Champion Rules

Chapter 206, Part 202: Punishment is Inevitable (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

The New York Knicks swept the Orlando Magic 4-0.

The most awkward thing is not magic.

Instead, it's the Cavaliers and the Pistons.

While they were all boasting that this was the strongest Orlando Magic team in history since Penny and Shaq, they never imagined that the Knicks would defeat this team so easily.

However, something even more embarrassing is happening in Cleveland.

Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat series is a do-or-die battle that all Cleveland fans are watching closely.

The entire city's fans held their breath, as the Cavaliers were already down 2-3, and LeBron James had to fight for his life in his hometown.

Lynch told Dwight Howard that things were becoming a reality, and LeBron James also knew what losing this series meant.

This means he will be at the bottom of the dream team.

LBJ once thought that the person who invented the concept of the Dream Team should be shot.

But after learning that the concept came from his "wife" David McMenamin, LBJ was speechless.

The original intention of this concept was to classify LBJ in the same category as players like Lynch and Anthony.

But as it turns out, competitive sports do not tolerate cheating.

Yes or no, it either is fine or it isn't.

Forcing oneself into a level far beyond one's own capabilities will ultimately lead to failure and downfall.

Before the game, LeBron James greeted the Heat players and made some tough remarks: "Dwyane, I don't want Lynch to keep waiting. We're going to win two straight games."

Wade glanced nervously at Paul Pierce, then the two of them burst into laughter.

James:
“LeBron,” Paul Pierce said, suppressing a laugh, “wake up. You’ve never been Lynch’s arch-rival. You’re just a clown in front of Lynch. We eliminated Lynch last season, and he’s eager to play like a man again this year. That’s what an arch-rival is, man. An arch-rival is about back and forth, not 24 losses and 0 wins.”

Paul Pierce has always been known for his sharp tongue, and this relentless barrage of criticism made LBJ's palms tremble.

He left with a vicious remark: "I hope you don't poop in your pants again tonight, you little poop."

"Ha, you think you're Lin Qi?"

The game began, with LBJ personally guarding Pierce tonight, while Wade was left to Tayshaun Prince.

Cavaliers fans cheered with joy; finally, LeBron James had stepped up to the challenge.

In the previous few games, he was guarding players like Mario Chalmers.

How can the Miami Heat win when LBJ learns to take responsibility?
Paul Pierce is done for tonight!

Then, Paul Pierce played his best game of the series so far.

He scored relentlessly against LBJ's defense, and his mid-range skills made LBJ look incredibly clumsy.

Fortunately, LeBron James wasn't completely overwhelmed; he was just trading blows with Paul Pierce.

Pierce's defense also had no good way to deal with LBJ. The King had an outstanding mid-range and long-range shooting touch tonight, and the two were evenly matched in this scoring battle.

The score remained close until the very end. In the crucial moment, LBJ stopped passing the ball, but a missed long-range shot and a bizarre dribbling error ultimately sealed the game.

Paul Pierce, on the contrary, hit consecutive shots at crucial moments, first sinking a three-pointer and then calmly making two important free throws under the pressure of playing on the road.

Ultimately, the score was 97-93. LeBron James scored 45 points, and Paul Pierce scored 41. After a high-scoring battle, the Miami Heat advanced.

LeBron James' reaction after losing the game was calmer than people expected.

He certainly wanted to win, but he had already set a mental expectation for himself during the regular season: it would be difficult for me to succeed in Cleveland.

And he gave it his all tonight. He scored a game-high 45 points, and no one can criticize a player who scores 45 points in a single game.

At the post-game press conference, LeBron James made a statement that he believed was fine, but which sparked a public outcry.

“At least, fans have a chance to forget the battle between Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins and remember what LeBron and Paul Pierce did,” he said with a smile. “I’m proud of myself; it was a battle that will go down in history.”

No one denies LBJ's excellence tonight, but people don't understand why he's so proud of himself after losing the series.

As the star player of a team, you can't just be complacent because you score a lot of points and your plus-minus is positive.

This statement thrust him into the spotlight, with Paul Pierce commenting: "If it were me, if it were Dwyane, if it were Kobe, if it were Lynch, we would never be proud after losing a game. Listen, you carried the expectations of a city, and you let your fans down. And you're proud of yourself just because you scored a lot? If your team loses every time you score a lot, you should probably score less."

Tayshaun Prince, who had long been dissatisfied with LeBron James and head coach Brian Scott, finally snapped and publicly criticized them at a press conference: "If someone on your team is happy when they lose, that team is terrible—you know what? LeBron told me that himself!"

A reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer immediately followed up: "TyShawn, are you publicly criticizing LBJ because you're determined to leave Cleveland? We were just one step away from the Eastern Conference Finals this year, are you really going to abandon this team at this time?"

Tayshaun Prince almost burst out laughing: "Me? Abandon the team? LeBron James might not even be going anywhere this summer!"

This statement left the Cleveland media present speechless.

Yes, their trusted LeBron James, the LeBron James they protect, the little king who carries the hopes of the entire city, who might not even stay with the team next season.

However, they believe in LBJ's character.

The team will help him strengthen his roster; he will get better teammates. Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton, among others, will be entering the free agent market this summer.

He will surely ascend the throne in Cleveland.

The next day, many memes based on LBJ's remarks immediately appeared online.

"Although I messed up this exam, at least my parents have the opportunity to forget my poor performance last time and only remember what I did this time. I am proud of myself; this was a battle that will go down in history."

“Although I’ve been to jail and I’m guilty, I at least got $200. I’m proud of myself; it was a battle that will go down in history.”

"Although I only lasted 30 seconds last night, at least my wife will forget about her lover within those 30 seconds. I am proud of myself; this is a battle to protect our love that will go down in history."

Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Ballard claims:
"When I see so many kids imitating LBJ's speech, his tone, stomping on his toys, and yelling 'You play like LeBron' in games that have nothing to do with him, I suddenly realize that Kobe, Melo, Dwyane, and Lynch are just great stars of this era. LeBron is different from them because LeBron defined this era."

The sarcastic remarks from a Sports Illustrated reporter made Carmelo Anthony laugh.

“What a bunch of bastards,” Anthony commented. “LeBron didn’t deserve this. He was just a few points away from winning that damn game, and he really did his best.”

At that moment, Carmelo Anthony was sitting on his sofa at home.

Across from him was Pistons general manager Joe Dumars.

Dumas has been eagerly anticipating the upcoming summer and has been planning for it for a long time.

But at this moment, watching the global storm of mockery against LeBron James sweep across his phone screen, his resolve to carry out the plan wavered for the first time.

"Regarding our plans—" Joe Dumars glanced at the world's mockery of LBJ on his phone screen and hesitated before speaking, "I'm a little unsure whether LeBron James is the kind of person who would do anything to win. He seems more concerned with his scoring than winning."

Carmelo Anthony patted Joe Dumars on the back of his hand and reassured him, "Don't worry, LeBron isn't exactly a great leader, just like Scottie Pippen couldn't lead the Bulls to success on his own. But if he plays the role of a second option, I believe he would be an excellent partner, I'm very certain of that."

"The problem is," Joe Dumars pressed, "what makes you so sure LeBron would be content to just be your second-in-command?"

After Joe Dumars asked the question, Cameron Anthony's eyes widened, as if he found the question somewhat unbelievable.

"Why? Hey, I have two championship rings and a Finals MVP. What about LeBron? He's never even touched the Eastern Conference Finals floor! And this is my team. It's not me going to the Cleveland Cavaliers, it's LeBron wanting to come to the Detroit Pistons to join me. What makes LeBron think this has to be his team?"

Dumars remains worried, with LeBron's past controversial remarks continuing to resurface.

LBJ's various statements have proven that there is nothing in this world he is incapable of doing.

“Melo,” he said earnestly, “I still hope you can have a good talk with LeBron this summer. You two are brothers, and he should be honest with you. To be honest, I’ve always been worried about LeBron’s integrity. But at least, he wouldn’t lie to his brothers, would he?”

“Of course,” Carmelo Anthony said confidently, “I’ll definitely have an open and honest talk with him. If this amazing plan succeeds, Joe, we’ll be invincible! Lynch? Kobe? They’ll both become footnotes to the Detroit dynasty! We’re talking about a plan to assemble three All-NBA players this season!”

Deron Williams and LeBron James—that's what the Detroit Pistons are targeting this summer.

This was an incredibly opportune moment. They freed up the salaries of Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, and Rasheed Wallace, which was enough for the Pistons to sign LeBron James directly.

In addition, due to the unpleasantness between Deron Williams and the team, the Pistons have the opportunity to acquire Deron through a sign-and-trade.

Carmelo Anthony has spoken with LeBron James and Deron Williams multiple times, and both have shown great interest in the matter.

In the past, star-studded lineups were often the result of team management.

This time, however, it's an unprecedented super combination orchestrated by the players themselves.

In fact, LeBron James was the one who initiated the call to Carmelo Anthony.

This will completely change history, not only because of the strength of this roster, but also because the players have officially tipped the scales of power in the league.

This will be a groundbreaking and great combination!
Carmelo Anthony couldn't hide his excitement at the thought of the power of this combination.

In his view, with three young stars of All-NBA caliber, victory was practically guaranteed, and defeat was simply not a reason to lose—the Miami Heat only had Dwyane Wade as an All-NBA player, while Pierce and Gasol were only brought into the All-NBA team after joining the Heat, and the Lakers' Big Three were past their prime.

Only the combination planned by the Pistons can bring together young All-Star players in their prime!

A day later, Dwyane Wade and his Miami Heat arrived in New York.

Last season's results were something Wade was proud of; he personally interrupted Lynch's path to the championship and truly joined the ranks of top stars.

The referee's whistle is the best proof of this – this season, Wade has been more likely to receive sympathy from the referees.

In addition, he is a player who mainly relies on driving to the basket, so he often gets a lot of free throws.

This season, Wade leads the league in average free throw attempts, followed by Lynch, who takes more mid-range shots and is heavily promoted by the league.

Therefore, Dwyane Wade is satisfied with the current game.

If he can beat Lynch again, his league standing will rise significantly.

The benefits of defeating Lynch far outweigh those of defeating any other player.

As soon as Paul Pierce got off the plane and boarded the team bus, he nudged Wade with his elbow while looking at his phone: "Damn it, I don't want to participate in this ceremony at all."

Wade glanced at the phone Paul Pierce handed him; the headline was eye-catching: "After a year, Lynch becomes the regular season MVP for the second time in his career! The award ceremony will be held before Game 1 of the Heat vs. Knicks series."

Wade was not surprised by this; Lynch's 73 wins were indeed of great significance.

But he wasn't jealous; he was even excited.

“Paul, last season we beat Lynch and gained fame and money,” Dwyane Wade laughed. “Last summer, my new endorsements more than doubled. Apart from not winning the championship, it was a wonderful summer.”

"Indeed, I have also received quite a few new endorsement offers."

"So, if we can beat MVP Lynch Paul this season, we'll be the most famous star in the entire league."

Paul Pierce stared at the word "MVP" on his phone and grinned: "Sounds pretty good!"

Meanwhile, at the Greenburg training center, Patrick Ewing was still conducting defensive drills against Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan.

Lynch stared at DeAndre Jordan, pondering something.

This guy, who was invited to the green room last summer but was humiliatingly not selected by the Knicks until the end of the first round, has been diligently playing a substitute role this season.

Aside from a lack of experience, DeAndre Jordan's performance was generally quite good.

But he is still a rookie, so he inevitably gets nervous in crucial games and makes mistakes like butterfingers.

During the playoffs, he made significantly more butterfingers.

For DeAndre Jordan, playing for the New York Knicks was indeed very stressful.

Therefore, Lynch doesn't intend to push him too hard, lest he become the next Kwame Brown who actively asks his teammates not to pass the ball to him.

After today's training session, Lynch specifically sought out DeAndre Jordan.

"Man, I hope you're ready. Next up, we're facing the best penetrator in the entire league."

DeAndre Jordan scratched his head with a self-deprecating laugh: "You should say that to Tyson, he's the starting center who decides everything. Me? I might contribute a few comical moments of not being able to catch the ball."

But Lynch's tone was serious:
“Starting from the next game, you will also be largely influencing the outcome. We all know Dwyane’s playing style, Tyson may get into foul trouble, and you will get more playing time. Don’t be nervous, you’ve already made those teams that passed on you regret it during the regular season. Now, you’re going to make them regret it so much they can’t sleep.”

When the topic came up, DeAndre Jordan rubbed his hands together excitedly: "If I can really stop Dwyane, those bastards will have to line up and apologize to me!"

"Don't be nervous, De Andre, don't make any more mistakes in receiving the ball."

"No, I'll be like Steve, always licking the sweat off my hands."

Lynch:
The next day, at Madison Square Garden, David Stern presented Lynch with the Defensive Player of the Year trophy and the regular season MVP trophy.

Compared to the grand award ceremony held in Times Square when he first won the MVP award, this time the ceremony was much simpler.

After the awards ceremony, Lynch walked to the center court and greeted Wade, Pierce, and Gasol.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all for the second year in a row," Lynch said with a smile.

“Likewise, we’re also very happy.” Dwyane Wade’s smile was equally radiant.

Both sides viewed each other as prey.

“No,” Lynch shook his head, his smile fading. “You shouldn’t be happy. Those who stand in our way will be punished. This isn’t just a competition, it’s not just about personal honor. This is a personal feud, you bastards.”

After saying that, Lin Qi walked back to his own half of the court.

Wade, Pierce, and Gasol looked at each other in bewilderment.

Pierce frowned. "Is that bastard threatening us?"

"It's just a bluff. We beat him once, so of course we'll beat him a second time."

At the start of the game, the Miami Heat secured the first possession.

Dwyane Wade decided to take the first shot, facing Raja Bell with the ball and accelerating to break through.

Raja Bell caught up in time and used his strong physique to stop him.

But the Flash didn't stop. He skillfully turned around, using Raja Bell as a pivot, and drove into the paint for a layup.

Tyson Chandler was currently being entangled with Nene Hilario and was unable to immediately return to the basket to stop Wade.

But the moment Wade made his layup, Lynch jumped back up under the basket and stretched out his arm.

Wade didn't have time to pass the ball to Pau Gasol anymore, so he had no choice but to take the shot.

"What the hell!"

"boom!!!"

As expected, the basketball was pinned to the backboard.

Dwyane Wade was sent flying out of bounds by Lynch's violent collision.

But the referee did not blow the whistle.

Clearly, Dwyane Wade's "whistle power" was neutralized in front of Lynch, the true face of the league.

He can get away with anything from other people, but the league will not allow him to get away with anything from Lynch.

Wade, who had fallen flat on his face, sat on the ground. Lynch, who had also stumbled to the ground, strode to the basket, looked down at the disheveled Dwyane Wade, and said with a very serious expression:
"Punishment begins, Dwayne!"

(End of this chapter)