Before the start of the fourth quarter, Pat Riley was in high spirits.
Just think, if he could lead the Knicks to defeat the championship favorites, the Magic and the Bulls, and then ultimately lift the trophy, how would his historical standing change?
He would prove that Phil Jackson, that opportunist who only knew how to coach superstars, wasn't fit to hold a candle to him!
When James Dolan used Phil Jackson as an example to suppress Riley, Riley truly felt humiliated.
Even Auerbach publicly stated, "If one day Phil Jackson wins the Coach of the Year award, I will refuse to go to the ceremony to present him the trophy." How could I, Pat Riley, possibly lose to such a person?
Phil Jackson had never built a team from scratch; he always took over ready-made teams and then rigidly implanted his own tactical system.
The most ridiculous part was that he didn't even invent that tactical system!
