God of NBA point guards

Chapter 250 The Yellow and Black Era
Not far away, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are being interviewed by reporters together.

"Erwin, what do you think of Fliggy and Tekken's performance tonight?" the reporter asked.

"It's all very good. They met the strongest opponent." The magician said.

"Karim, what about you?" The reporter turned around and asked.

Abdul-Jabbar laughed: "I think Tekken performed better. Although the first half was not good, he is more trustworthy than Barkley at critical moments."

Magic Johnson nodded and said: "It is indeed the case. The Suns also had a chance to come back in the last few minutes. They were not far behind, but Barkley didn't do it."

"Ervin, if the Detroit Pistons win the third championship, will you congratulate the smiling assassin?" the reporter asked.

Magic Johnson moved his mouth, wanting to spit on the damn reporter.

His face froze slightly, then he smiled and said, "Of course."

Seeing that the magician looked anxious, the reporter quickly shifted the gun and asked Kareem: "Karim, what conditions do you think the Suns need for a comeback?"

Abdul-Jabbar was stunned, and smiled: "Iron Fist faced Michael Jordan in the second round of the Eastern Conference. He averaged 27 points per game. Now he has 37 points against the Suns. If Jordan is replaced by the Lightning, I think the Suns will have a chance."

"Ha ha……"

Both the magician and the reporter laughed.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the visiting team's locker room was icy cold.

Buckley sat there dejectedly, without saying a word, leaning against the closet, staring blankly at the opposite closet, his mind was completely empty.

After being traded to the Suns, he thought that joining forces with the top point guard Lightning would have a chance to hit the championship, and he was very excited.

And the result was just as he expected. The Suns had the first record in the regular season. Although there were twists and turns in the playoffs, they finally reached the finals. Everything was so beautiful and worth looking forward to.

However, after entering the finals, he encountered an iron fist like a wolf and a tiger. Lightning was completely suppressed. He lost two consecutive home games, and he was hit hard.

After winning the G3 game, he was given a surprise, making him think that from now on, he would go straight to the championship, but in the end...

"Ugh!"

When he was at a loss, he sighed deeply from time to time.

Lightning is similar. This is his 6th season, the first time he reached the finals, and it was also the time when he was closest to the championship. After winning the G3 game, he thought that the series would be like Barkley said. Ushered in a turning point, but the reality gave him a stick.

What made him even more disappointed was that his performance in the series was completely suppressed by the iron fist, and his performance was hit by the magician, which was a huge blow to his self-confidence.

At this time, Zhou Quan had returned to the locker room with his teammates and was on the phone.

The staff told him that after the game, his mobile phone kept ringing.

They were all congratulatory calls from some friends, including girlfriend Christina, agent and so on.

"Tekken, don't you want to change your mobile phone? This one can send text messages, which is much more convenient than the big brick. It is very fashionable, and it is popular now."

Darnell Walker raised the Logia mobile phone in his hand.

"tell you later."

Zhou Quan looked at the mobile phone in his hand, and it was indeed not very fashionable. Kelina and Philip kept asking him to change it, but he really liked the brick machine, which was both stylish and effective.

Darnell Walker's mobile phone is a GSM mobile phone released by Nokia last year. It is small and convenient, more modern, and has its advantages. He also plans to buy one and use it as a replacement.

……

The next day, on the 25th, ESPN announced the latest championship prediction data.

1% for the Suns and 99% for the Pistons.

This data did not exceed the expectations of the media and fans. After all, in the history of the NBA, there is no record of a comeback in the case of falling behind by one to three in the finals.

"This is the correct prediction data. ESPN has finally become professional. I have to congratulate them." In a telephone interview, Zhou Quan commented.

Detroit fans have already begun to celebrate the third championship. Since the morning, people have been taking to the streets and gathering together to celebrate.

The Palace of Auburn Hills has already begun to arrange the championship ceremony.

For example, a lot of big colored balls were hung on the ceiling, and the ribbons were filled inside, as well as light shows, fireworks, bands and so on.

At noon that day, David Stern arrived in Detroit with the championship trophy.

Pistons owner Bill Davidson and general manager Troy Weaver, as well as a group of management executives went to the airport to greet them.

After exchanging pleasantries, David Stern got into the car and asked with a smile, "Bill, how did you think about my proposal last time?"

Davidson sighed and said, "David, the team continues to lose money. In fact, I have long considered selling the team and am currently looking for a buyer."

David Stern was taken aback. The news was true. As far as he knew, after the locker room violence in 91, Davidson had always wanted to sell the team, but what did he want to express now?

He tentatively said, "Bill, this time there are four playoff rounds of income, will the Pistons still lose money?"

Davidson smiled bitterly: "You also know how low our tickets for the finals are. But counting the finals and the money allocated to us by the league, it should be just enough to make up for the loss."

David Stern didn't speak anymore. Of course he knew that the highest ratings of the G4 game reached 2650 million, but the average ticket price in Detroit was only 105 US dollars, which is already 7 times that of the regular season. The average ticket price is only $15.

He did the math. After one game in the finals, the Pistons can get about 45 million US dollars after excluding the 100% of the league's share. If the Pistons win the championship 300-[-] this time, they can get [-] million US dollars in tickets for three home games. income.

"The four-round series, including the series against the Bulls, and sponsorship advertising revenue, add up to tens of millions of dollars in revenue, right?" he asked again.

He had to care about this issue, because most teams in the league were losing money. If even a team like Detroit that reached the finals couldn't make money, it would be quite detrimental to the operation of the league.

But the situation of the Pistons is in line with his plan, and the operation is difficult, so it will be even more difficult for the Pistons to provide Zhou Quan with a big contract.

And if Davidson really sells the team, then the plan to trade Zhou Quan to the West will be easier to implement.

Davidson said: "The second round was good. Our three home revenues were close to 300 million US dollars, which was similar to the finals, but we only earned 200 million US dollars in the first round and the Eastern Conference finals. Including the finals and other income, it was almost 900 million. Ten thousand."

"900?"

Stern thinks that the situation of the Pistons is already good. The situation of the teams that cannot make the playoffs is even worse. The average team will lose more than 1000 million US dollars every year.

Fortunately, a new broadcast contract can be signed in a few years, and the league's operating income will increase a lot, which can help more small teams survive.

"Bill, what do you think about my suggestion? You know what my suggestion is for. The better the league develops, the better your team will appreciate. Our interests are completely the same." Then he was very asked bluntly.

Davidson said: "I hope to think about this issue after the finals."

"OK."

David Stern nodded. This is as it should be. The Pistons are basically stable in winning the championship. With the iron fist of the championship and FMVP, the transaction value will definitely be higher.

He wanted Zhou Quan to go to the west, not only for the purpose of balance, but also because he was optimistic about Zhou Quan's influence outside the circle.

This kind of influence is what the NBA needs now, but this kind of influence can only be maximized in big cities.

A city with a declining economy like Detroit is simply not suitable for Zhou Quan's development.

The population of Detroit is decreasing every day, from a peak of 200 million to 100 million. The people who leave are basically white and middle class, and the proportion of black people is increasing day by day. The attractiveness of this city is like a lamp that has drained its oil All the same, it's about to go off.

……

The Pistons did not arrange training, and at three o'clock in the afternoon, Zhou Quan went to the airport to pick him up.

Christina Yerri specifically asked for leave, not wanting to miss his first championship moment.

In addition to Christina Yeri, and Roger Phillips, both of them came from Los Angeles, one flight.

At four o'clock, the three of them left the airport, sat in a coffee shop for a while, and then went to a restaurant for dinner.

Philip has been very excited to discuss Zhou Quan's future, but Christina is a little bit speechless.

The relationship between her and Zhou Quan is relatively stable now, but there is also a problem, she is not so ambitious, and now she really wants to get married, and hopes to have her own family and love, but Zhou Quan is only 21 years old, 6 years younger than her, and she doesn't want to be so Get married early.

"Kelina, what's the matter, why don't you talk?" Zhou Quan realized that his girlfriend's expression was a little distracted, so he asked.

"It's nothing, the coffee here is good." Christina said with a smile.

Zhou Quan has some doubts. His girlfriend's smile is always bright, like sunshine, but today her smile is very forced, just like the sky in Detroit, gray.

But now that Philip is here, it's hard to say anything, he took it to heart, let's communicate again when there is a chance.

……

On June 1993, 6, the G26 game of the finals.

Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills.

Since the morning, a large number of fans have rushed here, and in the evening, tens of thousands of people have gathered outside the stadium, which can be called a sea of ​​people.

"Champion! Champion..."

Among the crowd, bursts of shouts burst out from time to time.

On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, it happened to be the weekend, and many people turned on the TV early in the morning, preparing to watch the game.

It was the same at Zhou Quan's house. The family sat on the sofa after having breakfast early.

At almost seven o'clock, Zhou Quan drove to the Palace of Auburn Hills with his girlfriend and Philip.

At the scene, many NBA stars, such as O'Neal, David Robinson and other three super centers, Magician and Skyhook, Pippen, Larry Bird, etc., all rushed here.

Ewing, Olajuwon, and David Robinson have very complicated feelings. They have been playing all these years, and they haven't even touched the championship side, but Zhou Quan's second season is about to win the championship. My heart is very sour, envious and jealous.

Especially Ewing, who was eliminated by Zhou Quan himself in the Eastern Conference finals, otherwise he would have reached the finals. With the strength of the Knicks, he felt that he should be sure to play against the Suns. the suns.

In addition, there are actually some Hollywood stars tonight, such as Roberts with a big mouth, Tom Cruise, and three or four first-line stars.

Many executives from major Detroit auto companies also came to the scene, as did the mayor and some city councilors.

Zhou Quan came to the scene, greeted the fans first, then chatted with his friends, and politely greeted the mayor and councilors before going back to the locker room.

At [-]:[-], David Stern appeared on the scene, and the championship Larry O'Brien Cup was also placed at the exit of the player tunnel.

In the visiting team's locker room, Barkley was lost in thought as he stared at the trophy.

He was standing under the TV, within reach of the trophy, but the real distance was very far away.

"Charles, let's focus on the game. We may not lose. If we win this game, it will be our home court. At that time, the situation will definitely reverse."

Head coach Paul Westphal advised.

Barkley smiled wryly, stepped back and sat on the bench.

……

At [-]:[-], the two sides announced the starting lineup.

Suns: Mark West, Charles Barkley, Richard, Dan Marley, Kevin Johnson

Pistons: Secali, Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, Zhou Quan, Isiah Thomas
"Oh, the assassin is still the starter?" Bill Wharton asked in surprise.

"Doesn't it matter if you get hurt on the field?" The same goes for Williams.

"I hope I can really fight."

On CCTV, Zhang Lili was also surprised when he saw the starting list.

"At a time like this, the head coach will definitely not randomly arrange for an injured person to start the game, right?" Sun Zhenping said.

Zhang Li thought for a while and said, "Maybe it's a reward for the assassin, a fake starter. With his status in the Pistons and Detroit, he really deserves this treatment."

Sun Zhenping was stunned, nodded and said: "It is indeed an honor to win the championship as the main force."

At 45:[-], the starters started.

The lights of the Palace of Auburn Hills have been extinguished, but the prepared light show has begun, and the colorful lights form one after another erratic patterns, dazzling people.

"It's the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns right now."

"Power forward Charles Barkley from Auburn University, six feet six inches, 115 kilograms, let's welcome flying pigs."

Following the shouts of the host, Barkley calmed down and walked out of the passage.

When passing by the O'Brien Cup, his eyes were red. If he snatched it, it would be considered a championship. He would definitely grab it and turn around and leave.

"Clap clap clap..."

The Palace of Auburn Hills tonight seemed particularly tolerant, with few boos, but some applause.

"Leading [-] to [-] gave the Detroiters full of confidence. They no longer bothered to boo their opponents."

Bill Wharton said with a smile.

After the visiting team played, the home team ushered in.

"Now let's give a warm welcome to the point guard from Chicago..."

"Oh oh oh……"

As soon as the host's voice sounded, it was drowned out by the crazy shouts of the Pistons fans.

Smiling Assassin Isiah Thomas walked slowly out of the player tunnel, smiling, with two lines of tears on his face, and raised his hands to greet the fans.

"It is not easy for the Assassin to restore his reputation. It is a very good ending for him to be able to retire as the team leader." Bill Walton sighed.

"The Eastern Conference Finals was swept in 91, which was a particularly big blow to him. If he sinks like this, his historical status will be greatly reduced, but now he can eliminate the Bulls and Jordan, and win the third championship. In terms of his career, his career has been perfect." Williams nodded.

Bill Walton said: "Now it's Dennis Rodman, the feisty worm that's very popular, and he gets a huge ovation."

Williams went on to say: "The third player to play is Ronnie Secali. Although the traded center is very soft, his role cannot be underestimated. He is an indispensable piece for the Pistons in terms of scoring and rebounding." puzzle."

"The fourth is Joe Dumars, one of the Pistons' outside cores. He helped Iron Fist share a lot of offensive and defensive pressure." Bill Wharton said.

"It's Iron Fist now, and he's out," Williams yelled, raising his voice.

rumbling...

When Zhou Quan walked out of the aisle, the huge shouts continued like rolling thunder for a long time. He was very excited, his blood was boiling, and he kept waving to the fans.

When he walked past the O'Brien Cup, he didn't touch it. He just glanced at it lightly, smiled confidently, and walked over.

"A fast-rising superstar! Even if he is not as good as the magician who won the championship and won the FMVP in his rookie season, he is not far behind." Bill Walton praised.

Williams nodded and said: "His defense is not comparable to that of the Magician. The Magician is better than him and can play five positions.

I believe that as long as Iron Fist is not seriously injured, as long as he continues to fight like this, with his current influence, he will become one of the super giants in this league sooner or later. "

"Mr. Stern, hello."

"Zhou, I wish you success."

"Thank you!"

After finishing the appearance ceremony, Zhou Quan went to say hello to David Stern.

Stern's opinion of Zhou Quan is getting better and better. Not only is Zhou Quan's strength getting stronger and stronger, but he also has a certain influence outside the circle. The important thing is that winning the championship in the second season can definitely become Michael Jordan's most A powerful opponent, he may recreate a yellow-black era after the magic bird era.

Another point is that Zhou Quan is different from last season. There was no on-court violence this season, which also made him very happy.

Because of these reasons, in the second round of the series, even if the Bulls faced elimination and his god-making plan faced failure, they did not interfere too much in the game.

But there was also something that made him unhappy. Although Zhou Quan's crossover brought some personal influence out of the circle, it did more harm than good to the alliance.

"We are tough, tough, iron-blooded, and we fear nothing..."

At 59:[-], before the starters came on the field, under the leadership of Zhou Quan, there was a huge and neat shout from the Palace of Auburn Hills.

"victory!"

On the other end, Barkley roared sharply.

He was not reconciled, not reconciled to fail at such a close distance from the championship, and he did not want to be defeated by Zhou Quan.

Tonight, he will fight for the championship dream.

"Charles, if you don't win the championship this time, you won't even think about it in this life."

At this time, in New York, Jordan was standing in front of the TV, staring at the TV, but holding a basketball in his hand. After saying this, he stepped forward to turn off the TV, and then went to training with the ball.

……

(End of this chapter)