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What's it like to encounter a Rookie team in the Conference Finals?
The opponent is weak, leading by 15+ at halftime, does the Super Star feel happy?
For the above two questions, San Antonio fans would likely unanimously say the game was great, and while Tim Duncan didn't say it, his constant smile seemed to indicate his attitude:
"Crushing a Rookie in the Conference Finals is a joy most players can't experience. I really want to do it a few more times!"
On Monday, May 21st, the Western Conference Finals concluded that night with a halftime score of 36:54, the San Antonio Spurs had already secured the win early.
Although the Utah Jazz retaliated in the fourth quarter due to the San Antonio Spurs' relaxation, the game was still easily won.
98:108, the San Antonio Spurs also got off to a good start, and after the game, San Antonio fans began to dream of the Finals again.
The Eastern Conference Finals, which ended last night, had a halftime score of 35:65.
The two days of games followed almost the same script, the difference being that the Cavaliers were shooting poorly the entire game.
74:120, the New York Knicks won even more easily than the San Antonio Spurs, which left Gregg Popovich, who won the game, without a smile.
The old man felt that the team shouldn't have relaxed in the fourth quarter.
Unlike the Head Coach, Duncan didn't care about these things.
He was very satisfied with tonight's game.
As a player, he could feel that the team firmly controlled the initiative.
His partner performed better than he expected.
Manu Ginobili, who had been somewhat sluggish in the first two rounds, lived up to his trust and seemed to have completely found his game rhythm.
Playing 33 minutes, he shot 9 of 14 from the field, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line, accumulating 23 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers. Manu Ginobili easily achieved a double-double.
Duncan kept a smile on his face while attending the press conference, and Manu Ginobili also received more praise until an ESPN reporter gossiped about news outside the game:
"Duncan, it's rumored that Kobe Bryant will team up with Kevin Garnett. Do you think this will change the landscape of the Western Conference?"
After half a week of fermentation, although Kobe Bryant repeatedly wavered, he finally confirmed that he had requested a trade.
Basketball commentators believed that Kobe Bryant's statement would anger the Lakers, and at the same time, there was a high probability that it would attract Kevin Garnett.
The Lakers' response to this was Jerry Buss's drunk driving.
This famous owner didn't seem to take Kobe Bryant seriously, still having a blast with his friends at 74 years old.
In desperation, sports reporters could only add their own drama and start fabricating news.
Anyway, trade rumors had been circulating for most of the season, so another month wouldn't hurt.
"I don't think there will be too many changes, because this is very difficult to happen. Basketball is not 1+1."
"Right now, I just want to focus on the current game. I'm not interested in discussing teams that have already gone on vacation. Perhaps you can ask me these questions again in June."
With a smile, Duncan made a small joke in front of the reporters, and also expressed his confidence.
It wasn't that he was overconfident, but that the San Antonio Spurs were simply too smooth.
There were no problems even when they encountered the Phoenix Suns before.
In fact, the San Antonio Spurs were very adaptable to the opponent's tactical style, and it could even be said that they had been studying it for years.
The 4:1 victory in the semifinals is the best proof; a copycat ultimately can't stand on its own.
Tony Parker shot 8 of 15 tonight, and 5 of 10 from the free-throw line, also efficiently scoring 21 points.
Plus, Duncan's performance of 9 of 15, 27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 turnovers, no one would say anything if the trio felt overconfident.
"The San Antonio Spurs have completed their transformation. If it weren't for injuries, we could have also achieved 60 wins."
"However, the regular season cannot reflect the playoff performance. Most teams in the league have not experienced the Finals, which is our advantage."
"I never felt that losing the Finals was a shameful thing. This year, we will help Tim go further. Everyone is ready."
At the end of the press conference, Manu Ginobili delivered this irrefutable declaration to the many sports reporters.
Just as the Argentine said, they are an incredibly experienced Champion-level team.
No matter how basketball commentators mocked Duncan, three Finals appearances are still a top-tier achievement among active players.
After the interview, Duncan, wearing his practice uniform, patted Manu Ginobili on the shoulder again.
The Argentine had been criticized by the old man in the fourth quarter, so naturally, he needed some comforting now:
"Don't worry, Manu! You'll definitely get more playing time in the next game, don't mind the coach's complaints."
Thinking of Deron Williams' sudden outburst in the final quarter, Manu Ginobili could only shrug.
He was used to the coaching staff's demands:
"That Rookie scored 34 points. You should be worried about Tony. I think we can definitely win the Conference Championship. The game is much easier than I imagined!"
Thinking that he could return to the familiar stage again, Duncan put the issue of the team's roster depth out of his mind:
"It's a pity we don't have home-court advantage..."
On tuesday, May 22nd, the Cavaliers, still preparing for their game, were in low spirits.
The 46-point crushing defeat left them feeling despair.
If Deron Williams dared to fight hard during garbage time, then LeBron James was completely lost, performing extremely poorly as a point forward in the Conference Finals.
Shooting 7 of 20 from the field, 1 of 6 from beyond the arc, and 7 of 11 from the free-throw line, LeBron James' shooting and finishing around the rim in Game 1 were frighteningly poor, resulting in 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
Dwight Howard, who had been highly anticipated, also performed poorly, just like Mehmet Okur of the Utah Jazz.
In the Conference Finals, Dwight Howard shot 4 of 13 the night before, and Mehmet Okur shot 3 of 15 the following night.
After witnessing the poor performance of big men for two consecutive days, basketball commentators were greatly disappointed.
As if to confirm Charles Barkley's "star quality theory," discussions on Reddit's sports section were all about "fake stars."
Allen Iverson was once again brought up by fans, becoming the representative of inefficient scoring kings in this era of "fake stars."
Kobe Bryant also successfully made the list.
He went fishing after leaving Shaq, while the old Shaq partnered with a Rookie and made it to the Conference Finals.
Kobe Bryant was given the title of "Regular Season Stat-Padder."
The new MVP, Dirk Nowitzki, who created an embarrassing historical record, has become the biggest "softie" in the minds of fans.
The German has not given an interview until now.
As for Kevin Garnett, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and many other stars, they also failed to gain the approval of online fans.
These well-known All-Stars have become the "culprits" behind the decline in ratings in the current era.
The "ancient-era-worshippers" have been particularly active recently, and it's now confirmed that the past was better than the present!
As the only true god of the 21st century, the true GOAT Clay Lee's reputation is getting better and better.
Everything is about comparison. Fans believe that facing these weak opponents, one should win overwhelmingly, and Lee has done it.
He is indeed different from those stat-padders and fake stars.
After more than a day of rest, the New York Knicks canceled their practice session this morning.
The players only needed to arrive early at Madison Square Garden in the afternoon to warm up.
In the old townhouse, Lee, who woke up at 7 o'clock, lay on the big bed feeling only emptiness.
Winning the game didn't bring more joy.
A few days ago, Manchester United won the championship with 89 points, surpassing Chelsea, and Lee didn't steal the show.
Ferguson, after winning the championship, actually spoke a lot of good things about Red Football Capital.
Manchester United fans are well aware that the club's medical building is under construction.
This huge investment may not immediately translate into on-field results, but it could bring significant returns in the future.
Though the championship was good, Lee, who had waited a full week, once again confirmed one thing: the leeks were truly gone.
The talent panel showed no feedback, as if telling him again, "You are already the strongest."
When Ivanka woke up beside him, she saw Lee staring blankly.
She turned and squeezed him twice, and the girl, who was about to welcome a new life, said sweetly:
"I dreamed that in the future we bought a large piece of land, and it seemed like we had four children, the last one being a particularly cute girl!"
Listening to the golden-haired girl, who looked even better, continuously whisper, Lee gently kissed her forehead.
Once she tired of speaking, he reiterated:
"If you like ranches, we can buy one. I remember Georgina seemed to have mentioned it. The doctor will come this morning for another check-up."
Hearing her friend's name, Ivanka looked at Lee alertly, waiting for him to straighten her nightgown, and subtly changed the subject:
"My dear, what day are you flying to Cleveland?"
After tonight's game, the Cavaliers will have three days of rest.
Game 3 will start on Saturday, which is good news for Cavaliers fans, and the viewing time is also particularly convenient.
"I can stay for 2 more days, and I'll be back next week. Don't worry, I'll definitely see the little one as soon as possible."
The due date slightly conflicts with the Finals, but as long as he sweeps the opponent, Lee won't have these worries, so he's going to hit hard this year!
The sound of Ivana directing the housekeeper came from downstairs.
Lee was hoping to return home early after the birth.
The old woman was overly concerned about her daughter.
The New York Knicks naturally wouldn't worry about tonight's game.
No team in the entire league has such a deep rotation, and most players on the team desired more playing time.
In Game 1, Rajon Rondo didn't get many opportunities.
Mike D'Antoni wasn't as overconfident as commentators suggested.
He was actually particularly cautious, increasing Lee's playing time to 38 minutes.
If LeBron James and Dwight Howard hadn't been substituted out early at the end, the New York Knicks' bench players likely wouldn't have gotten a chance.
Regarding how to limit LeBron James, the coaching staff's answer was to use their wing players to defend him in shifts, regardless of fatigue.
Grant Hill, Ron Artest, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Finley, and Boris Diaw took turns defending him.
Facing a group of defensive utility wing players, the Cavaliers had no solutions.
Van Gundy chose to stick with LeBron James.
One played 41 minutes, while the other only played a maximum of 22 minutes per game.
In this situation, LeBron James broke down after losing G1, and Van Gundy's personnel choices were questioned after the game, with Larry Hughes' 3-for-10 performance leaving Cavaliers fans speechless.
Before the game that evening, Van Gundy looked as if he hadn't slept, with thick dark circles under his eyes.
In just one year, the plump Champion Coach had slimmed down to his former self as a young assistant.
His excellent regular season record didn't earn Van Gundy much praise, as a four-time Champion Coach was expected to achieve at least 60 wins.
The Cavaliers' active roster remained unchanged, but Van Gundy, during an interview, frowned, disliking the current questions:
"Daniel Gibson is excellent, and he will certainly get more playing time tonight."
"But the Cavaliers will not change our tactical strategy. We are not interested in trading baskets with our opponents in the game, nor will we run around aimlessly after them. Defense remains the most important thing tonight."
"I like Larry's performance. In the last game, he guarded Lee the entire time. The coach staff is very satisfied with his play, and we don't care about the stats."
Some reporters seemed surprised by Van Gundy's stubbornness, but many also understood this was the Champion Coach's persistence.
There was some murmuring below the stage, which quickly quieted down.
"It is said that LeBron James expressed his dissatisfaction in the locker room after the game. He seems to prefer partnering with Gibson..."
The TNT reporter's words were cut short by a frowning Van Gundy on stage.
He detested players questioning his arrangements the most:
"Your information is problematic. In fact, LeBron knows that to win, we must rely on Defense!"
"Gibson will still contribute from the bench tonight. LeBron and Larry have no issues whatsoever. This is the best matchup in this series."
Seemingly in no mood to argue with reporters further, Van Gundy gave no more opportunities to the crowd below, adding forcefully:
"Don't tell me you believe a Rookie can limit Clay Lee. I hope to see you show respect to Larry."
Van Gundy had brought the Steals King into his team, even offering a large contract, and this trade was now being questioned as Larry Hughes' decline was too rapid.
Winning solves all problems, but some in the Cavaliers were anxious.
Van Gundy sighed inwardly as he left the press room, feeling annoyed by being manipulated by players:
"This is my team!"
At 7:20 PM, 40 minutes before the game, in the visitors' locker room, Larry Hughes looked at the excited Rookie with extreme displeasure.
Dwight Howard played ostrich when they lost, and had become a good boy again on the road.
At this moment, Zydrunas Ilgauskas was chatting idly, completely uninvolved in the team gossip.
Damon Jones' inability to make threes led to his departure from the team.
LeBron James felt that the veteran's poor performance meant he should also be sent away.
The old guy wasn't good enough and didn't butter him up.
In contrast, the younger Gibson always stuck by him.
LeBron James proactively broke the somewhat dull atmosphere, encouraging his teammates:
"We lost G1 in both of the first two rounds, but we still advanced to the Conference Finals."
"The series has just begun. We just need to find our game rhythm."
This pep talk didn't have much effect. Everyone around LeBron James shouted a response, then headed towards the player tunnel, greeted by applause from Van Gundy and the coach staff, though most players still lacked spirit.
With half an hour left before the game, the home team's entrance ceremony ignited the Madison Square Garden.
At the TNT commentary booth, Marv Albert noticed that the Cavaliers hadn't changed their lineup and commented again:
"The crushing defeat in G1 didn't affect the team. It seems Head Coach Van Gundy truly doesn't want to change the game plan."
Doug Collins didn't question it like a pundit.
Instead, he spoke favorably of Van Gundy, praising the current starting lineup with a smile:
"The difference lies in the core players, or perhaps game experience. The Cavaliers are too young. This is their first time reaching the Conference Finals since their rebuild."
"Most of the players haven't experienced such games. LeBron James can handle the playmaking, but he can't control the game rhythm."
"Both the Cavaliers and the Utah Jazz have exposed significant shortcomings when facing championship-level teams. The fundamental reason is the core difference. Sometimes, there's not much a coach can do."
When Hill was asked about "the reason for the big win against the opponent" during his pre-game interview, his expression was unreadable.
To save face for the opponent, he could only humbly state:
"LeBron James is still very young. Both his game experience and technical refinement can be further improved."
"At his age, losing is nothing. The future belongs to the young, and he will succeed."
In the previous game, Hill only played 18 minutes.
As one of the players guarding LeBron James, he simply offered a "recognition award" and said no more.
Ron Artest, eager to boast, was stifled.
At this moment, he could only complain loudly next to Tayshaun Prince and others, shouting near mid-court, fearing the opponent wouldn't hear:
"Almost 50 points! I'll fulfill my promise tonight!"
LeBron James, wearing a headband, noticed the New York Knicks players' relaxed and playful demeanor, and his face instantly grew long.
As the final warm-ups concluded, players from both teams gathered at mid-court.
A relaxed Chandler jumped for the tip-off, and cheers quickly echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
As he retreated on Defense, Zydrunas Ilgauskas saw Chandler stop early at the top of the arc and quickly called out to his teammates.
Larry Hughes, leading the Defense, heard the reminder, slid his feet to stick close, preparing to squeeze through the screen.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The New York Knicks positioned themselves extremely quickly.
As Chandler settled at the top of the arc, the two wings moved in sync towards the baseline, while Pau Gasol crowded Dwight Howard under the basket, to the right of the rim.
Clay Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, paused slightly, then accelerated horizontally again the moment he leaned into the Defense.
Chandler's solid screen successfully delayed Hughes.
With Head Coach Van Gundy shouting loudly from the sideline, Zydrunas Ilgauskas actively sped up, sliding his feet desperately towards the perimeter, completing the delay immediately.
Facing the sliding big man, Lee made no extra moves, continuing his horizontal movement while leaning into the Defense.
As the two reached the left wing, Hughes chased him, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas quickly retreated.
Larry Hughes, having successfully chased back, helplessly watched Lee drive in forcefully.
He kept moving, only able to slide his feet again.
Pavlovic had intended to help on Defense, but the moment he shifted, Lee, nearing the left elbow, suddenly leaned into the Defense and executed a spin move.
Following Chandler's roll, Zydrunas Ilgauskas didn't have time to extend his hand.
In a blink, Lee, having reached the paint, had shaken off Hughes, leaning forward, palming the ball with his right hand beside the two big men, and casually tossing the ball up.
"Swish!"
The basketball swished through the net, and cheers immediately filled the Madison Square Garden.
Dwight Howard, preparing to inbound the ball, felt as if the film sessions were useless.
He couldn't remember how many times he had watched them.
"Hey!"
LeBron James shouted, indicating to speed up the inbound.
After receiving the ball on the baseline, he accelerated fiercely, charging past mid-court while leaning into Ron Artest.
Proactively speeding up the offensive rhythm, LeBron James came to the right wing, stopped abruptly, turned, and immediately passed the ball to Larry Hughes at the top of the arc.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, trailing behind and rushing over half-court, immediately set a screen at the top of the arc.
Facing Lee, who squeezed through the screen, Larry Hughes drove forcefully with the ball in his left hand.
Nearing the left elbow, he immediately took a jump shot, which clanked off the rim.
Under Lee's interference, the basketball went wildly off target, hitting the backboard with a thud and immediately bouncing out.
Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard both missed the rebound under the basket.
Instead, an active LeBron James charged into the paint, shook off Ron Artest, grabbed the rebound, and using Dwight Howard's large frame, drove to the basket for a layup.
The basketball banked in, and the Cavaliers' bench, led by Gibson, cheered.
Noticing the opponent had changed their offensive rhythm, Lee didn't mind.
After receiving the ball on the baseline, he continued to advance quickly.
After Pau Gasol set a screen at the top of the arc, Dwight Howard, who was defending closely, immediately slid his feet to delay.
At the same time, Larry Hughes continued to chase on Defense.
Nearing the right wing, Dwight Howard quickly retreated to defend in front of the rolling Pau Gasol.
Clay Lee, moving horizontally while in motion, also began to slow down, suddenly stopping abruptly on the three-point line and pulling back with a cross-step.
Switching to his left hand, Lee immediately raised his body's center of gravity.
As he feigned a gather with his right hand, Larry Hughes quickly rushed to defend.
Before he could interfere, Hughes could only watch as Lee pushed the ball with a large change of direction, leaving him frozen on the three-point line, once again losing his defensive position.
Lee quickly pursued the ball.
By the time his right hand touched the ball, he had already broken through near the elbow.
Nearing the paint, he immediately stopped abruptly, and with no one guarding him, easily shot from close to the rim!
"Beautiful rhythm! Clay Lee looks to be in excellent form tonight."
The basketball swished through the net again.
From the commentary booth, Marv Albert praised loudly, while Doug Collins, seeing the Cavaliers' defensive strategy, commented with a slight regret:
"Perhaps the big man should have stuck with it a bit longer. Expanding the delay would disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm, but one-on-one, Hughes will find it very difficult to limit Clay Lee."
"Unless God helps, Clay Lee won't miss opportunities like that."
In the first two possessions, the New York Knicks' offensive rhythm was faster than in the previous game.
Mike D'Antoni quietly sat on the bench watching the show.
His probing was over, and he had deployed the team's strongest tactic again.
Without needing another reminder, LeBron James again rushed with the ball upon receiving it.
However, the New York Knicks suddenly changed their defensive strategy, with Lee applying tight pressure.
Larry Hughes, trying to receive the ball, couldn't find an easy opportunity, forcing LeBron James to stop.
He protected the ball with his side on the left wing, while calling for the veteran to the low post.
After a baseline cross-screen, Chandler didn't switch.
Although LeBron James delivered a perfectly timed pass, Zydrunas Ilgauskas's post-up attempt after receiving the ball failed to get him into a sweet spot.
Turning from outside the paint towards the baseline, Zydrunas Ilgauskas's body was somewhat contorted, and Chandler's high-hands Defense caused the basketball to hit the rim and bounce out.
Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol struggled to box out, squeezing together, neither able to jump.
Instead, Hill, who had rushed from the top of the arc to under the basket, snatched the ball down.
As the veteran rushed with the ball, cheers erupted again.
LeBron James had already followed Ron Artest to the right wing, twisting and standing firm, not forgetting to remind his teammates.
The Cavaliers' two big men retreated very quickly.
When Hill reached the left wing, he noticed that his opponent had already completed the matchup, immediately slowed down, and after crossing the three-point line, he turned to protect the ball.
The white young man Pavlovic constantly gave resistance from behind, his hand movements continuous, but he was too engrossed and didn't hear his teammate's reminder.
As Lee, who was trailing, approached the left wing, Hill had already stopped.
Larry Hughes was faked out, and Lee, who was moving towards the arc, suddenly accelerated and ran back.
"Oh!"
Unable to chase back in time, Hughes's shout was drowned out by the other shouts.
Hill delivered a hand-off pass, and Lee, who received the ball, didn't hesitate, driving straight to the basket from the left sideline.
Dwight Howard, who was stopped at the free-throw line, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who was to the lower right of the basket, moved their feet simultaneously.
Both reacted quickly, but they didn't expect Clay Lee, who was driving along the baseline, to suddenly flick his wrist while in motion.
It was a pocket pass.
Dwight Howard symbolically reached out, but the ball landed precisely in the hands of Pau Gasol, who had rushed to the basket.
Taking off the moment he received the ball, Pau Gasol ignored Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who twisted to attempt a double-team, and rushed past Dwight Howard, gripping the ball with his right hand and slamming it into the basket over the big man with one hand!
"Ah!"
Pau Gasol's loud roar made the New York Knicks bench erupt in cheers again.
The smooth offense had the coaching staff clapping along.
2:6. Although the game had just begun, LeBron James seemed even more impatient.
Rushing past half-court, he stopped abruptly on the right wing, dribbled between his legs to his left hand.
Facing Ron Artest's entanglement, LeBron James changed direction again with a crossover, held the ball in his right hand, dropped his shoulder, accelerated, and drove forcefully to the basket, shouldering the Defense.
He charged forward with three big steps, holding the ball.
Ron Artest, who was sliding with him, simply committed a hard foul after losing more than half a step, swatting both the ball and his hand.
LeBron James yelled, and the referee's whistle blew.
Although there was some deviation from the pre-game plan, Van Gundy on the sidelines was still clapping continuously at this moment.
"Boo!"
Without complaining to the referee, and enduring the boos that echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden, LeBron James missed his free throw.
"He's too impatient. This is the New York Knicks' favorite tempo. If they shoot 23 times in one quarter, no team can beat them in that situation."
"Clay Lee always finds opportunities. Perhaps the Cavaliers should settle down and involve more players in the offense."
Doug Collins was still commenting when cheers once again echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden.
LeBron James missed his second free throw, and the rebound was secured by Chandler.
By the time Lee received the ball and chased his opponent past half-court, the Cavaliers had barely found their footing when they saw Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, had already driven into the paint.
Facing the big man's retreat, Lee suddenly slowed down, changed direction while in motion to his right hand, and then suddenly retreated towards the left corner.
Larry Hughes, who was defending him, realized something was wrong and quickly followed.
Seeing Lee suddenly increase his stride and gather the ball directly in the left corner, he instinctively jumped to contest the shot.
Beyond the three-point line, Lee lowered his center of gravity, and at the moment his opponent flew out of bounds, he shot steadily!
"OH! Knocks it down!"
The outrageous offensive choice did not slow down Marv Albert's commentary.
The former New York Knicks home announcer looked at the retreating players and even had the presence of mind to quip:
"Head Coach Van Gundy will surely miss Lee's offense. The Cavaliers sometimes need shots like that."
"Clay Lee has indeed changed the direction of modern basketball. Deron Williams also played an important role in the Western Conference Finals, and you can see Lee's shadow on this newly minted All-Star."
Doug Collins wanted to gossip a bit more, but the Cavaliers, who quickly inbounded the ball, had already completed their offense.
LeBron James rushed past half-court and immediately found Pavlovic, who had quickly popped out.
Dwight Howard's screen worked, and Hill was delayed, only able to reach out as he watched his opponent shoot from the left wing.
The decisive offense resulted in another miss. LeBron James still wanted to grab the long rebound at the arc, but Lee, who abandoned Larry Hughes in the corner, was a step faster, securing the rebound in the right restricted area immediately.
Seeing Clay Lee take the ball and charge again, LeBron James immediately stepped forward to commit a tactical foul, and was then heavily booed by the New York fans in the Madison Square Garden.
Most fans were fed up with foul tactics.
Clearly, the Cavaliers would also employ such a strategy tonight.
With a 7-point difference, their opponents were already cracking.
Van Gundy was still clapping, continuously signaling his team to stay composed.
As the sideline ball was inbounded, the shouts in the Madison Square Garden grew even louder.
"Let's go New York Knicks!"
Dribbling past half-court to the left wing, Pau Gasol at the left elbow didn't immediately come up to screen, which made it very difficult for Dwight Howard behind him.
Larry Hughes first maintained defensive distance, and realizing there was no screen, he then actively closed in.
However, just as his feet moved, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly lowered his center of gravity sharply and executed a front-of-the-body crossover.
Amidst the exclamations of the fans in the front row, Lee, now holding the ball in his left hand, instantly flew low to the ground.
The perimeter Defense all stood rooted in place, and in a blink of an eye, he was near the basket, leaping into the air.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, to the lower right of the basket, instinctively shuffled his feet, only managing to reach out and pull, but it had no effect.
In mid-air, Lee gripped the ball with his right hand, pulled his arm to the side, and slammed it down with a flat-rim dunk!
"Screech!"
The referee's whistle blew, followed by the resounding slam of the rim.
Seeing Clay Lee's calm expression as he landed, several Cavaliers players were momentarily stunned, watching their opponents celebrate happily.
Larry Hughes and Dwight Howard exchanged glances, both silent, no longer complaining.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
By the time Lee stepped to the free-throw line, the unified shouts in the Madison Square Garden made Dwight Howard, standing near the paint, feel a pang of bitterness.
After making the free throw, he couldn't help but mutter as he prepared to inbound the ball:
"Why so fast?"
2:12. The lead reached double digits.
The Cavaliers did not call a timeout. Van Gundy on the sidelines was still roaring loudly.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas did not disappoint.
After LeBron James's screen, facing a deep drop Defense, he received the ball at the free-throw line and made a jump shot, helping his team break their scoring drought.
Similarly, quickly inbounding the ball, Lee advanced rapidly.
Seeing Pau Gasol stopped at the left elbow, he slowed down again at the three-point line on the left wing.
Larry Hughes, having learned his lesson, decisively went for the steal this time.
Seeing Lee dribble between his legs to his right hand and start protecting the ball with his body, he instinctively moved closer to provide body contact.
The moment he extended his left arm again, Lee, leaning into the Defense, suddenly turned, instantly increased his stride, and in a blink of an eye, shook off the Defense again.
Larry Hughes was again rooted in place.
Dwight Howard still wanted to retreat, but Clay Lee gathered the ball early while in motion, and from a position near the left baseline, he smoothly completed a floater with his left hand.
The basketball swished through the net again.
Larry Hughes stood frozen in place, ignoring the mocking sounds in his ears, and instinctively looked towards the Head Coach who trusted him.
He didn't receive the encouragement he expected.
Van Gundy seemed to be numb as well, being a beat slow in calling a timeout.
In the following minutes, the extremely fast pace of the game had both teams running back and forth.
It seemingly devolved into half-court offense, but each time Lee could easily break through the Cavaliers' Defense.
Missed shots, quick retreats, and a growing impatience from LeBron James, who had fallen into an inexplicable rhythm, only fully came to his senses after another timeout.
8:22. There were still 5 minutes and 23 seconds left in the first quarter.
"Larry Hughes's second personal foul will cause problems for the Cavaliers. LeBron James will have to take on more defensive responsibilities."
In less than 2 minutes, Larry Hughes was substituted out with two fouls.
The only commendable aspect was that he only gave Clay Lee 2 free throws.
Doug Collins almost sighed when making his commentary.
The director also focused the camera on the former steals leader, who was back on the bench with his hands clasped over his head.
Clearly, Lee's strong offense had completely broken this defender.
"Daniel Gibson checks in. Perhaps this Rookie can continue his excellent performance from the last round."
Marv Albert chuckled as he praised the entering Rookie.
However, after the timeout, the Cavaliers' continuous passing resulted in James's cross-court pass from the arc being directly stolen by Lee.
Daniel Gibson, whose body hadn't warmed up, didn't even have time to chase back, only able to watch his leader being toyed with by his opponent.
Holding the ball in his right hand and accelerating at full speed, Lee ignored LeBron James behind him.
Approaching the basket, he leaped into the air, passed the ball behind his back in mid-air, and the trailing Ron Artest slammed it down with both hands!
LeBron James, who had flown out of bounds, panted heavily, and seeing only himself retreating on Defense, he cursed in a low voice, infuriated:
"Damn game!"
Last game he pursued the 24-second shot clock, tonight he decisively sped up.
Playing according to his own ideas, LeBron James helplessly found that the result had not changed at all.
The Cavaliers' poor shooting allowed the New York Knicks to start their rotations only when there was 1 minute and 37 seconds left in the first quarter.
With the defensive intensity dropping, Pavlovic and the substitute Drew Gooden helped the team score, but the switching LeBron James also failed to contain Lee, becoming a backdrop just like his older brother.
On the New York Knicks' last possession, seeing Lee, holding the ball in his right hand at the arc, lean in to accelerate, then stop abruptly and use a crossover step to pull back, shaking off LeBron James, he hit another three-pointer from beyond the arc.
Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
The Cavaliers did not attempt another offense, and the score was set at 14:38.
The game ended as soon as it began.
In a single quarter, Clay Lee made 9 of 9 field goals, 2 of 2 three-pointers, and 3 of 3 free throws, scoring 23 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, personally outscoring the Cavaliers.
The roaring Madison Square Garden left Van Gundy stunned on the sidelines.
Looking at his dejected players walking towards him, he was speechless for a moment, until Thibodeau from behind clapped and loudly encouraged:
"The game has just begun, we still have a chance."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)