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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On May 11, 2004, the NBA announced its All-Defensive Teams for the season.
The First Team consisted of Clay Lee, Jason Kidd, Ron Artest, Kevin Garnett, and Ben Wallace.
The Second Team consisted of Kobe Bryant, Doug Christie, Andrei Kirilenko, Tim Duncan, and Theo Ratliff.
After the All-Defensive Teams were announced, some fans expressed dissatisfaction.
Sports media in San Antonio believed that Bruce Bowen should have been selected.
This season, with the NBA cracking down on undercutting, Bowen's defensive deterrence was greatly reduced due to the severe crackdown.
Many players applauded this.
Vince Carter stated in interviews on more than one occasion that the NBA made the correct decision and that Bowen's type of Defense should be banned!
No one wants their career to be suddenly derailed by injuries.
After all, the NBA is highly competitive, and one injury could lead to a decline in physical condition, thereby changing a player's career.
Therefore, Bowen's omission did not spark widespread discussion, except for the local sports media in San Antonio expressing their displeasure.
Instead, Kobe's re-selection to the Second Team puzzled many fans.
Due to dealing with an illegal intrusion case in Denver this season, Kobe only played 65 regular-season games.
Recently, ESPN optimized defensive efficiency ratings, adding per-100-possession data comparisons.
Lee and Kidd ranked 12th and 38th, respectively.
If some restrictions were added, limiting appearances to over 60, Lee would naturally break into the top 10, and Kidd would also rank in the top 20.
In the per-100-possession defensive efficiency rankings, most of the top players were centers and power forwards, with very few backcourt players.
Artest ranked 18th.
Excluding players who played fewer than 10 games, he could also enter the top 15.
Duncan took a silent hit.
Among players with over 70% of appearances, his defensive efficiency ranked second in the NBA, and he should have surpassed Artest.
But boosted by the DPOY, Artest was ultimately selected to the All-Defensive First Team.
Some players on the All-Defensive Second Team were somewhat undeserving, most notably Ratliff and Kobe.
Kobe ranked 178th on the list.
Even with additional restrictions on appearances, he couldn't break into the top 100.
In response, some columns in the sports section of the New York Times this morning began sarcastically mocking "impression-based" coaches:
"If the Lakers didn't have that exposure, these coaches would never select a player ranked 178th for the All-Defensive Team."
"It's another case of defensive impact that data can't reflect. I wonder if the voting coaches watched most of the Lakers' games."
Chinese sports media also expressed injustice for Yao Ming.
In the defensive efficiency rankings, Theo Ratliff ranked 116th.
If a player of that caliber can be selected for the All-Defensive Second Team, then Yao Ming, who ranked 35th, should also receive this honor!
Kobe has been an anomaly in the All-Defensive Team selections in recent years, consistently ranking outside the top 100 yet being selected every year.
However, as Lakers fans would say, ESPN's data rankings are biased against Kobe.
Regardless of how everyone discussed it, once the list was announced, the results could not be changed.
Even if it's based on impression, Kobe's good posture and ability to showcase himself led to his selection for the All-Defensive Team, which is also a testament to his ability!
Last night's Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 ended with the Knicks winning 112:89, closing out the series in three quarters.
Sweeping the Nets 4-0, the Knicks once again advanced to the Conference Finals.
Entering the Conference Finals for 8 consecutive years, the Knicks tied the record set by the Celtics!
From 1959 to 1966, during which the Celtics achieved 8 consecutive championships, the period is too distant for young fans to have much impression.
Considering that it was still the "ancient basketball" era, most New York fans automatically disregarded the Celtics, making the Knicks the most dominant team in modern basketball!
New York fans began to celebrate their team's return to the Finals prematurely, while the other two teams in the Eastern Conference Semifinals were again overlooked.
Tonight, the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons will also play Game 4.
Currently, the Detroit Pistons lead 2-1, and if they protect their home court again, they will secure a match point.
Simultaneously, the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs game is also underway.
These two teams have more star players, making this game more anticipated.
Last night, Game 3 between the Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings was full of twists and turns, with a former Knicks player saving the team.
Champion guard Sprewell hit a crucial shot in the final minute of overtime, and in the last moments, Trenton Hassell blocked Peja's three-pointer.
114:113, the Timberwolves won on the road, regaining the initiative.
Selected to the All-Defensive First Team and leading the series 2-1, Kevin Garnett appeared extremely confident during his interview this morning.
Without needing the media to dig for answers, Kevin Garnett automatically made a bold prediction, solemnly promising:
"We will end the series as soon as possible, and the Conference Finals are not our final destination!"
An ESPN reporter didn't forget to set a trap for the MVP, proactively asking about the recently announced honors:
"Kevin, do you think Kobe should have been selected for the All-Defensive Second Team? He ranks 178th, the worst among the 10 players."
Kevin Garnett, who always values Excel data that benefits him, answered without hesitation upon hearing the question:
"I believe some better-performing players should get the opportunity. Sam Cassell is underestimated. His performance on Defense is better than Kobe's."
"If Kobe Bryant left the Lakers, based on his defensive performance this season, he definitely wouldn't be selected for the All-Defensive Team."
"However, we don't care about these things. The Timberwolves' only goal this season is the championship, and we will defeat all opponents."
Watching Kevin Garnett excitedly pump his fist and shout slogans, the sports reporters nodded with satisfaction, another story to cover!
Having been swept out of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, Nets fans were naturally very disappointed.
On the morning of the 12th, after more than a day of adjustment following the loss, Kidd calmed his frustrated mood and assured fans during an interview:
"I will not leave the Nets. In basketball, winning and losing are just results. I enjoy the process of chasing a championship more!"
"In the offseason, I hope the team can continue to strengthen the roster. We are just one step away from the championship."
The Bald Kidd did not get stronger.
New Jersey sports media could clearly sense his helplessness when interviewing the core player.
One sweep might be an accident, two sweeps might also be an accident, but when it happens three times, it only proves that the player's ability is insufficient.
The serious-faced Kidd did not realize that many sports media no longer trusted him.
Everyone was tired of his annual boasts.
Last night, the Lakers once again protected their home court, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 98:90, bringing the series to 2-2.
The two teams will now face a pivotal Game 5.
Basketball players still need to speak with their actual performance.
While Kidd's own poor performance led to a lack of trust, Kobe's outburst in a crucial game once again drew loud cheers from Los Angeles fans!
15 of 27 from the field, 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, 10 of 13 from the free-throw line, for 42 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and no turnovers.
Kobe dominated the San Antonio Spurs' perimeter and received unanimous praise from the Los Angeles sports media.
Before flying to the road game, Kobe also discussed the All-Defensive Team issue during an interview:
"I don't care about those boring statistics at all. How many championships have those players with better stats than me won?"
"In basketball, I know how to win. Data can't reflect my contribution to the team. I don't want to explain too much. I am definitely one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA!"
Kobe, frowning, expressed his disdain.
Among the Lakers, besides the elder Karl Malone, most players gathered around Shaquille O'Neal.
Kobe didn't care about this either.
Phil Jackson disliked him, but the Lakers still had to rely on him to win, which gave Kobe some satisfaction.
Noticing that an ESPN reporter also wanted to ask a question, Kobe turned and walked away, instantly infuriating several reporters.
As the Lakers' group left, they were still cursing loudly:
"A championship he stumbled into, getting undeserved honors every year, what right does he have to put on airs in front of us!"
"Clay Lee always kindly accepts our interviews. Who does he think he is?"
After concluding their series against the Nets, the Knicks returned to Manhattan and received a warm welcome from fans.
As the other Eastern Conference Semifinals series was still ongoing, the coaching staff gave the players a holiday.
Due to the election, there have been quite a few events in New York recently.
In the latest polls, the Donkey Party candidate Kerry is leading in New York State.
The President will come to New York at the end of the month to campaign, and taking this opportunity, some socialites have also expressed their opinions.
Lee just followed along as a spectator.
He stuck to his usual view that it's better to pay attention to the Federal Reserve's movements than the President.
On the afternoon of the 12th, Lee, Melinda, and Kim attended an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Living nearby also has its advantages.
As long as he has time, Lee receives an invitation every year.
Most of the afternoon's activities were attended by New York City Hall staff and their families, along with high-ranking police officials and some socialites.
Young women in elegant dresses chatted happily.
Unlike celebrities, ordinary people don't have as much desire to perform, and with fewer reporters, everyone gossiped about family matters.
Mayor Bloomberg also attended the event with his daughter, Georgina.
Recent reform measures have sparked considerable controversy.
Increasing bus fares has been met with much opposition, and increasing police presence still faces the issue of insufficient police officer salaries.
When the simple lecture event ended, Lee, who had no artistic inclination, could only cooperate with the girls for photos or idly wander around with Bloomberg.
Georgina, dressed in a delicate black gown, secretly traced circles on Lee's hand when her father wasn't looking, but before she could even bat an eye, Melinda pulled her away.
There were many sculptures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Lee couldn't discern their value.
Finally, as they walked to the window, Bloomberg spoke up:
"Lee, have you considered moving Axe Capital's headquarters to Manhattan? We can offer tax abatements."
The Mayor hoped Goldman Sachs' headquarters would move to Ground Zero.
After the World Trade Center is rebuilt in the future, he wants to reintroduce investment banking institutions.
At the same time, to restore the economy, he also offered a large number of tax-exempt policies to investment banking institutions.
Many people began to criticize Bloomberg for exacerbating income inequality in Manhattan.
The Mayor paid no attention to this because he only looked at data.
Most people in the financial industry are somewhat superstitious, and Bobby was no exception.
Moving was no small matter, after all, everyone lived very well in Greenwich.
"We are not a large investment bank like Goldman Sachs. Greenwich is also good. There are more fund institutions there, making it easier to obtain information."
Lee tactfully refused, and Bloomberg shook his head, sighing:
"I hope New York can increase its police force. I also support our police stopping and frisking people. Data tells me this will reduce the crime rate."
"At an appropriate time, you can also express some opinions, Lee. This is a win-win measure. We will absorb more Asians into the New York Police Department."
Big data concluded that Black and Hispanic communities have higher crime rates, and Bloomberg, trusting the data, supported the New York Police Department's actions.
Lee donated to the New York Police Department every year, and in return, the security in his residential community improved.
As for the treatment of Asians, that was merely a byproduct, a gimmick.
Even with increased recruitment, it wouldn't actually solve any problems.
It was just an ordinary job with a low salary.
Lee nodded.
This wasn't difficult for him.
He thought of Scarlett's mother hoping her daughter would publicly support Kerry, and after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly said:
"I don't like people around me participating in those boring election campaigns. Of course, often, I am a generous person."
Kerry's campaign office in Manhattan recently had many activities.
Bloomberg knew that Lee was closer to some members of the Republican Party, and couldn't help but show a meaningful smile:
"Lee, more and more celebrities will participate in and support the Donkey Party. Let's not talk about these things anymore. Georgina plans to run an equestrian club."
"She should welcome your support. Young people always have more topics."
"..."
It was late when they returned home after dinner.
It was a rare break, and the three of them naturally wanted to enjoy it.
In the renovated bathroom, Kim had her hair pinned up and leaned on the edge of the large bathtub.
Lee massaged her shoulders, occasionally stroking her smooth, fair skin:
"I almost overlooked Scarlett's background. Clearly, someone hinted at something to her mother."
"It's a terrible idea to make a girl under 20 express her political leanings."
Hearing Lee's words, perhaps remembering that she was still worried about student loans when she was 20, Kim hummed contentedly, casually retorting:
"Because she won an award, more young people started to like her. It's that simple."
"When I was in New Mexico, I never considered political issues. In fact, most ordinary young people, like me, were worried about loans."
Melinda hugged Lee from behind, her ample chest already deformed.
While kissing him repeatedly, her hands also kept moving.
After a bout of playful teasing, both leaned against Lee, Melinda, her face flushed, breathed heavily, tracing circles on his chest, occasionally teasing him, and said with a giggle:
"The little girl has grown up, and perhaps she'll have more intentions. This might even be a honey trap!".
Influenced by Lee, Melinda also spoke some like him.
The words "honey trap" made Lee chuckle, and he gripped the soft fullness on his right side:
"I'm just an ordinary athlete. A small person isn't worth paying attention to."
Melinda saw Lee kiss Kim on the other side, gave a mischievous smile, and soon leaned in to begin tonight's match.
Waves surged, and low moans and laughter continued, indicating a fierce match.
The Eastern Conference Semifinals only lasted 4 games, and Lee was full of energy.
For the conference finals, he naturally had to practice hard these past few days.
On May 13th, the NBA announced this season's All-NBA Teams.
The five players on the First Team were:
Clay Lee, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal.
The five players on the Second Team were:
Jason Kidd, Sam Cassell, Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal, and Ben Wallace.
The five players on the Third Team were:
Baron Davis, Michael Redd, Peja Stojakovic, Dirk Nowitzki, and Yao Ming.
After the All-NBA Teams were announced, chinese sports media naturally sang praises for Yao Ming.
Sina Sports reported immediately:
"Yao Ming selected to All-NBA Team! Houston Rockets set sights on championship in next 3 years!"
In Sina Sports' article, Steve Francis was no longer deemed worthy of Yao Ming.
The report also revealed some rumors, claiming that the Houston Rockets would welcome a true superstar.
Chinese fans were very excited about this, all believing that the Houston Rockets would eventually win a championship.
After the All-NBA Teams were announced, Tracy McGrady, who was not selected, was very dissatisfied.
Although he had gone fishing early, Tracy McGrady did not go on vacation but instead received treatment in Orlando.
His back injury severely affected his performance this season.
Houston was also worried about his knee.
The injury was more serious than he had imagined.
Orlando Magic fans had been following the team's two injured players.
The Orlando Sentinel, as Florida's second-largest daily newspaper, had most of its sports articles about the Orlando Magic's movements.
As the NBA announced the All-NBA Teams, the Orlando Sentinel broke a piece of news:
"Tracy McGrady is disappointed with the team's management!"
This article stunned Orlando Magic fans.
Last season, he was still the second-best player, and after making the playoffs, Tracy McGrady even stated to fans that he would never leave.
After one season, was he going to backtrack?
After treatment in the morning, Tracy McGrady did not deny the news during an interview and also complained about the All-NBA Team selection:
"Critics lack respect for me. This season, I averaged 28 points. Besides Lee, I am the best scorer in the NBA!"
"Yet I wasn't selected for the All-NBA Team. I don't know what the selection criteria are. Some of the players selected are simply not as good as me."
"..."
The 13th happened to be a Thursday.
On TNT's program, besides reviewing the Timberwolves' loss to the Sacramento Kings last night, they naturally also discussed the All-NBA Team selection.
Regarding Tracy McGrady's big-mouthed complaints after being left out, Charles Barkley took the opportunity to unleash another tirade:
"I don't know why Tracy McGrady would complain about being left out."
"He did average 28 points, but his field goal percentage was only 39.9%. He also failed to lead the Orlando Magic into the playoffs."
"If Tracy McGrady can be selected for the All-NBA Team, then Allen Iverson also has reason to complain. Why was he left out?"
"These players don't realize how bad they are. Their inefficient performance is the reason their teams can't go further."
"If playing well-looking basketball is enough to make the All-NBA Team, then why do we still look at individual stats and team records?"
Kenny Smith was more concerned about whether Tracy McGrady would leave the Orlando Magic.
After his partner finished speaking, he began to change the topic:
"According to my sources, Houston's knee injury seems not very optimistic."
"If he wants to return to the playoffs and contend for a championship, Tracy McGrady might choose to leave and join a team with championship potential."
Ernie Johnson was equally interested in the rumors and also gossiped:
"We all know that in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks' dominance is hard to break. Joining a Western Conference team might be a good choice."
"The NBA Draft is about to begin. The Orlando Magic might get a good draft pick. If they select a promising Rookie, Tracy McGrady also has a high possibility of choosing to stay."
Mentioning the NBA Draft, Charles Barkley perked up again and praised Jeff Van Gundy's choice:
"Head Coach Van Gundy clearly made the right decision, making the correct plan for the team before the season began."
"If the Cavaliers can get the first pick again, they will quickly be able to add a very talented big man."
Barkley was referring to Emeka Okafor.
In response, Kenny Smith showed off his obtained rumors, leaning back tactically and continuing:
"Agent Mark Bartelstein once stated in an interview that Emeka Okafor only accepts a core player role!"
"Even if the Cavaliers get the first pick, getting this excellent big man won't be easy."
"After all, LeBron James is the team's core player. This season, he was selected to the All-Rookie Team, and we all saw his talent."
After the failure of Kwame Brown, Mark Bartelstein became much more cautious.
He had to ensure that the Rookie secured a core player status.
As the NBA Draft approached, Mark Bartelstein revealed some news to familiar reporters.
Emeka Okafor gladly accepted this.
He had no interest in being a second fiddle either.
Most of the five players on this season's All-Rookie First Team were absolute core players for their teams:
Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James had already established themselves on their teams.
Chris Bosh and Kirk Hinrich were also close to becoming team leaders.
In this situation, as a highly anticipated Rookie this year, Emeka Okafor, who won a championship, was naturally unwilling to be a subordinate.
Charles Barkley thought for a moment, quickly had a new candidate, and finally stroked his chin, asserting:
"If not Emeka Okafor, there's Dwight Howard. He showed excellent talent in high school games."
"Scouts have a high opinion of him. If you want to add a big man, this is also a good choice."
Ernie Johnson thought the Cavaliers seemed to be nearing a rebuild and couldn't help but praise the Champion Coach again:
"No matter the outcome of the draft, I believe Head Coach Van Gundy will succeed with the Cavaliers!"
"Time is on their side, and I think many fans would be happy to see the Knicks' dominance end."
...
For some time recently, LeBron James and his agent Goodwin had been staying in New York.
Bringing his good brothers along, LeBron James witnessed the entire process of the Knicks eliminating the Nets.
Game 3 left a deep impression on him, and LeBron James once again saw his future technical path in Clay Lee.
In the first season of his professional career, LeBron James's playing style was still quite fluid, which was related to his physical condition, and he also had some idol baggage.
But after watching Lee repeatedly overpower Jason Kidd with his body in Game 3, bulldozing through the entire game and crushing the Nets, LeBron James had another epiphany:
"A strong body is the key to dominating the game!"
On the 13th, LeBron James and his agent Goodwin flew to San Antonio to watch the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs' pivotal Game 5.
Jeff Van Gundy suggested that LeBron James observe how champion teams play, and LeBron James readily accepted the Bald Young Coach's advice.
That night's pivotal Game 5, with a completely different style from the Knicks' games, made LeBron James frown repeatedly from the sidelines.
The Lakers had been suppressing the San Antonio Spurs, but in the second half, Kobe Bryant kept missing shots, and by the 4th quarter, the San Antonio Spurs finally took the lead.
With two minutes left in the game, both teams fell into a scoring drought.
In the final 11.9 seconds, Kobe Bryant, who had been missing shots, hit a crucial jumper, giving the Lakers the lead.
With 5.4 seconds left before the buzzer, the inbound pass went to Tim Duncan, who dribbled horizontally near the free-throw line, leaning his body and shooting over two defenders.
The SBC Center instantly erupted.
San Antonio fans screamed desperately, venting their excitement.
72:73, Tim Duncan also pumped his fist in celebration, and the San Antonio Spurs players were all smiles.
The Lakers had only 0.4 seconds left, victory was already in their grasp!
On the final inbound play, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal had no chance to receive the ball.
When the ball was passed to Derek Fisher on the left block, everyone thought the San Antonio Spurs were about to secure the series point.
But a casual toss after receiving the ball changed the series' momentum.
The moment the ball dropped into the basket, Derek Fisher excitedly rushed back to half-court, and the Lakers players began to celebrate wildly.
74:73, the Lakers won at the buzzer, securing the series point!
At this moment, on the San Antonio Spurs' bench, Bruce Bowen was completely stunned.
The fans in the arena also seemed unable to believe that the victory they had in their hands was gone, many instinctively opened their mouths wide.
The SBC Center suddenly became very quiet.
Tim Duncan stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the scoreboard, and constantly glancing at the referees, until it was finally confirmed that the basket was valid, and then a huge boo erupted in the arena.
When agent Goodwin and LeBron James left, there were still San Antonio Spurs fans yelling curses.
"Completely different game, LeBron, how do you feel?"
With black curly hair and a slender build, as a black male, Goodwin's dark eyes were impressive.
The first thing Goodwin did when they returned to the hotel was ask the question, anticipating LeBron James's answer.
"The Lakers and San Antonio Spurs have no chance. Their basketball philosophy is still stuck in the past."
"Head Coach Van Gundy is right, I should play like Lee, dominate the game, create more transition offense through Defense, and create more easy scoring opportunities."
LeBron James was still carefully recalling the game, while Goodwin took off his jacket and meaningfully added:
"Stats! LeBron, you need more impressive stats!"
"This is the NBA. If you can't win a championship, then put up impressive stats, that's how fans will like you."
"Think about Tim Duncan, he hasn't won many honors apart from All-NBA selections."
"The reason is simple: his stats don't attract the attention of basketball commentators."
Hearing his agent constantly instilling the idea of filling up the stat sheet, LeBron James secretly nodded, which coincided with his own thoughts.
On May 15th, with the Detroit Pistons defeating the Pacers on the road last night, the situation in the Eastern Conference Finals was already clear.
80:66, relying on their excellent Defense, the Detroit Pistons had one foot on the Eastern Conference Finals floor.
This series had a feeling of 'if offense fails, Defense will compensate'.
Larry Brown used a lot of zone Defense, fully utilizing the defensive talents of the "Double Wallaces."
Although the Detroit Pistons' offense was poor, the Pacers' was equally bad.
Many fans were no longer paying attention to the two teams.
The games were truly ugly, with missed shots, fouls, and a slow pace.
Watching a game was simply torture.
When breaking the opponent's zone Defense, the Pacers shot 4-for-21 from beyond the arc, with a three-point shooting percentage of less than 20%.
Therefore, as the series was nearing its end, some basketball commentators joked:
"Clay Lee alone made more three-pointers than the entire Pacers team!"
How the commentators joked wasn't important.
Head Coach Larry Brown's mood was getting better and better, and the Conference Finals were beckoning him again.
The Timberwolves, who also won their pivotal Game 5, also welcomed a defensive battle.
74:86, thanks to Champion Guard Sprewell's efficient 13-for-21 performance, the Timberwolves secured the series point.
After putting up 34 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers, Sprewell started bragging again during an interview the next morning:
"This is just the Western Conference Semifinals, I know how to win!"
"The more crucial the game, the more it tests a star's ability. Lee and I are both big-game players!"
...
Kevin Garnett always felt that Sprewell was mocking him, with his 9-for-21 shooting in the crucial game, putting up 23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, and 8 turnovers.
Without the Champion Guard, this game would have been hard to say.
That night, the Lakers, back at home, gave the San Antonio Spurs no more chances.
76:88, with a 4:2 series lead, the Lakers once again advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
The San Antonio Spurs were possessed by the 'iron smith' (missing shots), and despite desperately trying to speed up the game, their inability to make shots was a major flaw.
Their field goal percentage for the entire game barely reached 30%, and they shot 3-for-24 from beyond the arc, almost bending the rim at Staples Center.
Kobe Bryant performed well, going 10-for-20 for a game-high 26 points.
Shaquille O'Neal went 5-for-10, contributing a double-double of 17 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
Although the Lakers' victory was largely due to Kobe Bryant's performance, after the game, Phil Jackson praised Payton's performance:
"This is the role of a veteran. Payton completely shut down Parker tonight. The stats can't show his impact."
Parker went 4-for-18, contributing 9 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 block, and 6 turnovers.
Although the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man had some personal bias, his words were unassailable.
The Lakers advanced to the Conference Finals, and New York sports media also joined in the fun!
On Sunday the 16th, multiple New York Times columns pre-emptively predicted that the Knicks would crush the Lakers in the Finals and teach the thieves a lesson!
And that night's defensive battle between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons once again stunned the fans.
65:69, Reggie Miller's championship dream was shattered once more, with a 4:2 series lead, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
At Auburn Hills Palace, after the game, the cheers were non-stop.
Detroit Pistons fans didn't care what the outside world thought.
They just wanted to fully enjoy the victory!
Head Coach Larry Brown was equally excited, constantly hugging and greeting his coaching staff.
When interviewed, he couldn't calm his excited emotions:
"The Detroit Pistons represent pure basketball. We will prove to the world that team basketball can still win championships!"
On Monday, the 17th, at 10 AM, at Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania, Lee appeared in the stands wearing a light blue suit, holding a DV camera, and with a camera around his neck.
It was Ivanka's graduation ceremony, and Lee and Donald's family were all there to witness it.
Ivana didn't speak to her ex, but she pulled her two good sons from time to time and reminisced with Lee about their past hardships and joys.
The Apprentice, a business reality show, was a great success on NBC, and Donald was in high spirits due to his good fortune, so he didn't mind his ex-wife's little tantrums.
Red and blue decorations flew inside the stadium, and the graduation ceremony was exceptionally lively.
In the stands, many people looked towards Lee.
Some bold young people even laughed and shouted loudly:
"You are fired!"
Donald, shaking his head and smiling, didn't mind.
Instead, he constantly greeted the surrounding crowd, occasionally pointing inside the stadium and loudly saying:
"The most beautiful girl in the whole place is my daughter!"
His frequent scene-stealing made Lee a bit helpless.
The stands only quieted down after the future president gave his commencement speech to the graduates.
Having had his fill of being a TV star, Donald, with his blonde hair flying, sat down and nonchalantly said:
"Lee, do you want to come on my show? I guarantee it will make you even more popular!"
Lee twitched his mouth, feeling that letting loose with this family was not a good idea:
"You know, I'm an athlete. A cameo is barely acceptable. Ivanka should be suitable for this show."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)