598: 213: Advantage in Salt Lake City (Seeking monthly passes!)_2 598: 213: Advantage in Salt Lake City (Seeking monthly passes!)_2 Bill Walton chuckled, “Shaq?
The guy who couldn’t snag a single victory in the division finals after losing Roger and yet claims he should be the MVP?”
O’Neal was so angry he picked up a chair and smashed the TV.
There was no going back, his reputation was utterly tarnished.
After that, Roger was hugging his teammates, celebrating their victory.
When he came up to Pippen, Roger saw an expression of agony on his face.
The dive to save the ball had undoubtedly aggravated Pippen’s already troubled back.
Seeing Roger, Pippen forced a wry smile, “Incredible, I’m going to face you in the finals again.”
Indeed, it was incredible, when Reggie Miller shook off Pippen and pushed past Roger, Pippen thought everything was over again.
Who would have thought, Roger actually caught up with Reggie Miller, and personally handed him a crushing despair.
Roger patted Pippen on the shoulder, “Rest up well these next few days, Scott.
We’ve still got work to do!”
It’s not over yet; the battles in the Eastern finals were just for a ticket to success.
But whether you can claim the grand prize after entry, that’s up to you.
Pippen tried to stand upright, “No problem, Roger, I’m fine.”
Meanwhile, Stevie Smith walked by Roger and Pippen, his eyes slightly red.
A player who’d been called soft for the past six seasons was finally tasting the thrill of breaking through the East, and that satisfaction made Stevie Smith incredibly emotional.
Roger teased Stevie Smith, “Hey Steve, wipe your tears clean, and don’t act like you’ve never seen the world before.
This championship doesn’t count; I’ll show you what a real big game is.
If you’re crying now, your hands will be shaking when shooting in the finals.”
Stevie Smith didn’t want to pay attention to Roger.
The grudges between him and Roger could be set aside because of the championship, because of Andy.
But he never liked Roger, not in the past, not now.
Roger’s loose lips were really intolerable.
In Stevie Smith’s view, Roger’s arrogant attitude was way too conceited.
He didn’t cocky loudmouth at all.
But he had to admit, Roger was truly an outstanding basketball player.
On the court, you couldn’t fault Roger’s performance.
Like just now, he didn’t go for a mindless solo play at the critical moment but chose to trust his teammates instead.
He took over crucial defensive positions when his teammates were out of place.
Then, under the greatest pressure, he calmly made his free throws.
He almost did everything right at the crucial moment.
When it comes to anything basketball-related, you can trust Roger.
So, out of respect, Stevie Smith replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t be frightened by the big stage ahead.
If you need to, just pass it to me, just like you did before.”
Roger, looking at his two best aides filled with fighting spirit, rubbed his hands together eagerly.
Magic was right, Roger would fly to a city and then trounce that city’s team.
This season, Roger had one more flight to go.
Destination: Salt Lake City!
The most famous high school player in history, the most famous international player, with countless signature moments and iconic highlights, five final appearances in a five-year career, clinching three of them, and perhaps soon a fourth.
He even stripped away the red carpet from under Michael’s feet, leaving Michael with nothing to do but shuttle between casinos and golf courses.
Such a player, what more can I say about him?
— Bird answering how to evaluate Roger.
“We actually played pretty well, controlled the pace, and kept the score close the whole time; we did very well in every aspect, but a guy named Roger dominated the last stage of the game without explanation.” — Mark Jackson discussing the ultimate reason for the loss.
“Yes, I did push Roger, but I have also seen Roger push others.
That’s normal physical play.
I thought it was a good move, and Roger didn’t complain much but continued to pursue and gave me a great block.
That’s our competition; we’re all men.
Discussing whether that move was a foul now is pointless.” — Reggie Miller talking about the controversial push.
“I think this time, the fans in Atlanta don’t have to worry about any unexpected occurrences.
Although there’s still the finals to play, we’ll surely bring the championship back to Atlanta!” — Lenny Wilkens’ impassioned victory declaration.
“Congratulations, Roger, it was a great game, and both sides contributed to a great performance.
About Reggie Miller’s last shot, the push that sent you away was controversial.
Do you think it was a foul?”
“I completely don’t care because I can handle him either way.
It doesn’t matter whether the referees call it or not.
Losers look for external factors to complain about, while I’m used to taking control of the game.”
“Are you ready to go back to Atlanta to enjoy the cheers of the fans?”
“It’s not time for cheers yet; work isn’t done.”
“Let’s talk about your finals opponent.
Since the Jazz swept the Lakers 4-0, they probably have a week more of rest than you guys.
How much impact do you think this will have on the finals?”
“Oh, I’m used to it, that’s Shaq for you, always causing you trouble.
If only he could’ve won even one game, the Jazz wouldn’t have gotten so much rest time.
If there were a cinema willing to do a big screening of a ‘Shaq causing trouble in the game’ highlight reel, they could sell tickets for $1,000 each, and I’d be willing to spend $2,000 for admission.
But just like I’ve said, I’m used to it, so it won’t affect the game much.”