Chapter 621 Do "Old Guys" Also Need Trophies?! (3979 words)

On Monday, December 1, 2008, the NBA announced the Player of the Month for the new season.

To the surprise of fans, the award winners were all "new generation" stars:

LeBron James of the Eastern Conference and Chris Paul of the Western Conference successfully won the award, surpassing a group of "old guys."

The Cavaliers visited New York after Thanksgiving, playing an offensive style of basketball, but suffered a crushing 28-point defeat, ending their winning streak and bringing their November record to 14 wins and 3 losses.

Compared to the Cavaliers' record, the Boston Celtics quietly surged to second place in the Eastern Conference with 16 wins and 2 losses.

After a crushing defeat to the New York Knicks in the opening game, the "old guys" managed to string together a winning streak.

The New York Knicks were also very stable.

After Lee's absence and a road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, they also went on a winning streak.

At the end of last month, in their home game against the Warriors, they even scored 140 points!

Although they also allowed their opponents to score 110 points, the New York fans watching the game live all cheered with excitement, as there was no Defense, only scoring.

Compared to the two teams mentioned above, while the Cavaliers' record wasn't superior, their dazzling offensive basketball this season allowed their team leader, LeBron James, to still win the trophy.

In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers also performed exceptionally strongly, currently holding a record of 14 wins and 1 loss.

Their easy schedule allowed them to consistently dominate weaker teams!

Phil Jackson expanded the team's rotation, which meant Tim Duncan's statistics weren't particularly outstanding, only occasionally showing strong performances.

Kobe's statistics were also "average," and his playing time in the first month was also significantly reduced.

Ultimately, the Player of the Month award went to Paul, with the Charlotte Hornets holding a record of 9 wins and 6 losses, also not having a superior record.

The statistics of the two stars were quite impressive, and their individual performances were very efficient:

Averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 2.8 turnovers, LeBron James shot 49.9% from the field in 35.7 minutes per game.

His 27.3% three-point percentage and 77.4% free throw percentage were somewhat dragging him down, while his average of 9.4 free throws per game indicated that the The Chosen One had completely transformed and begun to evolve into a ball-handling forward.

Averaging 20.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 2.8 steals, and 3.1 turnovers, with a 52.3% field goal percentage, 39.3% three-point percentage, and 85.7% free throw percentage.

Chris Paul played 37.7 minutes per game, with 13.4 shot attempts per game.

With these statistics, winning the award was well-deserved.

After the awards were announced, news broke on the Sports Center program that morning that the Boston Celtics' "old guys" were very dissatisfied.

Last night, before flying back to Boston, Pierce, who was interviewed after the game, seemed to have guessed that he wouldn't win an award.

When discussing the "trophy" issue, he loudly complained in the locker room:

"I can't understand the league's award criteria. The Boston Celtics' record is no worse than any opponent, but when these awards are discussed, we are always ignored."

"New generation stars? Who cares about them? We've been in the league for so many years, and who among us has received too many honors?"

"This is too unfair. I don't know why this is happening. The league lacks respect for veterans!"

Although the broadcast footage was only an interview clip, anyone could see that Pierce was jealous.

And when Garnett was later asked about the small trophy, although he didn't explicitly state his position, he also supported his teammate:

"The team with the better record should be rewarded."

Marbury was even more agitated, believing that the The Big Four had not received the respect they deserved, and despite such an excellent record, they were still mocked by fans.

He finally said emotionally:

"The league only caters to these more popular players!"

The only one who didn't make sarcastic remarks was Ray Allen.

Although he was dissatisfied, not getting Player of the Month despite an excellent record meant the award was likely to go to the Head Coach, to avoid a boomerang effect.

He simply stated calmly:

"I just want to keep winning! The team is in great shape, and we can't relax."

The news of the The Big Four' statements was followed by the announcement that Head Coach Rivers had won the coach of the Month award for November, which made the fun-loving fans in front of their televisions chuckle.

If only based on record, the Boston Celtics shouldn't have won the award either!

The coach of the Month for the Western Conference went to Phil Jackson.

His win was not surprising, as it had been difficult for him to win awards in previous years.

Now with a significant lead, it was the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man's turn.

Unlike the sour grapes in Boston, Kobe Bryant still maintained his superstar swagger.

He had rarely given interviews recently, focusing instead on the upcoming Christmas War.

The special Mamba needed to conserve energy early!

That evening, back at their home TD Garden, the Boston Celtics even prepared a small awards ceremony for Rivers before the game.

The management and fans were very satisfied with the current record.

Rivers, however, made no mention of the record.

After all, he had truly won the trophy.

In a pre-game interview, the coach of the Month also didn't want to upset his own players and once again offered some inspirational words:

"We are a family! If we receive honors, we will bless each other. If there are no trophies, we will still unite and move forward."

"This is the Boston Celtics. We only focus on the team's 17th championship banner! Boston fans will be proud of us!"

"..."

The "chicken soup" was pleasant for the sports media to hear.

In reality, the trophies weren't distributed to more Eastern Conference players mainly because Clay Lee had won too many trophies over the years.

A few years ago, when Sports Illustrated released photos of Lee's "achievement room" at home, it caused a sensation.

Now, if they were to take photos again, fans wouldn't react much because they've won so much.

Everyone understood this situation, but no one said it explicitly, because if awards were only judged by record, they would all be "honor thieves."

The angry old guys put in twelve points of effort in their back-to-back game, crushing the Orlando Magic in just three quarters.

Darko Miličić became a toy for Garnett and Perkins, and coupled with their inaccuracy from beyond the arc, Head Coach Stan Van Gundy pulled his starters early and conceded defeat.

When the game ended, the final score was 84:111.

At the TD Garden, Boston fans cheered for their home team, as they had extended their winning streak.

The Orlando Magic shot 5-for-28 from three-point range in the entire game.

Many teams this season have followed the New York Knicks' lead and become three-point-heavy teams, but only the defending champions have achieved good records.

With a record of 7 wins and 11 losses, maintaining the current momentum, the playoffs are within reach, but Head Coach Stan Van Gundy was not satisfied with the game's progress.

His press conference even "reversed" the game:

"Facing a team whose starting lineup is pieced together with All-Star players, we played very well, we just couldn't make those shots!"

"I support judging awards based on record. Lee and Mike should win, but I think they don't care about this."

"The Orlando Magic are a young team, and we are still learning from the defending champions."

On tuesday, November 2nd, while Boston sports media were still advocating for "old guys" needing honors, New York next door also started to make things lively. Trophies?

They could create their own:

"2008 New York Top Ten Sports Rookie Award"

After the New York Post launched the award in yesterday morning's newspaper, they began calling on sports fans to vote online for athletes and coaches from the four major sports leagues.

As for why it was "Rookie," it was mainly because Lee made a suggestion and then "circled" Mario Chalmers' name.

As long as there are limiting conditions, it's easy to manipulate!

Chalmers had no hope of becoming the NBA Rookie of the Year, but giving him a consolation prize in advance could make the Rookie happy for a few days.

Even fishing requires pre-baiting, and "lick dogs" should also receive some positive feedback.

Every December, Manhattan would enter the Christmas atmosphere early.

Last month's Black Friday stampede resulted in casualties, but it still couldn't stop the public's love for the holiday.

The daytime temperature dropped to 3 degrees Celsius, but the cold weather couldn't affect the Rookie's passionate heart.

Arriving at Madison Square Garden early in the afternoon, Chalmers strode confidently in the parking lot!

The awards were all fixed.

For this, second-year Thaddeus Young was completely dumbfounded.

He really didn't expect such a maneuver.

Entering the tunnel, Thaddeus Young saw the Rookie's joyful appearance and felt a bit envious.

This guy in front of him had brought about a drastic change in the "New York Knicks Rookie culture."

In the past few years, Novak represented those with insufficient skill and flattery ability, being a fringe rotation player often sent down to the G-League.

David Lee represented those who were good at flattery and had some skill, fitting the coach's tactical needs.

He was rarely sent down to the G-League but could only play during garbage time.

But this year, the situation completely changed.

Chalmers, through his "efforts," gained fan recognition in just one month.

Not only did he successfully enter the regular rotation, but he also received a "bench promise."

As a late first-round pick, the Rookie showed newcomers another way to succeed.

As they were about to enter the locker room, Chalmers suddenly showed off his newly acquired "skill" and once again shared his success experience with his teammates:

"Dude, do you know about flower tea? It's getting cold, and I noticed Lee changed some of his drinks!"

"It's not British tea. It's an Indian tea."

"…"

Thaddeus Young looked almost bewildered, with a 'why are you so outstanding' feeling.

Who cares about this stuff?

Chalmers shook his head, looking like 'you wouldn't understand.'

He had completely seen through the New York Knicks' locker room environment.

To make it, pure skill alone wasn't enough.

"David got the starting spot tonight! That guy has such good luck, and who knows where he'll end up."

"Gary and Novak reported to the Reno Bighorns again. Next season, there's also a big guy coming from Spain. I don't think they have any hope."

Unlike a 'sycophant,' Thaddeus Young, who was about to enter his team option, was more concerned with internal team dynamics.

The New York Knicks were too 'competitive.'

D'Antoni often gave days off.

At the end of last month, with a light schedule, he even suspended scrimmage training.

Unfortunately, these holidays had nothing to do with the Rookies.

Rookies usually voluntarily put in extra practice to prove themselves, and assistant coach Mike Malone was also a devil, occasionally calling up well-performing players from the subordinate team to participate in training.

This would affect the Reno Bighorns' record, but invited players would not refuse.

They would even 'fight for their lives' in training sessions.

The main reason for this situation was the New York Knicks' reputation.

Some scouts were watching this side.

After New York invited players, other teams followed suit, greatly increasing employment opportunities.

Hearing about the team's personnel changes, Chalmers let out a sigh of relief.

The fate of these 'veterans' didn't look good.

His contract had just begun, and it seemed he needed to intensify his efforts:

"Has Brandon Roy ever spoken ill of Lee? I remember he seemed to really like Kobe."

Hearing Chalmers' words, Thaddeus Young's mouth twitched slightly.

They were all NBA players, and everyone usually saved face, but the Rookie didn't play by the rules, displaying a 'all-in' attitude:

"Buddy, you have to think, what if you go to Portland to play in the future?"

"If I can get a big contract, why wouldn't I stay in New York?"

Chalmers didn't care.

Seeing his silent teammate, he shrugged indifferently, then quickly entered the locker room.

Seeing Lee and the others had already changed into their training uniforms, he immediately praised them aloud:

"Those thieves should really see BOSS's love for basketball! Should you win awards just because you're old? That's a ridiculous rule!"

"…"

Seeing the Rookie's fawning smile and chattering praise, David Lee on the side felt his scalp tingle.

He couldn't compete anymore.

To secure a starting spot, he hadn't rested even on Thanksgiving.

Lee didn't pay much attention to the team's internal situation.

He was also practicing extra on Thanksgiving, still working hard for the football team.

Hearing the Rookie mention the small trophy, he waved his hand and casually said:

"Pierce used to be my good brother. That guy was indeed a bit unlucky. He seems to have rarely been selected for the All-NBA team."

"Before Thanksgiving, we'll face each other again. We'll teach them a lesson then! Those with better records haven't complained. Be should play his role well."

"Being a good backdrop is enough!"

"Pierce, Marbury, Garnett, and James are all clowns. If you lose, you shouldn't win awards."

Thaddeus Young was the first to speak, followed closely by JR Smith, grinning widely.

The atmosphere group also responded, and for a moment, 'flattery was like a tide,' even Chalmers didn't get a chance to show off.

"…"

Although the game that night was not nationally televised, it still attracted the attention of many commentators.

Greg Oden still had a lot of buzz.

Travis Outlaw was in great form this season, carrying the scoring load for the Trail Blazers' bench.

Currently, he had a chance to contend for the Sixth Man of the Year award, making him a rival to JR Smith.

At Madison Square Garden, Ron Artest's entourage had expanded, and cult members began to appear.

Although the election was over, the'struggle' continued!

Through Obama's guidance, more and more Black people began to pay attention to the healthcare bill.

For this, Ron Artest was also running around, actively participating in various activities.

Metta Sandiford-Artest made a big appearance at a celebration last month, and with his bulging wallet, everyone welcomed Ron Artest's fight for Black interests.

Before the game started, at the MSG commentary table, Walt Frazier saw Ron Artest still sitting on the bench.

He pondered for a moment and finally subtly criticized:

"Metta should ask Lee how to separate basketball from life!"

"I know he's doing the right thing, but he's still a New York Knicks basketball player. He has to be responsible for this job and continue to strive for a championship!"

In multiple games, Ron Artest shot 3-of-10, 3-of-9, and his finishing at the rim was a mess, relying entirely on three-pointers and free throws to prop up his stats.

His physical condition had clearly declined.

Despite this situation, New York's Black fans still strongly supported Ron Artest.

As a fellow commentator, Mike Breen could not criticize him, otherwise he would definitely be 'attacked.'

"Tayshaun Prince has always been in good form, but he's played too many games this year. Fortunately, Lee has carried the team's offense."

"Against the LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden combination, our rebounding will be tested tonight."

Mike Breen automatically ignored the big man Eddy Curry.

This former potential Rookie had gotten fat like a ball, and coupled with heart problems, he was no longer in the Trail Blazers' plans.

It was expected to be an inside battle, but less than 6 minutes into the game, Greg Oden looked pained after landing from a close-out on a Lee three-pointer.

New York fans had been anticipating this for days, but the top pick once again left Madison Square Garden prematurely.

Since entering the NBA, the media had constantly promoted him, but to this day, Greg Oden had not played a full game in New York since entering the NBA, which left fans disappointed every time.

Soon, everyone's attention shifted to Brandon Roy, but after a few possessions, facing Lee's switch Defense, this core player also had no brilliant performance, just ordinary bricking shots.

Roy, attempting a driving layup, watched the ball bounce off the rim, and hearing the cheers of the home fans, he felt even more frustrated.

The big man Joel Przybilla, who had just replaced him, made the team's offensive rhythm slower and slower.

Facing the New York Knicks' cohesive switch Defense and quick rotations, initiating offense became increasingly difficult.

Steve Blake was still working hard on transition Defense, but in transition offense, Lee's speed was extremely fast, and he quickly caught up behind him.

The Rookie Nicolas Batum was active, but the noisy environment seemed to affect his judgment, completely ignoring Prince cutting in beside him.

As Lee drove the ball, changed direction, and aggressively drove down the middle with his right hand, bumping Blake near the free-throw line, Batum collapsed into the paint, trying to help defend, but the ball suddenly flew into the air.

Completely unguarded, Prince arrived at the left baseline, jumped, easily caught the ball in mid-air, and slammed it down with both hands!

"Oh!!"

Cheers once again echoed through the Madison Square Garden.

On the other side, Brandon Roy, who had retreated to the right corner, frowned.

They had to run another half-court offense.

Head Coach McMillan on the sideline tried to establish an advantage inside, once again instructing his players to get the ball to LaMarcus Aldridge near the left baseline.

Facing David Lee's tough Defense, he tried to back down repeatedly to get closer to the rim, then suddenly turned towards the baseline, and using his height advantage, shot a straight-arm jump shot that bricked.

Chandler boxed out Przybilla behind him.

The big man's efforts to fight for the rebound were useless.

As Prince received the ball, the New York Knicks launched another fast break.

After two consecutive possessions of running back and forth, Przybilla, who had just entered the game, was disoriented.

After returning to the half-court and landing, he heard his teammates' loud calls and shuffled with Chandler to the top of the key.

When Lee received the ball on the left wing, Steve Blake called out to his teammates.

He initially wanted to double-team immediately, but seeing Przybilla stopped inside the three-point line, he immediately felt a bad premonition.

Just as seen in the film session, Lee, dropping the ball from his right hand, suddenly lowered his center of gravity, swayed his body to the front right, and quickly executed a between-the-legs crossover.

Even with preparation, Blake immediately lost his defensive position and couldn't call out to his teammates in time.

Clay Lee pulled up, ignored the big man inside the three-point line, and quickly shot!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.

The clean and crisp basket made the New York fans in attendance cheer loudly again.

7:14, the lead suddenly widened, and the New York Knicks' bench was also jubilant.

Fully invested in the game, while Rajon Rondo was still communicating with the coach staff, Chalmers had already cheered 5 times and waved his towel 7 times.

Now back in his seat, looking at Thaddeus Young's envious eyes, he said again:

"Buddy, do you still want to play in Portland now?"

"…"

....

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