Champions Creed

Chapter 437 Chapter 436: Close? There are still four Michael Jordans between him and me! (Seeking monthly votes!)
The Golden State Warriors started with a 70-game winning streak, and Roger vowed that he would become the MVP of this season and win at least games.

If another guy in his final season of his career had said something like this, he would probably have been laughed at.

No one in NBA history will retire with 70 wins, MVP and championship.

After all, if he's still this dominant, why wouldn't he keep playing?
But the fact that it was Roger who was speaking made the speech extremely intimidating.

As Bill Simmons said: Roger's goal is not to win the championship with the Warriors, he enjoys conquering. He will never be satisfied with just an ordinary championship, he wants to completely conquer this league and conquer everyone. He wants to prove one thing - if I don't retire, you won't have a chance at all. I'm leaving not because I'm no longer good, but because I'm fucking tired of playing.

Bill Simmons accurately analyzed Roger's inner thoughts. After all, he was one of the few people who knew for sure that this was Roger's last season, and he was one of the few people who knew what Roger was really thinking.

Through his efforts and support over the years, Bill Simmons earned himself the opportunity to ghostwrite Roger's autobiography.

On the first day of their meeting, Roger told him, "You're lucky, Bill. With the popularity of my retirement, this book will definitely be a bestseller."

So Bill Simmons understood Roger's plan and what Roger was thinking.

Roger's confidence also put Phil Jackson under great pressure.

He temporarily fixed the relationship between Kobe and James, and he temporarily captured James' heart, like a woman wearing crotchless bodystockings that aroused James' deepest desires.

But how can he deal with this Warriors team that shows no signs of decline?

Roger is not the kind of person who likes to exaggerate. If he can say something like that, he will definitely do it in this direction.

What's more, the 12 consecutive wins at the start are enough to show how strong the Warriors are this season.

If you want to defeat this powerful Warriors team, the Lakers' internal harmony is just a basic threshold. If you can't do it, you will definitely lose, but if you do it, you may not win.

Phil Jackson made a conservative comment on the matter: "When we talk about MVP, the first thing we think of is Roger. He has six MVP trophies like Kareem. He and Kareem are both spokespersons for the MVP award. But you know, he hasn't won the MVP for three consecutive years. If he could get it whenever he wanted, he wouldn't miss it for three consecutive years. I mean, there are many excellent players, but there is only one MVP. The ownership of the award is something that the individual player can influence."

Kobe Bryant's response was much stronger: "Let's see who can't do what they promised."

James on the side bit his nails awkwardly.

Kobe is very confident about winning DPOY. The Lakers are one of the best defensive teams this season. As long as he continues to play in his current state, continues to expand his defensive influence in the game, and becomes the best defender in the best defensive team, he feels that he has a high probability of doing it.

Advanced statistics prove that Kobe is not just talking big; his defensive efficiency is getting close to his best year in 2002.

But Roger gets the MVP?

Over the years, the competition for regular season results has been fierce. This is an era of great competition and an era of many talented people.

Last season, there were five teams in the league that won 60 games or better, and the leaders of these five teams all had impressive personal statistics.

In such a competitive environment, if you want to win the MVP award, the best way is to win 70 games.

But even for Roger, 70 wins is difficult.

He won 70 games once in his career, when he and the Hawks tied Michael Jordan's record of 72 wins in New York.

But that's all.

For many years, Roger never touched this record again, and no one has touched this record again.

70 wins is rare, rare.

This is not as simple as winning a few more regular season games, but staying focused and playing stably in every game. This puts a great test on the players' physical fitness, health and concentration.

Sprinting for ten minutes, taking a break, and then sprinting for another ten minutes is completely different from sprinting continuously for twenty minutes.

For a team that has won four consecutive years, it is simply a fantasy to expect such focus.

Of course, Roger felt that this was not a problem, especially after he got to know Roy better, he was very confident in Roy's stability.

But in Kobe's opinion, Roger can't be the MVP. At least, Roger's chance of winning the MVP is lower than his chance of winning the DPOY.

But in any case, Roger's huge influence was once again demonstrated.

When he said he would win the MVP this season, the media and fans' attention to the MVP competition became extremely hot from the beginning of the season.

So when Chris Paul said, "I think I'm more qualified to win the MVP than Roger or Kobe," his popularity reached an unprecedented level.

As Roger's direct competitor, he received media attention from all over the world.

In the 07-08 season, Chris Paul, who was in his third year, had reached the peak of his career. At the beginning of the season, he led the Hornets to a 10-2 record. Although not as good as the Warriors' -game winning streak, the performance was still good.

Chris Paul has had a fantastic start to his season with the Hornets, which is of course due to the addition of Ray Allen, but Paul's personal abilities cannot be ignored either.

A week ago, he led his team to a 14-point comeback at the Staples Center. In that game, he scored 19 points, 21 assists, 3 steals and only 2 turnovers, leading his team to a comeback against the super battleship Lakers.

The day before, in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Paul scored 43 points, 9 assists and 4 steals, proving that in addition to organizing the team, he also possesses personal firepower that traditional point guards do not have.

In the game against the Mavericks, another powerful team in the Western Conference, CP3 scored 31 points, 11 assists and 9 steals, defeating Jason Kidd, who was once the best player at the point guard position.

In addition, his per, Ws, Bpm, Vorp and other advanced statistics related to victory all rank first in the league. (It is normal for a core player with the ball to have an advantage in this regard)
Of course, this era does not pay attention to this. After all, the whole world knows that any data composed of formulas is deceptive, and the content of the game is the key. Players who always over-exaggerate their data must have some problems with their game content.

But this also to a certain extent illustrates the top level that Paul showed that season.

In China, Paul's reputation has always been average, and jokes such as 58, Western Conference Finals and Chris Rondo have even become synonymous with Paul's career. In the United States, Paul has always been the darling of the media and fans. He is expected to surpass Stockton, Nash and even Isaiah Thomas to become the best point guard in history.

So, Paul reminded the media that he was also one of the MVP candidates, which caused a frenzy among fans and the media.

They would love to see a new competitor strong enough to challenge Roger.

Moreover, Chris Paul is one of the few young players who is neither a fan of Roger or Kobe.

He is a fan of Tim Duncan, so he joined Wake Forest University.

So he won't be overly polite in his competition with Roger and Kobe.

He will definitely put in a tough performance in the game, the fans believe so.

In this way, Roger and his Golden State Warriors came to New Orleans to face this team that had no presence in many years.

When Roger arrived on the court early to warm up, the first person he met was Ray Allen, who did not go to Boston in this timeline but was traded to New Orleans.

The guy who had a cold relationship with Roger glanced at No. 14, then continued to warm up without saying hello to Roger. Ray Allen didn't like Roger's arrogance, and it has always been the same. During the Bucks period, Ray Allen was one of Roger's challengers and had some conflicts and exchanges with Roger. During the Seattle period, Ray Allen withdrew from the competition, but it didn't mean that he had changed his opinion of Roger.

Roger didn't like him either. He couldn't say he hated him, but he really didn't like him.

So Roger deliberately ran to his half, shot a ball, and then looked at Ray Allen's reaction expectantly.

Sure enough, this ball broke the order in Ray Allen's mind, and his obsessive-compulsive disorder suddenly broke out: "Damn it, fuck! You damn bastard, I really hope you retire tomorrow!"

"Hahahaha, it's been so many years, Lei, I thought you were used to it. I just threw a ball, why are you so angry?" Roger had no ill intentions, he just wanted to tease this old rival who had obsessive-compulsive disorder.

But Ray Allen was clearly in no mood to joke with Roger: "Get used to it? I'll never get used to you! Do you think everyone loves you? No, there are far more people who hate you than those who love you!"

At this time, CP3 also came on the court to warm up. He saw Roger arguing with Ray Allen, so he walked over and pushed Roger away with one hand.

That's what people say, he won't be overly polite in his competition with Roger because he's not a fan of Roger.

Roger didn't make fun of himself, and Ray Allen didn't want to joke around. He returned to his own half and started warming up, without communicating with the Hornets' double guns.

This made the young CP3 think he had the upper hand: "Lei, he's not as scary as you say."

"Chris, remember what I said, you think you are still young, you think you still have a chance, but in fact..."

"In fact, opportunities don't always appear. I know. You've said it about a million times. Don't worry. When we defeat Roger, he will never have the chance to take revenge on us. We will become the masters of a new era."

Chris Paul is full of anticipation for this game, and the rumors of Roger's final season will make those who are eager to defeat him even more excited, and CP3 is such a person.

The game started quickly and Chris Paul took the lead.

The one responsible for defending him today is Roy, and Roger is responsible for chasing Ray Allen.

Roy's defense has never been top-notch. Limited by his athletic ability and wingspan, the best he can do is to not drag down the team or become a sieve.

Jimmy Butler also has poor static talent but is a top-notch defender, but there is only one Jimmy Butler in history. Moreover, that guy might have some bloodline theory.

Of course, Spoelstra wouldn't deliberately take advantage of Roy knowing that his defense is mediocre.

His strategy was to let Roy control the distance, limit Paul's breakthrough, and force him to pass the ball and shoot from mid-range or long-range.

Roy's physical condition may not be good, but his defensive skills are excellent, and his distance control is as precise as a professional boxer.

CP3 dribbled the ball a few times to shift Roy's center of gravity. Seeing that Roy was not going to rush over, CP3 took a three-pointer.

"brush."

His long shot passed the test.

Paul didn't miss the chance to talk trash: "Come closer, man. Do you fucking think I'm LeBron James?"

One round later, Roy controlled the ball and set the tempo.

Roger was running without the ball, but CP3 came forward and pressed Roy. Roy wanted to force a breakthrough, but after breaking through, he found that he was not in an advantageous position.

Most of the time, Roy's advantage at the No. 1 position is obvious. Whether it is height or confrontation, many No. 1 players can't do anything with him.

But CP3 is an exception, he doesn't have outstanding height, but he has strong confrontation. His lower body is very stable and his upper limbs are also very good.

He held Roy back and suddenly stole the ball when he was close to him.

Roy, who was known for "not making mistakes", had his dribbling intercepted. Paul quickly counterattacked with a speed that no one could catch up with.

The 183cm guard didn't finish with a layup, but instead took a step inside the free throw line and scored with a slam dunk!

5-0, Chris Paul raised his head proudly and shouted deliberately: "Ray, we just killed the man who was closest to Roger. I think it won't be too difficult to kill that bastard himself."

"Closest to me?" Roger didn't pretend not to hear and walked up to CP3. "I have 11 rings, he has 0. I have been the scoring champion for 12 consecutive years, he has 0. I have 6 MVPs, he only has 1. He is close to me? There are still four Michael Jordans between him and me! You have never played against anyone close to me. Although you beat Kobe, my dear Chris, you are fucking worthless."

Ray Allen saw Roger switch defense in the second round and said coldly: "Roger, you don't want to defend CP3 for the whole game."

"Get out of here!" Roger pointed at Ray Allen. "Brandon, take this guy and get out of here. This is a conversation between MVP candidates. Why is an old dog shooter butting in?"

That's why Ray Allen never liked Roger.

Paul changed direction and accelerated, trying to use his speed to overtake Roger.

He succeeded and gained half a body length.

He stopped suddenly in the mid-range and faked a shot, but the experienced Roger did not jump.

Then, CP3 made several fake moves on the spot, but Roger was not fooled. He just raised his arms high and stood in front of CP3, then kept moving in small steps, like a moving wall blocking Paul.

Paul wanted to pass the ball, but the Warriors' excellent defense blocked all passing routes. If the passer himself cannot move or cannot compress the defensive lineup, and can only rely on his teammates to run, then it is difficult for him to get any passing opportunities. CP3 could only turn around and jump shot on the spot, this time it was real. But this time, he was caught by Roger, who jumped up and blocked his shot.

It was a perfect defense, an excellent stranglehold, and a king's punishment for the disobedient.

After completing the block, Roger ran forward and threw his hands at Ray Allen: "I really want to defend a loser like CP3 for the entire game!"

Stoudemire grabbed the rebound and passed it to Roger, and CP3, who was closest to Roger, had to defend.

Paul was observing Roger's footsteps and movements. As soon as he passed the ball, Paul would cut it off immediately.

As a result, Roger ran one step into the three-point line and jumped up without holding the ball. He held the basketball with one hand and gently lifted it with five fingers - Roger demonstrated the long-distance layup that he had not taken out of his arsenal for a long time.

Paul was powerless to stop this move, and neither was Tyson Chandler who was defending him.

The basketball went into the net, Roger landed, and pointed at Paul's nose: "As a third-year player, I'm sorry that you made the same mistake that a first-year rookie would make - not knowing your position. As the ruler of the league, I have an obligation to let you learn this."

The image of Roger pointing at Paul's nose and cursing at him spread throughout the world. Paul clenched his fists, feeling unprecedented humiliation.

He said before that Roger wasn't that scary.

No, that was because he hadn't seen Roger's true appearance yet.

But Paul is not Durant, he won't hide.

He swore that he would kill No. 14, no matter what means!
(End of this chapter)