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***
On April 25, 2003, the NBA announced this season's Best Executive:
Joe Dumars of the Detroit Pistons won the award.
This famous player acquired Hamilton from the Washington Wizards and signed Chauncey Billups, leading his team to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, so the award was well-deserved.
Currently, the Detroit Pistons are leading the Celtics 2-1 in their first-round series.
The games haven't been particularly visually appealing, but for Detroit Pistons fans, winning is what matters most.
On the evening of the 25th, there was also Game 3 between the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks.
This game was crucial, as the Orlando Magic, back on their home court, had to win.
If their opponent secured a series point, the series would essentially be over.
This year, the first round of the playoffs became a best-of-seven series.
Although Tracy McGrady lost Game 2 by a large margin, he regained his confidence upon returning home.
In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Tracy McGrady repeatedly emphasized:
"Series always start with an away win. Now, all we have to do is protect our home court!"
"Head Coach Rivers is right, we won't give up, even if everyone is counting us out."
This metropolitan newspaper, published daily, has been constantly cheering for the home team these past two days, and Tracy McGrady's words were repeatedly quoted.
However, there were also 'traitors' in Orlando.
A sports reporter on the WQTM sports radio station stated during a program:
"Perhaps winning just one game would be a victory for us!"
"."
Having lost two consecutive games by 20+ points, coupled with the huge disparity in records, it was not surprising for some to "surrender" prematurely.
Tonight's game was broadcast by TNT.
During the pre-game warm-up, in the studio, the trio once again compared players, a rehash of an old segment.
ESPN's data expert, Hollinger, recently praised Tracy McGrady's regular season statistics in his column, even considering him the "second best" after Clay Lee.
This praise naturally sparked dissatisfaction among many players, but the Excel sheet was there: Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, and Jason Kidd's efficiency ratings were all lower than Tracy McGrady's.
Among All-Star guards, when it came to statistics, McGrady was indeed the closest to Lee this season.
In Game 2, Tracy McGrady played 45 minutes, shooting 12 of 27 from the field, 3 of 8 from beyond the arc, and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line, tallying 35 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 5 turnovers.
During the program, after a comparison of statistics, Charles Barkley, as if suffering from amnesia, earnestly suggested to the camera:
"Head Coach Rivers should have Tracy McGrady run more pick-and-rolls, instead of trying to score one-on-one in the second half."
"Ron Artest didn't win DPOY, but he is indeed an excellent perimeter defender."
"He has quick lateral movement, is very strong, and excels at physical confrontation!"
"Although his stats in Game 2 were impressive, to carry the Orlando Magic's offense, Tracy McGrady needs to be more efficient."
Unexpectedly, his partner analyzed the situation and offered such advice.
Kenny Smith, with a "Are you serious?" expression, teased this viewpoint:
"If I'm not mistaken, Chuck, you said that superstars should put away those damn pick-and-rolls. Did I remember wrong?"
Ernie Johnson chuckled beside him and quickly joined in the teasing:
"Kenny is right, why not stick to your opinion? Pick-and-roll? Does Tracy McGrady really need such an offensive method?"
Charles Barkley didn't mind his partners' teasing.
Instead, he said self-righteously:
"Hey! They're about to be eliminated. Losing Game 3 means being eliminated. If it can make the team win, Tracy McGrady should accept such an offensive method."
"Clay Lee can handle any guard one-on-one, so every team double-teams him. But Tracy McGrady can't score efficiently against Ron Artest, so he has to play smarter!"
"I don't want to see his jump shots after a jab step anymore, nor do I want to see him drive into a crowd against the Defense and get blocked. These offensive choices are too foolish."
Kenny Smith burst into another fit of laughter, then simply said to the camera:
"In other words, your advice is for Tracy McGrady to play like Clay Lee!"
Charles Barkley, in a rare "delicious" state, did not object and even chuckled as he suggested:
"Tracy, go run pick-and-rolls! Your one-on-one play can't win games!"
The New York Knicks had flown to Oakland early, leaving little adjustment time for both teams.
Although basketball commentators always offer various suggestions, players' playing habits and teams' tactical styles cannot be changed in a day or two.
On the evening of the 25th, at Waterhouse Center, Orlando Magic fans also arrived early.
Tonight, Tracy McGrady also put on his "guard."
He wore a white Orlando Magic jersey, a "blue stocking" on his left calf, paired with white Adidas sneakers.
During warm-ups, fans holding white boards began cheering for this "handsome" All-Star.
As the saying goes, "to look pretty, dress in white."
Currently, Tracy McGrady had a "pretty boy" feel about him.
Ron Artest always disliked such flashy outfits.
He also wanted to dress like that to attract attention, but his playing style and attire didn't match, and he had even given up on his 'posing' headband.
On the New York Knicks side, Jackson and Barnes began to "hype up" Ron Artest again, while the atmosphere group hoped the opponent would rotate early so they could get more stats.
Pau Gasol had recently grown a beard, a suggestion from Ewing.
During the warm-up phase of each game, Gorilla would remind this Rookie to play tougher.
The reason for suggesting a beard was mainly because Pau Gasol had a "baby face" and didn't look intimidating defensively.
He didn't have any tough guy attribute bonuses!
As fans entered, the TD Waterhouse Centre's atmosphere grew livelier.
Clay Lee was currently greeting Ivanka and Georgina Bloomberg, two young women who had come to watch the game.
(Pic of Georgina)
At Madison Square Garden, even when watching games live, they usually chose to sit in a private box.
Coming here, they were a bit more uninhibited.
Ivanka, who had been "cut off" for a while, had been much more well-behaved recently, sitting in the front row and frolicking with the young woman beside her.
Both were dressed in jeans and white T-shirts.
Georgina also knew that the New York Knicks would most likely win, and at this moment, she smiled and joked to Lee:
"Clay, will you host a party at Peninsula Manor this offseason? Ivanka and I have been there once, that beach is really beautiful!"
Ivanka glanced at her friend beside her, then sweetly said:
"How about coming to stay with us for a few days? Don't you really like Lee's physique?"
Lee hadn't spoken yet, when the two giggled again, losing all their usual socialite demeanor without their "strict father's" supervision.
"As long as Mr. Bloomberg allows you to stay out overnight, you can stay with me indefinitely. There will be different parties every day!"
Looking at Lee, who had extended the invitation, Georgina glanced at her friend again, then tilted her head and teasingly said:
"I'm just afraid someone won't welcome me!"
Wearing a New York Knicks training uniform, Lee began to greet familiar friends.
This behavior quickly drew loud boos from the fans present.
Before the game started, at the TNT commentary desk, invited Mike Fratello was currently "strategizing on paper":
"I believe Head Coach Rivers will make adjustments. Not just Tracy McGrady, but activating Houston and Armstrong is equally important."
"They need to play with more energy. Armstrong should play the veteran role and actively handle some of the ball-handling duties."
"It's proven that the New York Knicks can slow down. They can easily find mismatch opportunities in half-court sets."
"Instead of focusing on Defense, it's better to completely unleash their offense. Tonight is the Orlando Magic's home game, and everyone on the team needs to play aggressively!"
Watching his partner speak eloquently, Marv Albert did not refute but followed the topic, saying:
"Head Coach Rivers has indeed made a lineup change. Armstrong has entered the starting lineup, and perhaps Pat Garrity will also get more opportunities tonight."
"Unfortunately, Shawn Kemp's playing time won't be much in this series, though many fans hope to see him play."
Before the game began, the head coaches of both teams displayed completely different states.
Rivers was very nervous, still holding his clipboard and loudly giving instructions until the players walked to the center of the court to prepare for tip-off.
Mike D'Antoni remained very relaxed, sitting early on the bench with a smile, leaning back tactically, while his assistant coaches repeatedly instructed the players.
The head coaches of the two teams also represented their teams' mentalities.
Fortunately, after the game began, the Orlando Magic, back on their home court, finally had a breakthrough.
Drew Gooden, who had nearly broken the rim in the previous two games, exploded, consistently making mid-range jump shots in the first half.
Seeing his teammates' excellent touch, Tracy McGrady wasn't stingy with passes.
When double-teamed, he didn't force an attack but instead continuously created opportunities for his teammates.
Before the end of the first half, Tracy McGrady, once again double-teamed in the left restricted area, passed the ball to Drew Gooden at the free-throw line.
The latter, upon receiving the ball, didn't choose to jump shoot but instead drove straight to the basket!
Amidst the cheers of Orlando Magic fans, Drew Gooden encountered a fierce block from Pau Gasol, who was providing help Defense.
The two collided, and Drew Gooden casually tossed the ball towards the rim.
His shot went over Pau Gasol's fingertips and, after bouncing twice, finally dropped into the basket.
"Wow!"
Cheers echoed through the TD Waterhouse Centre.
Drew Gooden stood directly up from the floor, wildly pumping his fists at the audience, roaring loudly again and again.
In his excitement, he even threw off his headband.
Tracy McGrady and Houston also went forward to celebrate with himâthey had a chance to win tonight!
From the commentary booth, Mike Fratello couldn't help but exclaim in praise:
"What an excellent performance! The Orlando Magic, facing elimination, have finally erupted!"
Amidst the fans' cheers, Drew Gooden stood at the free-throw line, taking deep breaths, and calmly sank the extra free throw.
At the end of the first half, Head Coach Rivers was so excited he repeatedly pumped his fists, continuously hugging his players:
"Perfect performance!"
53:58, the Orlando Magic led by 5 points.
Marv Albert glanced at the technical statistics and also praised:
"The Orlando Magic have played the way fans expected. All three starters have shown excellent form!"
Drew Gooden was 6-of-8 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line in the first half, scoring 15 points.
Allan Houston was 4-of-8 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, scoring 11 points.
Tracy McGrady was 5-of-9 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, scoring 14 points, and also dished out 4 assists with only 1 turnover.
Among the role players, Armstrong also erupted, contributing 8 points in the first half.
Every player who stepped onto the court contributed, making the Orlando Magic a complete team.
Ron Artest walked to the tunnel with a long face, having picked up 3 fouls early in the first half.
Every time he played on the road, he would encounter foul trouble.
Although they were trailing, Clay Lee automatically disregarded this deficit.
The officiating indeed affects the game.
Affected by fouls, the New York Knicks entered their rotation early tonight, and the players' energy consumption was not significant.
On the other side, Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic only rested for 1 minute in the first half, playing with a 7-man rotation, already desperate.
At Waterhouse Center, Orlando Magic fans were particularly happy.
Many fans didn't have too many extravagant hopes, being able to win at home was enough for them.
After the second half began, Drew Gooden was the first to slump.
Just like in Game 2, his shooting suddenly went cold, and his strong drives to the basket and free throws also missed.
For a moment, the fans on site continuously gasped, but fortunately, Houston stepped up at this time.
His shooting touch tonight was excellent, and several contested shots all went in.
With 2 minutes and 08 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, Ron Artest picked up his 4th personal foul.
The New York Knicks' foul control was still good, having just entered the bonus situation.
Tracy McGrady's performance in the 3rd quarter remained excellent.
Seeing Ron Artest leave the court, he continuously waved to the fans, signaling for the atmosphere to get even more enthusiastic.
"Oh!!"
Amidst the jeers of Orlando Magic fans, Coach D'Antoni began to rotate his lineup.
Jackson and Tayshaun Prince entered the game, and Grant Hill also went to rest.
Amar'e Stoudemire looked at the Head Coach with longing, but unfortunately, at this time, the coaching staff didn't trust the Rookie, and the team still needed to maintain Defense intensity.
Tonight, Jackson ate up a lot of Ron Artest's playing time.
Although they were still trailing, Jackson, who entered the game, chuckled to himselfâperforming well in an uphill battle makes it easier to gain the coach's trust.
80:83, the Orlando Magic still led by 3 points.
Taking advantage of the opponent's inbound pass, Clay Lee also loudly reminded the two players who had just entered the game:
"Switch on screens!"
After the inbound pass, Tracy McGrady immediately came to the top of the arc to receive the ball, then moved to the left wing, and Drew Gooden quickly stepped up to set a screen.
Tayshaun Prince, with his height and long arms, was a bit less agile.
Although he couldn't squeeze through the screen in time, he still affected Tracy McGrady's dribbling rhythm.
Facing Kurt Thomas, who switched onto him, Tracy McGrady accelerated in a straight line, but compared to the first half, his speed was a bit slower.
Forcing his way to the basket, he still couldn't shake off the Defense.
Pau Gasol had already come over to help on Defense in the paint.
Surrounded by two defenders, Tracy McGrady faked a shot and passed through the gap to DeClercq under the basket to the right.
The pass quality wasn't high, and the big man DeClercq had to bend down to receive the ball.
By the time he straightened up to attempt a layup, Pau Gasol had already turned around and jumped up to interfere.
DeClercq directly collided with Pau Gasol, simultaneously tossing the ball towards the rim.
Drew Gooden also rushed to the basket at this moment, fiercely fighting for the ball while being pulled by Tayshaun Prince.
Kurt Thomas tipped the basketball but couldn't secure the rebound, and Tracy McGrady poked the ball away again.
In the crowd, Pau Gasol also tipped the rebound, but unexpectedly, DeClercq behind him roared, snatching the rebound from behind his head.
Despite the paint being full of people, everyone squeezed together, but the hyped-up big man still held the ball up and forced a layup.
Before the basketball left his hand, DeClercq felt his vision go black as Clay Lee, who had rushed into the paint, leaped high for an axe-style block!
"Slap!"
The basketball was slapped against the backboard and then flew directly out of the crowd.
DeClercq lost his balance and immediately fell.
The big man fell into the crowd, incidentally knocking Tracy McGrady to the ground as well, causing Orlando Magic fans to gasp in surprise.
After landing, Lee pushed Armstrong away, poked the ball away, then scooped it up with his right hand, accelerating at full speed across half-court.
Houston, seeing his teammate completely shaken off, quickly accelerated to chase and defend alongside Lee.
Jackson, sprinting along the left sideline, had already begun to slow down, adjusting his stride while spreading his hands, ready to receive the ball at any moment.
Dribbling with his right hand and charging forward at full speed, Lee noticed Houston chasing him.
In motion, he smoothly executed a behind-the-back pass.
As his old teammate just caught up alongside him, the basketball had already flown into Jackson's hands on the left wing.
It wasn't a reasonable offensive choice, but Jackson, who had just entered the game, made no adjustments after receiving the ball and simply shot it!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
"Yee!"
Having hit the tying shot, Jackson pumped his fist and yelled, quickly being booed loudly by Orlando Magic fans.
As the 3rd quarter was about to end, Tracy McGrady, pulled up by his teammates, couldn't help but feel a bit anxious seeing the score tied.
Tayshaun Prince then closed in again, still not giving his opponent an easy chance to receive the ball.
Armstrong had performed well in the first half, but his shooting percentage also began to decline in the latter half of the 3rd quarter.
The veteran was visibly tired.
On the offensive possession, the Orlando Magic ran another simple zipper screen.
Tracy McGrady cut out from the middle, received the ball at the top of the arc, but couldn't shake off Tayshaun Prince's chase Defense.
Drew Gooden originally wanted to step up for a screen, but seeing his teammate wave him off, he stopped near the left elbow.
After several consecutive possessions of driving and dishing without scoring, Tracy McGrady, whose stamina was declining, decided to solve the problem with his individual ability.
Moving to the right wing, he dribbled continuously between his legs in place.
Noticing Tayshaun Prince remained unmoved, when he switched to his left hand again, McGrady directly accelerated.
He still couldn't shake off the Defense.
Tayshaun Prince slid his feet while providing body contact, and as he approached the paint, he naturally reached down to interfere.
With his dribbling rhythm disrupted, Tracy McGrady originally wanted to quickly perform an In and out, then stop and accelerate again.
However, the moment he raised his center of gravity, the basketball was poked away by Tayshaun Prince.
The two immediately collided in the restricted area.
Tayshaun Prince seized the opportunity to fiercely strip the ball, and Tracy McGrady, who almost lost the ball, tried to protect it while his legs went soft, and he once again fell to the floor.
"Screech!"
Tayshaun Prince, who had completed the steal, wanted to grab the ball and run, but the referee blew his whistle again, signaling two free throws for Tracy McGrady.
Ron Artest on the bench was even more agitated than Tayshaun Prince.
He immediately stood up and wanted to yell at the referee, but was eventually held back down by Ewing.
Coach D'Antoni, with a grim face, complained loudly to the referee:
"I'm sure he fell by himself! My player didn't foul! I hope this is the last time such a call occurs!"
The sideline referee casually explained that if they didn't blow the whistle, the Orlando Magic wouldn't be able to hold on.
Head Coach Rivers also saw that his starters' stamina was declining, but he still didn't plan to make substitutions, instead continuously yelling from the sideline:
"Hold on! Let's go!"
Even with the Head Coach's continuous high-fives of encouragement, Tracy McGrady still missed both free throws.
Pau Gasol secured the rebound, and Tracy McGrady, retreating on Defense, waved his hand in frustration.
The gritty Orlando Magic continued to aggressively double-team Lee.
This full-court double-team Defense strategy had been maintained for three quarters.
Jackson received the pass on the right wing, and Tracy McGrady immediately rotated to help on Defense.
Tayshaun Prince in the right corner was left open and now actively cut to the basket.
Receiving a bounce pass from his teammate, Tayshaun Prince smoothly dished the ball to Pau Gasol, who was cutting into the paint.
DeClercq and Drew Gooden moved simultaneously, both blocking Pau Gasol as he attempted a strong poster dunk over the Defense.
The basketball ultimately hit the back rim, bouncing high with a thud, followed by a fierce scramble for the ball under the basket.
First, Pau Gasol tipped the rebound, then Kurt Thomas grabbed the offensive rebound, and attempted a layup against the Defense, but the referee didn't call the foul despite the contact, and the ball bounced off the rim again.
Pau Gasol seized the opportunity and exploded upwards again, his excellent height and wingspan playing their part, as he managed to grab another offensive rebound between two players and then forcefully put it back in!
"And one!"
The ball banked in, and Pau Gasol let out a loud shout.
This time, the referee finally blew his whistle, as DeClercq had fouled him by hanging onto him.
Pau Gasol, pumping his fist and roaring, high-fived his teammates in celebration, looking exceptionally excited, while on the bench, Ewing also stood up and clapped in approval.
Seeing Gorilla smiling and stroking his chin, indicating his idea had worked, Clay Lee also gave him a thumbs-up.
Amidst the boos from the Orlando Magic fans, Pau Gasol calmly made the free throw.
86:83. In the final few possessions, both sides missed shots, and after three quarters, the New York Knicks successfully took the lead.
Clay Lee, walking towards the bench, patted his teammates in encouragement.
Playing with a man advantage can sometimes be a skill, and tonight, everyone performed exceptionally well, fully utilizing the New York Knicks' strengths.
Their three-point shooting was off, so they tried to get the ball inside as much as possible, and Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas completely dominated the opposing big men in the second half.
On the Orlando Magic bench, Tracy McGrady and Houston were both breathing heavily.
They had performed efficiently in the 3rd quarter, combining for 19 points.
Tracy McGrady, facing constant double-teaming, looked at Head Coach Rivers and waved his hand vigorously:
"I don't need a rest, we have to win this game!"
Head Coach Rivers also had no intention of making substitutions.
If they lost tonight, the series would be over.
He looked around at his players, threw the clipboard aside, and said loudly:
"I know every one of you wants to win, but you can't do it alone. Go play Defense, go fight for the ball!"
"Come on! Only you can save the team!"
"Let's go! We have no retreat!"
Staring wide-eyed, Head Coach Rivers roared these words, clapping his hands continuously to encourage them, which further energized everyone on the bench, making them nod repeatedly.
On the other side, Mike D'Antoni was quite calm, simply taking out his pre-prepared clipboard and carefully instructing:
"3 minutes! We only run pick-and-rolls, the opponent won't make substitutions, they're tired!"
"We need continuous pick-and-rolls to make the game simpler. If an opportunity arises, take the jump shot! If the big man gets the ball under the basket, attack the rim!"
Still rotating methodically, the coaching staff regained confidence after retaking the lead.
The Waterhouse Center grew increasingly noisy, as the Orlando Magic fans naturally noticed their home team's shooting percentage dropping.
After the 4th quarter began, as Tracy McGrady missed a jump shot from the elbow, missed a free throw, and Armstrong missed a three-pointer, the fans' gasps of surprise constantly echoed.
Shawn Kemp, who came off the bench, had his layup blocked by Amar'e Stoudemire, and Clay Lee also started waving his towel vigorously on the sidelines and shouting in approval!
With 9 minutes and 14 seconds left in the game, neither team had scored.
This time, on the Orlando Magic's possession, Tracy McGrady again drew a foul on Tayshaun Prince, earning two free throws.
Mike D'Antoni first complained to the referee for a bit, then took the opportunity to immediately put his starting lineup back in.
The first free throw bounced off the rim, and a sigh erupted in the TD Waterhouse Centre.
Fortunately, Tracy McGrady finally made the second free throw, and Head Coach Rivers on the sidelines clapped excitedly.
86:84, the Orlando Magic narrowed the deficit.
Houston loudly directed his teammates to defend their matchups, and when Clay Lee brought the ball past half-court, he again stepped up for an early double-team.
Pau Gasol, who had stopped early at the elbow, was prepared and stepped up to receive the pass immediately.
When he received the pass, Tracy McGrady was defending two players in the right elbow area.
Grant Hill immediately cut to the basket off-ball from the right wing.
Tracy McGrady quickly came over to help on Defense, and Pau Gasol immediately swung the ball to the right corner.
Undefended, Ron Artest caught the ball, aimed, adjusted, and calmly shot a jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly!
Houston's defensive rotation speed had clearly dropped significantly, and at this point, he could only raise his hand to indicate it was his fault.
89:84, the lead was extended again.
Tracy McGrady, who had missed several shots in a row, again demanded the ball with his back to the basket in the left block.
Ron Artest didn't dare to make too aggressive defensive moves, playing a half-front Defense, forcing Tracy McGrady to receive the ball away from the basket.
One step beyond the left three-point line, Tracy McGrady received the pass, quickly faked a step forward to the right, and then, without giving Ron Artest much time to react, pulled his foot back, raised the ball, and shot!
"Swish!" A long two-pointer was the response.
89:86, the Orlando Magic continued to keep the score close.
"Defense!."
With the core player responding, the fans began to cheer loudly again.
Continuing the double-team strategy from the previous possession, the difference was that Clay Lee immediately passed the ball to the undefended Grant Hill on the right wing.
After receiving the ball, Grant Hill first faked a pass towards the baseline, a pump fake that made McGrady instinctively shuffle towards the corner.
With a defensive lapse, Grant Hill put the ball down with his left hand, immediately accelerated, and cut into the basket from the 45-degree angle.
DeClercq originally wanted to help defend the basket, but Grant Hill was incredibly fast.
He arrived in the paint, jumped off both feet, and soared into the air.
Over the big man who hadn't had time to react defensively, he slammed the ball down with a one-handed dunk!
"Boom!"
The rim roared, and after successfully breaking through for a powerful dunk, Grant Hill landed and pounded his chest towards the camera under the basket, again drawing a chorus of boos.
91:86, the New York Knicks scoring so simply and forcefully also made Head Coach Rivers' eyes widen.
On the Orlando Magic's possession, Houston's back-to-the-basket isolation on the right block, turning towards the baseline for a fadeaway jump shot over Grant Hill, missed.
Drew Gooden under the basket had also lost his previous energy, being tightly boxed out by Kurt Thomas, allowing Pau Gasol to easily grab the rebound.
Not opting for an immediate delay, the Orlando Magic players desperately retreated on Defense.
Clay Lee, who received the ball, suddenly sped up, chasing the opponent across half-court.
Lee approached the right wing.
Armstrong originally wanted to continue calling for a double-team, but at this point, the Orlando Magic players were still trying to find their defensive matchups.
Seizing the opportunity, Lee, with the ball in his right hand, approached the Defense and quickly dribbled between his legs, lowering his center of gravity while swaying his body to the front-left.
Armstrong instinctively reacted defensively by quickly sliding to the right.
When he tried to bend down to steal the ball again, Lee quickly changed direction with a front crossover.
Armstrong only felt the basketball disappear in front of him.
He stood rooted to the spot, turning his head to watch Lee scoop up the ball with his right hand, take one step, and then pull up for a jump shot from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
94:86, seeing the lead about to reach double digits again, Head Coach Rivers roared in frustration.
The Orlando Magic's next possession was very patient, with continuous pick-and-rolls, trying to find the best opportunity.
With 24 seconds nearing, Armstrong drew a shooting foul on Kurt Thomas, who had switched onto him, and made both free throws to help his team narrow the deficit.
The veteran still played his part.
Drew Gooden was completely lost at this point, only knowing how to mindlessly set screens.
Another fast break.
After Lee rushed past half-court, he was again double-teamed early by Houston.
McGrady rotated defensively early, but he didn't expect Lee to jump early and toss the ball.
The basketball flew directly from the top of the arc to the right corner.
From the same spot, Ron Artest missed a jump shot.
The rebound bounced out and was picked up by Pau Gasol, who was squeezed into the right block.
At this point, the Orlando Magic's rebound prediction was problematic.
Houston and McGrady both collapsed towards the basket, with only Armstrong remaining in front of Lee.
After controlling the rebound, Pau Gasol immediately backed down DeClercq.
Seeing Lee suddenly accelerate and run to the left wing, shaking off his Defense, he smoothly swung the ball.
On the left wing, near the sideline, Lee faked a shot after receiving the ball.
Armstrong, who was chasing on Defense, jumped to block, and flew out of bounds.
Lee stayed put, readjusted, and then shot another jump shot from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" Another three-pointer went in!
97:88, the Orlando Magic fans fell silent, and Head Coach Rivers quickly called a timeout.
"Yee!"
Ron Artest jumped and shouted from the other side, chest-bumping Clay Lee in celebration, and then high-fived the other players on the court.
Tracy McGrady's mind was reeling at this point.
He just felt that the New York Knicks were scoring too quickly, and a sense of frustration began to well up inside him.
Most of the Orlando Magic's timeouts were used to set up isolation plays for their star players.
After the inbound pass this time, Armstrong received the ball at the top of the arc, and the Orlando Magic's two big men set extremely high-quality screens.
Tracy McGrady quickly slipped along the baseline from right to left, briefly shaking off Ron Artest's pursuit, received the ball in the left block, and missed a fadeaway jump shot.
The basketball bounced off the rim, and Kurt Thomas secured the rebound.
When Lee received the ball, McGrady, whose mentality had exploded, didn't retreat in time, but instead delayed on the spot.
As game time elapsed, a double-digit lead, declining stamina, and missed shots all indicated that this game was likely lost again.
McGrady, breathing heavily, was on the verge of breaking down.
From the half-court onwards, he constantly reached out and engaged in physical contact.
Fortunately, the referees' officiating tonight was quite flexible, and McGrady's tough Defense wasn't called for a foul.
Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, simply accelerated, stopped abruptly, broke through the Defense, switched to his right hand, accelerated again, and charged past half-court, carrying McGrady with him.
The two collided continuously, and disregarding the outcome of the game, some Orlando Magic fans began to enjoy the game, cheering and making noise.
McGrady tried to lower his center of gravity, this time choosing to suppress Lee's right hand.
On the upper side of the three-point line on the right wing, he turned his body sideways, moved forward to stick to Lee, and stared intently at the basketball.
The jeering grew louder and louder.
Clay Lee first observed the Defense, noticed that no one was coming to double-team him, a smile appeared on his face, and then he quickly dribbled behind his back.
The moment he switched to his left hand, Lee lowered his center of gravity and lunged forward to accelerate, feigning a breakthrough.
McGrady had just slid back to his right when he suddenly saw Lee's left wrist flick, and immediately felt a chill between his legs.
"Oh!"
The basketball went between his legs, and the fans in the front row saw it clearly, exclaiming in surprise.
Tracy McGrady twisted his body to adjust his steps, while Clay Lee reached out with his right hand to scoop the ball, then followed with a cross-step pull-back.
Back outside the three-point line, noticing McGrady jumping to block, Lee leaned back slightly and shot over the block.
The basketball soared over Tracy McGrady's fingertips and flew towards the basket.
Clay Lee, who was knocked down, slid for a distance on the court.
Hearing the referee's whistle, he immediately raised his left arm, holding up three fingers.
"Squeak! Swish!"
The whistle blew and the ball went in.
The three-pointer swished through the net, and Waterhouse Center erupted in a cheer:
"Wow!"
3+1, everyone on the Knicks team celebrated with clenched fists.
They pulled Lee to his feet, while McGrady was still sitting on the floor, seemingly questioning reality.
"That was some good Defense! You almost stopped me!"
"..."
McGrady's heart burned with anger.
He frowned and furiously pounded the floor, then stood up, ready to charge forward.
Head Coach Rivers was quick-eyed and quick-handed, grabbing his thigh on the sideline, and the Orlando Magic players also rushed to surround him.
The referee also blew the whistle at this time, issuing a verbal warning, and then turned to signal Lee to take the free throw.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Clay Lee made the extra free throw, and another wave of MVP cheers erupted in the TD Waterhouse Centre.
Ivanka and Georgina on the sidelines cheered happily, completely disregarding the Orlando Magic fans around them.
101:88, with 10 consecutive points, Lee's individual outburst helped the team extend their lead.
The Orlando Magic still didn't give up.
Armstrong used a pick-and-roll to drive aggressively, throwing himself into the air, and drawing a foul from Pau Gasol, scoring points for the team with two free throws.
Receiving the ball on the baseline, Clay Lee charged forward with the ball, once again chasing the opponent past half-court.
The Knicks players quickly got into position, with the two wings quickly running to the corners.
Kurt Thomas went straight to the right near the baseline, while Pau Gasol stopped at the high post at the top of the arc for a screen.
In motion, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, quickly performed an in-and-out dribble, shaking his body rapidly, and making a small directional change to squeeze past Pau Gasol.
DeClercq watched his teammate lose his defensive position and intended to step up to help defend, but was rooted to the spot by Lee's push-dribble change of direction.
In a blink of an eye, Lee passed two defenders, his right hand quickly scooping the ball and driving straight to the basket.
Drew Gooden, facing Lee jumping with both feet, attempted an aerial interception, trying to block the shot.
Holding the ball in his left hand, Lee made a poster-dunk posture in the air.
Noticing the opponent's block height, he twisted his body, and with his left hand, he reached out and scooped the ball for a layup!
"Squeak!"
The referee blew the whistle, and the basketball fell into the basket.
At the commentary table, Marv Albert happily shouted:
"OH! Show time!"
Head Coach Rivers's mouth was wide open again, revealing an expression of disbelief, while Mike D'Antoni on the other side raised both hands, then repeatedly pumped his fists.
Drew Gooden was stunned after landing, staring blankly as Clay Lee and Pau Gasol high-fived in celebration.
Lee made the extra free throw again, and only scattered cheers remained in Waterhouse Center.
Orlando Magic fans knew the series was completely lost.
104:90, the lead widened a little bit more.
The timeout didn't help the Orlando Magic solve their scoring difficulties.
Houston seemed to be in poor physical condition in the fourth quarter, constantly missing shots with forced attacks.
As game time elapsed, the Knicks had multiple players scoring, and McGrady and Armstrong took turns at the free throw line, which only salvaged a bit of dignity for the Orlando Magic.
With 17.6 seconds left in the game, Lee stopped attacking after crossing half-court.
The Orlando Magic players stood dejectedly in place, quietly waiting for the game time to expire.
The final buzzer sounded, 116:99, the Knicks came back to win the game and successfully secured the match point!
After the game, Tracy McGrady walked towards the player tunnel with his head down.
Although there were still fans applauding him, thinking that he would most likely be eliminated in the first round again, Tracy McGrady almost shed tears as he entered the player tunnel.
In 40 minutes of play, he shot 14-for-23 from the field, 6-for-9 from three-point range, and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, finishing with 41 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.
Thanks to his efficient performance in the 4th quarter, Clay Lee added another 40+ game to his playoff record.
Pau Gasol shot 8-for-13 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line tonight, securing a huge double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
During the sideline interview, Craig Sager also noticed the Rookie's change in appearance.
Lee and a few others made strange noises at the camera, and Ron Artest and Jackson even boasted confidently:
"The championship belongs to us!"
After the few of them left, Craig Sager smiled and asked Pau Gasol:
"Pau! Congratulations on getting the match point tonight, that was a truly exciting game!"
"Can you talk about your beard? I think fans are very curious about your change."
Pau Gasol didn't tell the truth, but instead teased his past self from last year:
"My performance in the playoffs last season dragged the team down. I want to motivate myself.
If I can't win the championship, I'll keep my hair and beard."
"..."
Tracy McGrady, attending the press conference, was still very dejected.
Houston didn't attribute the loss to his knee injury, but rather stated very naturally:
"The opponent is the 73-win Knicks. I understand their strength, and losing to such an opponent, I only feel relieved."
Although McGrady had a poor performance in the 4th quarter, he played exceptionally well throughout the entire game:
10-for-21 from the field, 3-for-7 from three-point range, and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line, scoring 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.
When Clay Lee attended the press conference, he didn't mock his opponent.
After some polite exchanges, a local Orlando sports media suddenly asked:
"Clay, Hollinger believes Tracy McGrady is the player closest to you.
What do you think about that?"
Clay Lee, dressed in a light gray suit, saw the expectant look in the eyes of the Orlando sports reporter below the stage, pondered for a moment, and then smiled as he replied:
"Tracy indeed performed exceptionally well. This season, he became the Eastern Conference All-Star starting backcourt."
"From a popularity standpoint, he is certainly the player in the Eastern Conference closest to me!"
"I like his performance on the court, and by the way, I plan to learn from him and customize an orange leg sleeve!"
(A/N: He's mocking Tracy is a sissy in a roundabout way.)
Many reporters in the audience naturally understood the implied meaning, and the New York reporters accompanying the team began to chuckle.
Lee, who was still engaging in polite exchanges, suddenly began to space out:
"Exactly like a sissy...."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)