20demayo Chapter 507: Mental Health is a Big Problem (3882 words)
Chapter 507: Mental Health is a Big Problem (3882 words)
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Before the trade deadline, NBA fans were somewhat disappointed that the teams shouting about contending for a championship made no moves.
The Lakers were interested in everyone before the All-Star Weekend, but after the All-Star Game ended, Jerry Buss's check still couldn't be written as desired.
Kobe's popularity also began to fade after the All-Star Game.
The 81-point scorer once again became a backdrop for Lee, and the utility player had no chance to face him again this season.
On February 19th, many players reluctantly left Las Vegas.
This year, besides the All-Star Game, the excitement continued to decline, but for role players, it was a rare vacation, and they didn't care about that.
Relaxing their bodies was the most important thing.
Not only did a large number of New York Knicks players come here for vacation, but other teams also actively spent money.
Even after the shooting incident, David Stern repeatedly emphasized staying away from nightclubs, but the players, whose brains were controlled by breasts and money, didn't care and instead intensified their revelry.
Not only active players, but the divorced Michael Jordan also let himself go.
Not long ago, the Vice GOAT also sent an open letter to Bobcats fans, sincerely expressing his disappointment with their record and drawing a big picture, continuing to claim that the team had not given up and would continue to work hard.
As a result, not long after, reporters photographed Michael, Barkley, Lee, and others playing all night in Las Vegas.
It was as if his previous worried demeanor was faked.
Under the influence of alcohol, Michael's eyes were red, and he laughed wildly, showing another side of himself in front of close friends.
Just like when he said, "Republican Party members also buy sneakers," the basketball-loving Michael was actually a businessman, and his promise to the Bobcats was not very reliable.
Bobcats fans have probably gotten used to disappointment, but Lakers fans felt heartbroken.
Although their star player made the front page of several sports media outlets, the content was a bit off:
"Kobe Bryant suffers another defeat in Las Vegas."
"Overrated Defense, Clay Lee ends this matchup with 50 points."
"Refusing interviews, Kobe Bryant suspected of having mental problems."
Playing 28 minutes, 18 of 24 from the field, 12 of 16 from beyond the arc, 2 of 2 from the free-throw line, Clay Lee scored 50 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, single-handedly breaking the game in three quarters.
50 points in three quarters and 12 three-pointers in the entire game, Clay Lee set an outrageous record in All-Star Game history.
ESPN placed a photo of Lee holding the AMVP crystal trophy in a prominent position on its website.
The Eastern Conference All-Star players smiled happily, and LeBron James even raised his hands in cheers.
Yahoo Sports took a different approach, once again attacking Kobe through Amare Stoudemire's interview, and the corresponding news also sparked heated discussion among onlookers:
"It's great to witness Lee set multiple records and win the AMVP trophy. I had a chance to win, but Kobe ruined our victory."
Coming off the bench, Amare Stoudemire shot 14 of 21, scoring 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 2 turnovers.
If the Western Conference had won, he indeed would have had a chance to win the award.
148:132, the Eastern Conference All-Stars easily won.
The opposing big men, except for Kevin Garnett and Amare Stoudemire, were all slacking off, and Kobe Bryant was unable to carry the team alone.
On tuesday, the 20th, the Lakers had no game.
With a 28-26 record, Phil Jackson started training camp early for a playoff spot.
Derek Fisher and others naturally read the Los Angeles Times that morning.
Perhaps to attract attention, the newspaper's articles didn't speak well of Kobe, and the columns reiterated previous opinions:
"To rise again, the Lakers need a true leader."
The atmosphere on the practice court wasn't good either.
Parker and Bynum seemed to have relaxed too much.
With the trade deadline approaching and the team making no moves, they could continue to stay with the Lakers.
Parker, who had already shown his hand, no longer pretended.
His conflict with Kobe was well-known.
This unambitious sixth man was still secretly smiling and deliberately shouted after the film session:
"I treated him like a brother, but he wanted to trade me. As a result, no one supported him, and I'm still here."
Under the angry gaze of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man, Parker left with his head held high.
He was now the sixth man, and to achieve better results in the playoffs, the team couldn't do without him.
Old Fish took advantage of the break to go to New York to see his daughter.
Although he was elected President of the Players Union, he was not in the mood to deal with locker room messes now.
"If we get 45 wins, we can make the playoffs, Kobe. Don't mind what that guy says. We have to get serious."
Kobe, who remained seated, looked up at Derek Fisher, who was comforting him, and after a moment of silence, just nodded slightly.
After leaving Paradise City and returning to Los Angeles, Kobe remained silent.
Besides reading newspapers, he didn't scold lazy players during training sessions as he used to, and he seemed dispirited.
11 of 23 from the field, 3 of 9 from beyond the arc, 2 of 2 from the free-throw line, Kobe had a decent performance in the All-Star Game with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers, but still lost the game.
Lamar Odom noticed Kobe's poor state and didn't try to comfort him.
He had watched the game highlights.
Kobe was shot down one-on-one, and the joy of the sports media was built upon Kobe's pain.
"That was just an exhibition game. Don't read those boring newspapers, everyone knows..."
"I am the best scorer in the league!"
Kobe muttered firmly, stood up expressionlessly, and squeezed past the two.
Assistant Coach Brian Shaw, an old teammate, called out from behind, but Kobe only showed them the back of his head.
Puzzled by his boss's attitude, Lamar Odom looked at the frowning Brian Shaw, shrugged, and whispered again, pointing at the departing Kobe:
"We need a psychologist. It's said that Allen Iverson was like that, and the entire Eastern Conference knows it."
At 7:30 PM, the New York Knicks played their first game after the All-Star Weekend.
Mike D'Antoni reduced the playing time of Pau Gasol and others in the All-Star Game.
Mike D'Antoni also had his own agenda.
Their excellent record currently allowed the team to calmly pursue records.
Perhaps the Texas Hold'em from the previous two days took away Lee's luck, as the New York Knicks started slowly after the game began.
For the Orlando Magic, Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling partnered in the backcourt, and both were very active at the start.
Steve Francis, sitting on the bench, had a long face.
He had another injury.
Pat Garrity and Darko Miličić, seeing the New York Knicks miss several shots in the first few possessions, became energized and actively called for the ball after a baseline cross-screen.
On the left wing, Hedo Türkoğlu also noticed that Ron Artest in front of him was out of form.
Seeing his teammate call for the ball in the right low post, he sent a lob pass and then suddenly accelerated with a back cut.
Moving laterally to the right corner, Hedo Türkoğlu received a cross-pass from Darko Miličić, calmly faked a shot, sent the rushing Ron Artest flying, and calmly made a fadeaway jumper!
13:10, the Orlando Magic took the lead, but the atmosphere on the court was unaffected, and New York fans were still cheering loudly.
Jameer Nelson was on the rise.
He didn't go to Las Vegas to enjoy himself like the New York Knicks players this weekend.
He remained focused on training during his vacation.
At this moment, this small point guard was full of passion, leading the Defense against Lee, who received the ball on the baseline.
"Let's go Knicks!"
No one cared that Lee missed shots after the opening.
The cheers were even louder than usual.
Rajon Rondo, on the bench, was not happy at this moment.
He also didn't relax, but no one paid attention to his extra practice.
Head Coach Brian Hill on the sideline shouted loudly to remind his players, signaling Jameer Nelson to control the defensive distance.
The small point guard leading the Defense was in a strange state of excitement. With agile footwork, he stuck tightly to the accelerating Lee.
As Hill and Ron Artest ran towards the left and right corners, Chandler, in the right elbow area, immediately moved his feet, stepping on the three-point line to attempt a screen.
Lee, dribbling with his right hand, stopped and started abruptly, accelerating a second time to squeeze past his teammate.
Jameer Nelson cleverly slid backward to chase the Defense, and when facing Lee, who slowed down again, he inevitably made body contact.
Taking advantage of the opponent squeezing in front of him, Lee smoothly completed a behind-the-back dribble.
As his body feinted to the left front, the overly aggressive Jameer Nelson slid again, bumping into Chandler, only then realizing something was wrong.
In the instant of defensive displacement, Lee quickly changed direction in front of his body, easily shaking off Jameer Nelson.
Facing Darko Miličić, who came over to help defend, he lowered his center of gravity while moving for an In-and-Out dribble.
Amidst the fans' cheers, Lee pushed the ball outward and suddenly accelerated, driving hard past the big man near the left wing, cutting into the basket in the blink of an eye.
Pat Garrity had been taking a beating from the Orlando Magic for years.
Seeing Darko Miličić lose his defensive position, he stepped up to help defend.
When he saw Lee pass the ball high, he finally stopped helplessly.
Below the left side of the basket, the unguarded Pau Gasol caught the ball in the air and slammed it into the basket!
"Excellent cooperation! It seems Clay Lee is gradually finding his game rhythm."
In the Madison Square Garden commentary booth, Walt Frazier chuckled as he watched Clay Lee and Pau Gasol high-five in celebration.
Mike Breen, beside him, didn't worry about the game and continued their previous gossip:
"It's said that the Lakers are bringing in a psychologist for Kobe Bryant. I think that's the right choice!"
Ron's emotions were effectively controlled with the help of a psychologist.
Mental health issues should have been taken seriously long ago.
The two were still gossiping at the commentary table.
In the offensive possession, the Orlando Magic continuously passed the ball hand-to-hand.
When Jameer Nelson regained possession, he did not pass the ball to Hedo Türkoğlu again.
He confidently drove hard with a push-ball change of direction on the left wing.
Holding the ball in his right hand, he drove in aggressively.
While leaning on Lee, Nelson, who had rushed into the paint, took three powerful steps and actively exerted force.
After a body collision, he was forced to slow down, letting out a shout as he barely managed to pass the ball with his right hand.
As the basketball left his hand, Lee, constantly adjusting his steps, was unaffected by the collision.
He leaped high and swung his left arm for a big block!
Oh!
Amidst the cheers, the basketball flew straight to the right sideline and was eventually retrieved by Hill.
The New York Knicks initiated another fast break.
Kenyon Dooling gritted his teeth and chased on Defense, but Hill, who had rushed to the left wing, immediately tossed the ball towards the front of the rim.
Lee, following up, had no one chasing him from behind.
After catching the ball in the air, he extended his right arm and slammed it down with a one-handed dunk!
Boom!
The rim rattled loudly.
Jameer Nelson, who had symbolically risen from behind to chase on Defense, opened his mouth.
Looking at Lee, who ignored his retreat Defense, he felt a momentary pang of discomfort.
After taking the lead, the New York Knicks' shooting was still the same, giving the Orlando Magic plenty of opportunities.
However, after several possessions, their opponents failed to execute a decent fast break.
Watching Chandler block Hedo Türkoğlu's layup under the basket, consecutive successful Defenses made Madison Square Garden erupt again.
In the fast break, Lee received a pass from Hill near the left wing.
Without waiting for Nelson to close out on Defense, he confidently shot a jump shot again.
"Swish!" The basketball went through the net.
"A 28-foot three-pointer! Clay Lee made his first jump shot of the game! It seems victory is not far off! We will continue our home winning streak!"
After Mike Breen loudly praised, he began to educate the fans, which is also why the New York fans on site were so invested.
This year, they have hope of breaking the record set by the Celtics.
The Orlando Magic players were indeed fighting hard.
Although their record was poor, every team that came to New York to play aimed to end the winning streak.
On the right wing, Hedo Türkoğlu, leaning into Ron Artest's Defense, accelerated, then took a step back after a behind-the-back dribble, and missed a contested three-pointer.
The long rebound was picked up by Clay Lee.
The Orlando Magic's bench atmosphere group lost their enthusiasm.
The New York Knicks continuously launched fast breaks, and the game returned to a familiar rhythm for everyone.
Jameer Nelson's hard foul didn't show much emotion on Lee's face.
As he stepped to the free-throw line, the Madison Square Garden once again echoed with synchronized shouts:
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Head Coach Brian Hill tried to disrupt Lee's offensive rhythm with fouls, but the Orlando Magic's offense struggled, only breaking their scoring drought with Darko Miličić's free throws.
In the final possession of the first quarter, Pat Garrity sent Lee to the free-throw line again.
The Orlando Magic's pulling and grabbing Defense didn't have much effect, and both free throws were steadily made.
17:32, the deficit was still within reach.
Clay Lee, who played the entire first quarter, was not in good form, shooting 4-of-7 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, scoring only 15 points.
In the roaring Madison Square Garden, on the Knicks' bench, Rajon Rondo, preparing to enter the game, felt an inexplicable pang of sadness.
Since entering the league, he had never scored 15 points.
He worked so hard, yet couldn't compare to Lee, who was in mediocre form.
"Don't let Carlos Arroyo control the game's tempo, stick to him!"
Assistant Coach Mike Malone specifically reminded Rajon Rondo.
Both teams played at a fast pace, and even against weaker teams, the coaching staff didn't want to see opponents play at their desired tempo.
The New York Knicks made a full rotation in the second quarter, with Raja Bell, Tayshaun Prince, Diaw, and Gadzuric all entering the game.
As the game progressed, Head Coach Brian Hill felt increasingly helpless.
Even if the opponent's shooting touch was poor, they could still extend their lead through Defense.
By halftime, the game was essentially out of suspense, 40:60, a 20-point difference.
Madison Square Garden was filled with cheers.
On sunday, February 25th, the New York Knicks achieved a three-game winning streak in the first week of games after All-Star Weekend.
The three weaker teams, the Orlando Magic, the 76ers, and the Milwaukee Bucks, caused no trouble.
Clay Lee's statistics also began to show an upward trend.
The only thing that frustrated New York fans was that Rajon Rondo seemed to have hit the Rookie Wall, shooting either 2-of-7 or 3-of-8 in three games, a fast break dragon, but a half-court worm.
Compared to Old Fish's decent three-point shooting, Rajon Rondo's performance from beyond the arc was simply disastrous.
All teams in the league were studying the New York Knicks.
The shooting flaws of their backup point guard were continuously magnified as the season progressed.
Clay Lee was in a good mood when he arrived at the Continental Airlines Arena for warm-ups in the afternoon.
The recent games hadn't involved much travel, so even with back-to-back games, he had time to practice his ball-handling skills.
With a 54-2 record, the New York Knicks had already secured a playoff spot, while the Nets, at 26-30, still needed to work hard and push in the second half of the season.
New York Media never held back their criticism.
Rajon Rondo's shooting form was often a subject of ridicule, with many commentators believing Donnie Walsh had made a mistake, and that finding Tayshaun Prince in a late draft pick was already a blessing from God.
During warm-ups, Rajon Rondo didn't accept interviews.
The Rookie found it hard to deal with the demanding New York reporters, and if his bold words backfired, ridicule would await him.
Pau Gasol noticed that the Rookie's condition wasn't right, seemingly experiencing psychological issues.
He proactively spoke well of his teammate during an interview:
"Rajon's execution and understanding of tactics surpass many Rookies, and his performance on the Defense end is also excellent."
"As for the shooting issue, he will resolve it. I assure you, he is the hardest working player on the team."
Pau Gasol, chuckling, had grown accustomed to New York's media environment, knowing that answering questions often required exaggeration.
Having been with the New York Knicks for many years, he understood that Rajon Rondo's poor performance was also related to the tactical system.
On the team's 12-man active roster, as long as Finley was healthy, David Lee and JR Smith were at the bottom, and Barea couldn't even get in.
The veteran had been experiencing knee discomfort recently and had rested for many days.
Finley's form had recently recovered.
He hadn't paid attention to the Rookie, so when reporters asked about Rajon Rondo, he could only offer platitudes:
"He'll get better. In fact, the New York Knicks need more accurate passers."
"I think Rajon is a perfect fit for this team. He can even partner with Lee in the backcourt."
Finley's dark face usually wore a serious expression, but this time he hurt the Rookie's self-esteem, as Mike D'Antoni was, after all, developing him into a core point guard.
In that night's game, Rajon Rondo partnered with Clay Lee in the backcourt for the first time.
Vince Carter and Clay Lee both exploded.
Jason Kidd and Rajon Rondo flicked their wrists, securing assists.
Both teams played without Defense, living up to the extremely high attendance rate.
115:101, the game rarely went to the fourth quarter, and the New York Knicks easily got their revenge.
Playing 40 minutes, shooting 12-of-27 from the field, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line, with 38 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers, Vince Carter continued his highlight performance.
The Continental Airlines Arena was still lively after the game.
A large number of New York fans were present, loudly shouting Clay Lee's name, trying to get his idol's attention.
Although they lost, Carter was in a good mood.
He had actively set up plays for Lee in the All-Star Game, so at this point, the two naturally engaged in some commercial flattery.
"Jason Kidd is lucky. Partnering with Black Mamba, he can easily rack up assists!"
Lee, who was being interviewed courtside, chuckled as he teased his old rival, then put his arm around Carter in front of the reporters and praised him again:
"I know you'll talk about shooting percentage issues, but I don't focus on those. Without Vince Carter's performance, the game might have ended in three quarters."
"Hey! Bro, there's nothing to say about losing. I really don't want to meet you guys in the first round."
Carter was a bit embarrassed by the praise.
While grinning widely, he stepped forward to interrupt, then commercially flattered the reporters:
"Playoff Lee is in another state. Right now he averages 35 points, but then it will become 40 points! Clay Lee is the best scorer in the league, and I have nothing but respect for him!"
After the commercial flattery ended, the New York reporters watched Carter wave goodbye and leave, then suddenly changed the topic and asked again:
"Lee, how do you think Rajon Rondo is performing in our tactical system?"
Lee rarely communicated with the Rookie.
After all, the New York Knicks were always winning easily, their bench lineup had little pressure, and the game's tolerance for errors was extremely high:
"As a first-year Rookie, he's performing quite well!"
"We have the best shooters in the league. For now, it's enough for him to focus on passing and Defense!"
On Monday, the 26th, Rajon Rondo's mood was terrible after reading the newspaper at home early in the morning.
The New York Times described him as a'severely bankrupt version of 'Clay Lee'.
This completely contradicted Mike D'Antoni's positioning for him.
For a moment, Rajon Rondo secretly made up his mind:
"I will prove myself!"
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