June 25, 1999 almost became a sad day for Spurs fans.
Before the game, I still had illusions and expected the series to continue. However, the reality turned out to be extremely cruel. The Spurs were defeated at their home court.
In the first quarter of the game, Spurs fans saw Li You break through and knock down David Robinson, and after seeing Duncan being broken through by Li You again and again in pick-and-rolls, everyone realized that the game was over.
In the Alamodome, there were constant boos after the game. Some of them were for the Knicks who were celebrating wildly in the venue, and the other part was for Popovich.
In the garbage time, Tim Duncan played 41 minutes, made 10 of 20, 7 of 9 free throws, 27 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 turnovers;
David Robinson played 37 minutes, making 5 of 14 and 5 of 8 free throws. He scored 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 turnovers.
Popovich did not adjust his tactics and still stuck to the main force.
In the key game, Big Brother's performance was outstanding, and Avery Johnson contributed 4 turnovers alone.
After the game, the roar of nearly 40,000 fans echoed through the arena.
Jeff Van Gundy didn't care about the atmosphere. At this time, he was asking Popovich to chat and share his experience as a championship coach.
After David Robinson, who looked disappointed, greeted Li You, he was pulled by Ewing, who was wearing a gray formal suit, to teach him his championship experience:
"Believe me, you will win the championship. As long as you persist, I believe the Spurs will get better and better!"
"."
The gorilla comforted the "admiral" with a smile, and David Robinson was speechless:
"You're out of shape!"
The younger brother Duncan's legs are not thick enough. Although David Robinson recognized Ewing's performance last year, he is still not convinced this year!
NBC reporter Jim Gray watched Li You hugging Ray Allen and head coach Calhoun before asking with a smile:
"At 21 years and 176 days old, you won the championship for the second time in your career. Lee, you have set a new record."
"We all want to know how you feel now!"
The noisy scene forced Li You to lower his head and listen carefully to the other party's questions. After taking the microphone, he raised his voice and said:
"I just want to say thank you. It's been a busy season and we've had injuries. This championship means a lot to me."
"Having taken on more responsibility, I'm delighted we've won another championship and hope our fans who have always supported us will enjoy this gift."
The excited Sprewell's pigtails spread out a lot. At this time, he rushed behind Li You and shouted:
"Champion! I have a champion too!"
"."
Ewing was satisfied with hugging everyone he met, Alan Houston shared the joy with his family, and Larry Johnson also pulled David Robinson to encourage him.
As the Knicks began to walk back to the tunnel to change into championship T-shirts, the boos gradually subsided.
The Spurs fans in the back row had already left in despair. Many people did not want to witness the Knicks' award ceremony.
In the visiting team's locker room, the uniform team has prepared championship T-shirts. Old Charles and the management are also smiling. The championship represents profit, and the more dollars the better.
James Dolan, who was wearing a black formal suit, patted Li You on the shoulder and shouted:
"Lee, perfect performance! Two consecutive championships, no one can question the Knicks again in the future."
Everyone has different needs. For Li You, the championship can help him consolidate his position in the team.
With a big contract and privileges, Li You is naturally very happy about this. For other teammates, the championship means a stable contract.
The team will not rashly break up the existing combination, and considering the age structure, there will not be too many changes in the team next season. Stable making money is what the vast majority of players want.
"Change into your T-shirts, it's time for us to receive the award!"
Jeff Van Gundy interrupted the players' celebration while clapping his hands.
At this time, Van Gundy was already happy and had won two championships. The bald young coach surpassed most NBA coaches and officially joined the ranks of famous coaches.
The most obvious benefit brought by a famous coach is the big contract.
As the league's hottest championship coach, Phil Jackson's salary is about $6 million. Jeff Van Gundy feels that no matter how hard he works, he can reach this level!
The podium was set up quickly. Bob Costas arranged his clothes and acted as the host. David Stern smiled and greeted the Spurs staff:
"Thank you everyone for your support of the alliance!"
Spurs fans didn't buy it and continued to boo.
Spike Lee, who was in the front row, was holding Starks, who was specially watching the game, talking quietly. Occasionally, he would turn his head and wave provocatively at the fans in the back row.
The Alamodome became even more noisy when the Knicks appeared on the court wearing gray hats and white T-shirts with the team logo and gold trophy.
Although many of the nearly 40,000 fans left, there were still many left. When Li You waved to his friends, Spurs fans continued to boo.
In the G5 game, Duncan, whose physical fitness was declining, was suddenly exposed. He played 36 minutes and made 11 of 18, 4 of 8 from beyond the three-point line, 8 of 8 free throws, 34 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers.
When Li You handed over this data, the Spurs fans were naturally not in a good mood.
Bob Costas and Doug Collins both stepped forward to hug Li You and greet each other. The three exchanged commercial compliments, and the award ceremony officially began.
Old Charles stood at the front in a formal suit, and a smiling David Stern shook hands.
"The exciting finals have come to an end. I am very happy to witness such a great moment with the fans on NBC."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's invite Mr. NBA Commissioner David Stern!"
Despite the boos at the scene, Bob Costas spoke briskly and quickly handed the microphone to the president.
David Stern was not affected by anything, with a pleasant smile on his face, and quickly said loudly:
"Thank you to New York and San Antonio for their strong support of the league. I would like to pay tribute to the Spurs and the fans at the scene. This was a wonderful finals!"
"The Spurs have impressed everyone all season long with their team basketball and superior defense."
"I would also like to thank the Knicks for showing the world your tenacious spirit and courage when injuries and difficulties arise!"
"."
The Spurs fans at the scene also gave a good look to David Stern, who was remembering the bittersweet moments. Only a small number of New York fans continued to cheer.
With a smile on his face, Li You watched the CEO being booed with a smile.
"Here, I officially announce that the team that won the championship in the 1998-1999 season was the New York Knicks. They won the championship for two consecutive years. Let us congratulate the champion together!"
"Wow!"
With everyone in the Knicks cheering and shouting, Charles Sr. took the golden trophy from David Stern and immediately smiled and toasted in celebration.
The fourth championship in team history, Charles Sr. smiled broadly. In an interview, he even teased his old rival:
"I know what the fans in New York want to hear, and I assure you that the Knicks will continue to compete for a championship next season."
"We have the best players in the league, the best coach in the league and the best general manager. This is a perfect team!"
The Bulls have completely failed this season, and Charles took this opportunity to tease the other team again.
Seeing the misfortune of their old rival, New York fans felt completely comfortable.
As for this year's opponent in the finals, the Spurs, in fact, no one paid much attention to it. After all, San Antonio is not rich and does not look like a championship team.
Perhaps because he is about to hand over control, Charles Sr. said a lot, mainly to assure New York fans that the team will continue to spend money.
Spurs fans couldn't hear this and booed again. Bob Costas took the microphone again and said, also interviewing Jeff Van Gundy:
"Jeff, what does it mean to you to win a championship for the second time?"
The bald young marshal was so excited that he almost burst into tears. Thinking of his status as a famous marshal, he calmed down his emotions:
"The championship is the best gift for us. In the basketball world, the championship means that we have become the biggest winner!"
"."
Jeff Van Gundy also turned on the bittersweet mode and was so excited that he thanked everyone.
Everyone in the Knicks team has long been familiar with Van Gundy's long-winded chicken soup, and everyone who was taking turns to raise their glasses cheered and cheered.
The bald marshal's eyes were red, and at this moment he suddenly understood Phil Jackson.
The championship is actually very simple. The head coach is responsible for chicken soup and the assistant coach is responsible for defensive tactics. As long as you encounter real thighs, you can win the championship lying down.
Ewing, who was lying on his back with a championship, looked at the trophy in his arms with a complicated expression. He almost won it at the beginning of his career, but at the end of his career, he won the trophy for the second time.
Watching David Stern take the microphone and continue his speech, Ewing realized that he would never win the FMVP again.
"The youngest MVP in the history of the NBA and the youngest FMVP in the history of the Finals. I am very happy to witness Lee's performance in the Finals again."
"Calm, selfless, and a superstar in the league, let us congratulate Li for winning the Finals FMVP again!"
There was no doubt about the award. Li You smiled and was pushed forward by his teammates.
David Stern handed the golden spherical trophy to Li You and briefly hugged him in greeting, while he laughed and applauded from the sidelines.
In 5 finals games, he averaged 38.2 minutes per game, 30.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.3 turnovers per game;
He averaged 20.4 shots per game, shooting 51.9% from the field, 8.0 shots from outside the three-point line, 44.7% from three-point range, 7.0 free throws per game, and 89.0% free throw shooting.
Infinitely close to the 180 club. Except for 8 of 20 in the G3 game, Li You performed very well in the series.
Li You raised the trophy in his hand and smiled again. In addition to the boos from the Spurs fans, the New York fans were shouting "MVP".
Bob Costas heard the guide's prompts in the headphones and said with a smile:
"Winning the scoring title, MVP, and FMVP at the same time in a single season. In the long history of the NBA, you are the third NBA player to achieve this achievement."
"Lee, congratulations! This is truly an unparalleled achievement!"
Historically, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and McQueen were the only two players to achieve this achievement before.
At the same time, Li You also became the seventh player to win both MVP and FMVP in a single season.
Li You has become numb to these records. After all, he reads newspapers every day. Reading them so much has almost become a daily routine.
“None of these achievements would be possible without everyone’s support, and I’m happy to be able to chase what Willis Reed has achieved!”
Li You held the trophy and praised veteran Reid, who is the first player in the history of the Knicks to win both MVP and FMVP.
Then Li You began to thank everyone again. He noticed that the New York fans at the scene were shouting, waved again, and said with a smile:
"I made a promise to the New York fans last year and I'm glad I did!"
"Not one or two, we will win more championships. Thank you again for your support of the Knicks!"
Everyone in the Knicks grinned, and James Dolan behind Charles Sr. also kept applauding. They have a chance to win three consecutive championships!
The Spurs fans had completely broken their defense, watching the Knicks accept the interview with smiles.
The golden O'Brien Cup was lifted in turn, and the FMVP trophy became a prop for group photos. Such a scene made a large number of fans leave the venue.
Although Larry Johnson had been playing hard throughout the series, no one cared about it at this time. During the interview, he and Sprewell boasted about Li You.
Alan Houston thanked his family as always and didn't inflate the sky.
Oakley didn't forget to show off during the interview, raising two fingers. Although Ewing had mixed feelings, he also smiled at this time.
The atmosphere team was all happy. Rashard Lewis was asked about hitting 4 three-pointers tonight, and he almost cried with excitement.
He couldn't get any playing time all season, but he scored 14 points in the finals. Lewis knew that he had seized the opportunity and finally got through!
Ben Wallace was holding Li You's FMVP gold cup, posing, laughing and asking his friends to take photos of him.
For "Xiao Ben", the next contract is already secured, and he can be considered a firm foothold in the team.
By the time the Knicks and league staff were ready to take photos, Spurs fans were already halfway out of the Alamodome.
Li You held the two trophies with a bright smile, flanked by Sprewell and Alan Houston.
The three of them stood in the middle, with the atmosphere team surrounding them, watching the media in front of them click their cameras, and cheered in unison:
"champion!"
In the visiting team's locker room, everyone was spraying champagne, and Li You and Oakley started to smoke cigars again. After a season, it was time for carnival.
At the press conference, Popovich looked very ugly when he thought about the Knicks still celebrating.
What made him feel even more helpless was the questioning from the local media in San Antonio:
"Greg, for the Finals, should we reduce Tim's playing time some?"
"Why not use Elliott to defend Lee as early as possible?"
"Will you continue to coach the Spurs next season?"
The last question was asked by a New York Post reporter who was having fun, and was met with glares.
There was nothing wrong with the players, but the head coach had to take the blame. While Popovich was talking about the situation, he felt sad about the treatment of the bald young coach.
As the draft approaches, the Knicks' championship parade is scheduled for Sunday morning on the 27th.
Although the time was a bit urgent, Old Charles had already greeted the city hall.
After all, if Sprewell is leaving the team, the champion who won the championship must leave with dignity.
On June 26, everyone from the Knicks flew back to New York with the trophy, and the fans who picked them up at the airport screamed with joy when they saw the trophy.
There will be a celebration party in the evening, and Li You and his agent Mark Bartelstein have to send invitations to sponsors and friends in advance.
Coupled with the fact that the free market is about to start, both of them have to put on airs before signing a new contract. Negotiations have already started after the finals.
Phil Jackson's arrival in the City of Angels was quickly overshadowed by the Knicks' championship.
ESPN took advantage of the excitement of the finals and released the playoff data rankings. As a result, Li You once again hit the screen.
In 18 playoff games, Li You averaged 25.7 points per game, shooting 49.5% from the field, 43.1% from three-point range, and 91.5% from free throws.
It’s almost 180 club data again, coupled with a true shooting percentage of 63.7% and a PER of 27.6, ESPN’s evaluation is:
"The strongest perimeter player in the current league!"
Not long ago, the fishing O'Neal just won the title of "the strongest inside player in the active league". As a result, the New York media made sarcastic remarks every day:
"Without a championship, who is the strongest inside player?"
After Phil Jackson joined the Lakers, O'Neal was in a good mood, but the Knicks won the championship, but he was sour again for a while.
Shark, who was still chatting with Phil Jackson about the team's future in Los Angeles, was blocked by the sports media. During the interview, he once again made sarcastic remarks:
"I'm not interested in winning a championship in a shortened season. Next year, the Lakers will win the championship!"
"Phil's arrival has completely changed the team!"
The NBA is naturally happy to see media hype, and the war of words between the two major ball markets is also conducive to the "star-making movement"!
On the morning of June 27, Li You entertained friends from New York in his apartment in Manhattan early in the morning.
Although Jimmy Fallon was shy in front of female celebrities, he had nothing to say about his caregiver, and everyone chatted non-stop in the apartment.
Since the championship parade will start at 10 o'clock, many media reporters rushed to Li You's side in advance for interviews.
Dressed casually, in jeans and a white printed T-shirt, Li You looked at his watch while chatting with familiar media reporters.
"Lee, did you see the newspaper this morning? Shaq is still dreaming that the Lakers will win the championship!"
"Oh! They got knocked out by the Spurs. This guy must be jealous."
"I'm not interested in the championship in the shortened season! They were swept out, and they really have no chance to be interested!"
Li You didn't have time to read the newspaper, but after hearing several people describe the interview scene vividly, he suddenly thought of what he had gained from the finals:
[Tim Duncan’s excellent sense of position]
"A champion is a champion, there are no excuses!"
Li You's words made several people laugh. The shark who was often swept away was obviously sour, so everyone had to increase the intensity of their ridicule.
As for the Lakers winning the championship? The New York media didn't even care about this. Inside players can't beat the Knicks!
"."
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(End of chapter)
