The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 901 Fists Can Cure Anxiety
I knew I could become a great player, but when I was young I didn't know how to do it.

All I know is that I have to work hard, and working hard is the only thing I can control. So during training, I run as hard as I can, and even when I'm exhausted, I keep going.

But on the offensive end, hard work alone is far from enough. During my rookie season, I had a period where my shooting was terrible. It took me a while to learn how to shoot and I learned some techniques to score points.

I can do a lot of things: fast breaks, drives, pick-ups, offensive rebounds, but my fundamentals are so bad that I can't contribute a consistent performance, and I feel frustrated.

When I first entered the NBA, the biggest change that struck me was the speed of the game. Everything here is very fast, extremely fast.

Whether on or off the field, you have to make decisions quickly. There was a time when I didn't even know what I was doing.

When a player can't do what he wants and hesitates or wavers a lot, he will feel very frustrated and depressed.

I now realize that this is one of the root causes of many of my problems, and one of the reasons why I was so irritable in my early years in Chicago.

I feel undervalued. I wasn't placed in the right position. The tactics didn't revolve around me. The referees were always against me, and the coach didn't value me enough.

I was filled with anger, resentment, and deep-seated anxiety; I was disappointed with my rookie season.

Later, in a well-known match, my problem was cured. That punch sent my soul flying out of my body, and in a way, I was reborn.

That was a game in 2000, where the Bulls hosted the Portland Trail Blazers.

For a long period in the 80s and 90s, the games between the Trail Blazers and the Bulls were considered the NBA's national derby.

The rivalry between Forrest Gump and Michael Jordan is a classic story, spanning the entire rise and glory of the NBA.

Michael Jordan retired early, while Forrest Gump remained in the league, bringing their legendary rivalry to an end.

That night, when we stood on the floor of the United Center wearing Bulls jerseys, we felt a sense of shame because we didn't deserve to stand there and play against the Trail Blazers and Forrest Gump. The glory of Forrest vs. Joe would never come again.

We've had a terrible season. I can't find my way on offense, so I can only focus most of my energy on defense.

I became one of the best defensive players in the league very early on. When I'm on the defensive end, I feel calm and confident, unlike when I'm on offense where I feel flustered.

So before the game started, I thought to myself, I definitely can't go toe-to-toe with Forrest like Michael did, but at least I can cause some trouble on defense.

It turned out to be wishful thinking. Agan has been playing the small forward position frequently this season, and I was eager for the challenge. I tried to defend him one-on-one in several possessions.

As a result, he repeatedly overwhelmed me with his unstoppable mid-range jump shot and tough drives. He was extremely experienced and impeccable in every detail, making it difficult to disrupt his offensive choices. In the end, I could only leave everything to luck.

If it were me now, I would do my best against a player like that, and I wouldn't blame myself after the game, because that's the NBA, that's the world—it's very unfair, and you can only do your best to fulfill your responsibilities.

But I was young then, and I didn't believe in evil. I tried everything I could to interfere with Forrest Gump, using all sorts of methods, including the little tricks and trash talk I inherited from the streets.

I'm not unaware of Forrest Gump's terrifying reputation. Throughout the 80s and 90s, we grew up watching Forrest fight. He was our Muhammad Ali, our Hulk Hogan on the NBA stage.

But I don't know why, maybe at the time I felt that Forrest Gump was getting old and was fighting less and less.

Or perhaps I felt that a superstar as respected as him wouldn't lay a hand on a nobody like me.

Or perhaps, back then I was convinced that I was the next Michael Jordan in Chicago, and that I was going to beat Forrest Gump.

There were many reasons, but in short, I was fearless at the time, trash-talking Forrest Gump, making small gestures, and even getting into physical altercations.

I believe that I can regain my dignity by resorting to force. This is the initial motivation of many violent individuals on the field: to regain their face.

This was commonplace for me. As mentioned before, I grew up in an environment of street fighting. I wasn't afraid of conflict. I had undergone treatment for frequent fighting, and things only completely changed after I matured.

At the time, I was only twenty years old, and Forrest Gump taught me a vivid lesson.

There was no warning when he decided to hit me, which is completely different from the movies.

To make the movie more entertaining, the two characters will verbally attack each other, bar their teeth, then get into a fight, and the battle will be fierce and back-to-back, until one of them finally wins with a single blow using a particular technique.

Real fighting isn't like that, and I was careless. I forgot that Forrest Gump was a ruthless killer; he wasn't the kind of guy who would make a lot of noise and threaten before actually doing anything.

In fact, most fights are like this: the main focus is on threats, but it takes time before the actual fight breaks out.

Forrest Gump didn't experience this process, or rather, he experienced too much of it. Too many lives were lost under his fists. He was too fast, and he didn't need to worry about his reputation.

Who is he? He is Sonny Gan, the Sun King, a god-like figure whom neither the FBI nor the CIA can touch. When he decides to take action, he doesn't hesitate for a second.

I felt a sudden darkness before my eyes, a sharp pain in my jaw, and my brain completely lost control of my body. I collapsed.

I was knocked down, knocked out, completely knocked out. The scene must have been chaotic, but I couldn't feel anything.

When I woke up, I was lying in the locker room, muttering, "Am I dead?"

The team doctor next to me congratulated me on earning the achievement of being knocked down by Forrest Gump.

Afterwards, I watched the video repeatedly, and I didn't feel ashamed, even though I felt disgusted the first time I watched it.

Forrest Gump's punch was absolutely beautiful. It was fast and very stealthy, clearly showing his high level of skill. I couldn't dodge it at all; I didn't even see his fist coming.

His punches didn't look very heavy, just a light swing, but the power was surprisingly great, like George Forman's, instantly knocking you unconscious.

I watched it over and over again, and I felt like I was going crazy. Why would I watch this to humiliate myself?

Actually, no. This punch made me realize myself again, and recognize my own fragility, insignificance, and slowness.

I lay there motionless like a corpse. My defense had completely collapsed, leaving me vulnerable to attack. After the game, I would be ridiculed and criticized by the media. All my pride would be gone.

But that's what changed me. Forrest made me realize that you are nothing, and even your supposed strengths in defense and fighting are nothing compared to him. He can easily take you down.

So what's there to be anxious about? Ultimately, it's because you're not good enough. Stop making excuses and focus on training and honing your skills. You're still a rookie, so what's the rush?

Although I hate to admit it, fists can cure anxiety.

—Excerpt from Metta World Peace's autobiography, No Malice, published in 2018.

Gan Guoyang was ejected from the field by referee Crawford for knocking out Ron Artest with a single punch.

As Gan Guoyang was leaving, Crawford politely said, "Sonny, could you give my daughter an autograph? She's a big fan of yours."

Gan Guoyang nodded and said, "No problem. Come to the locker room after the game, I'll give it to you."

"Thank you, thank you. You know, I had to call you off the field..." Gan Guoyang waved his hand, telling Crawford not to explain, and he left through the player tunnel on his own.

The Chicago fans on the sidelines didn't boo, they only applauded, because this might be Gan Guoyang's last game at the United Center.

He broke the hearts of Chicago fans countless times, and this time he even knocked out a Chicago player. But the fans didn't hate him; instead, they felt sorry for the departure of this great player and for the passing of Michael Jordan.

An era belonging to red and black is coming to an end.

Gan Guoyang raised his hands and gave high-fives to the Bulls fans on the sidelines.

The TV commentator said, "It's another 'double standard moment' for Forrest Gump. He's a violent boxer, a ruthless wrestler, the underdog of the ring, the root of Chicago's suffering, and possibly even an enemy of America, a spy for the country. Theoretically, he should be infamous and hated by everyone, but on the contrary, everyone loves him, respects him, and cheers for him. I bet the ratings for this match have hit a peak."

At the post-game press conference, Gan Guoyang did not shy away from the interview. Facing the reporter's questions, he said frankly: "I was a bit impulsive at the time. Actually, Ron's actions and trash talk were not too excessive. There are many such conflicts on the NBA court, and I don't hit people every time."

“This time… it might be because I thought of Michael. I missed Michael a bit. I’ve never hit Michael, and I thought to myself, why not just punch him and fulfill my wish?”

The scene erupted in laughter, and only Gan Guoyang was able to deliver a humorous account after the assault, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

Anyone else would have been subjected to public condemnation, forced to issue a public apology in the media, and sincerely accept punishment.

Of course, Gan Guoyang also apologized to Artest and visited Artest in the Bulls' locker room after the game.

Artest has already woken up. He's as strong as a pit bull, so although the punch knocked him unconscious, he's not seriously injured.

The two shook hands and made peace in front of the media's cameras. As compensation, Avia later gave Artest a shoe contract, which Artest was very satisfied with.

From then on, he would tell people from time to time that he had tasted Forrest Gump's fist and that the punch had cured his anxiety.

The league office immediately issued a penalty, suspending Gan Guoyang for five games and fining him $20.

This punishment is quite severe, much more severe than the punishment Gan Guoyang received for fighting in the 80s, which only resulted in a one-match suspension.

After the punishment took effect, Stern did not call Gan Guoyang. In the past, whenever there was a similar situation, Stern would call Gan Guoyang to have a proper discussion.

Now that's gone; Stern simply had his assistant, Adam Silva, call the Trail Blazers' office to inform them of the punishment.

"Tell Agan to stop hitting people. The NBA doesn't allow violence, and it certainly doesn't allow players with such a historical standing to be involved in too many violent incidents. The NBA in this new era is different from the past. I urge him to think carefully; it's time to make some changes."

Bird relayed Silva's words to Gan Guoyang, at which time the Trail Blazers were playing an away game in Detroit.

The Silver Top Center, where Gan Guoyang once wreaked havoc, is now history, and a brand new Detroit Pistons is gradually taking shape.

Shawn Marion, Bonzi Wells, Jerry Stackhouse, and Joe Dumars are still building their rosters with Forrest Gump as their primary target, stockpiling forwards.

However, Gan Guoyang was unable to play in tonight's game. He could only sit on the sidelines in a suit and tie, waving to the fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills as he entered the stadium.

"I think the league's meaning is quite clear: they don't want you to continue playing and they're putting pressure on you."

Bird and Gan Guoyang sat in the seats behind the bench, watching the game and chatting.

“David hasn’t called me anymore, which was to be expected. The league is preparing for the loss of me in every way possible. It’s almost the 21st century, a new era is dawning. What are your thoughts, Larry?”

"Me? I'm thinking about how to hold a retirement ceremony for you."

"Oh, stop it, Larry. I hate these kinds of ceremonies. You should be thinking about how to build the team roster after I retire. I'm sorry, but I'll probably be taking a lot of people with me when I retire. Arvidas, Terry, AC Milan, they're all likely to leave, and there will be a big void in the team. I'll have to trouble you, Larry."

Bird didn't speak; he realized something.

As the season progresses, Gan Guoyang's mind is gradually tilting towards the option of "retirement".

A long and tiring regular season, one high-intensity game after another, and one familiar yet unfamiliar city after another.

There are endless hearings and investigations. Gan Guoyang certainly has nerves and will of steel, but that doesn't mean he won't get tired.

He was just able to grit his teeth and persevere longer when others would break down; it doesn't mean he was completely fine.

The sudden punch to Artest during the game against the Bulls was actually a momentary breakdown and loss of control under high pressure.

Before the game, Gan Guoyang did not encounter any major setbacks. His meeting with Jordan was also pleasant. The game went smoothly, and Artest's dirty tricks and trash talk could not hurt Gan Guoyang.

But at that moment, Gan Guoyang couldn't hold back anymore; he just wanted to punch Artest to death.

No, he wasn't targeting Artest or Michael Jordan, but rather this damn season, this damn year of 2000, the damn FBI, the White House, Congress, and the fucking long 82-game NBA regular season.

The accumulated frustration, tension, and negative emotions can suddenly erupt without warning, startling everyone.

Artest inadvertently became the unfortunate scapegoat. Gan Guoyang had no ill intentions towards him and had no interest in his future "infamy".

In this game, with Gan Guoyang absent, Rick Carlisle finally started using a new lineup: Kobe, Jermaine O'Neal, Ben Wallace, Blake, and Henderson as the starting five.

The average age of this lineup dropped dramatically, transforming it from a team of veterans into a force of young players, primarily under 25 years old.

Kobe played exceptionally well in this game. Without Forrest Gump's "restraint" at the Palace of Auburn Hills, he scored 41 points, helping the Trail Blazers defeat the Pistons on the road and maintain their winning streak.

Ben Wallace and Jermaine O'Neal have also been performing consistently, and these three young players are carrying the Trail Blazers.

Seeing their performance, Gan Guoyang was also very pleased. If he retired, Bird only needed to make some adjustments to the three players, and the Trail Blazers would be able to maintain their championship competitiveness.

However, Gan Guoyang still joked with Bird, saying, "If it really doesn't work out, you can come back. The team will be short of a small forward at that time."

Unlike Gan Guoyang's previous suspension, this time Gan Guoyang was suspended for five games, but the Trail Blazers won four of those games, achieving a record of four wins and one loss.

This clearly demonstrates that the young players are gradually finding their own rhythm and confidence, and that they can stand on their own even when the leader is not around.

Gan Guoyang was able to have a relatively long period of rest to properly adjust his physical and mental state and further lose weight.

As the playoffs approached, people noticed that Gan Guoyang was getting thinner and thinner, and he was becoming more like a small forward than a dominant center.

4月19号，开拓者打完了他们1999-2000赛季的最后一场常规赛，他们在主场1分险胜丹佛掘金队。

With this, their record stands at 57 wins and 25 losses, ranking second in the Western Conference, and they have once again made it to the playoffs, preparing to launch an attack on their third championship.

(End of this chapter)