NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On June 5, 1996, Game 1 of the Finals officially kicked off at the United Center in Chicago.

After the messy joint tryout, Lee happened to be able to watch a game at the United Center in the evening.

Ray Allen also came to Chicago. The two did not choose to watch the game in the box.

Their agent Mark Bartelstein prepared front-row tickets for them.

The fans in Chicago seemed particularly excited. After two years of silence, they were back on the stage of the finals.

The game that night was extremely tense, until the fourth quarter when the Bulls made a run and the score gap gradually widened.

The head coach George Karl of the Supersonics basically rotated 7 players and fought hard against the main players. Lee saw that Gary Payton did not rest for a minute until the middle of the fourth quarter, and couldn't help but secretly complain:

"It's really the strongest tactic to use to the end!"

Phil Jackson of the Bulls seemed very calm, but Jordan and Pippen did not have much rest time.

Even though Steve Kerr, who came off the bench tonight, performed mediocrely and scored zero points, the Bulls still insisted on rotating 8 players.

Michael Jordan broke through Gary Payton's defense, dodged Shawn Kemp's block in the air and made a layup with his right hand, and the United Center erupted in huge cheers.

With a 10:0 run, the Bulls have secured the victory!

Ray Allen also cheered along with the audience, and tonight he was completely transformed into a die-hard fan.

This was the first time that Lee watched a game of this era up close. The Bulls' defense was stronger than he remembered. Not only did the old guys have a tacit understanding, but they also had a lot of moves with their hands.

The SuperSonics kept trying to slow down and rely on their front line to limit the Bulls' offense, but on the other hand, the Bulls relied on excellent defense to force the opponent to make many mistakes.

"This is the dominance of a 72-win team! No one in this league can beat them!"

The Bulls' outstanding performance made Ray Allen scream with excitement.

The Chicago fans around all showed proud expressions. Every fan who came to Chicago to watch the game would eventually be impressed by their Bulls.

Lee, however, didn't feel involved. He had witnessed the team's 73-win upset, which was the most shocking:

"The Bulls will win at home, and you can go to the Celtics for a tryout without any worries!"

The noisy sound at the scene made Lee raise his voice. Ray Allen grinned.

Everything was just as he planned. He watched the finals, completed the tryout, and finally went to play for his favorite team.

Amid the cheers of Chicago fans, the score was fixed at 90:107, and the Bulls successfully defended their home court.

Reporters at the scene were the first to interview Michael Jordan. With 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 2 turnovers, Jordan again scored the highest points on the team.

"Michael! Michael—!"

While Michael Jordan was finishing the interview, Ray Allen followed the front row fans in shouting. Hearing the shouting, Jordan waved over here with a smile, causing the crazy fans to cheer again.

Perhaps Lee's very calm expression aroused Michael Jordan's curiosity. The big star looked over here twice more, and when he heard the shouting from the other side, he slowly turned around.

After the game, the audience slowly left the stadium and Lee followed the crowd.

Chicago's home stadium was always full, which was unique in the league.

"Maybe you can also look at Milwaukee and Minnesota, they have the No. 4 and No. 5 picks."

After leaving the stadium, Lee reminded Ray Allen beside him before Mark Bartelstein arrived.

"I don't want to play there, so I want to make it clear in advance that I will not accept their tryout invitation!"

Ray Allen devoted himself to the Celtics. He liked the atmosphere of Boston. Unlike most black players, his growing environment made him look more like a white person in many cases.

Lee secretly shook his head in his heart. Sometimes the team does not care about the players' intentions. The vague memory in his mind told him that Ray Allen was unlikely to go to Boston.

On June 7, in a good mood, Mark Bartelstein accompanied Lee to Madison Square Garden.

Ray Allen's tryout yesterday was perfect, and the Celtics also confirmed their intentions. Both sides are interested in each other, and this is the most perfect result.

Driving the Chevrolet Blazer, Mark Bartelstein couldn't help humming a little tune.

Lee, who was sitting in the passenger seat, felt very helpless and could not help but remind them:

"I always feel that the Bucks and Timberwolves will not miss this opportunity. The sixth pick is not safe."

Mark Bartelstein didn't care much about this and continued proudly:

"No problem. Many teams are willing to give the Celtics a chance. Auerbach is very powerful in the league."

Lee secretly complained that this old man will be tricked by David Stern again next year. The old guy is out of date!

Madison Square Garden, located in Manhattan, New York City, can be considered a landmark building.

Opened in 1968, it is one of the oldest indoor stadiums in the world. Lee is very familiar with this stadium. The regional finals of the Big East Conference have always been held here.

Lee and his team were received by Knicks senior advisors Dick McGuire and Jeff Van Gundy.

As a native New Yorker, Dick McGuire is not only a legendary star of the Knicks, but has also continued to work for the team after his retirement.

Jeff Van Gundy has been Pat Riley's assistant as an assistant coach and just took over this season.

Jeff Van Gundy, who is not completely bald yet, can participate more in the team's work. He has a smile on his face.

The coaching staff and scouts are also on the scene. The young Tom Thibodeau is greeting the staff to set up the training facilities. Currently, Thibodeau is deeply trusted by Van Gundy and has become the chief assistant coach.

"Oh! We are old acquaintances, Lee, welcome to Madison Square Garden again. This is the best arena in the world!"

"I still remember your performance in the Big East Conference Championship. I was there at the time. Let me stretch my body first. Mark, thank you for choosing the Knicks."

Dick McGuire, who is already 70 years old, is very graceful. When the old man speaks, everyone listens.

"No one would refuse the Knicks' invitation. Lee has been studying in Connecticut for the past two years, and New York has always been his first choice!"

Mark Bartelstein immediately spoke up, and Jeff Van Gundy on the side called out to Lee:

"Come on, Lee, you are familiar with the locker room here. We are ready, and it's your turn to show yourself."

"There's also a one-on-one session? I like this kind of challenge!"

Lee was not polite and raised his eyebrows at the serious-looking John Starks.

Obviously, the other party wanted to see his performance under NBA-level defense.

...

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