Champion Rules

Chapter 187, Section 183: No hands on hips while defending, no failing to get back on defense, no missing the game (Seeking monthly votes!)
At the end of the game, Carmelo Anthony met Lynch's mother and Kevin Lucas in the player tunnel.

He bent down to hug Wu Lan warmly, shook hands with Kevin Lucas in a friendly manner, and smiled like a boy next door: "It's so great to see you still coming to Madison Square Garden to watch the game. Basketball can give you strength, which is the most meaningful thing we do."

Lin Qi had just finished his interview and walked in when he bumped into the three of them.

After seeing Lynch, Cameron Anthony patted Kevin Lucas on the head: "Kevin, madam, I have to go now. It was a pleasure chatting with you. I hope you can visit Detroit next time. It's not like New York, but there are always places to visit."

Anthony left without saying goodbye to Lynch.

Off the court, Carmelo Anthony was always friendly to Wu Lan and Kevin Lucas.

This is not hypocrisy, because Cameron Anthony's meetings with them often take place out of the camera's view; he is not the kind of person who seeks the spotlight for publicity.

Seeing that Lynch and Anthony's relationship was still tense, Wu Lan shrugged: "So after all these years, neither of you is willing to back down, is that right?"

“He used to be my friend,” Lynch replied. “It was brief, but I really valued that friendship. In the end, he just used me as a foil. When I beat him, he stopped wishing me well. When I was in the All-Star Game, he teamed up with others to try and shut me down. So, unless he apologizes first, I'm definitely not going to give him the time of day, even if he’s friendly to you guys.”

Wu Lan didn't say anything; she wouldn't force her son to do anything.

Moreover, that's just how young people are—competitive and eager to win.

Their relationship may take a turn for the better when they reach a certain age.

When Carmelo Anthony walked into the locker room, he was a completely different person. He could suppress his emotions in front of a single mother and his child, but that didn't mean the loss was insignificant to him.

Losing to Lynch is something that Anthony will never easily accept, no matter how many times it happens.

He threw the towel hard onto the floor, and Zach Randolph comforted him, "Don't be angry, Melo. At least we're not like LeBron, who's 0-21 against Lynch. We lost tonight, but at least we've had our share of wins and losses against him."

When Carmelo Anthony heard LeBron James' name, he remembered the team's abysmal efficiency in attacking the basket tonight, and muttered to himself, "LeBron can beat Lynch, he just can't beat him in Cleveland."

"what?"

"It's nothing, Zack. In any case, we shouldn't compare ourselves to others. There's no point in comparing ourselves to someone who is inferior to us in every way."

"Pfft!" Randolph spat out a mouthful of water. "I almost thought you were praising LeBron, hahaha."

Carmelo Anthony didn't laugh. He did feel that LBJ was inferior to him in every aspect, but that didn't mean LBJ was a useless person.

He was recalling the plan his agent had mentioned when his phone rang; someone had sent him a text message.

Melon took out his phone and saw that it was a message from General Manager Joe Dumas.

"We need to meet up when we get back to Detroit."

Anthony had just finished reading when a second text message arrived.

"It's nothing, I just want to know if you want to carry out that plan."
-
The New York Knicks' 13-game winning streak to start the season has excited Sam Cassell, the team's player development consultant.

This guy, who moved the uncanny valley effect from the players' locker room to the coaching staff's office, hasn't faced a reporter's camera in a long time since retiring this summer.

When interviewed by ESPN again, Sam Cassell flashed a long-lost, human-like smile: "Lynch could definitely do it, God, it's incredible. I never thought I'd experience something like this twice."

Sam Cassell was referring to the Houston Rockets' 15-game winning streak at the start of the 93-94 season.

Lynch, who has now won 13 consecutive games, only needs three more wins to start a new era.

If Lynch succeeds, Sam Cassell will have the opportunity to participate in two historic winning streaks.

The reporter then produced a photo of Sam Cassell wearing a Rockets jersey during the team's 15-game winning streak at the start of the 93-94 season.

As Kassel looked at the photograph from 14 years ago, many memories flooded his mind.

In a daze, he seemed to touch Coach Rudy Tomjanovich's notebook filled with tactical notes and hear Hakeem Olajuwon's devout prayers before each game.

“We’d like to take a picture of you today,” the reporter said. “If Lynch succeeds, this will be your second time witnessing a winning start to the season.”

Facing the camera, Sam Cassell took the photo from 14 years ago, his eyes welling up with tears.

"I was way more handsome back then. Damn, youth is wonderful, time is truly the most ruthless thing in the world."

ESPN reporter:
As someone whose hairline receded even more severely than Clyde Drexler's in his later years during his rookie season, reporters really don't understand how Sam Cassell could make such a wrong remark.

Compared to those men who finish before even leaving the bathroom, time has never been merciless to you; you've always looked like this!
Although Kassel's bizarre remarks ruined the carefully built atmosphere, the interview was still broadcast on television.

The topic of the Knicks breaking their winning streak at the start of the season has been generating a lot of buzz lately.

Reebok will ensure that every achievement of Lynch is heavily publicized, sparing no effort to focus all eyes on the record-breaking New York No. 20.

Of course, this kind of overwhelming marketing offensive is a double-edged sword.

While elevating Lynch to god-like status, it also inadvertently amplified the potential negative impact of a possible failure.

Historically, the 23 vs. 24 matchups in 2009 and the Big Three dominating the league in 2011 were both heavily publicized by the media.

The consequence of failing to meet expectations is a defeat that will be mentioned by fans even more than a decade later, becoming an indelible stain on your entire career.

Therefore, Sam Cassell had a meal with Lynch.
He hoped Lynch wouldn't feel too much pressure.

Especially considering their next opponent is the Miami Heat, who eliminated the Knicks last season.

"The more the media sets up their cameras and microphones and points them at you, the more you should imagine those flashing lights as the ever-burning overhead lights in the training gym. I know that the pressure of revenge and winning streaks will overwhelm you in the next game. I know they can be overwhelming, but it's okay, relax."

Lynch looked at Cassell in front of him and couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Sam, you should know that Stephen is playing against me right now, right?"

"Of course I know. They're just two boring guys, competing to see who can win three consecutive championships first. One's in the NBA, the other's in the CBA, how can you compare? Stephen just wants to go to China to promote the Starbury brand, don't think I don't know that."

"How you compare isn't important. What's important is that you remember Stephen is now playing in the CBA. Times have changed, Sam. I'm not a kid anymore. I won't feel pressured. Thank you for your concern."

Sam Cassel looked at the wine glass in his hand, where his reflection was of himself in a suit, tie, and glasses.

Yes, times have changed.

However, Lynch's still youthful appearance makes it easy for people to still regard him as a child.

"Okay, maybe it's just me, the old guy, who's been nervous all along. I care a lot about last season's loss, and I want you to beat the Miami Heat this season more than anyone else."

You know, I've always wanted to tell the world that losing to the Heat wasn't because of you, but because of us last season.

It's like the Chicago Bulls were swept by the Celtics back then, not Michael Jordan being swept by Larry Bird.

I feel I owe you something; if only we old guys had performed better last season.
The fact that you were able to win this season proves that you weren't the one who lost last season.

"Relax, Sam. Do you think I'd let the tragedy of May repeat itself? And last season's loss is a loss, I'm not going to make excuses. We're teammates, why should we differentiate between us when we lose? I'll take down Miami, and more than once."

Sam Cassel saw no tension on Lynch's face, but rather something more intense deep in the young man's pupils—eyes that seemed like an insatiable abyss, devouring all boundaries called "enough."
-
Back home, Lin Qi opened the system.

He received a system notification while he was eating that a new task had appeared.

Lynch now cherishes the system missions because all the items in the talent shop from last season have increased in price since he won the MVP award.

Although he had been warned beforehand, Lin Qi really didn't expect the price to rise so sharply—it doubled.

A talent that I thought I could buy for 200 talent points now costs 400 points.

That's why Lynch only redeemed one Wesley Matthews step-back jumper talent last season.

Last season, Lynch also received a system mission with the goal of winning three consecutive championships, which would reward him with 800 talent points.

Unfortunately, Lynch failed to achieve his goal.

After commodity prices rise, it's not easy to become stronger simply by playing more matches.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the mission is key.

After opening the interface and looking at the tasks, Lin Qi fell silent.

Sam Cassell just acted like a kid, but the system, as always, acted like an old man.

Although you are 36 years old, you absolutely cannot hold the team back when they have the opportunity to break their winning streak at the start of the season.

[New Goal: Before breaking the Houston Rockets' 15-game winning streak to start the season, no slacking off in any game. No hands-on-hips defense, no failing to get back on defense, no missing a game. And, break the winning streak record with the team.]

[Reward: 200 talent points.]

Lynch:
This task was an insult to Lynch. Even if he was 36 years old, given his professional attitude, he would never walk around with his hands on his hips.

If he gets too old to keep up with the intensity of the competition, he would rather retire.

The most difficult part of the task is that you have to break the winning streak at the start, so overall it's not easy.

In any case, Lynch didn't want to miss another opportunity to complete the mission.

The system won't assign many tasks over the course of a season, so don't miss this opportunity.

Hatred, records, and talent points all intertwine tomorrow night.

That night when there was no room for error.

On November 25, 2008, Madison Square Garden was filled with the smoke of revenge.

Today, LeBron James can take a day off.

Because New York fans are currently desecrating a Paul Pierce doll. Paul Pierce has always been an arrogant guy; before LeBron James, he was arguably the league's biggest braggart.

In the original history, after winning the Finals MVP in 2008, Pierce's original words were: "I am the best player in the league right now."

Last season, after winning the series against the Knicks, he told the media, "I think I'm the best forward in the East right now."

To be honest, the first statement is more convincing, after all, he has the FMVP award.

But last season he said he was the best forward in the East, which clearly angered New York fans.

Amir Johnson and DeShawn Stevenson also like to boast about themselves, but their jokes about being "second in the East" always have a self-deprecating undertone.

At least DeShawn Stevenson knows he can't bluff Wade.

Since no one would compete for second place, no one has ever criticized their boasting.

Paul Pierce's unbridled self-promotion went far beyond the realm of jokes.

In the world of competitive sports, you can certainly boast. But to usurp the throne, you must bear the wrath of the king.

Tonight, when Paul Pierce stepped onto the court, the deafening boos from New York fans turned this basketball mecca into a trial.

But Paul Pierce wasn't scared. He mimicked the AI ​​by putting his hand to his ear and saying, "Louder, you bunch of bastards! I've made all the girls so loud!"

Then, the Knicks players entered the court to warm up.

Lynch looked at Wade and greeted him in a friendly manner: "Dwyane, it's a shame you're here tonight."

"Pity?"

"You know, on a night when we're so close to breaking the opening winning streak record, you can't possibly get out of here alive."

Paul Pierce joined the conversation, shaking his head: "Losers should shut the fuck up. Last season's losers should keep their tails between their legs."

The game is about to begin. The Heat's roster has not changed significantly compared to last season, except for a major upgrade at the center position.

During the offseason, they traded Mark Blunt's expiring contract and a second-round draft pick to the Denver Nuggets for Nene Hilario, and signed Dikembe Mutombo to a veteran's minimum contract.

Compared to last season when they could only rely on Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem to play center, the Heat have undoubtedly improved their toughness at the center position.

It is widely believed that the Heat lost to the Lakers in last season's Finals primarily because their interior defense was not tough enough.

Pau Gasol has many strengths, but he lacks a strong interior partner. Anyone who comes along can easily outmaneuver him.

Pat Riley's addition to the team was just right.

The team's record truly proves the ability of this lineup. Although the Heat are not on a 13-game winning streak like the Knicks, their 10-3 record is still excellent.

The referee tossed the ball, and Tyson Chandler won the first possession.

Nash called for a V-shaped screen, Mario Chalmers was shaken off, and Pau Gasol had to help defend.

Nash seized the opportunity and passed the ball to Lynch, who was cutting to the basket.

Faced with the blockage inside the lone-testicle warrior's penis, Lin Qi leaned on him and forcefully finished.

The Miami Heat's roster improvements may have been successful, but they are not enough to completely eliminate Lynch.

Last season, Stephon Marbury didn't have this kind of defensive presence.

Last season, Lynch had to score points while also orchestrating the offense.

This season, Lynch no longer has to be double-teamed by two or three people, he can comfortably accelerate, and he can focus on scoring.

His impact was like an unstoppable torrent of steel.

But the Heat quickly responded with a basket of their own.

Erik Spoelstra didn't use Wade to guard Nash precisely to allow Nash to unleash his full offensive firepower.

After using Pau Gasol's screen, Wade drove straight to the basket. Raja Bell tried his best to get around the screen from behind, but could only catch the tail end of the lightning bolt.

Unlike Lynch, who has been constantly adjusting and evolving, Dwyane Wade's playing style has remained almost unchanged over the years.

But he really doesn't need to change much, because his move is unstoppable.

With Tyson Chandler jumping hastily, Wade used an extremely smooth layup to evade the defense and easily score off the backboard.

Pau Gasol is an excellent pick-and-roll player, and once Wade sets a high-quality screen, it's almost impossible to shut him down.

It is well known that when the Knicks were unable to effectively contain Wade last season, and Lynch was also double-teamed, it was already quite an achievement that they still managed to snatch two games from the Heat.

The game continued, with Steve Nash leading a fast-paced storm that swept through Madison Square Garden.

He passed the ball to Ariza on the opposite corner, who then took a jump shot.

But the rim refused to give him the ball, and Ariza's shot bounced off the rim.

Just as Wade was preparing to counterattack, Lynch forcefully squeezed into the paint and grabbed the offensive rebound between Pau Gasol and Nene!
The moment he landed, Lin Qi immediately jumped up and slammed the ball down with both hands to score!

Mike Breen was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, pumping his fist in excitement: "The Miami Heat's offseason acquisitions in the paint are being destroyed by Lynch. It's like he's telling Eric that no matter who you put in the paint, the result is the same. This most dominant beast in the league is declaring with raw power that any defensive system against him is futile!"

Wade scored with a floater after a pick-and-roll, a move Tyson Chandler despises. The feeling of being so close to a block, but always falling just short, is incredibly frustrating.

Although Wade's playing style hasn't changed, he's been adding more and more details.

Over the years, his floater and pull-up jumper have improved significantly.

With the score tied at 4-4, Lynch and Wade were engaged in a superstar-level duel right from the start.

But basketball is not a one-on-one game. After one possession, Pau Gasol dared not let Lynch roll to the basket again, so Steve Nash set a screen and immediately took a fadeaway jump shot.

Mario Chalmers was left far behind, and Nash's basket put the Knicks back in the lead.

Sam Cassell waved a towel on the bench as if he were still a player and not a coach.

Lynch is no less than anyone on the Heat, and these few rounds have been enough to prove that.

When Lynch has a group of teammates who can match Wade, the Heat simply don't have an advantage.

As for Paul Pierce, that guy who calls himself the best forward in the East, Sam Cassell believes Lynch will make him pay.

The game continued, and Trevor Ariza couldn't just stand by and watch Wade score point after point.

So this time, when Wade attacked the basket again using a screen, Ariza on the wing moved quickly and successfully trapped the lightning bolt.

But Wade wasn't the kind of player who only had eyes for the basket; he passed the ball to Paul Pierce during the double team situation.

Pierce was a perfect fit for Wade as a supporting player.

His off-ball firepower can support Wade, and when Wade needs a rest, he can also create his own scoring opportunities in isolation.

All the forwards need to do around Wade is this: Wade doesn't need the strongest forwards; just give him a Pippen, and the Heat's floor won't be low.

Pierce raised the ball to shoot, but saw Lynch rush out to shoot.

Paul Pierce had a chance to pass to Gasol, but he decided to play around with number 20.

He retrieved the basketball and feigned a drive.

As Lynch retreated, Paul Pierce seized the opportunity, immediately stepping back to create space before unleashing a mid-to-long-range shot.

But when he was halfway up in the air, he realized that Lynch had not lost his position at all.

Lynch immediately caught up with Pierce the moment he retreated, using his larger body to block him.

Lynch did not underestimate Pierce's offensive footwork, but Pierce greatly underestimated Lynch's one-on-one defensive footwork.

Pierce made a difficult shot, but the basketball couldn't even get past Lynch's palm, let alone his fingertips.

"Snapped!"

Pierce and Lynch landed at the same time. Lynch raised the basketball high with one arm and stood in front of Pierce with his chin raised.

He just caught Pierce's shot!

"Show off your one-on-one skills? This isn't your game. Get out of here and give the damn ball to Dwyane Wade."

After Lynch finished speaking, he quickly passed the ball to Nash and launched a new offensive.

On the bench, DeShawn Stevenson excitedly yelled at Pierce, who was standing still.

"Get moving, Paul! Get moving! Don't give up so soon, man! We haven't even started yet!"

The flames of revenge will burn the entire Heat team.

But someone always has to bear more.

Without a doubt, that lucky one has appeared.

(Though late, it arrived)
(End of this chapter)