Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 178 The Game-Winning Shot, Magic Win the Championship

Lakers in danger!

The next day, the headline on the front page of the Los Angeles Times sent a chill down the spines of all Lakers fans.

The last time they used such an urgent headline was when a major event happened in New York last year.

In its report, the Los Angeles Times directly called on Lakers fans to stand up and do everything they could to support the team.

The Lakers cannot lose!
The Lakers are aiming for a three-peat!

The night after the competition ended.

The night was deep in the hotel where Magic was staying.

Tang Sen suddenly sat up.

I jumped out of bed and quickly went to the window.

A convoy of motorcycles roared past on the street outside the hotel.

At the nearby intersection, a large crowd had gathered, setting up speakers that blasted out loud, aggressive dance music.

Then everyone went wild, making loud noises as they pleased.

Just then, an infrared beam shone over.

Tang Sen cursed under his breath.

This is the result of that Los Angeles Times report.

Lakers fans stood up and chose to make noise outside the Magic's hotel late at night to disturb the Magic players' rest.

Tang Sen had already put on earplugs, but it still didn't work.

What a terrible hotel! It's supposed to be a five-star hotel, how can the soundproofing be so bad!
After making a comment, Tang Sen opened the door and went into the hallway.

Just then, they saw Rivers and Davis having a heated argument with the hotel manager not far away.

"Sir, there's nothing we can do. We've already called the police, but they haven't arrived yet," the person in charge explained.

Rivers said loudly, "I don't care, they're disturbing our rest, you have to deal with it."

The person in charge simply bowed and apologized, then said there was nothing they could do.

At that moment, Rivers felt that he had done it all on purpose.

"hateful!"

Rivers angrily kicked over a trash can in the hallway and yelled, "If you keep playing like this, you'll regret it. This is our home court, ours!"

Davis pulled him along.

He saw Tang Sen and gave a wry smile.

"Tang, look how despicable the Lakers are! They can't beat us, so they resort to these underhanded tactics!" Rivers continued to yell, waving his arms and shouting, "I'm going to complain! I'm going to complain to the league!"

Just as I was shouting, someone opened the door across the street.

It's McGrady.

They came out wearing blindfolds.

Rivers got even angrier when he saw that he had been woken up.

This is the team's core player; if he doesn't get enough rest, what will happen to tomorrow's game?

"Can't you sleep?" Tang Sen asked.

McGrady shrugged, looking helpless.

"Take your medicine," Tang Sen suggested.

If you can't sleep, then you can only take medicine, and rest is absolutely necessary.

Brown, on the other hand, seems to be sleeping soundly, as if he wasn't woken up.

I guess he was too exhausted from yesterday's intense competition.

Thinking of this, Tang Sen said, "Tracy, go and get some rest. Kwame was exhausted yesterday, so tomorrow's game depends on you."

After going toe-to-toe with a monster like O'Neal for four games, even if Brown is young, Tang Sen probably overexerts himself.

Maddie nodded slightly, then turned to find the hotel manager and asked for sleeping pills.

Tang Sen closed the door, lay back on the bed, and could still hear the rumbling sounds outside.

Guo Yonglin, on the other hand, was sleeping soundly.

"Old Guo?"

Tang Sen called out.

No response.

Really asleep?
Tang Sen lay down, put on earplugs, and felt a little better, but after being woken up, he couldn't fall back asleep.

"Old Guo, how about a drink?"

Tang Sen propped himself up and asked.

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a voice rang out: "It's not impossible."

Tang Sen was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

So you were pretending to be asleep!

……

As it turns out, even the most powerful and wealthy families can panic and resort to underhanded tactics when faced with a crisis.

At the pre-game press conference, before Rivers could even open his mouth, a reporter from the Sentinel broke out, angrily accusing the Lakers of being sore losers and resorting to underhanded tactics when they couldn't win.

Jackson looked somewhat embarrassed.

He really didn't know about this.

You should know that he would never let Lakers fans do that.

what is this?
If you can't beat them, you resort to dirty tricks?

If we win, that's fine, but if we lose, wouldn't that be even more embarrassing?

Lost both the man and the battle!
But since we'd already reached the fifth game, a do-or-die situation, these things no longer mattered.

After returning to the locker room, Jackson gathered all the players together.

"Gentlemen, you should have seen it by the time you arrived at the arena. I feel like half of Los Angeles came to support us."

"I can't imagine how disappointed they would be if we had lost today."

His gaze swept over everyone present.

No one spoke; everyone's expression was extremely grim.

Jackson's voice grew even louder as he said in a deep voice, "And what I find most unbearable is that another team lifts the championship trophy in our Lakers' home arena, at Staples Center."

"And all we could do was watch them with disappointment, guys, we're the Lakers!"

He questioned loudly.

One of the greatest teams in the league, letting someone else lift the championship trophy on their home court, isn't that humiliating?

"So even if we really lose, lose the championship, and don't get a three-peat, I won't allow us to lose today!"

Jackson shouted loudly.

He doesn't like to give players that kind of motivational talk.

He himself is a Zen master!

She represents elegance, and can destroy any opponent, no matter how powerful, with ease.

But at this moment, he really felt that the Lakers needed some fighting spirit to survive against all odds.

The Staples Center is bathed in golden light tonight.

The cheers were like a torrent, shaking the entire stadium.

When the Magic players entered the court, the boos were so loud they could practically lift the ceiling off the arena.

The sidelines were filled with Hollywood stars.

Old Bass also arrived at the scene and sat on the sidelines.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and other Lakers legends all arrived at the scene.

Of course, Stern was there too.

They came with the championship trophy.

Tang Sen looked at the Magic players on the court.

It seemed that no one was affected; everyone was warming up seriously.

Before the match, everyone gathered together.

Ewing spoke first.

He looked around at everyone and said, "Everyone, although Doug has said a lot, this is the last game. Our dream is right in front of us, and I will do my best."

His tone was calm, but his gaze was more focused than ever before.

In all those years, he had never felt so close to the championship.

In just over two hours, or 48 minutes, it felt as close as if I were already holding it in my arms.

Grant patted him on the shoulder and growled, "Victory is certain!"

"Must win!"

This is the fifth match.

It can be said that what we are seeing now is not only a contest of technical strength, but also a confrontation and struggle of wills.

If the Magic can hold on, they can go one step further, lift the championship trophy, and make all their hard work this season worthwhile.

The Lakers, however, were deflated, their three-peat dream shattered.

Both sides had reasons not to lose, so the match started as intensely as a meteor colliding with Earth.

O'Neal turned around under the basket and used his elbow to clear the way.

There was a muffled sound.

Brown held firm without backing down, then stretched out his arm, interfering with O'Neal's shot.

However, the real battle is on the perimeter.

Kobe's offensive desire exploded right from the start.

To create an opportunity for him, the Lakers immediately set a double screen.

He hit a three-pointer right from the start.

However, McGrady, facing Horry, hit a three-pointer after a quick stop following a screen.

The inside players were trading baskets and wearing each other down, while the two outside players also started scoring.

Moreover, it wasn't just the core players; in the final moments, the role players from both teams also stepped up.

Even Sasse sank a three-pointer from an open position.

In the first quarter, the two teams traded blows like magic, with the score tied at 27-26, giving the Magic a one-point lead.

The cheers from the crowd were deafening.

Inside the TNT studio, Barkley exclaimed repeatedly, "This should be the most exciting and strongest Finals matchup between the East and West in recent years!"

In 99, the Spurs swept the Knicks 4-1.

Then the Lakers rose to prominence, dominating the league, and easily defeated the Pacers 4-2 in 2000.

Last year, they swept the 76ers 4-1 again.

That's why the West is stronger than the East, and there's even talk of whoever can break out of the West is guaranteed the championship.

In the post-Bulls era, Eastern Conference teams have always fallen short, making the Finals less exciting.

But this year, Barkley really didn't expect the Magic to be so strong and tough.

There are no underhanded tactics; it's just a pure battle of star players to see whose star power is greater.

That's what makes this game so exciting, allowing us to see monsters like Brown and O'Neal going at it under the basket.

We can also see that after Kobe was locked out for three games, he was still able to have a strong comeback.

"It's Kobe again. He's in great form today," Smith exclaimed.

Kobe faces off against Sasser in a one-on-one situation.

When he shot, Sather's hand was right over his face, but it didn't work; the ball still went in.

Like Shaq, Kobe is currently on an unbelievably hot streak.

But as the game progressed, the Magic gradually fell behind.

Throughout the live broadcast, the increasingly loud cheers from the audience could be heard.

Barkley frowned: "Shaq was clearly playing better than Kwame today."

Now, halfway through the second quarter, O'Neal has scored 13 points.

Brown only scored 7 points.

Brown's mid-range shot was accurate in the last game, and he made every shot he took. In this game, he also took a series of mid-range shots, but he didn't make a single one.

Rivers also noticed this problem.

He called a timeout to give Brown a breather.

Looking at Brown, who was panting heavily, Rivers frowned deeply.

O'Neal played the entire first quarter.

There was no rotation for rest in the second quarter, and judging from this, Jackson might let him play the whole game.

After all, it's the last game, and if we don't give it our all now, we'll be on vacation.

This has led to Rivers being hesitant to rotate his players.

Besides Brown, who else in the Magic's frontcourt can hold off Shaq?
“Patrick, how many minutes can you hold out?” He hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at Ewing.

Hold on for a few minutes, give Brown a breather and a rest.

Ewing didn't say anything, but silently took off his coat and patted Brown on the shoulder.

"Good lad, he actually went toe-to-toe with O'Neal for four games." Ewing said calmly. "Doug, I've been waiting for this moment all season."

There were no grand pronouncements, just the awareness of a 39-year-old guy.

Rivers nodded, then looked at McGrady.

"Tracy, I need you to be tougher, step up, and help us win this game!"

Brown has played four games and given it his all.

Then it's McGrady's turn.

Everyone looked at McGrady.

You're the team leader.

McGrady nodded slightly.

The game continues.

Ewing delivered on his promise, coming off the bench for five minutes in the second quarter and holding O'Neal to just 1 of 4 shots for only 2 points under his defense.

Ewing not only contained O'Neal, but also scored 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting against him.

His efforts prevented the Lakers from widening the score gap.

At halftime, the Lakers had rallied to take the lead, but it was still 50-47, a mere 3 points.

After a halftime break, Brown finally got a good breather.

Returning for the second half, he immediately took the lead, scoring over O'Neal with a bunny hop.

He then blocked Fisher's layup attempt.

Billups then fired a three-pointer during the transition offense.

The magic trick was about to gain momentum.

Jackson waved his arm, signaling to double-team Brown.

We can't let Brown score anymore.

Billups didn't hesitate and directed his men to double-team O'Neal.

Even he himself rushed over at one point, trying to grab the ball.

The offensive focus of both teams shifted back to the perimeter.

However, the Magic clearly have the advantage in outside offense.

Kobe was, after all, facing Sasser.

When McGrady hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, the third quarter ended.

The Magic lead 73-68, a five-point advantage.

Jackson started to panic.

Don't underestimate a 5-point difference; when both teams are giving it their all, that 5-point gap can be fatal.

His concerns were not unfounded.

Time ticked by, but the Lakers couldn't catch up with that 5-point deficit.

3 points, 2 points, it seems like they're catching up, but they're just one last push away.

There are 5 minutes left.

Jackson was extremely frustrated, but there was nothing he could do.

Just then, an unexpected event occurred.

While battling for a rebound under the basket, whether intentionally or not, O'Neal elbowed Brown in the face again.

In an instant, blood started flowing from his nose.

PJ Brown rushed over and shoved O'Neal hard.

The two teams immediately fell into chaos.

Tang Sen jumped to his feet on the sidelines, a single thought flashing through his mind: things are about to go wrong.

Brown should be fine, but he needs to go off the court to deal with the bleeding.

But now, in this crucial moment where both sides are locked in a fierce battle, even if Brown were to leave the court for just two minutes, the game could be turned around.

And it’s not over yet.

After the players were separated, the referee suddenly stole the show.

Referee Tim Donaghy gave a cold wave of his hand.

A technical foul, a level 2, sent PJ Brown off the court.

PJ Brown was stunned.

Rivers went completely insane.

He acknowledged that PJ Brown was given a technical foul, given that he pushed O'Neal.

But I never expected the penalty to be so severe, a direct Level 2 expulsion.

He rushed up to Donaghy and roared angrily.

Without saying a word, Donaghy issued another technical foul to Rivers.

Davis quickly pulled Rivers back.

PJ Brown panicked and frantically tried to explain something to Donaghy.

He was afraid that his action would affect the outcome of the match.

"Damn, this referee did it on purpose!" Guo Yonglin cursed beside Tang Sen.

Tang Sen didn't speak, but looked towards the top-floor private room.

Sure enough, the league intervened and found an opportunity to give the Lakers a boost.

Perhaps in Stern's view, even if the Lakers lose, they shouldn't lose so early; they should at least play six or seven games.

The key point is that the referee was really something else. There were no problems the whole game, but at the crucial moment, he pulled this stunt.

And it leaves you with no reason to object.

PJ Brown did make a move, which caused a disturbance, and he could indeed be charged with a Flagrant Foul 2.

Four free throws put the Lakers ahead.

Both sides are back on equal footing.

No.

The Lakers have the advantage.

PJ Brown was ejected from the game, while Brown was still nervously dealing with a bleeding nose.

Jackson couldn't possibly let this opportunity slip by.

Without Brown, O'Neal started to dominate, and Ewing couldn't hold on alone, so Grant had to double-team him.

There must be gaps in the defense.

Most importantly, without Brown, no one can score in the paint.

In just two minutes, the Lakers went on a 6-2 run, extending their lead to 5 points.

They are leading by 5 points.

With less than three minutes remaining in the game, Brown returned to the court.

But it's too late.

Now, the comeback has become magic.

The Lakers started stalling for time and controlling the score.

With one minute remaining, O'Neal drove hard to the basket and drew a foul for a three-point play.

This guy actually scored!

The score difference came to 7 points.

The Lakers' bench erupted in jubilation, and countless people in the stands cheered and celebrated.

This 2+1 play effectively ended the Magic's hopes of a comeback.

Rivers remained silent, his face dark.

He gave up.

Fortunately, this isn't a Game 7, and the Magic will still have the advantage when they return to Orlando.

However, Brown and others on the court have not given up.

Brown serves quickly.

Billups noticed McGrady rushing out of the corner of his eye and made a long pass straight for him.

Kobe and Horry both lunged at McGrady.

McGrady stopped abruptly, pulled up the paddle, and threw it.

The basketball went in, straight through the defense!

The point difference has narrowed to 4 points.

However, there are only 53 seconds left.

The Lakers' strategy was to stall for time, waiting until 20 seconds remained before letting O'Neal take the shot.

Brown leaped, causing a disturbance.

Key defensive play.

There are 32 seconds left.

Billups launched a fast break, quickly advancing the ball.

He reached the three-point line and pretended to pass to McGrady.

Kobe ignored Sather and stayed with McGrady the whole time. In the final moments, who dared to leave McGrady alone?

As soon as Billups was about to pass, Fisher immediately rushed towards McGrady.

Then the ball wasn't passed out.

Billups actually threw the ball himself!

In the crucial final moments, he dared not pass the ball to the team's star player.

But the ball went in again!
The point difference is back to 1 points.

The cheers from the stands fell silent; a deathly stillness descended.

Jackson's heart pounded with nervousness as he hesitated whether to call the final timeout.

Rivers didn't give up either, rushing to the sidelines and yelling to stop him.

There are 25 seconds left on the clock.

Even if the shot clock runs out to the full 24 seconds, it will still give the Magic a chance to win.

So Kobe is going to play one.

He circled out at the perfect moment, caught the ball and feinted a shot, but instead faked it out before passing it to Horry.

McGrady stayed close to Horry.

In crucial moments, Horry will teach you a lesson.

Horry had no chance; time was running out, so he passed the ball to the inside player.

Because of Grant's outstretched hand, he raised the arc of the pass.

That pass was a bit risky.

But there was no other choice; Fisher also had people on his side.

Seeing the ball flying towards him, Brown under the basket suddenly abandoned O'Neal and leaped to touch the ball.

He actually hit the nail on the head.

The basketball fell and rolled towards Kobe.

Kobe went to receive the ball, but someone else was faster.

Sather made a diving save, getting there first and grabbing the ball tightly in his arms.

There are 4 seconds left on the clock.

For a moment he wanted to call a pause, but then he saw someone run past him.

McGrady!

He threw the ball over.

McGrady received it.

Billups, who was about to raise his hand to call a timeout, also reacted very quickly and stopped.

McGrady dribbled wildly, and Fisher chased after him relentlessly.

There wasn't enough time to make a layup.

Approaching the three-point line, McGrady suddenly stopped and sprang into action.

Fisher stretched out his arms, but he didn't jump as high as McGrady.

McGrady leaped high, stretched out his long arm, and threw the basketball.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

The basketball leaves your hand, glides through the air, and the timer resets to zero.

Then he plunged headfirst into the basket.

Lore!

Magic won the championship.

After landing, McGrady turned around and roared as he swung his fist into the sky.

(End of this chapter)