After defeating the Wizards, the Suns returned home and faced another challenge from the Lakers.
Lao Wang accidentally injured his left index finger during a hand-to-hand fight with O'Neal and left the game midway, resulting in the loss of the game.
He will take a truce for about three games next, and the specific number of games will depend on his recovery.
However, this did not affect the All-Star voting. At the end of January, the voting ended and Lao Wang became the top vote-getter with 4.12 million votes.
This number of votes is the highest in NBA history, more than 2.6 million votes higher than the second-placed Kobe, who had just 1.5 million votes.
After Lao K and Jordan retired last year, Vince Carter, the All-Star voting champion, only had 1.47 million votes. Before Lao K retired, he was elected as the voting champion for many years, but at that time, the highest number of votes in a year would be 3 million. After his comeback,
Directly hit 4 million.
In New York, David Stern was in a daze holding a statistical table, his hands shaking a little.
"4.12 million?"
This is the reason why his hands are shaking. There are too many votes, even far exceeding the three consecutive championships of Old K.
What does this mean? Does it mean that the popularity of Lao K, who has come back, has increased instead of falling?
The old K, who is nearly 30 years old, is in such a violent state that he scores 4050 in a row, and his playing style is even more gorgeous than before, without losing the violence of the past, which is indeed very popular.
However, he felt that was not the case.
The reason why Lao K has such a crazy number of votes is because overseas voting channels were opened this year, which activated Lao K's popularity overseas.
In other words, he believed that Lao K was already so popular.
What appeared in front of him was Lao K's All-Star voting information. 35% of the votes came from North America, 29% from China, 8% from Japan, 5% from South Korea, and 23% from all over the world.
.
The number of votes in North America is just over 1.5 million, which is also more than Kobe's North American vote. What does it mean? It means that Old K is still the most popular superstar in the American basketball world. Kobe is sitting in the big ball market of Los Angeles, and the number of North American votes is not as good as that of Old K.
Kobe is the most popular of the four shooting guards this year.
42% of the votes came from Asia, and 65% of the votes came from overseas. This shows that Lao K’s popularity around the world has truly reached a world-class level.
What has he been pursuing for many years, isn't it to promote the NBA to the world? The domestic fan market is already dominated by football and baseball, and the NBA has limited development space. The only way out is to go global.
And now, he has a world-class active superstar in his hands.
However, this superstar is not an American. Many Americans are unwilling to let a Chinese become the number one in the league and the world.
Even he couldn't resist this kind of power.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Put down the information sheet in his hand, made a phone call, and said: "Announce it, let the people who oppose Old K see it, this is a giant dragon, they can't suppress it, even if overseas channels are closed, Old K's North American vote will still be
First in the league.”
"Yes, Mr. President."
…
At 9 a.m. on February 1, as the NBA announced the end of All-Star voting, countless people, including a large number of media, were shocked.
"God, Old K, you actually have four million votes?" Buckley called immediately, and his surprise could be heard from the tone of his voice.
"It's funny, I had three million votes the year before last, and this year it's just one million more. Let me tell you, our country's current network level is not very good. If it is comparable to the United States, I can get at least 100 million votes."
Wang boasted.
"One hundred million? Ouch!" Buckley cried out in pain and bit his tongue.
Then Dayao called and said with envy: "Brother, I only have more than one million votes, but you actually have four million. My God, I can't imagine it!"
"Dayao, you don't have to be envious, I am a legend and a myth!" Lao Wang continued to seize the opportunity to pretend to be 13.
Kobe also called and said dissatisfiedly: "Old K, you are actually twice as old as me?"
"You're so stupid. It's obviously 2.7 times. Can't the calculator in your phone make up for your IQ?" Lao Wang scolded with a smile.
"The dynasty we built together, why didn't anyone overseas vote for me? I only had less than 100,000 votes overseas." Kobe said unconvinced.
Lao Wang laughed and said: "Did you know that at least 200,000 girls in Japan voted for me and 100,000 girls in South Korea voted for me."
"Bragging, how do you know?" Kobe asked.
Lao Wang avoided answering and continued to brag: "Do you know why no one overseas voted for you? Because the girls only have me in their eyes. Who remembers you as a little stick? Only I can satisfy all their fantasies about men, haha
…”
"vomit!"
Kobe immediately vomited over there.
…
On the evening of January 20th, Lao Wang and Fei Ge called home.
The eldest sister and the second sister's due date are only one month apart. I want to say hello. Besides, the Chinese New Year is coming soon and Dabao is on winter vacation. I want to ask him if he wants to come to the United States.
"I won't go. I'm not used to life in the United States and I'm afraid I won't adapt to the local environment." When Dabao heard that he was asked to go to the United States, he quickly raised his voice and shouted.
"Don't you miss your parents and your sister?" Fei Ge said with some disappointment.
"What nonsense! You've been here for four years, how come I didn't notice that you were acclimated?" Lao Wang scolded.
"Brother, come here, I miss you!" Zhou Zhou shouted from the side.
"No, I won't come anyway," Dabao shouted.
"What, are you used to being around your second aunt? Don't you like living with your second aunt?" Fei Ge asked.
"Clang!"
There was an accent there, and then Dabao's voice disappeared.
"Run away, Dabao put down the phone and ran away."
Wang Aiguo picked up the phone and said: "It's vacation. He is staying at home now. He has been playing around for the past two days. He has not seen three meals a day, so he can only come back after sleeping."
"This little bastard, no wonder he doesn't want to come." Lao Wang cursed.
At this time, Sister Liu's voice sounded: "Tie Jun, Dabao is doing very well in studying. This time he got double hundred points in the test. I asked his second aunt to ask the teacher. It's true. I didn't add zeros at the end. I just want to study."
Okay, let him play if he likes to play, what child doesn’t like to play?”
"..."
Lao Wang is ashamed, my mother seems to be less good at nagging recently.
At the end of January 2003, the Suns played 48 regular season games, with 30 wins and 18 losses, with a winning rate of 62.5%, ranking fifth in the Western Conference, behind the Trail Blazers, Kings, Mavericks, and Lakers.
After the Lakers were defeated repeatedly by the Suns, Kobe actually experienced a change, and his relationship with O'Neal unexpectedly eased. This is the only reason why the Lakers' record has climbed rapidly recently.
Kobe very much hoped to defeat the Suns, but he lost to the Suns consecutively. He knew that without the help of O'Neal, he alone would not be able to defeat the old K.
The Suns didn't care about the record and still polished the lineup and tactical system step by step.
The Western Conference is too strong this year, especially the Pacific Region. The result of trying hard to climb up may be excessive consumption and the inability to polish the lineup and tactics.
Lao Wang has always been ranked second in the MVP rankings, but after the Suns were surpassed by the Lakers, he also fell to third, behind Kobe.
His personal data also declined further, averaging 30.1 points per game and playing time between 33 and 35 minutes.
Most of his energy is still focused on defense and rebounding. The team is inherently deficient and has several loopholes. He is the core of defense and can only be filled by him. This is also the most important reason for the decline in scoring data.
However, the Suns are not short of scorers now. Marion averaged 21 points per game, Nash averaged 17.5 points per game, Stoudemire averaged 11 points per game, and Joe Johnson averaged 9 points per game. With five starts, almost everyone scored in double figures.
Therefore, Lao Wang is content to make other contributions and let the young people play more offensively, with him, the old guy, as their backing.
He felt that this lineup might be able to last longer.
In the past few years with the Suns, the lineup was too fluid. Young players wanted to leave after they were good, and they wanted to leave even more after winning the championship. Why? It should be because his data was suppressed.
Without data, there is no chance to stand out. Everyone wants to be an All-Star, especially a talented person like Kidd. How can he be willing to be a green leaf next to him?
However, due to the decline in personal data, the media is now promoting the news that he is no longer good, and even believes that he is no longer the number one active player.
These media turned to support Kobe, believing that Kobe had four championships and was one of the important forces for the Lakers to complete the dynasty. If there was no Kobe beside Old K, let alone the dynasty, the Lakers would probably not be able to win any of the three championships. They believed
Kobe's current strength is above that of Old K. With his honor and strength, he is qualified to replace Old K and become the new number one active player.
In fact, this argument has been around since Lao Wang retired last year, but Kobe has not yet led a team to win a championship alone, so he lacks confidence and has not been recognized. Then after Lao Wang made a violent comeback, this argument became rare, but
Now as Lao Wang's personal data declines and the team's record is surpassed by the Lakers, this argument has appeared again.
Some media even interviewed Kobe and asked: "Kobe, do you think you have the strength to replace the old K and become the new number one active player?"
Kobe rolled his eyes and said, "You should wait until the Lakers win the championship before asking me this question. I'm not qualified at the moment."
As a brother, Barkley couldn't bear to see the media dealing with Lao Wang. He accepted an interview with the media that day and said: "Old K has averaged 33.6 minutes per game so far, 30.1 points, 17.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.9 steals, 4.5 blocks, 1.5 turnovers and 2.8 per game.
foul.
His field goal percentage is still as high as 61.5%, ranking first in the league. His rebounding is still first in the league. His blocks are also first in the league.
With such a strong and comprehensive performance, you tell me that he is not the number one player in active service. Do you only focus on the score and ignore everything else? Okay, let's look at the score.
Old K's highest score in a single game this season was 70 points in three quarters. He scored 50 points in 4 games, 40 points in 3 games, and 30 points in 20 games. Everyone knows why his scoring average dropped to 30 points.
It's because he has reduced his playing time and shots, and everyone knows that as long as he wants to score, no one in this league can stop him."
Barkley's words won the support of countless fans and some media, but many American media remained silent on it, as if they did not hear or see it. They still singled out some of Pharaoh's mistakes and weaknesses from time to time and amplified them to support
their arguments.
Some media even believed that Lao Wang might have evaded taxes and suggested that the tax bureau conduct an examination of his assets.
The tax bureau ignored these voices because they had been doing this for a long time. As a foreigner with large assets and high income in the United States, Lao K has always been one of the people they scrutinize most closely. If he can charge more
A cent of tax will never be a penny less.
…
On January 31, the eve of the New Year, Lao Wang, Fei Ge, and the family of three did not celebrate the New Year at their own homes on Monday, but went to the martial arts gym. A large group of brothers celebrated the New Year together, which was very lively.
Lao Wang and his wife prepared a large bag of red envelopes, and everyone had a share, but they did not lose any money. Zhou Zhou immediately collected these red envelopes and got some more.
The time has entered February 1st, the Spring Festival and the first day of the Lunar New Year.
That night, the Suns played against the Warriors at home, and the entire American West Arena felt like the Chinese New Year.
On New Year's Day, Lao Wang didn't want to lose, so he scored 40 points and led his team to defeat the Warriors.
On the 3rd, the Suns welcomed the Bulls. This was the first time they faced the Bulls this season.
The Bulls are a young team and have been in the process of rebuilding since Jordan left. Because they traded several first-round picks left by Jordan, their fate is much better than that of the Spurs, who have also been rebuilding for many years.
The current Bulls have McGrady, the No. 9 pick in the first round of 1997 and one of the four shooting guards, as the core of the team and the current signature star of the Bulls. This is his sixth season and he is currently averaging 32 points per game.
Before Lao Wang, and only behind Kobe, the two were competing for the scoring title.
In addition to McGrady, the Bulls also have 30-year-old veteran Jaylen Rose, who is still averaging 20 points per game this season.
In the inside combination, the power forward is Donyel Marshall, the fourth pick in the first round of 1994, with a stat of 139 this season, and the center is boxing champion Tyson Chandler, the second pick in 2001.
On the bench, there is also the No. 4 pick in the first round of 2001, center Eddy Curry, who has better statistics than Chandler, and the No. 8 pick in the first round of 2000, backup shooting guard Jamal Crawford.
McGrady, Chandler, Eddy Curry, and Crawford, these four young players are the future of the Bulls. They are all full of potential and make other teams salivate.
Colangelo Jr. wanted to trade Crawford, but unfortunately the Bulls refused to trade with him and didn't even give him a chance to bid.
As one of the top four shooting guards in the league, the game against the Suns naturally attracted a lot of attention.
Especially in the All-Star voting, Lao K single-handedly defeated the four major players and was elected the top vote-getter with the highest number of votes in history. This made the popularity battle between Lao K and the four major shooting guards somewhat heated up, and the American media was also the most important one.
One of the promoters, so the attention is particularly large.
This game was broadcast live across the United States by TNT and was also broadcast live on CCTV.
At eight o'clock, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Suns: Wang Tiejun, Amar'e Stoudemire, Marion, Joe Johnson, Nash
After getting the starting list, Barkley analyzed: "The Bulls have not made it to the playoffs for several years, but the lineup has been almost completed in the past two years. I think it is time to hit the playoffs. Now they only lack one player.
Point guard, if we get a good point guard, with this young team, we will definitely be able to take off."
Kenny Smith nodded in agreement and said: "The Bulls lack a real point guard, so they put Crawford in the starting lineup tonight. He is a combo guard, and swingman Jaylen Rose is also a shooting guard. That is the three-point guard tactic.
, the offensive firepower from the outside is very strong, and the Suns’ current average outside defense must be a headache.”
Barkley smiled and said: "The Suns' perimeter defense is not average, Kenny, you don't need to be merciful, their perimeter defense is terrible, Nash is a colander, Joe Johnson's defense is average, it all depends on Marion and Old K to make up for it.
In addition, Stoudemire's defense is not good, and Old K has to make up for him. As long as the opponent's outside breakthrough ability is good, he can keep going in and directly kill Nash and Stoudemire's wing."
Kenny Smith said with a smile: "It just so happens that McGrady has a very strong breakthrough ability, and he certainly poses the greatest threat to the Suns.
In addition, Crawford has a quick first step and strong breakthrough ability, but his confrontation is not good and his breakthrough efficiency is not enough. Jalen Rose is getting older and has fewer breakthroughs now. He mainly shoots jumpers and is good at three-pointers.
In general, the Bulls' three outsiders are all very capable of assisting and scoring. Crawford mainly plays as a substitute and does not have many opportunities to perform. The other two are both averaging 3020 points per game. The Suns' outsiders are not very good.
You must be able to do it.
But with Charles, the Bulls' interior is far weaker than the Suns."
Barkley nodded and said: "Chandler has a talent that is visible to the naked eye, excellent athletic ability, a strong style of play, a strong defense, and is good in single defense and assist defense, but he is facing Old K. I can say with certainty that Old K.
You can kill him with just one hand."
Kenny Smith said with a smile: "The Bulls have endless potential and are currently ranked 6th in the Eastern Conference, but I think the team's strength is not well integrated. There are too many young players. Like the Suns, they are all in the running-in period and the growth period.
There is still potential for growth.
But the Suns have an old K who can lead the Suns to become a strong player in the Western Conference, while the Bulls do not have an old K, so if the Bulls really want to rise, they still need to work hard."
"Good evening, old K."
At this time, in the player tunnel, the five Bulls starting players saw Old K coming and hurriedly greeted him.
Even McGrady, one of the top four shooting guards in the league and the core of the Bulls after Jordan, did not dare to be rude in any way.
Nowadays, some American media are targeting Old K, but players like them, if they have no resentment or racial discrimination against Old K, they must maintain respect for Old K off and on the court.
They are not the media that targets Old K. They know one thing very well. Whether he is the first person in history or the first person in active service, Old K’s status in the league, with his current strength, no one can challenge it yet. They can challenge it.
Lao K, but you can’t disrespect Lao K.
"Hello."
Lao Wang responded casually and looked at the Bulls starting players.
With five starters and three young players, the average age is younger than that of the Suns. He feels that the Bulls will become a powerful team in the Eastern Conference in the future.