Chapter 607: with translation of chapter title

Adam Silver is a happy person.

No matter how the outside world criticizes him, one fact cannot be denied: by standing on the shoulders of giants, he has brought the NBA's benefits and influence to an unprecedented level.

David Stern left him a solid foundation.

Then, Fan Xi's strong rise caused the NBA's influence and revenue to surge rapidly. They have just signed the largest broadcast contract in history. In no time, the league will see a large batch of players earning forty million, fifty million, even sixty million dollars per year.

The NBA is currently at its best.

Adam Silver, smiling, announced this year's MVP winner.

Before he announced it, the whole arena was already shouting: Jie Ke... Fan! Jie Ke... Fan! Jie Ke... Fan!

This is a well-known answer.

Adam Silver also announced, "... the player who won the NBA 2013-2014 season Finals MVP is: Jie Ke Fan, who had previously won the Finals MVP three consecutive times, breaking NBA history records, and he will receive his fourth personal Finals MVP trophy, which is also the fourth consecutive time in his career that he has raised the Finals MVP trophy!"

Fan Xi walked over amid the arena's screaming.

And at the moment when Fan Xi received the trophy from Adam Silver's hands.

A beautiful voice sounded, then a spotlight shone, and Mariah Carey slowly walked over, singing "Hero" for Fan Xi!

This is one of the NBA's most classic scenes ever.

Mariah Carey had once sung this song for Jordan, and at that time Jordan was moved to tears all over his face.

Tonight, James Dolan invited Mariah Carey again.

Although Mariah Carey had not been making many public appearances lately, the power of money is unstoppable.

Mariah Carey came affectionately before Fan Xi and sang for him.

And when she sang with excitement, she even knelt on one knee, lifted Fan Xi's right hand, and offered a devout kiss.

The surrounding audience was very excited.

They thought it was extraordinarily meaningful.

Fan Xi, however, didn't really understand this culture; he even didn't know who Mariah Carey was.

When Mariah Carey appeared, he even reflected: Do I have such a Black girlfriend?

After all, the two female singers who had appeared before were his girlfriends.

"Oh my God! The New York Knicks are crowning Jie Ke! I guarantee that James Dolan, that bastard, will definitely erect a statue of Jie Ke outside Madison Square Garden. This guy will do anything." Barkley shouted: "This is deliberately creating the effect of Jie Ke Fan surpassing Michael Jordan!"

Barkley couldn't understand why James Dolan would do this.

Mariah Carey finished singing this song.

She then gave Fan Xi a hug, and amid the arena's roaring like a mountain and tsunami, she left the court, handing the stage over to Fan Xi.

At this moment, Adam Silver standing beside Fan Xi felt a bit embarrassed.

While Mariah Carey was singing, he had been standing beside her. Even his bald head reflected the spotlight, shining brightly.

Now he doesn't even know what to say.

"Congratulations, Jie Ke!"

Adam Silver patted Fan Xi on the shoulder, walked down to the center of the court, and handed the celebration stage over to Fan Xi and his teammates.

The on-site host came over to interview Fan Xi.

He asked Fan Xi about his feelings winning the championship in New York, about his emotions winning his fourth title, and what he was thinking when Mariah Carey sang for him.

"I'm very happy to wear the Knicks jersey and win the championship at this sacred Madison Square Garden, where we have the world's best fans, the best owner, and one of the best teammates."

"This championship is completely different from the previous three, because for the first time I proved myself in the East. I completed a very important endeavor in life. I also thank James Dolan, the owner, for his firm choice of me last summer, and I thank the fans even more for their support and help along the way. Of course, most importantly, I thank these teammates beside me who fought side by side with me. Together we created this great achievement."

"I didn't know beforehand that there would be such a segment; my reaction at the time should have been somewhat surprised. But it quickly turned into a pleasant surprise—thank Mariah Carey, thank the Knicks, thank New York! This is one of my best memories this year."

"Finally, I want to say that I did not let down James Dolan's trust in me, did not let down the New York fans' support, did not let down my teammates' wholehearted assistance. We have won the championship trophy!!"

Fan Xi raised the championship trophy.

The entire arena was exhilarated as if injected with chicken blood.

Then, Larry Brown gave a lengthy talk. His talk included a small part about the season's process, a part praising the team's unity, and a long segment praising Fan Xi. He said: "... I chose to become the Knicks' head coach because of Jie Ke, as everyone knows I was defeated by him last season. If you can't beat him, join him."

"... When I and Jie Ke became partners, I finally understood why he is so great. His influence on the game permeates in every way; I have never seen a player whose tactical understanding surpasses his. He is the greatest on-court coach in history. He is also the greatest player in history. Michael Jordan, I have faced him, and he possesses the best scoring ability in history. But if Jie Ke and he each led a team to meet in the Finals, I would have to put everything on the line. I would definitely back Jie Ke!"

"Even if I wager my life, I would still back Jie Ke!"

Larry Brown's final words were spoken with great weight. As a basketball luminary, he was willing to stake all his assets and even his life to declare that Jie Ke Fan is a greater player.

This will cause a huge uproar in public opinion.

Moreover, this is a public talk, a global live broadcast. It is an entirely unambiguous taking of sides.

Finally, Larry Brown said: "This is my last coaching season. This year's championship puts a perfect period on my career. But I am happier that my final season was spent alongside Jie Ke Fan, which is the most relaxed coaching season I have ever had, and also the one I consider most successful. Thank Jie Ke, praise Jie Ke!"

Larry Brown, this obstinate academic-style coach, finally bid farewell to his beloved basketball world in this manner.

This came as a surprise to many.

Because throughout Larry Brown's entire previous career, he was not a coach who placed superstars above all; he even suppressed the privileges of superstars.

However, in his final public remarks, he instead touted Fan Xi as the greatest superstar in history, staking his own life and assets against Jordan... although it's only a hypothesis, it shows his determination.

"I find it hard to believe that the last words of someone like the stubborn academic Larry Brown would actually be 'praise Jie Ke.'" Earl Johnson on the commentary desk was very surprised.

He had gone through Larry Brown's long career; Larry Brown was known for strict discipline, never giving superstars privileges. In Philadelphia, he managed Iverson like...; in Detroit, he reaped a victory of the common folk, using five blue-collar workers to take down the Lakers' superstar F4; later in New York, he also clashed with privileged stars like Marbury.

But now, he has completely changed his style.

"Even the most star-reliant Phil Jackson couldn't say such a thing." Shaquille O'Neal added on the side.

But he emphasized: "I have always respected Larry Brown greatly."

Kevin Garnett also spoke before the reporters' microphone, saying this was a dreamlike season. He said: "... I had already been preparing to retire. Who knew that Jie Ke woke me up, and then... we won the championship. A year ago, even five months ago, if you told me I would win my second career championship ring this season, I would surely think you were joking."

"But now, it has come true."

Garnett held up two fingers, making a V sign: "This is my victory!"

Stoudemire cried.

This guy was born in New York; he said that winning the championship with the Knicks meant the world to him, and he also said he never dreamed he could win the scoring title this season. In the end, a thousand words choked up into: Thank the fans, thank the Knicks, thank Jieke Fan!

Tonight is a night of celebration, and also a night when dreams come true.

The New York Knicks, after a 40‑year drought, finally won the championship again, fulfilling the dream of three generations of New York fans.

That night, New York City was filled with joy and laughter, fireworks lit up the Hudson River banks, and the basketball emblem of the Big Apple blossomed beyond compare.

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan was over the moon that night; in the locker room he put his arm around Fan Xi and said, "I'll get you the coolest statue in the world and put it in the most prominent spot at Madison Square Garden."

Fan Xi thanked Duo Lan; he's a genuine boss.

But he thought it was a little early—his career had just begun, and putting up a statue now would be somewhat embarrassing.

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan insisted, holding a bottle of Romanée‑Conti, swaying as he said, "Jie Ke. I'm not like the stingy Lakers; I'll never shortchange anyone who contributes to the team, and besides, we're friends. Jie Ke, we're friends!"

He and Fan Xi then had another drink.

Although Fan Xi was drinking milk, he didn't mind.

The locker room smelled of champagne, and Stoudemire also brought out his years‑old vintage wine, generously sharing it with everyone.

The atmosphere in the locker room was joyous and harmonious.

Ending his 2013‑2014 season with a night like this, Fan Xi thought it was absolutely wonderful.

Fan Xi stayed in the locker room for over two hours; everyone had a great time, many were drunk. JR Smith even clung to Fan Xi's thigh, saying, "Jie Ke, take me back to Los Angeles next season."

This was a thigh‑hug in the literal sense.

Fan Xi quickly pushed him away, saying this sort of thing should be discussed with your agent and Ku Pu Qie Ke.

Then Josh Smith came over, wanting to share a toast with Fan Xi.

Fan Xi quickly dodged.

These guys were drunk, and they were genuinely characterful.

Afterwards, Garnett said, "Brothers, let's go celebrate properly—I'll pick up the tab tonight!"

Fan Xi hurriedly took advantage of the chaos to take a shower.

Then, holding his MVP trophy and his bag of clothes, he left the locker room, warmly greeting every staff member and embracing them in farewell.

It was the championship night, and also a farewell performance.

From now on, whenever we meet again, we'll be opponents.

Thinking of this, Fan Xi couldn't help feeling a bit sentimental.

But that sentimental feeling soon faded.

He arrived at his private parking garage and saw Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te and Selena standing side by side, curvy and slim, especially charming.

"Jie Ke, our MVP sir. Are you planning to go home alone to celebrate?"

Taylor said to Fan Xi, striking a pose. She wore a short skirt that showed off her figure very enticingly.

"I've prepared champagne, a drag show, and a nightstand for you!"

Taylor continued, "Selena, what did you prepare?"

The Disney princess lifted her chin arrogantly and said, "Me!"

Fan Xi got excited.

His brainwaves began to show signs of flickering.

…

Asik sat at the Rockets' post‑game press conference.

He didn't know why he was the one sitting there.

By rights he's the team's fifth or even sixth man, so he really shouldn't be speaking at all.

But now Chris Paul is in the hospital with a broken bone and a fractured nasal bone that need fixing.

D'Antoni announced his resignation before even entering the locker room, saying he wouldn't fulfill the season's final press conference, even though doing so would earn him a fine.

Dwight Howard left the locker room early, feeling no guilt over the loss; he just wanted to get out early to enjoy his summer vacation and some pleasures he couldn't wait to start.

James Harden was upset, refusing to accept such a loss.

But his team told him this had already been a very successful season, because he reached the Finals faster than Durant and Westbrook.

He used this year's Finals to prove his superstar status; next season his market value and player rankings will be even higher.

Moreover, no one would blame him for the loss; now everyone is mocking and holding Chris Paul accountable.

Harden is the beneficiary.

He has solidified his position and reaped influence.

So he won't attend this press conference; he doesn't want to utter those words of defeat.

With so many people absent, Asik became the best representative.

He sat there.

"First, congratulations to the Knicks on winning the championship, and congratulations to Jieke Fan on his fourth Finals MVP trophy in his career. New York played very well, leading in rebounds, three‑point shots, free‑throw percentage, mid‑range shooting, fast‑break efficiency, assist numbers… and all other categories."

"That's the glory they deserve."

"We played by the book, with few regrets—we were just outplayed."

Asik is very honest, even overly sincere.

He finally said, "I don't know the team's plans, but I feel there will be a trade this summer. This is our first season of rebuilding, and we made it to the Finals. If we make timely adjustments, our future will only get better."

"After all, Jieke Fan won't be with the Knicks next season. Next summer, no Eastern team should be able to beat us."

Finally, Asik capped it off with a confident remark.

He thought his remarks were flawless, giving his media performance a perfect score.

Of course, the media also gave him a perfect score.

Because there's too much news to be made.

Thanks for the material he provided.

…