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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On Thursday, February 2, 2000, TNT's program officially announced the results of the 2006 Houston All-Star Game fan vote.
Veteran players made a strong comeback, with an exceptionally high number of sentimental votes this year!
This year, there was no suspense for the All-Star top vote-getter, as Clay Lee led all players with 2.96 million votes.
Although Excel fans were not entirely satisfied with Lee's stats this new season, the New York Knicks' record was outstanding, leading the entire league since the start of the new season.
All-Star voting largely depends on individual fan preferences, and the final Eastern Conference All-Star starters were:
Clay Lee with 2.96 million votes, Allen Iverson with 2 million votes.
LeBron James with 2.2 million votes, Ron Artest with 1.2 million votes, and Shaquille O'Neal with 2.19 million votes.
The Western Conference All-Star starters were:
Kobe Bryant with 2.21 million votes, Steve Nash with 1.01 million votes.
Tracy McGrady with 1.76 million votes, Tim Duncan with 1.4 million votes, and Yao Ming with 2.14 million votes.
Wade of the Heat unfortunately missed out with 1.5 million votes.
The 76ers' record was mediocre, but Iverson ranked second in scoring, so Excel still worked!
Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs was 100,000 votes behind Nash and failed to make the starting lineup.
Before sunday, February 5, the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star Head Coaches would also be confirmed.
Since Coach DAntoni and Popovich coached last year's All-Star Game, they would automatically be deferred this year.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons achieved a 13-2 record in January, standing at 38-6, firmly in second place in the East, virtually securing Head Coach Saunders's position.
The Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs had identical records of 36-10.
Avery Johnson would become the Western Conference All-Star Head Coach, and both only needed to await the league's notification.
The big mouth still worked.
Despite the Houston Rockets' poor record, it didn't hinder Tracy McGrady's popularity.
In the eyes of many fans, he still possessed superstar-level skill!
After the All-Star starting lineups were announced on the show, the trio in the studio quickly began discussing which other players should be selected:
"The Detroit Pistons' record ranks second in the league, just one win behind the New York Knicks, yet no one from their team made the starting lineup."
Their excellent record led Kenny Smith to repeatedly express his dissatisfaction for the Detroit Pistons players on the show, but unfortunately, fans didn't buy it, primarily because the Detroit Pistons' style of play lacked entertainment value.
Thanks to his outstanding performance in January, Billups had just received the Player of the Month award:
He averaged 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 3.1 turnovers in 38.8 minutes per game.
His field goal percentage was 44.3%, three-point percentage was 47.0%, and free throw percentage was 90.7%.
With an average of 12.9 field goal attempts per game, Billups attempted 5.5 three-pointers and 7.1 free throws per game, making his stats severely "Lee-esque."
Kobe Bryant also received the Player of the Month award.
His 8-5 record wasn't outstanding, but his 43.4 points per game made the award well-deserved!
His co-host's point was indeed valid, but Iverson was more popular.
Regarding this, Charles Barkley once again began to emphasize his theory:
"This is why I've always stressed that stats cannot fairly evaluate players. Iverson is second in scoring, but the 76ers are still fighting for a playoff spot."
"He's different from Kobe. Chris Webber and Andre Iguodala are championship pieces. Iverson should make his team's record better, but he hasn't done that."
Ernie Johnson also didn't expect Iverson to turn things around.
His appearance on Stephen A. Smith's show during the offseason had a huge impact:
"This is a festival for the fans, and we should respect the voting results."
"Clay Lee has won the top vote-getter award for the 8th time in his career, tying Michael Jordan's record. It seems everyone loves the defending champion!"
The two in the studio looked at Barkley, who pretended not to care and continued to argue:
"A champion certainly deserves respect, but I don't like Clay Lee's attitude towards basketball this season. He clearly could perform better!"
"He should be like Kobe Bryant, showing his desire for victory. We all know that in some games, the New York Knicks could have won."
With a record of 39-5, the New York Knicks firmly held the top spot in the league. In January, Clay Lee averaged 29.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.2 turnovers.
He averaged 34.2 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 55.5%, a three-point percentage of 44.0%, and a free throw percentage of 92.1%.
His efficiency was extremely high, but his scoring did indeed decline slightly.
The director showed the stats, and Kenny Smith, looking at his co-host who was speaking nonsense, subtly reminded him:
"After the Los Angeles Lakers' crushing defeat to the New York Knicks, they lost by a large margin to the Indiana Pacers last night, now on a 3-game losing streak."
Charles Barkley gave his co-host a frustrated look but ultimately insisted on bragging:
"Kobe lacks help. Winning or losing isn't important. What fans want to see is his process of pursuing victory."
Thinking of the New York Knicks' 6-game winning streak, Ernie Johnson sighed.
Even if it was for show, there were some things he couldn't bring himself to say.
Looking at the eloquent Barkley, everyone in the studio simultaneously thought:
"No one can match this talent. This guy truly deserves to earn this money!"
Some of Charles Barkley's views were indeed correct.
If time permitted, Lee would participate in ESPN's Premier League commentary.
On February 1st, when Henry broke Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin's league goal record with 151 goals, Clay Lee sent his congratulations on the show.
Epiphanny Prince scored 113 points, setting a new American women's national preparatory basketball record.
Lee and the New York Knicks invited her to watch a game at Madison Square Garden on the weekend.
New Orleans gradually recovered from the hurricane.
Lee and Pau initiated a fundraising campaign to help affected residents return home.
In December of last year, Lee also participated in a march held by New York workers, speaking out for low-wage public utility service personnel.
Compared to Kobe, who was focused on winning, Lee indeed didn't invest much energy in basketball.
Halfway through the season, to the disappointment of many critics who wanted to see some drama, the New York Knicks grew stronger and stronger, and the locker room was exceptionally harmonious!
Led by Fisher, everyone seemed to have been brainwashed, turning into sycophants.
Coupled with many teams having former New York Knicks championship players, the bragging grew louder and louder.
On Friday, February 3, the New York Knicks played an away game against the Toronto Raptors.
In this game, Coach DAntoni made extensive rotations in the second half, and Lee clocked out after three quarters, easily securing their 7th consecutive win with a score of 116-100.
The Toronto Raptors had also been losing more than winning these past few years.
After Chris Bosh became the team's leader, their record didn't improve much, standing at 16-31, completely out of contention at this point.
After the game, the Air Canada Centre was still noisy, with many fans loudly chanting Lee's name.
Because the two teams were geographically close, for key games, some Toronto Raptors fans would also choose to fly to New York to watch the game live.
Lee, walking towards the player tunnel, waved to the fans.
Chris Bosh, who was being interviewed courtside, craned his neck and looked around, a look of envy on his face.
"Chris, playing against the defending champion again, what do you think your team is still lacking?"
In the second half, he was 2-for-10, scoring only from free throws when points were most needed, ultimately losing the game in three quarters:
"Rebounding and Defense are the reasons for our loss. Coach Mitchell will help us solve these problems. In a few years, the Toronto Raptors will return to the playoffs."
As the leader of a weak team, Bosh was currently very satisfied with his role, and there was no sense of disappointment on his face when answering questions.
The CBC reporter had high expectations for the team.
Seeing Bosh's stable emotions and calm confidence after the loss, he couldn't help but secretly praise him:
"This is the core we've been waiting for. Without Carter, the team can still rise again."
The All-Star reserve rosters would be officially announced on Thursday, the 9th.
Before the Houston All-Star Game, the New York Knicks still had 7 games to play.
The schedule was relatively dense.
Grant Hill accepted the medical team's advice and pushed his return date directly until after the All-Star Weekend.
On sunday, February 5, the New York Media started mocking Kobe early in the morning.
After losing to the Bobcats and the Charlotte Hornets consecutively, the Los Angeles Lakers happily secured a 5-game losing streak.
Ever since Kobe's crushing defeat at Madison Square Garden, New York's critics had lost all respect for the "81-point scorer."
"Stats cannot express the damage Kobe inflicts on his team. He had 14 turnovers in two games. His high scoring masks his terrible passing."
The Houston Rockets, who flew to Manhattan, also saw the newspaper.
Recently, Kobe has been the source of joy for New York fans who love gossip, as they get to see articles belittling him in various ways every day.
Affected by the winter storm, the weather in the northeastern United States was not good, and heavy snowfall was expected in the coming days.
Due to flight delays, Tracy McGrady's mood was as bad as the weather when he arrived at the Madison Square Garden early in the afternoon for warm-ups.
Being selected for the All-Star Game did not earn him respect.
New York Media had not said a good word about him recently, and some New York fans had even labeled Tracy McGrady a clown.
Tonight, Yao Ming returned from injury, which was great news for the Houston Rockets.
CCTV Sports broadcasted as usual, and Tracy McGrady, with his picturesque jump shot, was still a superstar in the hearts of New York fans!
Reporters from the Houston Chronicle had long felt the malice from the New York Media.
With two games against the New York Knicks before the All-Star Game, some column articles preemptively prepared Houston Rockets fans:
"Focus on the future. Winning or losing is not important."
Most Chinese sports reporters gathered around Yao Ming, as there was great anticipation for his first game back from injury.
ESPN, as the broadcaster, was more interested in seeing some fun:
"Ron Artest declared he would play full Defense tonight. T-Mac, how many points will you score?"
Some sweat appeared on Tracy McGrady's forehead as he warmed up.
Although he was in a bad mood, he wouldn't miss a chance to show off:
"Who is Ron Artest? Does he think he's a big shot just because he made the All-Star Game?"
"If I partnered with Clay Lee, I could also win a championship! Luck is not skill. I will make him understand that tonight!"
Without his sleepy expression, Tracy McGrady looked disdainful when Ron Artest was mentioned, clearly still bothered by the previous comments.
The sports media gathered around laughed and nodded, even chiming in with agreement.
The New York reporters were beaming, already looking forward to tonight's national broadcast.
Since the Houston Rockets' backcourt consisted of Lee's old friends, David Wesley and Rafer Alston, the team didn't prepare much for such opponents.
At 7 PM that evening, half an hour before the game, Lee appeared at center court with a young girl, Epiphanny Prince.
Epiphanny Prince, 16, who attends Murry Bergtraum High School in Lower Manhattan, is also a die-hard New York Knicks fan.
Wearing an orange and white training uniform, Lee smiled, waved his arms, and gestured for the New York fans to cheer loudly.
Soon, a uniform chant echoed through the Madison Square Garden:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Epiphanny Prince, wearing Lee's home No. 1 jersey, was so excited that her face turned red, and she covered her face to wipe away tears.
Only when Lee picked up the microphone did the cheering gradually subside.
"Lady 113 Points! This is truly incredible. We are proud of you. This is a record that will be hard to surpass!"
"I didn't perform like this in high school. In the future, you will definitely surpass me and achieve even more!"
The young girl is just over 1.7 meters tall, and her future professional career is likely not to be smooth, but Lee still offered his best wishes.
After composing herself, Epiphanny Prince again rushed to Lee's side, and amidst the audience's cheers, she took the microphone and excitedly said:
"I'm so happy. I've watched Clay Lee play since I was very young, and he has always inspired me."
On the Houston Rockets' bench, Tracy McGrady watched with a sour feeling.
He had wanted to show off his presence, but found that he was not as important as the young girl.
Lee competed in a three-point contest with Epiphanny Prince and helped her achieve her dunking dream.
The atmosphere was lively, and the young girl had a great time.
Before returning to her family, Epiphanny Prince hugged Lee again.
Seemingly remembering the gossip news, the young girl shyly said:
"Lee, I don't mind if you have many girlfriends."
Regardless of the joke, Lee smiled and gave her a head pat, then patted the young girl's shoulder, chuckling softly as he said:
"Remember to study hard and read less gossip news!"
New York is also Rafer Alston's half-home court, but the streetball king is always low-key whenever he comes to Madison Square Garden and never invites his younger brothers to cheer him on.
As the final warm-ups concluded, the referee called both teams to center court.
Rafer Alston felt the atmosphere and suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
Like Marbury, New York fans had forgotten him.
"Defense!"
As Yao Ming successfully tipped off, the defensive cheers immediately erupted.
Rafer Alston received the ball, dribbled it past half-court, and quickly passed it to Tracy McGrady on the left wing.
Receiving the ball far from the three-point line, Tracy McGrady continuously dribbled between his legs, facing Ron Artest's Defense.
Juwan Howard quickly moved up to set a screen.
As Tracy McGrady switched to his right hand and accelerated for a breakthrough, Juwan Howard immediately rolled away.
The good screen quality prevented Ron Artest from squeezing through in time.
Kurt Thomas cooperated seamlessly, switching and sliding defensively.
Under their combined Defense, Tracy McGrady passed the ball early.
From the left elbow, Juwan Howard received a jumping pass from his teammate and, without hesitation, calmly hit a mid-range jump shot!
Tracy McGrady, who delivered the assist, smiled proudly.
He was an all-around player, and he had been well-prepared for tonight's game.
"Let's go New York Knicks!"
The opponent scoring easily did not affect the mood of the New York fans present, as the New York Knicks usually explode in the first and third quarters, and everyone was already used to it.
Receiving the ball on the baseline, Lee was surprised to see Rafer Alston guarding him.
Considering Tracy McGrady's physique and stamina, he roughly guessed the opponent's intentions.
Amidst the cheers, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, accelerated past half-court.
Rafer Alston could only slide cautiously, with no extra movements with his hands.
The New York Knicks were still in a 1-3-1 zone.
Only Kurt Thomas remained near the right baseline.
Gasol immediately moved up when he saw Lee approaching the three-point line.
While his teammates settled at the top of the arc, Lee lowered his center of gravity with a small in-and-out dribble while moving, then smoothly wrapped the ball behind his back the moment he faked his opponent's balance.
With a wide motion, the basketball immediately flew to Rafer Alston's right side.
Rafer Alston tried to squeeze through the screen but ran straight into Gasol.
Touching the ball with his left hand, Lee dribbled one step horizontally.
Without waiting for Yao Ming to come up, he immediately stopped and gathered the ball.
Still a step away from the three-point line, he decisively shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
Cheers echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
Before Yao Ming could even raise his hand, the basketball had already flown into the hoop.
Yao Ming could only raise his hand to signal it was his fault.
As Rafer Alston dribbled past half-court again, Juwan Howard and Yao Ming set a cross screen under the basket, attempting a low-post play.
Kurt Thomas, who switched on Defense, had already squeezed in front of Yao Ming early, preventing him from easily receiving the ball.
At the same time, Lee pressed the opponent on the left wing.
After jostling under the basket for a long time, the ball couldn't be passed out.
Facing Lee's tight Defense, Rafer Alston, protecting the ball sideways, first lunged forward to accelerate, then stopped suddenly and dribbled behind his back.
Switching to his right hand and accelerating with a shoulder drop again, Rafer Alston tried to lean on Lee for a strong drive to the basket, but he was forced to stop at the free-throw line.
Unable to create space, he pulled the ball back between his legs.
The moment his left hand touched the ball, Rafer Alston's body swayed to the left front, attempting a very flashy front-of-the-body crossover, which Lee directly stole.
The moment he lost the ball, Rafer Alston tried to chase back on Defense, but Lee, who had controlled the ball, charged forward like a "tank," easily bumping off his opponent with his protective arm.
Rafer Alston, who almost stumbled, turned to complain to the referee.
Coach Mike Brown on the sidelines immediately rushed to the referee, trying to get an explanation.
Amidst the New York fans' cheers, the referee made no call.
In a 1-on-0 fast break, Lee soared into the air after crossing the free-throw line, rotated the ball horizontally in mid-air, grabbed it with his right hand, and slammed it down with a windmill dunk!
"Boom!" A windmill dunk, the rim roared.
The graceful dunk ignited the Madison Square Garden atmosphere.
Seeing Lee immediately take the lead on Defense after completing the dunk, defensive cheers came in waves.
Rafer Alston, looking upset, stopped trying fancy moves and immediately passed the ball after crossing half-court.
As David Wesley received the ball on the right wing, Yao Ming also squeezed into the low post.
David Wesley quickly delivered a high lob pass.
Raja Bell followed the ball, collapsing for help Defense.
Yao Ming, who received the ball, hadn't even put it on the floor when Gasol, who was blocking the baseline, coordinated with his teammate to double-team him.
The basketball returned to the right wing.
Facing Raja Bell, who rushed up to defend, David Wesley, who had just received the ball again, decisively shot a brick.
The long rebound was collected by Lee near the free-throw line, and the New York Knicks immediately accelerated past half-court.
Coach Mike Brown on the sidelines repeatedly shouted warnings, but Rafer Alston did not delay in time, allowing Clay Lee to easily pick up speed, accelerating even more past the midline.
Rafer Alston, who had just slowed down to establish a defensive position near the three-point line, was caught up to by Lee.
The two collided, and Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, continued his "tank charge," pushing through the Defense into the paint, performing a wide spin and gathering the ball in motion.
Rafer Alston watched helplessly as the basketball sailed over his head, unable to turn his body to defend, as Lee was already airborne the moment he gathered the ball.
Under inertia, Rafer Alston was forced directly out of bounds, only able to watch Lee grab the ball with his left hand and throw down a one-handed dunk!
2:7, Lee, who had just completed the dunk, stood on the baseline, shaking his head repeatedly, and as he ran back to half-court, he loudly reminded Coach Mike Brown:
"Where's the Defense? Put someone else on me!"
"..."
No one on the Houston Rockets' bench said a word, and the nearby referee seemed to be stifling a laugh.
Clearly, many people tonight wanted to see some entertainment.
Laughter began to erupt in the Madison Square Garden.
Point guard Rafer Alston again brought the ball over half-court and passed it.
As Tracy McGrady received the ball on the right wing, Yao Ming also moved up to set a screen.
Noticing the movement behind him, Tracy McGrady moved horizontally.
Ron Artest leaned on Yao Ming, turned skillfully, and then jumped up to block.
Using the screen, Tracy McGrady dribbled a large step, then soared into the air, facing the block, and forced a long two-point jump shot.
"Bang!" The basketball hit the rim and bounced out.
Kurt Thomas boxed out Juwan Howard, easily securing the defensive rebound.
Lee stepped forward to receive the ball, and cheers erupted once more.
Tracy McGrady, looking displeased, decisively stepped forward to lead the Defense, while loudly calling for his teammates to switch positions in time.
David Wesley could only chase and defend alongside Ron Artest.
Under the opponent's interference, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, did not advance quickly.
He leaned on Tracy McGrady, slowed down as he reached the left wing.
The jeers from the front-row fans irritated Tracy McGrady.
He waved his hand, signaling that he was going to show off, and constantly interfered with Lee's dribble, trying to disrupt his rhythm.
Lee, protecting the ball with his side, leaned into the Defense, swatting away the opponent's arm while suddenly rocking his shoulder backward, then lowering his center of gravity, leaning in, and accelerating.
Slightly stunned, Tracy McGrady instantly lost half a step, then quickly slid backward to the right.
As the two approached the three-point line, Lee suddenly stopped again, quickly pulling back with a crossover step.
Making the correct defensive read and adjusting his center of gravity, Tracy McGrady attempted to close out, but to his surprise, the moment of physical contact, Lee, who had switched the ball to his right hand, suddenly turned.
Almost hugging the left sideline, Lee touched the ball with his left hand again, accelerated, and completely eluded the Defense.
Tracy McGrady, who had lost more than half a step, hurried to chase and defend.
In the left restricted area, he came alongside Lee and tried to pull him, but was faked into a split by Lee's sudden stop and between-the-legs pull-back.
Forced to stand still, watching Lee gather the ball, Tracy McGrady symbolically raised his hands, but the mid-range jump shot was completely undisturbed.
"Oh!"
The basketball swished through the net, and the Madison Square Garden erupted.
The New York fans present began to cheer happily, and the New York Knicks' fan section vigorously waved their towels.
"Shit!"
Watching Clay Lee smile and shrug as he retreated on Defense, Tracy McGrady, now standing upright, cursed under his breath.
Soon, mocking voices reached his ears again:
"Remember to shut your stinking mouth! Clowns have no right to point fingers at a champion!"
Ron Artest yelled at Tracy McGrady, constantly high-fiving and provoking him.
Tracy McGrady's eyes turned red with anger, and he immediately rushed forward to argue.
Under the referee's intervention, the two could only exchange pleasantries.
The Houston Rockets attacked again.
McGrady received the ball on the left wing, used Juwan Howard's screen, and drove hard to the basket with the ball in his left hand.
Ron Artest chased him from behind, and Kurt Thomas retreated in time.
McGrady, charging into the crowd, forced himself airborne.
Gliding to the lower right of the basket, Tracy McGrady grabbed the ball with his right hand and attempted a reverse layup, but was met squarely by Gasol under the basket.
Under the interference, the ball hit the rim and bounced out.
Falling out of bounds, Tracy McGrady loudly complained to the referee.
After Gasol tipped the rebound, Kurt Thomas secured possession, followed by a long outlet pass.
Rafer Alston, retreating on Defense, was already numb.
He ran back to half-court desperately.
David Wesley couldn't stand it anymore and followed back to the middle.
Dribbling the ball with his right hand past the three-point line, Lee noticed David Wesley was about to catch up on his right side, and performed a behind-the-back dribble while in motion.
Rafer Alston, who had retreated into the paint, had no reaction, but David Wesley accelerated again, attempting a running jump.
Noticing the figure in the right corner, Lee switched the ball to his left hand with the behind-the-back move and smoothly threw the ball to the right corner.
Cheers erupted in the Madison Square Garden.
David Wesley, forced to stop, turned his head to watch Raja Bell receive the ball in the open, and convert a three-point jump shot!
2:12, the Houston Rockets were forced to call a timeout.
The roaring atmosphere made everyone on the Houston Rockets look displeased.
With national television coverage, and collapsing right from the start, Coach Mike Brown's face was dark, clearly infuriated.
At the ESPN commentary desk, Hubie Brown, looking at the double-digit deficit, could only tactfully comment:
"The Houston Rockets' perimeter Defense struggles to contain Clay Lee's offense. They lack defensive resources, and there's a significant gap between them and the defending champions."
Mike Breen was delighted.
He also disliked Tracy McGrady's big mouth.
Seeing the opponent getting battered early, he couldn't help but gloat:
"Clay Lee is firing on all cylinders in the first quarter. It seems those boring news stories really motivated him!"
"But this is a good thing for New York fans. Everyone will get to enjoy a spectacular offensive performance tonight."
After the timeout, Yao Ming received the ball in the right low post and made a turnaround hook shot, helping the Houston Rockets break their scoring drought.
On the next possession, the Houston Rockets double-teamed Lee early at the top.
As Raja Bell received the pass on the right wing, Juwan Howard, unable to close out in time, watched the three-pointer swish through the net again.
Rafer Alston attempted to slow the pace.
When Yao Ming received the ball in the left low post, he was quickly met with Lee's collapsing double-team.
The basketball returned to the left wing.
Facing the sliding Lee, Rafer Alston did not choose to shoot, but instead passed the ball horizontally to Tracy McGrady.
The latter received the ball, put it down with his right hand, and drove forward.
Tracy McGrady drove past Ron Artest into the right elbow area, attempted a sudden stop and pump fake, failed to draw a foul, and forced a jump shot that clanked off the rim again.
The rebound bounced out, and it was Lee again who picked it up at the free-throw line.
Rafer Alston instinctively accelerated to retreat on Defense, and Coach Mike Brown on the sideline repeatedly shouted.
Picking up speed, in a blink of an eye, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, had already crossed the three-point line.
Facing the sudden push-dribble change of direction, Rafer Alston instinctively adjusted his center of gravity.
The moment his right hand touched the ball, Lee executed a spin move.
When he gathered the ball, the Defense completely disappeared, and he easily drove to the basket, grabbing the ball with his left hand for a one-handed dunk!
4:17, cheers erupted through the Madison Square Garden.
New York fans knew it was going to be another big win tonight!
In the following minutes, led by Tracy McGrady, the New York Knicks continuously initiated transition offense.
The game pace became faster and faster, forcing Yao Ming into continuous back-and-forth runs.
Watching Gasol receive Lee's behind-the-back pass, follow up in the middle, and throw down a two-handed dunk, Yao Ming, who had chased back to the three-point line, also began to feel frustrated.
The game entered Lee's favorite "chaotic" rhythm, and the New York fans present began to loudly cheer for the flashy passes.
With a strong hedge on the pick-and-roll, Yao Ming chased out.
Clay Lee leaned in and accelerated on the left wing, then his left-handed direct pass cut through the Defense, and Gasol rolled down the middle for a dunk.
Score and score again. David Wesley made a tough three-pointer on the right wing.
Before he could even celebrate, in a semi-transition offense, Lee drove hard down the middle.
Rafer Alston's Defense was easily broken.
Yao Ming, who had rotated to help under the basket, could only watch the basketball sail over his fingertips, as Gasol behind him grabbed the ball in the air for a two-handed slam!
Tracy McGrady finally made a fadeaway jump shot from near the left baseline.
He then actively helped on Defense, but was scored on again as Ron Artest drove hard to the basket with a leaning body for a 2+1.
The Houston Rockets scored sporadically, but the New York Knicks' score steadily climbed.
Towards the end of the first quarter, as rotations began, the New York Knicks missed shots, but the Houston Rockets started giving up defensive rebounds.
Coach Mike Brown, sitting back on the bench, stared blankly.
For him, this was a nightmare game.
In the final moments, Rafer Alston's cross-court pass was directly stolen by Clay Lee.
The latter seemed to have completely collapsed, even giving up on Defense.
Amidst the fans' cheers, Lee accelerated past half-court, and before the buzzer sounded, he pulled up for a jump shot from the top of the arc!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
18:38, the game was over almost as soon as it began.
On the New York Knicks' bench, the atmosphere group members were all smiles, rushing onto the court to high-five and celebrate with Clay Lee.
"Softie!"
McGrady, walking by, stopped dead in his tracks, glaring when he heard that word.
Lee, however, smiled and shook his head, ignoring the other's angry stare.
The enraged "so-called second-best player" looked at the back of Lee's head and wanted to rush up and ambush him.
The moment he moved his foot, he was stumbled by Ron Artest:
"Fuck you! Go home! You damn clown!"
...
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)