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On sunday, May 18, 2003, at 7:30 PM, half an hour before tip-off, Madison Square Garden was already buzzing.
The New York Fans were cheering and making noise, mainly because Spike Lee, sitting in the front row, was walking around the court in a printed T-shirt.
Tonight's game was broadcast by ABC, and courtside reporter Michele Tafoya, wearing a white professional suit and shoulder-length hair, smiled at the camera as she shared the news she had gathered on-site:
"The atmosphere tonight is fantastic! New York Fans arrived early to cheer for their home team."
Halfway through her sentence, Spike Lee walked over and yelled into the camera:
"Where is Shaq?"
Spike Lee, wearing glasses, had an orange oversized bandana wrapped around his head again.
After yelling, he continued to stroll courtside, and the camera quickly captured the design on his T-shirt.
The front featured the phrase "Missing Person" and a print of Shaquille O'Neal's pained expression when fouled, while the back showed a laughing Kobe.
Apparently, the New York Post's gossip made New York Fans believe it.
Since the Lakers lost, more and more fabricated news emerged:
"Kobe wants to get rid of O'Neal."
This news was incredibly fake.
First, it didn't make logical sense.
The FMVP and MVP winner would naturally be the team's leader, and Kobe was a level below O'Neal.
However, such column articles were extremely popular.
Fans loved stories like O'Neal being controlled by his younger brother!
Fans holding whiteboards and posters were also yelling and making noise.
To attract the attention of the broadcast director and get on TV, the frenzied fans had already started hyping themselves up.
Most of the front-row tickets for the Knicks were given to famous artists, mostly New York singers or actors, with tickets often booked by Brokerage companies.
Unlike financial professionals who prefer to sit closer to the front, these guys sometimes also have a strong desire to perform, and they like to jump around even more during nationally televised games.
Another courtside reporter, Stuart Scott, seeing this chaotic scene, subconsciously adjusted his glasses and, raising his voice, began to introduce the Nets' situation to the camera.
This famous Black reporter had only joined ESPN last year, and he cherished this opportunity on a stage like the Conference Finals.
However, halfway through his introduction, the shouts from the crowd grew louder, and Stuart almost lost his composure, quickly summarizing:
"Both teams have had the same amount of rest time. Head Coach Scott has devised more targeted tactics these past few days. We can look forward to the Nets' performance tonight!"
As both teams finished their pre-game warm-ups, Jason Kidd noticed something that particularly annoyed him: everyone was ignoring the Nets.
After the Lakers were eliminated, the championship seemed to be predetermined, and the arrogant New York Fans didn't even bother to mock him.
A serious-looking Jason Kidd didn't even greet Lee during warm-ups.
Even a worm will turn.
He had just opened a new path, declaring himself the "league's number one point guard," but ended up being completely ignored.
At the ABC live commentary desk, the commentator was still Brad Nessler.
This commentator, dressed in a beige suit with a slicked-back hairstyle, was often criticized by fans for not being passionate enough, but the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals broadcasters had no intention of changing the commentary team:
"Tonight, the Nets have not adjusted their starting lineup. The backcourt is still Jason Kidd and Corey Kittles."
"The three frontcourt players are Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, and Jason Collins."
"I really like Jason Kidd's confidence, Tom. Who do you think is the better point guard, him or Clay Lee?"
Hearing his partner's question, bald Tom Tolbert responded seriously:
"Their playing styles are completely different. In my opinion, Clay Lee is unpredictable. Many players have said they can't predict Clay Lee's offensive or defensive choices."
"Jason Kidd, however, is different. He is more focused on controlling the pace of the game. His excellent basketball IQ allows him to bring added value to the team on both ends of the court."
"This is also the secret to the Nets' success. The point guard is the brain on the court. I have to say, both of them do this very well."
"Comparatively, I still lean towards Clay Lee. His skills are more comprehensive, with no blind spots on offense or Defense, which is also why he has achieved so much."
Tolbert was also a fan of Lee.
In ESPN's programs, fans often heard his praises.
Clay Lee had already taken off his warm-up gear and was shooting with his teammates.
On the bench, Coach D'Antoni was still his usual self, smiling and leaning back, waiting for the game to begin.
When the head referee called both teams to center court, Head Coach Scott was still talking non-stop to Jason Kidd.
They were very eager for a road victory!
"Let's go Knicks!"
Lee and the Nets players exchanged simple fist bumps.
Kenyon Martin kept his eyes on the Knicks players.
The beastly power forward seemed to want revenge.
As Pau Gasol successfully tipped the ball, cheers erupted again.
Jason Kidd had already returned to half-court, directing his teammates to match up.
The two teams had faced each other frequently over the past two seasons and were very familiar with each other.
In the first possession after tip-off, the Nets' Defense was very compact.
Ron Artest and Grant Hill, who ran to the left and right baseline corners, were left with some space, while Richard Jefferson and Corey Kittles positioned themselves closer to the restricted area.
Kenyon Martin was guarding behind Kurt Thomas in the right elbow area, constantly eyeing Lee on the perimeter.
The Knicks usually started with a pick-and-roll, so he needed to prepare his Defense in advance.
When Pau Gasol in the left elbow area moved up, Jason Kidd and the big man Jason Collins simultaneously moved up towards the perimeter to defend.
Before the pick-and-roll could happen, Clay Lee, with the ball in his left hand, moved horizontally, pulling the Defense out, and immediately delivered a bounce pass.
When Pau Gasol received the ball, he was just around the free-throw line. Kenyon Martin and Corey Kittles simultaneously started to move.
One of them helped defend in front of Pau Gasol, while the other retreated towards the basket, attempting to cut off Kurt Thomas's path for a roll and catch.
In the right baseline corner, Grant Hill was left open.
Pau Gasol immediately passed the ball to his teammate.
The latter received the ball, immediately put it down with his left hand, and, without interference, gained full acceleration.
Kurt Thomas had just rushed to the basket, and Corey Kittles was completely blocked.
As Kenyon Martin tried to recover to the basket, Grant Hill, who had cut from the baseline corner with a straight-line acceleration to the basket, stepped near the paint and then soared, grabbing the ball with his left hand and slamming it down with one hand!
"Wow!"
A dunk right at the start, the New York Fans immediately cheered loudly, and at the same time, they sat back in their seats, waving their handkerchiefs and shouting loudly for Defense:
"Defense!"
Grant Hill, who completed the dunk, quickly retreated on Defense, and high-fived Kurt Thomas, who had blocked the defender.
Every time they play the Nets, the opponent will definitely test their shooting touch.
The Knicks also adopted the same game strategy.
Lee only delayed Kidd's progress.
The latter passed the ball immediately after crossing half-court.
He passed the ball to Kenyon Martin in the left elbow area.
Jason Kidd then cut through the middle without the ball and ran towards the right baseline corner.
Richard Jefferson then quickly slipped along the baseline from the left baseline corner, using the screen from the big man Jason Collins near the baseline, came to the basket, and then accelerated out from the middle.
After a zipper screen, Richard Jefferson still couldn't shake off Ron Artest's pursuit.
Kenyon Martin delivered the pass and also moved up to set a screen, helping his teammate complete the pick-and-roll.
Richard Jefferson, with the ball in his left hand, dribbled one step horizontally using the screen.
Ron Artest went around Kenyon Martin, going under to block.
Kenyon Martin, who delivered the pass, moved quickly after setting the screen, coming to the right elbow area.
Given the opportunity for a long two-point jump shot, Richard Jefferson didn't hesitate.
He dribbled the ball forcefully in place, immediately gathered it, and quickly released a long two-point jump shot from the left wing:
"Thump!"
The rebound bounced out, and Pau Gasol easily secured the defensive rebound ahead of the big man Jason Collins.
After the missed jump shot, Kidd loudly called for his teammates to retreat on Defense, and both teams accelerated across half-court.
At the Logo, Kidd established his defensive position, while constantly turning his head to observe the situation on the court.
After dribbling past half-court, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, paused slightly, then immediately accelerated horizontally.
Kurt Thomas and Pau Gasol, who ran past half-court, one stopped far from the top of the arc, and the other stepped on the three-point line on the left wing.
Jason Kidd prepared, squeezed past the first screen, and realizing he was about to be out of position defensively, kept shouting loudly:
"Help Defense!"
Kenyon Martin and Jason Kidd both sped up.
Clay Lee, near the left wing, saw the big man Jason Collins also raise his right arm to meet him, and again delivered a bounce pass.
Receiving the ball in almost the same spot, Pau Gasol, who received the ball near the free-throw line, no longer chose to pass, but immediately put the ball down and rushed three steps straight to the basket.
Richard Jefferson, who had retreated to the paint, simply committed an early foul, not giving Pau Gasol a chance to shoot a floater, and hugged him.
The referee blew the whistle, the Knicks got a side-out, and the smooth offense was interrupted, and the Madison Square Garden quickly erupted in boos.
From the commentary booth, Nessler saw clearly that the Nets' defensive strategy was simple: aggressive double-teaming.
"It seems Head Coach Scott intends to let the Knicks' role players defeat them!"
Tolbert was not optimistic about the sustainability of the Nets' Defense, stating bluntly:
"There's still a lot of time left in the game. They can't maintain this defensive intensity indefinitely."
"What's more, if the Knicks' role players can capitalize on those open opportunities, they'll quickly take the lead."
"Kidd needs to solve the most critical scoring issue. To stick with this defensive strategy, they need a response shot even more."
Sensing that the opponent was using the same old double-team, Lee took advantage of Kurt Thomas's inbound pass to loudly remind his teammates to run their routes.
Pau Gasol quickly moved to the left block, and Ron Artest, receiving the instruction, immediately ran from the left corner to the opposite side.
Kidd realized Lee wanted a two-on-two situation in that area and immediately called for his teammates to collapse their Defense.
Both of them directed traffic.
Just as Kurt Thomas was about to inbound the ball, Lee signaled from the sideline for a substitution for the inbounder.
Kurt Thomas immediately ran to the basket, and Clay Lee took the basketball from the referee's hand.
Kidd inwardly cursed, not having enough time to warn his teammates before Lee passed the ball to Gasol, who was moving upwards.
After the inbound pass, Lee accelerated back onto the court.
The moment Kidd's tight Defense came on, Lee feinted towards the top of the arc, then twisted his body and cut back.
Pau Gasol, turning his body, delivered a hand-off pass from the three-point line, simultaneously setting a screen.
Kidd's chase Defense was delayed, and he could only watch as Lee, receiving the ball, lowered his center of gravity, drove straight and powerfully with his left hand, easily squeezing past the big man.
Jason Collins had no time to slide to his right-rear.
In a blink of an eye, Clay Lee, with the ball in his left hand, had broken through to a position near the paint.
Kenyon Martin was still standing idly in the right block.
As he prepared to recover to the basket, Lee took two quick steps, jumped off his left foot, and smoothly scooped the ball with his left hand.
"Bang! Swish!"
The basketball hit high off the backboard and went in. Lee's sneaky layup went in easily.
"Damn it!"
Even though he knew what his opponent wanted to do, he was still helpless.
Kidd cursed under his breath, his expression growing more serious.
"I know what you're thinking!"
As Kidd received the baseline inbound, Lee's voice reached his ears.
The 'surface brother' dribbled and retorted, "I'm thinking you guys are going to lose!"
While exchanging words, Kidd moved quickly after crossing half-court, immediately passing the ball to Jason Collins in the right elbow area.
The Nets also used a "V-shape" alignment, but unlike the Knicks, where Lee initiated the offense, Kidd, after passing the ball, made an off-ball cut through the middle and then quickly ran to the left wing.
Kittles then started from the right corner, wanting to come up and receive a hand-off pass from his big teammate.
Grant Hill chased relentlessly, and Jason Collins, playing it safe, couldn't complete the pass immediately.
Kittles still didn't receive the pass after cutting back.
Helpless, he immediately cut off-ball through the middle around his teammate and ran to the left corner.
Kidd saw the play didn't work and again loudly reminded his teammates.
Jason Collins made a simple cross-court pass, and Kenyon Martin received the ball near the free-throw line, while the big man, Jason Collins, began moving towards the basket.
Receiving the ball at the free-throw line, Kenyon Martin didn't intend to attack.
Clay Lee saw Kidd move horizontally and immediately went under, allowing Kidd to successfully receive the ball.
Kurt Thomas had already started moving towards the basket, strictly defending Kenyon Martin's cut.
Lee, after going around the screen, also blocked Kidd's passing lane.
The Nets' play failed again.
Kidd realized that tonight his opponent was testing his pull-up jumper, so this possession he was particularly decisive.
Lee, going under, didn't defend too closely.
Kidd seized the opportunity, took a big dribble in the right elbow area, then immediately pulled up and quickly shot!
"Swish!" The two-point shot went in without touching the rim.
Scoring on his first pull-up jumper, Kidd's morale was boosted.
He clapped his hands repeatedly, quickly retreated on Defense, and continued to direct loudly.
Lee had no intention of changing his defensive strategy.
He also didn't rush the ball on this possession, instead continuing to observe the opponent's defensive alignment.
Ron Artest moved to the left wing, while Richard Jefferson still guarded inside the three-point line.
In the right corner, Kittles did the same, continuing to leave Grant Hill open in the right corner.
Near the top of the arc, facing Kidd's tight Defense, Lee slowed down, pulled the ball back with his left hand, and quickly turned his body to protect the ball.
Noticing there was no big man screen, Kidd proactively increased the physical contact and simultaneously interfered with his hands, not at all worried about being blown by in one step.
As his opponent moved, Lee feinted his shoulder backward, then suddenly lowered his center of gravity and accelerated to drive.
Instantly losing more than half a defensive step, seeing Kidd about to be shaken off, Richard Jefferson quickly moved towards the free-throw line.
At the same time, Kenyon Martin in the paint also accelerated into the restricted area.
If he took two more dribbles forward, Lee would run headfirst into a triple-team.
He suddenly pulled up at the three-point line, then smoothly dished the ball to Ron Artest, who was near the left sideline.
The latter received the ball with no one guarding him.
Without much adjustment, Ron Artest raised the ball and shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim!
2-7. The Nets' Defense didn't have much effect, as the Knicks scored continuously.
"Wow!"
Cheers echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
The players' excellent form completely reassured the New York Fans present.
On their offensive possession, the Nets ran the same play.
After consuming 14 seconds, Kidd again completed a hand-off reception.
Again, near the right elbow area, Lee continued to go under to block the passing lane.
The cutting Kenyon Martin didn't get an opportunity, but Kidd's pull-up jumper scored another 2 points!
Seeing their leader respond repeatedly, the Nets' bench, the hype squad, also started waving their towels.
In the following few minutes, both teams' offensive pace was not fast.
Kidd failed to feed the big men several times and simply let Kenyon Martin run low-post offense.
For the Knicks, Clay Lee was constantly double-teamed, while Pau Gasol and Grant Hill took advantage of the numerical superiority to continuously score in the paint.
After making two consecutive shots in the paint, Kenyon Martin, receiving the ball in the right low post this time, was tightly guarded by Kurt Thomas.
Boxing out would result in a fronting Defense.
Kenyon Martin didn't want to attack too far from the basket, but eventually had no choice but to receive the ball in the right elbow area.
Seeing that his opponent didn't choose to play tight Defense, Kenyon Martin simply put the ball down, took two big dribbles, leaned into the defender, jumped, and drove straight to the basket.
A poor offensive choice.
Just as he reached the bottom right of the rim, Kenyon Martin attempted to make a contested bank shot layup but was blocked by the recovering Pau Gasol.
The basketball was slapped onto the backboard while still ascending.
After rebounding, Lee, who had retreated into the paint, secured possession.
A rare fast-break opportunity, Lee immediately put the ball down with his left hand and accelerated continuously, driving past Kidd across half-court.
Richard Jefferson retreated quickly on Defense, but at this moment, he focused more attention on Lee.
When Ron Artest received the pass on the left wing, he couldn't help but quickly adjust his body's center of gravity.
The opponent had already committed a foul early.
Ron Artest, after receiving the ball, put it down with his left hand and drove hard to the basket.
Finally, looking at Richard Jefferson, he twisted his body and put the ball into the basket from the bottom left of the rim.
8-13. The Knicks continued to maintain their lead.
Seemingly feeling his shooting touch was excellent, Kidd proactively initiated the offense.
After several passes on the perimeter, he used Jason Collins' screen on the left wing to again shake off Lee's Defense.
Pau Gasol quickly moved towards the basket, and Lee went under and through.
Kidd took one dribble forward at the three-point line, seized the opportunity, and pulled up again.
The long two-point jumper from the left wing missed.
The basketball hit the back rim and bounced directly into the hands of Pau Gasol, who had retreated to the basket.
He grabbed the rebound, twisted his body, and passed the ball upcourt.
Lee beat Kidd to control possession.
At this point, both players had already crossed the half-court line.
After putting the ball down with his left hand, Lee leaned into his opponent and continued to accelerate, driving straight to the basket while guarding the defender.
Realizing he couldn't hold on, Kidd decisively committed an early foul.
"Boo!"
Despite the boos, Kidd let out a sigh of relief.
He couldn't afford to make mistakes tonight.
"Excellent defensive choice! One second later, Lee would most likely have already gotten his shot off. Kidd is playing too well tonight!"
Tolbert praised him, and Nessler, standing next to him, was about to add a few words, but the Knicks' Grant Hill quickly inbounded the ball.
Seeing Lee receive the ball on the left wing, still a big step away from the three-point line, he suddenly pulled up for a cold-blooded shot.
Nessler instinctively raised his voice:
"God! Clay Lee's 26-foot jumper?"
Kidd watched Lee shoot with confidence and then started walking back to the backcourt.
He subconsciously turned his head to look at the basket, then saw the basketball swish through the net.
"Oh!"
Gasps and cheers erupted simultaneously.
Although they had witnessed many such shots this season, New York Fans were still amazed every time Lee scored in this manner.
8-16. The deficit was somewhat dangerous, and Head Coach Scott immediately called a timeout.
The Nets were very cautious tonight.
Clapping his hands to encourage his players, Head Coach Scott delivered a pep talk loudly before the players even sat down:
"Hang in there, maintain our defensive strategy, and patiently wait for opportunities!"
An 8-point deficit wasn't much, but Kidd, back on the bench, felt a sense of powerlessness.
Even though the game had only been going for 5 minutes, he could feel his teammates' focus dropping, and help Defense required more effort, which severely tested the team's chemistry.
Jason Kidd's desire to win made him speak up.
Without even needing Coach Scott's reminder, he grabbed the tactical board and said loudly:
"The passing lanes are all predictable. Don't give their big men easy chances to score down low. Foul, establish defensive position early, don't let them score easily again!"
Coach Scott clapped and nodded, cooperating with Jason Kidd to continue reminding everyone.
After the timeout, the Nets executed an excellent tactical play, with two big men setting high-quality screens for Corey Kittles.
From the top of the arc, Jason Kidd quickly distributed the ball.
On the right side of the restricted area, the New York Knicks failed to switch Defense in time, and Corey Kittles' jump shot clanked off the rim after receiving the ball.
The rebound bounced out and was secured by Pau Gasol again.
The retreating Jason Kidd quickly clapped his hands to encourage his teammates, signaling that it was an excellent offensive possession.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The opponent's return shot missed, and the New York Knicks fans at the Madison Square Garden became energized again, their cheers growing louder.
The Nets established their defensive positions early, with four players still circling the paint.
Dribbling with his right hand, Lee advanced past half-court.
Jason Kidd immediately stuck to him defensively.
As Lee protected the ball with his side, two New York Knicks wings began to move up.
He passed the ball to Grant Hill on the right wing, and Lee ran to the right corner.
Kurt Thomas made a fake screen from the right elbow.
Grant Hill didn't choose to force a shot. After a horizontal dribble, he passed the ball to Ron Artest, who had come up to receive it.
Soon, Lee returned to the right wing and received the ball again, while Ron Artest ran to the right corner.
Richard Jefferson didn't mindlessly double-team but instead recovered defensively in time.
Clay Lee, with the ball again, observed the Nets' positioning.
After circling the perimeter, the opponent switched to man-to-man.
Seeing Lee wave his hand, Ron Artest, who had run to the corner, quickly slipped along the baseline.
Kidd realized the right side was completely cleared and immediately used his left forearm to brace Lee's waist, exerting force while trying to sense the direction of the offense.
Holding the ball with his left hand, he turned his body sideways.
The opponent reached in.
Clay Lee also actively exerted force, leaning into Jason Kidd with his side and driving hard towards the right elbow.
Jason Collins, near the left elbow, was disoriented because the defensive formation was disrupted.
When Kidd shouted and waved, his reaction was a beat too slow.
Although there was no help Defense, the superficial brother was also a heavy guard, so he simply put up his arms and held his ground behind him.
After being bumped twice with great force, Jason Kidd cursed inwardly.
At this moment, Clay Lee slammed the ball hard with his left hand, and using the rebound's momentum, he suddenly and quickly spun, pivoting on his right foot.
His body was slightly tilted backward from the previous post-up.
Jason Kidd didn't react in time and instantly lost his defensive position, standing dumbfounded in place.
The basketball flew to his front right.
Clay Lee smoothly scooped the ball with his right hand and drove straight to the basket after shaking off the Defense.
Kenyon Martin, however, reacted quickly.
Seeing Lee charge into the paint, he immediately leaped high!
Without a fake, he fooled his opponent.
As he moved, he stomped hard with his right foot.
While his opponent jumped to block, Lee changed direction under the basket, taking a big stride with his left foot to the front left, just evading the Defense.
The wide Euro step rendered Kenyon Martin's Defense useless.
Amidst the fans' cheers, Lee twisted his body directly in front of the rim and easily scored with a left-handed layup!
"OH--!"
"What a play by Clay-Lee!"
Nessler, from the commentary booth, was rarely excited, shouting along with the fans.
Tolbert next to him also praised loudly:
"Excellent footwork, Clay Lee once again showed his rich offensive repertoire! What a wonderful goal!"
After landing, Kenyon Martin had a questioning look on his face, seemingly struggling to comprehend Lee's body control.
He really didn't like being a background character.
8:18, the difference was exactly double digits.
Jason Kidd was a bit anxious.
This time, he advanced to the left wing and immediately used Jason Collins' screen at the three-point line, dribbling with his right hand and driving straight down the middle to the basket.
Pau Gasol had retreated defensively early, and Clay Lee, who had gone around the screen, was also chasing from behind.
Kenyon Martin at this point did not choose to clear space for his leader but instead accelerated from the right elbow towards the basket.
Suddenly, the paint directly in front of the rim was full of people.
Amidst the crowd, Jason Kidd faked a shot and made a real pass, jumping up and elegantly throwing the ball behind his head with his right hand.
Pau Gasol was faked out, and Kurt Thomas, who was chasing back defensively, was a step behind.
Kenyon Martin thought he would receive the pass, but he didn't expect Lee to suddenly stop and quickly jump up, extending his right arm to intercept.
Although he couldn't complete a direct steal, Lee still touched the basketball, changing its direction.
Kenyon Martin, who was following up, was hit in the face by the basketball before he could react and instinctively covered his nose.
The basketball, having changed direction again, was finally picked up by Lee, who then charged forward with the ball.
The two Nets wings had retreated to half-court early, and Kidd was also fiercely chasing from behind.
Lee noticed that Richard Jefferson had retreated to the paint immediately.
He didn't choose to slow down.
After crossing the free-throw line, he simply and roughly took three big steps, charging up and driving straight to the basket with the ball in his arms!
The two collided in the air.
Richard Jefferson didn't want to concede a 2+1 and intended to foul directly.
However, seeing Clay Lee descend slower, holding the ball with one hand, and turning his body in the air without looking at the rim, Richard Jefferson barely managed to hit his shoulder, and the referee immediately blew the whistle.
"Squeak!"
Just before landing, Lee, curling his body in the air, exerted force again.
With his back to the Defense, he casually tossed the ball towards the rim with one hand.
Richard Jefferson, who had already landed, opened his mouth wide, looking up as the basketball bounced twice on the rim before finally falling through the net.
"Wow!"
The acrobatic goal completely ignited the Madison Square Garden's atmosphere.
Spectators behind the rim stood up, continuously applauding and cheering.
Jason Kidd, who had chased back to the free-throw line, was too angry to speak.
Richard Jefferson had already picked up two fouls in half a quarter.
This Rookie could have avoided such a situation.
Clay Lee and his teammates simply high-fived to celebrate, then smiled at the retreating Jason Kidd:
"The game has just begun, you still have a chance!"
"..."
Really not wanting to talk to Lee, Kidd simply used the free throw opportunity to call his teammates over and give them another reminder.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
As Lee stepped to the free-throw line, the shouts once again echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden.
The free throw was confidently made. Mike D'Antoni, who was standing on the sidelines watching the game, continuously clapped.
The New York Knicks had another perfect start.
8:21, the point difference widened again.
Despite picking up two early fouls, Head Coach Scott did not choose to substitute him.
However, in the following few minutes, Richard Jefferson was hampered on the defensive end.
This Rookie seemed particularly worried about picking up his third personal foul, and for a time, he became the New York Knicks' weak point, with Grant Hill actively targeting him in the low post.
After the point difference entered double digits, the New York Knicks played even more sloppily.
After missed shots, the Nets also had some transition offense opportunities.
This time, on the New York Knicks' possession, under Jason Kidd's loud direction, the Nets maintained their defensive formation very well, constantly circling the paint.
Facing this "shoot over me" Defense, the outside continuous passing didn't create a good opportunity.
Clay Lee directly took a contested fadeaway step-back three from the right wing, which clanked off the rim.
Kidd secured the long rebound near the elbow and then charged with the ball.
Lee had already run back to half-court, while Grant Hill and Ron Artest also quickly chased back defensively.
Although Jason Kidd accelerated at full speed, when he reached the paint, Lee, who had established his defensive position early, met him, and Grant Hill and Ron Artest also actively converged from both sides.
With three players surrounding him and his teammates unable to follow up in time, Jason Kidd didn't risk a pass but instead circled back out to beyond the three-point line.
Although Corey Kittles then made a shot from the free-throw line, the retreating Jason Kidd frowned deeply.
From the start of the game until now, their transition offense hadn't been very successful.
15:28, with 2 minutes and 02 seconds left in the first quarter, Pau Gasol's strong drive in the right low post drew a shooting foul from Jason Collins.
Head Coach Scott immediately substituted Rodney Rogers in for Richard Jefferson.
Richard Jefferson didn't pick up his 3rd personal foul and contributed 2 points, barely completing his task.
Lucious Harris replaced the underperforming Corey Kittles, as the Nets made a voluntary rotation.
At the commentary booth, Tolbert was still discussing the opportunities the Nets had missed in those few minutes:
"Their big men need to be more aggressive. Jason Collins and Kenyon Martin need to actively attack the rim. Getting free throws is also a good offensive option."
"Jason Kidd also needs to regain his shooting touch. Clay Lee's Defense is very targeted. As the team leader, he needs to make those open pull-up jumpers."
"A double-digit deficit is very dangerous. If Dikembe Mutombo were healthy, he should be able to contribute to the team."
The director frequently aimed the camera at Dikembe Mutombo, who was silently and intently watching the game from the bench.
Since joining the Nets, he was injured after only a few regular season games.
Perhaps due to age, his recovery from injury was also not as expected.
During the playoffs, he even fell out of the rotation.
This All-Star center was likely past his prime.
Nessler seemed to recall the New York Knicks' and 76ers' playoff series from back then, and at this point, he spoke up, teasing:
"Dikembe Mutombo had a chance to reach the Finals after joining the 76ers. Allen Iverson won the scoring title that season, but in the end, Clay Lee completely shattered their championship dream in the Conference Finals."
"Who knows what choice Dikembe Mutombo will make this offseason? Ewing might even recruit this veteran!"
In the final 2 minutes of the first quarter, Jason Kidd subconsciously sped up the offense.
Rodney Rogers contributed points, but Jason Kidd himself completely lost his shooting touch.
After Lee scored on a fast break, Jason Kidd's forced three-point shot bricked, causing his newly subbed-in teammate, Lucious Harris, to commit a foul, sending Lee to the free-throw line.
At 19:34, when the first quarter ended, the Nets players were in low spirits, trailing by 15 points—a truly significant deficit.
The New York Knicks made their lineup rotation within a minute.
Coach D'Antoni was relatively conservative with his substitutions.
However, with a 15-point lead, the bench players could get more playing time.
Playing the entire first quarter, Clay Lee was 5-for-7 from the field, 1-for-2 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, totaling 14 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Before returning to the bench, Clay Lee noticed Jason Kidd standing beside Head Coach Scott, knowing that his playing time tonight would definitely not be short.
Just as he expected, when the second quarter began, Kenyon Martin was still on the court.
Facing Amar'e Stoudemire's Defense, Kenyon Martin, relying on his rich game experience, attacked the basket aggressively in two consecutive possessions, helping his team score quickly.
On the other end, Jackson first responded with a three-pointer, and then Amar'e Stoudemire attacked the basket from the middle, also earning a trip to the free-throw line.
Sitting on the bench, Jason Kidd realized that his team was struggling to catch up.
After sitting for less than three minutes, Jason Kidd returned to the court, and Clay Lee naturally went in and out with him.
Actively increasing his aggressiveness, Jason Kidd no longer hesitated on offense.
In his first possession after re-entering the game, he was left wide open after a pick-and-roll and quickly took a jump shot from the right wing beyond the three-point line!
Aaron Williams's screen quality was good, and with Lee going under to block the drive, Kidd, completely open, bricked another shot.
"Wow!"
Cheers echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
After making two jump shots early in the game, Jason Kidd's personal offense suddenly went completely cold.
The long rebound was picked up by Jackson, and the Nets players could only retreat quickly.
Clay Lee accelerated across half-court after receiving the ball.
At this point, the New York Knicks were not running their usual plays.
After a cross-screen on the baseline, Amar'e Stoudemire moved to the lower left of the basket, and Lee immediately delivered a direct pass.
The latter received the ball, leaned into his defender, and immediately exploded, attempting to dunk over the switching Aaron Williams.
Under the Defense, the ball ultimately rimmed out.
The big man, Knight, seemed to be prepared.
Kenyon Martin continuously pulled, but Wright still tipped the ball into the basket over his opponent's head.
Lee, retreating on Defense, clapped, signaling that it was a beautiful put-back.
Realizing that he might not be able to regain his shooting touch, Jason Kidd began directing Rodney Rogers to post up the Rookie in the low block.
Soon, for several possessions, Tayshaun Prince faced the opponent's tough offense.
This Rookie did not suffer, and even limited the opponent's offense.
For the next few consecutive possessions, both teams' players kept clanking shots.
Clay Lee and Jason Kidd both directed their teammates to get into position to score, but for over two minutes, the score remained unchanged.
After missing several consecutive post-up attempts, Rodney Rogers quickly changed his offensive approach.
Using a big man's screen, he moved to the left wing, received the ball, and immediately shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
This was the Nets' first three-pointer of the game.
Before the bench players could even celebrate, the New York Knicks, with a quick baseline inbound, executed a beautiful semi-transition offense.
Amar'e Stoudemire ran hard to the frontcourt.
Noticing Lee gradually catching up behind him, he simply stopped beyond the three-point line and set a simple high pick-and-roll.
It was completely a fake screen.
Amar'e Stoudemire's roll timing was off, but he immediately drew Kenyon Martin's Defense away.
This Rookie rolled down incredibly fast.
Kidd, who had been constantly squeezing to Lee's right side, could only actively increase his physical contact and interfere with the dribble rhythm with his hands.
Sensing no help Defense, Lee quickly dribbled behind his back near the top of the arc, stopping abruptly and switching the ball to his right hand.
As Kidd again closed in to defend, Lee quickly changed direction with a crossover.
As his left hand scooped the ball, their bodies collided.
Lee lowered his center of gravity, dipped his shoulder, and accelerated, while his right hand knocked away Jason Kidd's grab, driving into the lane against the Defense.
Jason Kidd felt he was about to lose his defensive position again and made more hand movements.
Driving to the free-throw line, Clay Lee again dribbled behind his back, switching to his right hand while quickly spinning on his left foot.
As he gathered the ball, he just managed to avoid Jason Kidd's attempt to strip the ball.
Clay Lee faked a shot, and Jason Kidd instinctively jumped.
In mid-air, he tried hard to turn his body but was still caught off guard by Lee's timing.
As the referee blew the whistle, Lee, hanging off Kidd's Defense, shot a jump shot from the free-throw line!
"Swish!" The whistle blew, and the ball went in.
"Wow!"
Cheers erupted in the Madison Square Garden again.
Clay Lee shrugged his shoulders and, seeing Jason Kidd with his hands on his hips, immediately teased:
"The best point guard in the league?"
"…"
Trying hard to calm himself, Jason Kidd was still quite angered.
Head Coach Scott on the sideline clapped continuously, shouting repeatedly:
"Calm down! We still have plenty of time!"
26:41. After Lee made his free throw, the deficit returned to 15 points.
Jason Kidd, playing with emotion, quickly entered a brick-laying state.
He didn't seize the opportunity to patiently pass the ball and connect the Nets' offense but chose to trust his pull-up jumper.
After bricking a long two-pointer from the left wing, Jason Kidd then bricked from the right elbow.
Soon, near the paint, Jason Kidd's floater after driving to the lower right of the basket still missed.
The boss bricked three shots in a row.
On the Nets' bench, everyone was silent for a moment.
This time, on the New York Knicks' fast break, Jackson finally seized the opportunity.
He ran to the left corner and received a pass from Lee at the top of the arc.
Undefended, Jackson's three-pointer swished through the net.
Although they wasted two opportunities, the rotation lineup ultimately completed its task, successfully extending the lead.
With 7 minutes and 12 seconds left in the first half, both teams' starting lineups returned.
With a nearly 20-point lead, Lee also entered a "fishing" state, waiting for the opponent to double-team him.
Jason Kidd, who had been bricking shots, also regained his composure.
The Nets, whose jump shots weren't falling, began to constantly attack the basket.
Through several free throws, they maintained the deficit, and Kenyon Martin also helped his team score again with second-chance rebounds.
On the last possession before halftime, Corey Kittles made a bailout three-pointer.
However, the cheers in Madison Square Garden couldn't be stopped at this point.
The New York Fans didn't care about this lucky shot at all.
40:60. The first half ended with the New York Knicks leading by 20 points, and the game seemed to have lost its suspense.
In the first half, Jason Kidd was 2-for-11, scoring 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
His face was particularly grim.
His poor performance was the reason for his team's large deficit.
In the second quarter, Clay Lee was "fishing," going 2-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, scoring 7 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists in that quarter alone, which already surpassed his counterpart's total points.
The New York Knicks players walking towards the player tunnel were all smiles, and the atmosphere group was in high spirits.
Everyone would get a lot of playing time tonight.
Watching Lee and his teammates chatting and laughing as they returned to the locker room, sideline reporter Michele Tafoya also spoke seriously into the camera:
"The New York Knicks had a perfect first half! Clay Lee scored 21 points and dished out 6 assists!"
"In the locker room, everyone seems extremely confident. In the second half, Coach D'Antoni seems to be making lineup rotations even earlier."
The two commentators at the ABC broadcast booth nodded after hearing the report and stopped discussing the game.
Nessler looked at his partner and said somewhat cautiously:
"It seems there's a big gap between the two teams. A 20-point halftime deficit, this is beyond my expectation!"
Tolbert wasn't afraid to offend Jason Kidd.
Although it was a national broadcast, he still commented without mercy:
"I like Jason Kidd's confidence, but tonight he's shown more arrogance!"
"The best point guard in the league? Tonight, Clay Lee has given the answer with his actual performance!"
"Point God! Clay Lee is the best active point guard, and perhaps by the end of this season, he will become the best point guard in history!"
"…"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)