Chapter 227: Drug Ban Controversy

At this time in the TNT live broadcast booth, Bill Walton was analyzing the impact of this series and Zhao Dong's absence on the Knicks. He said: "Without Ewing this season, the Knicks have added two more insiders with no offensive ability. The interior defense has not declined, and the rebounding ability has become stronger, but the interior offense has weakened significantly.

Now that Feilong is absent, it means that the Knicks have completely lost their low-post offense, resulting in no open space on the outside, which will reduce efficiency.

We need to know one thing, the Knicks' outside efficiency is already quite poor... Well, when Feilong was there, especially in the second half of the season, Ben Wallace and Danny Fortson started, and his scoring task was very heavy, even reaching Accounting for 40% of the team's total points, the Knicks were run on the shoulders of Feilong on the offensive end. So now without his 40% scoring ability, I think the Knicks' scoring ability is really choked. "

"Let me summarize what Bill means. It's very simple. He is not optimistic about the Knicks advancing. If the Knicks are blackballed, then as the defending championship team, the Knicks will be the third defending team in history to be eliminated in the first round. team. But, Bill, I still can’t agree with you," Matt said.

"You can reserve your opinion. But I insist that the Knicks will be defeated by seven in the first round." Bill Walton laughed. At this point, he remembered something again and added: "Unless Feilong forces an early comeback."

"Iron Man can do anything." Matt laughed.

Bill Walton was stunned and quickly shook his head and said: "I don't believe it, that's simply impossible."

Half an hour later, the game started.

Because Zhao Dong is absent, Nelson arranged for Ben and Oakley to partner inside. Oakley is still averaging seven or eight points per game, and he can also be pulled out to allow outside breakthroughs.

Rainman won the opportunity with a jump ball, took the lead, rushed into the paint area, and after receiving the ball, he made a brutal flat-basket dunk, which exploded the Knicks' basket.

Looking back, Alan Houston missed a shot, the Cavaliers attacked, and Rain Man rushed in again.

But this time Ben defended desperately and was directly knocked down by Rain Man, causing Rain Man to commit an offensive foul.

Back on the offensive end, Oakley made a shot.

The Cavaliers attacked, and Big Z singled out Oakley and easily hit a goal.

Old Nelson immediately arranged for Big Ben to defend Big Z on his own, but Big Z's height was too dominant, and Big Ben's defense was not quite as good. Coupled with Oakley's assisting defense, Big Z couldn't stop Big Z's explosion.

At the same time, Rain Man's impact also caused Oakley and Ben to start fouling.

On the offensive end, the Knicks did not attack in the low post and could not create openings for the outside. The outside rarely got open opportunities, and the offensive efficiency was very low.

However, the Knicks relied on their strong rebounding ability to barely maintain a tangled situation. The score was not significantly thrown away, and the point difference was always maintained in single digits. The suspense of the game was always there.

In the 9th minute of the third quarter, Danny Fordson committed six fouls. The Knicks' best rebounder left the field in frustration. At the end of the third quarter, the point difference reached double digits.

In the third minute of the last quarter, Ben committed five fouls and had to weaken his defensive intensity. The Knicks' situation began to decline overall.

In the end, 85:71, the Knicks lost the G1 game at home.

Knicks star Willis Reed, who was watching the game from the sidelines, was interviewed by the media during the season.

He said with great frustration: “When we lost Feilong, we lost our strong offensive firepower, and it was very difficult to score.

Although we grabbed more rebounds, we lacked scoring methods inside and failed to score a few secondary attacks. We couldn't get open shots from the outside, and our shooting rate was only 31%.

In addition, rookie Billups made 5 of 14 shots from the field, only sent 4 assists, and made 6 turnovers. Therefore, without Feilong's organization, we had almost no chance of winning. "

Zhao Dong was also surrounded by the media after the game and also accepted media interviews.

"Feilong, you lost the G1 game. Do you want to come back early now?"

"Don't ask similar questions again."

"So do you think the Knicks are going to get swept?"

"I have already said that the Cavaliers do not have the strength to sweep us, and we refuse to be swept."

"In this game, Big Z made 11 of 18 shots from the low post, 5 of 7 free throws, and scored 27 points. Rainman made 11 of 17 shots, 5 of 9 free throws, and also scored 27 points. Do you think the Knicks need to take the measures in G2? What defensive tactics can prevent their attack?"

"Our two young insiders are indeed still immature. They are tough, but they still need to be tempered. As for your question, do you think I will answer you?"

Back in the locker room, Zhao Dong encouraged his teammates, especially Ben and Danny Fortson, who were praised by him.

"Danny, you have a chance to become another big bug next season. Work hard and get rid of those inappropriate movement habits. You will succeed."

"Ben, if you learn more from Charles, you will become our defensive backbone."

The two rookies were encouraged by Zhao Dong, put aside the frustration of losing the game, and devoted themselves to the preparations for the G2 game.

The next day, Zhao Dong also started training with the ball, but he just stood there and shot to regain his sense of the ball.

He resumed ball training, which gave the Knicks a huge boost.

On the 25th, the Knicks faced the Cavaliers again at home, and the G2 battle broke out.

In this game, Old Neil changed the lineup.

He considered that since the offense was not good anyway, it would be better to play to the Knicks' strengths and play defense.

This was inconsistent with his tactical style, but now he had no choice but to improvise.

He put Oakley, Big Ben, and Fordson on the court at the same time, and arranged the inside to become a monolith.

The three Oakleys did not disappoint him. They played iron-blooded defense in this game. They broke out collectively on the defensive end and jointly sent out 11 blocks. Big Z and Rainman were stunned, seriously damaging the Cavaliers' success. A survivable interior offense.

At the same time, the three teamed up to grab 44 rebounds, ensuring a large number of shots from the outside.

Relying on their defense and rebounding, the Knicks finally won the G2 game at 71:74 and tied the game one to one.

Zhang Lili commented after the game: "It was too difficult to win. With the explosion of defense and rebounding, we only won by 3 points. Everyone can know how difficult it is for the Knicks to attack."

This victory gave Knicks fans a shot in the arm. After the game, the fans were reluctant to leave for a long time.

"I said that the Cavaliers do not have the strength to sweep us. We refuse to be hacked, and we refuse to be swept." Zhao Dong said in the post-game interview.

"Boss, are you going to the away game?" Back in the locker room, an excited Danny Fortson asked.

He was not sent off today, played a full 43 minutes, made two big blocks, grabbed 15 rebounds, and made a great contribution to the team's victory.

"Of course I want to go." Zhao Dong smiled.

After encouraging his teammates, Zhao Dong said to Nelson: "Coach, I'm ready."

Old Nelson was stunned for a moment, and then he was instantly ecstatic: "Feilong, can you come back?"

"Activate me from the injured list." Zhao Dong smiled.

"Oh ho!"

All the players in the locker room cheered with excitement.

"Feilong, is it really possible? How about waiting for the G4 battle?" Neil Grant said with both excitement and worry.

"No, I'm totally fine. The gauze on my legs has been removed, and the gauze on my chest can be removed tomorrow. The wound has completely healed." Zhao Dong said with a smile.

"marvelous!"

Grant said excitedly.

"This news will not be announced to the public for the time being. We have to catch the Cavaliers by surprise." Nelson said after calming down.

Other coaches and players nodded.

But Zhao Dong said: "No, it's just the Cavaliers. We will beat them openly and win the first round at their home court."

Everyone was stunned for a moment, but they quickly nodded.

Indeed, if Zhao Dong comes back, what means will he need to win against the Cavaliers?

"Gentlemen, before you ask questions, I have something to announce..."

Subsequently, at the post-game press conference, Nelson announced to the media that Zhao Dong would be activated before the G3 game, and Zhao Dong returned to the twelve-man roster.

This news immediately caused chaos on the scene. Many reporters ignored the rules and asked various questions.

It took the host of the public relations department a minute to restore order to the scene.

"Tang, will Feilong come back in the G3 game?" Thomas, the reporter accompanying the team, asked excitedly.

"Yes, our Iron Man will definitely come back in the next battle." Nelson said with a smile.

"oh!"

This was a definite answer, and all the reporters exclaimed.

In the crowd, Sun Zhenping and Zhang Lili were surprised and happy. The latter quickly raised his hand, indicating that he wanted to ask questions.

The host took a look and gave Zhang Lili the second opportunity to ask questions.

Zhang Lili and Sun Zhenping obtained Knicks interview licenses last season. They are long-term and can enter the team and locker room for interviews. They are familiar with the Knicks management.

"Tang, has Feilong recovered?" Zhang Lili asked.

"Yes, he has recovered, he is fine, he is a real Iron Man." Nelson smiled.

News of Zhao Dong's comeback began to spread and spread through media reporters.

Before the Cavaliers' post-game press conference ended, the management received the news, and the entire Cavaliers team became unhappy.

The Knicks without Zhao Dong can draw one to one. Is it difficult for the Knicks with Zhao Dong to beat them?

The reporters below were all in the same circle, and they also received the news. One reporter immediately asked: "Rainman, do you believe it is really possible for Feilong to make a comeback in the G3 game?"

Rainman felt a little uneasy, but he still said firmly: "Do you really think he is Iron Man? I bet this is the Knicks' psychological warfare. So don't think of us in Cleveland as country bumpkins, we won't be fooled. Yes, we will go back home and win the first-round series."

"What if Iron Man really comes back?" the reporter asked.

"That's nothing special." Rain Man said firmly.

The news of Zhao Dong's comeback first spread in China due to the time difference.

Domestic media are still trying their best to smear Zhao Dong, and the shooting incidents a few days ago have not stopped their behavior. However, in this era, the country's worship of beauty is serious, and so are ordinary people, and Zhao Dong has achieved great success in the United States, so His strength and status in the domestic basketball circle and even the sports circle are very prominent and his influence is huge. Their slander actually did not achieve the effect they wanted.

After this news was reported by CCTV, fans immediately became excited.

Nike's New York headquarters held an emergency meeting overnight.

The discussion lasted until midnight and two decisions were made.

First, fully promote the "Anti-Isolated Singles Rules" and make the most severe restrictions on Zhao Dong in the revision.

Second, create public opinion that Zhao Dong takes doping and continue to discredit him.

The next day, the whole United States and the whole world knew the news of Zhao Dong's comeback.

"It's so surprising, I doubt he's really Iron Man." Buckley.

"I think this is the Knicks' psychological warfare. I don't believe that Feilong will come back in the G3 game. That is absolutely impossible." Mourning.

"This is fake news." O'Neal.

"I hope it's true, so I can beat him and his team head-on." Jordan.

Many league stars expressed their opinions, each with their own opinions.

Some media interviewed Jazz star Postman Malone, but he refused, so the reporter found his agent Manley, who accepted the interview.

He said: “I think he forced his comeback early and he probably took some banned drugs to help him come back.

I think the league should check him. In fact, I always thought he was taking some drugs. There is no way a yellow man can have the physical fitness he has. Of course, this is my personal opinion and does not represent Carl's opinion. "

This interview was immediately exposed by the media and caused an uproar.

"This is blatant racial discrimination. Mr. Manley must apologize to Feilong immediately, otherwise we will sue Mr. Manley."

The Knicks officials immediately made a stern statement.

"I think it would be a disgrace to the league if they allowed someone like Manley to survive off the league."

Zhao Dong drove to the headquarters with his suitcase and accepted an interview with the media. He said very sternly:

"When some people are unable to defeat me, they can only use these dirty methods to discredit me, or there may be the shadow of certain commercial companies behind it, but all of this can't stop me from winning, and they can't stop them. The stock price continues to fall.

When it comes to doping, basketball does require talent the most, but at the same time, basketball is also a technical sport. Just having talent is useless. There are so many talented people in the league. Have any of them reached the heights of Jordan? ? It's no use just getting yourself excited. If you get too excited, your shooting percentage will almost certainly go down.

And everyone needs to know that we have to play hundreds of intense games every season, and the effects of stimulants are short-lived. If I take that kind of stuff for a long time, I will have to eat it every day.

Therefore, those who say that I take medicine for a long time must have ulterior motives and are extremely stupid. "

Likewise, many league stars have come forward to express their opinions.

Barkley faced the media and said: "Feilong's quality is indeed amazing, but his quality is not without it. Chamberlain, O'Neal, these big guys are more amazing than his quality. Without any evidence, I think Manley If the words are passed, he must make money."

Pippen, who was traded to the Suns this season, also stood up this time. He chose surgery as soon as he arrived with the Suns, so he didn't play much this season and just returned.

Facing the media, he said: "This is indeed a bit excessive, but Feilong's performance is indeed a bit abnormal. I think some of what Manley said is right, and the league has urine testing rules."

Rainman Shawn Kemp also stood up and told the media: "I think Manley is right. Some people must undergo stricter inspections. What we need is a clean league."

Most of the stars, driven by companies such as Nike and Adidas, made unfavorable remarks about Zhao Dong. Public opinion soon became unfavorable to Zhao Dong, and there were signs of a public opinion storm. As soon as the fans joined in, as time went by The fermentation of public opinion has become a storm.

At the same time, domestic media also began to add fuel to the flames and advocate the theory of Zhao Dong's guilt.

The Postman's agent Manley stood up again and accepted the interview in a heroic manner. He said: "We can't be deceived anymore, we must expose him, even if I sacrifice everything personally, even if I leave the NBA circle , I will no longer engage in the profession of NBA agent, and I will expose him..."

His second interview further boosted public opinion.

"Our stock price has gone up, and it's really worth a drink."

New York, Adidas headquarters, President Herbert Hainer said excitedly to his beautiful female assistant.

"Okay, sir, I'll prepare the champagne and wine glasses right away." The female assistant smiled.

At the headquarters of Nike and Reebok, the situation is similar. As public opinion becomes increasingly unfavorable to Zhao Dong, the declining stock prices of these companies finally stopped falling and rebounded.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, the Knicks arrived in Cleveland and were surrounded by the media and Cavaliers fans at the airport.

"Feilong, have you taken banned drugs? How long have you been taking them?"

"Feilong, are you willing to take a urine test?"

"Flying dragon..."

The Knicks were stuck at the airport for two hours before they were able to leave, arriving at the hotel at five o'clock and everyone was exhausted.

While they were stuck at the airport, the league was holding an emergency meeting, chaired by Stern himself.

There was only one topic at the meeting, how to deal with this public controversy.

Xiao Hua sat next to Stern. He joined NBA management in 1992 and had just been promoted to special assistant to the president. He won Stern's trust.

At the same time, he also serves as the senior administrator of the NBA League, and Stern even intends to promote him to the president of the entertainment league affiliated with the league.

"Mr. Stern, I suggest that Feilong be randomly tested immediately. In fact, I have suspected him for a long time."

He has his own views on this public turmoil. He does not agree with the Chinese or even like the Chinese.

Stern looked at the special assistant he had just promoted in surprise. He did not expect Xiao Hua to express his position so quickly, and his attitude was opposite to his.

He knows some of the inside story and knows that what Zhao Dong said to the media is right. Companies like Nike and Adidas must be the driving force behind this.

"Is this young man connected with Adinaike?" He became wary.