Champion Rules

Chapter 209, Part 205: No, no, no, this is fucking a Game 7! (Seeking monthly votes!)

The Knicks were not too satisfied with the results of the draw.

He only managed to get the sixth pick, narrowly missing out on his dream of being in the top five. This further convinced Lynch that the lottery draw was nothing more than a staged spectacle manipulated by the league.

David Stern needs a big market like New York to win games, and he needs superstars in New York.

But he also enjoys the competition within the league.

He hopes the Knicks can win, but he absolutely does not want the Knicks to dominate without any suspense.

The Knicks were "drawn" the sixth pick in the draft, which seems to be the best option for the league.

This draft position is not so low as to be glaringly obvious or seem fake, and it can effectively prevent the Knicks from getting their hands on the top five talents of 2009.

The 2009 NBA draft was not considered a year of great talent, with a large number of guards and a lack of exceptionally gifted, monster-level rookies with amazing physical attributes.

Even Blake Griffin, the top pick in the draft, has a rather impressive wingspan.

Hasheem Thabeet, one of the few players with top-tier raw talent, was not widely favored due to his advanced age and rough technique—you can't say that a player whose arm tilts to the side when shooting will definitely succeed just because he is tall.

Scouts can still distinguish between Tim Duncan and Michael Olowokandi.

Among the remaining defenders, the general consensus is that it is unlikely that any true superstars will emerge.

The best role model for James Harden, one of the top three favorites, is Manu Ginobili.

Stephen Curry is considered a flawed version of Steve Nash, with a significantly enhanced dunking ability but weakened playmaking skills.

These are already players who have secured a top-five pick; their chances of being selected are not particularly high.

Therefore, once the Knicks miss out on the top five picks, their chances of finding a superstar player from the subsequent picks have undoubtedly become extremely slim.

This greatly balanced the competitive environment of the league.

With the Knicks already having a dominant player like Lynch, David Stern definitely didn't want to see him playing with a player who could potentially become the next Steve Nash—although Lynch is currently playing alongside Steve Nash himself, the whole world knows that the "Son of the Wind's" form won't last for many more years.

But what if a Nash who could maintain his peak performance for another ten years collaborated with the current Lynch? That would be terrifying.

After returning from the draft lottery, Sam Presti gave Lynch a heads-up: "With our current assets, it's very difficult to improve our draft position by trading up. Even at a very high cost, we'll only get fifth at best. So, besides James, Stephen, and DeMar, you need to give me some alternatives. I can't guarantee that we can definitely get all three of them."

"Then let's figure out a way for Sam."

"Of course I'll try to find a way. In fact, one of those three could fall out of the top five if some idiot in the top five really picks Johnny Flynn. But I always have to prepare for the worst."

“Johnny Flynn?” Lynch’s eyes widened in surprise. “What does this have to do with him? As far as I know, Ricky Rubio’s draft prospects aren’t much better than his. Even if someone manages to squeeze into the top five by accident, it won’t be Johnny Flynn’s turn.”

"I've sent scouts to watch every game that kid plays over the past year, just to make it seem like I'm really interested in him. The lesson of missing out on Serge Ibaka last summer was too profound, and I've decided I can't make the same mistake again. I absolutely can't let outsiders easily figure out my target again. Now, let's see if my little trick will work."

"No matter what, Sam, James, Stephen, and DeMar are always the best options. If you fail, Jrue Holiday is also a good choice. But I don't think he needs the sixth pick, so it's up to you how you handle it. But remember, absolutely never use this lottery pick to select a center!"

“I understand,” Sam Presti replied. “You’ve said it at least a million times: you don’t think you’ve got a single big man in this draft class.”

“Just remember that,” Lynch ended the conversation. “Let’s leave the draft aside for now. I still have the Eastern Conference Finals to play.”

After Lin Qi finished speaking, he walked out of the general manager's office.

Sam Presti stared at the player list, his gaze lingering on the names of Trevor Ariza and Tyson Chandler.

He picked up his pen and drew a heavy red circle over both names.

These two players are key role players for the Knicks. Although they are not superstars, they are important forces in building the foundation of the team's dynasty.

According to the Wizards' trade offer, they are the "key" to acquiring a valuable top-five draft pick.

This is a classic dilemma: "Should we trade our current combat capabilities for an uncertain future?"

Sam Presti didn't think it was a weak draft class, and he ranked the three rookies that Lynch needed most—Stephen Curry, James Harden, and DeMar DeRozan.

In his eyes, the first two have the extraordinary potential to grow into true superstars, and DeMar DeRozan is also good, with a ceiling that could probably reach the level of an All-Star starter.

Therefore, if he has the chance to select either Stephen Curry or James Harden with the fifth pick, he will choose to trade them—of course, with Lynch's approval.

However, if he can't select these two potential stars with the fifth pick, and his only goal is to get DeMar DeRozan, he would rather maintain the status quo than make any changes to the foundation.

But that's all in the future. As Lynch reminded them, the team still has the Eastern Conference semifinals to play.

Game 2 between the Knicks and the Heat was still intense.

Dwyane Wade learned his lesson, toned down his arrogance, and became much more low-key.

The entire Heat team was influenced by him, and they didn't even talk much trash to the Knicks tonight.

The two sides played a match that was unusually quiet.

Wade frequently initiated pick-and-rolls tonight, attempting to open up the game with mid-range jump shots, but unfortunately his touch was ice cold.

Lynch was worn down by the intense defense, and his jump shot was also off the line on offense.

With both star players' scoring prowess significantly reduced, the only way to tip the scales of the game was through a tenacious defense.

In the decisive moment, Lynch, as always, roared and commanded the defense with his aggressive style; while Dwyane Wade, who chose to keep a low profile, remained as silent as David Robinson in the 90s who couldn't subdue Rodman.

This stark contrast in momentum instantly amplified the subtle differences in the stalemate between the two sides.

Ultimately, thanks to a more aggressive and confident overall defensive performance, the New York Knicks held on to their home court and secured another victory.

2 is better than 0!

New Yorkers were overjoyed.

They felt the Miami Heat were also vulnerable; Dwyane Wade already had a buzz cut, how far was he from going bald?

Some fans even believe that the next time the Knicks play at home, it will be like playing in the NBA Finals.

After the game, Dwyane Wade himself clearly felt that the team's performance was abnormal: "We were so close, damn it! I feel like something's missing, I can't quite put my finger on it..."

Back in the locker room, Dwyane Wade pondered what the team was missing, so he simply sat quietly by himself.

Pau Gasol pressed his fist to his forehead and muttered repeatedly, "Damn it! If only I could score a few more points."

Paul Pierce was furiously pounding the wall: "Damn refereeing league! Why does that bastard Lynch never get fouled when he's on defense?!"

Meanwhile, head coach Erik Spoelstra was preoccupied with a heated debate with his assistants about the tactics board.

The entire locker room was filled with scattered complaints and noisy arguments.

Just then, Pat Riley walked into the locker room.

What came into view was a team that was completely disorganized.

After coldly surveying the chaotic locker room, he clapped his hands and shouted, "Alright, listen to me!"

No one responded.

No one looked up at him.

Everyone seemed deaf, continuing to talk to themselves or discuss other things, immersed in their own emotional vortex.

Pat Riley stopped shouting and walked to the whiteboard, suddenly punching it, creating a loud "bang".

This tactic worked perfectly; the locker room fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were on Pat Riley.

Pat Riley was furious: "Can you all shut the fuck up?! Everyone, get the fuck to your seats and listen up!"

The players paused for a few seconds, then quickly returned to their positions, including head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Riley calmly lit a cigar, the red glow of the cigarette butt flickering in the stagnant air: "What were you guys doing just now? Huh? Complaining, frustrated, surrendering. Fuck, is this the limit for a bunch of people who keep yelling about winning the championship?!"

Then, his icy gaze pierced the corner, almost snapping his cigar in half: "Dwyane Wade! Where's the energy you had when you led Miami past LeBron? Damn it, beating LeBron James has made you forget what it feels like to fight a tough battle, hasn't it? Are you only brave enough to face a softie like LeBron now?"
The leader should shout! What are you doing cowering there? Incubating eggs?!

"We can't be afraid of anyone, we can't show weakness in front of anyone! We don't need to keep a low profile, what we need is desire and anger! If you want to win, you have to be tough! Why were we able to eliminate the Knicks last season? Because we never thought about keeping a low profile from beginning to end!"

That roar was like a hammer blow, shattering the fog in Dwyane Wade's mind. His attempt not to provoke Lynch's excessive caution only made the entire team timid and demoralized.

Dwyane Wade slowly raised his head, then stood up and walked to the middle of the locker room. "Guys," he said, his gaze sweeping over each of his teammates before finally settling on Pat Riley, "it's fucking time for Lynch to bleed a little in Miami!"

The Miami Heat were incredibly tough when they returned to their home court.

Pau Gasol exploded, repeatedly scoring against DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler in one-on-one situations. He unleashed all the skills he had in his career, taking turns using them on the two centers who were responsible for guarding him one-on-one.

He scored 36 points, breaking his career playoff scoring record.

Paul Pierce, while trash-talking, scored 22 points over Trevor Ariza and Wilson Chandler.

Of course, the most important person is Wade.

Tonight, he stopped focusing on mid-range shots and started attacking the basket again, going head-to-head with Lynch.

Dwyane Wade scored 32 points tonight, utilizing exaggerated finishes after various missteps and exceptional three-point shooting.

The Miami Heat succeeded; they made the unparalleled New York King bleed in Miami.

Lynch also had a great performance tonight, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots.

But the Knicks still lost 101-108.

2-1, the Miami Heat refused to be swept like their previous opponents!
Pat Riley stood up and applauded after the game; he was very happy.

It's not just because the team won, but also because Dwyane Wade has now become a true leader.

After finishing his interview, Wade walked into the players' tunnel and found Riley already waiting at the entrance.

Riley wore his gleaming championship ring tonight as he stepped forward to give Wade a tight hug.

“A beautiful victory, Dwyane,” Riley exclaimed, patting his core on the back.

"You should say this is the first great victory!" Wade responded with a smile, "because there will be a second, and a third!"

Pat Riley patted Wade's head with one hand, and with his other hand, adorned with a championship ring, he pulled a cigar from his suit pocket and handed it to Wade.

Dwyane Wade took it with both hands and recognized it as a Cohiba fighter.

"What? Are you planning to give me one every time you win a game? I reckon that would empty your pockets," Wade joked.

“No, Dwyane,” Riley said solemnly, “keep it. Light it on the day you win the championship. Trust me, it will be the most unforgettable taste of your life, the most exhilarating bite you’ll ever have. I think you’re ready. Yes, ready to pursue that ultimate honor.”

After hearing Riley's words, Wade's playful expression gradually faded.

He understood that the fortune teller was offering more than just a cigar; he was conveying a weighty sense of recognition.

He carefully put the cigar away and looked up at Riley: "Could you light this cigar for me later?"

Riley readily agreed: "Ah, as you wish, boy."

"Oh, right, I have one more request."

"You're asking for too much today."

"In the next game, I want to guard Steve Nash the entire game! The entire game!"

Pat Riley was visibly taken aback, his fingertips unconsciously twirling the championship ring that symbolized his glory: "Go tell Eric that he is your head coach."

Watching Wade's murderous figure disappear into the distance, Pat Riley took a deep breath.

He sensed that the next battle would be far more brutal than he had imagined.

尽管系列赛才打到第三场，但3比1与2比2的天壤之别，足以将双方逼入绝境——3比1会让热火命悬一线，2比2则可能让尼克斯士气崩塌。

In other words, the next battle will be a true test of life and death.

After three fierce battles, this complex and intertwined feud has finally reached its final, head-to-head confrontation.

Larry's fingers stopped spinning the Ring of Glory, but the fate of the championship ring began to turn at that moment.
-
Steve Nash collapsed on the locker room floor for a full twenty minutes, his body seemingly drained of all strength, remaining motionless.

His performance tonight was like two sides of a coin.

In the first half, he remained the All-Star caliber point guard, moving with agility and ease. However, in the second half, after facing relentless pressure from Dwyane Wade, he only made 2 of 7 shots.

Although Wind Child never judges a hero by his score, this poor performance still left him feeling deeply frustrated.

However, he was still very dissatisfied with his performance in the second half.

Dwyane Wade's pressure was one aspect, but the Heat's number 3's terrifyingly strong physique also caused Nash a lot of trouble.

He even received a short period of electrotherapy between the third and fourth quarters to relieve the pain.

As the playoffs progressed, the escalating intensity made Nash acutely aware of the relentless passage of time.

His back is more vulnerable than ever before, and it seems that every game he plays from now on will push him to his limit.

As the team's number two player, his physical condition is a major concern for him.

He worried that he had brought his crownless curse to New York.

Lynch looked at Nash, who was temporarily unable to move on the ground, got up, took a sip of water, and then waved for Philip Sanders.

"Philip, come here for a second, I have something to tell you."

When Philip Sanders saw Lynch push open the door to the physiotherapy room, he immediately followed him inside.

The treatment room still held the equipment that had just given Nash electrotherapy, its surface covered with shocking needle marks. Although Lynch had never experienced it firsthand, just looking at the dense clusters of needle marks on Nash's back was enough to imagine the pain.

“What is it, Lynch?” Sanders asked.

“Steve is under a lot of pressure,” Lynch said bluntly. “Dwyane Wade is one of the most defensively aggressive guards in the league. It’s not easy for an old guard to deal with him.”

“I understand,” Flip Sanders responded, “but that’s the norm in the NBA playoffs, and Raja did a pretty good job putting pressure on Dwyane, so that kid wasn’t having an easy time either.”

“Raga is really great,” Lynch admitted, but then changed his tone, “but that level of pressure is just scratching the surface for a player of Dwyane’s caliber. Listen, Phil, although the series is only three games in, we’ve clearly reached a critical turning point. We have to step up our defense against Dwyane and respond to him the way he dealt with Steve!”

"What are you planning to do? We can't use Trevor to sandwich Dwayne, and Paul Pierce is also a big threat."

Lynch's answer was unequivocal: "I plan to play the three in the next game so I can get closer to Dwyane. In the last few games, I've only been able to wait in the paint to intercept him, which has made it too easy for him to drive. If I play the three, I can put pressure on him the moment he gets the ball! As for Paul, let the other guys rotate faster!"

"That would be too taxing on you."

Lynch waved his hand to interrupt Philip Sanders: "I bet Dwyane Wade will guard Steve the whole game in the next game, and I'll do the same to him. At this point, exhaustion is no longer important."

Flip Sanders didn't say anything more; the series had reached this point.

It's a moment when we have to hurt each other, giving our all.

"I'll talk to the coaching staff. You should rest well these few days. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. We're not playing a Game 7."

"No, no, no, this is fucking a Game 7! Believe me, once it's 3-1, the Heat's little spark will be extinguished!"

Lynch pushed open the door and stepped out, just in time to see Steve Nash propping himself up and sitting up, the sweat on his back glistening in the light.

Nash's gaze swept over Lynch, his tone low and steady: "What were you and Phil whispering about?"

"Nothing much, just wanted to talk about my upcoming game where I'll be playing the small forward position."

"You're playing position three?"

"Huh? What's your reaction?" Lin Qi raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying his usual sarcasm. "Even clumsy LBJ can play point guard, so why can't I play small forward?"

“No, that’s not it,” Nash slowly shook his head. “It’s just that whatever you’re planning, if you include me, I can still fight.”

“Nonsense, you have to be able to fight,” Lynch punched Nash on the shoulder. “When we first met, you promised that our goal was a dynasty. This is just the beginning, old man. Don’t try to slack off. If the dynasty isn’t established, you’ll keep fighting.”

(End of this chapter)