Chapter 614 - 614: Starting with “Scrambling.” (4262 words)

On tuesday, October 28, 2008, as the NBA opening game was officially set to begin that evening, TNT's related programs fully resumed.

The most anticipated game was scheduled for 8 PM, with the NBA having announced well in advance that the Celtics would visit New York to "bless" their opponent as they once again raised a championship banner.

As in previous years, the pre-game and halftime segments were still handled by the trio in the studio, and it's worth noting that 2K9, which had just been released, faithfully recreated this scene.

However, the trio in the game wasn't as outspoken, while in the real world, Charles Barkley was in full swing, almost wearing a green jersey and cheering with Boston fans.

His old partners knew his fickle nature.

If the halftime lead exceeded 10 points, Barkley would immediately "switch" to a New York Knicks jersey, always managing to remain invincible.

About an hour before the game, in the studio, the trio was discussing the Celtics' good form in the preseason, which stood in stark contrast to the New York Knicks.

In 4 overseas preseason games, the New York Knicks didn't win a single one, not because Lee had too little playing time, but because everyone seemed to be possessed by a blacksmith.

Chandler, who had just returned from the Olympics, clearly hadn't touched a ball in a while, repeatedly missing easy shots.

Most other players only warmed up by the fourth quarter, and with playing time being averaged out, this led to the team just starting to pick up momentum when the fast-paced game ended.

In contrast, the Celtics had even better chemistry than last year, with Kevin Garnett starting a small training camp very early.

For over 3 months, except for Pierce being "caught relaxing," all other players focused on training.

Boston fans can attest to this, as they always saw the big stars at the training center in Waltham.

Kevin Garnett was even more popular than last year, as everyone loves a hardworking idol.

The trio was discussing how the New York Knicks hadn't used their mid-level exception when Charles Barkley began praising the Celtics' actions from a few days prior:

"I think PJ Brown can make up for Brian Scalabrine's injury. Signing this tough interior player for just the veteran minimum, Head Coach Rivers made the right choice."

"In the Finals, PJ Brown didn't get the trust of the Lakers, and I think he must want to prove himself again. The Celtics can clearly provide him with such a stage."

"."

Listening to his old partner exaggerate a fringe rotation player, Ernie Johnson, sitting in the center, felt a mix of amusement and exasperation, but Kenny Smith didn't hold back, immediately interrupting the boring remarks:

"If the New York Knicks chose to recruit veterans, I don't think anyone would refuse, even if it's just a minimum contract!"

"In fact, Lee just doesn't like working with veterans. He prefers to mentor Rookies. At least in the preseason, Chalmers, the MOP, performed well."

"As long as Lee recruits these veterans, the New York Knicks wouldn't mind spending more money, after all, they are destined to pay a large luxury tax this year."

Many fans like to imagine that even the twelfth man on the team can have game-deciding ability, and Charles Barkley caters to this part of the audience.

He didn't care when his partner exposed him, instead, he started laughing:

"Craig Sager interviewed Pau Gasol and the New York Knicks' medical team before the game, and they didn't give a definite answer regarding his return time."

"I think this is an opportunity for the Celtics. They have difficulty dealing with two big men, but with the height reduced, I believe Kevin Garnett will perform even better."

"If I were Kevin Garnett, I would definitely teach them a lesson on the day of the award ceremony! Now he is the leader of Black players, and he needs to show his tough side!"

When "identity basketball" came up, Ernie Johnson got a headache.

He had already lost his thick hair, and this topic had been causing him to lose even more hair these past few days.

After Black fans denounced Kobe, the tough Kevin Garnett was given high hopes, with this "leader of Black players" taking on the heavy responsibility of regaining respect.

"I'm more interested in the current situation in New York. Who will be in the starting lineup?"

After Ernie Johnson changed the subject, the screen quickly returned to the front.

Earlier, both teams had given interviews, but the New York Knicks had not revealed their starting lineup.

Madison Square Garden had already become lively early on, as the game time was quite favorable.

After work, one could head straight to the Madison Square Garden.

In the center of the court, warm-ups had just finished.

Seeing Lee patting Diaw's belly and joking about the offseason, Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins couldn't stop laughing.

"When he was with the Atlanta Hawks, Boris played point guard, then shooting guard, and later even served as a point forward."

"Now he's going to become a true power forward. Maybe he prepared for this after seeing Pau Gasol get injured. This is also a way of sacrificing for the team."

The two could tell that Lee didn't care about losing all preseason games, and he didn't pay much attention to the Celtics' arrival either.

Diaw, who had gained a bit of weight, shrugged in front of the camera.

While some signs of training were still visible, the increased weight covered most of it.

The Frenchman was still very grateful to the coach for entering the starting lineup:

"The coach told me that rebounding would be difficult, and I'm very confident about it. Maybe I can't jump as high as Kevin Garnett, but I'll box out, and the team will solve this problem."

"."

Doug Collins just kept nodding.

As a coach, he could understand such a choice.

Sometimes, starting a player is just a coach's personal preference.

The situation of "if I say you can, you can" is common in the NBA.

Lee, wearing a New York Knicks white training uniform, finally gave a brief fist bump to the two, ending the final pre-game connection.

Kevin Harlan had a different opinion on the starting lineup and quickly asked his partner:

"Perhaps Coach DAntoni could try to give David Lee more opportunities. He was in good form in the preseason. Doug, what are your thoughts on tonight's starting lineup?"

A few years ago, Doug Collins would have questioned it without hesitation, but the New York Knicks had won so much that this somewhat experienced, but now outdated, coach was completely unsure:

"I don't know!"

Seeing his partner's surprised gaze, Doug Collins slightly raised an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness in his expression, then explained seriously:

"The New York Knicks are built around Clay Lee. His extreme individual ability simplifies the game of basketball. It's hard for us to judge this championship team using past experience."

"."

Too many championships made even renowned commentators increasingly cautious.

A few years ago, there were still armchair strategists, but now, aside from outspoken attention-seekers, professional commentators mostly praise and rarely criticize.

As game time approached, in the New York Knicks locker room, Chalmers, who had become a "bag carrier," was still constantly fawning.

Ever since Rajon Rondo was confirmed to be leaving, this Rookie had turned into a "sycophant."

Upon seeing Lee appear at the door, Chalmers put on a smiling face, pointed to the functional drinks he had personally arranged, and said fawningly:

"Boss, I guarantee you'll drink them at 10 degrees during the game! I've prepared the insulated cooler!"

No matter how many times he saw it, Gary Neal still felt his worldview shatter.

He had seen "sycophants," but he had never seen one quite like this.

After his guidance, the Rookie verbally refused but secretly practiced his orange juice squeezing technique, and during the overseas preseason trip, Lee even gave high praise:

"Mario's freshly squeezed orange juice is the most delicious I've ever tasted!"

Even now, Gary Neal still couldn't forget Chalmers' excited expression after receiving praise on the plane.

Every day at the hotel, the Rookie would wake up early and even personally select the ingredients.

Thinking that he still hadn't entered a stable rotation, Gary Neal, leaning back in his seat, couldn't help but reflect:

"If only I had put down my pride earlier."

David Lee, who rarely made it into the rotation, watched the Rookie circling Lee, cursing inwardly.

He was just a flatterer, but this one was a sycophant, further lowering the bar and intensifying the internal competition.

Thaddeus Young couldn't even get a word in.

As a Rookie, he was somewhat resistant to doing odd jobs, but Chalmers, the MOP, truly opened his eyes.

Thinking of the increasing playing time the other player was getting, the second-year Rookie also went all out, pulling out his "finishing move," and eagerly added:

"Boss, I've prepared low-sugar popcorn!"

The locker room was chaotic.

JR Smith was yelling about teaching those "ungrateful Niggas" a lesson, and Chandler was cursing Perkins for his "wild talk."

Raja Bell was shouting about giving Marbury a hard time, and Gadzuric, who usually just played a minor role, declared he would smash the opposing veterans!

Ron Artest clasped his hands, muttering to himself.

He had recently been in contact with some Black religious groups through his friends and family, still working hard for the election, and currently fighting for America.

Pau Gasol lowered his head, trying to suppress his laughter.

The Spanish big man had witnessed the chaos during the preseason, but seeing such a scene, he still almost couldn't hold back.

Only Tayshaun Prince quietly organized his protective gear as usual.

As for Rajon Rondo, he looked up at the ceiling, having been there for two years, he still couldn't fully adapt to this locker room culture.

Lee, back in his seat, kept fist-bumping teammates, occasionally offering words of encouragement, and refused Diaw's special flavored gum.

Finally, he simply summarized:

"Do our job, and victory will come!"

Mike D'Antoni was also the same as usual.

No matter what the outside world said, he still had his personal preferences when it came to player selection.

When he arrived in the locker room, he simply drew two lines on the whiteboard:

"They will constantly crash the boards because that's their only chance."

"We just need to protect the rebounds, find Lee immediately, pay attention to our fast-break positioning, and we'll win the game."

Mike Malone applauded beside him, though he couldn't help but feel a bit worried.

Having watched the preseason, the opponents were indeed in better form.

In the NBA, only the Celtics hadn't shown any rust.

Clearly, consistent training paid off.

As for the New York Knicks' situation, the coach found it difficult to comment.

They certainly weren't as prepared as their opponents.

The game was about to begin, and in the visiting team's player tunnel, the Celtics could hear the cheers.

Everyone looked serious.

Head Coach Rivers's 'chicken soup' tasted good, and everyone was eager for the game.

The smaller Eddie House was in hot form with three-pointers in the preseason, shooting over 40%, but as he entered the familiar Madison Square Garden, a sense of unease involuntarily arose in his heart.

Several Rookies were the same.

Tony Allen and Glen Davis had also lost their previous excitement from playing at home, nervously moving their bodies until Pierce's somewhat hoarse voice appeared:

"Stay focused, we've been looking forward to this day for a long time!"

"."

Everyone gathered together.

Pierce, as the original leader of the Celtics, was still the nominal captain at this time, constantly encouraging everyone.

Affected by the external public opinion, Kevin Garnett also felt a bit inflated.

Thinking of his hard training during the offseason, the iron-blooded tough guy finally tugged at his green training uniform, looked up, and shouted:

"Let's go!"

Every year for the opening game, the New York Knicks hold an awards ceremony.

As Clay Lee's 10th championship, this year's ring was in the "archer's ring" style, custom-made for the thumb.

The Madison Square Garden grew dim, and under the illumination of the lights, the large rings seemed to glow.

Marbury on the sidelines stared intently at the championship banner that had been set up on the other side:

"2007~2008, World Champions."

The words below the banner were particularly simple.

Combined with the banners above the Madison Square Garden, it was not difficult to find consecutive years.

Marbury was so engrossed in this that he even momentarily ignored the cheers of the New York fans.

It wasn't until David Stern's voice came that Marbury saw Lee had already received his ring, and only then did he fully snap back to reality.

His emotions were inexplicable.

Back in his hometown, he was still an unknown, no one paid him any attention.

Marbury had wanted to show off his stronger physique, but unfortunately, the sports media didn't give him the opportunity.

"We have achieved a small goal, moving further towards the record!"

"Perhaps everyone still has doubts, but in my opinion, our desire for victory has never changed."

"Focus on basketball, speak with your performance and stats on the court. I don't understand why some people still feel doubtful, but I think you all, like me, will tell them: What do the New York Knicks respect?"

Wearing the ring on his left thumb, Lee smiled, then suddenly raised his voice, lifting the microphone.

Perhaps realizing what the New York fans were about to shout, Kevin Garnett and a few others, who had been clamoring about "respect" for nearly a week before the game, suddenly looked displeased, then heard excited shouts:

"Champion!"

"Yeah, we always respect winners, respect champions!"

When Marbury, with pursed lips, heard Lee's voice again, he was exceptionally angry.

He didn't hear the rest of the words clearly, and at that moment, he remembered how his family had been mocked by the New York fans.

The director keenly captured Marbury's "resolute" gaze.

The shouts of nearly 19,000 New York fans seemed to ignite the fighting spirit of this faded star.

The team's 12th championship banner rose higher and higher, and the cheers grew louder and louder.

James Dolan, trying hard to suck in his stomach, celebrated with clenched fists beneath the banner, deliberately showing off the rings covering both his hands.

From the commentary booth, looking at the 12 banners above the Madison Square Garden, Kevin Harlan couldn't help but exclaim again:

"Unbelievable! Since Clay Lee came to the New York Knicks, he has led the team to tie the achievements the Lakers made over many years. I think for the New York fans, this is a miracle!"

"The Celtics have won 16 championships in their history, and perhaps in the future, we will have the chance to witness the birth of another miracle!"

Although in the hearts of New York fans, their home team had long surpassed the Lakers, as they believed ancient basketball championships shouldn't be counted, everyone was still incredibly excited to truly witness 12 banners.

One more championship and they would surpass the Lakers.

Thinking of this, the New York fans who bought expensive tickets no longer felt the pain, they were witnessing history.

"The last time the Celtics won a championship was back in 1986! I think they should feel a sense of crisis!"

"I don't think Clay Lee will suddenly decline. In December, he will only be 31 years old! I think he can bring at least two more championships to the team."

Doug Collins also changed his usual stance, overturning his views from previous years and actively making predictions.

Time had indeed provided the answer.

After winning so much, the "anti-fans" and "neutral observers" had all disappeared.

With five minutes left until the game began, Madison Square Garden was already boiling.

Some New York fans chugged beer, numbing themselves while fully enjoying the joy brought by the championship.

The Celtics, experiencing a "championship opening game" for the first time, felt as if they were back in the playoffs.

More and more insults made everyone's faces fall:

"Boston clowns!"

"Count your championships, don't count your recent victories…"

"We will piss on your fucking respect!"

Perkins tilted his head and yelled a few times at the New York fans, which only made the crowd in the stands more excited, entering the personal attack phase early.

Head Coach Rivers constantly pulled players aside, shouting instructions.

The atmosphere on site exceeded the coaching staff's expectations.

The pre-game "pep talk" might not be working anymore:

"Calm down, OK! Kevin, remind everyone to execute the game plan."

Kevin Garnett, held by the coach, listened with his head down, then nodded vigorously.

When he returned to the court, he punched himself twice, yelled, and then went to the center circle to prepare for the jump ball.

Seeing Lee and Ray Allen chatting and laughing, Kevin Garnett's face darkened even more.

He adhered to his basketball theory that one should not be "brothers" with opponents.

Pierce, wearing a green headband, found that his matchup had changed to Tayshaun Prince.

While breathing a sigh of relief, he also began to loudly remind his teammates that he needed more possessions.

When the referee tossed the ball into the air, the Madison Square Garden, silent for several months, once again erupted in a unified roar:

"Let's go Knicks!"

Kevin Garnett, huffing and puffing, failed to get the jump ball.

After quickly retreating on Defense, he angrily pounded the floor, taking a defensive stance near the free-throw line, while loudly directing his teammates.

After crossing half-court, the starting Diaw stopped at the top of the arc.

The New York Knicks' wing players hadn't moved to the baseline yet, and as Chandler also settled into position, a double screen was initiated immediately.

Marbury, whose physique had become stronger, had lost some agility.

Although he tried hard to squeeze through, he was still outpaced by more than half a step by Lee, who was dribbling with his left hand and accelerating horizontally.

Seeing Lee about to break free from the Defense, Kevin Garnett pushed Perkins, then quickly slid, heading straight for the left wing.

Marbury, having squeezed through the screen, spread his arms, attempting to cooperate with his old teammate.

As Kevin Garnett quickly rushed out to defend at the three-point line, Lee suddenly lowered his center of gravity, faking a drive.

Overly tense on Defense, both players reacted identically, beginning to shuffle inside the three-point line.

As Lee stopped abruptly, quickly dribbled back, Marbury could only jump from his side to contest the shot.

"Screech!"

As the whistle blew, Kevin Garnett's delayed block had little effect.

The basketball still flew towards the hoop.

The moment it swished through the net, cheers immediately echoed through the Madison Square Garden.

"OH—! Yes, And a foul!"

Less than nine seconds into the game, Lee's "sudden cold arrow" almost stunned Kevin Harlan.

Seeing the referee signal that the basket counted, he loudly added:

"The New York Knicks seem to have changed their usual offensive approach. I think Clay Lee's shot selection caught many people by surprise."

Through the replay, it was clear that after the step-back, Lee was close to the left sideline, still some distance from the three-point line.

If it hadn't gone in, the opponent would likely have had a fast break…

Doug Collins was slightly embarrassed.

He had analyzed a lot before the game, but the signal conveyed by Lee's "wild shot" at the start was completely different from what was expected:

"Clay Lee keenly seized a fleeting opportunity."

Shuffling to the side of the paint, Kevin Garnett was still glaring.

When Lee reached the free-throw line, he noticed his old opponent's expression, and taking advantage of the slight quiet in the Madison Square Garden, he teased:

"Less talk, more scoring—everyone likes that KG!"

Having sought "respect" for a week, one offensive play brought Kevin Garnett back to reality.

Other than a dry "Damn it," the MVP covered his true emotions with anger.

After making the free throw, the Celtics also had their first offensive possession.

Just like last season, it started with Kevin Garnett's pick-and-roll.

Perhaps more confident against a shorter opponent, after a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc, Kevin Garnett received the ball in the left elbow area.

He didn't pass it again but instead took a decisive jump shot over Diaw's outstretched arm.

"Oh!"

When the basketball clanked off the rim, cheers erupted again.

Although Perkins kept pushing into the paint, even secretly pulling Chandler's arm, the rebound didn't fly towards the upper right of the hoop.

It hit the back rim, bouncing off quickly.

Kevin Garnett, who had intended to rush for the offensive rebound, frustratingly found that Clay Lee was faster.

With Diaw's help in pulling, Lee easily grabbed the rebound in the paint.

"Move!!"

Head Coach Rivers on the sidelines shouted loudly.

The Celtics' transition Defense was not slow, but Lee, accelerating along the right sideline, was getting faster and faster.

When he reached the right wing, Kevin Garnett had already retreated to the paint, and Perkins had also rushed back to his teammate's side.

Before they could even get set, Lee, moving in and out, charged in, shouldering Marbury.

Near the elbow, Lee first subtly elbowed Marbury, then ignored Perkins's tug, taking three big steps to charge up, leaning on Kevin Garnett straight into the paint.

As the whistle blew again, Kevin Garnett landed with pursed lips and hands on his hips.

The New York fans in the Madison Square Garden began to shout frantically:

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

....

By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)