The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 216 Flying Man, I Want to Sweep You Away Again

On the 20th, the Lakers lost at home, and the SuperSonics won a game back.

Losing a home game is extremely detrimental to the Lakers. If they cannot come back on the road, they will lose their home-court advantage, and it will also be bad for their morale.

After the Lakers and SuperSonics tied 1-1, major media outlets became more optimistic that the Miami Heat would win their third consecutive championship.

Under these circumstances, on the night of the 21st, the Heat continued their winning streak at home, securing their second consecutive victory.

On the 22nd, Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals took place at the SuperSonics' home court, with the Lakers ultimately winning and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

Jordan scored 43 points, playing the same style as in Game 1, exploiting the SuperSonics' lack of a strong center and using his drives to create significant damage. He made 14 of 15 free throws, dominating the SuperSonics and leading his team to victory on the road.

On the 23rd, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals broke out.

Tang Bei's performance on the road has always been consistent, because his teammates' performance on the road is much worse than at home, so his offensive tasks are heavier.

He played 42 minutes, making 20 of 28 shots (71.4%) and 10 of 14 free throws, scoring 50 points in the game and leading his team to victory in Game 3, securing a point in the Eastern Conference Finals.

O'Neal performed better at home than on the road, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 42 minutes with a field goal percentage of 45.4%.

Such Finals stats are definitely superstar level, but they're not enough against Tang Bei, so the Magic lost.

On the 24th, the Lakers lost on the road, tying the game 2-2 with the SuperSonics.

On the 25th, the Heat swept the Magic to advance to the NBA Finals.

唐北在东决四场比赛中，场均46.5分14篮板2抢断6盖帽，投篮命中率71%。

O'Neal averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3.5 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 42.2%. The difference is huge, even more than one level.

Michael Jordan watched the game from his mansion in Los Angeles, focusing on Shaquille O'Neal's performance.

To be honest, I'm a little disappointed.

He dialed Phil Jackson's number and said, "Phil, is O'Neal really okay?"

Phil Jackson said, "He still needs to gain weight, 155 kg or even 160 kg. I think with his talent, his athletic ability will not decline much after gaining weight. His explosiveness and impact will be even more terrifying, and he will be able to compete head-on with Tang."

"Only that kind of O'Neal has terrifying dominance when facing Tang Bei in the low post. He has enough strength and weight to shake Tang. Once he gets close to the basket, I believe Tang can't withstand his attack on the basket."

Jordan paused for a moment and said, "He's already 150 kilograms and still can't compete with Tang Bei. Is it really possible for him to gain another 5 to 10 kilograms?"

Phil Jackson said, "I've observed him closely. His size makes him very strong in physical confrontations now, only slightly less than Tang Bei. Tang Bei has to go all out to defend him in order to withstand O'Neal."

Jordan nodded; he had noticed that too.

Phil Jackson said, "If O'Neal were a little stronger, he would be able to compete with Tang Bei. Even if he were a little weaker, he could still hold his own in the low post. Once he has the ability to draw attention in the low post, our triangle offense will be much easier to execute."

"With you two positioned inside and outside, he can create a strong presence in the low post, giving you enough space on the outside."

Jordan thought for a moment and then said, "He's very likely to go to the Knicks. Phil, don't forget, our opponent next season is the Knicks with Tang Bei."

Phil Jackson said, "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten."

After hanging up the phone, Michael Jordan felt a little sad. He was confident of making it to the Finals this time, but he had no confidence against the Heat.

His sights are already set on next year's finals, but that's absolutely ironic for him.

On the 26th, the Lakers defeated the SuperSonics at home, taking a 3-2 lead in the series and securing a match point.

On the 28th, the Lakers defeated the SuperSonics on the road, advancing to the NBA Finals with a 4-2 series victory.

The league then announced that the Finals would begin on June 1st, in a best-of-seven series, with a 2-3-2 home-and-away format, and the Heat would have home-court advantage.

Before the Finals began, numerous media outlets conducted various assessments of the Heat and the Lakers.

ESPN reports: "This Lakers team is no stronger than the 94/95 Bulls, while this Heat team, which was considered weaker than last season before the regular season, seems to be no weaker than last season. Their performance of Severe Fear is even more terrifying than last season, so we are more optimistic about the Heat."

ESPN predicts the Lakers have only a 33% chance of winning the championship, while the Heat have a 67% chance.

Other mainstream media outlets have similar predictions, with only Los Angeles media believing that the Lakers still have a chance to win the championship.

Basically, mainstream media overwhelmingly favor the Heat to win the championship, and the NBA is about to see its first three-peat dynasty team in the modern basketball era.

Some radical media outlets, such as local Miami media, even believe that the Heat will sweep the Lakers to win the championship.

On May 31, the Lakers arrived in Miami.

"Michael, you've made it back to the Finals after two years. What are your expectations?" a reporter asked during an airport interview.

As Michael Jordan pulled his suitcase forward, he replied, "The championship will always be my goal."

"So, do you think the Lakers or the Heat are more likely to win the championship?" another reporter asked.

What a load of bullshit! Jordan wanted to spit in the reporter's face. He didn't want to answer anymore, so he lowered his head and quickly walked through the reporters' encirclement.

"Michael, do you want O'Neal or Olajuwon next season?" a reporter shouted from behind.

Jordan ignored them and increased his speed, overtaking several teammates in succession.

"Would you congratulate the Heat on winning their third consecutive championship? Would you congratulate Tang on winning his third consecutive championship?" another reporter asked, catching up with the reporter.

Jordan clenched his fist. Although his sights were already set on next year's Finals, he also really wanted to punch this reporter in the head.

"Michael, do you think the Heat have a chance to sweep the Lakers?" another fearless reporter chased after him and asked.

"Shet!"

"Michael, calm down, this is the Heat's home court."

Jordan finally couldn't hold back any longer and was about to turn around and yell at him when Phil Jackson came over and stopped him, pushing him forward.

That evening, the 13 teams that failed to make the playoffs gathered in Rutherford, New Jersey, the city where the Nets are located, for the draw ceremony.

The top prospect for the number one draft pick is Allen Iverson, and other promising young players who are small in stature include Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Marcus Camby, Rasheed Wallace, and Antoine Walker.

Many aggressive scouts believe this is a great draft year because there are many talented players.

However, some conservative scouts believe that this year's draft class includes many foreign players, many players who did not graduate from college, and even high school students like Kobe Bryant. The future of these rookies is full of uncertainty, so they think this year can only be considered ordinary and not a great draft year.

The draft lottery proceeded as scheduled, and the Philadelphia 76ers were lucky enough to get the first overall pick, the Raptors got the second overall pick, and the Grizzlies got the third overall pick.

The finals kicked off on June 1, 1996.

Miami Arena is a star-studded venue, with many NBA stars, Hollywood celebrities, and other prominent figures seated courtside.

Lakers: Vlade Divac, Elden Campbell, George Lynch, Michael Jordan, Nick Van Exel
Miami Heat: Tang Bei, Kurt Thomas, Glen Rice, Rex Chapman, Avery Johnson

The finals were broadcast live on NBC, with the Bill Brothers as commentators and Charles Barkley, a retired player who intended to enter the commentary field, as a guest.

Bill Russell asked, "Charles, the Heat have completed three more sweeps in the East. What do you think are the chances of the Heat sweeping the Lakers?"

Barkley counted on his fingers and said with a grin, "Wait, let me count how many times Michael has been swept in the series."

"I got swept twice in the first round by Larry Bird, swept once in the Finals, and swept once in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, haha..."

"Haha..." The three of them burst into laughter.

After laughing, Barkley said, "Magic Johnson played 32 games in the regular season, starting only 9 of them, averaging 30 minutes, 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 3.2 turnovers. His performance was still pretty good."

Bill Russell said, "His career assist-to-turnover ratio is 2.87. He hasn't played for several years, and he can still exceed 2. His passing and ball control are indeed of good quality."

Bill Walton said, "He played as a substitute in the first three rounds of the series, and his playing time was not very long. He was probably preparing for the Finals. I hope to see him perform well in the Finals."

Barkley chuckled and said, "He's playing power forward, and it's a combination of Air Jordan and Magic Johnson inside and outside. Hopefully, they can create a miracle."

In the players' tunnel, the starting lineups of both teams met.

"Your Excellency Flying Man, I've been thinking about fishing lately. Do you have any good recommendations?" Tang Bei asked seriously.

"You idiot, the Gulf of Mexico is so big, go fish there!" Jordan retorted.

"Wow, you really have experience! Haha!"

Tang Bei laughed loudly, which made his four teammates laugh as well.

The other four Lakers players were speechless as they watched Tang Bei mock Michael Jordan, who seemed almost invincible in front of them.

When the Lakers came out, and it was Jordan's turn, Tang Bei shouted from behind, "Air Jordan, I want to sweep you again this time."

"Fuck you!"

Jordan angrily threw down a sentence and stormed out of the player tunnel.

"You have no manners at all."

Tang Bei muttered something and said to his four teammates, "Guys, you should also know that after this Finals, my contract will end, and I will no longer be a Heat player, nor will I stay to compete against Pat Riley."

Glen Rice and the other three nodded sadly. Although Tang Bei was somewhat domineering, he was truly devoted to his teammates. Playing with him meant that he shouldered all the pressure, leaving them with no pressure at all. They were able to win the championship and gain a huge amount of attention.

Avery Johnson felt this most deeply because before joining the Heat, he was an unwanted player and an undrafted player.

But after joining the Heat, he won two championships as the starting point guard alongside Tang Bei, and is about to complete a three-peat dynasty. He has become one of the most sought-after top point guards in the league.

Like Tang Bei, his contract will end after the finals, and many teams have already contacted his agent, willing to offer him a good, lucrative contract.

Tang Bei continued, "So in this series, guys, I hope you give it your all. I want to sweep the series and win the championship again."

"Tang, no problem."

"Yes, so are we."

Glen Rice and Avery Johnson, among others, have expressed their opinions.

"Severe phobia! Severe phobia..."

When Tang Bei appeared, the entire Miami Arena erupted in cheers.

Heat fans all know that Tang Bei is about to leave the Heat. Many sentimental fans are already in tears. Many fans are planning how to save Tang Bei in the offseason, while many others are preparing how to oppose Mickey Arison and Pat Riley.

On the eve of the Heat's pursuit of their third championship and their high probability of completing a three-peat dynasty, Heat fans are experiencing mixed feelings.

Tang Bei entered the court to warm up and came face to face with Magic Johnson.

Magic Johnson didn't have a good impression of Tang Bei because Tang Bei always played exceptionally well against the Lakers, and he even mocked him when Tang Bei was preparing for his comeback.

As one of the symbols of the era of the Black and White Duo, he was also extremely arrogant, holding his chin up and not saying a word, intending to wait for Tang Bei to greet him first before saying anything.

Little did he know that Tang Bei only glanced at him before turning around and going to warm up. This made him grit his teeth in anger, and he said to Jordan, "Michael, this kid is really despicable."

Jordan rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "Erwin, forget it. It's only because I'm quick-witted that I didn't get beaten up by him."

Gabor was also at the Miami Arena tonight, where she and Heat owner Mickey Arison were discussing Heat-related issues while the players were warming up.

She had discussed this issue with Allison once before the season started; this was the second and final time.

On that occasion, she offered ten million dollars to acquire a 10% stake in the Heat, hoping that Arison would change his mind, keep Tang Bei with the Heat, and let Pat Riley leave.

She is still optimistic about the development of the NBA, and the acquisition of the Heat is both a support for Tang Bei and a long-term investment.

This year, the Lakers' owner acquired Magic Johnson's 4.5% stake, valuing the Lakers at $3.26 million, making them the most valuable team in the NBA. The Heat, who have already won two consecutive championships, should theoretically be valued at at least $1 million to $1.3 million, not just $1.5 million.

But at that time, the Heat wanted to trade Tang Bei, which affected the team's valuation.

Before Tang Bei joined the Miami Heat, the team was losing money every year, and its valuation was no more than $50 million.

Even if the Heat have two championships, a team without Tang Bei is only worth a maximum of $100 million because it has been established for too short a time and has serious problems in its operation.

This time, once the finals are over, Tang Bei's contract will end, and he will become a completely free agent.

Although Tang Bei agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Heat, he certainly wouldn't let the Heat sell him for a high price, because that would definitely harm the huge interests of his next team and wouldn't help him continue to win championships with his next team.

Therefore, the Heat are unlikely to gain a huge benefit from the upcoming sign-and-trade deal; everything will be agreed upon before any contract extensions are finalized.

This situation would affect the Heat's valuation. Her total valuation of the Heat was $1.875 million, calculated based on the Heat's valuation after completing a three-peat. Offering $1.5 million to acquire 80% of Ariki's shares was already a very good offer.

To be honest, Mickey Ariki wasn't really interested.

The family invested nearly $100 million in the 80% stake in the Heat. Before Tang Beilai, they also had to invest $20 to $30 million in operating costs every year, which added up to $100 million. The total investment reached $200 million.

Even if they sell all their Heat shares for $1.5 million, they still won't make money; the only difference is that the losses won't be as significant as before.

Although the team has won the championship in the past two years, everything happened too fast. The team was newly established and its operational capabilities did not keep up. It did not make any money at all, but it did stop losing money.

But now that he has brought in Pat Riley, hoping that this shrewd strategist will help him improve the team's operations, and this season has already shown some results, so he is not very willing to sell the Heat.

More importantly, he is not short of money.

The acquisition was rejected, but Jia Bao wasn't too disappointed. Tang Bei going to play in New York was also a good option.

On the sidelines, Stan Van Gundy looked a little nervous.

His first stint as head coach saw him reach the finals and even secure the championship, which made him both very excited and very nervous.

He knew he was just a puppet, with Pat Riley directing from behind the scenes and Tang Bei directing from the court, but his coaching experience this season was still a qualification that other coaches dreamed of.

“Don’t be nervous,” Pat Riley advised.

“Yes, Mr. Riley,” Van Gundy replied hastily.

Pat Riley was also excited because after this Finals, he could be free, trade Tang Bei, and officially take over the team.

This season was the most frustrating one he had ever experienced. He was forced to give up his head coach position and a large part of his control by a single player, which was a great humiliation for him.

When he was with the Knicks, even the superstar center Ewing was completely subservient to him, and the notorious villain Oakley dared not utter a single word against him.

In his mind, Tang Bei was the most difficult player to train and the most detestable player in the league.

The competition officially began at eight o'clock.

After the jump ball, the Heat went on offense.

Tang Bei attempted to enter the penalty area from the free-throw line, but was met with Elden Campbell's defensive pressure and Divac's off-ball double-team.

"Oh, the Lakers are double-teaming Tang Bei off the ball," Xu Jicheng said in surprise.

Tang Bei has two options: stay in the high post, where pick-and-roll playmaking is also a good option, or break through the double team and drive to the basket.

He chose to forcefully break through the encirclement.

The next moment, with a burst of strength, he immediately squeezed past Campbell and entered the penalty area.

While Tang Bei was in position, intense offense and defense were also taking place on the outside.

Although Van Exel was only a second-round pick, he has good individual offensive and assist abilities, but his weakness lies in his average defensive ability.

Avery Johnson seized the opportunity and passed the ball in as Tang Bei entered the penalty area.

"boom!"

What happened next was quite simple: Tang Bei easily completed an alley-oop dunk, smashing the Lakers' unguarded rim.

0:2, Lakers on offense.

Campbell, who is 211 cm tall, originally weighed 127 kg, and his current weight should be around 135 kg. He is used as a half-meat shield by the Lakers on the defensive end.

He primarily plays power forward, but he also has a mid-range shot and is even positioned on the outside of his offensive zone.

However, now that he has gained weight, his mobility has decreased, and his mid-range shooting ability has also weakened. His offensive range is mainly concentrated in the area under the basket and the two-point zone.

At 216 cm tall, Divac has a wider offensive range and is responsible for high-post playmaking, but 70% of his offense occurs in the paint and near the two-point area.

Therefore, their positions on offense overlapped somewhat, and head coach Phil Jackson arranged for them to use a twin-tower strategy.

The twin towers tactic is divided into low-post twin towers and high-low-post twin towers. This time, Divac landed in the high post and played the high-low-post twin towers tactic.

The Heat employed a 3-2 zone defense. When Van Exel approached the top of the key with the ball, Avery Johnson closed in, and Glen Rice also moved towards the top of the key, creating a double-team.

Van Exel quickly passed the ball to Divac, who was supporting from the high post, and then ran to the left wing, drawing Glen Rice away.

The player marking Divac wasn't Tang Bei, but Kurt Thomas.

In this Heat defensive system, Tang Bei is positioned under the basket, while Kurt Thomas is responsible for following up to defend.

Divac received the ball sideways, and being much taller than Kurt Thomas (206 cm), he had a mismatch advantage, so he prepared to shoot himself.

But just as he turned to face the basket, a huge figure pounced on him from inside the restricted area.

"Snapped!"

Tang Bei slapped the basketball that Divac had raised above his head, and Avery Johnson grabbed the ball and immediately turned and ran down the court.

Tang Bei accelerated down the high post and quickly shook off Divac, while Campbell in the low post fell behind, giving the Heat a five-on-three advantage in the frontcourt.

"boom!"

"WOW!"

Neither of the Lakers' interior players got back into position to defend, allowing Tang Bei to easily drive to the basket, receive the ball, and unleash a powerful one-handed dunk that ignited the Miami Arena.

Bill Walton shook his head and said, "The Heat have a huge advantage in fast breaks alone. The Lakers' interior defense simply can't keep up with Tang Bei's speed."

Bill Russell said, "Tang Bei's help defense was too fast and very decisive. Divac didn't have time to react before the double team was already in place. He had no chance to pass the ball at the high post."

Barkley said, "The key point is that Campbell simply cannot create enough of a defensive presence in the low post, which is why Tang Bei has the courage to help defend against outside opponents."

Bill Walton nodded and said, "If the Lakers put O'Neal in the low post, Tang Bei will be tied up in the low post, and the Lakers' perimeter players won't have to face Tang Bei's help defense."

0-4, Lakers on offense, Jordan calls for the ball across half-court.

The Lakers are not the Bulls, and Pippen is not here. His playing style with the Lakers has changed. He shares the ball-handling offensive responsibilities with Van Exel, and it is no longer a simple off-ball style of play.

When Jordan brought the ball close to the right wing three-point line, Heat's starting shooting guard Rex Chapman got nervous.

The Heat's zone defense quickly moved to the right wing, and Avery Johnson, who was defending at the high post, also moved quickly toward Jordan, forming a double team against him.

When Jordan had the ball on offense, both big men went down to the low post, intending to keep Tang Bei and Kurt Thomas tied in the low post so they couldn't help defend the perimeter.

Michael Jordan drove hard past Chapman from the outside, arcing his way into the paint and drawing Kurt Thomas's help defense. He then pulled up for a jump shot from outside the right side of the post and made the basket.

2:4, Heat on offense.

In the Heat's first half-court offense after the start of the game, the Bulls deployed a 2-3 zone defense.

This type of zone defense has three defenders on the bottom line, mainly guarding the low post, but only two defenders on the top line, which creates many defensive gaps.

This defensive formation is suitable for slow-moving teams, helps control rebounds, and can deal with opponents who are not very accurate with their outside shooting. When the opponent shoots from the outside, your team should immediately collapse the defense.

But with Glen Rice, a top-tier outside shooter, and Chapman, who also has a three-point shot, the Heat were not originally a good fit.

However, Tang Bei's threat in the low post is greater, and Glen Rice plays off-ball, lacks ball-handling skills, and is not a big threat. Chapman is also just a role player, so the Lakers chose to limit their defense to a two-three zone defense.

Campbell, the heaviest player, guarded the paint, while Divac and small forward George Lynch guarded the lower baseline on the left and right wings, outside the restricted area.

Jordan guarded the right side of the free throw line, and Van Exel guarded the left side.

Tang Bei established position in the low post on the left wing. The Lakers, playing a zone defense, abandoned their off-ball double-teaming, but Divac on the lower left wing began to move closer to him.

Avery Johnson, the ball handler, didn't go to the top of the key where he would be double-teamed by Van Exel and Jordan; instead, he went to the left wing.

The Lakers' zone defense immediately shifted to the left wing, with Jordan and Van Exel still forming a double-team against Avery Johnson.

Avery Johnson quickly passed the ball to Tang Bei in the low post.

As the ball flew through the air, Campbell intensified his defensive efforts, while Divac quickly double-teamed Tang Bei, creating a double-team situation.

At the same time, the three outside players immediately collapsed to defend, forming a double-team in the paint.

"Five sandwiches!"

Barkley roared excitedly.

"Whoosh!"

The moment Tang Bei touched the ball with his right hand, he swung it sharply towards Glen Rice, and the basketball flew past like a shooting star.

"Pass the ball."

Bill Walton also shouted loudly.

Glen Rice received the ball at a 40-degree angle beyond the left three-point line, wide open, and calmly jumped to shoot after stabilizing himself.

The basketball arced through the air and then swished through the net.

"WOW!"

The Miami Arena erupted in cheers immediately.

"Pretty!"

Xu Jicheng said happily, "The Lakers went all out with a five-on-one against Tang Bei, but Tang Bei passed the ball in time, and Glen Rice seized the opportunity and made a wide-open three-pointer."

Sun Zhenping laughed and said, "The Lakers are betting that they won't make the shot, and then they'll grab the rebound."

Han Qiaosheng said, "The 2-3 zone defense isn't very effective against the Heat, but the Lakers have no choice because Tang Bei is too much of a threat in the low post."

Xu Jicheng laughed and said, "With Tang Bei's current strength and dominance, no defense is effective against the Heat. Just make do with it."

"Haha..." The three of them burst into laughter.

2:7, Lakers on offense.

At the left edge of the penalty area, before the double team arrived, Van Exel accelerated with the ball, quickly getting past Avery Johnson and breaking through in front of Glen Rice to the left elbow area, posing a threat to the penalty area.

The Lakers' two big men also moved to the left and right wings at the same time, opening up space under the basket for Van Exel to drive to the basket.

(End of this chapter)