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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 6, 2003, as game time elapsed, Head Coach Popovich no longer stubbornly stuck with the starting lineup.
Losing two consecutive road games meant that G3 would become a do-or-die battle.
Coupled with only a little over a day of rest, and no hope of catching up in the last quarter, it was natural to conserve energy and prevent player injuries.
Playing in New York naturally wasn't a great experience.
Most fans this year didn't even care about the San Antonio Spurs as an opponent.
The 'Missing Persons' posters held up by jokers in the Madison Square Garden indicated the mindset of some fans.
The San Antonio Spurs lacked buzz, and as for Glenn Robinson wanting to fulfill his dream, that wasn't something New York fans would consider.
The live director frequently aimed the camera at Tim Duncan and David Robinson on the bench.
The Twin Towers seemed out of place in such a game.
Everyone on the San Antonio Spurs' bench watched the game time tick away with expressionless faces.
In 38 minutes of play, Tim Duncan shot 12 of 21 from the field, 6 of 11 from the free-throw line, tallying 30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.
As the game neared its end, from the commentary booth, after seeing the statistics, Bill Walton offered his final blessing:
"I believe Tim Duncan will perform even better when he returns home!"
"They need to play the same Defense as they did in the Western Conference Semifinals. I don't recommend continuing to use zone Defense. If they lose G3 again,
the series will have no suspense. They must readjust their Defensive strategy."
Tolbert strongly agreed with this view and quickly added:
"Head Coach Popovich shouldn't gamble on the New York Knicks role players' shooting touch anymore."
"Or they could try a few possessions when they're leading, instead of persistently sticking to the same Defensive strategy when they're behind."
"Double-teaming is undoubtedly correct, but the New York Knicks rarely execute low-post offense. Head Coach Popovich still needs to re-organize the Defensive system."
Amidst their conversation, the game time expired, and cheers erupted once again in the Madison Square Garden.
Successfully defending two home games naturally made New York fans happy.
90:109, the New York Knicks once again decisively defeated the San Antonio Spurs, bringing the series score to 2:0.
Clay Lee only played 36 minutes tonight, shooting 10 of 19 from the field, 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line, tallying 31 points, 4 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.
The stats were unremarkable.
After the game, Lee stood up, high-fived his teammates in celebration, and then went to the sidelines, raising both hands and continuously high-fiving in thanks to the fans.
After all, the New York Knicks didn't plan to return home for the trophy ceremony, so tonight was also their last Finals game of the season.
The fans, of course, knew this.
After the game, everyone stayed, cheering loudly:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Stephen Jackson completely exploded tonight, shooting 8 of 14 from the field, 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line, tallying 24 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
After the game, Jackson accepted an interview with ABC reporter Michelle Tafoya on the sidelines:
"Stephen, it's great to witness your performance tonight. Can you talk about the secret to your explosion in the game? In the 3rd quarter, you left a deep impression on the fans!"
Stephen Jackson, having removed his headband, was particularly happy to hear this question, and then boasted:
"I know my talent. Playing alongside Lee, I always get more opportunities!"
"I watched the 1999 Finals, and Rashard Lewis helped the New York Knicks with his three-pointers. I'm glad I did the same thing tonight!"
"My job is actually very simple: catch the ball in the open, then put the ball into the basket."
"No team can restrict Lee one-on-one. That's the secret to the New York Knicks' efficiency!"
"."
History always repeats itself in uncanny ways.
In the 1999 Finals, the New York Knicks used three-pointers multiple times to overcome difficulties.
Tonight, three-pointers once again decimated the San Antonio Spurs!
Tony Parker and Tim Duncan attended the San Antonio Spurs' post-game press conference together.
Just like the previous game, most sports media didn't make things difficult for them. Instead, a San Antonio reporter seriously asked:
"Tim, when you return home the day after tomorrow, how should the team adjust? Will we still stick to zone Defense?"
Hearing this question, Tim Duncan simply replied calmly:
"We will review the game footage, and the coaching staff will provide the correct instructions. I am confident in leading the team to protect our home court."
Apparently not getting the desired answer, the San Antonio reporter again asked:
"Tony, we noticed your shooting touch seemed very poor in these two games. Can you talk about the specific reasons?"
In tonight's game, Parker performed well, shooting 6 of 15 from the field, 0 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line, tallying 16 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 turnovers.
Parker didn't complain about taking on too many tasks on the Defensive end.
After a moment of silence, he finally said:
"I just couldn't make shots. There's no reason. When I return to San Antonio, I'll find my rhythm."
"."
It takes more than three hours to fly from Manhattan to San Antonio.
The San Antonio Spurs chose to fly home overnight.
They seemed out of place in this city.
Gregg Popovich worried that the media would mock them, causing player morale to collapse, but that was indeed him overthinking things.
The next day, no one discussed them at all.
Among New York's several print media, some column articles discussed how many 40+ point games Clay Lee would achieve in the Finals by the end of his career.
ESPN and TNT, capitalizing on the record's lingering heat, discussed whether Michael Jordan, had he not retired, could have achieved multiple 40+ point games in the Finals like Clay Lee.
David Robinson was already a past All-Star.
Tim Duncan's stats were mediocre.
When the opponent no longer missed shots, his double-digit rebounds couldn't produce shocking numbers.
As for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, in everyone's eyes, they were just role players with inconsistent performances, perhaps capable of one explosive game, but it wouldn't affect the overall outcome.
The New York Knicks chose to fly to San Antonio in the evening, so on the morning of the 7th, the team was still systematically completing their daily training at the Tarrytown Training Center.
The New York Knicks achieved 73 wins this season.
ESPN had already seen the business opportunity early on, setting up cameras at the beginning of the season, and conveniently being able to promote a documentary during the offseason after the season ended.
After training, players sometimes had to cooperate with individual interviews, talking about their feelings in front of the camera.
Grant Hill performed very consistently in both games:
In G1, he shot 7 of 14, scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 assists, and 1 turnover;
In G2, he shot 6 of 13 from the field, 1 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line, tallying 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, and 1 block.
Just like in the regular season, Grant Hill remained the team's most consistent scorer.
Wearing a New York Knicks blue training T-shirt during the interview, Grant Hill immediately smiled when asked about his road game experiences:
"Last year's Finals, that was the most exaggerated road game I've ever experienced!"
"But precisely because of that experience, we also have countermeasures. In this year's Finals, the team will win the series in one fell swoop!"
The ESPN reporter was somewhat curious.
This bald white reporter only regretted not being a pretty girl.
No matter how he asked, Grant Hill just laughed and gave one answer:
"You'll know tomorrow night! I guarantee the New York Knicks will win the game!"
That evening, Lee, dressed in sportswear, wearing a New York Knicks black fan T-shirt, appeared at the airport with a small suitcase and the rest of the New York Knicks.
A New York Times reporter traveling with the team followed Lee, looking at the small suitcase that could only hold a few clothes, and asked curiously:
"Lee, we might have to stay in San Antonio for 6 days. Didn't you bring more clothes?"
"6 days? No, only 4 days. On the evening of the 11th, we'll fly back to New York. The team plans to celebrate the championship in Manhattan!"
"."
Several accompanying reporters chuckled dryly upon hearing Lee's words.
Ever since losing consecutive road games in last year's Finals, everyone had a clearer understanding of home-court officiating.
Therefore, even though Lee had already declared the best playoff record in history, everyone still thought they would lose one road game.
James Dolan also flew with the team to the road game this time.
The curly-haired owner was particularly happy.
The New York Knicks' scoring in both Finals games was very high, which met his expectations.
Once on the plane, James Dolan approached the coaching staff and shared his plan:
"Mike, if we win the championship, the team will offer you a long-term contract! I plan to communicate with the league during the offseason to modify some rules!"
"We need to make the New York Knicks play more attractively. Lee needs to score more points, with dazzling performances and beautiful dunks in every game."
"I will also join some other team owners to propose this. Perimeter stars are the guarantee for ticket sales, and the league will definitely agree to this within two seasons."
Mike D'Antoni was overjoyed to hear about the contract.
While "making money while lying down" was a bit of an exaggeration, it was much easier compared to his previous coaching career!
"Rules don't matter. As long as the referees can take care of Lee and he stays healthy, we can keep winning."
Mike D'Antoni boasted expansively.
The other members of the coaching staff looked on with envy.
Ewing also felt some regret, watching the two of them lean back strategically nearby, and his heart soured a bit:
"If I had known this, I should have applied to be the Head Coach!"
On June 8th, at the SBC Center, San Antonio Spurs fans arrived early.
Half an hour before the game, the 18,000+ seats were almost entirely filled.
Unlike the New York Knicks, who were still filming a documentary while doing interviews, Gregg Popovich only gave routine interviews, and the San Antonio Spurs remained remarkably low-key.
With just over a day of rest, pundits believed the San Antonio Spurs would find it difficult to make effective adjustments, so pre-game predictions were once again one-sided.
At the ABC commentary booth, before the game, the three commentators sat on the San Antonio Spurs' half-court, expressing their opinions to the camera:
"After tip-off, the San Antonio Spurs can test the New York Knicks' shooting touch and adjust their Defensive strategy in time!"
"The San Antonio Spurs' three-point shooting has been very poor in this series. I hope they can rebound strongly when they return home."
Tolbert, as always, offered advice to the San Antonio Spurs, while Bill Walton, also dressed in a black suit, offered a different opinion:
"The San Antonio Spurs should abandon their zone Defense. They should continue to play man-to-man, relying on Tim Duncan's help Defense to stop the New York Knicks' offense."
"Instead of testing your opponent, believe in yourself. In such a crucial game, the San Antonio Spurs should not place their hopes of winning on their opponent."
The two commentators, Nessler and Tolbert, had differing opinions.
After hearing their views, Nessler pondered for a moment before simply stating to the camera:
"I'm not sure what defensive strategy the San Antonio Spurs will adopt, but our studio in the back tells us that the New York Knicks will play a simpler game tonight!"
"Coach D'Antoni also stated in a pre-game interview that they would give the ball to Clay Lee more often."
"The New York Knicks lost three road games in the Finals last season, and I think they are well-prepared!"
If they could win tonight's game, the San Antonio Spurs would have more than two days of rest.
When the arena DJ introduced the New York Knicks players, boos echoed throughout the SBC Center when Lee's name was called.
Wearing his practice uniform, Lee high-fived his teammates one by one, jumped twice to warm up, and looked relaxed in front of the camera.
As the lights in the SBC Center dimmed, the arena DJ shouted at the top of his lungs, and the San Antonio Spurs players entered one by one.
Many San Antonio Spurs fans held up white boards, and besides cheering slogans, most read, "Fight for David."
The director also frequently aimed the camera at David Robinson.
If they lost this game, this veteran's championship dream would be completely shattered, and he would end his career without a championship.
The New York Media recently revealed that before the start of next season, the New York Knicks plan to hold a dignified jersey retirement ceremony for Ewing.
Although Gorilla had a tough early career, often serving as a backdrop, his four championships, including defeating the Chicago Bulls in 1998, were enough to make New York fans cheer.
Compared to the other three great centers, David Robinson's plight made San Antonio Spurs fans feel saddened.
As both teams' players completed their final warm-ups, Gregg Popovich no longer continuously lectured Tony Parker.
The comprehensive gap could not be changed by a few words.
The camera focused on Gregg Popovich and Mike D'Antoni sitting on the bench.
The former looked serious, while the latter leaned back in his seat, appearing to be full of confidence.
The Head Coach's attitude also foreshadowed the game's momentum.
After the San Antonio Spurs won the tip-off, they quickly initiated Tim Duncan's low-post offense.
After arriving on the road, Kurt Thomas's defensive movements were noticeably more restrained, and Tim Duncan's offense frequently scored.
The New York Knicks, on the other hand, unhurriedly executed their set plays.
Clay Lee would pass the ball when double-teamed, and if the San Antonio Spurs missed a shot, the New York Knicks would quickly launch a fast break.
With the defensive intensity dropping, the San Antonio Spurs finally delivered continuous response shots in the first quarter.
28:28, the score was tied.
After the second quarter began, in the SBC Center, San Antonio Spurs fans became increasingly excited, and their cheers grew louder:
"Go Spurs go!"
Rhythmic cheers and shouts echoed through the arena.
The San Antonio Spurs attacked first, and Tony Parker quickly dribbled the ball past half-court after receiving it.
Manu Ginobili, who had rested for two minutes in the first quarter, came to the top of the arc, feigning to receive the ball, then quickly ran towards the left wing.
The San Antonio Spurs still used their old strategy.
Tony Parker quickly passed the ball to David Robinson in the right elbow area, then cut through the middle after passing, taking Clay Lee to the left corner.
Pau Gasol still raised his hands to interfere, maintaining a good defensive distance, and trying to limit the opponent's passing lanes.
This high-low post combination had been played many times by the opponent.
Tim Duncan posted up under the basket, and under Kurt Thomas's front Defense, he came to the right low post to receive a lob pass.
Ron Artest on the perimeter did not choose to collapse defensively but instead moved with Bruce Bowen towards the baseline.
The San Antonio Spurs players opened up offensive space for Tim Duncan.
David Robinson saw Pau Gasol decisively help defend, and then saw Ron Artest also starting to move in his direction, so he simply cut to the basket.
After receiving the ball and being double-teamed, Tim Duncan first pulled the Defense towards the corner, then smoothly passed the ball with his left hand to David Robinson, who had cut to the basket.
The pass was around the waist.
David Robinson adjusted slightly after receiving the ball, and just as he was about to go up strong under the basket, he immediately encountered Pau Gasol's twisting help Defense.
Pau Gasol did not jump to block, but still raised his right hand high, trying to stick close.
David Robinson originally wanted to take a step and then jump, but after the two collided, he failed to complete the dunk in time.
After putting the ball down with his left hand, David Robinson leaned against Pau Gasol, who had his hands raised, quickly turned, switched to his right hand in front of the rim, and completed a floater over the long arm.
Pau Gasol only slightly jumped at the moment the opponent shot the floater, still not losing his defensive position, but the interference he made was extremely limited.
The cheers of the San Antonio Spurs fans quickly stopped.
The basketball hit the rim twice and ultimately bounced out.
Kurt Thomas was almost pushed under the basket by Tim Duncan.
Fortunately, Pau Gasol reacted quickly, twisted his body, and grabbed the defensive rebound.
By the time Clay Lee came forward to receive the ball, the boos in the SBC Center grew louder and louder.
"Defense!"
When the New York Knicks were on offense, Ron Artest and Grant Hill still ran to the left and right corners.
Kurt Thomas stopped near the right baseline, and Pau Gasol on the free-throw line now began to move up and settle at the top of the arc.
Tony Parker kept sliding, not letting himself lose his defensive position.
Facing Lee, who was dribbling with his left hand, he occasionally glanced behind him, observing the movement.
Seeing Tony Parker retreat to defend in front of Pau Gasol, leaning on the screen, Lee first feigned an acceleration drive.
After one hop dribble, he suddenly spun quickly using his right foot as an axis.
The moment he scooped the ball with his right hand, Tony Parker quickly squeezed through the screen, and at the same time, David Robinson also began to move behind Pau Gasol.
The opponent quickly slid.
Clay Lee, who had switched to his right hand, smoothly changed direction between his legs.
Pau Gasol also readjusted his body, twisted, and stood firm again.
Realizing he couldn't squeeze through the screen, Tony Parker immediately turned agilely around Pau Gasol, attempting to switch to defend in front of Clay Lee immediately.
Seeing the opponent defend on the baseline, Lee, having just switched to his left hand, suddenly accelerated his dribble, quickly changed direction in front of his body, lowered his center of gravity, and drove with the ball in his right hand, shouldering his way through.
David Robinson realized something was wrong and quickly slid backward to the left, but Clay Lee, "flying low to the ground," had a very large stride at this point.
In two big strides, he caught up to Robinson, who was sliding back to defend.
The two collided, and Lee gathered the ball early.
While in motion, he made a big circle to get around Manu Ginobili, who was trying to strip the ball from below his side.
Lee leaned on David Robinson, drove into the paint directly in front of the rim, grabbed the ball with his right hand, leaned forward, pulled his arm down, and attempted a scoop layup!
"Bang! Swish!"
The basketball hit high off the backboard and dropped into the rim.
David Robinson, who had tried hard to retreat and defend, made a blocking motion but was carried by inertia helplessly out of bounds.
"Boo!"
Inbounding from the baseline, David Robinson slammed the basketball hard, just barely missing the block.
Tony Parker quickly took the baseline inbound pass and quickly dribbled past half-court under Lee's lead Defense.
With the same play, this time Manu Ginobili received a hand-off pass far from the three-point line.
Then, dribbling with his left hand, he came to the left wing.
Facing Ron Artest's Defense, Manu Ginobili immediately called for David Robinson to set a pick-and-roll.
The left wing became a local 2-on-2.
David Robinson stood still, and Manu Ginobili, shielding the ball with his body, quickly turned, switched to his right hand, and accelerated through the screen.
Ron Artest had not completely lost his defensive position and was constantly adjusting his footwork while chasing from behind.
Kurt Thomas's defensive attention was also drawn.
Manu Ginobili took three big strides, rushed up, grabbed the ball with his left hand, and feigned a layup.
Attracting two defenders, he faked a shot and made a real pass, twisting his body before landing to pass the ball to Tim Duncan, who was to the lower right of the rim.
The pass was too low. Tim Duncan bent down to receive the ball, and when he tried to adjust, Kurt Thomas had already twisted his body and raised both hands high, while Ron Artest, who had landed, immediately went for the steal regardless.
Before Tim Duncan could even bring the ball to his chest, he lost control of it.
Manu Ginobili hadn't even had time to come up and grab the ball when Ron Artest snatched it away in the scramble.
After two big dribbles, he immediately passed the ball to Lee, who was close to the left sideline.
Then, everyone from both teams accelerated towards half-court.
Dribbling with his left hand, Lee continuously accelerated along the left sideline without any unnecessary fakes.
After gaining half a step, he tanked his way through, pushing past Tony Parker's Defense directly to the left wing.
At the three-point line, Lee suddenly stopped short and pulled the ball back, causing Tony Parker to involuntarily shift a step to his right-rear.
Slightly raising his center of gravity, taking advantage of Tony Parker closing in to defend again, Lee suddenly swayed his body to the right-front, simultaneously executing two extremely quick between-the-legs dribbles in place, then quickly stepped back.
San Antonio Spurs players had just rotated on Defense.
When they looked up to the perimeter, they saw Tony Parker desperately trying to recover.
Completely unable to keep up with the offensive rhythm, Tony Parker, as he began to descend in the air, just saw Clay Lee shoot a slightly fadingaway jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
33:28, the familiar start to the second quarter again drew a chorus of boos from San Antonio Spurs fans.
Watching Clay Lee continue to stick to Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich on the sideline quickly shouted to his players, made a tactical gesture, and signaled for the ball to go to Tim Duncan.
Lee tangled with Tony Parker as they crossed half-court.
Upon reaching the left wing, he quickly noticed Tim Duncan fiercely battling for position.
Tim Duncan, sideways, had half his body leaning on Kurt Thomas.
After receiving a high lob pass, he didn't dribble but instead leaned on the defender and turned towards the baseline, easily completing a floater with his right hand!
"Swish!" The two-pointer swished through the net.
"Wow!"
Tim Duncan broke the deadlock, and San Antonio Spurs fans cheered loudly.
Kurt Thomas was unable to make too many defensive moves and was struggling to hold his position against Tim Duncan.
Lee just shook his head after the opponent scored easily, then gave a thumbs up.
After receiving the ball on the baseline, he signaled his teammates to accelerate past half-court.
The New York Knicks players got into position early.
Lee saw the opponent suddenly switch to a 3-2 zone Defense, with the two big men again squatting on the baseline, and immediately signaled Grant Hill to receive the ball.
He completed a hand-off pass far from the three-point line on the left wing, and Lee accelerated towards the left corner.
Grant Hill called for Pau Gasol to come up for a pick-and-roll.
Bruce Bowen, at this point, was no longer helping defend on the perimeter but instead immediately ran in front of Lee.
Tony Parker, who had switched to defend Grant Hill, was somewhat helpless.
David Robinson, on the baseline, realized something was wrong and quickly followed out to defend.
The zone Defense quickly turned into man-to-man. Pau Gasol, at this point, no longer stepped up for the pick-and-roll but suddenly moved to the free-throw line.
As Tony Parker saw Grant Hill switch the ball to his left hand with a crossover and then accelerate for a breakthrough, he could only desperately slide his feet.
Bruce Bowen, squatting in the corner, didn't dare to help defend and could only watch Hill overpower Parker and break through near the paint.
Tim Duncan, who was near the right block, quickly moved to help defend at this moment.
After Hill broke through to the baseline, he didn't force the offense and smoothly flicked the ball with his left hand to Kurt Thomas, who was near the baseline on the right side.
The latter was unguarded and easily made a jump shot after catching the ball!
"Boo!"
Although some San Antonio Spurs fans didn't know what was happening on the court, seeing Tony Parker being overpowered and the New York Knicks scoring easily, they all felt a chill in their hearts.
From the commentary table, Bill Walton immediately praised the scene:
"The New York Knicks made good use of the court's width. They knew their opponent would switch Bruce Bowen onto Clay Lee, creating a mismatch opportunity for Grant Hill."
"The zone Defense was easily broken. Perhaps the San Antonio Spurs could choose to have Tony Parker follow, but I believe Clay Lee will actively ask for the ball in the corner for a one-on-one."
Tolbert heard this and saw Tim Duncan receiving the ball again in the right low post, then also joked:
"The San Antonio Spurs can also continue to test Clay Lee's shooting touch. They should also look for some mismatch offensive opportunities instead of letting Tim Duncan continuously receive the ball in the low post."
"This will only lead to more double teams, and the New York Knicks like to see David Robinson's jump shot."
As soon as he finished speaking, Tim Duncan, who received the ball in the right low post, suddenly turned towards the baseline before he was double-teamed.
Leaning his body against Kurt Thomas, Tim Duncan took one dribble to get to the left block, then used his arm span to turn around and bank shot the ball off the backboard for a score!
Pau Gasol's double team was useless.
Tim Duncan was more aggressive after returning to the home court.
35:32, Tim Duncan, who made the answering shot, again loudly called for his teammates to retreat on Defense.
Noticing that the San Antonio Spurs had switched back to man-to-man, Lee still unhurriedly dribbled the ball past half-court.
The New York Knicks still had a "V" formation.
In the left elbow area, he accelerated his steps upward and then stopped at the three-point line.
Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, quickly moved horizontally, using a screen to briefly shake off Tony Parker's entanglement.
Realizing that Pau Gasol wasn't rolling, Glenn Robinson suddenly quickened his steps, raised his right arm, and leaned forward for a big hedge Defense.
Seeing his opponent quickly slide his feet, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, smoothly wrapped the ball under his legs.
The basketball instantly flew out from under his legs, just avoiding the hedge.
David Robinson froze in place, while Tony Parker almost crashed into his elder teammate.
Both watched as Lee completely shook off the Defense.
Quickly scooping the ball with his right hand, Lee smoothly led the ball forward, then exerted force with his feet, instantly passing through the middle of the two, easily breaking into the paint.
"Oh!"
Seeing Clay Lee get past the two perimeter defenders, San Antonio Spurs fans let out a low gasp.
Tim Duncan reacted very quickly.
He originally wanted to slide towards the basket to help defend, but Lee, who broke through to directly in front of the basket, suddenly faked a pass to Kurt Thomas, who was near the baseline on the right side, faking Duncan out.
When Duncan wanted to move again, he could only watch Lee take three big steps, grab the ball with his left hand, and easily make a floater!
The spectacular goal silenced the SBC Center for a moment.
The San Antonio Spurs' Defense was completely beaten.
The New York Knicks scored effortlessly. Turning back, the San Antonio Spurs still started their offense from Tim Duncan's low post.
Not facing a double team, Tim Duncan, who put the ball down with his right hand in the left low post, continuously backed down and quickly turned towards the baseline, leaning on Kurt Thomas, and then switched to his left hand for a bank shot layup.
37:34, the San Antonio Spurs held on to the score.
In the following minutes, Tim Duncan continuously asked for the ball, making strong attacks under the basket and secondary put-backs.
The New York Knicks had multiple scorers. Pau Gasol received the ball at the free-throw line and made a jump shot, and Grant Hill cut along the baseline to the basket for a dunk.
The score between the two teams continuously increased until Tim Duncan was suddenly double-teamed in the right low post.
David Robinson received the ball and missed a jump shot near the free-throw line.
San Antonio Spurs fans gasped, and the rebound was just collected by Clay Lee, who had returned to the basket early from the left corner.
Amid Head Coach Popovich's roar, several San Antonio Spurs players quickly retreated on Defense.
Clay Lee, with the ball in his left hand, quickly drove to the right wing, hanging on to Tony Parker's Defense.
He started to slow down near the three-point line.
While in motion, Lee quickly performed an In and out, shaking his body while flicking his wrist to quickly lead the ball forward and accelerate again.
With a sudden stop and go, Tony Parker quickly slid backward to the right.
Lee smoothly pulled the ball back under his legs, adjusted his footwork while switching to his right hand, and then feigned an acceleration breakthrough with his center of gravity.
His defensive lead foot was attacked, and Tony Parker originally wanted to twist his body to continue defending, but his body wouldn't obey, his feet stumbled, and he suddenly sat down on the floor.
"Oh!"
Amidst the fans' exclamations, Lee calmly dribbled the ball behind his back, gathered the ball outside the three-point line on the right wing, looked down at Tony Parker, and calmly shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim!
From the commentary table, Nessler, who had been commentating the game uneventfully for the past few minutes, suddenly shouted excitedly:
"Oh my god!"
"Clay-Lee! How did he do that!"
Bill Walton and Tolbert on the side also gasped, and seeing Lee shrug his shoulders towards the San Antonio Spurs fans, they suddenly let out low laughs.
"I love goals like that! It seems Clay Lee plans to decide the game from beyond the three-point line tonight. I have to say, his shooting touch is excellent right now!"
Bill Walton praised loudly.
Tolbert originally wanted to say that this wasn't a reasonable offensive choice, but seeing Mike D'Antoni also raising both arms and celebrating enthusiastically on the sidelines, he could only follow suit and praise:
"It seems this is an arrangement by the New York Knicks coaching staff. This is definitely a huge test for the San Antonio Spurs!"
Tony Parker stood up, his heart filled with anger.
Becoming such a backdrop would be replayed repeatedly.
44:38, an answering shot wasn't made, and the lead was widened again.
Fortunately, Manu Ginobili used Tim Duncan's screen to shake off Ron Artest's Defense, broke into the paint, used a Euro step to shake off Pau Gasol, and twisted his body with the ball in his left hand for a floater!
San Antonio Spurs fans had just cheered when Lee, who received the ball on the baseline, accelerated his push again.
Bruce Bowen double-teamed Lee in the middle early.
On the right wing, Grant Hill's pass didn't stop.
As Manu Ginobili rushed to defend, he immediately passed the ball to the right corner.
Ron Artest had just stopped when he received the pass.
Without much adjustment, he raised the ball and shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
47:40, the lead was still widening.
The SBC Center became quiet again.
On the New York Knicks bench, the atmosphere crew started wildly waving towels and making strange noises.
Head Coach Popovich looked serious and immediately called a timeout.
Seeing his players' spirits a bit low, he quickly clapped his hands and loudly encouraged them.
The San Antonio Spurs' adjustment after the timeout left the three commentators speechlessâgive the ball to Tim Duncan.
This move had always worked at home, continuously receiving the ball in the low post, and every offensive possession resulted in a score.
The New York Knicks still ran their plays systematically, but some open shots started to miss.
Soon, Ron Artest also picked up his second personal foul.
Mike D'Antoni waved to the bench, and Stephen Jackson re-entered the game.
After Kurt Thomas received his third personal foul, he walked off the court frustrated, punching the air.
The New York Knicks continued to rotate, and Amar'e Stoudemire entered the game.
Fortunately, Tim Duncan's free throws didn't falter during this period, which completely relieved San Antonio Spurs fans.
In the San Antonio Spurs' last possession of the half, Tim Duncan missed a free throw at the free-throw line.
As Clay Lee's super long three-pointer missed, cheers erupted in the arena again.
55:54, the San Antonio Spurs players walking towards the player tunnel continuously pumped their fists.
In the second quarter, Tim Duncan was 5 for 8 from the field and 5 for 6 from the free-throw line, contributing 15 points in the quarter.
For the half, the All-Star power forward had already scored 23 points.
Despite having offensive issues towards the end of the first half, the New York Knicks players walking towards the player tunnel still looked relaxed.
Learning from their experience, the starters' foul count was very well controlled, and Lee only picked up one foul.
"Very good, there's no need to argue with the referees. We are still leading. Even if we were down by 10 points at halftime, the victory would still be ours!"
Lee immediately reminded his teammates when he returned to the locker room.
Kurt Thomas was targeted by the referees tonight, but fortunately, he knew his task.
After being reminded, he patted his chest and proactively said:
"After last year's away games, I know how to play correctly!"
Ron Artest was also a bit depressed. His playing time was fragmented.
At this moment, he was shirtless and loudly shouted:
"In the second half, we give the ball to Lee. It's that simple. We've got this!"
Hearing their words, everyone followed suit, cheering loudly and clapping.
They were going to end the suspense of the series tonight.
In the San Antonio Spurs locker room, Head Coach Popovich also knew the game tempo wasn't quite right.
Tim Duncan took 15 shots in the first half.
Seeing his main player panting from exhaustion, Head Coach Popovich looked around, didn't give any tactical instructions, but clapped his hands and encouraged:
"Tim, just hold on a little longer! The team still needs you in the second half!"
Assistant Coach Mike Brown's mouth twitched upon hearing this.
They had changed many defensive strategies during the game, but still couldn't stop the New York Knicks from scoring.
He had expected Head Coach Popovich to set up tactics, but it was the same old routine again.
This mode of relying on the main player plus a shower of points gave him a deeper understanding.
Having only rested for one minute in the first half, Tim Duncan looked at Dabid Robinson upon hearing his Head Coach's words.
Noticing the elder teammate's expectant gaze, he immediately said seriously:
"I know what I need to do. Give me the ball. We will win the game tonight!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)