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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On the evening of June 4, 2003, there was little time left in the 4th quarter.
On the San Antonio Spurs bench, Steve Kerr noticed his teammate David Robinson clenching his fists, silently watching the game, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
"This is truly a nightmare game."
Even superstars have their time when they fade.
No one can resist the erosion of time.
Although David Robinson scored 15 points in this game through jump shots and free throws, as long as he was on the court, he would be targeted on the Defense end.
Steve Smith, who also sat on the bench for most of the game, only played a total of 5 minutes in the entire game.
This veteran couldn't make shots on offense and was easily bypassed on Defense, completely becoming a soft touch, and was destined to fall out of the rotation later.
Steve Kerr himself was also a veteran, so he could naturally understand the feelings of the two.
Gregg Popovich didn't even let him play.
After playing the first half, Tim Duncan rested for a while at the end of the 3rd quarter, plus 2 minutes at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
The game was about to end, and his playing time tonight reached 45 minutes.
Madison Square Garden, New York fans had already started celebrating the victory early, and many people liked this game because Clay Lee had more playing time.
"Wow!"
With 18.6 seconds left in the game, Duncan missed his second free throw, and cheers once again echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
Running back to half-court, Duncan waved his arm in frustration, retreated to the paint area, propped himself on his knees, and stared intently at Lee, who no longer moved after crossing half-court.
As time ticked away, Tony Parker also stopped defending.
The San Antonio Spurs players on the court were somewhat disappointed.
The game was completely different from what they had expected.
The final buzzer was almost drowned out by the cheers of the fans. 90:114, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs by a large margin, getting off to a winning start in the Finals.
The San Antonio Spurs players left early. Only Gregg Popovich came to the scorer's table and shook hands with Mike D'Antoni as a matter of routine.
The two exchanged brief pleasantries, and soon Gregg Popovich walked quickly towards the player tunnel without looking back.
A smile appeared on Mike D'Antoni's face as he slowly paced the sidelines, continuing to enjoy the joy that victory brought.
After the game, the three people at the ABC commentary booth on site also changed positions, coming to the court.
Watching Lee being interviewed, Bill Walton was the first to speak:
"If the San Antonio Spurs cannot make targeted adjustments, then the series will end very quickly."
"Tim Duncan is excellent, but he needs the support of his teammates. They are facing a 73-win team!"
13-of-24 shooting, 8-of-12 free throws, 34 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks.
Duncan delivered another double-double tonight.
Bill Walton, who had specifically shaved his beard during the Finals, looked much more energetic.
However, the way this famous player angrily criticized the other San Antonio Spurs players made his bald partner Tolbert next to him laugh:
"How to adjust? I don't know. In my opinion, the San Antonio Spurs have given their all. Tonight, they virtually played a seven-man rotation."
"Tony Parker and Lee both played 41 minutes, and Manu Ginobili's playing time also reached 42 minutes."
"The gap is too big. Clay Lee's influence on the game surpasses all opponents the San Antonio Spurs have encountered in the Western Conference."
14-of-24 shooting, 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, 10-of-11 free throws, 41 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers.
Clay Lee contributed another 40+ double-double in the Finals.
With both partners taking the stance that the San Antonio Spurs were completely finished, Nessler almost couldn't pick up the conversation and could only smile at the camera, trying to smooth things over:
"Although the San Antonio Spurs lost by 24 points tonight, the series has just begun. I believe Tim Duncan will lead the team to a strong rebound in the upcoming games."
"Game 2 of the Finals will be held on the 6th, and ABC will continue to bring you exciting games."
Tim Duncan and David Robinson were the two San Antonio Spurs players who attended the press conference.
When asked about the team's support, Duncan did not criticize his teammates:
"Tony Parker is just a second-year rookie. I think he played well tonight. He fought against Clay Lee the whole game."
"We will carefully review the game footage when we go back. The team still has room for improvement. Our Defense had huge problems tonight."
The look of disappointment was gone from his face, and Duncan became expressionless again as he answered questions.
Tony Parker shot 5-of-15 tonight, 2-of-4 from the free throw line, and finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
He only had two field goals in the first half, and his struggles only improved in the final quarter.
Familiar sports reporters below the stage were whispering to each other.
The game's progression completely surprised them.
A TNT reporter suddenly asked at this moment:
"David, if the San Antonio Spurs can't win the championship this year, will you still choose to retire?"
In less than two months, "The Admiral" would turn 38.
David Robinson turned to look at Duncan, and finally answered frankly:
"I will still choose to retire. Many times, I can no longer help the team."
"In the NBA, there's more than just championships. I really enjoy my career!"
The San Antonio Spurs beat reporter felt a pang of sadness.
David Robinson had spent his entire career in San Antonio, accompanying the youth of many fans.
When Clay Lee appeared at the press conference in a dark blue suit, the reporters below showered him with flattery.
No one discussed the statistics, and no one questioned the outcome of the series anymore.
A New York Times reporter at this moment proudly bragged:
"Lee, tonight's 41 points is also your 11th 40+ scoring performance in the Finals of your career! You have now broken Jerry West's record of 10 40+ scoring performances in the Finals!"
"This is truly an incredible achievement! On this record-breaking night, tell us how you feel!"
Last year in the Finals, Lee tied Jerry West's record, but after the loss, the New York sports media only quietly praised him.
This year's situation was completely different: 73 wins, 13-0 in the playoffs so far, plus the 40+ record.
Everyone was already eager to blow their own horn!
"I don't consider myself a scorer. As I've said before, statistics are only there to serve victory."
"Jerry West is a legendary superstar, and I am honored to break his record!"
Seeing Lee say these words with a serious expression, most people were speechless, except for the New York sports media, who laughed and applauded:
"Not a scorer?"
On June 5, the sports sections of major newspapers across the United States, in addition to reporting on the New York Knicks' victory, were all hyping Lee's new record.
The New York Times' front-page headline once again came up with an exaggerated title:
"Beyond Legend! A Miracle Belonging to New York â Clay-Lee!"
Jerry West had reached the Finals 9 times, and his 10 40+ performances were considered an unbreakable record.
Clay Lee, including this year, has reached the Finals 6 times, and at the age of 25, he easily broke the record!
The more outrageous the record, the more it attracts "bandwagon fans."
Just as New York fans love Excel and records, even casual observers who don't follow the NBA will be attracted by such reports.
ABC and the NBA were desperately promoting it.
This was the first Finals they were broadcasting, and both sides hoped that viewership would reach a new high.
This time, no one came out to sing a different tune, because this record was truly ridiculousâridiculous to the extreme.
On TNT's program, the always outspoken Charles Barkley could only follow along and brag:
"Even in another century, if the NBA still exists, no one will break the record Clay Lee created!"
"Perhaps before Lee's career ends, we will see even more 40+ Finals performances!"
"..."
On the morning of the 5th, the San Antonio Spurs players, who were still watching game footage at the hotel, only felt mentally exhausted.
No one reported on them, and no one cared about their feelings.
Manhattan seemed to be in a state of revelry.
The new record made New York fans ecstatic.
They could hear people discussing Lee's record even during breakfast.
As for the newspapers, Gregg Popovich and the coaching staff threw them aside after a glance, finding the praise uncomfortable.
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Brown regretted every day this season.
If he had become the Head Coach of the New York Knicks last year, he would have become a super famous coach after one season!
Instead of becoming a famous coach, he ended up being a backdrop for the San Antonio Spurs.
Mike Brown was in low spirits during the film session, almost directly saying:
"It's hopeless, we're doomed, let's go home."
Mike Brown was at a loss, while another assistant coach, Mike Budenholzer, proactively suggested:
"We should double-team Clay more and let other players complete the offense!"
The other two assistant coaches remained silent, and Gregg Popovich didn't have a very good idea at the moment.
Although he gave the players pep talks, losing by 20 points was too big of a gap.
The coaching staff discussed for a while.
No one had eaten lunch, and the more they talked, the less appetite they had.
The difference in player strength was unsolvable.
Noticing that the assistant coaches' spirits were also starting to drop, Gregg Popovich finally said:
"I believe in Tim Duncan! This afternoon, we will continue to encourage the young men!"
Mike Brown looked at Gregg Popovich, realizing again why he had lost the Head Coach position to Mike D'Antoni, and at the same time, a strange confidence welled up in his heart:
"As long as I have the right opportunity, I can definitely become a Head Coach!"
On June 6, Finals Game 2 still officially started at 8:30 PM that evening.
The San Antonio Spurs only had one day to adjust, and basketball pundits unanimously believed the New York Knicks would sweep the Finals.
Two hours before the game, in the ABC studio, they continued to preview the night's game.
Host Mike Tirico was still the same, trying to remain neutral to avoid inadvertently praising the New York Knicks and causing discomfort to San Antonio fans.
In the studio, Jeff Van Gundy put on a look that said, 'I knew this would happen':
"Tim Duncan might still put up great numbers, but unfortunately, he can't change the New York Knicks' Defense strategy."
"In fact, in the 1999 Finals, Tim Duncan also performed exceptionally well. To win the series, role players need to step up."
Elliot, beside him, knew the Bald Young Coach was right.
With over 50% shooting and no issues with free throws, Duncan's performance reminded him of that year's Finals:
"I believe Head Coach Popovich will make adjustments, and the San Antonio Spurs still have a chance!"
Mike Tirico noticed that the San Antonio Spurs legend kept repeating the same phrase, so he couldn't help but ask Jeff Van Gundy on the other side:
"Jeff, how should the San Antonio Spurs adjust to win the game?"
Hearing this question, the Bald Young Coach smiled again, glanced at his former opponent, and said meaningfully:
"It's difficult. Tim Duncan will be double-teamed, but the New York Knicks' perimeter Defense rotation is very fast."
"If the San Antonio Spurs can complete their passes in time and role players can make some open three-pointers, perhaps they can change the game's momentum."
"Their second-leading scorer, Tony Parker, is completely silent. No matter how many points Tim Duncan gets, Lee can respond."
"If the San Antonio Spurs choose to double-team, and the New York Knicks' role players make those open shots, perhaps they will lose even faster."
"Of course, many other factors can influence the game, but at the New York Knicks' home court, given the current situation, the San Antonio Spurs have no chance."
...
The commentary from the studio quickly proved true after the game began.
At the ABC commentary table, after the first half, Nessler couldn't help but exclaim again:
"Coach Van Gundy really understands the New York Knicks. His predictions were completely accurate."
41:54, at halftime, the New York Knicks led by 13 points.
The game's progression was exactly the same as Game 1, the only difference being Duncan's 2-for-6 free throw shooting in the first half.
7-for-12 from the field, Duncan again scored 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 2 turnovers in the first half.
Bill Walton frowned as he looked at the box score, feeling as if this was a repeat of the game two nights ago:
"The San Antonio Spurs made no adjustments. They kept giving the ball to Duncan, and occasionally David Robinson would get a chance and make some jump shots."
"But this cannot change the situation on the court. In the second quarter, the New York Knicks still scored 26 points, and their double-teaming had no effect."
Tolbert felt no surprise.
He had already condemned the San Antonio Spurs:
"Terrible matchups. When Tony Parker guards Ron Artest, besides fouling, he can only pray the opponent misses their shot."
"The San Antonio Spurs' Defense is collapsing. Clay Lee has completely taken control of the game!"
The three of them took turns offering advice to the San Antonio Spurs from the commentary table.
As the third quarter began, the Madison Square Garden's atmosphere grew even more fervent.
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive cheers, Tony Parker dribbled past half-court and immediately passed the ball to Robinson at the left elbow.
After David Robinson received the ball, Tony Parker cut diagonally, but no direct opportunity arose, so he ran towards the right baseline with Lee.
After Robinson received the ball at the elbow, Duncan had already moved early to the low post on the left side of the basket, constantly battling Kurt Thomas, trying to post up for the ball.
The San Antonio Spurs' perimeter also started moving.
Manu Ginobili quickly ran to the left wing, and Bruce Bowen followed to the right wing to create space.
In a simple high-low post play, Robinson lobbed the ball to Duncan in the low post, then moved towards the right baseline with Pau Gasol.
Duncan, who received the ball, was still observing the Defense.
He noticed Pau Gasol suddenly stepping up to double-team and realized his elder brother was open, but Duncan was surrounded by two big men and couldn't make the pass immediately.
Kurt Thomas held his ground tightly on the baseline, not giving Duncan an easy chance to turn and pass, while the helping Pau Gasol mainly relied on his wingspan to interfere from the perimeter.
Any star who blindly forces a shot against a double-team usually misses.
After Duncan released the ball with his right hand, he pulled back to draw the Defense.
David Robinson, seeing the situation was not right, quickly returned to the free-throw line.
Robinson received the pass from Duncan.
Pau Gasol again moved to help defend in the paint.
Almost wide open, near the free-throw line, Robinson decisively shot and missed.
Clay Lee, who had already retreated to the right baseline, naturally grabbed the rebound.
Seeing the San Antonio Spurs quickly retreat on Defense, he unhurriedly dribbled past half-court.
The San Antonio Spurs decisively switched to a different Defense strategy in the second half, with Robinson and Duncan standing one on the left and one on the right near the right baseline.
On the perimeter, Tony Parker led the Defense, while Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen sagged inside the three-point line on the left and right wings.
Seeing the opponent set up a 3-2 zone Defense, Clay Lee first turned to look at Ron Artest on the left wing, then waved to signal his teammate to run to the right corner.
Ron Artest began to move, first slipping to the left corner.
Manu Ginobili on the left wing then moved backward to cut off Lee's passing lane.
Tony Parker also began to control his defensive distance, constantly paying attention to movements behind him.
"Let's go Knicks!"
Amidst the cheers of the New York fans, Pau Gasol accelerated his push up.
Robinson didn't follow out to defend but loudly directed his teammates to sag their Defense.
Grant Hill saw that Ron Artest had already run to the basket area and immediately moved from the right wing along the baseline, quickly running to the left corner.
Bruce Bowen hesitated for a moment, choosing to loudly remind Manu Ginobili to pay attention to his defensive position, while he himself remained at the elbow, ready to double-team and help defend at any time.
Pau Gasol settled at the top of the arc. Manu Ginobili noticed that Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, seemed to be driving to the left and subconsciously slowed his pace.
A high-quality screen allowed Lee to easily shake off Tony Parker.
Manu Ginobili stopped, wanting to step up and trap, but Lee was faster, breaking free of the Defense and suddenly pushing the ball quickly to change direction.
Scooping the ball with his right hand, Lee instantly broke into the paint.
Bruce Bowen quickly collapsed, but was still a step too slow.
The moment Lee broke free of the Defense, he immediately jumped and flung the ball.
Bruce Bowen, raising his hand to contest, could only watch the basketball fly straight to the right corner.
Duncan was delayed by Kurt Thomas and didn't follow out to block the shot, which was what the San Antonio Spurs wanted to see.
An unguarded Ron Artest received the pass, squatted down, and with his butt out, fully exerted himself, calmly jumping and shooting!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net!
41:57, the lead continued to widen.
Ron Artest, who made the shot, pumped his fist in celebration.
When it was the San Antonio Spurs' turn to attack again, the New York Knicks still played man-to-man Defense.
This time, Duncan, receiving the ball in the right low post, assisted Robinson for an open jump shot from the free-throw line.
Turning back, with Head Coach Popovich's loud reminders from the sideline, the San Antonio Spurs continued to stick to their Defense strategy.
Lee still unhurriedly dribbled past half-court, seeing that the opponent was still stubborn, and again signaled a tactical play.
He loudly reminded Ron Artest to go to the right corner again, while Grant Hill had already settled in the left corner.
San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen slightly moved backward, cutting off passing lanes.
At this point, seeing Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas both move up to the three-point line simultaneously, they couldn't help but move further up the perimeter.
Tony Parker was already confused at this point.
He was caught between two big men.
Clay Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, quickly pushed the ball to change direction, and Tony Parker stood rooted to the spot.
Seeing Lee switch to his right hand, Bruce Bowen and Duncan near the right baseline began to accelerate their movements, one up and one down.
Pulling the Defense up the perimeter, Lee feigned a pass to the right corner, then suddenly jumped, powerfully flinging the ball against Bruce Bowen's Defense.
The basketball accurately landed in the hands of Pau Gasol, who was cutting through the middle.
David Robinson actively helped defend, and Duncan also quickly collapsed to the basket.
Pau Gasol, who received the ball, then passed it to Ron Artest in the right corner.
Facing Duncan's turning and lunging Defense, Ron Artest made no adjustments this time, catching and shooting!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net!
43:60, the lead widened by a little bit more.
"Wow!"
After consecutive three-pointers, Ron Artest jumped and cheered, excitedly running back on Defense, and the cheers in the Madison Square Garden grew louder and louder.
0-for-3 on three-pointers in the first half, suddenly blooming in the second half.
Head Coach Popovich on the sideline no longer shouted loudly, crossing his arms, frustrated with the situation on the court.
Tony Parker and Duncan again ran a high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.
Facing Lee's Defense from the baseline, Tony Parker hit a pull-up jumper from the left elbow.
On the San Antonio Spurs' bench, the atmosphere group cheered, and as Head Coach Popovich signaled a tactical play, the players on the court continued their zone Defense.
Clay Lee again called for a pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol, and the New York Knicks still positioned themselves the same way, only Ron Artest had now moved to the left corner.
Changing the pick-and-roll spot, on the left wing, Pau Gasol stood firm, and Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, once again easily shook off his defender.
Bruce Bowen saw Lee slow down and hurried over to double-team him.
Lee then passed the ball to Ron Artest in the left corner.
Ron Artest immediately faked a shot after receiving the ball.
David Robinson subconsciously stepped forward, and Ron Artest immediately put the ball down with his left hand and accelerated for a breakthrough.
Robinson hadn't completely lost his position, but Ron Artest, relying on his physique, managed to gain half a step, driving crookedly like a tank to the basket.
Kurt Thomas had already moved to the right block, opening up a passing lane and simultaneously setting an off-ball screen for Grant Hill in the right corner to prevent Manu Ginobili from rushing to defend.
Tim Duncan still chose to help defend under the basket, and then saw Ron Artest awkwardly toss the ball to the left corner.
Completely unguarded, Grant Hill aimed for a while from his sweet spot before calmly rising for a jump shot.
"Swish!" Another three-pointer went in!
45:63, the lead was still expanding.
Lee smiled and clapped his hands, then tapped his head with his finger, which infuriated the San Antonio Spurs players.
The San Antonio Spurs continued with their defensive strategy, and the New York Knicks naturally had some misses.
However, long rebounds were sometimes uncontrollable, leading to two fast breaks, but more often, they resulted in set plays.
This time, Tim Duncan's low-post offense on the left side wasn't double-teamed.
After putting the ball down with his right hand and backing down Kurt Thomas, he drove up in three steps and came directly in front of the rim for a floater!
51:65, with 7 minutes and 2 seconds left in the third quarter, the San Antonio Spurs narrowed the lead.
After several consecutive missed three-pointers and two points from Pau Gasol rolling to the basket, Mike D'Antoni proactively called a timeout.
Stephen Jackson came off the bench, replacing Grant Hill.
Seeing this substitution, Bill Walton on the commentary team instinctively commented:
"The New York Knicks seem to want to stick with this strategy, which is an opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs!"
In the first possession after the timeout, the San Antonio Spurs still played a zone Defense.
The New York Knicks' perimeter passing failed to stretch the Defense, and Clay Lee again chose to initiate a pick-and-roll on the left wing.
Although Tony Parker managed to squeeze through the screen in time, Manu Ginobili still chose to leave Stephen Jackson, who had just entered the game, open, and double-teamed Lee again to force him to pass the ball.
Stephen Jackson, who had just entered the game, received the pass on the left wing.
Noticing that David Robinson hadn't moved his feet at all, he didn't make many adjustments and just threw the ball up!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim!
"Wow!"
Cheers instantly filled the Madison Square Garden, and Stephen Jackson also pumped his fists repeatedly.
51:68, the lead was back to 17 points.
This situation made the San Antonio Spurs players increasingly anxious.
Tony Parker immediately passed the ball upon reaching the left wing.
Tim Duncan hadn't fully established his position.
Upon receiving the ball in the left block, he was immediately met with help Defense from Lee.
He quickly passed the ball back to Tony Parker, who immediately put the ball down with his right hand and drove forward.
Ron Artest, positioned in the right elbow, timely collapsed for help Defense, and Tony Parker passed the ball to Bruce Bowen on the right wing.
After receiving the ball, Bruce Bowen quickly rose for a jump shot from beyond the three-point line, despite Ron Artest's closeout!
"Clang!"
The rebound bounced out, and Pau Gasol once again secured the rebound in front of David Robinson.
Under Tim Duncan's loud reminder, the San Antonio Spurs finally changed their defensive alignment to a 2-3 zone, leaving only Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen on the perimeter.
Robinson still didn't follow out, and Gasol continued to set screens at the top of the arc.
Seeing Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, briefly shake off Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen again left Stephen Jackson open, attempting to complete a double-team with his teammate, one in front and one behind.
Manu Ginobili had been guarding Ron Artest in the right corner, but seeing Stephen Jackson receive the ball on the right wing, he quickly rushed to defend him.
Stephen Jackson, who received the pass, still made no adjustments, and facing the Defense, he quickly released the ball!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
51:71, the lead was back to 20 points, and the cheers almost erupted through the Madison Square Garden.
Gregg Popovich's face was grim.
Watching Clay Lee and Stephen Jackson chest bump in celebration, he couldn't help but curse under his breath.
Back on the bench, Tim Duncan also angrily threw his towel, staring at Head Coach Popovich, seemingly asking if he would still stick to this Defense.
"Patience! We still have time!"
Gregg Popovich sat in front of everyone, repeatedly emphasizing that only half of the third quarter had passed.
After the timeout, the San Antonio Spurs' stubborn Defense did not yield the expected results.
On the Finals stage, with a large lead, Stephen Jackson felt no pressure and had his breakout performance.
With 1 minute and 2 seconds left in the third quarter, the New York Knicks, through continuous perimeter passing, found Stephen Jackson open on the left wing, and he made another jump shot!
This was Stephen Jackson's fourth three-pointer of the quarter.
After making the shot, the former undrafted player tilted his head back and roared loudly.
"Ah!"
Tim Duncan at the baseline slammed the basketball hard.
Whenever the lead narrowed to around 14 points, the New York Knicks would respond, invariably hitting a three-pointer.
And whenever their three-pointers missed, Lee could still seize opportunities to generate some easy fast break points.
This chaotic shooting style delighted Mike D'Antoni. Compared to the grim-faced Gregg Popovich, Mike D'Antoni was constantly cheering loudly from the sidelines.
The San Antonio Spurs, sticking to their defensive strategy, completely witnessed the New York Knicks' role players explode.
Stephen Jackson, who had made consecutive three-pointers, faked a shot in the right corner, causing Manu Ginobili to jump as he rushed to defend.
He put the ball down with his right hand and accelerated along the baseline, driving past Tim Duncan who came over for help Defense.
Stephen Jackson took three steps, leaned to avoid the block, came to the lower left side of the rim, and with the ball in his right hand, he turned and tossed up a reverse layup!
"Swish!"
The ball went into the basket, and the referee's whistle followed.
Malik Rose, who had come off the bench, stood dumbfounded under the basket on the other side, watching Stephen Jackson pound his chest and roar.
"Nice job! Bro!"
Lee went up and fist-bumped Stephen Jackson, and the New York fans in the Madison Square Garden also began to cheer and applaud for this unexpected reserve hero.
65:82, Stephen Jackson made the free throw, and the lead remained at 17 points.
In the final two possessions of the third quarter, Manu Ginobili missed two three-pointers, and the New York Knicks also missed an open shot.
With 16.7 seconds left in the third quarter, Clay Lee again slowly dribbled the ball across half-court.
At the Logo, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, stopped, shielded the ball with his body, and continued to run down the clock.
Seeing that no one from the San Antonio Spurs was double-teaming him anymore, Lee also smiled.
Tony Parker got close and tried to strip the ball, but Lee suddenly shook his shoulder, pulled the ball back, and then leaned forward to accelerate.
Tony Parker quickly slid backward to his right, but saw that Lee only did a stationary dribble, then slowly moved forward two steps, continuing to run down the clock.
Somewhat close to the three-point line, Tony Parker began to maintain defensive distance, until less than 3 seconds remained in the third quarter, when he realized something was wrong.
Tony Parker rushed to guard him closely, but Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, smoothly dribbled it between his legs, and the moment he switched to his left hand, he again dribbled the ball hard, following it with a large step-back.
Tony Parker, who tried to jump and block, saw Lee's body remain perfectly balanced as he effortlessly released the shot.
As the ball flew past his fingertips, Tony Parker, landing, quickly turned his head.
While the ball was still in the air, the buzzer signaling the end of the third quarter sounded.
Once the ball, tracing a huge arc, precisely dropped into the net, cheers immediately erupted through the Madison Square Garden!
"OMG!"
"27 feet? Or even further!"
"God! Clay Lee made a super long three-pointer, helping the New York Knicks take a 20-point lead!"
On the commentary table, Nessler watched Lee confidently turn and raise both hands in celebration early, and at that moment, he felt that ESPN's hype was still too conservative.
Scoring 15 points in a single quarter, Stephen Jackson hugged Clay Lee from behind and excitedly said loudly:
"Thank you! Bro, this is the highlight of my career!"
The New York Knicks players swarmed forward, embracing Stephen Jackson and celebrating.
The game was already beyond doubt.
65:85, the New York Knicks exploded for 31 points in the third quarter, making eight three-pointers in that single quarter.
On the commentary table, Bill Walton also didn't expect the game to unfold this way:
"Tonight, Clay Lee showed us how to break down an opponent's zone Defense. Most of the New York Knicks' possessions were open shots!"
"Stephen Jackson, 15 points in a single quarter in the Finals. After tonight, everyone will know this forward!"
Tolbert noticed that Lee had dished out 10 assists in three quarters and couldn't help but exclaim:
"Playing with Lee, you always get more opportunities!"
"Those critics who question Lee's high usage rate should watch the game, not just stare at the stat sheet!"
"An overnight sensation! I'm delighted to witness such a game!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)