The next day, the 19th, was the day of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Suns did not train in the morning and arranged two hours of recovery training in the afternoon.
Dameng, Glider, Lei Gong and others were still staying at Lao Wang's house. At around eight o'clock in the morning, everyone ran to the living room, turned on the TV, and tuned to the ESPN channel.
"Old K, I didn't run away again this year." Dameng said with an envious look on his face.
"Old K, I won it this year. I'll work hard next year and defend my MVP title for three consecutive years. Not even Jordan has done that." Lei Gong said with a smile.
"In modern basketball, Larry Bird is the only one who has defended his MVP title for three consecutive years. In front of him are Russell and Chamberlain." Glider said.
Lao Wang laughed heartily. This year's MVP was indeed unbeatable. Except for lagging behind Jordan at the beginning, he has been leading since then, and the team's record is also the first in the Suns.
In Chicago, Jordan is also sitting in front of the TV. He may also win the mvp. Although the chance is not as big as that of Old K, but what if?
In 1993, his statistics were much better than Barkley's, but the mvp was given to Barkley's fat guy, and maybe it will be given to him this season.
"Ladies and gentlemen, fans and players, NBA players, the honor you are most concerned about, the regular season MVP will be announced soon. It is the standard equipment of a true superstar, and it is the player who performs the best that season.
Some honors..."
The ESPN nine o'clock NBA program started. After the host made a call, he took out a white envelope, opened it, and pulled out a card. He took a look at it, with a surprised expression on his face.
"It can't really be me, right?" Jordan was startled, and his upper body left the back of the sofa.
"I x, I won't give it to that old braised egg, right?"
Seeing the host's expression, Lao Wang's heart skipped a beat.
"Old K, don't panic." Lei Gong said quickly.
"Old K, it's okay if you lose it. You already have one anyway." Dameng comforted her quickly.
"that is."
Glider nodded in agreement.
Lao Wang glared at the two of them, what nonsense? This thing is not too much, okay? If I win a few more MVPs and championships, and rank among the top 50 superstars, I might be able to beat Jordan.
At this time, the reporter put away his surprised expression and said with a smile: "Oh, guess whose name I saw? You will never guess it. I'll give you some time to guess?"
"Fuck you!"
"Stupid x host!"
At this time, countless fans cursed in front of the TV.
"Silly x host." Dameng and others also cursed.
Only Lao Wang's expression was not very good, as if it really wasn't him, otherwise the host wouldn't have this expression.
As for Jordan, a smile appeared on his face, it must be him, otherwise the host would not have this expression.
Thinking of 1993, the MVP was given to Barkley, and the championship was snatched away by the Suns in the end. I hope that what happened in 1993 will happen again this time, he won the MVP, and then won the championship again.
The host seemed to have imagined what the fans were doing now, and said quickly: "Okay, I won't give you a chance to guess. I am announcing now that the NBA League's 1997 regular season Most Valuable Player (mvp) is, it is actually...
...It actually is... Come, see for yourselves."
At this point, he stopped talking and held the card upright, gesturing for the camera to zoom in.
"This is a bad host!"
Lao Wang and others quickly got up and ran to the TV.
Along with them, Jordan couldn't sit still anymore and quickly ran to the TV.
But when they ran forward, the camera had already zoomed in front of the card, and three huge square characters appeared on the screen: Wang Tiejun.
"Shet! Damn host, what are you acting? If you like acting so much, why don't you go to Hollywood and become the host of some sports channel?"
When Jordan just ran to the TV, he didn't see his name, which was written in square Chinese characters. He felt that he had been tricked, so he couldn't help but cursed and kicked the TV.
"Haha, congratulations, old K, you actually defended your MVP title. You were the best player in the regular season in the 1996/97 season..."
At this time, the host's voice sounded cheerfully.
"I think he's a little more pleasing to the eye." After laughing happily a few times, Lao Wang said with a smile.
"It's average, a bit ugly." Dameng said.
"I think you are jealous of me."
Lao Wang glanced sideways at Dameng and said dissatisfiedly: "You eat my food, drink my food and live in my house, but you are jealous of me. Dameng, why don't you be a human being?"
"that is."
The glider nodded in agreement, and quickly congratulated the old king and said: "Old K, you have defended your title. It's time for a treat. I want to eat chicken."
Lao Wang was happy, waved his hand and shouted: "Dezhou Braised Chicken, enough for tonight."
"broiler."
Glider and Dameng, Lei Gong said angrily.
"Okay, a chicken is a chicken." Lao Wang laughed.
At this time, his mobile phone and landline began to ring. He received celebratory calls and text messages from friends, interview calls from reporters, and congratulatory calls from various sponsors.
…
At four o'clock, Hu Weidong found the Suns headquarters, and Lao Wang went to the door to pick him up.
"Old K, congratulations, you are MVP again." Hu Weidong smiled when he saw him.
"You know it too? Haha, it's ridiculous. It's no longer interesting to take it every year." Lao Wang said with a proud smile.
Hu Weidong smiled helplessly, what are you pretending to do? Look at your smile, you are happier than picking up a gold ingot.
"Put your luggage in my car first. You drive my car to America West Center. We will go back together in the evening. Here are the tickets, you take them first."
As Lao Wang said this, he took Lao Hu to the parking lot.
"Mercedes-Benz Cross-country, how much does this car cost?" Hu Weidong's eyes lit up when he saw Lao Wang's car.
"I don't know. It's a gift from Mercedes-Benz. The sales version is probably more than 40,000 to 50,000 US dollars. This is not a sports car. It's not very expensive. The kind of luxury sports cars are extremely expensive. There are some that cost millions of dollars." Lao Wang said.
The corners of Lao Hu's mouth twitched, "Giving it away for free?"
"Lao Hu, I still have training, so I'll go over first." Lao Wang said.
"Okay, then I'll go and have something to eat first." Lao Hu said.
"Okay, you can go to the martial arts school to eat. There are a lot of people there. Dameng and the others spend the whole day hanging out there," Lao Wang said.
"Okay, let's go there and have a meal." Lao Hu said with a smile.
On the evening of May 19th, America West Arena was brightly lit, crowded, and starry.
From state legislators to city councilors, wealthy businessmen and celebrities, Hollywood star models, sports stars from all walks of life, wives of two sports teams, etc., all crowded in the conspicuous positions.
This series will be broadcast live across the United States by TNT, and the Eastern Conference Finals will be broadcast by ESPN.
When Lao Wang was waiting for a group of Suns players to get off the bus, a large group of reporters gathered around him. One of them was a fat man who looked very familiar to him.
"Old K, congratulations, you are MVP again." Barkley shouted with envy.
"Old K, congratulations." Other reporters also sent their congratulations.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
Lao Wang smiled and hugged his fist, and then said to Barkley: "Charles, did you really fuck the commentator?"
"Haha, I have negotiated with tnt. They are very satisfied with my performance. After I retire next season, I will sign a commentator contract. And I will also be a special guest in the Western Conference Finals. Isn't it great?" Buck
Li said happily.
"Charles, how were the ratings of your show last night?" Lightning asked curiously.
"Okay, but that's Bill Walton's show, not mine." Barkley immediately denied it.
"When you call, you can say it's your program." Lao Wang reminded.
"No, you must have heard wrong."
Barkley refused to admit it anyway, so he wanted to get some inside information, so he pulled Lao Wang and Lightning to the back. After the people in front had gone far, he asked in a low voice: "Hey, Lao K, Lightning, please help me."
, this is my first time as a commentator, let me give you some inside information."
"What inside story do you want?" Lightning asked curiously.
"for example……"
Barkley glanced at Horry in front of him and asked in a low voice: "Has that kid Horry decided to leave the team?"
"Stop talking nonsense, it has shaken our military morale. Charles, I know you, but my fist does not know you." Lao Wang shook his fist as big as a bowl in front of Buckley's face.
"Who are you trying to scare? If you hit me, I will stay in your house for the rest of my life."
Buckley pushed away Lao Wang's fist in disgust, and asked mysteriously: "How about I give you a piece of news in exchange?"
"What news?" Lao Wang asked curiously.
"Larry Bird is going to be the head coach of the Pacers." Barkley whispered.
"Larry Brown really quits?" Lightning asked in surprise.
"He worked for the Pacers for four years without any results. This time he was eliminated in the second round. The Pacers are not willing to give him another chance, and Ewing is not satisfied with his coaching." Barkley said.
"Then we have to contact Larry Bird to buy Lao Hu some time." Lao Wang pondered.
Buckley whispered again at this time: "I've given you the news, where's yours?"
"No." Lao Wang and Lightning shook their heads at the same time.
"You two bastards!"
Barkley cursed angrily, and then said: "I know the management is not satisfied with Danny Ainge. He is transitional. Tell me, are you going to change the head coach next season?"
"I don't know." Lao and Wang shook their heads at the same time.
"You two guys? I wasted my time on you."
Buckley was so angry that he quickly left the two of them behind and ran to the front to interview other people.
Seven o'clock, visiting team's locker room.
Postman Malone, John Stockton, Hornacek, the original Jazz iron triangle, plus semi-first-class center Campbell, can be called the Jazz's four kings.
Next to it is a host of quality role players, Brian Russell, Antoine Kyle, Kerry's huge Morris, Ostertag, Shanton Anderson, etc.
A strong main lineup, coupled with a high-quality substitute lineup and a mature tactical system, this is the Jazz's confidence to compete for the championship. It took many seasons to build a lineup.
The atmosphere in the locker room was a bit like an army about to go on an expedition. It was silent, tense, harsh, and meticulous. No one spoke, only the rustling sounds of people making final preparations.
The postman was wrapping a bandage on his foot, and a staff member was helping. There was no expression on his face, as if the upcoming Western Conference Finals was not important to him.
When facing the media, he did not make any harsh words and acted very calmly.
"Time is up."
It was almost half past seven, and Jerry Sloan said hello.
A group of substitute players stood up and prepared to go to the warm-up field.
The postman exhaled a long breath and stood up. At this time, there seemed to be a surge of blood on his peaceful face that had only seemed silent a moment ago.
As he stood there, all the players automatically gathered around him.
"The Suns, our mortal enemy of the Jazz."
His first words were even sharp and murderous. It can be seen that these words were full of his emotions and came from the bottom of his heart.
This emotion was suppressed in his heart. Now that the Western Conference Finals was about to begin, he finally couldn't suppress it and was filled with impatience.
As soon as he said these words, he thought of the past between himself and Old K. He couldn't beat him off the court, and he couldn't beat him on the court. The hatred buried in his heart could no longer be suppressed and rose up like a dragon.
Straight towards the sky.
Today, there is no need to press anymore. We have the strength. This time we will kill Old K, kill the Suns, and reach the finals.
"We will win the Western Conference Finals!"
A sharp, blade-like voice sounded again. He stared at his teammates in front of him and spat out his voice through his teeth: "Old K, let me and Campbell deal with it, and leave the others to you."
"Must win!"
John Stockton shouted, raising his right fist.
"Must win!"
The whole locker room responded with a roar. Even before Jazz came out, his momentum was already strong, like an army sworn to fight.
At 7:30, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Jazz: Campbell, Karl Malone, Brian Russell, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton
Suns: Wang Tiejun, Rasheed Wallace, Robert Horry, Kidd, Kevin Johnson
The Western Conference Finals will be broadcast live across the United States by TNT TV station, and there are hundreds of large and small TV stations around the world that purchase broadcast signals.
The CCTV live broadcast booth also started live broadcast from this time.
"First of all, congratulations to Tie Jun. He won the MVP again and defended his title. What a joy and congratulation!" Zhang Liji said with a smile.
"Congratulations, old K!" Su Qun also smiled.
Zhang Lili smiled and said: "Two consecutive years of MVP, which is not many in the history of the league!"
Su Qun smiled and said: "Being the defending MVP also shows that Old K has truly entered his peak period. It depends on how long he can maintain his peak period. It would be best if he can win two more championships during his peak period."
Zhang Liyi nodded, shook his head, and said: "If you want to win the championship at your peak, you must cooperate in all aspects. The so-called right time, place, and people must cooperate one by one to be able to win.
Overall championship.”
Su Qun nodded and said: "Indeed, most of the league's superstars achieved nothing during their peak period, because the team's strength did not keep up, or they encountered stronger opponents at the same time."
Zhang Lili then began to analyze: "The Suns and the Jazz are actually very familiar with each other. They won two and lost two in the regular season, resulting in a tie. They are of equal strength!"
Su Qun said: "The reason why the Suns have a very good record this season is because in addition to the strong main lineup, the substitute lineup also includes Wilkins, Chapman, Kidd, Kobe and others, and their scoring ability should be very strong.
.
But the Jazz also have a large group of high-quality substitute players, which is also an important reason why they were tied with the Suns in the regular season. Neither side has an obvious advantage."
"Not bad, not bad."
Zhang Liyi nodded and said: "The Jazz have accumulated for many years and finally have a lineup that can compete for the championship. This team can indeed pose a big obstacle to the Suns now."
"Guide Zhang, do you think it will be difficult for the Suns in this Western Conference Finals?" Su Qun asked.
Zhang Lili smiled and said: "There must be difficulties. The Jazz are really strong. Before Campbell was brought in, the Jazz only had a little low post offense from the Postman, plus breakthrough layups from the outside. The low post offense accounted for very little.
"
"Yes, the Postman mainly focuses on mid-range shooting and does not play low-post offense." Su Qun said.
Zhang Lili continued: "But now with Campbell, his low-post offense accounts for a little more than the Postman. Together, the two of them, the Jazz's low-post offense is much higher than before, which improves the overall offensive efficiency."
In addition, over the years, the Jazz's lineup has stabilized and the tactical system has been fully established. This is also a key reason for the Jazz's increase in strength, otherwise just building the lineup will not be enough.
The tactical system, which can integrate the strengths of all players on the team, is the most important foundation for a strong team."
"Tactical system?"
Nodding, Zhang Lili said: "This season the Suns' tactical system still follows the previous tactical system, which is the traditional center strategy.
The Jazz is a system based on pick-and-roll tactics. For such a system, the Suns are required to be very capable of switching defenses. If any position does not switch defenses quickly enough or makes mistakes, it will be in trouble."
"Director Zhang, K is no longer slow now. He is faster than Postman and Campbell. His ability to switch defenses should be no problem, right?" Su Qun asked.
Zhang Liji shook his head and said: "Fast movement is only a basic quality of the ability to switch defenses, it cannot determine the strength of the ability to switch defenses.
To be able to switch defenses, you must first fully understand the opponent's tactics and have sufficient awareness of switching defenses. Then, you must be able to keep up with your physical fitness and mobility. The most important thing is to cooperate with your teammates. Otherwise, it is easy for two people to guard one while the other is completely
Possibility of losing it.
In addition, when the two tactical systems come together, it not only places high demands on the players, but also places high demands on the head coach."
"Head coach?"
Su Qun had a bad feeling. Can Danny Ainge, a rookie head coach, be able to deal with Jerry Sloan?
At this time, Zhang Lili pointed at the screen and said: "Look, there are many Chinese here, at least a thousand people, holding many signs with Tiejun's name on them."
Su Qun nodded and said: "In recent years, there are more and more Chinese in Phoenix. Because of Old K, this city should be the most welcoming city in the United States for Chinese and the most suitable city for Chinese to live. There are many Chinese here.
For this reason, many people have moved here from other cities, and many people who immigrated from within the country have also chosen here.”
"Yes, this is actually a good place. It is the fifth largest city in the west and has great potential for urban development. In addition, I think that sooner or later, a Chinatown will be formed in the Chinese gathering area of Phoenix." Zhang Lijia said.
"It's possible."
Su Qun smiled and said: "If Mr. K comes forward to communicate with the city hall, I think Chinatown will be established faster."
"Buy another street? Haha!" Zhang Li said with a smile.
Su Qun came up with another idea and said: "Actually, Cangzhou City can establish a friendly relationship with Phoenix. With Old K as the link, there should be no problem."
"The mayor is down there, why don't we do the interview later?" Zhang Li said with a smile.
"Okay!" Su Qun nodded and smiled.
At this time, the CCTV camera switched to Fengshen Street.
To the north of Fengshen Street is the large construction site of the K-Times Sports Center. The huge basketball stadium has begun to take shape. The back of South Street is already full of people, and Fengshen Street is also densely packed with people.
People without money crowd into the back of South Street and Fengshen Street, while those with money go to Bar Street. Every time it comes to the playoffs, the style of the bars here will suddenly change, and they will all become basketball bars.
, once the playoffs were over, they changed back again.
I won’t mention it elsewhere, but in BJ, playing basketball and talking about basketball has become a fashion.
Everywhere in Cangzhou, just like Fengshen Street, the atmosphere of basketball is extremely deep.
In the past few years, in addition to cultivating massage talents, a large number of basketball courts have been built in Cangzhou. Schools from primary school to high school also attach great importance to basketball.
What’s even more surprising is that Wang Tiejun’s hometown No. 7 Team has the largest number of people who followed Lao Wang to the United States and is super rich. This year, various production teams organized several rural basketball teams and launched a No. 7 Team Basketball League.
, the villagers raised funds to build an open-air basketball court on the original stage that can accommodate tens of thousands of people, and they played together in their spare time.
This league is quite attractive. Within two months, nearby villages have joined in. Now the entire Qing County has organized more than 30 teams to join this league. The scale is getting bigger and bigger, and there are games every night.
, county and city leaders often come to support.
At this time, the open-air basketball court of the May 7th Team was already crowded with people. Instead of a game, there were a large number of TVs on the court, and everyone watched the Western Conference Finals collectively.
