Champion Rules

Chapter 306, Part 302: The Last 10 Seconds Are for LBJ (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
Even before the finals began, the air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder.

The long-standing rivalry between LeBron James and Lynch throughout their careers adds an element of intrigue to this epic showdown, beyond just the competition itself.

LeBron James couldn't sleep at 4 a.m. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of him lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy in front of a huge crowd would appear in his mind and wouldn't leave him.

He couldn't help but fantasize about that moment, which made his blood boil and kept him tossing and turning all night.

For a man, both head congestion and erectile dysfunction can significantly disrupt sleep.

In the second half of this season, when Scott Brooks made his lineup changes, LeBron James felt that his career had entered a new era.

It was like suddenly plunging from a narrow, winding country road onto a wide highway, speeding all the way.

The Thunder swept through the West to claim the top seed and continued their dominance in the playoffs, crushing their rivals one by one.

Although many commentators say that LBJ simply benefited from the Western Conference advantage, if the Lakers hadn't been aging, the Spurs hadn't been going through a talent gap, and the Mavericks hadn't failed to strengthen their roster year after year, the Thunder would have had absolutely no chance of reaching the NBA Finals.

LeBron James doesn't care about these criticisms. He has worked with many coaches and star players, and he knows very well that this Oklahoma City Thunder team is the strongest team he has ever played for.

So powerful that he even felt that Lin Qi was insignificant.

LeBron James simply got up and went to the training center before the sun had even lit up the horizon.

Unlike Cleveland, Oklahoma City was not his personal kingdom.

If LBJ leads the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, the entire city will undoubtedly be flooded with his giant posters.

In Oklahoma City, he had roughly the same number of posters as Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

James Harden? His posters are all in nightclubs.

LeBron James knows better than anyone that he is not the true leader of this team and this city.

In terms of popularity and influence, he has not truly surpassed Stephen Curry and KD.

A true leader doesn't constantly emphasize that he is a leader, but LeBron James does.

However, if he can win the FMVP, all the controversy will end.

Upon arriving at the training facility, LeBron James changed his clothes, put on Beats headphones, and stepped onto the court.

But he discovered that a tall, thin figure had already arrived before he did.

LBJ took off his headphones and hung them around his neck, waving his hand: "So early?"

Kevin Durant didn't stop shooting: "I couldn't sleep, so I came straight to practice. I kept dreaming about the Finals."

“What a coincidence,” LeBron James began warming up. “I’ve also been dreaming about the Finals. What did you dream about?”

Kevin Durant finally stopped moving, his eyes filled with anticipation and longing: "I dreamt I hit the game-winner in the Finals, what about you?"

“I dreamt I was lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, hey, listen to KD—” LeBron James said, staring intently into Kevin Durant’s eyes, one hand on his shoulder.

Kevin Durant didn't interrupt LeBron James; the atmosphere had already built up, and he thought this would be an exciting moment that would bring them closer together.

"Let's win a damn championship together."

"Let's take down Lynch together."

"We fight together for Oklahoma City."

Kevin Durant is already imagining what LBJ will say next.

LBJ squeezed his shoulder hard with his fingers and said solemnly:
"Quickly turn on your hotspot so I can listen to music; the Wi-Fi signal in the training hall is terrible."

KD:
Look at you, you loser!

Where do you find a superstar who constantly tries to ride on their teammates' coattails?
You're both superstars, can you learn from me when it comes to charisma?

Give me back my leader, you son of a bitch!

As KD silently complained to himself, he glanced up and saw LeBron James' new Beats headphones hanging around his neck, and said with surprise:
"You should know you're wearing Beats, right?"

"Any questions?"

"What's the problem? The whole world knows you hate Beats because Lynch is one of the brand's shareholders!"

When Lynch gave us headphones last Christmas, you were quite unhappy and even issued a ban on anyone wearing headphones in the locker room.

So now you're wearing it yourself?

LeBron James looked at the headphones around his neck, a smug smile spreading across his face:

"You didn't know? Because of poor management, Apple is planning to acquire Beats."

Soon, this brand will have absolutely nothing to do with Lynch.

In fact, I've decided to wear it to the event tonight.

I must remind Lynch that he can't succeed at everything!

Rumors about Apple acquiring Beats have been circulating recently.

Some believe that Beats shareholders decided to sell the brand because Apple offered an irresistible price.

Another analysis suggests that Beats' self-built music platform charging users angered them, leading to a decline in its reputation, and shareholders were eager to withdraw and cut their losses—LeBron firmly believes the latter is true.

First of all, as far as headphone brands are concerned, Apple is simply not going to offer any so-called "irresistible price".

It is widely believed that Apple acquired Beats for around $8 million.

Based on this acquisition amount, the amount distributed to each shareholder is far from astronomical.

Moreover, it was the emergence of subscription services on major online music platforms that prompted Dr. Dre, the founder of the Beats brand, to enter the industry and create a free online music platform.

Now, Beats Music itself is charging subscription fees, a satirical story of a dragon slayer becoming the dragon himself, making its collapse in popularity inevitable.

LeBron James is convinced that Lynch's move into the high-end headphone market has completely backfired.

His initial plan to not accept endorsement fees and only make money through equity dividends has completely failed.

The $4000 million endorsement fee that Beats offered Lynch was an astronomical sum.

If Beats were sold to Apple for $8 million, Lynch would only receive about $2400 million.

He is not a god.

He will fail too!
This applies to investing, and it's no different on the sports field!

LBJ wouldn't mind rubbing salt into Lynch's newly added scar.

So he wore these headphones today to remind everyone: Lynch's failures don't end there; tonight, he will add another defeat to his tally!
Seeing the inexplicably smug expression on LBJ's face, KD didn't delve deeper into the topic with him.

He shot the ball alone, and every shot was perfect.

A short while later, the training hall doors were pushed open again.

Stephen Curry looked at the two men on the training court and paused for a moment: "You guys aren't having trouble sleeping either, are you? Having dreams too?"

Kevin Durant shrugged: "I dreamt I hit the game-winner, LBJ dreamt he won the championship, what about you? What dream got you up?"

Stephen Curry smiled slightly: "My dream is much more realistic than yours. I dream of dunking over an unlucky guy in the Finals!"

LBJ and KD both burst out laughing. Although Stephen Curry was just joking, it was the first time they strongly felt a common ground between them—they both wanted to make a name for themselves in the Finals.

They're definitely not here to be Lynch's sidekick in the finals!
Another door opening interrupted the joyful atmosphere, and an unexpected figure appeared in the doorway.

James Harden glanced at the group in surprise, then looked down to check his watch: "What are you guys doing? Did you all misread the time? It's still past midnight!"

Stephen Curry asked with a hint of anticipation, "James, are you also too excited about the Finals to sleep?"

"Can't sleep? I haven't slept at all! I'm in a rush to get home, I'm going to take a nap in the physiotherapy room, wake me up when it's time to train."

A barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in Stephen Curry's eyes. James Harden's performance was always inconsistent because of his very consistent frequency of going to nightclubs!

Even if you go clubbing and play Call of Duty all night, you might not be able to play well the next day.

It was thought that the weight of the Finals would make him tone it down a bit, but it seems that James Harden is a man of principle, and nothing can stop him from contributing to poverty alleviation efforts in Oklahoma City.

But at least, the three people still standing on the field at this moment can feel each other's longing.

Stephen Curry walked up to the two men, reached out, and pulled LeBron and Kevin's hands together.

He knew perfectly well that KD didn't really like LBJ, and he himself probably didn't admire him much either.

But at this moment, they need to unite as one.

"Guys," Stephen Curry's voice rang out clearly in the empty arena, "this season, nobody wants to touch us—not even in New York!"
-
Chesapeake Energy Arena, May 31, 2011.

On the carpet in the home team's locker room, a Beats headphone, violently smashed, lay buried deep in its fuzz, its remains silently testifying to the anger that erupted ten minutes earlier.

Ten minutes ago, all the media headlines were frantically reporting the same explosive news—Beats agreed to sell the company to Apple for a staggering $37 billion.

This figure shocked the entire headphone industry and Wall Street, shattering all previous market predictions.

Before this, no company whose main business was headphones had ever sold their products at such an exorbitant price.

Lynch, who joined the company at its inception and helped it gradually expand its market presence, reaped huge rewards, earning over $1.1 million personally in this acquisition.

You could say that this became Lynch's second-largest income in his life, second only to his lifetime contract with Reebok.

LeBron James' expectations were dashed. Instead of "messing up" as he predicted, Lynch won spectacularly and triumphantly.

The reporters were still so caught up in the Lynch business myth that as soon as LeBron James stepped onto the sidelines, the microphones immediately hit him where it hurt:

"LeBron, what are your thoughts on Lynch's yet another amazing success in the Beats acquisition?"

The words "another success" stung LeBron James, and he gritted his teeth.
"Yes, Lynch won again! But so what? He won't win every time!"

LeBron James tried to ignore the acquisition saga unrelated to the game, and when he saw Lynch enter the court, the cameras gave him a close-up shot.

Those brown eyes churned with a primal, almost frenzied bestiality, like a brown bear that had been thirsty all winter in the freezing cold, desperately seizing the only prey in its field of vision.

Mike Brin stared into those eyes, a chill running down his spine: "Look at those eyes, look at him! God, they're like the eyes of death!"

Lynch hugged and shook hands with KD and Stephen Curry.

But this polite gesture came to an abrupt end when he met LBJ.

He met the beast's gaze directly, without flinching.

As the referee stepped into the center circle, amidst the clamor of the court, DeAndre Jordan and Serge Ibaka could even clearly hear each other's heavy breathing, a result of their tension.

The basketball is tossed high into the air, and the game begins!
The Knicks gained possession first, with Kevin Durant matched up against Lynch.

Lynch thought LBJ was going to shirk responsibility again, but the moment he received the ball, number 23 immediately double-teamed him.

Scott Brooks used KD to primarily defend Lynch in order to allow LBJ to participate more in help defense.

Under increasing pressure, Lynch did not force a shot, but instead passed the ball to Wilson Chandler, who calmly made a three-pointer.

But this did not seem to shake the Thunder's determination to double-team Lynch.

One possession later, Lynch received the ball in the mid-range on the right side. This time, not only LBJ, but even the Swiss Army knife Sabo Sefolosha abandoned his own player and pounced on him like a hungry tiger.

The Oklahoma City Thunder did not inherit the Seattle SuperSonics' team history, but at this moment, they undoubtedly inherited the defensive strategy of the Seattle SuperSonics at their peak—highly mobile double-teaming of the frontcourt.

This move once made it difficult for Hakeem Olajuwon to move forward. Facing the SuperSonics' group of forwards who combined height and mobility, even a player as strong as Olajuwon struggled.

A forward lineup that combines mobility and height is quite rare, but the Thunder happen to meet this demanding requirement.

Although Thabo Sefolosha plays shooting guard, he is a full 201 centimeters tall.

LeBron James is 206 cm tall.

Kevin Durant is 208 cm tall.

When these three people attack from the same direction, even Lynch will feel immense pressure.

Against powerful big men, a similar double-team on the wing is the optimal solution. And Scott Brooks put that noose around Lynch's neck right at the start of Game 1 of the Finals.

Under the shadow of six intersecting long arms, Lynch smoothly passed the ball to DeMar DeRozan, but the advantage of high mobility was fully demonstrated at this moment.

When Lynch passes the ball, the Thunder's previously compacted defense can suddenly expand like an inflated barrier.

DeMar DeRozan's mid-range shot missed as the Swiss Army Knife actively rotated and filled in the gaps.

In the first two rounds, the Oklahoma City Thunder successfully limited Lynch's shots.

To deal with a superstar like Lynch, you can't expect to suppress his stats or make his efficiency look bad—Lynch's performance in the last round of defense against the season's MVP is ultimately just a rare and isolated case.

However, if the Thunder can slightly limit Lynch's output and restrict his ability to control the ball, it will be a huge asset on their path to victory.

So far, it seems they have succeeded.

The scales have tilted slightly toward Russia.

In the following games, the Oklahoma City Thunder's defensive execution was almost obsessive.

Every second of every defensive play, they relied on aggressive rotations, fronting, double-teaming, and help defense to limit Lynch, focusing almost all their defensive attention on him.

In an era where defensive rules are permitted, Lynch faces challenges that are even more severe than the Dream of the 90s.

Because in some possessions, the Thunder would even use a combination of fronting and double-teaming to prevent him from getting the ball.

Fortunately, the Knicks' role players performed as well tonight as they did in the last round.

Steve Nash unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, hitting them with deadly accuracy; Wilson Chandler was on fire, his long-range shooting seemingly divinely inspired; and Ray Allen squeezed out exceptional efficiency from limited connecting moments.

But the Thunder achieved their strategic objective: Lynch only scored 11 points in the first half, with a shooting percentage of less than 45%!

In the final possession before halftime, Lynch squeezed through a "forest of flesh" of three defenders and pulled up for a turnaround jump shot.

However, the immense pressure caused this beautiful jump shot to miss.

At halftime, the Oklahoma City Thunder led by 7 points.

LeBron James yelled as the red light turned on, "Damn it, you can't possibly succeed every time!"

His eyes were bloodshot, and his expression was so ferocious it was almost distorted.

Before the game, the news of Beats' $37 billion deal fueled LBJ's desire to defeat Lynch to the point of near madness.

He was determined to make that bastard fail this time!
Why can't he fail?!

Lin Qi, panting heavily, silently returned to the players' tunnel.

Scott Brooks glanced at Lynch, who was leaving the field looking dejected, and then at the score on the big screen.

Even he himself couldn't believe the competition would go so smoothly.

The key to the Thunder's defensive success tonight was the seamless teamwork between LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Their communication, chemistry, mutual sacrifice, and support on the defensive end were better than in any game this season.

Stephen Curry has no idea how much influence his actions of taking the two men's hands and saying those words early this morning had in this situation.

But he was happy that, at least for the moment, KD and LBJ were on the same side!
Inside the Knicks' locker room, Flip Saunders decided to continue playing in line with the Thunder's strategy.

"We don't need to change anything; they'll collapse on their own!"

The Thunder's double-teaming strategy on the wing has a weakness: LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who are primarily responsible for defense, are also important offensive resources for the Thunder.

The more they expend on defense, the less they can do on offense.

Indeed, in the first half of the game, it was Stephen Curry who carried the offense.

But the Thunder can only rely on Stephen Curry.

James Harden? His performance tonight was quite poor. Not only was his shooting percentage low, but he also made a brain-dead move by passing the ball from one James to another while another James was standing on the sidelines cheering.

In this situation, if KD and LBJ also get bogged down in defense, Stephen Curry will face immense offensive pressure.

Tonight, the Knicks' role players were in excellent form, with multiple players contributing. Lynch can continue to use his drawing power to wear down the Thunder's two forwards.

So the second half began with a fierce battle.

Lynch barely got a single one-on-one opportunity; the Thunder's double-teaming was resolute and decisive, with no lapses in concentration whatsoever.

The Knicks' role players lived up to expectations, consistently scoring to keep the score close.

But towards the end of the third quarter, the balanced situation suddenly cracked.

DeMar DeRozan's shooting touch suddenly went cold, missing the basket with three consecutive jump shots.

In the fourth possession, when Lynch passed the ball to him again, he chose to attack the basket. "Bang—!"

A dull bang rang out, and Serge Ibaka, who came onto the field with his own baton, refused to play.

Mike Brin's sigh carried a hint of helplessness:
"A slammed block, DeMar blew it, you know, as a young guy, you always experience those moments of slump in crucial moments. Just like Kobe Bryant's three consecutive airballs in 1997, just like Tim Duncan's terrible free throws in 1998."

This is a moment every young player needs to go through, and the growing pains are inevitable; they can only overcome them by struggling and climbing over them themselves.

As Mike Breen was saying this, LBJ had already grabbed the basketball and sprinted down the court to dunk it on.

The Chesapeake Energy Arena is boiling.

Because the Oklahoma City Thunder are leading by 11 points!
Throughout the entire playoffs, no team has ever led the Knicks by 11 points!
Philip Sanders timed out the game, Lynch left the court, and brushed past LBJ, who deliberately bumped into his shoulder hard – a blatant provocation.

Lynch turned around, and LeBron James, unfazed, almost touched Lynch's nose: "Remember these disrespects, get used to them, because you'll experience more of them in the future."

Lynch's eyes turned cold, and he was about to retaliate when LeBron suddenly turned away and quickly left with his signature eight-step gait.

It was only then that Lynch realized that Ron Artest had somehow gotten behind him.

Ron Artest might only be a substitute in basketball.

But when it comes to beachcombing and crabbing, Ron Artest is definitely the main player!
Lin Qi was very unhappy, but for now he could only obediently sit back on the bench.

Philip Sanders immediately substituted Ray Allen, who gently stroked the head of the drooping DeMar DeRozan, whose brow was furrowed with frustration at the cold touch.

Just now, DeMar DeRozan's movement and offensive choices were actually fine, but it's hard to control your touch.

“It’s nothing,” Ray Allen’s voice was as calm as a rock. “I’ve botched more big things than you’ve eaten salt, and I’m still doing fine, aren’t I?”

As Ray Allen gradually integrated into the locker room, everyone realized that he wasn't as difficult to get along with as he seemed.

In fact, he was also an excellent teammate.

Immediately, his gaze pierced Lin Qi, and he nodded firmly, his expression as resolute as steel.

Without a word, Lynch knew he was ready.

The game restarted, with Ray Allen replacing DeMar DeRozan.

The mockery of the Swiss Army knife instantly reached his ears. He wasn't a hateful person, but he knew that psychological warfare was also part of defense.

"Hello, Mr. Barbie. It's a pity that although you gave up a higher annual salary, gave up a starting position, and made many sacrifices, you've chosen the wrong person to rely on."

Ray Allen did not respond, nor did he even linger his gaze on Sabo Sefolosha, as if the other was merely a distorted mass of air.

With the Knicks in possession, Lynch sought opportunities through off-ball movement.

But the moment he received the ball, the Thunder's three-man chokehold closed in again.

Lynch bounced the ball to Ray Allen. Although Lynch's output and efficiency were limited tonight, he controlled his turnovers very well and is currently at 0 turnovers.

His excellent passing ability during double teams is key to the Knicks' role players being able to perform effectively.

Ray Allen received the ball, and Thabo Sefolosha was already sprinting towards him. His ferocious roar and outstretched arms could put immense pressure on any shooter.

Ray Allen remained calm and composed.

He believes in this team.

He believed in Lynch.

He believes this difficulty is only temporary.

He believes that not going against the New York Knicks is the most sensible decision he has ever made in his career.

With Sabo Sefolosha's long arms overhead, Ray Allen flicked his wrist, and the orange ball cut through the noise.

"Shh-"

Mike Brin's clenched fist nearly crushed the microphone:

"Lei Lei's crucial three-pointer has narrowed the gap to single digits. This is his fifth three-pointer tonight! The rim is burning for him!"

Lynch stepped back and lightly tapped his shoulder with his fist: "Thanks, buddy."

Ray Allen nodded silently, his knees slightly bent, his sharp gaze already locked on his opponent.

In the next possession, LeBron James' strong drive was blocked by Lynch.

LBJ struggled offensively tonight, but he gave up a lot on the defensive end.

With the score still 8 points, Ray Allen continued to run up the court, positioned himself in the corner, and then suddenly drove to the basket!
Sabo Sefolosha had to temporarily abandon the double-team and follow Ray Allen.

Ray Allen, however, took a step forward and then suddenly stepped back to the three-point line.

This off-ball run was so fast that the Swiss Army Knife had to forcefully change its center of gravity.

He tried to brake with both feet, but inertia still pulled him forward. This caused him to stumble, lose his balance, and fall to the ground in a sorry state!
A gasp swept through the crowd as Ray Allen somehow managed to shake off Thabo Sefolosha without the ball. Lynch's pass arrived perfectly, and Ray Allen calmly took the shot.

"Bang!!!" Mike Breen's signature shout ignited the living rooms of all the fans. "Ray Allen's sixth three-pointer tonight has narrowed the gap to 5 points!"

Ray Allen pointed at Lynch and thanked him for his perfectly timed pass.

Although Lynch was limited, he felt that number 20's performance was quite incredible.

He contained LBJ, and his passes were flawless. He was triple-teamed, but he still made positive contributions on offense.

He knew very well that only when the role players continued to score goals could he help Lynch break free from his shackles.

Therefore, the King of New York will never let his followers down.

Therefore, he had to work hard; he had to create an offensive environment for Lynch.

In the following rounds, Sabo Sefolosha indeed began to be wary of Ray Allen.

This gave Lynch some scoring opportunities.

Even though the formidable frontcourt of Kevin Durant and LeBron James still loomed over him, that suffocating iron wall eventually began to visibly loosen under the silent restraint of Ray Allen.

In the final moments of the third quarter, Lynch used a shoulder fake followed by a turnaround jump shot to score over the heads of the Thunder's two stars.

The moment the basketball went in, a heavy collective sigh echoed through Chesapeake Energy Arena.

After that basket, the Knicks were only down by one point.

They once led the Knicks by as many as 11 points, but in just half a quarter, they experienced a dramatic rise and fall.

They finally realized that the New York Knicks were completely different from their previous opponents.

Defeating them will not be an easy task.

However, the Thunder are still maintaining their lead.

In all three quarters, the Thunder were leading when the final buzzer sounded in each quarter.

If they can hold on for just twelve more minutes in the final chapter, they can secure a hard-fought opening victory at home, and LeBron James will make Lynch taste the bitterness of defeat.

In the fourth quarter, Philip Sanders made a decisive decision, extending Ray Allen's playing time.

As an experienced head coach, he knew all too well that substituting a striker in hot form to sit on the bench was a criminal act.

Thabo Sefolosha wanted to test Ray Allen's touch, but after a break, his touch might have cooled off.

So in this round, the Swiss Army Knife continued to attack Lynch from both sides.

And just like that, Ray Allen gave him his seventh three-pointer of the game.

Mike Breen looked at the data and statistics, his voice trembling slightly: "The seventh one! My God, Ray Allen is just one point away from the Finals single-game three-point record!"

Ray Allen's expression was much calmer than Mike Breen's; he was unaware that he was close to setting a Finals three-point record. In fact, he didn't even know how many three-pointers he had made.

All he knew was that his mission was almost complete.

Because he heard Thunder coach Scott Brooks yelling, "Don't let him go! Don't give him any space, not even breathing space!"

The iron fence that Sabo Sefolosha built has been completely broken by Ray Allen!

Next, Wilson Chandler's scoring also got the Thunder fans on edge.

His scoring explosiveness wasn't as strong as Ray Allen's, but he certainly capitalized on most of his opportunities.

Wilson Chandler's outstanding performance this season has earned him offers from multiple teams.

He knew that as his performance in the finals improved, his contract would become increasingly larger, whether he renewed his contract or signed with another team.

Scott Brooks is in a dilemma as his double-teaming strategy on the wing is falling apart.

Even more worrying is that LeBron James has started to go cold on offense.

The immense defensive strain made LBJ's drives less invincible; even with space created, he couldn't beat Lynch one-on-one.

During this period, Ray Allen hit another three-pointer, breaking the Finals record.

Wilson Chandler remained consistent, leading the Knicks to victory.

The Thunder's risky double-teaming tactics were like a small cabin in a storm, teetering on the brink of collapse.

With 53 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder led by one point.

LeBron James requested a one-on-one at the top of the key.

After two stiff and ugly probing steps, number 23 rolled into the penalty area like an out-of-control heavy tank.

Lynch withstood LBJ's weight loss, admitting that every frame of the impact felt like a bone cracking, and it was extremely difficult for his body, now thinner, to withstand the weight.

Fortunately, LBJ is also unable to exert 100% of his strength right now. He is putting in too much effort on the defensive end, and his destructive power is diluted by nearly half in the defensive quagmire.

LeBron James leaned on Lynch as he drove into the paint, knowing what this basket meant. If they could extend their lead to three points in this crucial moment, the damn defending champion Knicks would be halfway to the underworld.

Therefore, LeBron James insisted on taking the offensive himself.

He imagined crushing Lynch's hopes of victory with his own hands, just as he had smashed those Beats headphones earlier.

LBJ lowered his shoulder and exerted force, producing a terrifying "bang".

After creating a sliver of space, LBJ raised his hand for a layup; victory seemed within reach, but...
"Boom!—"

LeBron James is too tired. His physicality is enough to push past Lynch, but it's not enough to create safe space for him to attack the basket.

Lynch blocked LeBron James for the third time tonight. The latter fell to the ground, looked at Lynch's condescending gaze, and angrily slammed his fist on the floor.

This bastard!
He was so close to failure!
Just a little bit closer!
Why is it always just a little short!
The Knicks launched a counterattack, with an almost frantic LBJ double-teaming them, but Lynch calmly passed the ball to Wilson Chandler who was cutting in.

The latter bravely attacked the basket, but was brought down by Serge Ibaka, and the referee blew the whistle.

Despite immense pressure and deafening boos from Thunder fans, Wilson Chandler, who was in excellent form, still made both free throws.

The Knicks have taken a 1-point lead!
The Thunder called a timeout with only 33 seconds left in the game. This next possession would determine their fate, a matter of life and death!
Kevin Durant was panting heavily. His stamina, which was not top-notch to begin with, had been exhausted on the defensive end, and the burden of scoring in the crucial moments could no longer be placed on his shoulders.

LeBron James clenched his fists, his boiling rage almost burning through his skull. He was so furious that it clouded his judgment.

Therefore, Scott Brooks had no choice but to choose Stephen Curry, who had been performing exceptionally well all night and had already scored 35 points.

Stephen Curry's performance in his NBA Finals debut was stunning.

While it can't compare to AI's phenomenal 48-point debut in the Finals, it's still quite remarkable.

LeBron James didn't go crazy this time, and didn't spout nonsense like "I've never seen a star player not get a shot in a crucial moment."

When the timeout ended, he did what Stephen Curry did in the early hours of the morning: he took KD and Curry's hands and placed them together.
"Nobody wants to meet us! Not even in New York!"

This was perhaps the most selfless, team-oriented, and fiercely competitive moment of LBJ's career.

Tonight he wasn't the top scorer, the most assister, or even the most steals and blocks.

But he was willing to compromise as long as it would cause Lynch to fail.

The game restarted, and Stephen Curry stared at Lynch with a serious expression.

He also felt it was a dream; just a few years ago, he was a student at Lynch's training camp.

Just a few years ago, he felt that the distance between him and Lynch was insurmountable.

But now?

He is about to deliver the final blow to Lynch.

The game begins with LeBron James holding the ball at the top of the key, preparing for a one-on-one play.

But Steve Nash knew that the end of the war wasn't with LeBron James, because Stephen Curry's running never stopped.

Curry weaved and tore through the jungle of muscles, passing through multiple screens, and only cut out to the three-point line with 4 seconds left on the 24-second shot clock, raising his hand for a shot.

LeBron James delivered a bullet pass, and Curry positioned himself a full step beyond the three-point line to get rid of the "Son of the Wind."

He catches the ball and shoots immediately. This distance does create space for him, but it also makes it more difficult to score.

Mike Breen felt as if his heart had stopped, and the trajectory of the basketball's spin seemed to be stretched infinitely, slowing down to an unbearable pace.

What about Stephen Curry?
The instant the orange ball left his hand, he confidently turned around, glanced at James Harden who was in terrible form on the sidelines, and smirked: "Celebrate, man, we're going to beat Lynch."

“Swish!——”

"A three-pointer! Stephen Curry! A potential game-winner! My God, is this second-year guard about to change history?! Will he shake the Knicks' dynasty?!"

Mike Brin roared in frustration, as did the fans at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Stephen Curry made a goodnight gesture, showing his respect for Lynch, whom he considers a very good friend, but he also loves winning.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant crashed into number 30 like two hurricanes, sweat and shouts rising between their intertwined arms.

With only 10 seconds left in the game and the Knicks trailing by 2 points, Flip Sanders used his last timeout.

But Lynch remained calm. He knew he wasn't dead yet. And he had just picked up the sharpest blade.

Before this play, Wilson Chandler's two successful free throws under pressure must have made the Thunder extremely nervous.

As it turns out, he couldn't afford to be left out tonight.

Therefore, the moment he made both free throws meant that the Thunder's cage that had locked down Lynch had been completely torn apart!

In the next possession, Lin Qi was certain that the Thunder would not dare to double-team him again!

As if it were a prophecy, Scott Brooks was yelling from the bench: "Don't double-team! Don't double-team! Don't give anyone any open looks! LeBron, you're guarding Lynch! You have to stop him, take him down!"

LeBron James clenched his fists, spitting as he shouted, "Leave it to me, leave it to me!"

The bloody battle resumed, and the Knicks passed the ball directly to Lynch.

Lynch took the ball and glanced at what was in front of him.

As expected, there was only LBJ.

At that moment—even though the Knicks were still behind and the clock was still ticking—Lynch already felt victory was assured.

"LeBron," he said, dribbling the ball while looking at his arch-rival, "I'm giving you a chance to make me fail. I'm going to shoot from beyond the three-point line later."

After saying that, Lynch started his run, and LBJ tried to cut the ball, but Lynch dodged it by changing direction.

Of course, LBJ didn't believe Lynch's nonsense. Who the hell would tell their opponent their strategy in advance?

He quickly closed in on Lin Qi, who was breaking through, but Lin Qi suddenly retreated!
"Lynch, step-back three-pointer, LeBron's interference was timely, but still gave him a sliver of space—"

"Beep!!!"

“Swish!——”

Scott Brooks looked down at the basketball as it went through the net.

He doesn't understand this job.

Throughout the 48 minutes of the game, he double-teamed Lynch for a full 47 minutes and 50 seconds.

The last 10 seconds are for LBJ.

He lost!
The commentators cheered, while Thunder fans covered their heads in shock.

A defeated Swiss Army knife, Thabo Sefolosha, swallowed hard. Amid the clamor, he only heard Ray Allen, who had broken the Finals single-game three-point record, mutter in front of him:

Don't make enemies of the New York Knicks.

(Yes, another 10,000 words in two parts today)
(End of this chapter)