The Point Guard is Here

Karl Malone is the Lakers' main power forward.

The Lakers actually made some sacrifices in their lineup to form F4 last summer. When Karl Malone was injured, they were left with only two fragile substitutes. One was the white forward Medvedenko from Ukraine, and the rookie Bu Ryan Cook.

This time, Kevin Garnett's advantage is directly reflected.

Fan Xidu was a little worried about the Lakers.

Karl Malone averaged 32 points per game in the regular season this season, averaging 13.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game without a tactical role. Since the playoffs, he has averaged 38 minutes per game, and his current data is 11.9 points and 8.8 rebounds.

It can be said that Karl Malone is the most important third pole outside the OK combination. Gary Payton's role in the team is not as big as his.

But now, he was injured.

The Timberwolves have an opportunity to take advantage of.

It's also good news for Fanci and Knicks.

Objectively, it increases the possibility of the Knicks winning the championship...whether it is the Los Angeles Lakers entering the Finals or Minnesota taking advantage of the chaos to advance to the Finals.

After Karl Malone left, the momentum of the Lakers' home court has changed visibly.

Lakers fans have always had an inexplicable and strong sense of superiority. When Fan Xi was in Los Angeles, Lakers fans always felt superior to others.

But at this moment, Fan Xi felt that Stamps actually had the aura of "victory is inevitable".

This was quickly reflected in the game.

Shaquille O'Neal put away the smile on his face early, and Kobe Bryant also had a cold expression on his face.

Fan Xi sat in front of the TV. He quietly reviewed the game. Now that the situation had changed, he made corresponding changes.

Kobe passed the basketball to O'Neal. After O'Neal attracted a double attack, he passed the ball again.

Kobe hit from mid-range.

In the words of CCTV football commentators, this in-and-out game was very good.

Kobe and O'Neal are both smart people. They both realize that if they don't cooperate at this time, the annoying Timberwolves will wear the Western Conference championship hat to see their sweethearts.

At the same time, Kevin Garnett also went berserk. His personal abilities were perfectly displayed. Karl Malone himself could not guard him. Now that Karl Malone is gone, no one in the Lakers can stop him.

He's killing it on both wings with his jump shot.

Stephon Marbury also incarnates a dangerous moment.

Marbury has always been underestimated because of his mouth. Although Gary Payton is a very good defensive player, as he ages, he can no longer truly restrict Marbury, who is in his prime.

Marbury has been a top 20+8 point guard throughout his career. If he didn't claim to be the best in the world, his reputation would be much greater.

Tonight, he appeared on the Lakers' court like a ghost.

Without Karl Malone, the Lakers' central area is weak.

Moreover, after the Lakers lost Horry, their three-point shooting ability from the outside became weak.

Although Rick Fox is also a 3D actor, he has spent too much energy on his film career, and he has reached the age where he has to leave the industry completely.

Fan Xi watched the game and began to step into Marbury's role.

He was thinking that if he and Garnett teamed up, and the Timberwolves' current lineup, it would only be a matter of time before they beat the Lakers.

The OK combination is very powerful, and their individual soldiers are very capable.

However, when two individually powerful players join forces, they often fail to achieve the effect of one plus one equals two. Even though, tonight they were united.

In contrast, Kevin Garnett is a passive superstar who can do a lot.

And essentially, Kevin Garnett doesn’t have the ball.

The combination of Fan Xi and Garnett is definitely the effect of one plus one equals two.

Therefore, Fan Xi watched Marbury fail to pass the ball many times, and he really wanted to rush in and punch Marbury twice.

The game was very tense. This year's Timberwolves lineup is strong and has a deep bench.

On the other hand, the Lakers rely more on O'Neal and Kobe. If the Timberwolves have lush branches, the Lakers are like an ancient tree with a very strong trunk but few leaves.

Anyone can win.

After the first quarter, the two teams were tied.

After the second quarter, the two teams were still tied.

After the third quarter, it was still a tie.

The excitement of the game is high.

Entering the fourth quarter, the first half was still very anxious.

Until Kobe Bryant went berserk, Kobe first entered the penalty area to cause a foul on Garnett and scored 2+1. Then he stole Marbury's pass and rushed into the frontcourt and hit a 3-pointer.

Then he assisted O'Neal to complete a dunk.

An 8:0 attack wave was launched at once.

Timberwolves head coach Saunders quickly requested a timeout.

But, it's too late.

The significance of superstars is that when they burst out with super strength and take over the game, no matter how the opponent uses the power of the 'system', they cannot be killed.

This is why many teams are very strong in the regular season but become sluggish in the playoffs. The playoffs are the stage for superstars.

Kobe reversed the game, and O'Neal then consolidated the victory... He hit four consecutive free throws, making the Timberwolves' shark-cutting tactics in vain.

In the end, the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 109:99.

4:2.

The Western Conference champion is born.

Kevin Garnett sheds tears on camera.

He really believed that this was the closest he had ever come to a championship. If Hassell on the outside could defend Kobe even once, the situation might change.

The Timberwolves were ready to drag the game into overtime. Once it entered overtime, the Timberwolves' lineup advantage would come into play.

pity.

The Lakers won. They were cheered by more than 20,000 fans at home. With ribbons flying in the sky, they lifted the Western Conference championship trophy.

Next, they will face off against the Knicks led by Fanci.

However, as Karl Malone was injured and was forklifted off the court, people were less confident that the Lakers would win the championship this season than before.

Although the Knicks' problems are also very obvious, especially physical problems.

…

At about 12 o'clock that night, the Lakers announced that Karl Malone was out for the season. Karl Malone had injured his spine.

Malone's agent team stated that they are evaluating retirement matters.

Obviously, the iron man Malone, who has played in the league for most of his life, has finally reached the end of his career.

There is no doubt that he will miss the next finals.

Although O'Neal said on TV the next day that he would definitely help Karl Malone win a championship trophy, but... even if they finally win the championship trophy, there will still be suspicions of cheating.

Also on this day, Sprewell passed the league's concussion test.

One goes out and one goes in, one decreases and the other increases.

The New York media became optimistic.

After all, the Knicks still have a schedule advantage. Since sweeping the Pistons, the Knicks have been resting.

Although the average age of the Knicks' players is older than that of the Lakers, the Lakers have played a full 17 games so far, while the Knicks have only played 12 games.

This is also an advantage.

What's more, because they have the first regular season record, the Knicks have home court advantage.

…

The day after the Lakers won the Western Conference championship, the Knicks officially started training. They had a full week off before that.

When they came to the court, every team member was in good condition. They did not neglect their skills because of the seven-day holiday. On the contrary, they were full of energy.

After all, who among the Knicks doesn't want to win a championship?

The Knicks practiced run-and-gun and positional offense.

And, at the direction of Isiah Thomas, the players were divided into two important components.

One group was dedicated to dealing with O'Neal.

Ratliff, Mutombo, and Anthony Mason, these three specialize in O'Neal.

Sprewell, Grant Hill and Stephen Jackson, these three are required to guard Kobe.

The Lakers have two core players, and no one can be retained.

According to Isiah Thomas, if you fix these two, you'll fix everything.

"Try to sweep them all."

The Smiling Assassin shouted the slogan so loudly that even the most optimistic New York media did not dare to shout it.

The Knicks players are also extremely cautious and optimistic, and everyone is ready to fight until the end.

Because in the words of Reggie Miller: I have already reached the finals, even if I die on the court, I still have to get the damn championship trophy.

Miller's biggest regret in his career is the championship.

If he doesn't get a championship ring, he won't be willing to die.

He was fed up with being laughed at at poker games. Barkley, Jordan, Ewing, Pippen and other old guys will even isolate him when discussing some irrelevant things: please don't speak if you don't have a championship ring.

Moreover, the championship has always been the highest honor for athletes who love basketball.

Grant Hill also desperately desires a championship. This talented young man who became famous at a young age now desires more team honors.

Moreover, he has made enough money. Although he did not ultimately become a superstar in the true sense, his career salary has been very high, and even when he was lying in a hospital bed, his commercial value was amazing.

In addition, players such as Sprewell, Ratliff, and Mutombo who have not won a championship also have a last-ditch atmosphere.

…

The finals begin on May 28th.

Tickets for the Madison Garden Arena have been sold out early and have been sold at sky-high prices.

Many celebrities called Fan Xi, but Fan Xi could not do anything. He could not even help his wives solve the problem.

Fortunately, James Dolan is very loyal. He successfully built a new private room in the stands, which can accommodate about 10 people.

He told Fan Xi the day before the game started that you can invite your friends over to watch, it must be the best location.

Fan Xi quickly shared the news with Kate and Jennifer, who are now coexisting.

Then, they invited a pregnant Cindy Crawford. Then, Madonna and Fan Le were also invited. Madonna said could she bring two more friends?

Jennifer gladly accepted.

Then, Madonna said, this friend might be a little special.

Jennifer didn't say anything.

No matter how special it is, can it be as special as Kate?

Jennifer has let go of many obsessions, and now she just wants to live her life happily.

…

After Fanshi entered the arena on game day, he noticed a glass room built on top of the stands. It was originally a small store selling beer.

However, James Dolan used his money ability. He created a particularly eye-catching suite and filled it with separate spaces, lighting, and even a sofa.

People inside have an excellent view. They can sit on a chair and see the game scene through the TV screen. They can also raise their heads to see the live game on the big screen in the middle of the venue. They can also walk to the side and look down... Of course, they need to use A little telescope will do.

This underlines the privilege of this stand.

Moreover, it is very eye-catching.

The most striking thing is that James Dolan also marked on the glass wall: The exclusive stand for Jack’s friends.

James Dolan expressed his special respect for Fanshie in this way.

Fan Xi looked at it and said, isn't it too strong?

Isiah Thomas said to him: "If a player brings me more than $80 million in net income every year, I will do the same."

Isiah Thomas is the team manager and he is the one who knows the club’s financial statements best.

James Dolan really made a killing this year.

At the beginning of the season, no one expected the Knicks to reach the Finals.

Madonna couldn't help but 'question' Fan Xi: "Were you acting as E before?"

Fan Xi didn't know what to say to the Clippers proprietress, so he had to promise Madonna: Auntie, no matter what, I will return to Los Angeles and win a championship trophy for you.

Fan Le also said to Fan Xi: "Yes, come back early. No matter how good you are outside, you are still working. Recently, I discussed with your aunt and decided to give Cindy Crawford some shares and sell them to her at a low price. As a reward She has made great contributions to our Fan family.”

Fan Xi rolled her eyes angrily.

However, when discussing this matter. Kate Winslet and Jennifer Aniston are not idle either. Do they think NBA teams make money this way? We might as well buy a team.

Both are wealthy and powerful people, especially Jennifer.

Jennifer can really buy an NBA team. The current market value of NBA teams is not very high.

Madonna heard what they said and quickly gave them suggestions, saying that this was indeed a good way to preserve wealth, and asked them if they had any good ideas.

Jennifer said she still wanted to find a team in a big city with a better climate.

Then, Kate said that the owner of the Kings had always said that he wanted to move the team to Las Vegas, so he might as well buy a stake in their team.

Jennifer thinks the Golden State Warriors are good and Oakland is a good place.

The places they were looking for were all in California.

But for now, this is just a joke, and no one knows what will happen in the future.

Fan Xi's immediate concern is to secure this year's championship.

The Lakers remain the Knicks' top enemy.

OK group is still the tiger beside Fan Xi's bed.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, as the number one center and number one shooting guard in the league today, are majestic and terrifying existences.

If Fanshie, the league's No. 1 point guard, defeats these two No. 1 players in the finals, his historical status will skyrocket.

…