Champion Creed

Tonight is probably the happiest night for Bay Area fans since the team won the championship in 1975 and got Roger.

The Warriors successfully defeated their arch-enemy, the Spurs, in a completely overwhelming and convincing victory.

From adjustments in defensive strategy to enhancements in interior defense, the Warriors finally managed to take down the player they couldn't handle before.

Tim Duncan's performance in this game was undoubtedly ugly, but it's not because last season's MVP lacked ability; it's because the Warriors ensured throughout the game that he couldn't have it easy on the offensive end even for a minute.

Whether it was Stademeyer + Mutombo, Stademeyer + Camby, or Camby + Mutombo, the Warriors ensured the quality of their interior defense every minute of the rotation.

When Marcus Camby started taking the game seriously, the Warriors' originally weak interior lineup from last season suddenly became quite solid.

Facts have proven that the decision to bring in Dikembe Mutombo this summer was absolutely the right one.

He not only strengthened the Warriors' interior, but also helped Marcus Camby get back on track.

If Roger had dealt with Camby, he would have 100% kicked Camby out. However, Mutombo's presence made Camby make choices completely different from the original timeline.

This is why Roger would say "This is our team," even a year ago, as the Savior of Atlanta, Roger would arrogantly say "This is my team." But this made Roger realize that his teammates could help him handle not only on-court problems but also off-court issues.

Roger can clearly feel the changes he has gone through over the years, and these changes have also resolved some of his doubts.

This is probably why someone as proud as Michael Jordan would gradually accept the mediocrity of his teammates.

This is probably why someone with low emotional intelligence like Kobe Bryant could suddenly create a great locker room atmosphere during their two consecutive championships.

As you grow older, people don't remain unchanged.

Of course, whether for Jordan, Kobe, or Roger, one thing never changes: the pursuit of victory and status.

No matter how much they've changed, they'll become bloodthirsty the moment they step on the court.

No matter how much they've changed, they won't allow their locker room status to be challenged.

I allow you to assist me, even allow you to become friends with me.

But no one can look down on me, defeat me.

While the players were still celebrating victory in the locker room, Bob Bass had already received a call from the SuperSonics.

Clearly, Rick Sund, the SuperSonics' general manager, watched the entire game and was very impressed with Marcus Camby's performance.

If Camby continues to play like this, then along with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, Seattle could definitely secure a playoff spot.

"I've thought it through, Bob, I'll agree to add a second-round draft pick on top of the original offer! Let's complete the trade, no more wasting time!" Rick Sund's voice was very eager over the phone.

But Bob Bass's response disappointed him: "Oh, I'm afraid we can't make the deal, Rick."

"What!? We agreed that was the final offer last time!"

"It was indeed the final offer, and I'm not asking for more. It's just... sorry, we've decided not to put Marcus Camby on the trading block anymore."

Less than twenty minutes after the game ended, Bob Bass received a text from Roger: "Something's up, stop the trade!"

It's not hard to imagine how furious Rick Sund was at that moment, feeling like he was played.

But unfortunately, in NBA trades, backtracking is quite normal.

After all, general managers aren't athletes, they're businessmen. Isn't backtracking basic business ethics? What's there to criticize?

Athletes care about reputation and honor, but hype, gimmicks, deception, and profit come first—these are exactly what businessmen should do.

Aside from apologizing, Bob Bass had nothing to offer Rick Sund in compensation.

After celebrating in the locker room and attending the press conference, Roger called Scarlett Johansson, telling her to prepare the bathwater, and then he headed home right away.

A night of defeating the Spurs is definitely a night worth celebrating.

Don't ask why bathing counts as a celebration; just know that Roger and Scarlett Johansson have a rich variety of bathing activities that could be considered a party.

Marcus Camby, after changing his clothes, still sat in the locker room, experiencing the joy of victory he hadn't felt in at least two years.

In the 01-02 season, he played less than 30 games in New York, and in the 02-03 season, he didn't play a single game with the Warriors.

He had been away from victory for so long that he almost forgot how sweet it tasted.

Mutombo walked out of the therapy room, as a veteran with a listed age of 37 and a half, Mutombo, much like Hornacek back in the day, needed massages to relax after every game to avoid muscle tension.

So on game nights, Mutombo was often the last to leave the locker room.

When he came out today and found Marcus Camby still sitting in front of his locker, Mutombo was a bit surprised.

"Waiting for your mom to pick you up?"

Marcus Camby deliberately chuckled a few times: "Ha! Ha! Ha! Has anyone ever told you you're better at telling cold jokes than Tim Duncan? I'll tell a cold joke too, Roger never dunked on me."