NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

In short, Lin Tian gave face by accepting the interview that night and was very cooperative, but he also mentioned his movie in every sentence, showing his shamelessness and thick skin.

Of course, it's only the end of May, so promoting the movie is a bit early, considering it's still six months away from release.

By the time the movie was released, everyone had long forgotten about it.

But what if Lin Tian continues to do this? If he promotes this movie every time he appears in the future, wouldn't people remember it and even have a bit of a mental imprint on it?
It's free anyway, you can earn money while chatting and also promote your business!
Lin Tian was very satisfied with this publicity method, especially since he didn't even buy tickets but called Kobe directly to ask him for them.

What if Kobe doesn't give it to him?

Lin Tian then called Vanessa and asked her to provide it to him.

As for the details of the decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, Lin Tian hadn't really watched it closely; his mind was completely focused on the movie.

He only vaguely remembered that Kobe missed the game-winning shot, and the Suns advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

Since we're on the NBA, we should talk about this season.

There have been quite a few changes in the league this season, with each team scrambling to start an arms race in order to win the first championship in the post-Lin Tian era!
For example, Allen Iverson finally left Orlando and went to the Pistons to fill the firepower that the devastated Pistons desperately needed.

For example, Riley packaged Odom and others and sent them to the Lakers, acquiring McGrady in return, while also clearing salary cap space for the team next summer.

If McGrady can regain his form, then continue using him. If McGrady can't find his peak form, then he can free up three max-contract contracts to recruit big names in next year's free agency market.

The Timberwolves finally stopped making futile efforts. They traded Garnett to Phoenix in exchange for Marion and several draft picks, and sent Kidd to the Mavericks in exchange for some future assets.

The Timberwolves have rebuilt! They've ended their 14-year Garnett era and returned to tanking mode.

After Lin Tian left the team, the Knicks also carried out a major overhaul. They did not renew contracts with players like Smith whose contracts had expired, and they also brought in Raymond Felton from the Bobcats, rebuilding a trio of Stoudemire, Anthony, and Felton.

According to Walsh and Dolan, even if this lineup can't continue the dynasty, making it to the playoffs, or at least getting lucky and reaching the conference finals, is definitely not a problem.

But to my surprise, there was absolutely no chemistry between the three of them.

Well, it's not that there's no chemistry, it's just that the three of us can't perform at the same time.

When Lin Tian was around, everyone trusted and respected him, and with his achievements as a foundation, the group of brothers played together happily.

With Lin Tian gone, both Stoudemire and Anthony wanted to be the leader, and Felton's arrival meant that the ball possession between the two would be divided to organize the team's offense.

If any two of these three players are on the court at the same time, the team can still perform reasonably well. But if all three are on the court at the same time, it's like a nightmare, with each player playing their own game and fighting for themselves.

Awful.

Fortunately, with Don Nelson and the foundation of a dynasty, the Knicks didn't completely collapse this season, nor did they experience internal strife. The team still managed 48 wins in the regular season, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference, which was a decent result.

They managed to get through the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Wizards 4-3. But in the semifinals, facing the powerful Eastern Conference first-place Celtics, the Knicks offered no resistance. The more they won last year, the more they lost this year!
The Celtics won four straight games, eliminating the Knicks from the playoffs.

On the younger side, Hawks' Roy suffered a serious injury after playing only 35 games this season, ending his season prematurely.

Oden of the Pacers was finally able to play again, but he was sidelined again after playing only about 40 games. The good news is that he did demonstrate the potential and energy of a top center in those 40-plus games.

Then, with Felton gone and the team providing him with the most room to develop, Rose did not disappoint the team and won Rookie of the Year. It's just a pity that the team was still a little bit away from making the playoffs for the first time.

They unfortunately finished tenth in the Eastern Conference, just two games away from the playoffs.

In terms of other individual awards, Kobe led his team to the second-best record in the Western Conference and won his first MVP award, but unfortunately the team was eliminated in the second round.

Howard won Defensive Player of the Year, Ginobili won Sixth Man of the Year, and Rivers won Coach of the Year.

In the playoffs, the Celtics stormed through the East, sweeping the first two rounds. They only encountered a challenge in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fought back and forth with the Cavaliers led by Wade and Gasol.

The two teams were tied 2-2 after the first four games, and in the fifth game, the Celtics successfully defended their home court and won a hard-fought victory.

Then in Game 6 of the series, the Celtics gave the Cavaliers no chance at all. The twin towers of Duncan and Howard completely limited Wade's penetrating style, allowing him to make only 6 of 19 shots in Game 6.

Wade's poor performance essentially sealed the Cavaliers' fate; they fell in the Eastern Conference once again, missing out on the NBA Finals!
Meanwhile, in the West, the Suns, who acquired Garnett this year and were determined to go all out for the championship, faced the Spurs, led by LeBron James, who had made it to the Finals last year and was second in the MVP race this year.

Both teams put on a spectacular and thrilling performance in the divisional finals.

The first six matches ended in a draw, 3-3!

Then Game 7 of the conference finals became a stage for star players!
On this night, James once again demonstrated his potential and strength as the future best player in the league. He drove inside and shot outside, completely breaking through the Suns' defense. The skinny Garnett was simply unable to stop James's drives to the basket.

Furthermore, with Marion gone, the team is completely unable to contain James.

44 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists!

LeBron James led his team to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year with a 40+ point triple-double!
Their opponent this year is the Celtics!
As for why Lin Tian is so knowledgeable about the progress of this year's playoffs?
Of course it's because he's dedicated!
It's not that they are particularly dedicated to their identity as basketball players.

Instead, he took on an extra job.

In early June, after Lin Tian made a splash at Staples Center and the regional finals ended, he received a phone call from an old friend.

"Hey Lin, this is Reggie." Miller's smug voice came through the phone. "I have your number saved. What's up? You're in Los Angeles? Want me to treat you?" Lin Tian greeted his old buddy casually.

"I'd like to introduce you to a job," Miller said bluntly. "You know I'm currently working as a commentator, right?"

"Of course, my good buddy! Of course I know you were narrating with Charles and the others on TNT. I know my guys inside and out! Because I'm very nostalgic."

Before Lin Tian could finish his smug remarks, Miller ruthlessly interrupted him, saying, "You haven't watched a single game all year, have you?!"

"Who said that? I watched the Lakers' Western Conference semifinals at least!" Lin Tian said shamelessly, "You can't just spout nonsense like that!"

"Then tell me, who was the commentator for the Western Conference semifinals?" Miller snorted and retorted.

"It's just Charles, Kenny, Gary, and... oh... you took a sick day? You're finally willing to get treatment for your ED? Congratulations, Reggie! Seriously, I'm proud of you."

"You know, it takes a lot of courage for a man, especially a middle-aged man, to take this step! Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret and won't tell anyone!"

"Go to hell!" Miller cursed. "I left TNT a whole year ago! I haven't worked there for a long time!"

"What? You got fired?"

"Go to hell! I'm quitting, I'm quitting!" Miller said irritably. "You should know my sister."

"I don't know much," Lin Tian shook his head decisively. "But I do know your wife, the former Miss Indiana, was the dream girl of all Indiana people of your generation. Her figure and looks were truly..."

"MOXXXFUXX!" Miller cursed. He didn't understand what Lin Tian meant. Wasn't he just saying that his sister wasn't pretty and he couldn't remember her?
Miller was genuinely angry at this point, because in Miller's world, his sister was practically his god, his spiritual guide, and his mentor in the world of basketball.

Miller is also a legendary figure in the US women's basketball world. She was selected for the national team at the age of 16, once scored 105 points in a single game, led the team to win a World Championship and an Olympic gold medal, and was an important figure in breaking the Soviet Union's dominance and championship monopoly in the US women's basketball team!

Unlike Miller, his sister Cheryl Miller possesses top-tier physical attributes and athleticism among women, excelling in both offense and defense. Her playing style leans towards that of men, and she has even completed a dunk in an official game.

Since there was no WNBA in that era, Cheryl didn't have many opportunities to prove how good she really was. But in the decade between the 80s and 90s, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she was the Michael Jordan of women's basketball!
Cheryl, with her eloquence and adaptability just like Miller's, also managed to get a job as a commentator and reporter after retiring, covering NBA games from the front lines.

Lin Tian could also sense Miller's displeasure. That's one of Lin Tian's greatest strengths—reading people's expressions and knowing when to stop.
He still had a strong sense of boundaries, so Lin Tian immediately said, "Alright, tell me what happened to your incredibly great older sister, who's practically the Lin of women's basketball."

Hearing Lin Tian's flattery, Miller was no longer so angry. In particular, he knew what kind of person Lin Tian was and knew that this guy couldn't say anything nice. In addition, he came to help Lin Tian this time, so he could only grit his teeth and say, "My sister has been working at ESPN."

"So before the start of this season, my contract with TNT had just expired, so I went directly to my sister's place."

"You're such a bastard!" Lin Tian couldn't help but say, "You went undercover at TNT to learn their skills, didn't you? After you learned them, you immediately turned against your former employer. What's the difference between your behavior and that of a traitor?"

"What's the difference between you and those bastards who wander around transferring teams and constantly trying to ride the coattails of others in their quest for a championship?"

"Are you sick?" Miller really didn't want to talk to Lin Tian anymore. How could this guy be such a jerk? In fact, his jerkiness was even worse than when he was a player.

Fortunately, Miller knew exactly how to communicate with Lin Tian most effectively.

The best way is to let him do whatever he wants and say whatever he wants, completely ignore him, don't pay attention to him, don't respond to him, just say what you want to say, and that's it, anyway, this guy can understand.

"In short, I've been with ESPN for almost a season, but the show's quality still can't compare to those jerks on TNT, and our ratings still can't match TNT's. I'm under a lot of pressure."

"Because I was brought here by my sister, she is under a lot of pressure right now. If we can't at least go toe-to-toe with TNT in terms of ratings before the finals this year, her career may also face some problems."

"So you need me to save the world, right? You need me, Reggie, you need me to save you again, to save the other end of your career, just like you saved your worthless and unremarkable basketball career."

"You need me for the rest of your life. Come on, call me 'Dad,' and I'll come and save you."

"dad."

"I knew you weren't sincere enough, grandson. Well then, what? What did you just say?" Lin Tian was finally outmaneuvered by Miller this time. He was caught off guard and had no time to react.

Miller won his argument for the first time in his life by calling him "Dad."

He had made Miller call him "Dad" at least 800 times in his life, but this was the first time Miller had complied with Lin Tian.

That's why they say the best way to deal with a flashy, cheap woman is to go straight for the kill.

"I've already shouted it, don't even dream about me shouting it a second time! Never in this lifetime! I'll send you the specific time and schedule later, along with the most basic information. You're coming with me to Boston to commentate on Game 1 of the NBA Finals!"

"And for games 2 through 7 afterwards! You'll have to play them all; you can't escape this time."

"As for the compensation and contract, I'll have ESPN negotiate with Pelinka. It will definitely be top-tier compensation in the industry, so you can rest assured. Okay, see you in Boston in three days."

Jobs can come unexpectedly sometimes. Before Lin Tian knew it, he had become a special commentator for ESPN, and would be broadcasting the Finals live with Miller. They would be working together in Boston and San Antonio for the entire series.

After resting at home for so long, Lin Tian felt it was time to go out and stretch his muscles.

6 month 4 day.

The 2008-2009 NBA Finals officially kicked off in Boston!
The Boston Celtics, who finished the regular season with a record of 65 wins and 17 losses and ranked first in the league, will face the San Antonio Spurs, who finished the regular season with a record of 60 wins and 22 losses and ranked first in the Western Conference, at TD Garden.
This is Tim Duncan's second time playing in the NBA Finals, and also his first time facing his former team in the Finals since leaving the Spurs!
At this time, major broadcasters and media from all over the world are focusing on this event and have come to Boston to prepare to interview and participate in Lin Tian's first finals battle after his retirement!
Although TNT lost Miller this year, the remaining trio still performed exceptionally well, maintaining a dominant position in viewership ratings.

In addition, they had apparently learned that Lin Tian would be joining ESPN during the Finals, and in order to compete against the Lin Tian & Reggie duo, they also brought in heavyweight reinforcements—(End of Chapter)