495: 183: Blood, I still haven’t had enough yet (Request for monthly passes!)_3 495: 183: Blood, I still haven’t had enough yet (Request for monthly passes!)_3 Look, he has already earned a great reputation.
“I think Roger is currently the best player in the league, he’s built his career on the steps laid by Michael.
As for being the greatest of all time, Roger still has plenty of time to forge that legacy,” Marv Albert expressed his opinion.
“Roger is without a doubt a top-five player in history, he just lacks a collection of honors, which is not an issue at all for a mere 22-year-old.
Let’s not forget, this year’s Finals MVP has yet to be announced.
If he can become another player after Michael to win three consecutive Finals MVPs, his historical standing will continue to climb,” Steve Jones looked forward to the MVP award ceremony.
And, undoubtedly, this was the part O’Neal was most concerned about.
This year’s Finals, due to the Jazz Team’s incredibly tough defense, both Roger and Shaq had their worst scoring performances in three years.
Shaq averaged 22 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Roger averaged 30 points, 7.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Compared to the previous two finals, Shaq’s stats had seen an all-around decline.
Although Roger’s scoring decreased, his 7.2 assists were the highest he had ever achieved in the Finals.
Shaq admitted that his scoring fell short of Roger’s; in Game 1, he had thought about padding his scoring stats but failed, and it resulted in him scoring only 17 points, severely dragging down his average for the series.
Still, a 22+11 average performance is commendable.
Moreover, Shaq believed that his contributions were nearly equal to Roger’s.
With the Magic Team being a dual-core team, and Roger having won the FMVP for two consecutive years, surely it was finally his turn?
Scottie Pippen couldn’t snatch the FMVP from Jordan because the gap in their contributions was just too large.
In the ’93 Finals, Pippen’s averages of 21 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists were impressive, but they paled in comparison to Jordan’s average of 20 points more!
However, when the gap wasn’t too wide, like in ’88, James Worthy managed to take the FMVP from Magic.
Magic had a solid Finals that year, with averages of 21+13.
But the media believed that Worthy’s contribution to the game was no less than Magic’s, so they awarded him the FMVP.
Shaq saw himself in the same light.
This time, those damn media should finally remember him.
David Stern was aware that the whole world was waiting for this, so he didn’t waste words.
“By any standard, this man is the undisputed Most Valuable Player.
He’s capable of putting up impressive individual numbers, and he influences the team by leading his teammates in the locker room.
He’s a perfect leader at such a young age.
Let us congratulate him, Roger!”
His teammates pushed Roger forward, and Shaq realized that everyone on the Magic Team had already gathered behind Roger, ready to push him the moment Stern announced the result.
In that moment, O’Neal felt ridiculous but fortunately, he wouldn’t have to associate with these ridiculous people any longer.
Now he could finally move on to his next plan—tear Roger to shreds and reclaim his honor!
As Roger accepted the trophy, he became the second player after Michael Jordan to win three consecutive FMVPs.
Now, no one could mock Roger’s personal honors; he had surpassed many renowned individuals.
In the ’90s Finals, all six FMVP awards were split between Roger and Jordan, an impressive achievement.
Moreover, this number could very likely increase.
David Stern was very happy, and it proved that his decision to have the entertainment department follow and document the Magic Team from the start of the season was a very correct one.
Michael Jordan once was the face of the league, but that was the past.
Now, the league needed a new face.
This person would better assist with its global development strategy.
So, why not give Roger a push from behind?
The upcoming documentary, Stern would certainly produce it with the highest standards and promote it to the utmost.
Editing out all those parts unfavorable to Roger, showcasing his charming side.
To be exact, this wasn’t a documentary.
This was a promotional film for the NBA’s new generation of poster boy!
After receiving the FMVP trophy, Roger took the microphone and shrugged, “The only regret is, I’ve never been able to win the championship at home.
But there’s no helping it, the strength just didn’t allow me to do so!”
That was Roger, the arrogant 18-year-old who had made his way up to now.
The league hadn’t given him an adult’s harsh beating that would’ve lost him his edge, instead, he harshly beat up the whole league.
So, he would continue to laugh arrogantly to the end.
After the award ceremony, the Magic players went to the decanter and started scooping up wine to drink straight from the cups.
Under Roger’s “storytelling marketing,” the image of them guzzling the blood of their opponents became the most unique scene in NBA championship night history.
Shaq and Roger also moved to the glass container and scooped up a cup of wine each.
The NBA entertainment department’s documentary photographer immediately went to capture this scene, everyone knew, this could be the last conversation between the strongest duo.
Shaq took a small sip, savored it slowly, and finally revealed a silly smile, “The wine is indeed good.”
This was probably the most peaceful tone O’Neal and Roger had used since their fallout.
“Of course, it’s good.
I only use the best grapes for brewing.
Enjoy the Dynasty Feast, Shaq.” Roger swirled his wine glass, responding in an equally calm tone.
It was as if they had put their hatred aside and become friends who could chat amicably again.
Were the two about to make the century’s grand reconciliation?
If this went into the documentary, it would undoubtedly be highly narrative.
But then, the plot twisted.
“I have to say, Agent Zero, your Champion’s Blood and Dynasty Feast ideas are quite good.
I can’t wait to drown you in your own pool of Champion’s Blood,” Shaq uttered the most cold-blooded words with the softest tone.
Moreover, he called Roger “Agent Zero,” stemming from another one of Roger’s less commonly known nicknames.
He didn’t want to use the nickname he had given Roger anymore.
He was no longer his truth.
Roger’s expression didn’t change, still maintaining a smile, swirling his wine glass, “Blood, I also haven’t had my fill yet, Shaq.”
The photographer responsible for filming could feel the bone-chilling coldness.
These two who had just won the championship, their murderous aura hadn’t dissipated one bit.
This wasn’t any grand reconciliation.
This was a preview of another century’s grand war!