Champion Rules

Chapter 320, Section 316: Divine Punishment Descends (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

The Indiana Pacers left peacefully.

When the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the game, Chris Paul looked up blankly.

Under the glow of the Knicks' seven championship banners, that glaring 52-point deficit seemed particularly cruel.

The defending champions narrowly defeated the Pacers 132-80 at Madison Square Garden, winning by a margin of 52 points.

One slip-up resulted in the biggest point difference in NBA opening game history.

The last time a team lost by so many points on opening night was not long ago in the 1987 season, when the Los Angeles Clippers were slaughtered by the Denver Nuggets by 46 points.

Now, Chris Paul has finally broken this embarrassing record.

As it turns out, the benefits from the East are indeed delicious.

As the holder of the NBA playoffs' biggest point differential record, Chris Paul set another record in opening game history with his very first game in the Eastern Conference, adding another accolade to his resume.

He powerfully proved that he was extremely dominant in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Moreover, even someone as strong as Lynch could only barely beat Chris Paul by 52 points.

This makes his 58 points in the playoffs even more impressive!
All of this undoubtedly greatly elevates CP3's historical status.

New team, new record, new atmosphere, new beginning—in just one game, Chris Paul experienced the joy of playing in the Eastern Conference.

Tonight's CP3 was like a kid who accidentally saw a Western sports movie as a child. He was shocked by the brutal scenes right from the start, and as a result, he could only find solace in Japanese and Korean entertainment as an adult.

Chris Paul suffered such a terrible beating as soon as he arrived in the East; only a team like the Charlotte Bobcats can heal him now.

Of course, the 52 points were not entirely due to CP3 alone.

Kawhi Leonard, who went 1-for-9 tonight, was another major contributor to the Pacers breaking the record.

Larry Bird and Frank Vogel both knew that if this unfortunate boy with facial paralysis could develop an offensive game, his potential would be immeasurable.

So during garbage time, Frank Vogel deliberately set up some one-on-one plays for Kawhi Leonard.

As a result, Kawhi Leonard earned the nickname "Mr. More Mighty" tonight—his force in slamming the backboard against the side was even more awe-inspiring than Russell Westbrook's.

If the Houston Rockets experimented with Trevor Ariza to see what it would be like to give an average player enough tactical role and ball possession.

The Pacers then experimented to see what would happen if they gave a player with rough skills and poor footwork enough tactical status and ball possession.

Kawhi Leonard unleashed his talent during garbage time, and before long, the point difference exceeded 50.

So tonight's incident can't be entirely blamed on CP3; Kawhi Leonard also bears some responsibility.

Lynch stood up from the bench and hugged and shook hands with the Pacers players.

Tonight, Lin Qi didn't play again after exerting himself at the end of the third quarter, and didn't play a single second in the fourth quarter.

但仅仅三节，他也拿下了28分8个篮板3次助攻2次封盖1次抢断的数据。

Everyone knows that this data doesn't represent Lynch's true level. If he played a full four quarters, he would fill the data sheet.

But if you look closely, this statistic would be considered spectacular if it appeared on other players.

People's standards for judging Lynch have long since changed.

Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and had 4 assists in his debut, although he committed 4 turnovers, but his performance was still outstanding.

He walked straight up to Chris Paul, a mocking smile on his face, the arrogance characteristic of a gifted young man returning to him:

“What an impressive welcome, Chris.”

Kyrie Irving has indeed undergone a mental transformation in recent months. He has toned down his excessive pride and realized that he is far from being a true winner.

However, all of this is based on the premise that his comparison is Lynch.

Kyrie Irving is anything but humble in front of Chris Paul.

Chris Paul wore his emotions on his sleeve; his pre-game confidence only made the outcome seem more awkward.

He merely shook hands with Kyrie Irving as a formality before eagerly trying to escape this awkward situation.

But after taking only two steps, Kyrie Irving shouted right next to his ear:

"Don't be discouraged, Chris. This is only the first time. There are at least three more to come."

Now, besides Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul has another guy he hates.

Unlike Steve Nash, Kyrie Irving always presents himself as friendly and humble.

Now, besides Lynch, this team has another formidable opponent.

When the man in colorful clothes, Sager, found Lynch with a microphone, he discovered that Lynch's eyes were only on that young and arrogant top scorer.

He reached out and patted Lynch on the shoulder: "How was your first match working with Carey?"

Lynch looked away: "Great, you all saw it, he has the ability to make a key contribution to a championship team."

Do you think it's possible for you and Carey to become one of the best duos in history?

Lynch gave this question serious thought.

Is Kyrie Irving a good partner?
It largely depends on the stage he is in.

The Kyrie Irvings in the original timeline, after winning the championship with the Cavaliers, during his time in Boston, with the Nets, and with the Mavericks, were so different that they seemed like completely different people.

After the Cavaliers won the championship, Kyrie Irving, amidst his celebrations, called Kobe Bryant to ask him what it was like playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal and to explore how to break free from the giant's shadow.

In Boston, in order to solidify his position on the team and suppress the rise of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, he would ignore tactics and systems and insist on one-on-one plays, turning from a perfect offensive player into a cancer. When the team was down 1-3, he uttered the astonishing "Who cares?".

At Arkham Asylum in Brooklyn, he almost didn't want to play basketball anymore because he felt playing basketball wouldn't save Americans.

In Dallas, he transformed into a reliable veteran who was willing to give everything for victory, even going to the free-throw line in tears.

People grow and change.

But Kyrie Irving changes so much and so fast, you never know what he'll be like next year.

Therefore, Lynch found it difficult to answer this question.

He couldn't guarantee that he could work well with every version of Kyrie Irving.

But at least with the current Kyrie Irving, full of desire and purity, Lynch can clearly see the road to success unfolding.

The realization of the Manhattan Project is getting closer and closer.

"The best duo is not self-proclaimed; that will be judged by the fans and the media."

If someone always proclaims themselves the greatest of all time, then they are definitely not the greatest of all time.

But I'm certain of one thing—"

Lin Qi's gaze sharpened.

"We can win many, many championships together."

Any team that faces us will experience a nightmare with a splitting headache.
-
Nightmare Combo.

This was the headline on the front page of the next day's "New York Failure".

They borrowed a quote from Lynch's interview to officially name this duo of top scorers.

The new season opener thrilled New York fans because this team, which has won three consecutive championships and underwent a major roster overhaul this summer, showed no signs of decline.

This seems to be a sign that they are destined to break the laws of nature.

But it was just a harbinger.

In the public's view, the New York Knicks still have some unstable factors.

In the following regular season games, the New York Knicks won several consecutive games.

Kyrie Irving certainly encountered some trouble and challenges, hitting a wall in the game against the Orlando Magic.

That night, his jump shot was in terrible shape, and Dwight Howard's rim protection made him realize firsthand what it means that "genius is just the threshold to enter this league."

Even with his layup angles being tricky enough and his layup moves being quite flashy, he still couldn't escape Dwight Howard's bite.

In that game, he only scored 5 points on 14 shots, paying homage to another number one draft pick, LeBron James.

Overall, Kyrie Irving's performance in the first five games of the season can be described as excellent.

He took on the role of middle blocker for a championship team as soon as he entered the league, and he did a great job.

Currently, Lynch's average points per game naturally lead the team.

Kyrie Irving ranks second in scoring per game, a statistic perfectly suited to his role.

A subtle change is taking place: DeMar DeRozan's stats have declined in this crucial year when he could potentially extend his contract early.

People can see that DeMar DeRozan is still improving this season.

His catch-and-shoot jumper is more consistent, and he has a higher success rate in mid-range one-on-one situations.

However, his tactical importance has declined.

Based on his performance and development prospects last season, DeMar DeRozan should become Lynch's backup.

However, Kyrie Irving's arrival interrupted his path to promotion.

In Game 6 of the season, against the Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan scored only 11 points.

It wasn't because he lacked ability, but because he barely had any chance to shoot throughout the entire match.

At the press conference after the match, astute media outlets were eager to stir up controversy to create topics and news.

“Demar, you’ve improved a lot defensively this season. Now, you’re definitely an excellent wing defender. How much did you invest this summer to reach this level?”

"As with every offseason, I've been honing my skills at Lynch's training camp. This season, the team needs me to take on more defensive responsibilities, and I'm happy that I've done a good job."

"But your offensive stats have declined significantly, currently averaging less than 14 points per game. Last season, your highest monthly average was over 20 points per game. Do you think this will have any impact on your decision to extend your contract early?"

Lin Qi glanced at the reporter, clearly sensing the provocative intent hidden in his words.

But out of respect for DeMar DeRozan, he remained silent for the time being.

Seeing that DeMar DeRozan did not answer immediately, the reporter pressed him relentlessly:
"Multiple sources have revealed that several teams, including tonight's opponent, the Toronto Raptors, plan to make a concerted effort to acquire you in the 2013 free agent market."

Faced with a top salary and a higher tactical role, have you considered developing your career in other places?

Trevor, Golan, they both made that choice.

Lynch had already mentally greeted every female member of the reporter's family tree with the utmost enthusiasm.

This is the power of the media and public opinion; they can crown you or dig your grave. They will not hesitate to sow discord between opponents or even ignite sparks between allies, as long as they can create a topic of discussion.

The Knicks' current situation is somewhat similar to that of the Celtics during Kyrie Irving's era.

Kyrie Irving's arrival will inevitably squeeze the survival space and tactical importance of the original characters.

When players in the final year of their contracts desperately need stats to back them up, the resulting conflict is inevitable.

As a result, the young players started to get emotional, morale began to waver, and the team lost its unity.

Lynch didn't want to listen to the reporter continue pressuring DeMar DeRozan and wouldn't allow the interview to continue sliding in this dangerous direction.

Just as he was about to interrupt the interview, DeMar DeRozan moved closer to the microphone:
"I'm happy to have the recognition of so many teams. But whenever New York needs me, my first choice will always be New York."

A higher tactical position does not necessarily lead to success; true monuments are forged by victories and championships.

I've said before that I yearn to be a loyal knight. In this role, I have found my place.

After saying that, Demar DeRozan turned his head and winked quickly at Lynch, who was about to come to his rescue.

"Don't be nervous, boss, I won't blow up your locker room. Of course, you'd better pass me the ball a few more times in the next game."

A burst of lighthearted laughter erupted from the audience. The reporter who had asked the question shrugged, clearly disappointed with the outcome of the interview.

DeMar DeRozan did not become a destabilizing factor or an obstacle to the Manhattan Project.

He kept his promise.

Loyalty is never as simple as just saying a few words; it is often accompanied by sacrifice and compromise.

Reassuringly, DeMar DeRozan was not broken by this heavy vow.

In the following games, DeMar DeRozan's performance remained consistently strong.

He focused more on defense, and while his offensive output decreased, his efficiency was still quite impressive.

He didn't complain or show the slightest dissatisfaction.

He made his entrance in silence as always, and calmly took away the victory.

The team also won consecutive matches, with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss at the start of the season.

Apart from Shane Battier's accidental thigh strain, his title defense went smoothly.

In mid-November, the New York Knicks announced that they would extend DeMar DeRozan's contract with a four-year maximum salary contract.

All suspicion and rumors vanished instantly.

Sam Presti originally didn't want to renew his contract so early, as he often uses the strategy of "last-minute signings" to motivate players.

Just like last season when he helped Wilson Chandler, who was in his contract year, have the best performance of his career.

But Lynch did not approve of this contract renewal approach this time. He told Sam Presti:

“Demar doesn’t need this kind of incentive. We can’t let someone who truly cares about the team look like a victim of Dwyane Wade.”

Thus, DeMar DeRozan became the Knicks' second max-contract player.

Of course, signing a top-salary contract doesn't mean he'll be completely content with the status quo.

Theoretically, he may still be dissatisfied with his position on the team.

Sam Presti had absolutely no such concerns.

Lynch has twice fulfilled Philip Sanders' prediction about Lynch's "locker room control".

For the first time, he easily resolved the conflict between Mike Malone and the players.

The second time, DeMar DeRozan chose sacrifice and loyalty because of Lynch's influence.

People always want to cause trouble for the New York Knicks because this team has an unparalleled amount of media attention.

Because this team is at risk of collapsing.

Because people still don't believe that any team can comfortably continue to contend for the championship after winning three consecutive titles.

They couldn't believe that anyone in the world could have such terrifying control over a team.

But once again, the media returned empty-handed.

On the night DeMar DeRozan signed an early contract extension with the Knicks, his childhood friend James Harden called to congratulate him.

"Next time we go out, we have to order four of these, and you're paying!"

DeMar DeRozan smiled and waved his hand: "You know I don't like those. I can order two for you, but I'll pass."

"Who wants to split it with you? I said I'd order four for myself!"

After the joke, DeMar DeRozan also inquired about James Harden's contract extension.

As players who entered the league at the same time as him, James Harden and Stephen Curry also face the issue of early contract extensions this season.

James Harden's laughter vanished instantly when this topic was brought up.

He certainly spoke with the team, but Jerry West's attitude was ambiguous.

In fact, Jerry West was also annoyed by this.

He knows James Harden's value, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are not like the Knicks, who can completely ignore the threat of the super luxury tax.

Now that the Thunder already have two max-contract players, Kevin Durant and LeBron James, team owner Clayton Bennett's task for Jerry West is:
"Get both Stephen and James to accept non-max contract extensions."

He felt the request was reasonable; in the past three years, the Knicks had only had two max-contract players, yet they won three championships.

But Jerry West thought it was a joke.

This is especially true given that DeMar DeRozan has already extended his contract, making it an even more difficult task.

James Harden sighed, composed himself, and replied with a smile:

"The contract renewal isn't going smoothly right now, but if we beat you guys and win the championship, everything might go smoothly."

"We'll see who's the best the day after tomorrow, but unfortunately, we'll definitely beat you again."

After hanging up the phone, James Harden was overcome with anxiety.

The only glimmer of hope for the Thunder to win a max contract is now the thorny path of defeating the Knicks to win the championship.

No matter how difficult it is, he must win.

Another James is also anxious.

He knew the Thunder were facing contract renewal issues, and that if this damn, stingy little country team mishandled things, the team could even face disintegration.

The window for winning the championship was now almost completely closed.

This season, it's all or nothing.

The day before the game against the Knicks, LBJ gave an exclusive interview to ESPN senior columnist Kevin Pelton.

They inevitably talked about the Thunder's current predicament.

LeBron James took the opportunity to vent his frustrations and put pressure on the Thunder:

"All I can say is that Lynch is a lucky guy. From the very beginning, he was on a team that spent money like water, building a championship-contending roster for him year after year."

How outrageous were the Knicks this summer?

They retained both DeAndre and Wilson, and just days ago, without hesitation, they offered Demar a maximum contract extension.

Good heavens, can anyone calculate how much luxury tax the Knicks pay each year? In Oklahoma, the luxury tax figure is zero.

What the Knicks did could never have happened to Kobe, could never have happened to Zach, and could never have happened to me.

I would say that this was never a fair competition from the start.

People are all praising how 'great' Lynch was in his pursuit of a four-peat. But if you ask me, even if they succeed, it's James Dolan's checkbook that's 'great'!
Lynch simply achieved success in a position where it was easier to succeed, yet the world has magnified his achievements far too much.

Anyone in an environment like New York could achieve considerable success.

LeBron James is outspoken, but he seems to have forgotten that he and his sponsors no longer allow him to be so outspoken.

Upon hearing this, Kevin Pelton immediately let out a sarcastic laugh:

"LeBron, if I remember correctly, back in Cleveland, there was an owner who spent lavishly on you, building a championship-contending roster year after year. And what did you do in return?"
If I remember correctly, in Detroit, you had the best teammates in the entire league and the most generous owner. And what did you do then?
Now you attribute Lynch's success to James Dolan?

That's right, Oklahoma City is a small market and faces a thorny contract renewal problem.

But don't forget, the land of Oklahoma beneath your feet is precisely the result of your own 'decision'.

Kevin Pelton paused, then said without hesitation:
"If Lynch stops you again this season, and the Thunder fall apart as a result."

That was divine punishment Lin Qi brought down for your past actions.

LeBron James was stunned, amazed that this damn columnist dared to talk to him like that.

"The interview is over!" He stood up abruptly, his voice trembling with rage. "It's over forever! You will never have the chance to interview me again!"

"LeBron, to be honest, is he also a hater?!"

"Shut up!"

Five minutes later, LeBron James left the hotel and drove home.

The car radio was filled with talk about the Knicks vs. Thunder game the day after tomorrow, a continuation of their rivalry.

This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a more powerful, sixth-man caliber James Harden, a more powerful Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant who has finally developed his ball-handling skills.

Divine punishment?

Nobody can do that!
-
Yes, our conversation ended unpleasantly. It's clear that LeBron is still the same LeBron who loves to make excuses.

Although it's unpleasant, I still hope LeBron can win the championship this year. Because this might be his last chance to beat Lynch in his career.

—The ending of ESPN columnist Kevin Pelton’s article, “Divine Punishment and Last Chance.”

Lynch has established an unshakeable reputation and locker room control in New York. And LeBron? After all these years, he's still using such a rudimentary method to pressure the Thunder on contract renewals. If LeBron proves he can capitalize on the championship window, why would the Thunder be stingy with the luxury tax? — Shaquille O'Neal's scathing critique of LBJ's excuses.

LeBron says Lynch's aura is overblown? Good heavens, he has no right to comment on Lynch! — Stephen A. Smith is shocked by LBJ's remarks.

"We're not concerned about contract renewals right now; we just want revenge against the Knicks. Our whole team feels that way. I feel we're much stronger than last season," Stephen Curry firmly stated in a pre-game interview.

Shane Battier is out for about a month with a hamstring strain and will still be unable to return for the next game. Can the Knicks field the same small lineup that defeated the Thunder in the Finals six months ago? It's time to test their roster depth. —ESPN News Flash

One thing is certain: if the Thunder fail to win the championship this season, LeBron will definitely run away again. You know, he's always been a hard-working player, covering far more distance than his peers. — Charles Barkley, unsuccessful in life.

(End of this chapter)