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The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On June 3, 2003, with the blessings of San Antonio fans, the San Antonio Spurs departed for New York, where they would spend the next few days in Manhattan.
Having had nearly a week to rest, the San Antonio Spurs' physical condition was certainly not an issue, but veterans like David Robinson and Steve Smith would still not get much playing time.
David Robinson, on the plane, was still a bit uneasy.
Although Gregg Popovich had been constantly hyping up and comforting fans in front of the San Antonio sports media for several days, after watching too many game tapes, David Robinson always felt that the San Antonio Spurs were doomed.
While the veteran was in low spirits, Tony Parker, who was on the plane, was particularly happy.
He loved such big occasions, humming a tune in his seat:
"Bruce, you've played against the Knicks the most. Why haven't you offered more opinions during the film sessions these past few days?"
Parker was a Rookie last year, and at that time, the veteran hadn't declined so severely.
They had won twice against the Knicks in the regular season.
By this season, the San Antonio Spurs had been blown out by their opponents in the regular season, but after a thorough analysis by Gregg Popovich and the coaching staff these past few days, Parker felt confident again:
"My speed can keep up with the opponent!"
Bruce Bowen had a good reputation within the team and had integrated well with the local community after coming to San Antonio.
However, he had been exceptionally quiet these past few days.
No matter how the coaching staff tried to motivate everyone, Bruce Bowen remained silent.
At this moment, hearing his teammate's words, he simply said:
"The regular season and the playoffs are different. As long as Lee wants to attack, no one in this league can limit him."
"Averaging less than 20 attempts per game only indicates that Lee has only encountered regular season intensity. I don't like blind confidence. The coaching staff's words are just for psychological comfort."
When he was in the Eastern Conference, Bruce Bowen had some conflicts with the Knicks, and what left a deep impression on him was Pat Riley's evaluation of Clay Lee:
"Skill masks Lee's athletic talent!"
This famous Head Coach believed in 2001 that the Knicks would still be unstoppable after their rebuild.
The Heat players trained hard, but still failed in the playoffs, and Bruce Bowen gained a greater understanding of talent.
Due to David Robinson's injury during the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs fans' favorite Malik Rose, spent more time partnering with Tim Duncan in the paint during the playoffs.
New York fans had no impression of this player at all.
Malik Rose rarely put up eye-catching stats, and being an undersized interior player with no outstanding physical talent, he was naturally overlooked by fans.
However, in San Antonio, Malik Rose was very popular.
Before boarding the plane, fans even gave Rose gifts, hoping he could help the team get revenge.
Malik Rose, sitting next to Tim Duncan, saw that the star had been silent since boarding the plane, and couldn't help but whisper:
"Tim, we're going to win! The team is exceptionally united this year."
Tim Duncan turned to look at his teammate, then looked up at David Robinson, who was trying to joke with everyone, nodded, and simply replied:
"We need this championship!"
After the 1960s and 1970s, ABC once again took over the broadcasting rights for the Finals, and they naturally attached great importance to their first Finals broadcast since taking over.
The good news was that this year's Finals still featured a big market team — the 73-win Knicks.
The bad news was that some fans weren't buying into the other team.
Although the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the defending champions, not many fans enjoyed watching them play.
On Wednesday, June 4th, Finals Game 1 officially began at 8:30 PM tonight.
Two hours before the game, the NBA Countdown show warmed up for tonight's Finals as a routine.
During these past few days, the broadcasters naturally interviewed players from both teams, but after playing some interview clips, the feedback was not good.
As some New York fans put it:
"Who are these guys?"
Fans who liked watching the Knicks naturally disliked the San Antonio Spurs and wouldn't pay attention to "ugly basketball" during the regular season.
The studio in the back was also in Manhattan, and most of ABC's staff were also Knicks fans.
Furthermore, many people had switched from NBC, so the promotion in recent days naturally had some bias, which resulted in complaints from San Antonio fans.
In the studio, the slightly chubby host, Mike Tirico, became more neutral after being reminded by the production team.
However, the invited analysts, Sean Elliott and Jeff Van Gundy, seemed to be at odds:
"I understand Tim Duncan. He's a big-game player. Compared to other opponents in the Eastern Conference, the San Antonio Spurs have a stronger ability to hit back."
"The closer to the basket, the higher the shooting percentage. This is why the San Antonio Spurs are in the Finals this year."
"This might be the San Antonio Spurs' most united season. Fighting for David, I believe all players will unleash 120% of their potential!"
Elliot, as a San Antonio Spurs legend, firmly believed that this year's series would go to Game 7, and the San Antonio Spurs would ultimately win the game through sheer willpower.
The portly Jeff Van Gundy, standing nearby, almost laughed.
Today, he was still dressed in a black pinstripe suit, white shirt, and red tie.
Hearing this opinion, he shook his head and said:
"The San Antonio Spurs cannot limit Clay Lee. They couldn't do it even when Tim Duncan and David Robinson were in better physical condition."
"The difference lies in perimeter Defense. Perhaps Bruce Bowen will show good defensive effects against scorers in the Western Conference."
"But unfortunately, Bruce Bowen can't keep up with Clay Lee's speed. After a switch, the Knicks will get mismatch opportunities."
"The Finals are not a battle of willpower, but a contest of team strength and talent! Unfortunately, I believe the Knicks will set the best playoff record in history!"
Noticing Elliot's silence, Mike Tirico smiled and asked:
"Jeff, do you think the current San Antonio Spurs team has improved in strength compared to the 1999 team?"
Jeff Van Gundy recalled his second championship experience and showed a confident smile again:
"David Robinson's physical condition has declined due to injury, but Tim Duncan has more game experience."
"Compared to 1999, the interior strength has definitely decreased. We cannot overlook David Robinson's contributions on the defensive end."
"As for perimeter strength, Elliot has more say than I do."
Elliot, hearing the former Bald Young Coach's words, could only answer sullenly:
"Tony Parker is just a second-year Rookie. His performance in the playoffs is not stable. Manu Ginobili is experiencing the playoffs for the first time, and he still needs time to adapt to the league."
"But basketball games are never just comparisons between opposing players. I believe the San Antonio Spurs will elevate themselves to a higher level in the Finals!"
"..."
Before the game, ABC broadcasters originally wanted to interview New York fans outside Madison Square Garden.
However, seeing the "demons dancing wildly" and screaming like they were high while holding "missing persons" posters, they ultimately abandoned the idea.
The fan interview eventually turned into an aerial view of Manhattan at night.
Of course, New York also had relatively normal fans.
Before the game, famous director Woody Allen, while being interviewed by sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya, calmly said:
"Coming to Madison Square Garden every June to watch the Finals is the most wonderful thing in the world!"
"Who the opponent is doesn't matter. What matters is that we can enjoy Clay Lee's performance! He changed basketball, he gave soul to the sport!"
"..."
Suddenly elevating his praise to an "artistic" level, Michelle Tafoya was utterly baffled.
This great director usually watched games quietly, but after interviewing him, she realized he was also an "abnormal fan."
In the Knicks locker room, Coach D'Antoni had changed into a new look, looking a few years younger with a black pinstripe suit:
"They will definitely test our shooting! Don't hesitate, we need to speed up the game."
"If you're open, shoot! On Defense, we don't need to double-team anyone, just pay attention to your defensive position."
"Lee will remind everyone when to change the defensive strategy."
Coach D'Antoni, pacing in front of everyone, didn't say too much.
The San Antonio Spurs relied heavily on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, and on the Knicks side, Lee could just match up against Tony Parker.
As for Tim Duncan's Defense, just do your best.
Lee just clapped his hands, reminding Kurt Thomas and Pau Gasol:
"Don't worry about Tim Duncan's offense. Protecting the rebounds is enough to win the game!"
Grant Hill also clapped his hands and said seriously:
"Play good Defense, cut off their connection with the interior, and win the game in one fell swoop!"
Everyone quickly responded.
Ewing and several assistant coaches walked with everyone towards the player tunnel.
Thinking of David Robinson, Gorilla secretly rejoiced:
"I'm the biggest winner..."
As the Knicks players completed their entrance, the atmosphere on site became even more heated.
During warm-ups, the San Antonio Spurs players didn't receive much cold treatment, because most fans simply didn't take their opponents seriously.
Tonight, Nessler, Tolbert, and Bill Walton were jointly commentating the game.
As the game was about to begin, Nessler, with his slicked-back hair at the ABC commentary table, coordinated with the director to introduce the starting lineups for both teams.
When mentioning the San Antonio Spurs, he subconsciously commented:
"Tonight's backcourt combination is Tony Parker and Steve Smith. If nothing unexpected happens, Manu Ginobili will be on the court soon."
"The frontcourt trio are Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson."
"Robinson, who is bothered by injuries, usually only plays 6 minutes in the first quarter, which is also a significant challenge for Malik Rose coming off the bench."
Bill Walton greatly admired Tim Duncan, and at this moment, he took the initiative to say:
"The San Antonio Spurs' key lies in Defense. They must use excellent Defense to limit the Knicks' offense."
"Tim Duncan not only needs to make those response shots on offense, but also needs to show dominance on Defense."
"I am really looking forward to Head Coach Popovich's tactical arrangements!"
Amidst the noise, the three commentators at the commentary table analyzed the situation, subconsciously offering several suggestions for the San Antonio Spurs, as everyone was worried that the game would once again be one-sided.
Clay Lee wore his first generation signature Nike shoes tonight, with Nike producing a bright red colorway, making it the most expensive sneaker among his signature shoes.
This pair of shoes still sells very well after so many years, and every time a new colorway is released, Lee puts them on for display, which then allows him to reap a wave of 'old leeks'.
The camera kept circling Lee, while on the other side, as the San Antonio Spurs players warmed up, Head Coach Popovich kept talking non-stop to Tony Parker:
"Go interfere with him. Start interfering with his dribbling rhythm from the moment he catches the ball, just as I instructed. Communicate on the court when you need help from teammates."
"Don't make turnovers! Don't have those kinds of turnovers where the pass is directly stolen!"
"Get your body excited! You can do it!"
Tony Parker could only nod.
He could clearly feel that Head Coach Popovich became even more nervous after arriving at the Madison Square Garden.
It wasn't until the referee signaled both teams' players to come to the center of the court that Head Coach Popovich stopped his incessant talking and returned to the sideline, standing still and watching his players.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The New York fans in the Madison Square Garden stood up and began cheering loudly for the home team to the rhythm of the music.
Lee and the San Antonio Spurs players bumped fists one by one, not caring about Tony Parker who had squeezed next to him early, and watched the two preparing for the tip-off.
Ron Artest's defensive task was much reduced tonight.
Guarding Tony Parker was up to the boss, so he could only stand in the corner with Bruce Bowen.
As for Bruce Bowen, Ron Artest didn't even need to look him in the eye.
The last time he elbowed his opponent, the opponent was out for half a month, and the two still had some minor grievances.
As the referee tossed the ball up, Pau Gasol and Duncan touched the basketball almost simultaneously.
In the end, Pau Gasol reacted faster, second-jumping after landing and tipping the ball, which then flew into Grant Hill's hands.
Tony Parker was completely plastered onto Lee at this point.
Facing the sticky Defense of the smaller guard, Lee simply used his body to push his opponent away and then smoothly caught the ball.
Not caring about the opponent's renewed tight Defense, Lee put the ball down with his right hand, used his shielding hand to swat away the opponent's hand, and then crushed his way past half-court.
Duncan, at the left elbow area of the free-throw line, saw the familiar "V-shaped" stance and immediately turned his head to remind his teammate running towards the baseline on the wing to raise his defensive position.
Kurt Thomas saw the San Antonio Spurs' defensive line move up and immediately ran proactively to the left near the baseline.
Although Duncan moved along, he kept an eye on the top, constantly paying attention to Lee with the ball.
Pau Gasol also accelerated his move up at this point, simply moving to a position far from the arc to set a high screen.
After a sudden stop, Lee quickly dribbled the ball behind his back with his right hand, failing to shake off the tightly guarding Tony Parker, and slowly squeezed past Pau Gasol's side while relying on the Defense.
Seeing that his teammates were not completely out of position, David Robinson defended on the three-point line.
At this moment, Clay Lee, with the ball in his left hand, leaned against Tony Parker who had squeezed through the screen, and quickly performed an in-and-out dribble while on the move.
He swayed his body to the right, bumping open the tightly guarding Tony Parker.
Facing Robinson's help Defense, Lee suddenly lowered his center of gravity, feigning a breakthrough.
David Robinson instinctively took a step back.
Before he could react, Lee quickly changed direction in front of his body, scooped the ball with his right hand, and accelerated directly.
Tony Parker bent down to try and steal the ball, but found he couldn't reach it.
Instead, because of his reaching hand, he instantly lost his defensive position.
Having completed the in-front-of-body change of direction, Lee quickly squeezed past David Robinson, came to the right elbow area, quickly gathered the ball, and faked a shot.
David Robinson, who came flying in from the side to block, immediately jumped up to block, only realizing he was out of position when he was in the air.
Tony Parker, chasing from behind, couldn't make a defensive move.
Lee stepped forward with his left foot, completely shaking off the Defense, took a step-through into the paint, and smoothly made a left-handed layup!
The basketball flew high, and Duncan, who had moved to the basket, could only watch the ball arc widely and then fall into the net.
"Wow!"
The beautiful shot made the cheers reverberate throughout the Madison Square Garden.
Head Coach Popovich on the sideline frowned, realizing that too many instructions couldn't change some defensive habits.
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive cheers, Tony Parker, who received the ball on the baseline, was met with Clay Lee's lead Defense.
The two entangled each other past half-court, with Duncan already standing at the top of the arc for a screen.
Tony Parker, with the ball in his right hand, quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, switching to his left hand while squeezing past Duncan's side.
This time, Lee did not choose to go around the baseline for Defense.
Instead, he gained a step while the opponent was dribbling behind his back, successfully squeezing through the screen.
Tony Parker, driving with the ball in his left hand, collided with Lee.
After slowing down, he dribbled behind his back again, and taking advantage of Duncan's repositioning, set a second screen near the left elbow area.
With consecutive screens in a very small area, Lee chose not to squeeze through again.
Instead, he suddenly turned skillfully around Duncan, reappearing in front of Tony Parker.
Tony Parker, who thought this was a good opportunity, stopped and shot near the free-throw line.
However, before the ball left his hand, he saw Lee jump up beside him to block.
Tony Parker instinctively raised the arc and tried to drift his body to the left-rear to avoid the Defense.
"Bang!"
"Wow!"
Amidst the fans' cheers, the drifting jump shot that evaded the block ultimately hit the back rim, while Pau Gasol and David Robinson were still pulling and boxing out under the basket.
Perhaps injuries had taken away this veteran's explosiveness.
The situation of 'picking the melon from behind the head' did not occur, and Pau Gasol successfully secured the rebound.
The San Antonio Spurs' anticipated fast break did not happen.
Clay Lee, who received the ball on the baseline, still slowly dribbled past half-court, pushing against Tony Parker's tight Defense.
After two possessions, sensing that David Robinson seemed to have become a soft target, Lee came to the left wing and gestured for a play.
Pau Gasol's low-post play.
Ron Artest quickly snuck along the baseline from the left corner, creating offensive space.
On the other side, Steve Smith watched Grant Hill on the right wing and proactively sagged on Defense.
Duncan at the free-throw line shouted a reminder, and soon, the San Antonio Spurs' defensive formation changed back to a stance surrounding the paint.
Even though an opportunity appeared on the other wing, Lee, shielding the ball with his side, still didn't pass, waiting for Pau Gasol to successfully establish position.
David Robinson, defending from behind, now displayed his rich defensive experience, holding his ground firmly from behind, forcing Pau Gasol out of the low post.
Unable to get to his desired position, Pau Gasol knew the veteran behind him still had gas in the tank.
He no longer entangled with the opponent and proactively accelerated up for a high screen.
As his teammate was still moving, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand and shielding it with his side, leaned into the Defense, suddenly swayed his shoulder back, then lowered his center of gravity, and lunged forward to accelerate.
Tony Parker saw Pau Gasol nearing the three-point line and thought Lee was turning for a hand-off.
His misjudgment caused him to immediately lose a step.
David Robinson, who had just followed the Defense to the restricted area, quickly stopped.
He initially wanted to slide right to block Lee's cut from the left wing, but then saw Lee quickly perform an in-and-out dribble while on the move, swaying right and driving left, causing David Robinson to freeze in place.
Tony Parker, desperately chasing from behind, could only watch Lee accelerate again after his shake, appearing almost like a flash on the lower left side of the basket, grabbing the ball with his left hand, and making a leaning layup!
David Robinson stared intently at Lee, and soon heard a teasing voice:
"Dude, your lateral quickness is getting slower and slower!"
After the teasing, Clay Lee casually patted "The Admiral" who was preparing to inbound the ball.
What he said was naturally from his heart.
Whether it was Dikembe Mutombo coming off the bench in the Eastern Conference Finals or David Robinson starting now, they were truly past their prime.
"Wow!"
His ears were filled with cheers from the Madison Square Garden and shouts of approval from the front-row fans.
David Robinson was speechless for a moment.
He knew that Lee would continue to attack his Defense in the next few possessions.
Head Coach Popovich on the sideline gestured for a play.
Receiving the instructions, Tony Parker dribbled past half-court and came to the left wing.
He didn't initiate a screen but waited for Duncan to get into position on the baseline.
The big men set cross screens under the basket.
Bruce Bowen moved to the right corner, and Steve Smith stopped on the right wing.
Seeing the opponents' positioning, the New York Knicks players knew it must be Duncan's low-post isolation.
Kurt Thomas did not switch with Pau Gasol.
Under Lee's interference on the top, Duncan couldn't receive the pass immediately.
Kurt Thomas, chasing from behind, first braced his arm for Defense, then began to front-guard.
Duncan also didn't want to receive the ball far from the basket, but the two's struggle eventually led them to the left restricted area.
Tony Parker, who had stopped dribbling, could only throw a high lob pass.
After completing the pass, he quickly accelerated his cut, leading Lee towards the right corner, as the San Antonio Spurs players rotated in sequence.
David Robinson quickly moved to the free-throw line, creating offensive space.
After receiving the ball, Duncan smoothly turned to face the basket, swept the ball, then quickly put it down with his left hand and drove with a step.
Kurt Thomas quickly slid to his right-rear, blocking the driving lane.
Pau Gasol completely abandoned David Robinson and squeezed into the paint with him.
Not choosing to pass, nor able to turn towards the top, Duncan, having exerted too much force, plunged into the double-team, forcing a layup from the lower left of the basket.
The basketball hit the rim and bounced out.
Lee, who had returned to the basket early from near the right baseline, grabbed the rebound.
Seeing David Robinson step forward to delay, Lee smoothly pushed the ball with his right hand to change direction, scooped the ball with his left hand, lowered his shoulder, and accelerated, instantly squeezing past his opponent.
Not giving the San Antonio Spurs a chance to retreat on Defense, Lee, having just shaken off the Defense, immediately made a long pass.
Grant Hill, who had already rushed past half-court, scooped the ball on the three-point line, ignored Steve Smith chasing from behind, came into the paint, took three big steps, and then grabbed the ball with one hand for a gliding dunk!
0:6. The continuous easy scoring at the start made the cheers in the Madison Square Garden grow louder and louder.
Watching Clay Lee again follow Tony Parker to the baseline to lead the Defense, Nessler on the commentary desk once again praised:
"The New York Knicks are playing their characteristic transition offense. Clay Lee's Defense has suppressed Tony Parker since the start. He hasn't scored as easily as he did in the Western Conference Finals."
Bill Walton saw Duncan again proactively setting a screen at the left elbow area and commented:
"No matter the offensive method, the San Antonio Spurs need to get the ball into the basket as quickly as possible."
Duncan's high-quality screen finally allowed Tony Parker to briefly shake off Clay Lee's chase Defense.
Tony Parker, with the ball in his left hand, hadn't had time to dribble much when he saw Kurt Thomas move into the paint.
He didn't force an offense but quickly passed it back to the unguarded Duncan.
At the free-throw line, Duncan received the ball, took a quick look, then jumped to shoot.
However, the shot was too weak, hitting the front rim and immediately falling into Kurt Thomas's hands.
Duncan annoyingly shook his hand, knowing he needed to find his rhythm quickly.
The San Antonio Spurs players, in their retreat, quickly realized that Lee was pushing the ball forward at an extremely fast pace this time.
Despite Tony Parker's desperate slides and constant body contact, Lee still crushed him and rushed past half-court.
Both teams' players were near the three-point line, and the New York Knicks' big men were now heading straight for the basket.
Tim Duncan and David Robinson were following closely while also loudly reminding their teammates.
Near the top of the arc, Clay Lee slowed down and seamlessly completed a between-the-legs pass, which Grant Hill easily received as he followed up.
After completing the pass, Lee first cut without the ball, and upon reaching the elbow area, he suddenly accelerated and ran back.
On the left wing, Lee received another pass from Grant Hill.
He first faked a shot, shifting Tony Parker's defensive Center of Gravity, and then quickly stepped forward with his right foot to probe.
At this point, the San Antonio Spurs had just completed their defensive matchups, and Tony Parker was a bit confused.
He instinctively chose to step up and stick to him.
As soon as his opponent moved his feet, Lee quickly swept the ball, swayed his body to the right, then suddenly released the ball with his left hand, breaking through with a crossover step.
Tony Parker quickly slid back to the right, finding himself half a step behind and about to be squeezed past.
Fortunately, his teammate Bruce Bowen noticed the situation and quickly came over to help defend.
Lee, who was half a step ahead, suddenly quickly wrapped the ball behind his back.
Under the inertia, Tony Parker lost his defensive position again.
Switching to his right hand, Lee slowed down slightly but successfully avoided the double-team.
While Tony Parker was stepping up to stick to him again, he once again dipped his shoulder and accelerated.
Despite sliding in time, Tony Parker was still pushed into the paint by Lee's crushing breakthrough.
At this moment, multiple players were piled up under the basket.
Clay Lee didn't force another breakthrough but suddenly stopped short.
Using his left foot as an axis, he quickly twisted backward, while simultaneously pulling the ball back with a wide sweep of his left hand.
Parker was faked out again by the sudden stop.
He wanted to move his feet to stick to him again, but Lee suddenly twisted forward.
Seeing that Lee had already gathered the ball, Parker, who had readjusted his body's center of gravity, tried to block the shot.
Unable to fully jump, facing Lee's deep fadeaway, Tony Parker leaned forward, and his outstretched left arm only hit his right elbow.
"Squeak!"
"Wow!"
Amidst the cheers of the New York fans, the referee blew his whistle.
The basketball flew towards the hoop.
Although it was interfered with, it bounced twice on the rim before falling into the net.
Tony Parker almost fell to the ground after landing.
He straightened up and watched Lee, who was celebrating with a fist pump, walk to the free-throw line.
He couldn't help but instinctively look towards the Head Coach on the sidelines.
Tony Parker quickly noticed that Gregg Popovich had a grim expression and gave no instructions.
He seemed powerless.
"The San Antonio Spurs' Defense is collapsing! They seem to have no solution! Clay Lee is too fast!"
"Parker can keep up with Lee's pace, but his physical confrontation is much weaker. Every time he loses his position, it's difficult to make an effective Defense."
Tolbert didn't hold back, making his comments mercilessly.
Nessler saw Lee make the free throw and couldn't help but add:
"Perhaps Head Coach Popovich should call a timeout!"
0:9. The San Antonio Spurs hadn't scored a single point since the start.
Gregg Popovich didn't call a timeout but instead trusted his star player.
No longer choosing a pick-and-roll, Tim Duncan once again squeezed into the left block.
This time, after receiving the pass, he made a timely turn towards the baseline direction with a step-through breakthrough.
David Robinson, left open at the free-throw line, received the pass and made a mid-range jump shot!
2:9. The San Antonio Spurs finally broke the deadlock, and the atmosphere group on the bench also cheered.
Quickly inbounding from the baseline, Lee made a tactical hand gesture early.
Soon, it was another high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.
Near the left wing, relying on Pau Gasol's excellent screen quality, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, successfully shook off Tony Parker's trailing Defense.
David Robinson, having learned his lesson, had already raised his right arm and stepped forward for a hard hedge.
Lee didn't choose to accelerate and break through.
Seeing the opponent's overreaction on Defense, he immediately sent out a bounce pass.
Pau Gasol also accelerated and rolled down, receiving the pass in the paint and striding directly to the basket.
Pau Gasol, with the ball in his right hand, charged in with three big steps, intending to dunk with a wide swing of his arm, but he was interfered with by Tim Duncan, who had rotated to help defend under the basket.
Amidst the New York fans' regretful sighs, the basketball hit the rim and bounced high.
Although the poster dunk didn't succeed, Kurt Thomas, who was not boxed out, grabbed the offensive rebound at this moment.
Tim Duncan, who had twisted his body to help defend again, was knocked away by Kurt Thomas, who then scored with a layup off the glass!
2:11. Watching Kurt Thomas pound his chest under the basket, Madison Square Garden erupted in cheers once again.
Running the same play, David Robinson, who was once again left open, didn't hesitate and made a jump shot from the free-throw line.
Coming back, the San Antonio Spurs had just completed their defensive matchups.
Tony Parker, who had been repeatedly broken through at the top of the arc, didn't stick to Clay Lee this time, maintaining his defensive distance.
Easily pushing the ball to half-court, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, suddenly quickly pushed the ball for a change of direction.
After switching to his right hand, he immediately dipped his shoulder and accelerated.
Making a successful defensive read, Tony Parker immediately blocked Lee's driving lane.
A strong force suddenly came from in front of him.
Tony Parker instinctively widened his eyes, watching Lee lead the ball forward, increasing his stride, and literally squeezing past him.
Tim Duncan and David Robinson both returned to the paint from the left and right baseline positions simultaneously.
Clay Lee, who had driven into the paint, took advantage of his opponent's foot movement to pass the ball to Pau Gasol, who was at the bottom right of the basket.
As David Robinson tried to twist his body to block again, Pau Gasol exploded upwards, grabbing the ball with his right hand, swinging his long arm, and completing a poster dunk!
"Ah!"
Pau Gasol, after completing the dunk, let out a loud yell, and this performance made the cheers in the Madison Square Garden even louder.
The New York Knicks' simple yet direct drive-and-kick strategy was proving exceptionally effective.
Gregg Popovich, with a poker face, called a timeout.
Uncharacteristically, he didn't criticize Tony Parker but instead patted his starting point guard's shoulder.
4:13. Lee high-fived his teammates as he walked towards the bench.
On the bench, the atmosphere group was happily cheering loudly.
The game seemed easier than expected.
After the timeout, the New York Knicks, contrary to their usual style, continued to play simple basketball.
On the commentary table, Nessler's most frequent phrases were:
"Clay Lee! Inside! That's good!"
"Clag Lee! Again! Beautiful pass!"
As the first quarter entered its middle stages, the New York Knicks players had long shed their nervousness.
Lee also began to run plays, directing traffic from the corner for a few possessions.
Manu Ginobili, who had been substituted in early, had just scored his first 2 points of the Finals on a drive to the basket in the previous possession.
Back on Defense, with a baseline cross-screen, Grant Hill, who received the pass in the left block, faced the Rookie switch and changed direction with the ball in front of his body with his right hand.
Gaining half a step, Grant Hill smoothly took a step, used his body to push Manu Ginobili away, and scored with a left-handed scoop layup!
The New York fans were delighted. Compared to the regular season, as the playoffs progressed, the New York Knicks' playing style also became simpler and more direct.
With an increase in isolation plays by star players, fans who bought tickets felt their expensive tickets were well worth it!
12:21. The score difference remained unchanged, with 4 minutes and 30 seconds left in the first quarter.
In these few minutes, the San Antonio Spurs also started to speed up.
Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and the substitute Malik Rose all scored, but there were problems on the defensive end.
The San Antonio Spurs attacked again.
Tim Duncan, who was always heavily guarded in the low post, received the ball again in the right elbow area.
After passing the ball, Tony Parker still cut without the ball towards the basket, running to the left corner.
Manu Ginobili at the top of the arc actively stepped forward, attempting to receive a hand-off pass from Tim Duncan.
Running back up the arc, he couldn't shake off Ron Artest's entanglement.
Although Tim Duncan's side screen quality was good, as soon as Manu Ginobili received the ball, Ron Artest, who had powerfully squeezed through the screen, collided with his opponent while simultaneously forcefully stripping the ball with his left hand.
Losing control of the basketball, Manu Ginobili yelled, trying to attract the referee's attention, but Ron Artest, who had control of the ball, ignored him, accelerating and knocking his opponent down, quickly rushing past mid-court.
With no one defending him, Ron Artest rushed into the paint and immediately leaped into the air.
He barely managed to spin the ball once in the air, completing a windmill dunk!
"Oh!"
Ron Artest, who had shown off a fancy move, felt like a big star.
After completing the dunk, he stood under the basket, tugging at his jersey and letting out a strange yell.
12:23. The score difference reached double digits for the first time.
Gregg Popovich on the sidelines looked anxious, yelling loudly repeatedly.
Every time it came to a crucial possession, the New York Knicks players knew that their opponent would definitely give the ball to Tim Duncan.
Bruce Bowen, aside from helping move the ball at the top of the arc, spent most of his time moving back and forth between the left and right corners.
Manu Ginobili, after coming onto the court, didn't get many offensive opportunities, and Grant Hill gradually tightened his Defense within the three-point line.
When Tony Parker came to the left wing, the rest of the New York Knicks players were again defending around the paint.
After the shorter power forward Malik Rose came on, Pau Gasol completely dropped back into a deep paint Defense.
When Tim Duncan received Tony Parker's bounce pass in the left block, Kurt Thomas continued to post him from behind, while also giving Tim Duncan space to drive towards the baseline.
Pau Gasol stood near the right baseline, constantly watching the top of the arc, ready to help defend.
Grant Hill again collapsed, near the right elbow, ready to help defend Malik Rose at the free-throw line.
"Defense!"
The New York fans in the arena cheered louder and louder.
Tim Duncan put the ball down with his right hand and posted up.
Lee, on the left wing, suddenly accelerated his slide, moved to the side to help defend in front of Tim Duncan, and extended his arm to strip the ball, causing interference.
Tim Duncan, reacting quickly, immediately gathered the ball, avoiding the strip while raising the ball in front of him, and passed it back to Tony Parker outside the three-point line.
The pass was a bit slow.
As soon as Tony Parker received the ball, he saw Clay Lee rushing towards him again.
Instinctively protecting the ball on his right side, Tony Parker hadn't even had time to sweep the ball when Lee's right hand fiercely chopped down on the ball.
"Slap!"
With a crisp slapping sound, the basketball immediately fell to the floor.
The moment he lost the ball, Tony Parker tried to grab and foul, but he was subtly pushed by the accelerating Lee.
Coupled with the body contact, Tony Parker fell directly to the ground.
The referee made no call.
Tony Parker angrily slapped the floor and watched Lee rush past half-court.
In a 1-on-0 situation in the frontcourt, with no one defending him, Lee leaped high in the paint, jumping with both feet, his head almost level with the rim.
He pulled the ball down with both hands, folded his body, then extended it, and forcefully slammed the ball into the basket with both hands!
"Boom!" A successful reverse dunk!
"Show time!"
The commentator Nessler was delighted, cheering along with the New York fans.
12:25. After a series of stable +2s, the score difference reached 13 points.
Coach D'Antoni on the sidelines was smiling and clapping.
The increasingly anxious Tim Duncan finally successfully established position in the right low post this time, receiving Tony Parker's pass and immediately turning quickly towards the baseline.
Before Kurt Thomas could even block, Duncan, who had squeezed under the basket, took a step and slammed the ball in with both hands!
After the dunk, Duncan didn't celebrate, continuing to loudly call for his teammates to retreat on Defense.
The San Antonio Spurs finally switched their defensive matchups, with Bruce Bowen getting in front early to interfere with Clay Lee's reception.
After dribbling the ball behind his back and switching to his left hand, Lee accelerated directly, pushing through the Defense.
Bruce Bowen's tugging had no effect, and after crossing half-court, Lee suddenly stopped, instantly shaking Bruce Bowen out of position.
Instead of choosing to drive directly, Lee unhurriedly made a tactical hand gesture, signaling for another pick-and-roll.
Lee moved close to the left wing, while Bruce Bowen, staring at the ball, still didn't get too close.
Noticing Pau Gasol coming up from behind, he finally shifted his feet, attempting to stick to Lee.
Before the pick-and-roll could happen, Lee suddenly sped up his dribble, dribbling forcefully with his right hand before quickly changing direction in front of his body.
Bruce Bowen had no reaction, standing rooted to the spot, turning his head to watch Lee, with the ball in his left hand, "fly low to the ground" directly to the basket.
Duncan, who had followed the Defense to the left restricted area, stopped in time, diligently blocking Lee's driving lane, attempting to make a block.
Leaning against Tim Duncan, who was constantly sliding and raising his right arm, Lee, nearing the paint, suddenly stopped and pulled back with a wide cross-step.
Tim Duncan was faked out and stumbled, instantly losing his defensive position.
Clay Lee, with the ball now in his right hand, didn't choose an open jump shot but accelerated again.
After a big dribble, he stepped into the paint and took a hop step, colliding with Tim Duncan again in the air as he came over for help Defense.
Lee, with the ball in his right hand, evaded the block and, after being hit on the shoulder, tossed the ball out!
"Squeak!"
"And one!"
The whistle blew and the shot went in.
The basketball hit the backboard and dropped through the hoop.
Duncan, after landing, couldn't keep his balance from the collision and stumbled back two steps, sitting down on the baseline.
"Wow!"
Seeing Lee showing off with his shoulders shaking under the basket, the cheers almost broke through the Madison Square Garden.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Stepping to the free-throw line, amidst the fans' shouts, Clay Lee calmly made the extra free throw.
At 12:28, Tim Duncan proactively called a timeout.
Seeing his star player's eyes burning with anger, Gregg Popovich quickly went over to hug and comfort him.
"This isn't a good matchup. Bruce Bowen is too slow. This is almost a natural mismatch."
Tolbert saw the New York Knicks completely extend their lead, shook his head, and commented.
Bill Walton looked at the stat sheet:
5-for-5 shooting, 2-for-2 free throws, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.
Thinking that Clay Lee hadn't missed a shot yet, Bill Walton could only sigh:
"Putting a second-year Rookie against an MVP isn't a good choice either."
With a 16-point lead, Nessler had broadcast many Knicks playoff games and had never witnessed an opponent come back at Madison Square Garden:
"It seems the San Antonio Spurs need to change their tactics. They need to score quickly. This deficit is really too dangerous."
In the last few minutes, the New York Knicks didn't throw any three-pointers.
Grant Hill and Ron Artest both chose to assist from the paint.
With the opponent putting a smaller power forward on the court, Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas fought even harder for rebounds.
Fortunately, Tim Duncan's free throws didn't falter at this time.
He continuously stepped to the free-throw line, helping the San Antonio Spurs stabilize their emotions.
Mike D'Antoni sat back on the bench, while Ewing occasionally stood up, clapping loudly and encouraging.
This simple method of shooting and grabbing rebounds could still suppress the opponent.
After sending Lee to the free-throw line again, the San Antonio Spurs' last possession of the first quarter ended with Tony Parker's long two-pointer from the right wing clanking off the rim again.
At 20:36, the 16-point lead had the New York fans celebrating victory early.
The Madison Square Garden was filled with cheers.
As Lee, who had played the entire first quarter, walked towards the bench, he continuously high-fived and celebrated with everyone.
Many fans in the front row stood up and cheered.
This situation made the San Antonio Spurs players, who had returned to the bench, look grim.
Gregg Popovich held his tactical board, writing and drawing, constantly shouting reminders to his players to stay calm.
David Robinson re-entered the game.
The San Antonio Spurs made almost no substitutions, relying on their starters to fight through the huge deficit.
For the New York Knicks, Jackson and Tayshaun Prince entered the game, and Amar'e Stoudemire replaced Kurt Thomas, who had two fouls.
In the San Antonio Spurs' first offensive possession, Manu Ginobili drove to the basket for a layup, but missed, using David Robinson's screen on the left wing.
The cheers in the Madison Square Garden grew louder and louder. David Robinson accelerated back to half-court, loudly reminding his teammates to retreat on Defense.
This time, Lee' advanced quickly.
Arriving at the right wing, Amar'e Stoudemire, who had just entered the game, immediately came up to set a pick and-roll.
The fake screen allowed Tony Parker to easily squeeze through, but Tim Duncan, who followed the Defense, still chose a deep drop, helping Defend in front of Lee.
Lee's continuous drives had worn out the San Antonio Spurs players.
Duncan made a wrong defensive choice and was then beaten by a bounce pass that pierced the Defense.
Near the free-throw line, Amar'e Stoudemire, cutting down, received the pass perfectly.
He took a step and immediately leaped into the air.
David Robinson aggressively helped Defend under the basket, jumping up to block, but found the Rookie in front of him charging straight into him.
The two collided in the air.
Amar'e Stoudemire was not much affected, directly knocking "the Admiral" flying.
Amidst the fans' exclamations, David Robinson's body arched backward in the air, then a roaring sound exploded in his ears.
After landing, he couldn't stand steadily and stumbled into the camera crew.
"Boom!" A powerful dunk over someone!
"Wow!"
The roar in Madison Square Garden intensified again.
The visually impactful dunk made many fans jump and cheer, constantly making noise.
Tim Duncan pulled up his elder teammate, turned his head to see the New York Knicks players huddled together, celebrating wildly, and felt a surge of anger in his heart.
Soon, the San Antonio Spurs players experienced what the Nets felt in their film sessions.
The time loop had begun.
At the commentary table, Nessler began to repeat his commentary from the first quarter:
"Clay Lee! Get inside! Good!"
"What a play by Clay Lee! Beautiful pass!"
With 6 minutes and 04 seconds left in the half, the starting lineup returned, and the New York Knicks finally changed tactics.
Clay Lee, who had been squatting in the corner for several consecutive possessions, suddenly quickly slipped along the baseline from right to left.
After reaching the basket, he accelerated towards the middle and popped out.
At the free-throw line, Pau Gasol set a down screen, delaying Tony Parker, who was chasing on Defense.
On the left wing, Grant Hill, shielding the ball with his body, delivered a cross-pass.
The moment Lee received the ball, Tony Parker also caught up on Defense.
Holding the ball over his head, Lee quickly swept the ball from top to bottom, while simultaneously making a horizontal jab step with his right foot.
Tony Parker subconsciously shuffled back a step, and then saw Lee pull up directly from beyond the three-point line.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
At 33:50, the lead reached 17 points.
Lee knew Tony Parker's English was on par with Pau Gasol's, so he didn't bother with any trash talk, just shook his head and smiled.
Tony Parker was stunned, looking helplessly at his Head Coach.
Soon, he received instructions from Gregg Popovich again, to continue giving the ball to Tim Duncan.
On the New York Knicks' bench, the hype squad had already stood up, raising their right arms with three fingers held up, cheering and celebrating along with the fans.
In the subsequent play, Tim Duncan stopped passing, diligently fighting for position, and strong-arming in the low post to draw a foul on Pau Gasol.
His fadeaway jump shots from both restricted areas also consistently found the net.
Tony Parker seemed to be expending too much energy on Defense.
Apart from one successful driving floater after shaking off the Defense, several wide-open pull-up jump shots still missed.
Watching Tim Duncan continuously score, but the lead not shrinking, Gregg Popovich on the sidelines' "helpless shouts" couldn't change anything.
The New York Knicks' Defense contracted very tightly.
This possession, the San Antonio Spurs passed the ball continuously on the perimeter.
In the right corner, Bruce Bowen received the ball and shot over Ron Artest's close-out, but it clanked off the rim.
The long rebound was picked up by Lee.
Tony Parker, out of options, immediately went for a hug.
The referee blew the whistle and pointed to the free-throw line.
Tony Parker watched Clay Lee walk towards half-court, standing frozen in place, until Tim Duncan came up from behind and patted his head, only then did he fully snap out of it.
"Tony, we still have time!"
Still silent, Tony Parker looked at the scoreboard:
42:60, with 1 minute and 25 seconds left in the half.
Lee made both free throws, raised his hands high, and with a smile, strolled back on Defense.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Before the end of the first half, the MVP chants were unstoppable.
As both teams continuously missed shots in the final few possessions, the score remained unchanged.
All the San Antonio Spurs players quickly walked towards the player tunnel.
On the other side, the New York Knicks had already begun to celebrate.
Coach D'Antoni also ended his tactical lean, tidied his clothes, and prepared to accept an interview during halftime.
Ewing was grinning from ear to ear.
With a 20-point lead, the game was definitely beyond doubt.
He put his arm around Lee and walked towards the player tunnel, only quietly saying when they were almost at the locker room:
"Lee! Sweep them! Don't give David any hope. Winning the award on the road is also good. The San Antonio Spurs just got a new home arena."
Seeing his old rival not doing well made the Gorilla happy.
Lee understood his old teammate's thoughts:
"Don't worry, Pat! Of course, we'll sweep them. The playoffs have been reformed this year, and I've said all along that we're going to create the best record in history!"
When the two entered the locker room, everyone was beaming.
Lee smiled, clapped his hands, and said loudly:
"Guys! Enjoy the victory!"
"Oh!!"
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