NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On May 11, 1998, at the Charlotte Arena, the Hornets fans could only watch the Knicks' atmosphere team jumping and shouting with joy on the sidelines.

"Boo!!"

Boos and shouts resounded throughout the arena.

The Hornets fans at the scene began to boo helplessly and also booed the home team.

They didn't win a single game, which was really a shame!

100:84, the Hornets' offense was out of power in the second quarter.

After the Knicks opened up the gap, they did not give their opponents any chances and won the game easily.

With a big score of 4:0, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks swept their opponents and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for two consecutive years!

In the NBC commentary booth, Bob Costas smiled and shook his head, and praised the Hornets' performance:

"Glen Rice gave his all for this game. He played 48 minutes, made 13 of 21 shots, and scored a game-high 30 points!"

"Mason also performed well, making 7 of 13 shots and contributing 16 points. The Hornets lost on rebounds, and they allowed the Knicks to get too many second-chance opportunities."

Head coach Doug Collins, who parted ways with the Pistons this season, was also in the commentary booth.

He took a look at the technical statistics and said jokingly with a smile:

"Patrick Ewing's offensive performance has declined, but this may be a good thing for the Knicks!"

"I respect Ewing, but he is 36 years old. Lee is the core of this team."

"The scorer and organizer can switch seamlessly. In my opinion, Lee is the answer to the No. 1 position in the future."

"Only after playing against him can you truly understand his talent. His steady style of play is the key to the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for two consecutive years."

Playing for 39 minutes, he made 6 of 14 shots, 2 of 5 from beyond the three point line, 6 of 6 free throws, 20 points, 3 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals and 3 turnovers.

Lee once again scored a double-double tonight.

Jim Gray, another commentator in the commentary booth, was looking at Clay Lee's technical statistics.

Upon hearing this comment, he immediately smiled and asked back:

"Solid playing style? We are talking about Lee! The New York media calls him the next Magic Johnson."

"You can look at Lee's turnover rate, the data truly reflects his playing style!"

"."

The three people in the commentary booth unknowingly changed the topic, but no one cared about it at this time.

The Knicks became the first team to reach the divisional finals this season!

Larry Johnson hugged everyone he met at this time.

He felt satisfied after hugging them and even pulled the Hornets players aside to give them some words of encouragement.

Lee didn't have such a bad taste.

He was about to leave the field when he noticed that a kid in the front row wearing the Knicks away No. 1 jersey was waving at him, so he stopped.

I signed an autograph for this rebellious kid.

The arena was still very noisy, and the kid in front of me shouted excitedly:

"That's so cool! I want to play like you, and I love the Knicks!"

After the two of them bumped fists, the rebellious child happily hugged his mother who was wearing the No. 30 Hornets jersey and screamed.

On the other hand, Dell Curry, who basically played a supporting role in the series, saw this scene and his face turned black:

"There is a traitor in our family."

When Lee returned to the locker room, he saw Jeff Van Gundy was smiling from ear to ear.

The bald coach was extremely satisfied with reaching the divisional finals.

"We played a perfect performance! The Eastern Conference Finals will not be the end, our only goal is the championship!"

"After returning to New York, I will give everyone a break, read less newspapers, and adjust our condition. What we have to do next is to defend our home court."

Jeff Van Gundy began to give inspirational speeches, the bald young coach kept making promises, and he encouraged everyone to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Ewing, who was passively turned into a tool man, was also in a good mood.

Several veteran players know that this year may be their best chance to win the championship.

As they get older, a decline in physical condition is inevitable.

Oakley is getting better and better after the gorilla's return, and the old guy is also a little excited at this time:

"Our chance has come. No matter who our opponent is, they won't be in better shape than us!"

The atmosphere group immediately echoed the voice, and soon everyone started discussing the opponents in the Eastern Conference Finals.

In another G4 match, the Bulls suppressed the Pacers almost throughout the game.

But with Reggie Miller pushing Michael Jordan away and hitting a three-pointer from the right wing outside the three point line in the final moments, the Pacers finally defeated the Bulls.

(A/N: Jordan - "It became personal with me." That Larry Bird face scene...😈)

94:96, after protecting two home courts in a row, the two sides will have the decisive battle next.

Alan Houston was looking through the schedule and casually sent his blessing:

"I hope they can go to Game 7, so we can gain a considerable physical advantage."

The Bulls and the Pacers were in a stalemate, and the situation was just as he expected.

Lee stroked his chin and said cheerfully:

"The old man must be tired now. This is indeed a great opportunity for us!"

"."

On May 12, the NBA announced the best rookie team for the 1997-1998 season:

The first team consists of five members:

Tim Duncan, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Brevin Knight, Ron Mercer, Keith Van Horn;

The second team consists of five players:

Derek Anderson, Cedric Henderson, Bobby Jackson, Maurice Taylor, Tim Thomas.

Compared to last year's rookies, this year, except for Duncan and Van Horn, the other players in the best rookie team are somewhat mediocre.

Tim Duncan had no time to be happy, as the Spurs lost again in the Western Conference semifinals that night, 77:87.

The series score came to 4:1, and in the end the Jazz swept the Spurs and reached the Western Conference Finals again.

In another Western Conference semifinal, 110:95, thanks to O'Neal's outstanding performance, the Lakers defeated the Supersonics away from home, with a score of 4:1, and entered the Western Conference Finals!

The Shark played well tonight, 12 of 17 shots, 7 of 12 free throws, 70% hit rate, and scored 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 blocks, and 5 turnovers.

At this point, the two teams in the Western Conference Finals have been officially announced:

Lakers vs. Jazz.

The Los Angeles media also got excited at this time, and they were completely in a state of self-excitement.

The old man basketball of the Jazz could not stop O'Neal who was in good form!

New York fans did not focus on these two teams.

Everyone wanted to see the Bulls eliminated by the Pacers.

On May 13, the NBA announced the 97-98 season's best defensive team:

The five players in the first team are:

Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Dikembe Mutombo;

The second team consists of five members:

Mookie Blaylock, Eddie Jones, Charles Oakley, David Robinson, Tim Duncan.

After seeing this list, the New York media felt relieved.

They felt that they were given a hard time in the All-Star Game, but being selected for the All-Defensive Team was a way of regaining face.

After the morning video class ended, the Knicks team congratulated Oakley on being selected to the All-Defensive Team for the second time in his career, and the old guy was overjoyed.

"Come and relax tonight, it's my treat, it's the perfect season!"

Oakley grinned and threw money around.

The atmosphere group cheered and it was time for their favorite free food and drink session.

Compared to the two teams that are still preparing for the decisive battle, the Knicks have gained a lot of time to rest.

Lee still doesn't know whether Oakley has reached a contract extension with the Knicks, but by making it into the best defensive team, perhaps the old guy has a chance to stay with the team.

Ewing and Starks also smiled and sent their blessings.

Larry Johnson on the side seemed to think of the subsequent best lineup and said with a sour heart:

"I feel that the media has ignored me!"

As the team with the best record in the regular season, it is only natural for the Knicks to win some honors, but the situation of the "grandmama" is a bit embarrassing.

Neither the defensive core nor the second scorer in the team, Lee could only comfort the "grandmama" at this time and draw a pie:

"As long as you win the championship, you will get a lot of attention. At least, the New York media will not forget you."

Alan Houston is not jealous.

Although he failed to be selected for the All-Star Game this year, he will most likely be selected for the All-NBA Team.

Jeff Van Gundy was completely relieved when he saw the harmonious atmosphere within the team, but Thibodeau suddenly reminded him:

"We still have to let Pat find his form. Houston will consume a lot of energy on the defensive end whether it is against Miller or Michael Jordan."

The coaching staff also discussed in low voices.

Jeff Van Gundy sighed secretly when he thought of the gorilla's shooting touch:

"Digesting the ball has also become a problem"

Since only the Pacers and the Bulls are left in the semifinals, the decisive battle in Game 5 has attracted a lot of attention.

However, the content of the game that night disappointed the fans.

87:106, the Bulls returned to their home court and led their opponents by 25 points at halftime, and eventually won the game easily.

This result also made many media outlets start shouting "Bulls are the champions" again.

The series seemed to have no suspense, and everyone was waiting for the Bulls to advance.

On May 14, the NBA announced the best lineup for the 1997-1998 season:

The five players in the first lineup are:

Clay Lee, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal;

The second team consists of 5 players:

Gary Payton, Alan Houston, Grant Hill, Vin Baker, David Robinson;

The 5 players in the third team are:

Tim Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Glen Rice, Scottie Pippen, Dikembe Mutombo.

The best lineup had just been announced and the New York media was in a collective climax.

The title of "the strongest backcourt combination in the league" was thrown out again.

Tim Duncan was selected for the first team in his first year as a rookie.

Spurs fans were the happiest because the future core is already in the team.

Lee was selected to the All-NBA First Team, and New York fans were also happy.

A rookie achieved this in his second year, and the future belongs to the Knicks!

In the first team, in addition to two old guys, there are two new players, which also made many sports media realize that the renewal of the league has begun!

Of course, there are some controversies in this selection result. Pippen only played in 44 games, but was finally selected into the best team.

This is indeed unfair to some players who played in every game.

Lee did not pay attention to the situation of his opponents.

He participated in training step by step every day.

Compared with the playoffs last season, his physical condition this year was extremely good.

The opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals has not yet been determined, which allows Lee to relax.

On the evening of the 15th, Lee took Melinda with him to attend the premiere of "The Horse Whisperer".

At the Loews Theater in Midtown West Manhattan, a large number of media gathered before 7 p.m.

The two of them came mainly to watch a movie.

Melinda liked western romance movies very much, and Lee would accompany the big-breasted girl to the cinema to relax when he had time.

Lee has participated in such premiere ceremonies many times.

It is considered a way to make superficial friends.

The story of the movie was a bit cliché, but Melinda enjoyed watching it, and after the movie ended, the audience applauded the leading actors.

"Kristin is really beautiful, she is such an elegant lady!"

Melinda dressed a little more formally tonight, but her light blue shirt was still bulging, which made her look even more seductive.

Kristin Scott was really beautiful when she was young, but now she has become an aunt.

Lee hugged the big-breasted girl and whispered in her ear:

"You are still more beautiful! Let's go back early!"

Every time he attended such a party, Lee felt helpless because he was not yet of legal drinking age.

Although the laws vary from state to state, Lee has to follow the rules in such public places.

The subsequent celebration party was time for everyone to do whatever they wanted.

Many big stars came that night. The director and leading actor Robert Redford was very versatile and did not forget Lee even in such a social occasion.

"Lee, help us take good care of this little angel, and remember not to drink secretly!"

Robert Redford, dressed in a formal suit, looked elegant.

He winked at Lee, and then led the brown-haired loli over here.

Scarlett Johansson, dressed as a lady, helplessly watched the adults toasting each other.

It was a rare opportunity for her to star in a decent movie, and she wanted to socialize, but she was still a little girl, and no one wanted to have a drink with her in such occasions.

Scarlett, with her washboard figure, looked particularly innocent.

She took the juice handed to her by Melinda and then noticed the big sister in front of her with a sexy figure.

"Thank you, you are so beautiful! Lee, my brother likes you very much!"

Acting like a good girl, Scarlett tried to appear mature and started talking about the latest gossip in New York.

Lee looked at the big Lolita in front of him and couldn't imagine the image of her as an adult:

"Thank him for me. Of course, if you want to come to Madison Square Garden to watch the game, remember to text me."

As if she felt that Lee didn't treat her as a child, the brown-haired big loli also smiled, thinking that she had found someone of the same age, and started chattering about the gossip of the crew.

That night, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Reggie Miller had a poor performance, shooting 2 of 13 and scoring only 8 points.

But the Pacers stubbornly defended their home court, and the two sides entered a game 7.

New York fans were ecstatic.

In Game 7, everything was possible.

At this moment, they were all Pacers fans!

Jeff Van Gundy and the coaching staff were also very happy.

No matter who wins in the end, the Knicks will have a huge physical advantage!

The Lakers' defeat to the Jazz in the Western Conference Finals on the 16th was no longer popular.

As long as they thought that Michael Jordan might be eliminated, all sports media followed suit.

On May 17, the Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals was extremely popular, and many fans who were paying attention to the game were expecting the Pacers to explode and eliminate the Bulls.

In such a crucial game, Pippen performed poorly in the first half, shooting 3 of 12 and scoring 11 points.

After halftime, the Bulls led by only 3 points thanks to excellent rebounding, a situation that almost caused all major sports media to collectively climax.

In the third quarter, Michael made 1 of 5 dunks and scored only 4 points, and the Pacers narrowed the gap again.

In the last quarter, Michael Jordan was still missing shots, but consecutive breakthroughs and free throws, coupled with the Bulls' strong rebounding, eventually won the game with difficulty.

83:88, the score is 4:3, the Bulls once again enter the Eastern Conference Finals!

Reggie Miller performed very well, but he failed to respond in the final quarter.

At 34:50, the Bulls, who were struggling to make shots, grabbed 22 offensive rebounds.

Lee, who had watched this game specially, was shocked when he saw this statistic:

"The old guys really tried their best!"

Jordan played again for 42 minutes, made 9 of 25 dunks, 10 of 15 free throws, scored 28 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 turnovers;

Pippen made 6 of 18 shots, 0 of 5 from beyond the three-point line, and 5 of 9 free throws, scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.

After fighting for 7 games, the dual-core almost couldn't hold on.

After a short day of rest, the Bulls flew to New York without stopping.

On the afternoon of the 18th, as soon as the Bulls got off the plane, they were surrounded by enthusiastic New York media.

Phil Jackson stopped the media reporters who wanted to interview the players.

At this time, what the players needed was more rest time.

Michael Jordan looked a little tired in his red Bulls practice uniform.

The league's most conscientious second-in-command had a hit rate of less than 40% in several games, which forced him to try his best.

But Michael Jordan never complains about this, he knows his teammates have tried their best.

The Lakers lost again that night, but most sports media were more concerned about the physical condition of the Bulls players.

On the 19th, before the Eastern Conference Finals even started, many sports media outlets were already hyping up their games:

"The Bulls are exhausted!"

The Eastern Conference Game 1 officially kicked off at 8 p.m. In the Knicks locker room before the game, Patrick Ewing felt that the championship seemed to be within reach.

The gorilla did not say anything chicken soup.

Several veterans did the same.

They Silently made the sign of the cross in front of themselves and prayed to God for protection.

Losing to the Bulls for consecutive years had long made the old guys lose the confidence to brag.

Lee did not care about this.

In this round of the series, the Knicks will implement the "four protect one" strategy.

In the first two rounds of the game, Lee actively passed the ball to his teammates.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the roles were reversed, and Alan Houston and others became defensive tools most of the time.

After entering the locker room, Jeff Van Gundy looked at everyone with a serious expression, and finally said simply:

"Win all the home games and we will make it to the finals again!"

"."

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