Chapter 400 The Champions Again

The first half of the game ended with the Raptors leading 62 to 53.

During halftime, the North American commentators were already tripping over themselves to praise Su Feng.

Some believed that after winning the championship this year, it was a certainty that Su Feng would surpass Jordan in the future. This was because Su Feng not only had a fadeaway and turnaround jumper comparable to Jordan's, but he had also mastered the three-pointer that Michael Jordan never fully mastered.

Of course, some also believed that Su Feng had come at the right time. After all, Jordan never had teammates as good as Su Feng when he was young.

In short, for neutral American fans watching on TV, their feelings were extremely complex.

On one hand, Jordan was a god-like figure in American basketball, and Americans always believed that they should dominate basketball like China dominated table tennis. So, in the eyes of these people, even if someone could surpass Jordan in the future, they didn't want that person to be a foreigner.

On the other hand, because Su Feng's personality and playing style were very popular in the U.S., and because Su Feng had defeated the seemingly invincible O'Neal in the Finals for two consecutive years, some people felt that if Su Feng could really surpass Jordan in the future, they wouldn't be able to accept it.

In reality, the main reason why American fans both loved and feared Su Feng was because of the "Jordan was defeated by Su Feng" incident in the past.

Especially the second half of that Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round playoff series after Iverson re-injured himself, which was regarded as a "miracle" by countless fans.

Therefore, unless Americans denied that Jordan was their basketball god, "Jordan being defeated by Su Feng" was a reality they had to face.

In addition, Su Feng's conquest of America's national goddess, Britney, this year had also collapsed the psychological defenses of many American fans from the side.

Wake up, she's your own American national goddess.

Just imagine, if at this point in time, the American mainstream media chose to demean Su Feng in order to save the dignity of some racists...

Wouldn't they be shooting themselves in the foot?

Therefore, they couldn't demean him, and they couldn't find a suitable entry point to criticize him...

So, they could only praise him to death.

In Su Feng's previous life, there was a classic line in the movie *Let the Bullets Fly*: if he doesn't want to be dignified, then help him be dignified.

And the facts proved that after Su Feng, through various coincidences, shattered the layer of false pride of American fans one by one, the Americans were quite proactive.

After all, if Su Feng was praised enough, it would not only make the fans of the beautiful country feel dignified, but also allow the stars of this era to gain corresponding dignity.

Look...

After the halftime break, in the second half of the game, although the Lakers still had 24 minutes to complete the comeback...

But in the mouths of the major American commentators, they had already been sentenced to death.

As the saying goes, when a wall falls, everyone pushes it, and when a tree falls, the monkeys scatter.

In the third quarter, after mentally accepting the premise that "although basketball was invented by Americans, as the beacon country, we should also accept outstanding basketball players from other countries," almost every time Su Feng touched the ball on the court, it would elicit bursts of exclamations from American fans in front of the TV.

And in the VIP box of the Staples Center, unlike these conflicted American fans...

After listening to his assistant Mark's report, David Stern's biggest regret was probably that last year's and this year's Finals weren't long enough...

As the mastermind behind promoting the globalization of the NBA, Stern believed that the NBA needed more than just one American Michael Jordan to become bigger and stronger.

Because if only Americans were playing basketball, the NBA would probably find it increasingly difficult to compete with the other major sports leagues in the United States.

Therefore, Stern needed countless Michael Jordans from countless countries.

Because only in this way could the NBA truly become a global basketball league.

And by then, even if it couldn't beat other sports leagues in the United States, the NBA's international influence would be unmatched by other sports leagues.

In simple terms, Stern had set a complete development plan for how the NBA could overtake others when he first took over the league.

So, when the world was laughing at him, the dignified NBA president, for running to the CCTV building to stand in the rain...

How could these people know that in this era of extremely complex international relations, Stern had accomplished something off the court that was no less difficult than Su Feng's Black Eight against the Bulls back then.

That was, he made watching the NBA a future habit for countless Chinese teenagers.

Even during the 2008 Olympics, in order to give Chinese fans the best viewing experience, he called on the best basketball players in the United States at the time to form the famous Dream Team VIII.

Respect.

This was Stern's way of doing business as a Jew.

And now, because of the mutual respect, on this day, June 15, 2000, what he, Stern, saw was more than just the bright future of the NBA.

In this life, the NBA was not only unaffected by the lockout, but it also rebounded strongly after the lockout.

And next, after negotiating a new broadcasting agreement with CCTV, Stern believed that countless Chinese companies would form the largest group of foreign sponsors in the history of North American sports leagues.

And thinking of all this...

Looking at Su Feng on the court again, Stern felt more and more that Su Feng was like a little angel sent by God to help him complete the NBA's globalization.

How could this kid grow up to be so handsome?

Staples Center.

In the third quarter, as O'Neal's stamina began to decline, and the Raptors took turns sending interior players to grapple with him, the Lakers were unable to catch up with the deficit.

In the final quarter, Kobe, unwilling to lose, began a crazy mode of isolation plays.

And for this, he was even criticized by Su Feng.

"Kobe, you know what, I really like someone's saying now, that is, the way you're playing is very unreasonable."

Hearing this, Kobe, on the court, after making up his mind that he would not say a word to Su Feng in the summer, chose to continue playing isolation.

However, under the successive care of McGrady and Su Feng, the difficulty for Kobe to touch the "God Descending to Earth" switch button on this night was too high...

Finally, with 4 minutes and 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter, because they were already behind the Raptors by as many as 21 points, "Zen Master" Phil Jackson made the decision that all Lakers fans had been fantasizing about, but had already prepared for mentally.

And on TNT, Kenny Smith also announced to the entire North America in his magnetic voice: "Ladies and gentlemen...

Let us congratulate the Raptors! They have become the NBA champions for two consecutive years!"

On CCTV, almost simultaneously, Zhang指导 also announced the good news to the fans of the Rabbit Family.

And as congratulatory messages came from all over the country, on the scene, the Raptors' bench had already turned into a sea of joy.

Veteran Bogues excitedly jumped onto Battier's neck at the first moment.

And Battier also showed the divine power of his Mongolian warrior, carrying this player who was about to become the shortest NBA champion in history on his shoulders.

Carter and McGrady excitedly poured more than a dozen bottles of expensive champagne into an ice bucket, and then, Su Feng, who was bragging with Little Yao on the bench, was unlucky...

Su Feng: "..."

No...

Where did you two get the guts?

You dare to get me wet in public?

In Su Feng's previous life, Little O'Neal, who had never touched an NBA championship, became a winner in life on this night.

Because who would have thought that this Iron-Blooded Bubble Dragon, who was still a water fountain attendant in Portland last year, would transform into an NBA champion this year.

And Nash, who won his second championship, also joined the camp of teasing Su Feng.

Anyway, champagne, red wine...

Just pour it on Su Feng's head!

As for his protests?

That's not important!

What's important is that we won!

We have become the NBA champions of the 99/00 season!

We have become the NBA champions again!

We are always the NBA champions!

On the Raptors' bench, at the moment of winning the championship, the most pretentious scene belonged to John Davis, who came prepared.

On the sidelines, Davis took out a cigar and a pair of sunglasses from somewhere, and then, with his arms crossed, he stood lonely as snow on the sidelines.

And in the back row of the bench, Stephen Curry and Seth Curry showed their mischievous side.

After receiving a water gun filled with champagne from Carter, all the players on the Raptors' bench were sprayed in the face by these two mischievous kids.

And originally...

LeBron James, who was only 15 years old, also wanted to join the ranks of the two little Currys.

But after considering his unique face, James finally gave up this bold idea.

It's a pity...

The joy on this night only belonged to the Raptors.

On the Lakers' bench, O'Neal covered his head with a towel and returned to the locker room without saying a word.

And Kobe, while scratching his afro, bit his fingers in silence.

Finally, as the timer in the fourth quarter went to zero, the noisy Staples Center had been occupied by the Raptors.

And at this moment, Su Feng's mood was more than just "爽" (爽 = cool, awesome, refreshing) could describe?

Not to mention the pile of rewards that popped up in the system...

Just the joy after this hardship was enough for Su Feng to enjoy for a summer.

Huh?

You said, where was Su Feng bitter this season?

Heh...

Have you ever seen Los Angeles at four in the morning?

God knows how much Su Feng had silently paid behind the scenes for this title defense!

Although Davis had improved quickly this season, making it so that Su Feng didn't need to work as hard behind the scenes as he used to.

But after entering the playoffs, in order to help Davis find the right path, Su Feng's hair was almost bald, okay?

However, the only fly in the ointment on this night was that because they won the championship on the road, this year's award ceremony was still very simple.

After changing into the championship T-shirts and hats symbolizing the championship that the team's coaching staff had prepared in advance with everyone, in the center of the court, Su Feng raised the O'Brien Trophy, symbolizing the highest honor in the NBA, for the Raptors.

And at this point, Su Feng also became the first Chinese player in history to win the NBA championship twice.

At the awards ceremony, all the Raptors players gave their acceptance speeches.

Nash said that this was a great and dreamlike season, and the main reason why they were able to overcome difficulties and ultimately win the championship was because they had Su Feng.

Big Ben laughed and said that although he did not fulfill his promise to guard O'Neal alone before the game this year, if he could win the championship every year by getting beaten, he would be willing to get beaten for at least another ten years.

And it is worth mentioning that at this time, the "Lakers fans" who chose to stay in the arena revealed their true identities.

Because many people, after taking off the Lakers jerseys they were wearing on the outside, revealed...

All of them were Raptors' No. 23 jerseys.

"There is no doubt that this is a perfect season!

We have accomplished a feat that no one has ever done before!

We have created the best record in NBA history and become the champions!" Carter said excitedly when it was his turn to give his acceptance speech.

And on the side, McGrady, who was planning to leave after the season, felt that his cousin had missed the opportunity to get to the top again.

Because look at Nash...

Oh, my foolish cousin, with your IQ, if you get to be the fourth or fifth leader of the Raptors in the future...

Then don't blame me for not reminding you.

"At this moment, I want to say that it is my honor to coach this team.

Because with Su, I have easily done many things that people have not been able to do in their entire lives," Davis said as he walked onto the stage wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigar.

And at this time, in front of the TV, many fans were very strange, why hasn't it been Su Feng's turn to speak yet?

Hey...

At first glance, you can tell that Su Feng has gained a lot of championship fans this year.

Because is there any need to guess why Su Feng hasn't spoken yet?

In the center of the court, under the gaze of David Stern, after "Lord of the Rings" Bill Russell walked to the center of the stage, no matter where you are, no matter what country your fans are from, at this moment, you can proudly stand up!

Because...

After first becoming the NBA Finals MVP in the 98/99 season.

This year...

Now...

At this moment...

Please cheer for the NBA Finals MVP of the 99/00 season!

There is no suspense.

There is also no controversy.

Su Feng was elected as the NBA Finals MVP for two consecutive years!

And he also created a great record on this night.

That is...

The youngest player in NBA history to "win" the Finals MVP and Regular Season MVP in consecutive years.

And at the same time, at the entrance of the Lakers' locker room player tunnel, watching Su Feng in the center of the court, who was under the spotlight, Kobe's mood at this time could be described as mixed.

"Let's come back next year."

Behind Kobe, O'Neal, who didn't know when he had appeared, said with his hand on Kobe's shoulder.

And hearing this, after being stunned, with "sweat" flowing from the corners of his eyes, Kobe nodded firmly.

"The most glorious day in life is not the day of success and fame.

But the day when we continue to challenge life from sorrow and despair, and move towards will with courage.

So here, I would also like to say to my best friend Kobe...

At this time next year, I hope we can still meet in the Finals."

In the center of the court, after raising his second FMVP trophy of his career, Su Feng said this while giving his acceptance speech.

…

ps: Wow, 400 chapters is more than 2 million words, when did I actually write so much... Looking at the sky! Okay, the plot of the 99/00 season has also ended here. You have also heard the pig cry, and next, please be prepared to follow Qiao to see Su Feng's more magnificent future!