June 25, 1999 almost became a difficult day for Spurs fans.
Before the game, they still had illusions and hoped that the series could continue, but the reality was extremely cruel.
The Spurs were defeated in their own home court.
In the first quarter, Spurs fans saw Lee break through and knock down David Robinson, and saw Duncan defending pick-and-rolls and being broken through by Lee again and again, and everyone realized that the game was over.
In the Alamodome, there were constant boos after the game ended, some of which 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, 10 of 20, 7 of 9 free throws, and scored 27 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 2 turnovers;
David Robinson played 37 minutes, 5 of 14, 5 of 8 free throws, and scored 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
Popovich did not adjust his tactics and still fought hard against the main players.
In the crucial game, the performance of the big brothers was poor, and Avery Johnson alone contributed 4 turnovers.
After the game, the noise of nearly 40,000 fans resounded throughout the arena.
Jeff Van Gundy didn't care about the atmosphere on the scene.
At this time, he was chatting with Popovich and sharing his experience as a champion coach.
David Robinson, who was looking disappointed, greeted Lee, and was then pulled by Ewing in a gray suit to teach his championship experience:
"Believe me, you will win the championship. As long as you stick to it, I believe the Spurs will get better and better!"
"."
The gorilla smiled and comforted the "Admiral", and David Robinson was speechless:
"Your figure is out of shape!"
As a clinger, the younger brother Duncan's legs are not thick enough.
Although David Robinson recognized Ewing's performance last year, he was still unconvinced this year!
NBC reporter Jim Gray watched Lee hug Ray Allen and head coach Calhoun, then asked with a smile:
"At 21 years and 176 days old, you won the championship for the second time in your career. Lee, you set a new record."
"We all want to know how you feel now!"
The noisy scene forced Lee to bow 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 express my gratitude. This season's schedule is very tight and we have experienced injuries. This championship means a lot to me."
"After taking on more responsibilities, I am very happy that we won the championship again. I hope that the fans who have always supported us will like this gift."
The excited Sprewell's braids on his head were scattered a lot.
At this time, he rushed behind Lee and shouted:
"Champion! I have a championship too!"
"."
Ewing, who hugged everyone he met, was addicted.
Alan Houston shared the joy with his family.
Larry Johnson also pulled David Robinson to encourage him.
When the Knicks team began to walk back to the player channel to change into championship T-shirts, the boos gradually decreased.
The Spurs fans in the back row had already left the stadium in disappointment.
Many people did not want to witness the Knicks' award ceremony.
In the visiting team's locker room, the uniform team had already prepared the championship T-shirts.
Old Charles and the management were also smiling.
The championship meant profit, and the more dollars the better.
James Dolan, dressed in a black suit, patted Lee on the shoulder and shouted loudly:
"Lee, perfect performance! Two consecutive championships, no one can question the Knicks anymore."
Everyone has different needs.
For Lee, the championship can help him consolidate his position in the team.
Lee is naturally very happy about having a big contract and privileges.
For other teammates, the championship means a stable contract.
The team will not rashly break up the existing combination.
Considering the age structure, the team will not have too many changes next season.
Stable money making is what most players need.
"Change your T-shirts, it's time to go to receive the award!"
Jeff Van Gundy interrupted the players' celebration while clapping his hands.
At this time, Van Gundy was already very happy.
With two championships, the bald young coach surpassed most NBA coaches and officially joined the ranks of famous coaches.
The most obvious benefit of famous coaches is a big contract.
Phil Jackson, as the league's current hottest championship coach, has a salary of about 6 million US dollars.
Jeff Van Gundy feels that if he works harder, he can reach this level!
The podium was built very quickly.
Bob Costas straightened his clothes and served as the host.
David Stern smiled and greeted the Spurs staff:
"Thank you for your support of the league!"
The Spurs fans didn't buy it and continued to boo.
Spike Lee in the front row was whispering to Starks, who came to watch the game, and occasionally turned his head to wave provocatively at the fans in the back row.
When the Knicks team appeared on the stage wearing gray hats and white T-shirts with team logos and golden trophies, the Alamodome became even noisier.
Although many of the nearly 40,000 fans have left, there are still many left.
When Lee waved to his friends, the Spurs fans continued to boo.
In the game G5, Lee, whose physical strength had declined, was suddenly exploded.
He played for 36 minutes, made 11 of 18 shots, 4 of 8 three-pointers, and 8 of 8 free throws, with 34 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers.
Lee handed over this data, and the Spurs fans were naturally in a bad mood.
Bob Costas and Doug Collins both came forward to hug and greet Lee.
The three of them praised each other commercially, and the award ceremony officially began.
Old Charles stood in the front in a formal suit and shook hands with the smiling David Stern.
"The wonderful 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 us welcome NBA Commissioner David Stern!"
Bob Costas spoke in a brisk tone amid the boos from the audience, and quickly handed the microphone to the commissioner.
David Stern was not affected at all.
With a happy smile on his face, he quickly said loudly:
"Thanks to the cities of New York and San Antonio for their strong support for the league. I want to pay tribute to the Spurs and the fans on the scene. This is a wonderful round of finals!"
"Throughout the season, the Spurs' team basketball and excellent defense have impressed everyone."
"Thank you also to the Knicks. When there were injuries and difficulties, you showed the world your tenacious spirit and courage!"
"."
The Spurs fans at the scene showed no good looks to David Stern, who was recalling the past, and only a few New York fans continued to cheer.
Lee had a smile on his face, watching the president being booed.
"Here, I officially announce that the team that won the championship in the 1998-1999 season is the New York Knicks. They have won the championship for two consecutive years. Let us congratulate the champions together!"
"Wow!"
Amid the booing and shouting of the Knicks, old Charles took the golden trophy handed over by David Stern and immediately raised his glass to celebrate with a smile.
The fourth championship in the team's history, old Charles smiled and laughed at his old rival during an interview:
"I know what New York fans want to hear. I assure you that the Knicks will continue to compete for the 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 old Charles took this opportunity to tease the other side again.
Seeing the old rival in trouble, the New York fans are completely relieved.
As for the opponent of this year's finals, the Spurs, no one actually took it to heart.
After all, San Antonio is not rich and doesn't look like a championship team.
Perhaps because he was about to hand over control, old Charles said a lot, mainly to assure New York fans that the team would spend money as always.
The Spurs fans couldn't stand this and booed again.
Bob Costas took the microphone again and interviewed Jeff Van Gundy:
"Jeff, what does it mean to you to win the championship for the second time?"
The bald young coach was so excited that he almost cried directly.
Thinking of his identity as a famous coach, he stabilized 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 started to recall the bitterness and sweetness of the mode, and thanked everyone excitedly.
The Knicks team had long been familiar with Van Gundy's long-winded chicken soup, and the people who were taking turns to raise their glasses followed suit.
The bald young coach's eyes were red, and at this moment he suddenly understood Phil Jackson.
Championing the championship is actually very simple.
The head coach is responsible for winning the championship, and the assistant coach is responsible for defensive tactics.
As long as you meet a real strong player, you can win the championship even if you just lie down.
Ewing, who won the championship by lying down, looked at the trophy in his arms with a complicated expression.
He didn't get it at all in the early stage of his career, but at the end of his career, he won the championship for the second time.
Watching David Stern take the microphone and continue his speech, Ewing realized that he would never win the Finals MVP again.
"The youngest MVP in NBA history, the youngest Finals MVP in Finals history, I am glad to witness Lee's performance in the Finals again."
"Calm, selfless, a superstar in the league, let us congratulate Lee for winning the Finals FMVP again!"
The award was no surprise, and Lee was pushed to the front by his teammates with a smile.
David Stern handed the golden spherical trophy to Lee and gave him a simple hug, and then smiled and applauded.
In the 5 finals, he averaged 38.2 minutes per game, averaging 30.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.3 turnovers per game;
Averaging 20.4 shots per game, shooting 51.9%, 8.0 shots per game from beyond the three-point line, 44.7% three-point shooting, 7.0 free throws per game, 89.0% free throw shooting.
Infinitely close to the 180 club, except for the 8 of 20 in G3, Lee performed very well in the series.
Lee 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 director's prompt in the headset and said with a smile:
"You are the third player in the long history of the NBA to win the scoring title, MVP, and FMVP in the same season."
"Lee, congratulations! This is really an unparalleled achievement!"
In history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan were the only two players to achieve this achievement before.
At the same time, Lee also became the seventh player to win both MVP and FMVP in a single season.
Lee has become numb to these records.
After all, they are in the newspapers every day, and it has become a daily routine.
"These achievements are inseparable from everyone's support. I am very happy to chase the achievements of Willis Reed!"
Lee held the trophy and praised the old predecessor Reed, who is the first player in the history of the Knicks to win both MVP and FMVP.
Then Lee began to thank everyone.
Noticing that the New York fans were screaming, he waved his hands again and said with a smile:
"Last year, I made a promise to the New York fans. I'm glad I did it!"
"Not one, not two. We will win more championships. Thank you again for your support for the Knicks!"
The Knicks team all grinned and James Dolan behind Charles kept clapping.
They have a chance to win three consecutive championships!
The Spurs fans were completely broken.
They watched the Knicks team accept the interview with a smile.
The golden O'Brien Cup was raised in turn, and the FMVP trophy became a prop for group photos.
Such a scene made a large number of fans leave the stadium.
Although Larry Johnson missed a lot of shots in the entire series, no one cared at this time.
During the interview, he and Sprewell praised Lee.
Alan Houston thanked his family as always and did not get too arrogant.
Oakley did not forget to show off during the interview and raised two fingers.
Although Ewing was in a complicated mood, he also smiled at this time.
The atmosphere team was all happy.
When asked about his 4 three-pointers tonight, Rashard Lewis was so excited that he almost cried.
He didn't get any playing time the whole season, but he scored 14 points in the finals.
Lewis knew that he had seized the opportunity and finally made it!
Ben Wallace held Lee's FMVP gold cup, posed, laughed and asked his friends to take pictures of him.
For "Little Ben", the next contract is already secure, and he has established a firm foothold in the team.
When the Knicks and the league staff were ready to take a group photo, half of the Spurs fans in the Alamodome had already left.
Lee held two trophies with a bright smile, and Sprewell and Alan Houston were next to him.
The three stood in the middle, surrounded by the atmosphere team, watching the media in front of them click their cameras, and cheered in unison:
"Champions!"
In the visiting team's locker room, everyone sprayed champagne, and Lee and Oakley and others started smoking cigars again.
After enduring a season, now is the time for carnival.
Popovich's face turned ugly when he thought of the Knicks still celebrating at the press conference.
What made him even more helpless was the questioning of him by the local media in San Antonio:
"Greg, for the finals, should we reduce Tim's playing time?"
"Why not use Elliott to defend Lee as soon as possible?"
"Will you continue to coach the Spurs next season?"
The last question was asked by a New York Post reporter who was just looking for fun, and was glared at by everyone.
The players are fine, so the head coach can only take the blame.
Popovich said polite words, but he felt jealous of the treatment of the bald young coach.
As the draft approached, the Knicks' championship parade was scheduled for the morning of Sunday, the 27th.
Although the time was a bit urgent, old Charles had already informed the city hall.
After all, Sprewell was leaving the team, and the hero of the championship had to leave with dignity.
On June 26, the Knicks flew back to New York with the trophy, and the fans who met them at the airport shouted with joy when they saw the trophy.
There was a celebration party in the evening, and Lee and his agent Mark Bartelstein had to send invitations to sponsors and friends in advance.
In addition, the free market was about to open, and before signing a new contract, both of them had to be on high alert.
Negotiations began after the finals.
The news of Phil Jackson's arrival in the City of Angels was quickly overshadowed by the Knicks' championship.
ESPN took advantage of the heat of the finals and released the playoff data rankings.
As a result, Clay Lee dominated the screen again.
In 18 playoff games, Lee averaged 25.7 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 49.5%, a three-point shooting percentage of 43.1%, and a free throw percentage of 91.5%.
With data close to the 180 club, plus a true shooting percentage of 63.7% and a PER of 27.6, ESPN gave the following evaluation:
"The strongest perimeter player in the league!"
Not long ago, O'Neal, who was fishing, just won the title of "The strongest inside player in the league", but the New York media made sarcastic remarks every day:
"Without a championship, what kind of strongest inside player is he?"
After Phil Jackson joined the Lakers, O'Neal was in a good mood, but when the Knicks won the championship, he was jealous again.
The Shark, who was still chatting with Phil Jackson about the future of the team in Los Angeles, was caught by the sports media and made sarcastic remarks again during an interview:
"I'm not interested in the championship in the shortened season. The Lakers will win the championship next year!"
"Phil's arrival has completely changed the team!"
The NBA is naturally happy to see media hype.
The war of words between the two major ball cities is also conducive to the "star-making movement"!
On the morning of June 27, Lee entertained his New York friends in his Manhattan apartment early in the morning.
Although Jimmy Fallon was shy in front of female stars, he was very caring.
Everyone chatted non-stop in the apartment.
Since the championship parade would start at 10 o'clock, many media reporters also squeezed in to interview Lee in advance.
Dressed casually, in jeans and a white printed T-shirt, Lee chatted with familiar media reporters while looking at his watch.
"Lee, have you seen the newspaper this morning? Shaq is still fantasizing that the Lakers will win the championship!"
"Oh! They were eliminated by the Spurs, this guy must be jealous."
"I'm not interested in the championship in the shortened season! They were swept out, and there is really no chance for me to be interested!"
Lee didn't have time to read the newspaper, but when he heard several people vividly describing the interview scene at that time, he suddenly thought of the gains from the finals:
[Tim Duncan's excellent sense of position]
"The champion is the champion, there is no excuse for this!"
Lee's words made several people laugh.
The shark who was often swept was obviously jealous, and everyone had to increase the intensity of ridicule.
As for the Lakers dreaming of winning the championship?
The New York media didn't care about this.
The inside players couldn't beat the Knicks!
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