Check out my new fanfic.
12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
Please give it a go đ
***
As June 2007 began, the renowned African-American agent Aaron Goodwin implicitly expressed dissatisfaction for his player through Yahoo Sports:
"No coach would waste the talent of an excellent big man."
"The Cavaliers should have secured a victory, not four crushing defeats."
Although Yahoo's traffic had declined, its sports section still wielded considerable influence.
Goodwin was clearly speaking up for Dwight Howard, as his poor performance in the series had even affected his new contract.
However, while the article sparked considerable discussion, most sports commentators remained rational and did not hold a public criticism session for Van Gundy.
After all, the core player shooting 10-for-30, with a field goal percentage under 40%, was the fundamental reason for the Cavaliers' loss.
LeBron James, as the team's leader, naturally had to take the blame.
As for the invisible Dwight Howard, even if he scored a few more points, they would still lose.
No one expected this Rookie to transform into Shaquille O'Neal.
If he had that kind of strength, the Cavaliers wouldn't have lost three games in a row.
The complaints were effective, at least the Cavaliers quickly responded.
Owner Gilbert proactively reassured Dwight Howard's team during an interview with local Cleveland media:
"We are not in a hurry. Since I came to the Cavaliers, I have had a long-term team-building plan!"
"I assure the New York fans that the team will sign Dwight Howard. He is an indispensable part of the team, and in the future, he will become the best big man in the NBA."
After taking over the team, they quickly reached the Conference Finals, which Gilbert was very satisfied with.
Although there was some confusion, Van Gundy's team-building approach back then was undoubtedly correct.
As the youngest Champion Coach in NBA history and the youngest coach to win four consecutive championships, Van Gundy, with such achievements, had no trouble finding work.
On the contrary, it would be difficult for the Cavaliers to find a better Head Coach.
Dwight Howard was the same.
Big men were still very valuable assets in the NBA.
Even if his technical characteristics were too singular, this Rookie wouldn't have to worry about a large contract.
This was the current situation in the NBA.
There were too few truly talented, team-leading star players, and the entire NBA was on a downward trend.
Sports commentators also noticed this.
Look at the drama on the West Coast: even when Kobe Bryant publicly demanded a trade, Jerry Buss didn't have any strong words, apart from giving him the cold shoulder.
In an era where the quality of star players was severely lacking, teams needed well-known stars even more.
A group of players whose names fans couldn't even recognize couldn't drive the market, let alone expand box office revenue.
Tuesday, June 5th, at 9 PM, would mark the start of Game 1 of the Finals.
The San Antonio Spurs had arrived in Manhattan on Sunday, but their arrival did not affect the mood of the New York fans, many of whom had already begun celebrating the championship's arrival.
Just as the Conference Championship did not bring new talents to Lee, New York fans had never thought highly of the San Antonio Spurs.
On Reddit, young people who enjoyed surfing the internet once again ridiculed their opponents:
"I can't even name most of the San Antonio Spurs players. I really don't know why these guys always end up in the Finals!"
There were not a few fans who held this view.
For casual fans who only watched the Finals, it was very difficult for them to deeply understand the San Antonio Spurs' starting Argentinian center.
As for the big man Francisco Elson and the small guard Jacque Vaughn on the bench, most casual fans had no impression of them either.
Players who struggled to average 5 points failed to capture the fans' attention, so much so that when ABC was hyping up the Finals last week, many fans wrote to ESPN to complain that there were too few highlights in the game!
Although he lost the Conference Finals, Van Gundy, who led his team to a good performance this year, received an invitation from ABC to participate in the broadcast of the program.
As the former Head Coach of the New York Knicks and an outdated tactical master, Van Gundy, who had previously participated in broadcasting work, was undoubtedly the best commentator.
The studio was in New York, exactly where the former Champion Coach was most familiar.
Van Gundy gladly accepted and agreed to the live commentary work.
In the evening, in the back studio, Dan Patrick perked up in front of the camera, his hair neatly parted.
Although the show's effect was ridiculed by fans, the broadcast had to continue:
"We received news from our front-line reporter Michelle Tafoya that the New York Knicks have already begun their warm-up."
"Clay Lee is about to welcome his fifth child. Although he has rarely been interviewed recently, from the warm-up scene, his condition remains excellent."
Jon Barry, as a well-known ESPN analyst, has always, like those sports commentators who love Excel, highly praised Lee.
As the director cut back to the camera, the bald analyst, who was ready to "initiate a team fight," said with a chuckle:
"I still believe the San Antonio Spurs' strength has declined somewhat compared to previous years. Manu Ginobili can no longer play the role of a surprise weapon. Most teams in the NBA have adapted to his style of play."
"From another perspective, the Cavaliers' Defense is no less than the San Antonio Spurs'. Recall Clay Lee's performance of 38.5 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. He will still be unstoppable tonight."
Every night at 5:30 PM, Michael Wilbon would hype up the Finals on the PTI show.
For years, Lee had been the focal point repeatedly mentioned on the show.
He knew the GOAT's strength too well.
However, for the sake of the show, Michael Wilbon could only exaggerate the San Antonio Spurs' capabilities.
After a low chuckle facing the camera, he began shaking his bald head:
"No, I think the San Antonio Spurs' key to victory is Tim Duncan! With Tony Parker limited, Tim Duncan will definitely step up. Don't forget he's the MVP."
"Head Coach Popovich will unleash Duncan. Once Duncan gets 35+10+5+5, the New York Knicks will change their Defense strategy, and that's the San Antonio Spurs' opportunity."
"His fourth Finals appearance in his career, I believe Duncan is ready!"
According to earlier statements, Michael Wilbon firmly believed that if Duncan exploded for 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks, he could lead his team to victory.
However, this view was heavily criticized by New York fans as "daydreaming."
MVP showdown, that's a good gimmick.
At least the casual fans who watched the show had considerable expectations.
The three people in the back studio analyzed wildly, almost praising Tim Duncan as the greatest power forward in history.
Finally, enough time was filled, and the camera returned to the front.
"I have a bad feeling. This year's viewership ratings will definitely have problems. We shouldn't have hyped up the San Antonio Spurs' strength."
Michael Wilbon slumped in his chair and quietly complained to his partner.
Jon Barry didn't care about any of that.
He had been at ESPN longer and had long lost his ambition:
"If we don't talk about these things, what do you want the fans to expect? Tell everyone that Clay Lee's field goal percentage in the Eastern Conference Finals was 60.2%, higher than that of a big man like Tim Duncan?"
"Or tell the fans that Clay Lee's three-point percentage is 51.7%, also surpassing Tim Duncan's performance in the Western Conference Finals?"
The data came to mind so easily that Michael Wilbon slapped his forehead.
Dan Patrick saw the two fall silent again and could only helplessly remind them:
"Pray to God! Please don't lose the suspense after only half the game. I don't want to run out of topics during halftime."
"..."
With nearly an hour left until the game started, a large number of fans had already begun to enter.
Since Madison Square Garden had very few luxury suites, the most popular seats for the Finals each year were actually the "screaming seats."
The very back rows were for the atmosphere section, normally selling for over $60, but now they were being scalped for over $200.
Moving a few rows forward meant $500, and as for the courtside seats, they predictably exceeded $10,000 again.
In fact, the front-row seats had long been reserved by various Brokerage companies.
Even a die-hard fan like Spike Lee had to pay extra.
At this time, most of the American Airlines Arena was filled with media reporters and broadcasting staff.
The O'Brien Trophy logo had already been placed on the court floor at the center, and the NBA was also working hard on its packaging.
The three individuals sitting on high stools at the center of the court were still warming up for the game.
Mark Jackson and his new partner were very compatible.
Facing the camera, Mark Jackson smiled and quipped:
"Jeff must understand this deeply: zone Defense is ineffective, which is why he insisted on man-to-man Defense in the Conference Finals."
"I believe Head Coach Popovich will change his Defense strategy in individual possessions, but Coach DAntoni has too many cards in his hand. Tonight, Raja Bell has already made it onto the 12-man active roster."
Completely free of the anxiousness he showed during games, Van Gundy, back at the commentary desk, looked radiant, his forehead gleaming under the lights, and he was smiling very happily:
"Mark is right, the Cavaliers' Defensive efficiency is excellent, but we still don't have a good way to solve the New York Knicks' ball-handlers."
"Perhaps to some, the New York Knicks' starting lineup's shooting might be an issue, but don't forget that Hill and Ron Artest are also excellent penetrators."
"I believe Coach DAntoni will not change his game strategy. After the game begins, Clay Lee will continuously attack Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol will benefit from this."
As the two chatted happily, Mike Breen didn't hold back, asking a more targeted question with a hint of meaning:
"If the San Antonio Spurs want to defeat their opponent, what do they need to do? Does Tony Parker need to put more pressure on Clay Lee on the offensive end?"
Mark Jackson extended his hand in a friendly gesture, indicating that Van Gundy was more suitable to answer this question than he was.
The latter pondered briefly facing the camera, then self-deprecatingly said:
"We can only pray to God! I don't think the San Antonio Spurs' backcourt Defense is better than LeBron James and Larry."
"Unless God responds, Clay Lee will not suddenly have an off night. His form is incredibly good, and as he ages, the combination of experience and skill allows him to handle all difficulties."
"âŠ"
As game time approached, Lee's girls in the top-floor skybox took their seats.
Tonight, the whole family was mobilized.
Except for the two pregnant ones, everyone came to the Madison Square to pass the time.
All four girls were dressed similarly: jeans and oversized New York Knicks blue T-shirts.
Scarlett, who had dyed her hair red, seemed a bit disdainful of the old environment.
Slumping into the sofa seat, she muttered in a low voice:
"Eva Longoria really loves to show off! Every time she comes to New York, she squeezes to the front."
After their engagement, Eva brought Tony Parker to many shows, and the two openly displayed their affection, becoming a model couple in the NBA.
Melinda, with her ponytail, tossed her blonde hair, surveying the skybox that hadn't changed much from the past.
Seeing the little succubus pout, she teased:
"Scarlett, who's become a big girl, is also possessive now. Is our little darling regretting it?"
Kim sat next to the little succubus, embracing her as she looked at Katheryn, who was on the other side staring at the spectator guide, and whispered:
"Is something wrong? Although we've watched many games here, we seem to have never paid attention to these things."
Katheryn Winnick tied a knot in her oversized T-shirt.
She and Lee were the same age, both nearly 30, but she looked very young.
Shaking the spectator guide in her hand, she said confusedly:
"It lacks opponent information. I watched ABC's program, and the promotion is so different from what they said."
Scarlett, who was nestled in Kim's arms, straightened up again, looking at Katheryn, whose waist was slender and full of power.
She immediately recalled the rather intense multi-person sparring sessions of the past few days and said with some envy:
"Anyway, they're all nobodies. Kate's figure is amazingâŠ"
Katheryn, who sought the big screen, shrugged.
She envied the little succubus in front of her more.
No matter how hard she tried, she could only make bad movies that flopped.
Melinda saw through her thoughts and immediately put an arm around her shoulder to comfort her:
"We found another partner in the UK, and they've also started investing in Hollywood."
"If you still hope to appear on the big screen, there will be opportunities in the future, but I think TV series are also good. That Eva became popular across America through a TV series."
Turning 30 at the end of the year, Katheryn shook her head.
She felt her acting career had likely failed, and life was moving to the next stage:
"Forget it, there are more and more young, beautiful girls in Hollywood."
Scarlett, however, didn't care about these things.
After the four sat together, the little succubus began to share the gossip she had recently obtained from her "plastic sisters":
"Rebecca Hall and Sam Mendes are definitely dating. I noticed something was off with them at the Rome Film Festival last year. Kate Winslet will divorce before long."
Upon hearing this gossip, the three immediately started complaining, almost forgetting the game was about to begin.
With less than half an hour until the game started, the home team's entrance ceremony ignited the atmosphere.
New York fans, wearing orange and blue cheering T-shirts, cheered loudly.
When Mike D'Antoni was finally introduced, he, in a striped black suit, white shirt, and red tie, smiled slightly at the camera, showcasing his Champion Coach demeanor.
His casual appearance contrasted sharply with Gregg Popovich on the other side, who was expressionless and constantly instructing his players.
Van Gundy, at the commentary table, watched intently, even feeling a sense of nostalgia.
Michelle Tafoya was conducting interviews, and she immediately found Lee, who was preparing for his final warm-up, and smiled as she asked in front of the camera:
"Lee, this is your fourth time meeting Tim Duncan in the Finals. Compared to the previous times, how would you evaluate this year's San Antonio Spurs?"
"Thirty-one is the best stage of a professional career, a perfect combination of experience and skill. I watched a lot of San Antonio Spurs game footage, and Duncan is playing more comprehensively than before."
Lee spoke these words with great sincerity, even showing a serious expression to match. Seeing Michelle Tafoya nod along, he suddenly changed the subject:
"Fortunately, I'm also about to turn 30. You know, I entered the NBA earlier than Duncan, so in terms of game experience, I won't lose to him."
"Basketball is a five-man game. My teammates are even better, and the New York Knicks, who are chasing a great goal, will not stop here. Everyone is already ready to welcome their 11th o'brien cup."
"âŠ"
Michelle Tafoya was speechless and could only smile again, proactively embracing Lee and offering her blessings.
She felt a bit of sympathy for Duncan.
Even time wasn't on his side.
When Hill, who had already confirmed his move to ESPN, arrived at center court, he continuously bumped fists with opponents, greeting them warmly.
Seeing Duncan's expressionless face, he immediately blessed him:
"Enjoy the game, man! Relax a littleâŠ"
Duncan simply responded with a grunt, still his old self.
On the San Antonio Spurs side, apart from Tony Parker, who was "grinning," most of them had grim expressions, looking deeply troubled.
Manu Ginobili, who was in the starting lineup, also had a solemn expression.
The roar in the Madison Square Garden grew louder, and the Argentinian recalled the preparations of the past few days, exchanging another glance with Bruce Bowen.
Lee was warming up near the free-throw line in his own half.
In front of him, Pau Gasol smiled and greeted his old opponent, while Chandler, making his first Finals appearance, enthusiastically waved his arms, interacting with the New York fans.
"Let's go Knicks!âŠ"
The cheers grew louder and louder. On the floor emblazoned with the O'Brien Trophy, Fabricio Oberto, the Argentinian big man standing at center court, stared intently at the basketball in the referee's hand.
As 9 PM arrived, the game officially began, and the tossed basketball was tipped away by Chandler.
The San Antonio Spurs players retreated in unison.
Gregg Popovich, standing on the sidelines, saw the tactical gesture Lee made and immediately shouted warnings to his players.
Having watched nearly a week of game footage, he knew all of his opponent's plays.
The two big men stopped early in the elbow area.
Seeing the change in the New York Knicks' formation, Tony Parker quickly closed in defensively.
At the same time, before the double screen could occur, Chandler suddenly moved towards the basket.
By the time the two wing players moved to the baseline, Pau Gasol had raised his screening position, closer to the left wing.
The moment he set his feet, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly pushed the ball and changed direction.
The perfectly timed move caused Tony Parker to miss the opportunity to steal the ball.
Duncan had already slid early to establish his defensive position, feet spread wide at the three-point line, with his left arm raised.
Amidst the New York fans' gasps, Lee, touching the ball with his left hand, made no pause.
He pressed his wrist down, and the basketball instantly passed between Duncan's legs.
Although Tony Parker quickly squeezed through the screen, Lee, without the ball, moved even faster, pushing off his feet, turning his body, and quickly squeezing through the three players.
"Oh!"
Cheers erupted again.
Bruce Bowen still tried to help defend, but he saw Lee easily chase the ball near the left block.
Just as he moved his feet, his opponent had already gathered the ball and thrown a one-handed floater with his right hand.
"Bang! Swish!"
The basketball hit the backboard and went in.
Fabricio Oberto also froze in place.
He was still battling with Chandler under the basket, and the offense was already over.
"It's unimaginable how Clay Lee developed such excellent ball-handling skills. The basketball seems to have become a part of Clay Lee's body."
After Mark Jackson said this, he looked at Van Gundy, who for a moment didn't know what to say.
He had received news that Lee had reduced his workload and never did extra practice in recent years.
"As expected, the San Antonio Spurs' offense starts with Duncan. Tony Parker is very likely to cede the primary scoring role tonight."
At the commentary table, no sooner had Mike Breen finished speaking than Duncan, who received the ball with his back to the basket in the left block, immediately turned to face the hoop, faking right and driving left, releasing the ball with his left hand, trying to push past Pau Gasol to get to the basket.
Facing such a strong low-post attack, Pau Gasol was naturally well-prepared, raising his right arm high, quickly sliding his feet, and providing body contact while forcing Duncan to stop the ball below the left side of the hoop.
He faked a shot with the ball, failing to deceive the Defense.
Noticing that Chandler also began to move, Duncan immediately leaned forward, flung the ball with his left hand, attempting to find a teammate with a baseline pass.
On the right side, near the baseline, Fabricio Oberto was open, but Duncan's pass was directly disrupted by Chandler, who reacted faster and extended his right arm.
The basketball flew out of bounds, and Chandler clapped his hands repeatedly, excitedly cheering himself on.
"Defense!"
After successfully disrupting the opponent's first possession, the cheers for Defense grew louder.
Lee, from beyond the arc, pointed to Manu Ginobili on the other side, and Hill, in a tacit understanding, began to pull at his opponent.
Unable to "steal a chicken," Manu Ginobili simply swapped positions with Bruce Bowen, took the ball from the referee's hand, and immediately flung it beyond the three-point line.
After Tony Parker received the ball, Tim Duncan immediately set a screen on the three-point line.
At the top of the arc, facing the smaller player's horizontal movement with the ball in his left hand, Pau Gasol also made a large show-and-recover.
By the time Tim Duncan rolled down, Lee had already recovered to his side, and Pau Gasol also switched defensively in a tacit understanding, not giving the opponent a chance to pass the ball.
Near the left block, the chased Tony Parker suddenly stopped, actively leaned into Lee, and then quickly turned.
Lowering his center of gravity, Tony Parker instantly switched to his right hand, then forcefully accelerated horizontally.
Realizing he still hadn't shaken off Clay Lee, he cursed inwardly but kept moving.
Driving past the free-throw line against the Defense, Tony Parker again exerted force while in motion, actively colliding with Lee.
After the collision, his body swayed, then he grabbed the ball with his right hand and tossed it up with a floater.
Lee stretched out his left arm and jumped to interfere, but the basketball was intentionally given a high arc.
After Tony Parker released the ball, he shouted "Rebound," and the ball ultimately hit the side of the rim and was snatched by the high-leaping Chandler.
His usually reliable floater missed, and the retreating Tony Parker kept muttering.
Accustomed to easy games in the West, he was momentarily unaccustomed to such physical confrontation.
The two teams had only met early in the regular season, and the feeling of actual m play was completely different from watching film.
The orderly retreat did not allow Lee to initiate a transition offense.
As the New York Knicks once again set up their 131 offense, Tim Duncan had no choice but to follow Pau Gasol to the top of the arc.
Slowing down, Lee leaned into Tony Parker, then stopped and started quickly.
With the ball in his right hand, Lee briefly shook off the Defense using a screen.
Facing the help Defense of Tim Duncan, he paused slightly on the three-point line, then suddenly dipped his shoulder and accelerated.
His right foot took a large step instantly, and Lee's ball-handling hand swatted away Tim Duncan's concealed grab.
The big man desperately slid his feet, and Pau Gasol, seeing the opportunity, immediately rolled down.
The chasing Tony Parker was about to complete a double-team with his teammate, but Lee suddenly dribbled the ball behind his back while in motion.
He instinctively reached out his arm but grabbed nothing.
By the time Tim Duncan realized something was wrong, the basketball bounced on the floor and landed precisely in Pau Gasol's hands.
Without stopping the ball, Pau Gasol grabbed it with both hands and slammed it down with a two-step dunk!
"Boom!"
Looking at Pau Gasol hanging on the rim, the Madison Square was filled with joyous shouts.
At the commentary desk, Mike Breen praised repeatedly:
"A beautiful offense! This is why everyone loves to buy tickets to support the New York Knicks! Clay Lee is continuing his performance in the Finals!"
"..."
Gregg Popovich did not blame his players.
There wasn't much they could do in that possession, so he simply continued to urge Tony Parker to push the ball faster.
The San Antonio Spurs' offense was very quick.
They passed the ball as soon as they crossed half-court.
Manu Ginobili received the ball on the left wing, and he immediately passed it to Tim Duncan, who was again calling for it.
In the same spot, Tim Duncan received the ball and quickly turned.
With no help Defense, Tim Duncan attacked face-up, faking left and right.
He put the ball down with his right hand and, shouldering Pau Gasol, strode into the paint.
Before Tim Duncan could even look at the rim, Chandler immediately came over for help Defense.
Covered by two big men, he forced a shot, attempting to draw a foul, but the ball flew out, and the referee made no call.
He stumbled, almost falling to the floor.
Fabricio Oberto reacted a beat too late and had the rebound snatched over his head by Lee, who had quickly retreated into the paint.
He grabbed the ball and sprinted.
As Lee bypassed the big man and accelerated down the right sideline, the two New York Knicks wings also sprinted at full speed.
Tony Parker was shaken off by the sudden behind-the-back dribble, instantly losing more than half a step.
Watching Lee switch to his left hand and accelerate faster and faster, he could only shout loudly to his teammates.
In a blink of an eye, Lee sped past the three-point line at the top of the arc.
Bruce Bowen quickly collapsed towards the basket.
Just as he moved his feet, the basketball in the paint flew directly to the right corner.
Ron Artest successfully received Lee's jump pass and, facing Bruce Bowen's block, quickly took a jump shot that clanked!
"Oh!"
Amidst sighs, the basketball bounced off the rim.
Tony Parker was about to chase the ball, but Lee, one step ahead, suddenly accelerated and picked up the ball near the left block.
Manu Ginobili also wanted to pick up the ball, but seeing Lee dribble to the three-point line near the left sideline, he simply cooperated with his teammate to complete the double-team.
As the two chased him to the three-point line, Lee, with his back to the basket, suddenly dribbled the ball behind his back.
As he turned, his left hand smoothly flung the ball to the corner.
The unguarded Hill received the ball and strode directly to the basket.
Tim Duncan, who had just retreated on Defense, quickly shuffled his feet, but the basketball flew into the paint to Pau Gasol, who was beginning to move.
The moment he received the ball, he exploded instantly.
Without any hesitation, Pau Gasol grabbed the ball with his right hand and slammed it down with a one-handed dunk!
"Ah!"
The bearded Pau Gasol roared loudly in front of Tim Duncan.
On the New York Knicks bench, the atmosphere group also cheered loudly.
Mike D'Antoni couldn't stop smiling and clapped his hands repeatedly.
Manu Ginobili opened the scoring for the San Antonio Spurs.
Tony Parker, who actively sped up the offensive tempo, crossed half-court and quickly changed direction with a front-body dribble.
Unable to shake off Lee, Tony Parker, with the ball in his right hand, eventually drove to the free-throw line and was almost forced to stop.
He had no choice but to pass the ball to his teammate on the left wing and then immediately popped out.
Manu Ginobili, who received the ball, also didn't hesitate.
He put the ball down with his left hand and drove hard with a step-through.
After reaching the end of the paint, he changed rhythm and, while in motion, attempted a floater that drew a foul on Hill, earning free throws.
"Boo!"
Amidst boos, Van Gundy, at the commentary desk, seeing the San Antonio Spurs' simple and crude offensive approach, immediately offered his opinion:
"After a few possessions to start the game, individual ability hasn't changed the New York Knicks' defensive scheme. Unable to break down the man-to-man Defense, the San Antonio Spurs are finding it difficult to create absolutely open looks."
"The moment of truth for the core players has arrived. Someone from the San Antonio Spurs' Big Three must step up.
"I believe Tim Duncan will respond."
Mark Jackson chuckled and made a sarcastic remark, as it was visibly clear Tim Duncan would face help Defense from the big men, making even a 'plus-two' play difficult.
2:6, both free throws were made.
Gregg Popovich loudly called for a retreat on Defense.
Fabricio Oberto was unprepared for the New York Knicks' sudden double-screen.
He moved up the court, saw Tony Parker disappear, and then, as he moved his feet, found Lee, with the ball in his right hand, already in his face.
Bruce Bowen, who had just collapsed from the right corner, saw Lee pass the ball again.
Ron Artest again received an open shot in the same spot and decisively took a jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
Watching Ron Artest jump and celebrate with Lee after the made basket, Tim Duncan, at the basket, remained expressionless but slammed the basketball in his hands fiercely.
Tim Duncan sped up his ball handling.
He received the ball in the same spot on the left block, and after facing the basket, he unexpectedly hit a mid-range jump shot.
Turning back, the San Antonio Spurs had just retreated on Defense.
Pau Gasol received the ball early beyond the three-point line.
Their first hand-off was disrupted, so he gathered the ball over his head and immediately passed it to the back-cutting Clay Lee.
On the left wing, far from the three-point line, Lee successfully received the ball and made a deceptive fake.
Tony Parker was fooled and jumped with him.
By the time Lee dribbled one step closer to the three-point line and stopped again, raising the ball for another fake, the chasing Tony Parker couldn't control his balance and directly ran into him.
The basketball flew towards the rim, and the referee's whistle blew.
"Clay Lee for three! Bang! And the foul!"
Lee's leaning shot swished through the net.
Mike Breen shouted with joy.
As Steve Javie on the sideline signaled the basket was good, Gregg Popovich on the sidelines complained loudly:
"My player fouled first! You can't call it like that! This is the Finals!"
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
The old man's voice was quickly drowned out by the unified shouts.
When Lee made the free throw, the San Antonio Spurs' bench was silent.
4:13, the referee did not favor the disadvantaged team.
Assistant Coach Mike Budenholzer quickly pulled Gregg Popovich aside and reminded him quietly.
The tight Defense forced the San Antonio Spurs to play one-on-one.
The Big Three's offense was not efficient and couldn't change the New York Knicks' defensive strategy, often leading to quick counterattacks when their offense stalled.
Clay Lee, who frequently delivered assists within minutes, allowed Pau Gasol to score easily.
As the New York Knicks' score increased, Gregg Popovich, with a long face, plopped back down on the bench.
With 2 minutes and 01 seconds left in the first quarter, Tim Duncan was subbed out, which was not the game strategy decided before the game.
12:24, Gregg Popovich frowned and actively comforted his star player who had come off the court:
"Don't worry, Tim, this is just the first game!"
"..."
...
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)