On Friday, April 25, 2008, a gossip piece from the Detroit Free Press set the rumor mill ablaze: Dwyane Wade, who had been fishing for a while, was seen on a date with the former co-host of "The View," Star Jones.
There was nothing inherently wrong with Wade, who was in the process of divorcing, and Jones, who was already divorced, dating.
However, the 20-year age gap between them was truly shocking!
It's hard to say what big stars like.
The Heat regained attention in this way, and that morning, Pat Riley held a press conference to announce his resignation.
At the same time, Erik Spoelstra, a former video analyst and assistant coach this season, would succeed the Champion Coach and become the Heat's next Head Coach.
When Erik Spoelstra, under 38 years old, with his slicked-back hair and a black suit, appeared somewhat nervously beside Pat Riley, the invited media reporters exchanged glances:
"Who is this?"
After the regular season ended, Larry Brown seemed to be interested in returning to coaching in the league.
The old man threw a few "winks" at Miami, but the Heat actually chose a "Rookie."
Pat Riley seemed very satisfied with his decision.
After they took their seats, he looked at his successor with a benevolent gaze and introduced him to everyone:
"Erik is very familiar with the Heat. He will succeed. This is the best choice for us!"
"Don't forget, I was a second-rate commentator back then. Past resumes don't tell the whole story. You'll soon see Erik's coaching ability."
Pat Riley did serve as a commentator for the Lakers, and his rise also had elements of luck, but the league had changed, and the role of tactics and data analysis was becoming increasingly important.
Most reporters were not optimistic about Erik Spoelstra.
He was too young, lacked any "aura," and even nervously "giggled" under everyone's gaze.
Erik Spoelstra was indeed a bit nervous. He wanted to straighten his black tie but realized it wasn't appropriate.
When Pat Riley motioned for him to say something, he quickly grabbed the microphone:
"I am very happy to have Mr. Riley's trust. I have worked for the Heat for many years, and coaching this team has always been my dream!"
"I know the fans were very disappointed this year, as the team only got 15 wins, but next season, we will return to the playoffs."
The local Miami sports media was not satisfied with this answer, because returning to the playoffs was not difficult.
35 wins could potentially secure a spot.
Once in the lower half of the bracket, everyone knew that the playoffs would most likely be a first-round exit, because the New York Knicks and the Celtics simply couldn't lose to bottom-feeder teams.
In the games that concluded two days prior, both the 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks lost by large margins.
The Eastern Conference was extremely polarized, and a Miami Herald reporter quickly asked:
"Coach, what kind of tactical system will we use next season? Has the team communicated with Dwyane Wade? How will we contend against those super teams?"
"..."
Erik Spoelstra hadn't yet decided how to answer, but Pat Riley confidently took over, as he still controlled the team:
"In this era, winning a championship requires accumulating more excellent talent. Our goal is not just one championship, but to create an era belonging to the Heat."
"For a greater goal, we will not rush. What Erik needs to do is accumulate experience. Remember, the future belongs to the young!"
The reporters below understood the Heat's plan.
They were clearly eyeing the free agency market, knowing that several young players from the 2003 draft had signed short-term contracts.
This grand vision solved Erik Spoelstra's problem, and the subsequent questions became more friendly.
The Rookie coach breathed a sigh of relief, but still felt a bit down:
"I must build my own tactical system!"
While the Heat were changing coaches, the Bobcats, who had been fishing continuously, were also making moves.
Michael Jordan personally confirmed the new Head Coach, and Larry Brown won the favor of the Vice GOAT.
To further unleash Emeka Okafor's potential, Michael Jordan also recruited his good friend, Champion Center Patrick Ewing, to serve as an assistant coach.
ESPN reported the news immediately, and TNT quickly followed suit.
Charles Barkley didn't run his mouth on the show, but instead complained on his Twitter:
"Michael Jordan should leave the work to management!"
Through Lee's promotion and invitation, more and more people in the sports world began to use this simple social software.
Charles Barkley underestimated Twitter's influence, and soon fans were quoting him.
The Bobcats section on Reddit was full of fans echoing the complaints.
Michael Jordan had wasted draft picks, and the "genius" he selected had completely fallen.
This news held little appeal for New York fans.
Some who enjoyed the spectacle were forming groups on social media, planning to go to Philadelphia to watch the game on Saturday.
If they chose to drive, they could reach their destination in two hours, traffic permitting.
Taking a train from Pennsylvania Station would take a little over an hour.
Casino buses and long-distance buses were both good ways to travel.
If they were in a hurry, taking a helicopter could get them there in 50 minutes!
After many years, Philadelphia fans once again issued a call.
After losing two consecutive away games, fans spontaneously met the team at the airport, trying to boost their morale in this way.
They yearned for a home victory!
For a full 12 years, since the Allen Iverson era, 76ers fans had not seen their home team defeat the New York Knicks at home.
The young people from back then were almost middle-aged now.
How could this not make them angry?
A large number of fans appeared outside the training center in the afternoon, a sight not seen in a long time.
When Coach Maurice Cheeks was informed, he didn't expect such a situation.
In the locker room, everyone was in low spirits. 88:117, they had lost Game 2 without any fight, showing little resistance both inside and outside.
As a 76ers legend and a star guard who helped Philadelphia win a championship, Maurice Cheeks had a unique affection for the team.
Upon entering the locker room, he clapped his hands, then took a ring from an assistant coach.
Noticing that all the players were looking at him, Coach Maurice Cheeks calmly put the ring on his index finger:
"This is a championship! The 1983 championship! A long time has passed now, and perhaps many of you have forgotten that the 76ers are also a championship team."
"I don't want to comment on the opponent, but I want to respond to the fans: we need a home victory!"
"Andre, can you do it? Step up like a man, get the victory, and then receive the cheers of 18,000 Philadelphia fans, tell them you did it!"
Waving his arms, as he spoke excitedly, Coach Maurice Cheeks's face grew darker, and his nostrils flared with anger.
The players, seeing their Head Coach like this for the first time, widened their eyes.
Andre Miller pursed his lips and said nothing.
Andre Iguodala, standing nearby, knew he had to say something at this moment.
Meeting the Head Coach's gaze, he responded with a serious expression:
"I will do it, we will protect our home court! Tomorrow night, I will guard Lee!"
After the leader spoke, everyone expressed their determination.
For a moment, emotions ran high.
The Rookie Joakim Noah was even more enthusiastic, shouting and punching repeatedly.
At that moment, he felt full of energy!
Running a hand through his graying short hair, Coach Maurice Cheeks was very satisfied with the players' current state.
Finally, he passionately shouted:
"Remember, we are also a championship team! Make those arrogant guys pay!"
Shouts once again filled the locker room.
After the pep talk ended, many people calmed down.
Louis Williams had just cheered loudly, but after changing clothes, a question arose in his mind again:
"Will we really win?"
On Saturday, the 26th, at 6:30 PM, the Wachovia Center was already filled with over 18,000 fans.
The long-awaited playoffs made Philadelphia fans especially enthusiastic.
The home team distributed blue cheering T-shirts, with the white text "Trust the process" prominently displayed on the chest.
When the New York Knicks players entered the court, the boos were incessant.
After 12 years, they vowed to break the record and reclaim their home court's honor!
Perhaps the atmosphere on site infected the 76ers players.
After bouncing onto the court, amidst the cheers of the fans, everyone huddled together, passionately shouting before the lights came on.
The familiar Wachovia Center, the familiar away game atmosphere.
During warm-ups, Lee even had a misconception, as if he had returned to the division finals of that year, when the 76ers fans were just as angry.
No one would be interested in an opponent who was lying down.
The atmosphere on site also piqued Lee's interest.
The force of his dribbling gradually increased, and he even performed a few between-the-legs dunks at the end.
"Oh."
The fans sitting in the front row couldn't help but let out a low gasp.
This scene was not seen in the regular season.
Louis Williams, walking towards the bench on the other side, watched with a twitch in his eye.
This scene felt familiar:
"Damn it!"
The game was about to begin.
At the TNT commentary desk, Doug Collins was still discussing matchups.
He had many thoughts on the 76ers' collapse:
"Dalembert is too slow. Back at home, I believe Coach Maurice Cheeks will reduce his playing time. They must limit the opponent's pick-and-rolls."
"The Rookie Noah is very energetic. Perhaps his Defense experience is insufficient, but his lateral quickness can compensate for the lack of experience."
He analyzed everything logically, just not how the 76ers should win.
Kevin Harlan also didn't bother to point this out.
After getting the New York Knicks' starting lineup, he once again praised:
"Tayshaun Prince is back in the starting lineup. For Coach DAntoni, this must be a happy problem! Ron Artest's form has also been excellent recently."
The camera also searched for the two, but Boris Diaw, who was distributing towels to everyone, was more eye-catching.
In the two home games, the French player, coming off the bench, quietly contributed a consistent 10+5+5.
He had impressive performances on both offense and Defense, and his fake pass-real dunk even made it onto Sports Center.
Although his contract was overpriced, no one mentioned it anymore.
The time was approaching 7 PM, and the game was about to begin.
On the bench, the New York Knicks players sat in a row.
Mike D'Antoni, wearing a New York Knicks-colored blue tie, stood quietly on the sidelines.
"Let's go Sixers!"
Amidst the shouts echoing through the Wachovia Center, Lee friendly bumped fists with his opponent.
Noticing Andre Iguodala's serious expression, he stopped near midcourt and greeted him again:
"Don't be nervous, Bro!"
The restless atmosphere weighed heavily on Andre Iguodala, and as soon as he thought about the fans' reaction after a loss, he found himself praying.
The referee was in no mood to cater to this silent leader.
As 7 PM arrived, the basketball was quickly tossed into the air, and Chandler was the first to touch it again, tipping the ball back to his half.
"Boo!!"
"Defense!"
The boos gradually turned into a unified cheer for Defense.
The retreating Andre Iguodala quickly arrived at the top of the arc, while Andre Miller swiftly matched up in front of Raja Bell.
Tayshaun Prince, who had already moved to the right wing, was a bit surprised.
Willie Green was guarding him, and everyone on the court was mismatched.
Seeing the team's leader directly guarding Lee, the shouts grew louder for a moment, and many people stood up, seemingly wanting to inspire Andre Iguodala's fighting spirit in this way.
When the New York Knicks realized the opponent's perimeter switch, they saw Lee wave, and Pau Gasol and Chandler slowed their pace.
Reggie Evans, who was following closely, kept pulling on Pau Gasol, his eyes fixed on the top of the key, ready to help on Defense at any moment.
Raja Bell on the left wing received the instruction, moved his feet away from the three-point line, casually took Lee's pass, completed a crossover exchange at the top of the arc, and then immediately passed it back.
Still some distance from the three-point line, Andre Iguodala maintained his position in front of Lee with simple running.
Seeing Lee receive the ball again near the left sideline, he immediately lowered his center of gravity.
Without any feint, Lee smoothly put the ball down with his left hand, then subtly twisted his body, instantly lowering his center of gravity, ignoring the Defense, and accelerating with all his might.
Facing Lee's "ground-level flight," Andre Iguodala, despite being prepared, still lost more than half a step as he desperately slid backward to the right.
By the time he crossed the three-point line, he had completely lost his defensive position.
"Clay Lee——!"
The sudden burst made Kevin Harlan in the commentary box instinctively shout.
As Lee ignored the retreating Reggie Evans and rose into the air to meet Dalembert in the paint, another loud shout followed:
"Right down the lane and BOOM! Oh my goodness!"
Three players near the rim jumped as well, but Lee was faster.
He held the ball with his right hand and swung it slightly to the side, evading the Defense in an instant, and then slammed the ball into the rim over the big man's head.
The dunk was completed in a blink of an eye.
Looking at the three players landing, the Wachovia Center suddenly fell silent, with only the New York fans who had bought screaming seats cheering happily.
The rim rattled.
Noticing Lee shaking his head and retreating on Defense, Andre Iguodala instinctively widened his eyes.
Was his speed even faster?
Unlike the New York Knicks' bench, who were jumping and wildly waving towels, the 76ers' side was exceptionally quiet.
Louis Williams kept saying "No," as if he had discovered some unbearable truth.
The quiet Wachovia Center quickly erupted again.
The dunk was seen as a provocation, and the shouts grew louder for a moment, making Andre Miller, who had dribbled past half-court, a bit nervous.
Facing Raja Bell, Andre Miller waited for an opportunity to attack directly, but ultimately chose to give his leader a chance to perform.
He stopped his feet and called for a screen-and-cut play.
Two big men set screens for Andre Iguodala near the elbow, who cut horizontally from left to right to receive the ball.
This play is currently named "Lee Cut," and every team uses it now.
When both screens failed to work, Andre Iguodala, who had cut horizontally to the right wing, quickly protected the ball on his right side after receiving it.
The trailing Lee was very agile around the screens and didn't seem to care about the opponent's breakthrough.
He stuck tightly to Andre Iguodala, easily disrupting his offensive rhythm.
Sweeping the ball horizontally in front of him, Andre Iguodala, who was stalled, was pressured and dared not easily put the ball down, which made Coach Maurice Cheeks on the sidelines loudly complain to the referee repeatedly.
"Hey, look at his movements!"
The referee did not heed the complaint.
Lee's hand movements were indeed subtle, but they were quick to retract, which was within the rules.
Seizing the moment Lee slightly turned his body, Andre Iguodala, after a jab step, suddenly put the ball down with his right hand and then forced a breakthrough with accelerated speed.
Before he could make any other move, he felt contact on his side again.
Gritting his teeth and driving hard, his speed began to slow down.
Near the right elbow, his teammate had just squeezed into the paint, and Andre Iguodala was forced to stop the ball there.
After a sudden stop, he initiated contact, trying to push Lee away.
As Andre Iguodala completed a behind-the-back dribble and gathered for a jump shot, the basket in his eyes quickly disappeared, leaving only a palm.
Facing Lee's timely eye-blocking interference, Andre Iguodala, who shot the ball by feel, didn't have time to warn his teammates before the basketball bounced off the rim.
Pau Gasol, with the help of his teammates, secured the rebound.
Many fans sighed, Andre Iguodala seemed to have wasted a good opportunity.
"Shit!"
He cursed under his breath. Unlike guarding a forward, Lee's height and wingspan weren't outstanding, but his physicality was strong.
Andre Iguodala's attempt to overpower him was simply not feasible.
In transition offense, the 76ers quickly completed their defensive matchups.
Pau Gasol noticed Lee had no opportunity to receive the ball and quickly passed it to Tayshaun Prince, who then chased the opponent's backside across half-court.
As soon as the two big men on both sides crossed the three-point line, Pau Gasol and Chandler stopped their feet.
The two stood firm in the elbow area, and Lee on the right wing immediately accelerated horizontally.
It was almost the same play.
Tayshaun Prince's "deal" was interfered with.
When Lee received the ball on the left wing, Andre Iguodala successfully trailed him on Defense, avoiding a big man's switch.
The New York Knicks' play initiated very quickly.
At this point, Raja Bell in the left corner had already run to the opposite side, clearing space on one side.
The moment he received the ball, Lee immediately put it down, driving forcefully while battling Andre Iguodala's Defense.
Andre Iguodala timely slid his feet to provide body contact, and the two tangled as they crossed the three-point line.
Realizing he was about to lose his position again, Andre Iguodala attempted a subtle pull with his left hand while sliding.
However, Lee suddenly stopped abruptly and smoothly completed a between-the-legs dribble.
Due to inertia, Andre Iguodala couldn't stop in time.
By the time he adjusted his center of gravity to attempt a close-out, Lee had already jumped for a shot from the left elbow!
"Swish!" The basketball went through the net without touching the rim.
"The 76ers' defensive strategy is unlikely to work. This isn't a better option. Andre Iguodala doesn't seem ready."
Doug Collins found it hard to empathize with Andre Iguodala's feelings, commenting casually with a smile on his face.
He also enjoyed watching the clash of core players.
When the 76ers attacked again, Willie Green passed the ball to Dalembert in the low post on the right wing.
Dalembert, despite Chandler's interference, turned and missed a layup, drawing boos once again.
It was still Tayshaun Prince receiving the ball, unable to quickly initiate a fast break, but the New York Knicks changed direction and ran the same play again.
Andre Iguodala, who had been watching the offense, put all his effort into it this time, squeezing through the screen in time and vigorously trailing Lee near the three-point line on the right wing.
There wasn't a good opportunity to receive the ball.
As Tayshaun Prince passed the ball to Pau Gasol in the left elbow, Raja Bell had already slipped along the baseline to the left corner.
The horizontally cutting Lee did not stop his feet.
As his opponent caught up on Defense, he immediately rushed towards the basket.
The unprepared Andre Iguodala lost his position again.
Before he could jump, Lee had already taken to the air.
Pau Gasol's seemingly casual pass was precisely tossed to the upper right of the rim.
As Clay Lee twisted his body in the air and grabbed the ball with both hands, the Wachovia Center fell silent once more.
"Boom!"
The rim exploded.
Turning his back, Lee slammed the ball into the rim, briefly suspended, and then landed on the floor with a relaxed expression.
"Beautiful cooperation!"
With 6 consecutive points, Kevin Harlan was also emotional.
After praising the play, he began to encourage the unlucky 76ers.
He had a feeling that Lee might explode tonight:
"The game has just begun. Control the pace of the game, and I believe Andre Iguodala will respond in time."
On the offensive possession, Willie Green initiated a three-man screen-and-roll from the free-throw line, quickly popping out to the top of the arc.
Andre Miller, using Reggie Evans as a screen and feigning a drive, immediately passed the ball back from near the right elbow.
The fluid cooperation did not translate into points.
Under Tayshaun Prince's long-arm interference, the nearly open three-pointer clanked off the rim again.
Seeing Lee collect the long rebound near the left block, the boos in the Wachovia Center grew louder.
Andre Iguodala quickly retreated on Defense, attempting to establish a defensive position at half-court.
Accelerating continuously along the right sideline in transition offense, Lee was incredibly fast.
As his opponent closed in on Defense, he again lengthened his stride, suddenly leading the ball forward and forcing an acceleration.
Watching the basketball pass by him, Andre Iguodala had no idea this would happen, and for a moment, Lee squeezed past him again.
"Oh."
Amidst the fans' gasps, Lee, near the three-point line, regained control of the ball and then smoothly completed a behind-the-back dribble.
The sudden stop allowed Andre Iguodala to barely control his balance.
He instinctively reached for the suspended basketball, and Lee, seizing the opportunity, quickly executed a spin move.
The basketball was directly thrown inside the three-point line.
By the time Lee regained control of the ball, there was no one guarding his side.
Ignoring the retreating big men, he again charged directly to the basket.
Dalembert, who had just returned near the paint, had no time to adjust and immediately jumped, attempting to block.
However, after a step-through, Lee collided into him, causing a dull ache in his chest, and then his body began to lean backward in the air.
Ultimately, the big man completely lost his balance and fell to the floor.
Clay Lee, having bowled over the Defense, held the ball with one hand and tossed it off the backboard just before landing!
"Squeak!"
The whistle blew, followed by a "thud" as the basketball banked in.
The referee pointed to the free-throw line, and Coach Maurice Cheeks on the sidelines immediately threw his hands up in anger, shouting at the opponent:
"Foul!"
Dalembert, who had crashed into the back of the basketball stanchion, stared blankly at the rim.
Some bad memories began to resurface.
Tonight's opponent seemed even more excited.
"Referee suck!"
Swearing at the referee so early in the game, the shouts grew louder as Lee stepped to the free-throw line.
After he made the free throw, seeing his old opponent flex his biceps, some Philadelphia fans completely lost it.
Cursing, cheering, and laughter filled the Wachovia Center.
The New York fans who had come to watch the show were ecstatic, constantly provoking from behind, stimulating a barrage of "fucks" all around.
The 76ers players were clearly affected by the atmosphere.
Andre Iguodala called for the ball early, attempting to initiate a pick-and-roll, but Lee squeezed through in time, again forcing him to slow down.
Crashing into Pau Gasol's arms, suddenly caught in a double-team, Andre Iguodala attempted a bounce pass.
His overly obvious passing intention was read by Lee, and the basketball was swatted away.
After losing the ball, a dazed Andre Iguodala instinctively dove forward, ending up lying on the floor, while the basketball was poked away by Lee.
"Boo!"
Boos echoed throughout the Wachovia Center as Lee snatched the rolling basketball off the floor, with Willie Green hot on his heels.
As he reached the top of the arc, Willie Green intended to foul immediately, but Lee pushed the ball, changed direction early, accelerated a second time, and easily eluded his Defense.
Willie Green barely managed to turn around and tried to chase back, but Lee, who had already sprinted into the paint, was airborne, grabbing the ball with his right hand and slamming it down with a powerful dunk, completely unopposed!
11:0. After completing the dunk, Clay Lee stood near the baseline, smiling, and cupped his left hand to his ear, making a listening gesture, which caused some front-row fans to break down.
So many years had passed, and the familiar scene reappeared before their eyes, completely unchanged.
Coach Maurice Cheeks called an early timeout, venting his frustration and shouting at his players.
At this moment, the New York Knicks hype squad had already rushed onto the court, with JR Smith jumping and skipping, coming forward to high-five:
"God has descended upon Philadelphia tonight!"
"..."
A host of sycophants came forward to high-five and celebrate with Lee, and Gadzuric even clenched his fist towards the New York fans, everyone's face beaming with happy smiles.
Andre Iguodala didn't hear a word Coach DAntoni was saying, staring at the tactical board while gasping for air, the angry shouts of the fans ringing in his ears.
He seemed to hear someone calling his name.
The referee began to signal the 76ers players to return to the court quickly, and Coach Maurice Cheeks grabbed his core player one last time, sternly instructing him:
"Be tougher, Andre! Don't hesitate anymore!"
Andre Iguodala, his mind blank, instinctively nodded.
When the 76ers inbounded the ball, the core player, receiving the ball again, looked at Lee in front of him and instinctively called for a pick-and-roll.
Dalembert, knowing his teammate's habits, gave him the strong side hand-off, and Chandler, seeing Lee being delayed, immediately slid over.
Andre Iguodala, holding the ball in his right hand and performing a float dribble, intended to accelerate and directly break through the big man's Defense, preparing to lower his center of gravity, when he suddenly lost control of the ball again.
Clay Lee, having squeezed through the screen, poked the ball from behind, and Andre Iguodala watched helplessly as Raja Bell picked up the ball on the right wing, and then it flew towards half-court.
"Oh my God! Clay Lee has completed another steal, the 76ers' timeout has completely failed!"
Kevin Harlan watched Lee successfully chase the ball across half-court and could only sigh.
The long-distance gliding dunk ended this fast break, and Doug Collins couldn't help but praise:
"13 points! Clay Lee has accounted for all of the team's scoring so far! He looks incredibly motivated tonight!"
Returning to half-court, Lee once again enjoyed the boos, squeezing in front of Andre Iguodala and smilingly teasing the new core player:
"Your left hand seems to have disappeared. I don't like the moniker AI2. You should consider changing it!"
"..."
The angry Philadelphia fans began to blast their new core player, the frenzied atmosphere in the arena making Andre Iguodala even more agitated.
He didn't respond but demanded the ball again.
After a pick-and-roll, he was double-teamed again.
Andre Iguodala barely managed to send a bounce pass from the left elbow.
Reggie Evans caught the ball, adjusted, and drove to the basket but missed.
Dalembert grabbed the offensive rebound and tipped the ball in.
13:2. The 76ers finally broke their scoring drought, and Coach Maurice Cheeks, having calmed down, began to call for double-teams.
Willie Green followed the coach's instructions, double-teaming with a teammate before Lee even reached the arc.
When Lee passed the ball, a considerable cheer erupted in the Wachovia Center.
On the left wing, near the baseline, Tayshaun Prince caught the ball.
Facing Reggie Evans who rotated to help defend, he faked a shot with the ball raised.
Seeing the opponent stop and symbolically raise his hand, he simply jumped up and shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
Watching Tayshaun Prince calmly retreat on Defense, the Wachovia Center gradually quieted down again.
Andre Iguodala went invisible again on the offensive possession, watching his teammate post up on the right block, eventually missing a turnaround jumper, and reluctantly retreating on Defense again.
Andre Miller shook his head in frustration.
This should have been an excellent scoring opportunity, but now he could only watch the opponent initiate a fast break.
Pau Gasol received a pass from Lee with his back to the basket on the left block, extended his arm, feigning a hand-off, and Andre Iguodala quickly followed, running into the paint to strictly guard against a cut.
Reggie Evans also instinctively glanced over.
When he came to his senses, Pau Gasol had already faced up and shot a jumper.
His symbolic reach had no effect whatsoever, and the basketball again swished through the net.
18:2. The New York Knicks hadn't missed a shot since the opening, and the entire 76ers bench was silent.
The game continued.
Andre Iguodala, with the ball, found it difficult to break through Clay Lee one-on-one, and encountering strong delays after pick-and-rolls always stalled the offense.
With the core player silenced, others had to step up on offense, and everyone began to take turns trying.
Dalembert encountered help Defense in the right low post, couldn't find a teammate, and shot hastily, the ball bouncing off the rim.
The big man was still diligently retreating on Defense.
In the transition offense, Lee drew two defenders, forced a breakthrough down the middle, and with a true pass, passed the ball behind his back with his left hand in mid-air to Raja Bell in the right corner.
As the open three-pointer went in again, Coach Maurice Cheeks on the sideline was numb.
Willie Green used a teammate's screen to pop out to the right elbow, caught the ball, and shot a jumper to stop the bleeding for his team.
On the next possession, Andre Iguodala was out of position after a pick-and-roll, and Dalembert watched as Lee connected with Chandler.
After cutting down and receiving the ball, Chandler slammed it down with a powerful dunk, pulling hard on the rim, then pounded his chest and roared after landing.
For a moment, the cheers of the New York fans drowned out the opponents'.
The 76ers' double-teaming began to break down their Defense.
Tayshaun Prince was in excellent form, hitting consecutive step-back jumpers from both the left and right blocks against rotating big men for two straight possessions.
Andre Miller and Willie Green would respond on individual possessions, but most of the time, they were just clanking shots.
Coach Maurice Cheeks' mid-quarter timeout had no effect either.
The New York Knicks played faster and faster, and the game completely entered New York's favorite rhythm.
Towards the end of the first quarter, the Philadelphia fans had quieted down.
The invisible Andre Iguodala attempted a UCLA cut, and Joakim Noah, who had come off the bench, delivered a timely pass.
Almost simultaneously, jumping from below the left side of the basket, Andre Iguodala, full of strength, grabbed the ball with his left hand, pulled his arm back, and his powerful dunk was again intercepted by Lee.
"Oh!"
After a brief aerial contest, Lee finally exerted force with his right arm, and amidst the fans' exclamations, he directly snatched the ball away.
Andre Iguodala, losing his balance, practically slammed horizontally onto the floor after landing.
Amidst cheers, the New York Knicks launched another fast break.
Ignoring the pain in his body, Andre Iguodala got up and diligently chased back on Defense.
Clay Lee considerately slowed his pace.
As he approached the right wing, Andre Iguodala had already guarded him.
Gadzuric, who had come off the bench, saw Lee wave and decided to compete with the Rookie, preparing to crash the offensive glass.
Both players stopped, and Andre Iguodala also began to lower his center of gravity.
Suddenly increasing the force of his dribble, Lee performed a jump-step dribble, the ball briefly suspended in his hand, then he suddenly gathered the ball and, facing Andre Iguodala's Defense, forcefully shot a jumper from beyond the three-point line!
"OH—! Clay Lee with a three-point bomb!"
The basketball swished through the net, and facing up and shooting over his opponent made Kevin Harlan even more excited.
Every time Andre Iguodala attacked, Lee would respond, which made even a blowout game exciting.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
The New York fans in the screaming seats again shouted at the top of their lungs.
Lee's dedication did not disappoint those who came to support them on the road.
Pointing his finger like a gun, Lee paced back on Defense along the right sideline, smiling at the fans on the sidelines.
No one was jeering.
Everyone seemed to be quietly waiting for the first quarter to end.
Andre Iguodala, running towards half-court, was completely bewildered.
After continuous passing in the offensive possession, the ball eventually returned to his hands.
With less than 24 seconds on the shot clock, he forcefully shot a jumper from the right wing, and the ball again bounced off the rim.
Watching Lee pick up the long rebound and leisurely dribble up the left sideline, Andre Iguodala finally broke down.
He felt humiliated and, in a fit of anger, immediately stepped up to guard him closely.
"Boo!"
The Philadelphia fans booed, but Lee was unaffected.
After crossing half-court, he simply turned his body to protect the ball.
Noticing no double-team, he suddenly pounded the ball hard, rocked his shoulder backward, and then abruptly lunged forward to accelerate.
The sudden burst caused Andre Iguodala to lose more than half a step again.
He watched Lee approach the three-point line, stop abruptly, and step back.
In a moment of impulse, he lunged directly from the side-rear.
The sideline referee immediately blew his whistle.
As Andre Iguodala fell to the floor, the basketball had already swished through the net.
On the 76ers bench, Louis Williams covered his face with both hands, a nightmare relived.
Watching Lee being pulled up by everyone, Andre Iguodala remained seated on the floor for a long time.
Joakim Noah's shouts brought him back to his senses, and after standing up, he dejectedly leaned on his knees.
"How about Philadelphia Mamba?"
Lee, walking towards the free-throw line, again teased his opponent.
Without looking at Andre Iguodala's reaction, he stood on the free-throw line with a chuckle.
The free throw went in, and the lead grew larger and larger.
Andre Iguodala was completely numb, going invisible again for the remaining minute.
When the first quarter ended, he walked quickly to the bench with his head down.
41:16. A huge boo suddenly erupted in the Wachovia Center.
The Philadelphia fans present found it difficult to accept such a result, and the game ended early.
Playing the entire first quarter, 9-for-9 from the field, 2-for-2 from three-point range, 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, 22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block.
Clay Lee filled the stat sheet, comfortably beating the 76ers.
Before the start of the second quarter, the visiting Head Coach had to be interviewed.
Mike D'Antoni was beaming with joy, lavishing praise in front of reporters:
"Lee always delivers in crucial games! I never worry about his form. Tonight, our strategy was just to give him the ball!"
"..."
The 12-year losing streak was highly likely to happen.
Andre Iguodala, sitting on the bench with a towel over his head, felt incredibly frustrated just thinking about it:
"Damn fucking Mamba!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)