malone, Chris Morris, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton
Suns: Wang Tiejun, Ben Wallace, Robert Horry, Wes Riperson, Kevin Johnson.
The Suns' second-round series was broadcast live nationwide by TNT, and the commentators were Marv Albert and Kevin Harlan.
Albert took the starting list handed over by his assistant, glanced at it, and smiled: "The Jazz's No. 3 position was replaced by Chris Morris from David Benteno, but it was of no use. Both players were
He's just a role player, averaging a few points per game, not good at rebounding, and average in defense. The third position is always the Jazz's weakness."
Kevin Harlan smiled and said: "Although Robert Horry's strength is not outstanding, he should still have an advantage in this position.
However, with the style of the Suns and Horry's offensive ability with the ball, he will not get much ball rights. The Suns only need him to hit open shots. When the ball is in his hands, it is usually a transition, so the Jazz also
Don’t worry too much about the third position being beaten.”
"Yeah, that's right."
Albert nodded and smiled: "What the Jazz have to worry about is how to deal with Old K in the low post. Last year, the Jazz seemed to have met the Suns in the second round. The postman was hit by Old K and broke three ribs. I don't know if he has any psychological left.
Shadow, but his current physical fitness is close to 130 kilograms, not much smaller than old K. I think it has a certain impact."
"He weighed 127 kilograms last year. Now he looks a little fatter and has gained some fat. I think this is right. O'Neal was repeatedly knocked over by Old K but was not injured. It is because the fat rate is high enough to relieve force and protect him.
Himself, the thick layer of fat can act as a buffer, and the postman obviously made a wise decision." Kevin Harlan said.
Albert added: "The current substitute lineups of both sides are average, and they rely on the main lineup to solve the problem. The Jazz's substitute lineup is not very good. The Suns' substitute lineup performed well in the regular season, but now Finley is injured, and Will
Kings is also old, and his performance in the playoffs was average. I heard that some injuries have recurred, which has also affected his condition."
"This is a veteran. You can rely on the stability of a veteran at critical moments, but you can't count on a veteran to help you carry a team. And Wilkins' efficiency in the playoffs has always been not as good as in the regular season." Kay
Wen Halan smiled.
In the CCTV live broadcast, Zhang Lili analyzed at this time: "The Jazz's lineup this year has not changed much from last year and has not been reinforced.
Spencer is still the meat shield at the fifth position, and the third position is still very weak. The main lineup relies on the offense of the Iron Triangle, and the main scoring pressure is on Karl Malone and Hornacek.
But the Suns are also in a difficult situation now. The substitute lineup cannot be counted on, so the main force must win against the opponent, otherwise there will be no one to help the main force fill the hole.
The Lightning can count on the Suns' main lineup, but his efficiency in the playoffs is not as good as in the regular season. Except for Ben, the other two, Horry and Person, barely scored 10 points in the playoffs.
Contributions left and right.”
Su Qun nodded and said: "The Lightning averaged 17 points per game in the first round, two points lower than the regular season, and their shooting percentage dropped by three percentage points. Person averaged only 9 points per game in the first round, and his scoring and efficiency were not as good as in the regular season.
Robert Horry's performance was pretty good and very stable. He was the only one among the three outsiders whose scoring and efficiency were similar to those in the regular season. In the first round, he averaged 13 points per game and his efficiency was 47%, which was only one percentage point lower."
"I still have to do it myself, Tie Jun, it makes me tired just thinking about it!"
Zhang Lili sighed, and then said: "And don't underestimate the iron triangle of Black and White and Hornacek, they are still very strong.
Their biggest weakness is the lack of a strong low-post offense. And point guard Stockton doesn't have any outstanding finishing ability. Once he can't find his teammates, it will be difficult for him to complete the offense on his own."
Su Qun said at this time: "Coach Zhang, what do you think of Michael Finley? I like him very much. His attitude was very good when we interviewed him. It's a pity that he was injured in the first round. Without him, the Suns' bench lineup will be poor."
One less scoring point."
Zhang Liji said with a smile: "He has a very good personality, he is gentle, his playing style is calm, and he also has good talent. After he develops his skills, he will be suitable to be the second boss."
This injury cost him an opportunity to train in the playoffs, which is indeed a pity. It is also bad luck for the Suns.
I think he still has some problems when playing the third position. His ability to break through with the ball is not enough. His naked height is about 198 centimeters, which is perfect for playing the second position. He does not suffer from height.
He still has defense and can develop his three-point shooting. The Suns will put him at the second position and try to develop him next season.
He plays the main No. 2 position and Horry the main No. 3 position. I think this main lineup will be very good. It has more development potential than the current main lineup in which Person plays the No. 2 position. Person's potential is a bit lower. At present, it is
The three-pointer is better than Finley, but I can't say for sure next season."
At this time, in the player tunnel, the ten starting players from the two teams met.
Postman Karl Malone glanced at Old K opposite him, then moved his eyes away and looked at the stadium outside.
This year is no better than last year, last year was swept by the Suns, but this year's Suns are not last year's Suns. He is very confident that he can defeat the Suns and reach the Western Conference Finals of his dreams.
Just because he was confident of reaching the Western Conference Finals, he didn't want to provoke Old K and cause unnecessary trouble off the court.
The rest of the Jazz were also very quiet. Only Hornacek came up, greeted Kevin Johnson, and said a few words to Lao Wang.
"Jeff, if you want to win a championship, come back. There is no hope in the Jazz." Lao Wang said to Hornacek with a smile.
"Asshole!"
The postman's fists clenched tightly in an instant. This guy, Lao K, dug into his corner in front of him. Did he really think he had no temper?
Hornacek's eyes twitched and he couldn't help but look back at the postman. He saw that the postman's face had hardened into an iron plate, three points darker than iron.
"Besides, the contract hasn't been completed yet," he said with a wry smile.
It is impossible to say that he does not want a championship. He was once an All-Star, not an ordinary role player, and he pursues honors.
It's a pity that he was unlucky. The parent team traded him for Barkley and missed the next two championships. Now he is 33 years old and can't play for a few more years. The Western Conference is so strong. I want to win the championship with the Jazz.
, he himself knows that there is not much hope, and it will be really difficult for the Jazz to get past the old K in the future.
However, it is possible to get past the Suns this year. However, after reaching the Western Conference Finals, it will be difficult to get past the Mosaic stage. The hope of the finals is still slim.
Then the two teams came out, and when Lao Wang came out for the last time, the Sun King's shouts resounded throughout the audience.
Next, is the moment Wang Tiejun is most looking forward to, getting the MVP trophy.
"mvp! mvp! mvp..."
When David Stern appeared on the court holding the trophy, all the fans stood up and cheered.
"Old K, congratulations! I hope you will continue to perform well in the NBA, not be afraid of any difficulties, and achieve your greatness!"
David Stern presented the trophy and sincere congratulations.
"Thank you, Mr. Stern."
Lao Wang happily took the trophy. After thanking him, he took a serious look at the trophy in his hand, and then raised it high towards the fans.
"ah!"
In an instant, the cheers from the audience were like a volcano erupting, reaching the top.
After turning in a circle, he shook the trophy in his hand in the direction of Yu Feihong, who waved in the private room.
The host handed over the microphone at this time. He took it and shouted excitedly: "Believe me, this is just the beginning!"
"oh!"
The cheers from the audience suddenly reached a higher peak again.
"Pa bang bang..."
David Stern applauded continuously, then shook hands with Old Wang, and sat on the sidelines with Old Colangelo, next to the Suns' bench.
He has received a report from a group of market researchers sent to China. The content makes him very excited. In that country, the basketball market is extremely large and thriving. Old K has a huge influence among the basketball fans there. Perhaps it can be said that
It's a symbol of basketball in that country.
Although the current consumption power there is not high, it is about to be renovated and he believes everything will get better.
Regarding the Suns and Jazz, he hopes to see the Suns advance to the Western Conference Finals, not the Jazz.
He doesn't like the Jazz team. It doesn't have any gorgeous style of play. Apart from boring pick-and-rolls, it's just pick-and-rolls. Besides shooting, it's still shooting. It's rare to even get a dunk.
At the same time, he doesn't like the rigid city of Salt Lake City. He has no confidence in the development potential of the football market there, the economy is average, and the spending power is far inferior to Phoenix.
