Champion Rules

Chapter 384 (380): Unleashing a torrent of high-explosive gunpowder onto the arena (Seeking monthly votes!)

At noon on May 22, 2013, LeBron James came out on time.

This time, LeBron James did not announce his "decision" via a nationally televised broadcast. Instead, he posted a video titled "The Second Decision" on his social media to announce his decision.

Countless fans and reporters clicked on the small triangle on the video with trepidation. At this moment, no matter which teacher's video it was, it was not as attractive as the video of that dark-skinned, bearded man.

After the video started, LeBron James sat opposite the host, wearing the same clothes he wore during "The Decision 1".

This scene shocked all the fans. LeBron James's elaborate decision might really be something big.

Compared to the lengthy national broadcast of "The Decision 1," "The Decision 2" was only 1 minute and 02 seconds long, with a fast pace. The host got straight to the point right from the start.

"LeBron, what's your decision?"

The host's tone and even the pitch of his voice were exactly the same as during "Decision 1".

LeBron James slowly began, "You know, this was a pretty tough decision. This summer, I decided to bring my talents to..."

Everyone held their breath. This "Decision 2" has a strong Western action movie style, getting straight to the point in a simple and straightforward manner.

"I've decided to bring my talents to Hennessy VSOP."

The entire announcement lasted only 30 seconds, followed by 32 seconds of the host and LeBron James delivering a long list of advertising slogans about the wine.

The video ends.

The whole world fell silent.

Bill Simmons sat in front of his computer. He had been watching basketball since the era of Larry Bird, the giant, and had witnessed countless brainless moves by the NBA and its players.

For example, Kobe Bryant's "Shaq did it too," Dennis Rodman's controversial remarks about white players, Scottie Pippen's refusal to play in crucial moments, and Patrick Ewing's complaint that "we earn a lot but we spend a lot too."

Since it became a trend for college freshmen and even high school players to enter the league, the league has been filled with athletic boys with limited formal educations, so you can't expect them all to be as smart as they seem.

But Bill Simmons swears that LeBron James' Decision 2 was the dumbest thing he'd ever seen, bar none.

He quickly retweeted LBJ's "Decision 2" video and added six dots.

For the first time in his life, this GOAT in the field of sports columnism felt speechless, unable to think of a single word to describe what LBJ had done.

This was the first time that such a concrete manifestation of speechlessness had appeared in him.

Soon, the shock was replaced by a surge of anger.

Because Bill Simmons felt that he and fans around the world had been played!

You can shoot commercials. For a professional athlete, accepting commercial endorsements is a matter of course, as normal as eating and sleeping with women.

But the way LeBron James advertises is simply treating fans like idiots.

A week ago, in the locker room after a loss, he solemnly said, "Maybe it's time to make the next decision."

In that context and under those circumstances, who would have thought that the so-called "decision" was actually made for an advertisement?
Moreover, "The Decision" is one of the biggest and most controversial labels in LeBron James' career.

It's hard to imagine that Michael Jordan would use "I'm back," a phrase written into basketball history, as a gimmick to attract the attention of all fans and the media, only to later jump out and say, "I'm actually returning to the Coca-Cola family, so come and buy some!"

LeBron James' "The Decision 1" was already a disaster. Bill Simmons once believed that as long as LBJ and his team were of sound mind, it was impossible for "The Decision 2" to go wrong.

As a result, they reached the pinnacle of achievement.

They used a near-deceptive method to generate traffic for this advertisement.

If everyone had known that LeBron James was simply running an advertisement, would so many people have paid attention? Of course not.

Therefore, he and his team intentionally linked "The Decision 2" with basketball.

They succeeded; it was an ad video that went viral.

They never actually said "The Decision 2" was a decision in basketball, but no matter how you try to justify it, it still deceived the feelings of the fans.

In an instant, controversy surged forth like a tidal wave.

Those fans who meticulously analyzed LeBron James' career plans before "The Decision 2" now feel particularly ridiculous.

They invested a great deal of time and effort, racking their brains and conducting various analyses.

In the end, LBJ was just joking.

It's like you go through all the trouble to pursue a girl, only to find out she's a cross-dresser when she finally takes her clothes off.

Some fans went to Shaq's social media to apologize to him after he had previously come forward to say that LBJ's "The Decision 2" was just a business deal, which had drawn a lot of criticism and abuse from fans.

Fans believe that no player would use such a big event for advertising. They previously thought Shaq was simply jealous of LeBron James and was therefore maliciously smearing him.

But as it turns out, LeBron James is just that outrageous.

He dares to do things you wouldn't even dare to think about.

Kenny Smith posted, "Congratulations to LeBron on winning his first championship – a sales champion is also a championship."

After watching the "Decision 2" video, Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson couldn't resist LeBron James's personal charm and earnestly invited him to return to his hometown to create glory together: "LeBron, go home and stop embarrassing yourself!"

Hennessy released the same advertising video, but the comment section was quickly flooded with negative reviews and insults.

LBJ's "drunken teasing of Buster" turned into an indiscriminate attack, making fools of his fans and haters.

Lynch only saw the video of LeBron James' decision when he woke up from his afternoon nap. To be honest, he felt that LeBron James might not have been competing with him from the very beginning.

When people judge LBJ by the standards of competitive athletes, they find him to be utterly incomprehensible.

Is it possible that LBJ actually just wants to be a businessman?
Lynch simply treated LeBron James' "The Decision 2" as a joke, but Bill Simmons was depressed all day.

He was still depressed until the start of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and the Pacers that evening.

His feelings are understandable; he had been looking forward to May 22nd for the past week. His previous social media posts clearly showed how much he hoped for that day.

As a sports columnist and a true fan, he respected the day, which should have been a happy and talk-worthy one.

It's like a Chinese child looking forward to the Chinese New Year.

But all the anticipation for the day was ruined by LBJ's bizarre advertisement.

This made Bill Simmons worry about what should have been a happy day.

Will the match between Lynch and Chris Paul be boring?
Given the intense atmosphere between the two sides before the match, is it possible that they would play a very disciplined game during the match?

LeBron James' "The Decision 2" has set the day off absurdly.

Bill Simmons had to lower his expectations for tonight.

Madison Square Garden, New York.

Paul George and Lynch embraced and greeted each other on the court.

No matter how bad Lynch's relationship with CP3 was, and no matter how fierce the competition between the Knicks and the Pacers was, their personal relationship was never affected.

Paul George brought up the day's drama: "I heard that this beer has sold out completely in Detroit and Chicago."

Lynch shrugged: "Oh? Looks like I underestimated LBJ's influence."

"That's right, Hennessy made a fortune. It's just a pity that the frenzy in Detroit and Chicago mostly involved 'free purchases'. But who cares? At least it proves that this wine has indeed made a name for itself."

Lynch:
After joking around, Paul George's smile faded, and he became serious: "Even though we haven't beaten the Knicks in the regular season, I think we're ready. I used to look up to you from afar, but now I'm going to look at you from a different perspective."

“If you can do it,” Lynch said without any sign of nervousness, “I welcome you to look at me from a different perspective.”

The last vestiges of friendly atmosphere before the game were shattered. As soon as Paul George returned to his own half, CP3 suddenly roared, "Guys! We shouldn't be so friendly with the opponents before the game! We need to let the whole team know this is a war!"

Chris Paul's eyes were bloodshot. Lynch's previous response had worked. Compared to accepting the bet, Lynch's disdain made CP3 feel more ashamed.

He had been waiting for this match for far too long, and had even lost sleep over it.

Paul George wasn't angry at CP3 yelling at him; he knew the guy was just too eager to win.

George nodded, his tone calm: "Don't worry, Chris, I know this is a war, we all know it. Not only do we know it, but we will fight it like a war!"

As the match was about to begin, reporters on the sidelines started to stir things up.

Chris Paul became the focus of attention for reporters on the sidelines.

When the topic turned to Lynch refusing the bet, CP3 tried to feign indifference, but anger was written all over his face.
"No matter how eloquently he talks, he's just scared. He's worried that after this series, he'll have to lose a championship ring to me in front of fans all over the world. That would be really embarrassing, so I understand Lynch's decision to run away."

"Besides Lynch, Kyrie Irving also seems to have a close relationship with you," the reporter continued, stirring things up. "He just told me he'll make you pay for the trash talk you gave him to his parents during the regular season. What do you think?"

“I didn’t insult his parents, it was just trash talk. You know, in basketball, if you can’t stand trash talk, you’d better go do ballet. After all, even the WNBA has trash talk. And I have absolutely no idea how Kyrie Irving is going to make me pay. Does he think he’s a superstar? No, he has Lynch around him, so he only needs to pad his stats in one game to win a championship, that doesn’t mean he’s that good.”

The sideline reporters have achieved their goal; Chris Paul is now practically public enemy number one in New York.

Bill Simmons sat on the sidelines, watching Lynch warm up and the players from both sides move toward the center circle.

As the match was about to begin, he couldn't help but shout into the arena:

"Lin Qi, don't let this beautiful day turn into a complete disaster!"

Lynch heard his voice, glanced back, and gave him a thumbs up.

Chris Paul stared intently at Lynch, while Kyrie Irving kept his eyes fixed on number 3.

Lynch was the only one who looked relaxed. Seeing CP3 staring at him like wild dogs, Lynch pointed to the champion banners on the dome of Madison Square Garden: "Want to bet with me? Man, you guys don't even qualify for the poker table."

"That's enough, I'll be qualified soon!"

The game begins, and the Knicks have possession of the ball.

The Pacers' defensive focus remains on Lynch, the monster who scored 62 points over them this season.

Lynch didn't rush to get the ball, but instead set a screen for Kyrie Irving.

Irving started quickly, but CP3's speed in getting around the cover was as fast as ever.

He easily squeezed past Lynch and continued to stick close to Kyrie Irving.

Furthermore, he primarily aimed to block Kyrie Irving's drive to the right. He knew that the kid's left hand wasn't as strong as his right.

CP3 is quite experienced in defending Kyrie Irving.

It's not that Kyrie Irving can't use his left hand at all, it's just that his left hand isn't as efficient as his right.

However, in high-level basketball games, even if it only slightly reduces the opponent's efficiency, it is worth trying.

Lynch quickly cut to the basket after the pick-and-roll, a move that drew the Pacers' defense.

Legendary ironman Kawhi Leonard relentlessly cut off passing lanes, while Paul George also cautiously moved closer to Lynch.

However, Irving, who was being relentlessly guarded by CP3, did not pass the ball. Instead, he subtly changed his rhythm, executed a smooth change of direction, and narrowly passed right past CP3.

Kyrie Irving's ball-handling skills are near perfect; few players dare to dribble and change direction in front of CP3, a top-tier thief.

Irving instantly gained half a body length of space, but CP3 remained calm and composed.

Forcing Kyrie Irving to drive to the left is exactly the defensive effect CP3 needs.

Because Lynch drew most of the defense, Kyrie Irving didn't encounter much help defense; he was only guarded by David West under the basket.

Kyrie Irving showed no fear, leaping boldly into the air as CP3 closed in from the side and West's long arms stretched out in front of him.

The two men's four arms instantly covered Irving's head, blocking all his angles of attack.

Furthermore, they completely shut down Kyrie Irving's right hand, denying him any chance to finish with his dominant hand.

Kyrie Irving could only wait in the air for his chance.

After a brief moment of suspended motion, all three began to fall, and Kyrie Irving prepared to intervene.

He unexpectedly extended the ball with his left hand, thus avoiding the blocks from David West and CP3. Then, a second before the ball hit the ground, he tossed it toward the basket.

This was an extremely difficult finishing move, but the basketball bounced off the rim and still fell precisely into the net!
"A beautiful goal! That's Kyrie Irving for you. He never finishes an attack in a mediocre way!"

Mike Breen's passionate commentary echoed in countless fans' rooms, while Chris Paul's face was filled with astonishment.

There's no doubt how difficult that shot was, and Kyrie Irving actually scored such a difficult goal with his left hand?
Kyrie Irving has long since made up for his shortcomings; all the sweat he shed on the court during his right-hand injury was not in vain.

However, CP3 did not notice his progress.

After scoring, Kyrie Irving made no attempt to hide his smugness: "Linch was absolutely right, you only look like a championship player. Even a rookie like me, who's just padding his stats, thinks scoring over you was fucking easy!"

The exciting moments and the pungent smell of gunpowder instantly ignited the entire arena, with Bill Simmons waving his arms excitedly. This game truly redeemed this day ruined by LBJ!
The game continued, and CP3 quickly stopped the bleeding, providing a surgical-like assist to Kawhi Leonard, who made a smooth layup.

The legendary Ironman's progress has not stopped. With his size and reach, the coordination he displayed when pulling up the bar in the air was unparalleled.

With the score tied at 2-2, Chris Paul, wanting to save face, yelled again, "Lynch, whether I'm qualified or not isn't up to you to decide!"

Lynch did not respond, but continued to participate in the attack.

Lynch's off-ball movement was very active in this possession, and the Pacers' defense tilted towards him again.

Kyrie Irving seized the opportunity, drove to the basket, pulled up for a jump shot, and scored again over CP3's head!

Kyrie Irving was still visibly emotional, and the moment the ball went in, he roared, "Fuck Chris, fuck you! If I'm a stat padder, then what are you, racking up two 62-point games?!"

Bill Simmons's backside was completely out of control of the bench, with incessant cursing and fierce competition leading to goal after goal.
He stood up and shouted with gusto, "Yay! This is the kind of game we've been waiting for!"

"Damn!" Chris Paul could tell that Kyrie Irving was becoming even more troublesome.

Although that kid was exceptionally skilled, he still seemed quite inexperienced compared to CP3.

But tonight, Kyrie Irving was like a true, cold-blooded killer.

Chris Paul remained calm, prepared to execute this attack, and continued to respond.

But the Knicks' defense in this possession was like an iron barrel, watertight, and they made no mistakes.

CP3 initiated several attacks with passes, but failed to create any opportunities.

With eight seconds left on the shot clock, the ball returned to Chris Paul. As the team's star player, he had to take over the possession.

It has been proven that LeBron James is the best point guard in the league.

Because he is even more composed than CP3.

If LeBron were in this situation, he would still maintain terrifying patience, then drive and pass, rather than rushing to take over.

Chris Paul feigned calling for a screen, but actually thrust his gaze in the opposite direction.

A serious knee injury a few years ago greatly reduced CP3's explosiveness, but he can still get past opponents with these exquisite changes in rhythm.

Kyrie Irving was faked out, and Lynch quickly came to help defend.

Although there was very little time left on the shot clock, Chris Paul's ingrained point guard instincts led him to choose to pass the ball.

He passed the ball to Kawhi Leonard, who was lurking in the corner. The pass was quick, with less than 0.1 seconds between spotting the opportunity and executing the pass.

However, Lynch still managed to raise his hand in time, placing it across CP3's passing lane.

With unimaginable anticipation and reaction speed, he managed to break the ball!
Of course, Lynch was not able to take the ball directly.

The basketball lost its owner after hitting Lynch's fingertips, and both sides had a chance to fight for it.

Chris Paul, of course, pounced on the ball without hesitation. With little time left on the shot clock, he had to pick up the basketball immediately and shoot, no matter what his form.

What if he and Lynch were entangled on the ground?
That would be even better, he vowed, he would give Lynch a few dirty elbows!

Just as he lunged forward, he saw that Lynch had no intention of taking the ball from him.

Lynch simply stood there, then spread his legs.

Chris Paul scrambled to grab the basketball, and the immense momentum carried him so far that he somehow managed to squeeze through Lynch's legs!
CP3 struggled to get up, but Lin Qi took the opportunity to sink down and sat him down firmly like Mount Tai!
Ultimately, when the 24-second shot clock expired, the ball was still in CP3's hands.

Lin Qi remained perched on his head, arms outstretched, looking completely innocent, indicating that he hadn't moved at all.

"Damn!" Chris Paul's blood rushed to his head instantly. Only then did he realize why Lynch hadn't gone for the ball but instead spread his legs.

I have been completely fooled and humiliated!
Chris Paul has a very strong sense of pride, so much so that he won't allow anyone to touch his head.

In the NBA, touching one's head is a very normal gesture.

However, when Pau Gasol touched Chris Paul's head this season, he was met with a violent response.

CP3 later angrily defended himself, saying, "He (Gasol) used his height to insult me, just like when I take my son to the bathroom and put my hand on his head."

This demonstrates just how sensitive CP3 is to these actions.

He couldn't stand even being touched on the head, let alone Lin Qi just straddling his head.

This is tantamount to trampling his dignity into the mud and ruthlessly crushing it!
Chris Paul struggled to his feet and shoved Lynch away violently.

Lin Qi burst into laughter, spreading his arms wide, his posture radiating mockery and control.

The next second, DeMar DeRozan and DeAndre Jordan grabbed Paul's jersey and firmly blocked him in front of Lynch.

The scene instantly descended into chaos, with pushing, shouting, and cursing erupting everywhere, while the cheers from the stands grew louder and louder.

"Damn it! You bastard! I'm going to kill you!" Chris Paul struggled in the crowd, roaring with bloodshot eyes.

Lin Qi simply nodded dismissively: "Fine, let me see just how vengeful you really are. Hey, how are you going to get me on your back? I'll be watching! If you can't do it, then shut the hell up! Don't tell me you're vengeful anymore!"

Lynch responded to all of CP3's previous disrespect, and his response only caused more confusion.

Players from both sides pushed and shoved each other, hurling insults at each other. Amir Johnson was even warming up on the sidelines, preparing to be substituted in.

Bill Simmons was caught up in the chaos, and Lynch and CP3 successfully unleashed their fiery tempers on the field.

This is what he wanted to see, and this is what all the fans wanted to see.

This isn't some kind of posturing like LeBron James's; Lynch and CP3 are more than willing to turn this into a war.

This is definitely not going to be a boring series!

The sports columnist happily applauded Lynch: "Kill Chris, hahaha, kill him!"

Sure enough, Lynch never disappoints; he always brings unexpected joy.

Yeah, just like LeBron James, that funny guy.

(End of this chapter)