Chapter 891
"Who Doesn't Have an MVP Yet?"
On Sunday, September 14, 2014, the FIBA Basketball World Cup final was held as scheduled at the Madrid Regional Sports Center in Madrid, Spain.
Despite the fact that many veteran players were absent from the tournament before it started, causing much discussion among onlookers about a potential upset, all the doubts disappeared as the group stage and knockout stage progressed.
After dominating their way to an eight-game winning streak and easily advancing to the finals, the two ESPN broadcasters completely relaxed when facing an opponent like Serbia.
Kevin Connors, a regular host at Sports Center and a huge fan of the Yankees and Knicks, was already promoting Kyrie Irving before the World Cup even started.
Many basketball commentators believe that MVP Derrick Rose will lead the team, but Kevin Connors has consistently supported Kyrie Irving, and just recently tweeted his best wishes:
"The FIBA Basketball World Cup Best Player award is a perfect fit for Kyrie; it would be his first MVP trophy!"
"."
For over a decade, the New York media has been "borrowing" money, and many media professionals have been influenced by it. Discussing the trophy right at the start of the series has become standard practice for "New Yorkers."
This statement was naturally met with rebuttal, but as the game progressed, Kyrie Irving lived up to expectations and performed increasingly well.
The young players' efficient and consistent performance kept supporters enthusiastically praising them, and Kevin Connors once again became a "football expert."
Serbia performed well at the start of the first quarter. Both teams abandoned their big men and the game was filled with pick-and-rolls, which was typical of modern basketball.
Kyrie Irving's first offensive possession was a floater off the backboard in the left-side restricted area, which bounced off the rim. In the studio, Fran Frassilla, known as an "international basketball expert," commented:
“Owen’s performance in the World Cup was more like that of a wing player, and Coach Khrushchevski has obviously amplified his strengths.”
“The young man didn’t take on too many organizational tasks, which is a bit like his role on the Knicks.”
The two teams traded baskets, the pace of offense and defense quickening. Kevin Connors praised Harden's drive, and during the free throws, he briefly responded:
"We can't expect Kyrie to play like Lee. He has amazing ball-handling skills, but he does have some shortcomings in court vision."
"Kyrie is still learning how to deal with double teams and how to better control the pace of the game. Fortunately, he still has time. Compared to his rookie year, he has already made great progress."
Kyrie Irving has visibly grown bigger and bigger, and although some "pragmatists" criticize his finishing for not drawing fouls, his overall performance has been pretty good.
His shooting consistency is also improving, and in some games Irving can score extremely efficiently, which is also the key to the young man's ability to gain a foothold in the US team.
After Serbia held on for 6 minutes, the US team suddenly unleashed a barrage of three-pointers as Kyrie Irving exploded from beyond the arc, easily widening the gap in the first half of the game.
At 35:21, the end of the first quarter, Kevin Connors and Fran Frassilla both had relaxed smiles on their faces in the ESPN studio.
The two were very satisfied with the US team's performance. After a brief chat, Frassilla suddenly started gossiping:
"In this year's draft, the Knicks selected Serbia's Bogdan Bogdanovic with the 27th pick."
"In the previous games, this Serbian player performed exceptionally well and can be considered one of the team's key perimeter players."
"Allan Houston doesn't seem to have been able to draft any good pieces for the team since becoming general manager, and Bogdanovic doesn't seem to have any immediate plans to come to the NBA."
As is well known, Li You strongly supported his former teammate Isaiah Thomas, who almost got a job with the women's basketball team, but Allan Houston has not selected the "championship piece" in the last two years, which has made many people laugh.
Kevin Connors had some inside information and knew long ago that the GOAT had stepped down as "general manager." He couldn't really comment on the abilities of Allan Houston and the management team.
"Perhaps the draft is not the Knicks' focus for the next two years. Lee is about to retire, and no matter who the team drafts, a rookie can't offer much help to the team."
"I like the current lineup. With the two veterans leaving, the younger players will get more playing time."
"As for the rookies? Honestly, New York fans probably won't care, since no one would refuse to play at Madison Square Garden."
At the start of the second quarter, Serbia was overwhelmed by the United States' transition offense, and the point difference widened. Kyrie Irving continued to unleash his full firepower from beyond the three-point line.
The two in the studio had already "let loose," and after seeing the US team score 67 points in the first half, they started to boast in various ways during halftime.
Fran Frassilla made no mention of his previous doubts about Kyrie Irving winning MVP, and if the young players continue their efficient performance in the second half, the trophy will be a foregone conclusion.
When discussing the MVP trophy, Kevin Connors routinely praised Derrick Rose's recovery from a serious injury, then abruptly changed the subject, making a pointed and sarcastic remark:
"If Kyrie wins the award, the Knicks will be the team with the most MVPs in the league!"
“Pau Gasol has also won the MVP award on the international stage. Perhaps Skip Bayliss and others will be interested in the idea of Mr. Li partnering with such an outstanding player.”
Frassilla chuckled. Many years ago, people used to talk about teammates, but ever since Li You led the veteran and rookies to a crushing victory over their opponents, no one had discussed the topic anymore.
"Mr. Li can make the people around him better! I really hope he can stay on the basketball court forever."
"."
When Tim Duncan chose to retire, most commentators not only failed to offer their blessings, but instead made sarcastic remarks on social media, suggesting that the veteran should have left sooner.
Nine-time runner-up, nobody wants to see the poor performance of "Mr. Basic Skills".
Lee Yu announced his retirement date early on. As 2016 approached, more and more commentators began to suggest delaying his retirement. The New York fans even "cried" a few times because of this, as everyone was reluctant to see the GOAT go.
Of course, while commentators and New York fans voiced their opinions most strongly, the silent majority hoped that Lee Yu's reign would end as soon as possible.
Unable to gain a voice, Philadelphia fans even started a "countdown to reckoning" on Reddit.
Boston, the neighboring city, is also "counting down" the days until Lee Yu retires and the team completes its rebuild;
The "Knicks' second team" even wants to replace them directly, and Barclays Center should become the next basketball mecca;
Miami fans even wanted Li You to immediately drop the basketball; the championship window for the 32-year-old Wade was about to close, and most fans were fed up with being "beaten up" by the Knicks.
The two commentators in the studio gave him a scathing review. After the start of the second half, Kyrie Irving continued his efficient performance, hitting another three-pointer after a pick-and-roll at the top of the key, which sent the bench into a frenzy.
With coach Krzyzewski's active rotation, Kyrie Irving's efficient performance in the final almost secured the trophy!
The final quarter was basically garbage time, and New York fans watching on TV were already wishing Kyrie Irving well on social media, praising the young man's outstanding performance.
“10中9，三分线外6中6，罚球2中2，26分2篮板4助攻2失误。”
The broadcast showed Kyrie Irving's stats, which looked very familiar to fans; without a doubt, these were "Kyrie Irving's stats."
The final score was 129-92, with the US team winning all nine games and demonstrating their dominance even without veteran players like James Harden.
Every young person had a happy smile on their face, and Plumlee and Farid even rushed to the center of the field to bump chests in celebration.
Kyrie Irving, equally happy, feigned composure, offering a slight smile to the camera and a nonchalant, simple response:
"I did it! Uncle Lee will be so proud of me!"
"."
Like most sports commentators, ESPN's on-site reporter Bob Holtsman enjoys watching this kind of calm posturing. Before the awards ceremony, when he saw Irving successfully win the MVP trophy, he immediately chatted with his colleagues.
After everyone finished celebrating, Bob Holtsman immediately interviewed Irving. The young man, holding the trophy, smiled broadly and happily responded to the camera: "I know some people didn't think highly of us before the game, but we proved ourselves with basketball."
"Although this is my first time competing in an international tournament, don't forget that I have a wealth of championship experience. I have been learning from the best players in history for many years, and I know my own strength."
“I’m so glad we’ve continued our winning streak. I’d like to give the MVP trophy to Uncle Lee in gratitude for his guidance over the years.”
"."
The fading Derrick Rose must have felt a pang of sadness seeing reporters surrounding Kyrie Irving. Despite having an MVP trophy, he was no longer the focus of sports media attention after suffering a knee injury.
Seeing Rose's somewhat dejected expression, assistant coach Thibodeau leaned over and whispered words of comfort:
"Have confidence in your body; you've already done an excellent job."
The US team's scoring was scattered. Rose, returning from injury, knew he hadn't lived up to the fans' expectations. Looking at the coach who had lost his job, the young man nodded and smiled, but inwardly he complained about the current state of basketball.
"Damn 'winner'!"
-
On Wednesday, September 24th, as the hype surrounding the Spanish Basketball World Cup subsided, most fans began to focus their attention back on the movements of the various teams.
Teams typically make cuts around this time of year, and the Lakers, having already reached the maximum salary cap, are focusing on the minimum salary market.
They acquired second-round pick Jordan Clarkson from the Wizards with cash, and then signed free agent Ronnie Price.
With further reinforcements to their bench, Los Angeles fans chanted "Lakers for the championship" once again.
After Durant announced he would miss the games in November and December, the Lakers replaced the Thunder as the favorites to win the championship in the new season!
With training camp set to begin at the end of the month, fans eagerly awaited the "F5" debut on media day, leading to a surge in Lakers news. The news then shifted back to New York when the PTI Sports talk show aired that evening.
Despite being underestimated, they won nine consecutive games to take the championship. As the team's leader, Kyrie Irving received numerous TV invitations upon returning to the United States and spent the rest of his time giving speeches.
He recounted how he instilled championship experience in the locker room, talked about his story with Uncle Lee, reminisced about the hardships and joys of his childhood with his father and godfather, and boasted about the fun he had while filming "Uncle Drew".
The MVP trophy made Kyrie Irving a sensation, and the young man also became somewhat arrogant.
During the evening program, when Michael Wilbone talked about the Lakers' "all-out" preparations for the new season, Kyrie Irving stopped with the usual friendly banter and instead made a blunt remark:
"I saw a report in the Los Angeles Times that Lakers fans seem to be expecting Kobe to bring championship experience to the team?"
"Sorry, I don't quite understand why they have these ideas. Kobe should check the data first and see his own performance in the references."
"In my memory, there were huge problems in Kobe's locker room, and we all know about the 76ers' boxing match."
"The Lakers won't be our opponent. They need to sort out their locker room. When I was in Spain, I talked to Curry and Thompson. The Warriors did a good job in the offseason. Maybe they can make it to the Finals!"
Michael Wilbone was surprised by Kyrie Irving's sudden praise of the Warriors. With a rookie coach, no star players, and their core player Curry still injury-prone, nobody had high hopes for them throughout the offseason.
"The Warriors? They might have a hard time stopping the combination of LeBron James and Dwight Howard."
"The Lakers' two stars have great chemistry; perhaps you've forgotten the Cavaliers' outstanding performance back then."
Irving shrugged, offering no argument. He hadn't yet entered the league and hadn't personally experienced the Cavaliers' dominant duo, but the young man still didn't have high hopes for the Lakers, continuing to retort:
"Maybe you're right, but my championship experience tells me that the locker room is extremely important!"
"Maintaining unity while remaining competitive is actually very difficult. LeBron James is excellent, this guy is as strong as a monster, but it's difficult for him to control this Lakers team."
"Perhaps they should prepare for the boxing match in advance; that's the only suggestion I can think of."
These words instantly lightened the atmosphere in the studio. Michael Wilbon stopped talking about the new season and the group began to reminisce about Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant's "boxing match" back in the day.
After the show ended at 18 PM, Kyrie Irving's Twitter account was almost flooded with Mamba fans. Fortunately, there were enough New York fans to handle the situation, and the two sides started a new round of flame war in the comments section.
-
9月29号星期一，当天下午4点，湖人队正式在丰田中心训练馆举办2014~15赛季媒体见面会。
Major sports media outlets arrived early at the scene. After Kobe's official return and appearance, everyone wanted to see if the Lakers' locker room would "explode" in advance.
Most sports reporters love a good spectacle, and some even updated their Twitter accounts while on-site, making the "live broadcast" attract even more people looking for entertainment.
Head coach Byron Scott was in a bit of a bind. He hadn't been able to have in-depth conversations with Mamba during the offseason, and now, before the team had even made their debut, problems were already arising in the locker room.
Kobe's wardrobe was previously kept, and Stoudemire and Howard both expressed their dissatisfaction, but with Jerry Buss around, the two ultimately had to ignore it.
The situation is completely different now. With Jerry Buss gone, Jim Buss has taken full control, and after LeBron James was brought in, Kobe's wardrobe was officially removed.
To make the chosen ones feel valued, Jim Buss and Kupchak rearranged the locker room, placing James and Howard in the center and moving Kobe to a corner.
Kobe knew the locker room was being renovated, but he didn't expect the management to go so far. When he arrived at the locker room in the afternoon, he got into an argument with the staff. In the end, it was Jeanie Buss and a few others who stopped Kobe.
The new additions to the team remained silent after witnessing this dramatic scene. Kobe, though appeased, still looked sullen. He changed into his number 24 home jersey and immediately shouted angrily:
"Don't let me see you slacking off! Lazybones don't deserve to play here. Listen, we need to develop a championship mentality."
Mamba's attempt to inject his championship experience was interrupted. Carlos Boozer turned to Howard, who had spoken up, and said helplessly:
"Don't do that, buddy!"
"Don't try to teach us how to win a championship, Bro. Everyone knows your abilities. Maybe you should remember how to be a 'passenger'—this is my team!"
Howard, wearing his power armband, grinned broadly and immediately interrupted Kobe's rambling. Seeing Mamba's glare, the "Happy Beast" flashed a few more white teeth and continued his barrage:
"LeBron will help me fight for the MVP! We don't have many stats to give you!"
“We all know you don’t play for stats and honors, Mr. 500 million. Remember not to cause trouble during the game.”
"."
Howard was practically wagging his tail with smugness, and this sight infuriated Kobe. Hearing the "happy beast's" incessant chatter, the Mamba finally snapped and shouted angrily:
"You blind old woman!"
Seeing that Kobe was about to rush forward to argue, LeBron James, who had been watching the scene unfold, quickly called for everyone to hold the Mamba back. The Chosen One solemnly advised:
"Don't do this, Bro! It's dangerous, family!" (End of Chapter)