Not far away, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were being interviewed by reporters together.
"Erwin, how do you evaluate the performance of Flying Pig and Iron Fist tonight?" the reporter asked.
"They are all very good. They have met the strongest opponent." said the magician.
"Karim, what about you?" the reporter turned around and asked.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar laughed: "I think Iron Fist performed better. Although the first half was not good, he was more trustworthy than Barkley at critical moments."
Magic Johnson nodded and said: "That's true. The Suns also had a chance to come back in the last few minutes. They were not far behind, but Barkley didn't do it."
"Ervin, if the Detroit Pistons win their third championship, will you send congratulations to the Smiling Assassins?" the reporter asked.
Magic Johnson moved his mouth, wanting to spit on this damn reporter.
His expression froze slightly, and then he smiled: "Of course."
Seeing the hesitant look on Magic's face, the reporter quickly shifted his focus and asked Kareem: "Kareem, what do you think are the conditions for the Suns to make a comeback?"
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was startled and said with a smile: "Iron Fist faced Michael Jordan in the second round of the Eastern Conference and averaged 27 points per game. Now he is averaging 37 points against the Suns. If the Lightning is replaced by Jordan, I think the Suns will have a chance."
"Ha ha……"
The magician and the reporter laughed.
At this time, the atmosphere in the visiting team's locker room was cold.
Buckley sat there dejectedly, without saying a word, leaning against the wardrobe, staring blankly at the opposite wardrobe, his mind completely empty.
After being traded to the Suns, he thought that joining forces with the top point guard Lightning would give him a chance to win the championship, and he was very excited.
And the result was just as he expected. The Suns ranked first in the regular season record. Although there were twists and turns in the playoffs, they finally reached the finals. Everything was so beautiful and worth looking forward to.
However, after entering the finals, he encountered a wolf-like iron fist. The Lightning was suppressed in all aspects and lost two consecutive games at home. He was hit hard.
After winning the G3 game, it gave him a surprise, making him think that from now on it would be smooth sailing and he would go straight to the championship, but the result...
"well!"
When he was at a loss, he sighed deeply from time to time.
The Lightning is similar. This is his sixth season, the first time he has reached the finals, and the closest he has come to the championship. After winning the G3 game, he thought the series would be like what Barkley said. There was a turning point, but reality gave him a blow.
What made him even more disappointed was that his performance in the series was completely suppressed by Iron Fist, and his performance was criticized by Magic. This was a huge blow to his self-confidence.
At this time, Zhou Quan had returned to the locker room with his teammates and was on the phone.
Staff told him that after the game, his mobile phone kept ringing.
They were all congratulatory calls from some friends, including his girlfriend Christina, and his agent.
"Tekken, why don't you change your mobile phone? This one can send text messages. It's much more convenient than the big brick. It's very fashionable and it's popular now."
Darnell Walker raised the Lukia mobile phone in his hand.
"talk about it later."
Zhou Quan looked at the mobile phone in his hand. It was indeed not very fashionable. Krina and Phillip kept asking him to change it. However, he liked the brick phone very much. This thing has both style and combat effectiveness.
Darnell Walker's mobile phone is a GSM mobile phone released by Nokia last year. It is compact, convenient, and more modern. It also has its advantages. He also plans to buy one and use it as a replacement.
…
The next day, on the 25th, ESPN released the latest championship prediction data.
The Suns are 1%, the Pistons are 99%.
This data did not exceed the expectations of the media and fans. After all, in the history of the NBA, there is no record of a comeback after falling behind 1-3 in the finals.
"This is the correct prediction data. ESPN has finally become professional. I have to congratulate them." Zhou Quan commented in a telephone interview.
Detroit fans have begun to celebrate the third championship. Since the morning, people have been taking to the streets and gathering together to celebrate.
The Palace of Auburn Hills has begun to arrange the championship ceremony.
For example, many large colored balls were hung from the ceiling, filled with ribbon scraps, and light shows, fireworks, bands, etc. were also installed.
At noon that day, David Stern arrived in Detroit with the championship trophy.
Pistons owner Bill Davidson and general manager Troy Weaver, as well as a group of management executives, went to the airport to greet him.
After greetings and getting in the car, David Stern asked with a smile: "Bill, how did you think about my proposal last time?"
Davidson sighed and said: "David, the team continues to lose money. In fact, I have been considering selling the team for a long time and am currently looking for a buyer."
David Stern was startled. This news was true. As far as he knew, Davidson had always wanted to sell the team after the locker room violence in 1991, but what did he want to express by saying this now?
He said tentatively: "Bill, with the income from four playoff rounds this time, do the Pistons still have losses?"
Davidson smiled bitterly and said: "You also know how low our finals tickets are. But counting the finals and the money allocated to us by the league, we should just be able to make up for the loss."
David Stern stopped talking. Of course he knew that the highest viewership of the G4 game reached 26.5 million, but the average ticket price in Detroit was only 105 US dollars, which was already 7 times that of the regular season. The Pistons’ regular season this season The average ticket price is only $15.
He calculated that after one finals game, excluding the league's 45% share, the Pistons could get about one million U.S. dollars. If the Pistons won the championship 4-1 this time, they would get three million U.S. dollars in three home games. of ticket revenue.
"The four-round series, including the series with the Bulls, and sponsorship advertising revenue, add up to at least tens of millions of dollars in revenue, right?" he asked again.
He has to care about this issue, because most teams in the league are losing money. If even a team like Detroit that reaches the finals cannot make money, it will be very detrimental to the operation of the league.
But the situation of the Pistons is in line with his plan and operations are difficult, so it will be even more difficult for the Pistons to provide Zhou Quan with a big contract.
And if Davidson really sells the team, then the plan to trade Weekly Rights to the West will be easier to implement.
Davidson said: "The second round was good. Our three home games earned close to $3 million, which is similar to the finals. However, in the first round and the Eastern Conference Finals, we only earned a total of $2 million. Including the finals and other income, About nine million."
"Nine million?"
Stern feels that the Pistons are actually in good shape, and teams that fail to make the playoffs are in even worse shape. The average team loses more than $10 million every year.
Fortunately, a new broadcast contract will be signed in a few years, and the league's operating income will increase a lot, which can help more small teams survive.
"Bill, what do you think about my suggestion? You know what my suggestion is for. The better the league develops, the more your team will appreciate. Our interests are completely consistent." Then he said very Asked bluntly.
Davidson said: "I hope to think about it after the finals."
"OK."
David Stern nodded. This is as it should be. The Pistons are basically guaranteed to win the championship. If they win the iron fist of the championship and FMVP, their transaction value will definitely be higher.
He wanted Zhou Quan to go to the west, not only for the purpose of balance, but also because he was optimistic about Zhou Quan's influence outside the circle.
This kind of influence is what the NBA needs now, but this kind of influence can only be maximized by going to big cities.
A city like Detroit with a declining economy is simply not suitable for Zhou Quan's development.
Detroit's current population is decreasing every day, from its peak of two million to one million. Those leaving are basically white and middle-class people. The proportion of black people in the population is increasing day by day. The attractiveness of this city is like running out of lamp oil. Like a lamp, it's about to go out.
…
The Pistons did not arrange training. At three o'clock in the afternoon, Zhou Quan went to the airport to pick up people.
Christina Yerry specifically asked for leave, not wanting to miss the winning moment of his first championship.
In addition to Christina Yeri, there was also Roger Philippe, both of whom came from Los Angeles on the same flight.
At four o'clock, the three of them left the airport and sat in a coffee shop for a while before going to a restaurant for dinner.
Phillip has been discussing Zhou Quan's future excitedly, and Christina can't get a word in.
Her relationship with Zhou Quan is relatively stable now, but there is also a problem. She is not so career-minded and now wants to get married and have her own family and love. However, Zhou Quan is only 21 years old and 6 years younger than her, so he doesn’t want to do that. Get married early.
"Krina, what's wrong? Why don't you speak?" Zhou Quan asked, realizing that his girlfriend's expression was a little distracted.
"It's nothing, the coffee here is good." Christina smiled and said.
Zhou Quan had some doubts. His girlfriend's smile had always been bright, like sunshine, but today her smile was very forced, like the sky in Detroit, gray.
But now that Phillip is here, it’s hard to say anything. He keeps it in mind and will communicate again when he has the opportunity.
…
June 26, 1993, the G5 game of the finals.
Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills.
Since the morning, a large number of fans have arrived here, and by evening, tens of thousands of people have gathered outside the stadium, making it a huge crowd.
"Grand champion! Grand champion..."
Waves of shouts erupted from time to time among the crowd.
On the other side of the Pacific, it happened to be the weekend, and many people turned on their TV sets early in the morning, preparing to watch the game.
The same thing happened at Zhou Quan's home. The family had breakfast early and sat on the sofa.
At almost seven o'clock, Zhou Quan drove his car and took his girlfriend and Philip to the Auburn Hills Palace.
At the scene, there were many NBA stars, such as O'Neal, David Robinson and other three super centers, Magic and Skyhook, Pippen, Larry Bird, etc., all rushed here.
Ewing, Olajuwon, and David Robinson have very complicated feelings. They have been playing for many years and have not even touched the edge of the championship. However, Zhou Quan is close to winning the championship in his second season. I feel very sour in my heart, full of envy and hatred.
Especially Ewing, who was eliminated by Zhou Quan personally in the Eastern Conference Finals, otherwise he would have made it to the Finals. With the strength of the Knicks, he feels that he should be sure to beat the Suns. They have an advantage on the inside and are not weaker on the outside. Suns.
In addition, there are actually some Hollywood stars tonight, including Big Mouth Roberts, Tom Cruise, and three or four A-listers.
Many executives from Detroit's major automobile companies were present, as were the mayor and some city councilors.
Zhou Quan came to the scene, first greeted the fans, then chatted with friends for a few words, politely greeted the mayor and council members, and then returned to the locker room.
At 7:20, David Stern appeared on the scene, and the championship Larry O'Brien Cup was also placed at the exit of the player tunnel.
In the visiting team's locker room, Barkley was lost in thought while looking at the trophy.
He was standing under the TV, within reach of the trophy, but the real distance was very far away.
"Charles, focus on the game. We may not lose. If we win this game, it will be our home court. Then the situation will definitely be reversed."
head coach Paul Westphal advised.
Barkley smiled bitterly, stepped back and sat on the bench.
…
At 7:30, both sides announced the starting lineup.
Suns: Mark West, Charles Barkley, Richard, Dan Mulley, Kevin Johnson
Pistons: Seikaly, Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan, Isiah Thomas
"Oh, the assassin is still the starter?" Bill Walton said in surprise.
"Doesn't it matter if you get injured on the field?" Williams said the same.
"I hope I can really fight."
On CCTV, Zhang Lili was equally surprised when he saw the starting list.
"At this time, the head coach will definitely not randomly assign an injured person to start, right?" Sun Zhenping said.
Zhang Li thought about it and said: "Perhaps it is a reward for the assassin, a pseudo-starter. With his status in the Pistons and in Detroit, he is indeed worthy of this treatment."
Sun Zhenping was startled, nodded and said: "It is indeed an honor to start and win the championship as the main player."
At 7:45, the starting lineup came on.
The lights at the Palace of Auburn Hills have been extinguished, but the prepared light show has begun. The colorful lights form one after another into flowing patterns, which is dazzling.
"Now in the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns."
"We welcome the flying pig in the air with Charles Barkley, a power forward from Auburn University, six feet six inches, 115 kilograms."
Following the shouts of the host, Barkley gathered his mood and walked out of the channel.
When he passed the O'Brien Cup, his eyes were red. If he could win the cup if he took it away, he would definitely grab it and turn around and leave.
"Pa bang bang..."
Tonight, the Palace of Auburn Hills seemed to be particularly tolerant. There were very few boos, but there was some applause.
"A three-to-one lead gives Detroiters a lot of confidence. They no longer bother to use boos to hurt their opponents."
Bill Walton said with a smile.
After the away team came out, they ushered in the home team.
"Now let's give a warm welcome to the point guard from Chicago..."
"Oh oh oh……"
As soon as the host's voice rang out, it was drowned out by the crazy shouts of Pistons fans.
Smiling assassin Isiah Thomas slowly walked out of the tunnel, smiling, with two lines of tears on his face, and raised his hands in the air to greet the fans.
"It is not easy for the Assassin to restore his reputation. It is a very good ending for him to retire as the leader of the team." Bill Walton said with emotion.
"Being swept in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals was a particularly big blow to him. If he had sunk, his historical status would be greatly reduced. But now he can eliminate the Bulls and Jordan, and win the third championship. It is a big blow to him. As far as I'm concerned, his career has been perfect," Williams nodded.
Bill Walton said: "Now it's Dennis Rodman, the dynamic bug who is so popular, he gets a huge cheer."
Williams continued: "The third player to appear is Ronny Sekali. Although this center who was traded is very weak, his role cannot be underestimated. In terms of scoring and rebounding, he is an indispensable piece for the Pistons to win the championship. puzzle."
"The fourth one is Joe Dumars, one of the Pistons' core outsiders. He helps the Iron Fist share a lot of offensive and defensive pressure." Bill Walton said.
"It's Iron Fist now, he's out," Williams shouted, raising his voice.
Rumble…
When Zhou Quan walked out of the tunnel, the huge shouts were like rolling thunder for a long time. He was very excited, his blood was boiling, and he kept waving to the fans.
When he walked past the O'Brien Cup, he didn't touch it. He just glanced at it gently, smiled confidently, and walked over.
"A rapidly rising star! Even if he is not as good as the Magic who won the championship and FMVP in his rookie season, he is not far behind." Bill Walton praised.
Williams nodded and said: "His defense is not comparable to that of Magic. Magic is better than him and can play five positions.
I believe that as long as Iron Fist is not seriously injured and continues to fight like this, with his influence now that he is out of the circle, he will sooner or later become one of the super giants in this league. "
"Hello Mr. Stern."
"Zhou, I wish you success."
"Thanks!"
After completing the appearance ceremony, Zhou Quan went to say hello to David Stern.
Stern's opinion of Zhou Quan is getting better and better. Not only is Zhou Quan's strength getting stronger and stronger, but he also has a certain influence outside the circle. What's important is that he can win the championship in his second season and become Michael Jordan's best player. A powerful opponent, he may re-create a yellow and black era after the Magic Bird Era.
Another point is that Zhou Quan is different from last season. There was no violence on the field this season, which also made him very happy.
For these reasons, in the second round of the series, even if the Bulls were facing elimination and his god-making plan faced failure, they did not interfere too much in the game.
But there is also something that makes him unhappy. Although Zhou Quan's crossover has brought some personal influence outside the circle, it has done more harm than good to the alliance.
"We are tenacious, tough, iron-blooded, and we are not afraid..."
At 7:59, before the starting players took the field, a huge and uniform roar rang out from the Palace of Auburn Hills under the leadership of Zhou Quan.
"victory!"
On the other end, Buckley shouted sharply.
He was unwilling to fail so close to the championship, and he didn't want to be defeated by Zhou Quan.
Tonight, he will fight for his dream of a championship.
"Charles, if you can't win the championship this time, you'll never think about it again in this life."
At this time, far away in New York, Jordan was standing in front of the TV, staring at the TV, but holding a basketball in his hand. After saying this, he stepped forward to turn off the TV, and then went to practice with the ball.
…
(End of chapter)
