Mountain Peak System: a Path to NBA-Chapter 408 - 137: Does Anyone Want to Bet on This? (10,000 Words Updated in a Single Day, Begging for Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets!)
"Brown, how could you say something like that after the game?"
Compared to the crushing defeat in the finals opener against the Warriors...
Rich Paul, one of the "Four Knights," knew better than anyone how detrimental James’ post-game ramblings could be to him.
Unlike Randy Mims and Maverick Carter, Paul had already established his own career long before he met James.
At the time, he was running a lucrative vintage jersey business.
In fact, even without meeting James, his sharp mind and keen foresight could have easily allowed him to lead a life of luxury.
And even before Qin Yue’s time travel, he had already latched onto the renowned British singer Adele Adkins.
From decisively setting aside his business to closely follow James, to becoming the famous "Rich Paul," and then Adele’s husband...
Rich Paul’s life, as if on a winning streak, proved just how crucial it is to make the right choices in one’s life.
James has always highly valued Paul.
Because not only does he loyally support him, but he also understands him better than anyone else around him.
And now, with Paul’s reminder, James realized...
No matter his reasons at the time, that rant had already caused a seriously negative impact in the public sphere.
Cleveland is a city of failures.
Cleveland’s sports history is one filled with laughter from others, and only tears from Cleveland.
Knight fans can accept failure.
Knight fans can also endure crushing defeats.
But James’ words, "three more games"...
In a sense, had already declared the Knights’ surrender.
It’s like in World War II, when everyone knew France couldn’t withstand the Germans’ iron flood.
But even if you’re bound to lose, surrendering so quickly?
Even the Pavlov Building in WWII lasted longer than the French.
Paul was well aware that James’ "three more games" would not only disappoint all his supporters, but also lead people to believe...
James had completely lost the confidence to continue that great competition with Qin Yue.
"What do you think I should do now?"
With furrowed brows, James turned his gaze to Paul and asked.
After pondering for three seconds, Paul said, "The Warriors’ strength is far greater than the Knights, Brown. As long as they don’t falter, this finals series holds no suspense."
James said dejectedly, "Richie, I know what you’re saying."
James fully knew how vast the gap was between the Knights and the Warriors.
If, before the finals, James had ever fantasized about descending like a celestial god in every game against the Pistons...
Then in the finals opener, facing the Warriors’ impenetrable defense and constantly being driven into the paint jointly guarded by Qin Yue and Brown, plus Artest...
James’ mood could only be described as utterly desolate.
The Warriors, almost completely restrained these Knights.
The Warriors’ lineup framework completely restrained this Chosen One.
"Brown, what I mean is... if we can’t turn the tide, at least we must use a great defeat to prove that you still have the potential and confidence to compete with the Messiah!"
Just as James was on the verge of closing off, Paul spoke.
Upon hearing this, James frowned and asked, "Richie, how can I accomplish that?"
Before meeting James, Paul, who also once had basketball dreams, wasn’t someone clueless about the sport.
So, after a brief pause, Paul said, "The Warriors’ defense mainly focuses on the inside, Brown. You can increase your mid-range and three-point attempts in the coming games."
James, lacking confidence, said, "But my shooting is always unstable."
Paul laughed, "That doesn’t matter, Brown. Just like people don’t care about Kobe Bryant’s shooting percentage, they only care about the high scores he puts up in the game.
As long as you get your shots up, you have a chance to score high in this finals series."
James mused, "You mean, have me take more shots from the outside to achieve more impressive scoring stats?"
Paul shook his head, "Not just that, also rebounds, assists. Brown, as long as you tell your teammates and coach that you need more defensive rebounds to launch fast breaks...
Believe me, that piece of bread that always obeys you will surely help you design backcourt rebounding strategies like the Warriors."
James suddenly realized, "That’s not hard, but the assists..."
Paul said, "You can make sure those teammates who receive your passes shoot more decisively in the game! Besides, isn’t that the kind of decisive shooting the Knights need now?
Brown, even if you can’t get 10 assists every night, it doesn’t matter. As long as the assist numbers highlight your versatility, and your stats aren’t much worse than the Messiah’s...
Then people will believe, this is merely a series the Knights lost, but not a finals you lost!"
Paul’s suggestion reignited the fighting spirit within James.
James has never been easily beaten down.
He might feel despair after a loss.
But after despair...
To return to the center of the basketball world, he will do everything possible and take action.
So...
With his rekindled fighting spirit and a strong desire to return to the spotlight, two days later, James and his team faced the second game of the finals at Oracle Arena. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
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