Champion Rules

Chapter 167, Section 163: Victory? He'll destroy that bastard's dignity! (Seeking monthly votes!)
During his Asian tour in Japan this summer, Lynch mercilessly humiliated all the fans attending the event. If you watched it, you'll know how inhumane it was. Five fans took on Lynch one-on-one, and they combined only managed to touch the rim once. "Tonight, Jason Kidd tormented Stephon Marbury on defense, just like Lynch tormented those Japanese fans." — David Aldridge's post-game summary.

The harsh reality is that even if the New York Knicks were willing to trade Stephen, no team would be willing to take him on. Even if the Knicks were willing to offer draft picks as compensation, his contract would deter most teams. —Stephen A. Smith Radio Show

Lynch's stance in protecting his teammates is beyond reproach, and Stephon Marbury has indeed shed blood for the team. He played a crucial role in the championship runs of the past two seasons. However, at this moment, in the fall of 2007, Marbury's contract was undeniably excessive. He was earning $1900 million a year, yet he was merely an average starting point guard. —Charles Barkley's assessment of Marbury's 9 points and 5 rebounds in the opening game.

Forget about the possibility of a three-peat. Lynch might create a dynasty at some point in the future, but definitely not now, definitely not with this group of veterans whose legs feel like lead. —Mark Jackson's post-game comments.

It's obvious that New York needs rebuilding. Rebuilding isn't Lynch's failure, but an inevitable process of renewal in the basketball world. The veterans are great, we all love them. But like the maple leaves in Central Park, even the most vibrant red will eventually turn into fertile soil to nourish the flowers. —Spike Lee in an interview.
-

The Knicks' loss in the season opener was a huge blow to New York fans.

This marked the end of the Knicks dynasty.

As it turns out, this team really is getting old.

It turns out that this team is currently lacking a second star besides Lynch.

Over the past three years, when Lynch has had such outstanding individual performances, the Knicks have almost never lost.

But tonight, facing the Lakers' Big Three, the team's lack of overall strength was fully exposed.

Aside from Lynch's godlike individual performance, the defending champion had no other trump cards to play against the formidable opponent.

In the locker room after the press conference, under the stark white lights, Stephon Marbury slumped beside Lynch's locker like a soulless shell.

In the Knicks' first championship season, Stephon Marbury could barely be considered Lynch's second-in-command.

Last season, Marbury was no longer considered a star player, but he was still a high-quality starting player.

This season, Stephon Marbury could clearly feel his helplessness in just his first game.

He did not lose his fighting spirit; the words on the locker room wall, "Glory belongs to those who burn for each other," constantly stimulated his nerves.

He just doesn't know if the flame he's ignited now is enough to illuminate this team.

The locker room was quiet, with only the sound of ESPN news on the television.

In the news footage, LeBron James leaned against the microphone with the relaxed air of a victor, his Adam's apple bobbing as he declared, "Madison Square Garden is going to have an even tougher game."

"Bang!" Lynch angrily threw the water bottle to the ground. "Does that bastard think he can conquer Madison Square Garden this season?"

“That won’t happen,” DeShawn Stevenson replied. “He can’t win here.”

"Of course not!" Trevor Ariza was also agitated, punching the seat cushion.

The shadow of losing to the Lakers' Big Three still lingers in the locker room, but the team's dignity remains.

They lost the opening match, but that doesn't mean they'll be at the mercy of others.

The next day, before the morning mist had completely dissipated, Wilson Chandler, who was preparing for extra jump shot practice, got out of his car and bumped into Lynch's Porsche 911 making a dull thud as it rolled over a speed bump.

Wilson Chandler instinctively took a half step back, somewhat surprised.

Because of a match yesterday, training today will not start until 2 PM.

Superstars like Lynch rarely come to practice this early.

After getting out of the car, Lynch looked at Wilson Chandler, whose well-dressed appearance couldn't hide the fighting spirit throbbing in his eyes.

The Knicks rookie swallowed hard, sensing something was wrong: "Good morning, Lynch."

Good morning, Wilson.

"You came so early because..."

"I'm feeling really restless staying at home. Hey, how about we play a few rounds of one-on-one later?"

Wilson Chandler knew he had become Lynch's substitute before he met LeBron James!

Wilson Chandler found it hard to describe this morning's training session.

Lynch vented his anger in several rounds of merciless one-on-one duels.

In the afternoon, when Stephon Marbury arrived at the training center early for a massage, he found Wilson Chandler already disheveled and exhausted, collapsed in the treatment room.

"Hey buddy, what's going on? You can't act like a magician and cause trouble in our training center. If you really want to cause trouble, go to Sam's office," Marbury joked.

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

"You should have told me sooner that coming to training early would carry this risk!"

Wilson Chandler was on the verge of tears. He had only wanted to come early to practice his jump shot, but Lynch had forced him into a very intense session.

For the next ten minutes, Wilson Chandler recounted his ordeal in detail.

Stephon Marbury initially thought nothing of it, until he heard Chandler's final, poignant summary: "Let's put it this way, Lynch was basically treating me like a Japanese person!"

This statement is enough for Stephon Marbury to understand what Wilson Chandler had just gone through, and how Lynch treated Japanese fans during his trip to Japan this year—everyone knows that.

“Listen, rookie,” Stephon Marbury patted Wilson Chandler on the shoulder, “think about LeBron who’s going to play against us, and you’ll feel a little less miserable.”

Marbury knew very well that Lynch's anger stemmed from LBJ's provocation.

Lynch is certainly not the type to explode at the slightest provocation, but what if the person who ignites the fire is his mortal enemy? Everything would be a different story.

Wilson Chandler rolled over: "Will Lynch fight for victory tomorrow night like he would in the playoffs?"

“Victory?” Stephon Marbury almost laughed out loud. “No, you probably don’t understand the relationship between LeBron and Lynch. When Lynch stares into his arch-rival’s eyes, he’s never after the scoreboard numbers. Tomorrow night’s game has nothing to do with winning. Lynch will find a way to crush Akron’s dignity, every single time. Especially after he said those things.”

Stephon Marbury recalled the look in Lynch's eyes when he smashed the bottle last night, "How do you appreciate the real, prime Lynch? Put LeBron across from him. Only, before he meets LBJ—"

Marbury stared at Chandler sympathetically: "You might need to give LBJ a taste of what it's like to be on fire like Lynch."

Wilson Chandler shivered; he suddenly felt that the air conditioning in the treatment room was a bit too strong.
-

Madison Square Garden, March 12.

A restless energy permeated the air of this basketball mecca.

Despite the Knicks' loss to the Lakers in the opening game, the long line of yellow taxis surging around the arena and the "Sold Out" signs flashing on neon signs still proclaim the enduring basketball faith of this city that never sleeps.

As Lynch ran onto the court to warm up to the live music, Spike Lee suddenly jumped up from his seat: "Lynch! Even if God came down wearing the number 23 jersey, he wouldn't leave with a victory tonight!"

The superstar, who was adjusting his wristband, turned his head slightly and gave an OK sign—for the upcoming showdown, any words would be superfluous.

The moment the away team's tunnel opened, rookie Wilson Chandler was nearly knocked over by the roar. The boos from 20,000 people formed a tangible wall of sound, causing the championship flag hanging from the dome to tremble.

The boos during the previous game against the Lakers seemed like the gentle harmonies of a church choir compared to the boos they received when the Cavaliers appeared.

LeBron James grinded his mouthguard with his molars, a defiant smile playing on his lips.

At this moment, the roar of Madison Square Garden seemed to be shut out by a vacuum layer around his ears, and the premonition of victory was surging in his veins—the curse of defeat that had plagued him for three whole seasons was about to be completely shattered tonight.

As the owner of the number 23 jersey crossed the center circle, the flashbulbs reflected a predator's glint in his eyes. Facing his arch-rival Lynch, he no longer needed to maintain a facade of propriety; he could unleash his wicked side without any inhibitions.

They weren't Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, who often went to each other's homes for dinner after matches.

They weren't magician and legendary Larry; after a brief period of conflict, they became close friends.

They are not Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, who compete against each other as men on the court, but team up off the court to fiercely compete against women.

Lynch and LBJ are true rivals. Their fans, the interests of the brands behind them, their teams, and themselves would never allow them to be friends.

Therefore, when facing Lynch, LBJ can openly tear off all pretenses.

"Linche, have you tasted the bitterness of being toyed with by fate? In a team without enough support, any effort seems futile. I've experienced countless nights like the one where you gave it your all to get a triple-double but couldn't secure a victory. Now, it's your turn to experience it."

Stephon Marbury clenched his fist. The words "a team without enough support" felt like a poisoned dagger piercing his heart, filling him with guilt.

Lynch, who was shooting, put down the basketball, turned around and walked towards his nemesis: "LeBron, even Colin Jost, who studied comedy at Harvard, isn't as funny as you."

LeBron James was furious, remembering the idiot host's offseason mockery of him on Parody News.

“You have indeed won some victories against me over the past few years. But starting tonight, it’s all over.”

"Some wins? You mean 16 wins and 0 losses?"

Wilson Chandler, standing to the side, unconsciously tugged at his sweat-soaked jersey. He felt as if a heat was emanating from both of them, making the entire court scorching hot.

Reporters around the two captured the intense heat on camera and broadcast it around the world.

LeBron James suddenly twitched the corner of his mouth, revealing his white teeth, turned around and left without saying another word.

He wanted to shut that bastard up with a victory.

The game began, and Lynch won possession of the ball over Big Z's head.

He chose to post up against Elton Brandling, but the moment he received the ball with his back to the basket, he immediately sensed the shadow looming over the wing.

LeBron James completely abandoned Stephon Marbury to double-team Lynch!
In the previous opening game against the Lakers, Marbury went 0-for-3 from three-point range, and it seems that his three-point accuracy has also been lost in the vortex of time as he gets older.

Lynch passed the ball back to Marbury, who took a three-pointer, but the ball bounced off the front of the rim.

Elton Brandon held his position firmly, allowing Zydrunas Ilgauskas to grab the rebound.

The Cavaliers are on offense; LeBron James drives to the basket. In the last game, LBJ already experienced the joy of the new rules.

With the stricter enforcement of the No HandCheck rule at the start of this season, it will be very difficult for any player to defend LBJ.

Although the officiating standards this season are not as outrageous as in the small-ball era, to the point that even big centers like Nikola Jokic have become accustomed to ignoring physics and taking off on the spot to gain the referee's sympathy when touched.

However, the space for penetrators is indeed much better now than in the dark defensive era.

LBJ carried DeShawn Stevenson into the paint, then spotted Lynch coming to help defend, and passed the ball to Elton Brand in the elbow area.

This new addition is significantly more accurate from mid-range than the injury-plagued Jermaine O'Neal. Elton Brand scored a mid-range jumper, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers the lead at Madison Square Garden.

LBJ pointed to his head, meaning, "Don't always try to defend with brute force; basketball is a game for the wise."

"Damn it, you're brain-damaged." Lin Qi cursed.

Tyson Chandler patted Lynch on the arm: "Leave the paint to me, you've got your eye on Elton."

"Yeah, watch out for fouls. I mean, foul on number 23!"

The game continued, and Lynch stopped using his back to the basket for one-on-one play, as that would make him too vulnerable to being double-teamed.

He circled to the right side of the three-point line to receive the ball, then bent down to drive. Elton Brand shifted his weight in time with the opponent's probing, but Lynch's sudden first step still managed to tear apart the defense.

Facing Zydrunas Ilgauskas's rim protection, Lynch scored with a layup, tying the game at 2-2.

LBJ glanced at Trevor Ariza, who posed little threat with the ball, and yelled at his teammates, "Switch! I'll guard number 20!"

Lynch scoffed, "LeBron, do you really want me to score a lot of points?"

"Shut up, you bastard!"

"I will. When I beat you by 30 or 40 points again, or when I score 30 or 40 points over you again, I will shut up."

The Cavaliers are on offense, and LeBron James continues to attack the paint, scoring after a mid-air collision with Tyson Chandler, making it 4-2.

James firmly believes that the Knicks' defense this season will not be able to stop him.

Therefore, as long as we can contain Lynch on the defensive end and prevent him from catching up, the curse that has lasted for three seasons will be broken!

As the new possession began, LBJ believed this was a chance for the Cavaliers to establish an advantage, as he was certain he could contain Lynch.

LeBron James actively matched up against Lynch, engaging in close combat, physical contact, and trash talk.

Sparks flew with every breath of the two arch-rivals, and their duel scorched the floor of Madison Square Garden.

The large screen at the top of the stadium projected close-ups of the two men entangled onto the 20,000 bloodshot eyes in the arena.

Lynch set up a screen for Marbury, but even with the screen, the Son of New York can't shake off Tayshaun Prince.

Marbury had no choice but to pass the ball back to Lynch, who received the ball at the top of the arc outside the three-point line and gestured for everyone to spread out.

He wants to play one-on-one.

LeBron James spread his arms and bent his knees to lower his center of gravity.

He knew Lynch lacked support tonight, so he had to initiate attacks from the top of the key himself on many possessions.

This is precisely Lynch's weakest link on the offensive end.

This is normal; even average-sized small forwards often lack the ability to initiate offense from the top of the key. This is why point forwards like Grant Hill and LeBron James are incredibly valuable—although LBJ had many possessions where he dribbled for 20 seconds at the top of the key before passing, you can't deny that this is one way to initiate offense from there.

As a power forward, Lynch absolutely could not have that ability.

As a power forward, Lynch shouldn't have been positioned at the top of the key to receive the ball. This predicament of being forced to take over the offense is exactly what LBJ wanted to see.

Lynch was able to break past Elton Brand simply because of his speed.

However, Lynch's speed is no longer an advantage when facing players at the small forward position.

That's why LBJ would switch onto Lynch to defend him.

Tonight, he's going to strangle this bastard with his own hands!
Lin Qi suddenly lowered his center of gravity, his spine taut like a fully drawn bowstring. He didn't use any complicated dribbling techniques, but directly accelerated to break through.

LBJ's pupils constricted, and his brain's reaction was immediately transmitted to his muscles. His lateral movement was almost synchronized with his thoughts, which was very fast for his size.

In the end, LeBron James, unable to get a hand to the ball, only caught a glimpse of Lynch's afterimage. The wind from the hem of Lynch's jersey even hit LeBron's face—Lynch, as the power forward, managed to get past number 23 with his first-step speed!
Tyson Chandler used his iron-like body to firmly block Zydrunas Ilgauskas at the edge of the paint, leaving the Cavaliers' basket wide open.

The moment Lynch burst into the air as he sprinted at full speed, time seemed to slow down at Madison Square Garden. His head was level with the basket, and his right arm, holding the ball, swung in an arc like the moon.

"boom!"

The loud bang from the rim blended with the cheers from the crowd, and LeBron James stared at Lynch in astonishment.

The cold sweat seeping from the back of his neck soaked his hair. He clearly remembered that Lynch's breakthroughs last season still had the slow, deliberate style typical of power forwards.

But just now, Lin Qi's first step was incredibly fast.

Even against more agile small forwards, Lynch's drives were difficult to catch.

Did that bastard lose weight?

Lynch was very fortunate that he had acquired TJ Ford's first-step talent last season.

Otherwise, launching an attack from the top of the arc would be a real problem.

Lin Qi let go of the rim and landed, looking at the surprised LeBron James, he pointed to the scoreboard: "What, I just tied the game, and you're already scared?"

LeBron James remained silent, but if Lynch lost weight, there were ways to deal with him.

LBJ immediately countered, but this time his breakthrough was not successful. DeShawn Stevenson suddenly stole the ball, precisely severing the connection between the basketball and his hand, disrupting his dribbling rhythm.

LBJ nearly lost the ball and passed it to Tayshaun Prince, who was cutting in, but Trevor Ariza intercepted it midway.

While Ariza hasn't made much progress on offense, he's becoming increasingly excellent on defense.

He may not be the Knicks' second star, but he's definitely a reliable shield for Lynch.

The defending champions launched a swift counterattack, with both Flip Saunders and Mike Malone believing the team should increase the pace due to the rule change.

Last season, the Knicks ranked only 20th in the league in terms of pace, making them a traditional half-court offense team.

This season, Philip Sanders' goal is to finish in at least the top fifteen.

Mike Brown doesn't think this is a good approach, but the minority will yield to the majority, and the Knicks will no longer be obsessed with half-court offense and defense this season.

Trevor Ariza passed the ball directly to Lynch, who quickly crossed half-court, dribbled once beyond the three-point line, and then collected the ball.

LeBron James chased after him with all his might, but his block attempt ultimately missed by a few centimeters.

"Another dunk! Lynch's fast break is incredibly quick! 6-4, the Knicks take the lead!"

Mike Breen got goosebumps all over; Lynch's enormous stride and disproportionate speed made this fast break look extremely visually striking.

Lynch's gaze was fixed on LeBron James, and he spat out each word through clenched teeth: "LeBron, is this what you call cruelty?"

As LeBron James picked up the basketball, a sense of dread seemed to resurface deep within his spine.

LeBron James continued to drive to the basket, but Tyson Chandler's rim protection caused him to miss his first shot of the night.

The defensive performances of Trevor Ariza and Tyson Chandler are probably one of the few consolations that the Knicks' role players can offer this season.

These two players' defensive contributions have actually increased; they may not be stars, but that doesn't mean they're completely useless.

With them as a foundation, the Knicks only need to find a suitable second option for Lynch and add some younger rotation players, and the team can immediately recover.

Of course, New York fans and Lynch don't care about that right now.

All they want now is to see the pre-game swaggering LBJ smashed to pieces in Madison Square Garden.

The game continued, and it was the Knicks' offensive possession again.

LeBron James kept his eyes on Lynch and opted for a close, semi-circular defense, always keeping a distance between Lynch and the ball handler, preventing him from receiving the ball on the perimeter.

Seeing this, Lynch immediately lowered himself to a low position and leaned against LBJ, raising his hand.

LeBron James deliberately let Lynch play in the low post. If Lynch loses weight, his dominance in the low post will not be as formidable.

But to the dismay of number 23, Lynch's legs were still rooted to the floor, just like last season, and he couldn't be moved even a step!

LeBron James felt like he'd fallen into the icy Hudson River in winter. Lynch hadn't cut weight; his strength was still enough to allow him to establish himself in the low post. Meanwhile, his drives to the basket were even faster.

this.
Lynch elbowed LeBron James aside and turned to shoot a jump shot before Elton Brand could fully come up to help defend.

LeBron James and Elton Brand raised their hands in despair, but they couldn't stop the sound of the net rolling.

The night sky over the eastern United States seemed to be torn apart; in Cleveland, there was endless silence, while in New York, there was deafening cheering.

In the following rounds, the Cavaliers' defense against Lynch was practically non-existent.

LeBron James's defense against Lynch was extremely unsuccessful, and he was at great risk of being completely outplayed by Lynch in their matchup.

The first timeout came quickly, as Cavaliers' new head coach Brian Scott couldn't sit still when they were down by six points.

Lynch returned to the bench, and Wilson Chandler happily wanted to go up and give him a high-five. But after seeing Lynch's icy gaze, he hesitated and withdrew his hand.

Lynch showed no joy. After sitting down, he looked at Philip Sanders and said, "Philip, do something for me."

"what?"

"Bring on our second-best power forward in the East ahead of time."

"What's the reason?"

"Let him guard that damn Elton Brandon. I want to directly match up against LeBron on both ends of the court."

"I'm going to destroy him, tonight."

Wilson Chandler swallowed hard.

He finally understood what Marbury meant when he said that Lynch would find a way to crush Akron's dignity, every single time.

(End of this chapter)