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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
Among NBA Stadiums, only three Arenas have named media rooms.
The Boston TD Garden's media room is named after the Boston Globe's sports reporter, Will McDonough.
The Staples Center's media room is named after Chick Hearn, the "Voice of the Lakers."
The sixth floor of Madison Square Garden is named the "John Condon Media Room," in memory of John Condon, the game announcer who worked at Madison Square Garden for forty years.
The AT&T Center didn't have as many frills.
Although the San Antonio Spurs had performed well over the years, they still hadn't won their first championship in franchise history, and the media room was just an ordinary room.
Compared to Madison Square Garden, this new arena had wider aisles, better lighting, and no messy wires.
However, the New York reporters who came here had an inexplicable sense of superiority, with many of them silently asking, "How many championships do you have?"
They showed no respect for this old rival.
Richard Oliver, the sports editor and senior columnist for the San Antonio Express-News, felt conflicted.
Many reporters on site were "old acquaintances."
In 1996, he was still reporting on the NFL for the New York Daily News, and at that time, the New York Knicks were not as popular.
When Clay Lee joined the team, they lost the Eastern Conference Finals in his first year, yet a group of arrogant New York reporters rejoiced, began to boast wildly, and painted a rosy picture for the fans.
Richard Oliver understood New York sports.
Compared to basketball, which had suffered many losses, football and baseball were more popular because New York teams could win, and winning brought attention.
Even with the New York Times leading the charge in hyping the New York Knicks, Richard Oliver had no intention of changing his beat.
However, the next year, the New York Knicks won the championship, followed by massive success, continuing to dominate until now.
Many sports editors seized the opportunity to follow Lee's path, earning better treatment by constantly hyping him up.
Richard Oliver, however, failed to get a promotion or raise, simply because he was a step too slow.
In competitive New York, even hyping required competition.
Ultimately, Richard Oliver chose to switch jobs, accepting an invitation from the San Antonio Express-News.
That year was when Tim Duncan joined the San Antonio Spurs.
After Clay Lee, he was the second to declare "massive success" to the fans, and Richard Oliver was there to witness that moment.
In his writing, the spirited Tim Duncan would lead the San Antonio Spurs to their first championship in franchise history, and the promising big man would collect various honors, ultimately creating the "San Antonio Spurs Dynasty"!
As for the New York Knicks, who defeated the veterans, they were a "flash in the pan."
How could a small player dominate the game?
Within a year, every team would find a solution.
But as time went on, year after year, Richard Oliver reluctantly realized that the exaggerated hype from the New York Media had all come true, and the fans were almost choked by the grand promises.
In contrast, his annual professional analysis and detailed reports on the San Antonio Spurs became a joke.
Richard Oliver still couldn't accept this outcome.
How could a basketball game be like this?
On tuesday, June 12th, at 11 PM that night, the awards ceremony had concluded.
A group of San Antonio reporters gathered in the media room, quietly awaiting the arrival of the protagonists.
Richard Oliver, seated in the audience, wore a black suit, his short, graying hair neatly combed.
He wasn't in the mood to chat with colleagues.
When he saw the three men enter the room, many reporters began to whisper.
Unlike Lee, who always wore a neat three-piece suit for major press conferences, Duncan always wore oversized casual clothes, an open shirt collar, and ill-fitting dress pants and shoes, giving him a relaxed appearance.
In the past, this attire was called "being true to oneself."
However, after losing the Finals for the fourth time, Duncan was still dressed this way, causing many reporters to frown, as it clearly lacked "respect."
The NBA staff said nothing, but they didn't give Duncan a good look.
This year's Finals viewership had declined compared to last year, and Duncan, this "pseudo-star," bore the primary blame.
"You may begin asking questions."
The San Antonio Spurs' press spokesperson, seeing Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili seated, spoke in a muffled voice, looking at the reporters below with a displeased expression.
"Why did the San Antonio Spurs lose to their opponent by 53 points tonight, setting a record for the largest winning margin in the Finals? Tim Duncan, how would you evaluate your performance?"
The ESPN reporter was the first to ask, posing a very sharp question that nearly directly accused Duncan of a poor performance.
128:75, Game 4 was another nightmare game for San Antonio Spurs fans.
Most of the fans left before the fourth quarter ended, and the screaming seats were empty during the awards ceremony.
Tim Duncan, whose mindset had collapsed, shot 7-of-17 tonight, 3-of-8 from the free-throw line, compiling a disappointing stat line of 17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers, completely losing his star power.
He covered his face on the bench multiple times during the game and went straight to the player tunnel after the game.
Now, hearing this question, a calm Duncan answered expressionlessly:
"I played like crap. I let down the fans and my teammates. All I want to say now is sorry. I could have played better."
Tony Parker, beside him, saw his teammate so dejected for the first time.
Thinking of the domino effect caused by Bruce Bowen's absence, the Frenchman instinctively helped Duncan explain:
"The team's Defense system had problems. Bruce Bowen has always been an indispensable member of the team. You know, this shouldn't have happened!"
Tony Parker tilted his head, saying "You know," while Manu Ginobili remained silent.
The brutal elbow from the opponent had calmed everyone down.
He wasn't surprised by this kind of loss.
"Tim, has the San Antonio Spurs' championship window closed? We know you signed a seven-year long-term contract with the team. After this loss, will you seek a change?"
The contract would last until 2010.
If Duncan actively sought a trade like Kobe, most teams in the NBA would choose to take him on.
In three years, he would be 34, which is the tail end of his prime.
After the Yahoo Sports reporter asked the question, the room immediately fell silent.
Someone had already started the trend of demanding a trade during a contract, and Duncan might also follow suit.
Not only were the onlookers concerned, but the San Antonio Spurs staff also felt a bit uneasy.
Fortunately, Duncan didn't disappoint them.
After a moment of silence, he responded earnestly:
"The San Antonio fans have always supported me. I've spent most of my career here, and I want to fulfill my initial promise."
"At 31, I don't consider myself old. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are both excellent players in the NBA. We will return to the Finals again."
Upon hearing these words, the San Antonio sports media breathed a sigh of relief, but upon closer thought, they felt a sense of déjà vu, as if they had heard such promises several times before.
"We are more successful than most teams in the NBA. Reaching the Finals has already proven the San Antonio Spurs' strength."
Manu Ginobili, unable to stand it any longer, added, the Argentinian was somewhat angry.
He couldn't understand why reaching the Finals would still be ridiculed.
Thinking that these people would still make sarcastic remarks during the off-season, Manu Ginobili frowned and quickly added:
"You should question the stars who went on vacation early, not criticize the team leader who gave his all for victory in the Finals."
"âŠ"
Richard Oliver had not raised his hand to ask a question.
He just listened quietly to the three speak, looking at the dejected big man on the stage, and somewhat understood Duncan's words.
For the San Antonio Spurs, not paying luxury tax, reaching the Finals, and earning extra money meant they had already won!
For the players themselves, there weren't many choices in the NBA.
Tim Duncan already had two All-Star-level teammates, which wasn't bad.
Could changing environments guarantee a win?
No one could guarantee that.
In the somber atmosphere, Duncan honestly answered all questions.
Soon, sports reporters lost interest in him.
As expected, a "pseudo-star" had no talking points.
Gregg Popovich seemed to have shed tears.
When the old man appeared on stage, although he controlled his emotions, his wrinkled suit made him look a bit disheveled.
Losing the Finals so badly, the Head Coach naturally bore an undeniable responsibility.
Richard Oliver, despite covering the team for many years, showed no mercy this time and was the first to ask:
"This is the San Antonio Spurs' fourth time losing the Finals. Are there problems with our team-building philosophy and core tactics?"
Noticing it was a local sports reporter, Gregg Popovich didn't utter platitudes.
The old man felt guilt in his heart, and at the same time, was frustrated with the team's investment:
"I can't ask them to do better! Because our opponent is arguably the strongest team in history."
"Stop denying them. The Knicks with Clay Lee are too far ahead of the NBA. He has completely changed modern basketball."
"..."
It wasn't that we weren't good enough, but that the opponent was truly too strong.
The sports reporters in San Antonio fell silent in response to Gregg Popovich's answer.
This was indeed the truth.
They were simply outmatched.
For a time, most reporters lost interest.
There was nothing much to talk about.
The opponent admitted "their own strength is insufficient," and "pseudo-stars" couldn't compare to a true GOAT.
When the staff placed the two golden trophies on the stage, a soaking wet Grant Hill and Lee also appeared before everyone.
The smell of champagne filled the room. Only the New York Media applauded and cheered.
For them, the four games were exhilarating!
Even the best team in the Western Conference was like a mere chicken before he Knicks.
In the last game of his professional career, although it entered garbage time early, Grant still played 40 minutes.
For a championship team to be harmonious, reasonable "distribution" is very important.
With the victory secured, Clay Lee frequently fed him the ball tonight, giving the veteran a triple-double.
9 of 16 from the field, 1 of 3 from three-point range, 5 of 6 from the free-throw line, 24 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers.
Grant Hill, who achieved a Finals triple-double, couldn't stop smiling:
"I almost stole Lee's FMVP! Thank you all for your support! Yes, I have no regrets in my career."
"In the future, I will still work in the sports industry. I want to share my championship experience with more young players."
Before the reporters below could ask, Grant Hill happily shared his future plans, and his ESPN colleagues immediately welcomed him.
Lee, who was beside him, didn't look at the trophy.
Instead, he placed a golden bottle of armand de brignac on the table.
Soon, a New York reporter cooperatively asked:
"It's said that Mr. James Dolan spent over $500,000 to buy nine 9-liter bottles of armand de brignac to celebrate the team. Lee, we are all curious if this news is true."
"My ninth O'Brien Trophy in my professional career. I want to thank Mr. Dolan for his blessings. The cost isn't important, as long as everyone is happy!"
Lee answered the question with a smile, thinking of the people still shouting and celebrating wildly in the visiting team's locker room, and then added simply:
"Thank you to our opponents. Together, we presented a wonderful Finals for the fans! Did you see Tim? I want to show respect to my old opponent."
Richard Oliver saw that his colleagues around him were silent and didn't know what to ask.
Duncan's action in the "player's tunnel" was indeed inappropriate.
"Lee, how would you evaluate the San Antonio Spurs' proclaimed 'pure basketball'?"
The Fox Sports reporter was clearly taking the opportunity to mock San Antonio's statements, but Lee didn't kick them while they were down.
He glanced at Grant Hill beside him, then leaned back in his chair and said casually:
"There's nothing wrong with pure basketball. The NBA also needs diversity, and not every team will pay high luxury taxes."
"The San Antonio Spurs showed us a team-building philosophy. They were very successful, reaching the Finals four times after drafting Tim Duncan!"
"It is this diversity that allows the NBA to develop healthily. I think it's a win-win. The Knicks won the championship, and the San Antonio Spurs once again proved their team-building philosophy."
"..."
Such an answer left many reporters speechless.
"This is also a win-win?"
The San Antonio Spurs looked like they had lost completely.
No one asked about statistics anymore, and no one reviewed the game.
In this season full of surprises, Clay Lee leading the Knicks to a five-peat was a result many had already expected.
Back in the locker room, Duncan's mood improved considerably with the comfort of his teammates.
But as he stood up to leave, he saw Lee again.
In front of the home team's locker room, a large crowd of reporters gathered.
At this point, Lee had already changed his clothes.
His white shirt and black striped vest made him look less like a player.
He held a beautifully packaged bottle of armand de brignac in his hand, its black bottle indicating that this champagne had not yet been officially released.
Duncan knew he shouldn't have left early.
Seeing Lee appear in front of him with a smile, he could only force a smile back, and amidst the "click, click" of cameras, he stepped forward to greet him:
"Sorry, Lee, it was my fault. I only have respect for you! Congratulations to the Knicks on winning their 11th championship in franchise history."
The surrounding flashes almost made Duncan unable to open his eyes.
After saying these words, the onlookers started to whisper and jeer again.
Lee, however, laughed heartily, handed the champagne to a accompanying Knicks staff member, and then stepped forward to enthusiastically hug his old opponent:
"It's okay, Bro! I can understand how you feel. Don't mind those boring reports. You're only 31!"
"We are both in our prime, and we will meet again in the Finals in the future. Perhaps next time you will be able to lift the O'brien cup, your first championship in franchise history. I believe you can do it."
These words almost made Duncan so angry he wanted to walk away on the spot.
He barely exchanged a few pleasantries, then took the "championship champagne" from Lee's hand.
The two completed their photo together, which finally satisfied the onlookers' curiosity.
Holding the champagne, Duncan briefly greeted the coaching staff, then quickly left.
He wanted to go back to his car and be alone for a while.
As he sat in his silver Toyota Land Cruiser, Duncan placed the champagne down and then noticed there was a card in the box.
Using the light, he quickly saw the content:
"The future belongs to you â Your eternal opponent, Clay Lee"
(A/N: Lol đ đ)
The flamboyant lettering made Duncan's eyes twitch.
Then, a surge of anger rose in his heart.
He almost smashed the champagne, but finally, with wide eyes, he tore the card to shreds:
"Shit!!"
At this time, Lee had already boarded the bus with his teammates, ready to head to the nightclub arranged by the team to continue celebrating.
Although there were still die-hard San Antonio Spurs fans shouting outside the bus, no one from the Knicks cared.
JR Smith, who had already ripped off his shirt upon boarding, was singing loudly and wildly.
Drunk and disoriented, Diaw and a few others also howled and screamed along.
The staff on the bus also joined in the celebration.
Mike D'Antoni, sitting in the front, had a flushed face.
His "red scarf" was crookedly tied around his neck.
He was drenched, but his heart was burning with passion:
"Eight consecutive championships, Lee! For the first time, I feel so close to the goal!"
"Now no one questions the tactics anymore. They can only admit our strength. Pure basketball? Who cares about that now!"
Over the years, doubts would occasionally surface.
"Give the ball to Lee" made many basketball commentators feel "I could do that too," and Mike D'Antoni was naturally displeased about this.
The bus started moving, and inside, chaos reigned.
Facing Head Coach, who was pulling him and talking non-stop, Lee just patted the tactical master's shoulder and comforted him with a smile:
"Yes, no one will care about that, because we will keep winning!"
"..."
....
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