The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 466 - 213 He didn’t expect the Indiana Dynasty to end in this way_2

Chapter 466: Chapter 213 He didn’t expect the Indiana Dynasty to end in this way_2

Alright, the most important thing is...

Su Wan can play off the ball!

This point is lethal!

Though Artest took possession of the ball, he wasn’t one to recklessly go solo, blind to his teammates.

If he couldn’t score himself, he’d immediately look for teammates.

It was for this reason that Su Wan would let him attack.

If he had become a mere "Data Brush" who disregarded everything else, even if he had his reasons, Su Wan would never let it slide.

This was the bottom line.

Artest was clearly aware of this red line.

In the past 10 games, the Pacers had continued their strong surge, securing an "8-win, 2-loss" record and faced the Lakers with great momentum in the upcoming "Christmas Battle."

Regarding this year’s "Christmas Battle" with the Lakers.

As early as June, right after the finals had ended, Su Wan had already anticipated it.

There was no helping it, the hype was too high, and David Stern’s nature meant he definitely wouldn’t miss out on riding this wave of excitement.

Not to mention, during the summer, the Lakers had upgraded their roster, now boasting 3 All-Stars.

With this move, Kupchek achieved his Divine Enthronement.

Actually, Paul Gasol’s reputation within the industry wasn’t that high at the moment; everyone knew he was a technically versatile power forward. However, his problems were quite pronounced: a soft playing style, not cut out to be the "Boss" of the team.

Even when the news first broke that he was to be traded, not many took it seriously.

Two All-Stars joining forces doesn’t necessarily cause a sensation.

Just like when Paul Pierce joined forces with Ray Allen...

Even the media didn’t believe they could make something great happen.

It wasn’t until Kevin Garnett joined the team that Boston started to become something special.

In terms of current power forwards in the league, Paul Gasol definitely wouldn’t rank in the top five: O’Neal, Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand...

That already puts six people ahead of Gasol. Those who question Chris Bosh being ranked above Gasol can check the MVP leaderboard for the recently concluded 06~07 regular season and see who’s named in seventh place.

And that’s not even counting players like Rashid Wallace.

This means Paul Gasol’s ranking is at most the eighth position for power forwards.

It’s also easy to understand why most media didn’t pay much attention to his transfer.

But who would have thought he’d actually transfer to the Lakers.

With him and Yao fortifying the inside, and the unparalleled prime Kobe Bryant on the outside.

Suddenly, the entire league was shocked!

Let alone them; even Su Wan was shocked.

How is this different from Kevin Durant joining the Warriors?

Oh, wait, there is a difference, Paul Gasol wasn’t ousted by the Lakers. It’s not a challenging path.

But this is definitely a lineup that’s overpowered on paper.

Los Angeles media, before the new season began, described this team with "the new showtime."

The Lakers’ momentum so far this season is also incredibly fierce, having lost only 5 games to date, 3 of which were lost during the early season’s adjustments. If you discount those 3 games, the Lakers have only lost 2 games in the recent period.

Since December, they have even notched a 10-game winning streak, making them the most ferocious team in the league right now.

David Stern danced excitedly in his office.

A situation of "one super team against many strong teams" isn’t what he wants to see, but "two super teams against many strong teams" is something he’s happy to witness.

And even...

It’s now "three super teams against many strong teams!"

Let’s not forget the Boston Celtics.

After some initial season adjustments, this team has also gradually shown its strength, translating their paper potential into real on-court power.

It is the emergence of these "super teams" that has cast immense suspense over this year’s championship title.

An even more critical point...

The rise of the Celtics and the Lakers has caused the older fans to exclaim "youth has returned" and start following the league again.

Not long ago, a post-90s fan asked online, "Why did the Celtics suddenly get so many fans? Is it because Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined the team?"

One reply said:

"My grandfather says he wants to use the boots he wore through WWII to kick your ass solidly; he’s only gotten older, not dead!"

The "Green Army’s" old-timers finally saw, on the brink of death, the hope of their team capturing a championship again...

Of course, the hottest topic remains the Pacers VS Lakers.

Su Wan’s "thanks list" in June made all Los Angeles people regard him as the "number one enemy" second only to the Celtics.

They long to take revenge in the finals.

And today’s "Christmas Battle" is the first shot of that revenge.

Keep a close eye on how the Lakers win tonight, and in 6 months’ time, they’ll defeat the Pacers in the same way and claim the championship!

That’s just Los Angeles media saying so; Boston’s media became a little displeased.

What’s the meaning of this?

Is it taken for granted that we can’t beat the Pacers?

I’m saying our finals opponent will be the San Antonio Spurs!

You Lakers are destined to lose to the Spurs this time!

But for now, Los Angeles people couldn’t care less about Boston; their focus was all on the approaching "Christmas Battle."