NBA: The Basketball Miracle

"Sweeping the opponent, Lee set a new record in the three-point contest!"

"Dominating the three-point contest, historic 25 points!"

"A historic rookie, the future of New York!"

"."

On the morning of February 8, New York's print media finally stopped gossiping about Michael Jordan and instead reported on the news that Clay Lee broke the record in the three-point contest.

The photo captured by the photographer is very interesting.

Lee was wearing the Knicks' daily white training suit and holding up the spherical trophy of the three-point contest in the center of the court with a smile.

The other seven players participating in the competition were all wearing their own team uniforms and had long faces.

The New York Times posted the photo and took the opportunity to mock Reggie Miller's 12 points:

"Miller is not magical. Every time he meets Lee, he will play badly."

"Miller lacks real talent, and with the Knicks around, the Pacers will never win a championship!"

Although the Knicks have always been the background for Reggie Miller in the past, most New York media are still mysteriously confident and will step on him whenever they have the chance.

Lee's 25 points just broke the three-point contest record of 24 points set by Mark Price in 1994!

As if winning the championship once was not enough, many New York media outlets helped Lee to borrow money for the next three years of championships at the end of their articles.

Winning the championship for four consecutive years is just enough to break the three-point contest record set by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

In short, it will be brilliant with a little sunshine, and the fence-sitter New York media has praised Lee to the sky again!

Lee had no time to read the newspaper at this time.

He arrived at Chelsea Piers Golf Club early in the morning.

After having breakfast here, he followed Ewing, Oakley and others to accompany Michael to play indoor golf.

Lee, wearing a white polo shirt and beige trousers, watched them bragging boredly.

"Wow! Compared to your poker skills, your golf skills are really terrible!"

"Lee, you need to practice more!"

Swinging happily and dressed like a professional golfer, Michael Jordan was in a good mood.

He shook his head and teased Lee, who had poor golf skills.

Lee rubbed his brows.

He won less than 20,000 US dollars playing cards last night, but now he lost it all.

This indoor golf club, which had just opened in 1995, was very happy about the arrival of everyone.

Michael met some of the photo requests, gave away memberships and even waived the bill.

The temperature in Manhattan was still several degrees below zero at this time.

Michael Jordan, who was addicted to playing golf, could not play outdoor golf, but he enjoyed playing in the indoor simulation field just as much.

"An energetic old man! He must be on drugs!"

Lee, who forced a smile, secretly complained in his heart.

On the other side, Ewing, who was unable to swing the club, was complaining:

"Labor negotiations have to be held in March. These guys are crazy about making money! They want us to reduce our salary, which is impossible!"

The gorilla was dressed in formal attire and spoke loudly in the lounge area.

As the President of the players' union, he had to show his position.

Oakley and Pippen kept nodding their heads, saying that players should earn more money and anyone who wants them to cut their pay is an enemy.

The Knicks, who acted as the atmosphere group, also supported Ewing.

The salary they earned was not enough to spend.

A pay cut? No way!

Larsa, who just got married to Pippen, was also present.

She was also dressed like a golfer, but this one deliberately showed off her figure.

Next to Pippen, she didn't care about the eyes of the crowd and said in a delicate voice:

"We need a big contract. Who doesn't want to pursue a better life?"

Pippen agreed with his wife's words.

He had secured the big contract, so he didn't care about being the most conscientious second-in-command in the league!

Larsa stood up and moved towards Lee and Michael, twisting her waist and greeting them in a friendly manner:

"Lee, remember to come to my party when you have time. Many young ladies want to meet you!"

Seeing Larsa winking at him, Lee nodded helplessly and responded casually:

"No problem, anytime in New York!"

The two were not much different in age, but Lee had no interest in joining the other's circle.

After all, he didn't want to eat dumplings, and mere flesh and blood had no appeal to him.

When Michael heard that everyone was still discussing the salary issue, he also made a simple statement:

"It is impossible to cut salaries. It is the players who decide the game, and the fans buy tickets to watch the game for the players. Pat is right, we should really stand firm."

The superstar has spoken, and the gorilla feels that this matter is settled.

No matter how much the management squeezes, they can't expect them to reduce their salary:

"Mike is right. We must unite. I will contact everyone during this All-Star weekend. The league should not try to intimidate us with a lockout!"

When Lee saw Ewing's passionate speech, he immediately thought of the long lockout after the end of this season:

"Players really shouldn't have their salaries cut. I also need a big contract!"

On the evening of February 8th, the All Star Game officially began.

The broadcaster NBC also made great efforts and actively interviewed every player before the game.

Jim Gray, a famous NBC reporter, still had relatively thick hair at that time.

Except for a slightly bald spot on his forehead, he looked very elegant.

As the host country's starting player for the All-Star Game, and last year he set the record for the youngest player to appear in the game, Lee received the most interviews at this time:

"This is your second All-Star Game in your career, Lee, how does it feel different from last year?"

Before he even entered the locker room, Lee, who was dressed in formal attire, was blocked by Jim Gray from NBC.

"The biggest difference is that I got the starting position. Thanks to the fans who voted for me. I will definitely give my all in tonight's game!"

Lee answered the questions with a smile, then waved at the camera and walked towards the locker room.

"He is so young, just turned 20 years old, and he has become the core of the Knicks. It's incredible!"

The accompanying staff all sighed in a low voice, and many of them were meeting Lee for the first time.

Jim Gray didn't care.

He had interviewed the nationally televised games many times. He turned to the staff and said,

"Hurry up, let's interview Kobe Bryant of the Lakers. He became an All-Star starter off the bench. I like stories like this!"

Kobe Bryant is no longer the youngest All-Star player in NBA history, and his popularity has dropped by more than half.

More people want to have fun.

The starters Van Exel and Eddie Jones are both substitutes.

If the Lakers have an internal conflict, everyone will applaud.

In the Eastern Conference All-Star locker room, Michael Jordan, who has changed into training clothes, is showing off again:

"I have to teach that little guy across the street a lesson. I will take the initiative tonight!"

Everyone in the locker room followed suit.

Seeing Michael Jordan's smug smile, Lee cursed in his heart:

"You will suffer the consequences if you act pretentiously!"

When Jeff Van Gundy came into the locker room, Michael Jordan didn't even look at the All-Star coach.

"Play freely, we can do more fast breaks and dunks! Lee will pass the ball in time, everyone should run more actively on the court!"

The bald young coach was in a good mood.

The All-Star head coach was always idle, and it just so happened that he was very good at this skill.

Mutombo took the initiative to clap his hands, and Shawn Kemp and Grant Hill also responded.

There are quite a few players in the Eastern Conference starting lineup who are good at flying and dunking.

It is not difficult for them to run around and switch offense and try some aerial relays.

Michael Jordan didn't say anything.

The vengeful Michael Jordan didn't give Jeff Van Gundy any face and quickly turned around and walked out of the locker room.

Jeff Van Gundy was very angry about this action, but he was no longer the follower he used to be.

Finally, he patted Lee on the shoulder and said with a smile:

"Don't worry, Lee! There will be plenty of screen time tonight!"

Lee smiled and nodded.

This was his biggest guarantee for this All-Star Game.

The bald young coach was one of his own. When it came to stats, he was no worse than anyone else!

The All-Star Game entrance ceremony was not cool enough for Lee. It was just the players whose names were read out coming on the sidelines.

Although there are gate-like decorations on both sides, they look simple no matter how you look at them.

But for the fans, this way of appearance was already very cool, and the noise at the scene was getting louder and louder.

Lee was the fourth to last player to appear on the court.

He was wearing the Knicks' training uniform.

The volume of his cheers instantly doubled as he came on the court.

Of course, Michael Jordan, who was the last to appear, was still the most popular.

Many fans bought tickets just to witness Michael Jordan's last All-Star game.

"oh!!"

Huge cheers resounded throughout the arena, and the retirement rumors made Michael Jordan explode in popularity.

When the players from both teams were warming up, the live director also turned the camera to the audience.

There were many Broadway stars in attendance tonight.

During the intermission, the show was also very New York-style, with a small performance by Broadway all-stars.

The camera also focused on the mayor and a real estate tycoon, the two of them were talking and laughing, they have been together since 1998.

Gary Payton had a friendly exchange with Lee during the warm-up:

"A rookie turned into an Eastern Conference All-Star starter? You should really thank the shitty New York media!"

Lee looked at Gary Payton who was eating lemons crazily, patted the ball and said happily:

"The rookie's average points per game are almost higher than yours, and the number of assists seems to be far ahead. If you can start in the West, I can start in the East!"

Since Lee joined the Knicks, they have not yet beaten the Supersonics, but this season, when the two met, Gary Payton made 3 of 13 shots and scored 9 points.

Although the Supersonics won the game, they were wildly mocked by the New York media after the game, and Gary Payton held a grudge against them.

The reason why the Knicks have so many rivals is largely due to these media who like to have fun.

Kobe Bryant became a nobody on the court, but fortunately his Lakers teammates were still there so he was not isolated.

Michael Jordan smiled and hugged and greeted all the Western Conference All-Stars, and patted Kobe on the shoulder.

This performance immediately made Kobe very excited.

When both sides came to the center circle to prepare for the jump ball, cheers began to sound in Madison Square Garden.

Mutombo easily jumped to the ball, and after Lee received the ball, the five players of the new Western team quickly retreated.

Every year in the All-Star Game, everyone relaxes their defense, but there will also be real competition.

In the first offensive round, Michael Jordan turned his back to the basket to ask for the ball in the left blocking area, and then dunked aggressively, trapping Kobe firmly behind him.

As soon as Michael stretched out his hand, Lee from the left wing passed the ball.

After catching the ball, he just let it go.

Michael Jordan quickly shot twice and then immediately turned towards the baseline.

Shake off the defense and dunk and shoot a fadeaway jump shot from near the left baseline!

"Swish!" A steady hit from mid-range!

After scoring the goal, Michael Jordan did not forget to show off.

He took a special look at the camera under the basket, shook his head and quickly retreated.

The iconic fadeaway jump shot made the fans in the audience scream with excitement.

After the ball was kicked out from the baseline, Gary Payton dribbled across half court and quickly passed it to O'Neal who was looking for the ball in the low post on the left side.

The latter received the pass, got close to the basket with two shots, and also turned towards the baseline.

O'Neal pushed Mutombo away and switched to a left-handed shot.

The head coach of the Western Conference All-Stars was George Karl of the Supersonics.

Like Jeff Van Gundy, he was standing on the sidelines clapping and cheering.

With the same quick ground ball, Lee crossed half court and went to the left wing outside the three-point line.

He saw Gary Payton lowering his center to defend him, so he dribbled the ball under his crotch with his left hand and made an abrupt stop.

Lee took advantage of Gary Payton's movement and quickly dribbled the ball behind his back with his right hand.

He paused slightly while scooping the ball with his left hand, and then immediately swung the ball with one hand.

The extremely penetrating pass immediately made the fans at the scene exclaim.

Shawn Kemp, who had just moved to the lower left side of the basket, received the ball and turned around, facing Karl Malone who was chasing him and dunked with one hand!

"Wow!!"

The dunk was so powerful that the fans at the scene immediately cheered loudly.

"Great assist! Kemp's movement was also timely. Ewing also used this tactic in the past. It can be seen that Kemp knows the Knicks very well."

In the NBC commentary booth, Isiah Thomas interpreted this round with a smile.

Bill Walton, who was standing by, saw Malone's response and missed the shot, and added with a smile:

"The players know each other very well. I believe every team will study the Knicks. The No. 1 team in the league is indeed worthy of attention."

After Mutombo grabbed the rebound, he passed the ball to Lee.

On the other side, Grant Hill was accelerating along the left sideline.

Garnett, who was on the opposite side, was completely thrown away without paying attention.

He looked up and saw the basketball flying to the upper left side of the basket.

He had no choice but to give up defending.

Before the half court was over, Lee, who was accelerating along the right sideline, suddenly sent a long pass.

Grant Hill rushed to the paint area, jumped high, grabbed the ball in the air without any defense, and then made a powerful two-handed dunk!

"Boom!" The alley-oop dunk was successful!

Under the huge inertia, Grant Hill grabbed the basket to relieve the force, swung around the basket, and then landed steadily.

Giving a thumbs up, Grant Hill quickly returned to defense, indicating that Lee made a great pass.

The game quickly fell into Lee's rhythm, and the Eastern All-Stars team switched quickly, with Grant Hill and Shawn Kemp performing actively.

When it comes to positional offense, Michael Jordan will post up and play one-on-one near the blocking area.

In the Western Conference All-Star team, Garnett performed very well, hitting two consecutive iron jump shots after the opening, and O'Neal also scored a strong attack under the basket.

He made consecutive assists, and this time took advantage of Gary Payton's missed shot.

Lee, who had just received the rebound, rushed forward after getting the ball.

Seeing that the Eastern Conference All-Stars were counterattacking again, Gary Payton retreated very quickly.

At the top of the arc, Lee was forced to slow down.

Without waiting for Mutombo to come up for the pick-and-roll, he quickly lowered his center of gravity, held the ball in his right hand, and suddenly went in and out with a small movement.

Lee swayed left and right, taking advantage of the opponent's sliding step, and quickly changed direction.

Gary Payton did not relax either, and immediately pounced on Lee's left hand.

Lee quickly completed a large behind-the-back dribble, dodged the opponent's cut, scooped up the ball with his right hand, and saw the opponent sliding backwards again, so he completed a behind-the-back dribble while quickly stepping back.

The defense made a mistake in prediction, and Gary Payton was shaken to the free throw line.

Lee outside the three-point line quickly received the ball and made a quick jump shot from the top of the arc!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went into the net!

"Wow!!"

He completed the attack by shaking off his opponent one-on-one, and the beautiful move made the fans cheer again.

Gary Payton felt humiliated and followed suit.

Gary Payton broke through from the top of the arc, rushed into the paint area, dodged Mutombo's block, and made a layup with his right hand after a pull-up!

In the next round, Mutombo set a screen on the left wing, Lee stopped and started quickly, held the ball with his left hand after the ball was blocked, and accelerated to break through from the three-point line.

Attracting O'Neal's defensive attention, Lee passed the ball high.

Mutombo dived straight into the basket, scooped the ball in the air, and then completed a powerful dunk with both hands!

"Oh! What a beautiful pass. It can be seen that Lee is very adapted to the All Star Game. In less than half a quarter, he has already made 3 assists."

In the NBC commentary booth, Bob Costas was having a blast watching the game, with lots of dunks making the atmosphere even hotter.

"Lee made the right choice. Michael Jordan should have fewer post-ups and more off-ball cuts. I think fans want to see more of his dunks!"

Isiah Thomas, with a smile on his face, did not forget to make a sarcastic comment.

Michael Jordan once again succeeded in a back-to-back singles against Kobe, with a relaxed smile on his face again.

At 12:17, the Eastern Conference All Stars led by 5 points with 6 minutes and 58 seconds left in the first quarter.

Kobe Bryant finally received the pass from Gary Payton at this time.

The Eastern Conference All-Stars had a very high shooting percentage and very few transition attacks, which made Kobe, who hadn't received the ball for a long time, a little anxious.

This time after receiving the ball, he accelerated and broke through on the right wing.

Kobe took two big steps and quickly changed direction in front of his body, then completed a drifting jump shot!

"Clang!"

After Grant Hill got the rebound, he immediately accelerated across half court with the ball.

Gary Payton did not pay attention to Lee who followed up from the right wing outside the three-point line.

He was defending on the three-point line, but the next second Gary Payton saw Lee in front of him receive the side pass and shot the ball!

"Swish!" Another three-pointer goes in!

"Long-range three-pointer! This is Lee's range! Wonderful transition offense!"

Commentator Bob Costas also raised his voice and shouted.

After scoring the goal, Lee smiled and shook his head, quickly paced back to defense.

As a result, this kind of performance also made Gary Payton excited.

As if they were back in the regular season, the two did not spare their energy in the first quarter and began to constantly defend each other.

Of course, in order to ensure the viewing experience, even if the defensive position is lost, no foul will be committed.

After all, the fans are not there to watch free throws.

Michael Jordan continued his education of love, playing post-up singles for several rounds, leaving Kobe with no way out.

With 3 minutes and 46 seconds left in the first quarter, O'Neal was delayed in defending the pick-and-roll and followed him from the left wing to the right baseline.

The fans at the scene cheered loudly, and Lee, who was accelerating along the baseline with the ball in his left hand, could naturally feel the defensive pressure behind him.

While O'Neal was still trying to steal the ball, he suddenly blocked the ball with his left hand.

Then Lee quickly turned around, led the ball forward the moment he scooped it up with his right hand, then squeezed from O'Neal's side to under the basket and easily made a layup!

"oh!!"

Seeing the shark being shaken and frozen in place, the audience, who liked to watch the fun, started to cheer loudly.

In the next round, Mutombo was in trouble.

Unexpectedly, O'Neal suddenly increased his back-to-the-basket strength and was fouled under the basket.

Both sides took the opportunity to start rotating their lineups.

Lee walked to the bench and New York fans began to applaud and cheer for his performance again.

Unlike the Western All-Stars who played too many one-on-ones, the Eastern All-Stars, led by Lee, had more transition offenses and more dunks.

"Good job!"

Jeff Van Gundy patted Lee's shoulder with satisfaction.

He made 3 of 3 shots, 8 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

The bald young coach knew what was going on.

The two of them planned to cooperate to score points.

Michael Jordan certainly wanted to win the MVP, so he played very hard in the first quarter, and did not forget to educate Kobe with love, and by the way, he completed the All-Star Game.

Each player's playing time will not be too much, about 26 minutes is enough.

But in the subsequent games, Jeff Van Gundy openly increased Lee's playing time and deliberately avoided Jordan's.

This makes the situation on the field very interesting.

When the game entered the third quarter and the main lineup returned again, Michael Jordan played a one-on one game with his back to the basket, then broke through Kobe Bryant's defense and made a layup!

The mid-range quick stop jump shot also went in, but the next scene suddenly changed.

In the transition offense, Lee accelerated with the ball in his right hand and rushed towards the paint area with three steps.

Attracting the attention of Kobe and Malone who were retreating quickly, Lee grabbed the ball with one hand, paused slightly in the air, and then passed the ball behind his head.

Shawn Kemp caught the ball and came to the basket to complete another double-handed dunk!

A beautiful goal, and the fans cheered loudly.

Gary Payton followed up with a missed shot, and Lee received a pass from Shawn Kemp and continued to accelerate along the middle.

Grant Hill, who was unable to follow up, was in position close to the free throw line.

Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, immediately pretended to pass the ball behind his back.

Michael Jordan, who had just followed up to the left wing, subconsciously made a move to catch the ball, but found that the basketball flew straight to the right sideline.

"God! How did Lee pass the ball!"

Commentator Bill Walton exclaimed, everyone was fooled.

On the right wing near the sideline, Grant Hill was a little dazed after receiving the ball.

Fortunately, there was no one defending in front of him.

He aimed for a while before making a jump shot!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went into the net!

"oh!!"

Some fans in the front row saw clearly that Lee used his left elbow to change the direction of the basketball while moving.

Such a beautiful cooperation made everyone scream with excitement.

Not caring whether Grant Hill could get the ball into the basket, Lee ran to the baseline after passing the ball, raised his hands and slid around before quickly retreating.

"You've got all the X!"

Grant Hill, who made the three-pointer, shook his head helplessly.

If he hadn't made it, he would probably have been scolded to death by New York fans after the game!

The Eastern Conference All-Star team crushed the opponent all the way, and Michael Jordan was in a good mood until the fourth quarter when the cheers from the crowd grew louder and louder, and he realized something was wrong.

The fans seemed to like watching Lee play more.

Michael Jordan, who had never calculated the statistics, realized that his scoring seemed to be less efficient than that of the opponent.

With 2 minutes and 58 seconds left in the game, the main players of both sides sat on the bench, and the game lost suspense in the last quarter.

Jeff Van Gundy looked at Michael Jordan happily, feeling very happy.

The rotation lineup was still playing hard on the court, and Tim Duncan, who entered the All-Star Game for the first time, finally made a goal in open play.

Michael Jordan stopped smiling, as he realized that he had been tricked by the bald man.

When the game was over, the score was 116:134, and the Eastern Conference All-Stars won a big victory!

Lee, who had changed into his training suit, smiled and hugged everyone, and the cheers of the New York fans at the scene became louder and louder.

When the league staff brought out the All-Star Game MVP crystal trophy, David Stern took the microphone with a smile:

"Thank you to the New York City government for its strong support, and thank you to the enthusiastic New York fans who came here!"

"It's great to see new faces at this year's All-Star Game. It's a perfect All-Star weekend!"

"I hereby declare Clay-Lee the MVP of the 1998 All-Star Game!"

Michael Jordan, with a sullen face, watched Lee take the trophy with a smile, and hugged the president.

Jeff Van Gundy was also smiling and clapping on the side.

Lee played for 32 minutes, made 10 of 14 shots, 4 of 7 from beyond the three-point line, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists.

While Michael Jordan was giving Kobe a loving education, the bald young coach quietly let Lee get the highest score of the game.

Lee didn't even look at the faces of the people behind him.

He raised the trophy with a smile.

Hearing the huge cheers from Madison Square Garden again, he was in a good mood for a moment:

"This is the treatment of a host!"

...

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