Champion Rules

Chapter 186, Section 182: I'm Not From Cleveland (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
Deron Williams continued to play his own way in the second quarter.

His crossovers are indeed pleasing to the eye, but basketball is not just about changing direction to get past opponents.

Raja Bell's aggressive defense and Lynch's terrifying help defense coverage reduced the All-NBA point guard's one-on-one plays to inefficient displays of skill.

But to be honest, even when the Jazz returned to Sloan's pick-and-roll system in some possessions, the talent gap that Carlos Boozer exposed against Lynch made the Jazz's classic tactics lose their former sharpness.

Boozer can be highly effective in most games with pick-and-roll tactics, but the difference in star power is obvious when he plays against Lynch.

It's like this: although Jokic's height and weight are similar to Wang Zhelin's, the difference in their game performance is very obvious. Jokic is better at playmaking and jumping shots, while Wang Zhelin has a better hairstyle and speaks more fluent Chinese.

With eight minutes left in the second quarter, when Deron Williams passed the ball to Boozer, who had rolled to the basket after a pick-and-roll, as Lynch came to help on defense, Boozer's lack of explosiveness led to a block by Lynch. At that moment, Deron couldn't help but think: what if the forward running the pick-and-roll with him was someone like Amar'e Stoudemire or Kevin Garnett?
The biting winds of Salt Lake City instantly shattered this illusion, while the snow-capped mountains of Utah served as a natural cage imprisoning a superstar.

This godforsaken place has no chance of recruiting any superstars.

At halftime, Lynch had 32 points, and the huge gap of 28 points on the scoreboard stung every Jazz player.

If nothing changes in the third quarter, the game may not even go into the fourth quarter.

Jerry Sloan didn't want to see such a crushing defeat at home, not just because it was a regular season loss, but also because such a defeat would accelerate the collapse of the locker room.

That would completely ruin the team.

After staring at Deron Williams for a long time, weighing the pros and cons, the coach finally broke the nine-month silence.

"Please, stick to our plan, we still have a chance."

This is the first time since February that Jerry Sloan has spoken directly to Deron Williams, bypassing Ronnie Brewer as a mouthpiece.

His hoarse voice carried an almost humble sense of compromise.

Phil Johnson had been an assistant coach for the Jazz since 1989, witnessing the full glory of Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Jerry Sloan, and he had never seen Jerry Sloan use such a gentle tone to plead with a player.

The entire locker room was silent; they were all amazed that it was the veteran coach Sloan who had taken the initiative to swallow his pride. They all understood that this was an important moment to break the ice.

Deron Williams stared at Jerry Sloan, the protégé whom Sloan had personally sculpted, who now raised his chin in a mocking smile:
"You have your rights, and I have my abilities."

His light-hearted words were like sharp blades, tearing the old marshal's last shred of dignity apart, leaving it bleeding profusely.

Carlos Boozer clutched his head; he knew the team was completely finished.

Sloan, who had swallowed his pride only to be humiliated instead, smashed the marker in his hand: "What? You want to be the coach?!"

Sloan's cloudy eyes burned with the fury of betrayal, while Delon built an ice wall of indifference.

At that time, no one knew that those would be the last words they spoke to each other for many years to come.

In the third quarter, the Jazz completely gave up the fight.

Their minds were no longer on the game.

Lynch was substituted after scoring 45 points because the garbage time came earlier than expected, and he had no reason to continue racking up points on the court.

Anyway, Lynch's goal is not to be the all-time leading scorer; he pursues real honors, not self-admiring various statistical records.

Cumulative data doesn't mean you're very strong. Just like Jason Kidd will definitely be in the top 20 of the all-time three-point list in the future, but no one will think he is a top 20 shooter in history.

Deron Williams was also substituted early, and he looked at Lynch, who was high-fiving his teammates, with obvious hostility.

He hated Lynch's disdain, and he vowed that if given the chance to be in a more competitive lineup, he would repay him without hesitation.

Ultimately, the Utah Jazz narrowly lost to the New York Knicks by 37 points at home.

The Knicks successfully extended their winning streak to 12 games.

At the press conference, Lynch praised Raja Bell, who made 4 of 6 three-pointers tonight and had an outstanding defensive performance.

"It's normal for anyone to have ups and downs in form during a long 82-game season. I'm glad Raga has regained his form, and it would be even better if he drove a little slower."

Raja Bell also smiled for the first time since the game against the Cavaliers: "Lynch has no right to say that about me. With his big body, he charges around on the court so fast, which is also a kind of dangerous driving. Once in practice, he sprinted and knocked me down, and he said: Sorry, I thought it was a speed bump."

Steve Nash is delighted that Raja Bell is back on track, but this rebirth not only proves Bell's value as a championship piece, but also highlights Lynch's extraordinary control as a locker room leader.

Michael Jordan's ability to manage Dennis Rodman and unite the nearly disintegrating Bulls to win their second three-peat truly makes him a great player.

Being the leader of an exceptionally capable team and becoming an outstanding team leader are two completely different things.

Looking at the current players in the league, only Lynch showed Nash this leadership gene that transcends winning and losing.

Unlike the Knicks' cheerful interview atmosphere, the Utah Jazz's post-game press conference was shrouded in a suffocatingly low atmosphere.

Jerry Sloan, realizing he could no longer control a player, announced some unexpected news after the game.

"Throughout my long career in the world of basketball, I have been fortunate to stand shoulder to shoulder with countless outstanding souls."

Thank you to my coaching team and all the coaches I have worked with.

Thank you to all the fans who have always supported us. Even though we have never brought a championship to this city, your support for this team has never wavered.

Thank you to every player who wore the Jazz jersey; it is you who gave me the opportunity to strive for greatness.

Twenty-five years is a long time, especially playing for only one club. A quarter of a century is enough for a baby to grow into a father. When I joined the team as a scout in 1983, I never imagined this journey would be so eventful.

All of this makes me incredibly grateful.

But competitive sports, like the melting snow of the Rocky Mountains, are always surging in new directions. Tonight, I will step down as head coach of the Utah Jazz.

My era has ended, but the triumphant anthem of jazz will be continued by those who come after.

Thank you everyone, thank you.

After saying all this, the veteran general, who had always presented a tough image, picked up a piece of paper and wiped his eyes.

Twenty-five years have passed, and in the tears welling in the old man's eyes, they have solidified into an unmelting snow in Salt Lake City.
-
When Lynch learned that Jerry Sloan had suddenly announced his retirement after the competition, he was as shocked as everyone else.

Once again, the butterfly effect he created changed the course of history.

If Jerry Sloan's retirement comes sooner, will the Utah Jazz's rebuilding come sooner as well?
In the struggle between players and coaches, the departure of one of them often signifies the end of the struggle.

But the Utah Jazz are a special case.

Jerry Sloan is the icon and symbol of this team, and he wasn't fired by the team; he was forced to resign voluntarily.

Therefore, Jerry Sloan's departure does not signify the end of the struggle. Deron Williams thought he had won, but he had not.

Because the Jazz management will never allow a player who destroyed the team's icon to continue wearing the snow mountain jersey. After losing Sloan, their icon, they will choose to completely rebuild and get rid of Deron Williams, the culprit.

In today's environment, which team would Deron Williams play for?
Lynch didn't know what would happen next, but he was certain that the rosters of the teams in the league would become even more unfamiliar to him.

The tragedy in Salt Lake City was merely a footnote to Lynch's greatness. After defeating the Utah Jazz and securing his 12th consecutive win at the start of the season, Lynch continued his journey.

Back on his home court, Lynch faced his arch-rivals, the Detroit Pistons.

The Detroit Pistons, as a veteran powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, have reached the conference finals for six consecutive seasons, and the team's floor remains high enough.

However, failing to reach the finals for three consecutive seasons has cast serious doubt on the team's potential.

For the Pistons and Anthony, let alone reaching the conference finals, even making it to the NBA Finals for ten consecutive years is nothing to brag about.

Making it to the finals isn't an honor; winning the championship is.

Only the Larry O'Brien Trophy can quell the burning desire of the Motor City.

But tonight's game against the Knicks once again disappointed Detroit fans.

Chauncey Billups' inefficient scoring in high-level matchups, coupled with Rasheed Wallace's now severely deteriorated rim protection, cost the Pistons their game in the fourth quarter.

Chauncey Billups was completely unable to help Anthony and the Big Black Bear relieve the scoring pressure, while Lynch, like an ancient Greek god of war driving a chariot, repeatedly attacked the basket and scored at crucial moments.

While Lynch was scoring like crazy, Anthony, Hamilton, and Big Bear, who were struggling with their shooting, could only respond with a series of missed mid-range jump shots.

A lack of scoring ability at crucial moments has been a problem that has plagued the Detroit Pistons for years.

Carmelo Anthony's ability to attack the rim has always been abysmal among superstars. At first glance, the efficiency of Anthony's rim attack seems okay, but that's because he can grab a lot of offensive rebounds and develop second-chance opportunities, exchanging more shot attempts for higher volume.

However, when facing a team like the Knicks that controls the boards exceptionally well, Randolph struggles to shoulder the responsibility under the basket after failing to secure offensive rebounds.

The Pistons' two heavyweight forwards can only rely heavily on mid-range and long-range jump shots—which are indeed a god-like weapon, but if you're not a god, it's the least efficient offensive method.

Carmelo Anthony's mid-range shot is extremely efficient, but he's helpless when he's not shooting well.

In the dark era of defense, the Pistons' style of play was perfectly fine.

Low offensive efficiency? They can make the opponent's offensive efficiency even lower.

No ability to attack the basket? Then set up a no-fly zone in the penalty area to deprive the opponent of their ability to attack the basket as well.

But in this era where offensive basketball is sweeping the league, the Pistons are clearly a step behind.

In addition, with Rasheed Wallace aging, the Pistons' rim protection is no longer as strong as it used to be.

In fact, Rasheed Wallace is a competent center with a strong defensive presence. If he were paired with a power forward who excels at help defense, the Pistons could still provide excellent rim protection.

Unfortunately, even after his prodigal son Zach Randolph turned over a new leaf, he was not an outstanding help defender.

Carmelo Anthony is an excellent help defender, but he lacks the size and explosiveness to help protect the rim.

The Pistons couldn't withstand Lynch's onslaught with just Roaring God.

In crucial moments, the biggest difference between the Pistons and the Knicks is that they lack a battering ram.

This difference becomes fatal when breakthroughs become easier.

Ultimately, Lynch scored 38 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the final moments, thanks to his consecutive drives to the basket.

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points, and the Big Black Bear added 18. Their performance wasn't bad, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.

The Knicks crushed the Pistons by 8 points at home.

Carmelo Anthony seemed somewhat bewildered, though he wasn't quite as unlucky as his brother LeBron James, who couldn't beat Lynch at all. However, the Pistons had been consistently dominated by the Knicks for the past few seasons, losing more often than winning.

As the game ended, Lynch smiled and greeted Anthony: "It's not easy to play in the conference finals for six consecutive years. If possible, I'll let you rest earlier this year. You know, I'm the kind of person who understands how to be considerate of his friends. LeBron can testify that he's had the opportunity to rest early in most of the games he's played against me."

"Don't fucking get too excited!" Cameron Anthony ripped off his sweat-soaked headband. "And listen, you don't have one more ring than me, so drop that smug attitude!"

"Oh, but I have one more MVP, one more DPOY, one more FMVP, one more Grand Slam season, and more than one All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team selection. I think that's enough, isn't it? Also, you and I both know that I'll be getting my third ring soon. What about you? It seems like that's still a long way off."

Carmelo Anthony's veins bulged: "I'll have my third ring soon too, definitely faster than you! Absolutely!"

The only response he received was Lynch's smiling back as he turned away, and the deafening roar of "MVP" from the 20,000 spectators at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony kicked the energy drink at his feet hard, realizing that his harmless response had only highlighted Lynch's complete victory tonight.

It's like a child who lost a game and, unwilling to accept defeat, kneels down and shouts, "This round doesn't count!"

"Oh, Melo kicked the bottle into the stands. He'll be fined, he definitely will."

Before Mike Brin could finish speaking, Joe Dumas had already turned off the television.

He couldn't bear to look at the Pistons players' dejected appearance at Madison Square Garden.

He poured out the now-cold coffee from his cup, having no desire to drink another sip.

The Pistons are facing their most difficult situation yet, being both competitive and struggling to win top honors.

Under such circumstances, it is difficult for the team's general manager to make the decision to completely rebuild.

Joe Dumars had been hesitant, but after tonight's game, he made up his mind.

This current roster has no chance of winning a championship. This current roster has no chance of beating Lynch, and it has no chance of beating the Lakers.

At this moment, Joe Dumars' mind was filled with the proposal made by LeBron James' agent, Leon Rose—an incredibly audacious proposal that didn't just involve LeBron James and Melo.

Perhaps only in that way could they survive in the cracks of an era when Lynch was once again in control of the East.

He must prepare for this in advance.
-
People always say, 'Hey LeBron, you have to stay in your hometown,' but I've always wanted to say that I'm not from Cleveland. This isn't disrespect to Cleveland, but when you're born in Akron, you're not from Cleveland. —LeBron James on the contract extension controversy.

Sources indicate that the Utah Jazz are prepared to trade their All-Star point guard, Deron Williams. If they cannot succeed before the trade deadline, the Jazz will continue their search in the summer of 2009. Jerry Sloan famously said upon retiring that victory should be passed on to those who succeed him. Clearly, the Jazz do not believe Deron Williams is that successor. —NBA Time and Space

Stephen Curry's market value has skyrocketed thanks to the Lynch training camp and his continued outstanding performance since returning to Davidson College this season. "When you can hit a three-pointer over Trevor Ariza, what you need to care about isn't your draft position, but your playing time on an NBA team." — ESPN Magazine

"Stagnate or die; we need champions." — Detroit Free Press

Who can tell me who on this planet can stop Lynch's winning streak? — Stephen A. Smith's show.

(Thanks to Ackerman丶1, 少年请留步, and other big names for their donations)

(End of this chapter)