Champion Rules

Chapter 278, Section 274: A Challenge to God (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
The amount of effort a player puts into training during the offseason is not directly related to his or her ability.

The worst player of every offseason: Nikola Jokic.

The most hardworking player every offseason: Ben Simmons.

Of course, you could also say they're on different tracks.

For Nikola Jokic, his battlefield is the NBA.

For Ben Simmons, his battlefield is Call of Duty.

In short, diligence does not necessarily allow you to surpass others.

No matter how hard you try, it's hard to be like "Child Emperor" Yuzuru Yuki, who can complete a high-quality work every two days on average.

But clearly, diligence can help you surpass yourself.

Lynch has completely surpassed himself this summer; he is no longer afraid of outstanding perimeter defenders like Gerald Wallace.

Of course, Gerald Wallace was not without resistance.

Any top NBA star will inevitably find it difficult to be matched up against someone of the All-Defensive First Team caliber.

However, compared to the suffocating pressure Kobe Bryant put on Lynch in last season's Finals, Gerald Wallace's defensive limitations were not as effective against Lynch at this moment.

San Antonio fans were devastated by their experience, feeling that the opening game was a stage deliberately set up by David Stern for Lynch, with the Spurs merely a prop to accompany his performance.

After the first quarter, the Spurs were down by 11 points.

In the second quarter, the Spurs allowed Yao Ming to rest for a long time. With one less offensive option, the Spurs could only find solutions on the defensive end.

Lynch's shooting touch cooled off somewhat in this quarter, and with the Spurs implementing a tighter double-team strategy, his offensive output was noticeably less impressive than in the first quarter.

But DeMar DeRozan stepped up.

He scored consecutive points over George Hill and Manu Ginobili, taking on the responsibility of being the team's second star.

Although DeMar DeRozan's offensive style is as boring as that of a traditional man who has only ever been fed by missionaries.

But basketball games aren't about climaxes; they're about efficiency and victory.

DeAndre Jordan also displayed excellent defensive form, delivering two blocks to Manu Ginobili in a single quarter.

Mike Brin was excited about his progress: "Tonight, we can drop his name and just call him Jordan!"

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last long. When Yao Ming returned at the end of the second quarter, Jordan became the next Jordan.

DeAndre Jordan has three weaknesses against Yao Ming: he can't defend Yao Ming's hook shot, his turnaround jump shot, or his strong drives to the basket.

For Yao Ming, a manager and operator of the restricted area from Shanghai, this was a game-changer compared to a young man from rural Texas.

He made DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler look like they only deserved to compete for a starting position in the CBA.

Although Yao Ming's return at the end of the second quarter slightly stemmed the bleeding for the Spurs, the Spurs were still down by 15 points at the end of the first quarter.

In the third quarter, Lynch regained his touch, delivering several beautiful dribbling moves followed by pull-up jump shots that were a feast for the eyes.

When he encountered TD's help defense, Wilson Chandler's three-pointers and consistent drives punished the Spurs' decision-making.

Mike Brin saw ESPN data expert John Hollinger's analysis of the past three quarters of the game on his computer and incorporated it into his commentary:

"Compared to last season, the defending champions' defense has declined."

Steve's defense got worse, not because he wasn't trying, but because his physique inevitably became a hindrance.

Demar is energetic, but lacks Raja Bell's experience and toughness.

Wilson is undoubtedly a more offensively threatening wing player, but his defense cannot be compared to Ron Artest's last season.

However, the Knicks' offense is even more formidable.

Last season, DeMar mainly relied on sporadic cuts and catch-and-shoot mid-range shots to score, but this season he has transformed into a one-on-one player who can independently handle the ball.

Wilson's improvement in shooting has been remarkable; he is a consistent open responder.

On the bench, there's also Lei Lei, a reliable long-range artilleryman.

Of course, the most crucial transformation still came from Lynch.

I can't find any weaknesses in him on the offensive end.

After saying this, Mike Brin glanced at the champion banners fluttering in the dome of Madison Square Garden.

Three seasons ago, the New York Knicks also had the opportunity to build a three-peat dynasty.

But the aging roster, injuries, and the inevitable challenges of a championship run ultimately overwhelmed the young Kings of New York.

Today, the New York Knicks are actually facing many similar difficulties. Their journey to a three-peat is no easier than the last one, and it is just as fraught with challenges.

But this time, Mike Brin was filled with certainty.

Even if it requires navigating waters full of reefs, Lynch can now steer the Knicks ship steadily towards victory.

In the fourth quarter, Lynch continued his steady performance, and Ray Allen also seized his limited playing time to hit two three-pointers.

Meanwhile, on the Spurs' side, Yao Ming had a classic fourth-quarter meltdown, and his signature move, "Ghost Blade," was stuck halfway through its sheath, resulting in 1 of 5 shots made in the quarter. Duncan's low-post game against Lynch was also not going to be advantageous.

The demon sword, still unwilling to give up, decided to bring victory to the Spurs in a tough, manly way.

He fell while dribbling, fell while shooting, and fell down with Ron Artest after making eye contact.

Compared to the hardness of a floor, this guy isn't exactly tough?
But since this was the Knicks' home court, the referees didn't call any fouls on these clumsy flops.

Manu Ginobili polished the Madison Square Garden floor to a shine, but failed to earn himself a single free throw.

Tony Parker had no choice but to shoulder the team's burden, and the French sports car ended up working for Lalamove.

His engine was practically smoking, but he still couldn't turn the tide.

Ultimately, the Knicks narrowly defeated the Spurs 114-98 at home.

Yao Ming, who scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, just wanted to retire the moment the game ended.

Although Yao Ming's injuries have decreased significantly since joining the Spurs, his overall physical condition is still not to be underestimated.

The team doctor clearly told him that any major injury now would not only affect his career, but could also affect his entire life.

As he ages, the effects of these injuries will afflict him again.

The Spurs used the analogy of medical ceramics to describe Yao Ming's current body: it's very strong for now, but once it breaks, it will be very difficult to repair completely.

However, for that supreme championship ring, Yao Ming chose to continue playing despite the risks.

结果新赛季第一场，全场35分11个篮板6次助攻3次封盖2次抢断的林奇，就给他的总冠军梦想泼了一盆现实的冷水。

Yao Ming's contract expires at the end of this season, and he really needs to think carefully about the next step in his career.

When Yao Ming hugged Lynch, he unusually didn't say anything.

Lin Qi keenly sensed the other person's dejection, so he stopped spouting the trash talk he had prepared beforehand.

Ray Alin walked up to Lynch and coldly retorted with a hint of mockery, "Damn it, you just let him go like that?"

A look of doubt crossed Lin Qi's face: "Otherwise what?"

"Shouldn't you be humiliating him severely? That's your usual style."

Lynch waved his hand: "That's not my usual style. It's just that people tend to associate a dominant player with MJ, who was a real bastard. This leads people to think that all rulers must be black bastards like him—including me."

Ray Allen was about to blurt out: Aren't you an asshole?

But looking back on everything since he joined the Knicks, he suddenly realized that Lynch really wasn't like Michael Jordan.

Playing alongside Michael Jordan on that Chicago Bulls team meant enduring his endless mockery and personal humiliation, as if no one in his empire deserved to maintain independent dignity.

However, under Nike's carefully crafted propaganda network, this blatantly bad character trait was packaged as a myth of "iron-blooded leadership" and worshipped by people.

Ray Allen knew perfectly well that it was utter nonsense.

Michael Jordan is essentially no different from other hot-tempered black men from underprivileged backgrounds. It's perfectly acceptable to admire his achievements and basketball skills, but for Michael to also expect people to admire his character is going too far.

Lynch is different; he values ​​the worth of every individual on the team and even respects many of his opponents.

Although he often makes sarcastic remarks about his opponents and harshly reprimands his teammates on the field, he precisely controls the balance between intimidation and respect, always managing to strike the right balance.

Of course, there is one absolute exception: Lynch's insults towards LeBron James have no limits or boundaries.

However, considering the clear roots of this tense relationship, there's nothing to criticize.

The deep-seated stereotypes that Lynch once held are now crumbling in Ray Allen's mind.

During last season's playoffs, he harbored deep resentment towards the owner of that number 20 jersey.

But now, he increasingly feels that this number 20 is full of personal charm.

In the past, he couldn't understand how a "problem person" like Stephon Marbury could achieve redemption and a new life in New York.

The fog has now lifted.

Because even he himself had become engrossed in following Lynch's adventures. An hour later, TNT host Kenny Smith dropped a bombshell on social media.

“Because of Charles Barkley’s comments on the show (about Lynch chasing Jordan), MJ called and used all sorts of degrading words to berate Charles.”

He also swore that he would never speak to Charles Barkley again unless Charles apologized.

Ray Allen looked at the news and found it hard to believe that two such good friends could have such a complete falling out just because one of them said something on a TV show.

Considering that MJ also "used all sorts of degrading terms to berate Charles," Ray Allen found it even more incomprehensible.

As it turns out, Michael Jordan remains unmatched in the "jerk" category.

In comparison, Lynch is practically a saint.

Ray Allen believes that if Lynch could win more accolades, he would be an even more perfect and revered basketball god.

This new god has the potential to completely overturn Nike's carefully crafted narrative of the 'iron-blooded leader' for its previous deities.

This not only means that MJ's reign is coming to an end, but also that Nike's good days are coming to a complete end.

This revelation was like a spark thrown into a powder keg, instantly igniting a full-blown media war between Nike and Reebok.

For Reebok now, Lynch's rivals are no longer LBJ, Carmelo Anthony, or even Kobe Bryant.

They have set their sights on the throne that MJ has held for many years.

Although AJ is a relatively independent brand, it is still part of Nike and continues to maintain Nike's global influence.

What Reebok wants is to shatter the halo of AJ as well!
In this holy war of public opinion, every collapse of Michael Jordan's image added a new cornerstone to Lynch's legendary reputation.

Some Reebok media outlets began to exploit the situation, frantically publicizing various scandals about Michael Jordan in the 90s.

Nike's media outlets spared no effort, bringing up MJ's various impressive statistics to highlight his dominant position.

The outbreak of this media war infuriated Michael Jordan.

He never expected that his seemingly unshakeable throne would face such a comprehensive and powerful attack.

In the original timeline, Michael Jordan wouldn't have been nervous about LBJ's challenge.

No matter how much the media hypes it up, 4 can never be greater than 6, which is obvious even to elementary school students.

Aside from cumulative statistics, LBJ has no other notable achievements.

But Lynch is completely different. At a young age, he has already won four Larry O'Brien Trophys and is expected to create his first three-peat at the age of 25—an achievement even more brilliant than that of MJ at the same age.

He also possesses unparalleled international influence and is regarded globally as a key figure in fully opening the door to the internationalization of the NBA.

All of this made Michael Jordan feel an unprecedented and imminent threat.

All of this is adding fuel to the fire for the upcoming labor negotiations.

Michael Jordan knew perfectly well that Lynch would be at the negotiating table; Lynch also knew that MJ would never be absent.

They will stand on opposite sides when their relationship is at its most tense.

However, before that, Michael Jordan will meet with Lynch.

Because in the second game of the new season, Lynch and his New York giants will invade North Carolina.

The match was originally uninteresting, but given the Nike vs. Reebok battle and the upcoming labor negotiations, Lynch's relationship with MJ became quite delicate and captivating.

As soon as Lynch arrived in Charlotte, reporters "locked down" the airport.

This small town has never been so excited about the NBA in many years.

In North Carolina, the NCAA's popularity far surpasses that of the local NBA teams.

Even after Michael Jordan became the owner of the Bobcats, this did not improve at all.

But the reporters weren't really interested in the match itself.

They were asking Lynch questions about Michael Jordan.

What are your thoughts on the falling out between MJ and Charles?

"That's their own business."

Will you participate in the next labor negotiations?

"Yes, in fact, I've been in close contact with the players' union since last year. You know, I'm not the kind of clown who shirks responsibility."

"Does this mean you'll be going up against Michael Jordan? He's the flag bearer for the hardliners on the board, and it's his stance that's causing the negotiations to stall."

“I will stand across the negotiating table and face him directly, but I’m not there to argue. My goal is to facilitate a constructive consensus between the two sides.”

"Charles believes you are qualified to challenge Michael for the GOAT title. What do you think?"

"I certainly respect Michael's historical achievements, but frankly, I think I am indeed on the starting line to challenge that height."

Lynch's confident and appropriate remarks left Nike media with nothing to criticize.

Michael Jordan's response to the matter, on the contrary, was quite fiery:
"I don't think I can reach any consensus with those greedy guys. Lynch isn't a god. Why do they think that his involvement in the negotiations will solve the problem?"

As for challenging me? The league has been searching for MJ's successor for over a decade, but as far as I know, they haven't found one yet.

How ironic.

MJ, who once spoke out for the labor side as a player, now calls players "a bunch of greedy guys."

On the second day of the game, Michael Jordan sat in the front row.

He stared at number 20, unable to believe that the person who would one day challenge his position was actually an Asian.

MJ was well aware of the vast difference in strength between the two teams, but the Bobcats' narrow victory over the Knicks in the preseason still ignited a glimmer of hope.

He hopes that the NBA's slogan for this season will become a reality in Charlotte—that miracles happen here.

But there was no miracle.

The game almost collapsed in the first quarter.

The Knicks led by 21 points, 38-17, after the first quarter.

What infuriated MJ even more was that out of the 20,000 fans in the stadium, at least 19,000 were cheering for Lynch!

In Charlotte, Michael Jordan's own territory, he somehow felt like he was on a business trip!

This is the first time that Michael Jordan has failed to receive cheers in front of another person.

North Carolina fans are loyal to their NCAA teams, but not so much to the Bobcats.

They were both cheering for a superstar like Lynch and expressing their dissatisfaction with Michael Jordan's poor management.

They couldn't understand why the team failed to retain Gerald Wallace this summer.

They couldn't understand why Michael Jordan's draft picks were always so bizarre.

For North Carolina fans, the Bobcats' draft is a nightmare every year, and each draft is different.

And the one in charge of all this was the incompetent team owner.

I remember seeing ugly girls at KTVs in the past.

But I've never seen anyone order the ugliest thing every time they go to karaoke!

Isn’t this simply a disease?

Lin Qi only played 25 minutes tonight. Although his stats weren't particularly impressive due to his playing time, he felt that playing even one more second would be against the spirit of sports.

He doesn't need to accumulate data, nor does he need to prove himself through ruthless breakthroughs during garbage time.

Ultimately, the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Charlotte Bobcats by 43 points, securing a hard-fought victory.

The moment the whistle blew, Michael Jordan, standing on the sidelines, looked ashen-faced and turned to leave.

However, the overwhelming shouts that erupted from the scene froze him in place—

"Lynch the Goat! Lynch the Goat! Lynch the Goat!"

The Charlotte fans' collective adoration for Lynch was like a red-hot iron searing through Michael Jordan's nerves.

His anger instantly turned his eyes red, causing the veins on his temples to bulge.

Lin Qi watched him from afar, raising his arm as if to declare victory.

The floor of the Time Warner Center trembled beneath MJ's feet due to the cheers of the fans.

Michael Jordan felt as if his long-held dominance was crumbling under that guy's influence.
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Clearly, Michael underestimated Lynch's current influence. Look at what happened tonight at the Time Warner Center; people aren't just cheering for Michael Jordan anymore. He said Lynch isn't a god, but in the hearts of many fans today, he is. —Stephen A. Smith on the Bobcats fans' anti-Leninist behavior tonight.

林奇25分钟拿了30分，罗恩.阿泰斯特25分钟拿了3分。因此我们可以说，罗恩.阿泰斯特和林奇的差距是0。——迈克.马龙调侃罗恩.阿泰斯特今晚的表现。

Yes, Lynch will definitely join the next round of negotiations. I'm glad he stepped up, especially after LeBron James refused to join us. The owners have made it clear that the trend of forming superteams is a key reason for their sense of crisis. And as the pioneer of this trend, LeBron clearly doesn't want to be held responsible for the crisis he created. Thank goodness we have a leader like Lynch. — Billy Hunter, Executive Director of the Players Association, on the next round of negotiations.

I won't apologize to Michael Jordan because I was just telling the truth. I'm a truthful person, and I won't twist the facts for anything else. Michael needs to get used to this night; years later, he'll realize this is the beginning of Lynch surpassing him. — Charles Barkley's first response to his conflict with Michael Jordan.

(End of this chapter)