Champion Rules

Chapter 344: That was just Michael Jordan's limit (Seeking monthly votes!)

Chris Paul could no longer find any explanation for his current defeat.

He would finally stop buzzing around Lynch's ear like a fly.

Lynch won him over with a convincing victory, making Chris Paul an indelible "star" in the annals of NBA history in a way he absolutely did not want to accept.

The hype surrounding this game was astounding, far surpassing the impact of the 58-point night of that year.

The 58-point night only caused a storm within the basketball community, but the 62-point night became a sensational national event comparable to news like "a black man stabbing a Ukrainian girl to death in the subway."

Almost every television station around the world is reporting on Lynch's latest masterpiece, and people from all walks of life are expressing their opinions on social media.

Among them, Lisa Ann, a legendary action movie star who entered the industry in 1995 and became close friends with various pipe cleaners, her son's friends, neighbors, students, and subordinates, posted a photoshopped image of CP3 holding up a 120 sign on social media, exclaiming in surprise:

"OMG! Lynch really gave him a brutal direct injection attack!"

The fact that people from such diverse backgrounds are commenting on this match demonstrates its formidable influence.

Chris Bosh was also redeemed, and he could now legitimately tell those who called him heartless, "Lynch did it too."

Following this loss, the general consensus is that the Pacers can bounce back.

The Knicks' fourth consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals is now a foregone conclusion.

What about the unprecedented four-peat in the modern basketball environment?
All signs point to an increasing probability of success.

The "Manhattan Project," eagerly anticipated by New York fans, seems to be within reach in its final implementation and bursting forth with its dazzling brilliance.

Of course, the championship is not yet in Lynch's grasp.

In the Western Conference Finals, both the Thunder and the Spurs displayed formidable strength.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, in particular, who were able to battle the Knicks for six games last season, seem fully qualified to challenge Lynch this year.

Last season's Thunder were immature. Kevin Durant was obsessed with bathwater, James Harden was obsessed with nightclubs, Stephen Curry was obsessed with footwork, and LeBron James was obsessed with his core role. They were all incredibly talented.

This season, everyone has solved their problems.

Kevin Durant has started openly liking posts from young models, seemingly unconcerned about finding someone to marry. James Harden's jersey has been retired at a nightclub, Stephen Curry's interest in his wife's feet has waned since their marriage, and LeBron James's mindset has also adjusted.

They are currently leading the series 2-1 against the Spurs, and they are undoubtedly the biggest spoiler of the Lynch era.

LeBron James is proud of this identity.

As the only man in the alliance capable of stopping Lynch, it seemed to be his destiny.

LeBron James felt like he was in a classic Hollywood movie plot—he was the protagonist staging a dramatic comeback, stopping the arrival of a new dynasty under the spotlight, and completing a counterattack that shook the league.

Now, he no longer clings to surpassing Lin Qi, and even the idea of ​​being on par with him has faded away.

His only desire was a successful, subversive rebellion.

If he achieves this, he will be crowned a hero of the entire North American basketball world, becoming a symbol of American players defending their dignity and glory.

He will represent American players and save this American basketball league.

He will make American players great again.

He will become a spiritual icon, leaving his mark on the League.

Years later, when people look back at Lynch's towering achievements, they will surely remember him—the figure who lit the only torch of resistance under the iron curtain of the dynasty.

Just then, the documentary "The Last Dance" came to an end.

The video then played out the legendary, tragic, and doomed 1998 season, which was considered "the last dance" from the very beginning of the season.

For years, people have generally believed that Michael Jordan deliberately chose to leave with the greatest image ever.

MJ himself seems to have tacitly accepted this fact over the years.

But in the documentary, he revealed a completely different sentiment for the first time: "I am not satisfied with retiring at the peak of my career. Because of the team, I did not have the opportunity to even fight for the seventh championship, which I cannot accept."

He then expressed his bewilderment at the management's decision to dismantle the dynasty in an almost accusatory tone.

He stated that he did not know why the Bulls did that.

At this point, the staff showed him Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf's statement on the matter, explaining his reasons for breaking up the team:

"Everyone became more expensive because of winning the championship, but they didn't deserve that much, except for Michael Jordan. But after winning the championship, I compromised. I was willing to bring Phil back, and I was willing to give other people contracts. But ultimately, the locker room was out of control, and we ultimately couldn't keep anyone."

After reading Jerry Reinsdorf's explanation, Michael Jordan had a complicated expression.

Based on this statement, Jerry Reinsdorf made efforts to rebuild the team, but the real reason for the team's disbandment was "out of control in the locker room".

This is vastly different from MJ's own statement that "the team didn't try hard enough, which prevented me from having a chance to win a four-peat."

MJ immediately explained:

"The team could have resolved these contract renewal issues at the beginning of the season. If you told Phil and Dennis that the team would give them another year's contract in order to win their seventh championship, would they sign it? They would, and I would sign it too."

It might take persuading Scott, but if we all sign, he'll definitely sign too.

This explanation once again shifted all the blame to the Bulls, but it still revealed Michael Jordan's predicament.

He seems to be using this to boast about his fighting spirit and reinforce his godlike image. He's obsessed with saving face, saying things like he was still incredibly strong in '98 and wanting to compete for his 7th title—the kind of narcissistic bible of a middle-aged man.

However, according to Jerry Reinsdorf and the various complaints from former teammates after the documentary aired, it can be seen that MJ had completely lost control of the locker room back then. It wasn't that he could reunite the players with just a word. He could only helplessly watch the dynasty dissolve.

During the season, it's impossible that he didn't express his desire for a four-peat and to compete for a seventh title.

But the Bulls, each with their own agendas, ultimately chose to abandon their leader.

The Bulls certainly bear the main responsibility for the dissolution of the dynasty, but it's not as simple as MJ said, "It's all the team's fault for the dissolution, I can bring everyone back with just one word."

This is undoubtedly a deep crack in Michael Jordan's perfect halo of "God of Basketball".

He is not perfect.

He can't handle everything.

In the narratives of Michael Jordan's devoted followers, number 23 is an eternal, invincible deity.

His career seemed to have never encountered a real defeat, as if those six glorious championship seasons were everything.

Thus, the anecdote arose that "Michael Jordan won ten scoring titles in six seasons of his career."

The fact is, MJ was not a perfect individual.

Of course he has lost before; he is not omnipotent, and there are things he cannot do.

He couldn't do the job of integrating the team after winning three consecutive championships.

This "lack of ability" is precisely reflected in the fact that after the glorious peak of three consecutive championships, he lost the ability to unite the team and continue the dynasty.

However, thanks to the long-standing promotion by the media and fans, the idea that "three consecutive championships is the limit for consecutive championships in modern basketball" has become a widely accepted perception.

It's as if Michael Jordan's failures didn't stem from his own shortcomings, but rather from being constrained by invisible rules.

Before this, because no one could do better than MJ, people naturally did not doubt his ability.

But now, as Jerry Reinsdorf says he was willing to rebuild the Bulls back then but ultimately failed, and as someone is about to do what he couldn't under even stricter rules, this myth begins to crumble.

Nike achieved its goal after the final episode of "The Last Dance" aired.

It refocused public attention on MJ's legendary and illustrious era, leading to a surge in AJ sales.

The accusations from former teammates may be a stain, but they won't have a significant impact on Nike's overall strategy.

However, a side effect that exceeded Nike's expectations quietly emerged—people were even more excited about Lynch's fourth consecutive championship.

People are eager to see if Lynch can achieve what MJ couldn't even do despite his best efforts.

This fateful question has quietly transcended the nostalgic glow of the documentary and become the most tumultuous heartbeat in the NBA world right now.

In Game 4 of the series, the Knicks continued their campaign in Indianapolis.

Before the game started, everyone agreed that the Pacers had definitely given up.

But that's not the case; the Pacers are holding up very well.

They truly deserve to be called the most resilient team in the entire league.

The team culture that this team has inherited does not allow them to give up on the game.

After scoring 62 points, the Pacers' morale was indeed very low.

But the next day, Paul George, the second-year player who had just become a dazzling backdrop in Game 3, told everyone:

"If we really give up like this, it just means we deserved to lose by 62 points!"
We need to let Indiana fans know that a 62-point night is not our norm.

We need to let Indiana fans know that, maybe not this year, maybe not next year, but we always have hope of winning the championship!

This statement had an effect, and the entire Pacers team was eager to turn things around.

The championship? That's too far away. But dignity is right here on this battlefield. Even winning just one game, or even putting on a tenacious performance with a close score, is enough to prove that the 62-point night was just a fluke.

Thus, the competition, barely begun, completely overturned everyone's expectations.

Like a wounded lion in its final moments, the Pacers pounced on the defending champions with a desperate, all-or-nothing frenzy.

Chris Paul cleared his mind of all distractions, and every pass he made was as precise as a scalpel, tearing apart the Knicks' defense.

Arron Afflalo was unstoppable on the flanks, while David West rediscovered his tenacity in the low post.

Paul George, the young man whose fighting spirit had been crushed by Lynch, repeatedly and fiercely penetrated the Knicks' territory, tenaciously defending them time and time again, proclaiming his indomitable spirit to that supreme king.

Of course, the Pacers also changed their strategy, and tonight they used double-teams at all costs to deal with Lynch.

For the first six minutes of the game, the Pacers were even in the lead.

The stadium erupted, and the Pacers fans, who had been despondent, were ignited by this desperate comeback, creating a tsunami of cheers.

Chris Paul clenched his fists, his eyes burning with intensity, as if he wanted to burn away the gloom of the first three games.

The camera panned to the King of New York, and everyone wanted to see his reaction.

Lynch, at the center of the storm, simply chewed on his braces calmly, as if he were watching a practice match.

Paul George hit another difficult fadeaway jumper, raised his arms in celebration, and widened the gap to 8 points.

Lynch understood the challenge burning in those eyes. In the next possession, he had the ball but didn't call for a screen. He simply lowered his shoulder and pretended to drive, which caused Paul George to subconsciously take a half-step back.

This was exactly the moment Lynch needed!
Without warning or any fancy moves, he ignored George's sudden long-arm interference and Allen Afflalo's hasty double-team, took off, and pulled up for a jump shot.

The basketball arced high and fell through the net with a powerful, downward motion!

This response was as cold and sharp as a scalpel, instantly severing the Pacers' escalating surge of energy.

As Lynch passed by him on his way back on defense, his voice, though low, drifted clearly into his ears: "Kid, your guts are admirable, but you're still a long way from dragging New York into the mire."

After that response, Lynch changed his strategy, starting to play a lot of off-ball offense, which allowed the Knicks to tie the game by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Mike Malone once again employed that extreme strategy—removing DeAndre Jordan and using Lynch at center.

This means the Knicks are starting to use a smaller lineup across the board, and it also means that Lynch will personally guard CP3's pick-and-roll plays.

Then, Chris Paul experienced his second nightmare in three days.

Lynch's superhuman mobility and long arms made Paul feel like he was sinking into a quagmire every time he launched an attack.

His passing lanes were cut off, and his forced shots were shrouded in a huge shadow.

Even if he manages to safely get the ball to David West, who is either bouncing out or cutting to the basket, Lynch will immediately complete the rotation.

The point difference was gradually eroded, and the Pacers' initial ambition vanished in an instant.

By halftime, the Knicks had quietly taken a 7-point lead.

In the third quarter, Lynch continued to dominate both offense and defense.

Paul George's lungs pounded violently like a broken bellows, sweat blurred his vision, but he still clung to Lynch's figure, still trying to seize every opportunity to cut in.

He burned his youth on the court, trying to make the lofty King of New York bow down even slightly.

But he failed. With three minutes left in the game, when Lynch intercepted CP3's pass to David West, dribbled the ball across half-court, turned past Allen Afflalo, and dunked, the score difference became 17 points.

This completely extinguished the Pacers' last will to resist.

The home fans did not leave the stadium; instead, they stood up and applauded the team that fought to the bitter end even after their historic defeat.

This team certainly deserves applause; their efforts are meaningful.

Just like the Chinese team in the 2023 World Cup and the Chinese team in the 2025 Asian Cup, although they both lost, the different ways they lost determined whether the fans respected them.

In competitive sports, while respect is important, there can only ever be one winner.

The Pacers are about to face a sweep.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks narrowly won Game 4 of the series, leaving only the final step in their quest for a four-peat.

林奇的数据栏诠释了尼克斯队赢球的原因：33分14个篮板11次助攻3次抢断2次封盖。

An unassailable dominance permeated the entire event.

After winning the game, he rejected his teammates' exaggerated celebrations and looked straight through the slightly chaotic center of the court, locking onto the figure standing alone outside the three-point line, hands on his knees, breathing heavily.

Paul George's No. 24 jersey was soaked with sweat, and beads of sweat dripped from his forehead down his angular chin onto the Indianapolis court floor.

Lynch pushed through the throng of reporters rushing towards him, ignoring the flashing camera lights, and strode toward the young man.

He shed the cold mask he wore on the court and, under George's wary and astonished gaze, extended his hand to him.

"Well done, I hope to see you here again next year."

Paul George was stunned. Was this a sarcastic remark?
He looked up and met Lynch's eyes, which held no trace of mockery, nor any cheap pity.

Lynch's praise and respect were heartfelt; he wasn't a madman who just knew how to bite people all day.

He respects opponents who give their all in the game and are able to face the gap between them.

Paul George pressed his lips tightly together, as if trying to swallow all his resentment and exhaustion. He took a deep breath, reached out, and grasped Lynch's hand—the hand that had crushed him countless times.

“Next time it won’t be so simple, Lynch,” Paul George said firmly.

"That's exactly what I'm hoping for."

After Lynch finished speaking, he glanced at the Pacers player who was ignored by everyone and always had only one expression.

The intense competition has ended, but a deeper spark, one that concerns the future, has ignited in Lynch's heart.

He believes the Pacers will become an even more exciting opponent.

The trophy, symbolizing the pinnacle of the Eastern Conference, was carefully carried onto the court by the staff. Chandler Parsons and Jimmy Butler's eyes lit up instantly, and they rushed up to it almost immediately.

“Damn, I’m dreaming, Jimmy!” Chandler Parsons stroked the trophy, unable to believe what he had achieved.

A year ago, he was an older rookie who couldn't even make the first round, but now, as a key rotation player, he has become the Eastern Conference champion.

Jimmy Butler's eyes were equally burning with fervor and reverence. Only he knew the extraordinary effort he had put in to gain a foothold in this champion team and reach this point.
"Yes, male model, this is amazing. Look at this trophy, it's so beautiful!"

“Hey, I don’t like the nickname ‘male model’! It makes me look like a gigolo!” Chandler Parsons has protested against the nickname more than once.

Jimmy Butler just chuckled: "I fucking care if you like it or not, male model."

At that moment, Kyrie Irving's voice came from behind them: "Hey, you two country bumpkins, who the hell cares about the Eastern Conference title?"

"You're kidding me," Jimmy Butler has always been quick to criticize Kyrie Irving. "Any championship trophy is precious."

"That's just for you, Jimmy." Irving waved his hand dismissively, his tone carrying a hint of self-righteous arrogance. "For a starter like me, even the Larry O'Brien Trophy is nothing. Because we were destined to be champions, it was the inevitable outcome. Would you be excited about getting something that was rightfully yours?"

Kyrie Irving adopts an arrogant attitude, and he is equally active in suppressing Jimmy Butler.

Lynch listened to their argument from a short distance away.

Kyrie Irving's career has been far too smooth so far. Even in the Eastern Conference Finals against Chris Paul, he has never truly felt the pressure of a do-or-die situation.

Ultimately, he still doesn't understand the true value of victory and championship.

If Paul George wins the Eastern Conference championship, he'll probably cry.

Lynch finally interrupted their conversation: "Kyrie, nothing is taken for granted. Get ready for the Finals."

"Okay boss."

Kyrie Irving didn't refute Lynch, but it was clear he wasn't really listening.

Lynch shrugged, deciding not to continue lecturing.

He still prefers to let Kyrie Irving put things into practice on his own, just like before.

In practice, that guy always finds out that what he said was right.

Well, how to get along with Kyrie Irving is also key to the success of the Manhattan Project, and Lynch doesn't want to mess it up.

After a brief award ceremony, Lynch handed the championship trophy to Jimmy Butler and gave an interview to reporters.

Lynch had already guessed the problem:
"Linche, congratulations on reaching the Finals again. How do you feel about having the chance to break the limits of modern basketball? Are you overwhelmed with excitement or immense pressure?"

Lynch waved his hand, not answering the question itself, but denying the reporter's statement.

"I must correct one point—"

Three consecutive championships were never the limit of modern basketball; that was only the limit for Michael Jordan.

(End of this chapter)