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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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{A/N: Happy Christmas 🎄 to you all 🥳!!!!! }
On May 7, 2004, Clay Lee single-handedly dominated the top 5 plays of last night's game on ESPN's SportsCenter.
For casual fans, watching Lee's game highlights always brings a sense of satisfaction.
Due to the excessive fouls by both sides in last night's game, the highlights actually provided a better viewing experience than watching live.
No one was surprised that the Knicks won, but Kidd's two consecutive lackluster performances caused a sharp decline in the star guard's reputation.
At 81:107, the Nets once again played good Defense, but still lost G2 by a large margin.
Some Nets fans were disappointed.
If the loss were explained with a simple math problem, it would be that Kidd's scoring ability was not good enough.
If Kidd had exploded for 30 points, the game might have been completely different!
After the game, Frank did make some excuses for Kidd:
"Kidd's game form has been affected by injuries at the end of the season!"
"For the game the day after tomorrow, I hope the New Jersey fans can come to the Continental Airlines Arena to cheer us on. The Nets will protect the next two home games."
In the past, it was Kidd who called on fans to come to the Continental Airlines Arena, but after two consecutive years of their home games turning into away games, he was completely disappointed with the local fans.
Silent after the game, Kidd did not accept interviews last night, and the big loss seemed to make him realize the reality again.
On the 7th, the Detroit Pistons and Pacers also welcomed G2.
Since the previous game set a new low in viewership, commentators began to assign blame before the game.
It's not that fans don't buy in.
It's simply because these two teams have too few star players, plus their offense is constipated.
Even if they're hyped up before the game, they won't attract much attention.
In the morning, ESPN warmed up for the evening's game, discussed it, and finally concluded:
"It's all because the Knicks are too dominant!"
A team with 4 All-Star players, plus a superstar like Clay Lee and the backing of a large market, meant that all the viewers went to watch the Knicks' games.
Data expert Hollinger explained the gap between ordinary players and Lee from an Excel perspective in his column article:
"Michael Jordan at his peak could not play like Clay Lee. Among active players, no one comes close to Clay Lee's performance."
"…"
These column articles inadvertently offended some players.
Kevin Garnett, who won the MVP, felt a bit awkward.
He always felt that the commentators were subtly criticizing him!
In the afternoon, the Knicks team was already preparing to go to the away Madison Square Garden (lol).
Tomorrow, Saturday, they will play G3, and everyone looked relaxed about it.
Every time they play at the Continental Airlines Arena, they can feel the home atmosphere.
Facing the Nets in the playoffs, the away Madison Square Garden feels like "going home."
Coach D'Antoni and the coaching staff also felt no pressure.
In this series, although the Nets' Defense was good, their opponents' offense was poor.
The Knicks are not a jump-shooting team either.
When the opponent rarely creates fast breaks, relying on the individual abilities of their star players is enough to crush the Nets.
Before getting on the bus, everyone briefly accepted interviews.
Lee also accepted an interview with the New York Times, but everyone was not concerned about the outcome of the series, but rather gossiped about the new MVP.
After Kevin Garnett won the MVP, local sports reporters in Minnesota followed suit, cheering him on and continuously criticizing the Knicks for hindering the development of basketball for several days.
Perhaps it was accumulated resentment from various teams.
With someone taking the lead, many regional sports media outlets also complained, believing that Lee's Excel basketball had ruined this era.
For the low viewership, Lee and the big-mouthed New York Media had to take the blame!
Complained about by the sports media, young New York fans have also been quite active on the internet recently.
Many have started to generalize, proudly showing off their championship with a strong sense of superiority.
No matter how much the other side complained, if they couldn't win with their keyboards, they would just say:
"What kind of champions are you? Do you even have the right to point fingers?"
"…"
As the weather warmed up, Lee returned to his usual T-shirt and jeans attire.
Before getting on the bus, everyone surrounded Lee, who was carrying a small backpack:
"Clay, have you been following the recent news? Is the NBA's declining viewership related to the Knicks?"
A Yahoo Sports reporter ignored the stares of others and immediately asked the question on everyone's mind.
One team's dominance would indeed affect some markets, but Lee didn't care about viewership.
His influence no longer needed games to expand, so he naturally wasn't interested in taking the blame at this time:
"I think the decline in viewership is related to most teams being unable to play the kind of games fans expect."
"Everyone may have watched big men play in the low post for many years, but in fact, this style of play has never been popular."
"Attendance figures can explain some of the issues. Madison Square Garden ticket sales have consistently ranked first in the NBA."
The TNT reporter, hearing Lee's answer, automatically extended the topic and immediately asked provocatively:
"Being unable to play the kind of games fans expect, does this mean that the players' skills are too poor to support the team's offense?"
Lee nodded in agreement and then said as a matter of course:
"Naturally, it's related to the players' skill. Basketball is constantly progressing, and players also need to consider the fans' preferences."
"What players need to do now is to hone their skills and constantly win, and that will naturally attract the support of fans."
Some reporters discussed in low voices.
Clearly, Lee's words, like Barkley's theory on the quality of star players, were implying that the current star players were lacking.
The ESPN reporter also found it difficult to refute, as Lee's words made sense.
In the Eastern Conference All-Star, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady were eliminated early, and the past-his-prime Pierce led his team to 36 wins to make the playoffs only to be swept.
The Nets have Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin, while the other two teams in the semifinals are not very bright, so a decline in viewership is inevitable.
Lee, having clearly stated his position, waved to everyone, preparing to get on the bus.
The ESPN reporter, realizing, quickly added:
"Lee, in the Eastern Conference Finals, which team do you think the Knicks will face?"
"I don't know, but the outcome is already determined. No matter who it is, they won't be able to defeat us."
Seeing Lee smile and board the bus, everyone began to discuss in low voices again.
Is the decline in viewership caused by the Knicks' dominance, or is it truly due to the poor quality of the star players?
The New York Times reporter was naturally a staunch supporter of Lee, and at this moment, he chimed in:
"Lee is right. Fans like to watch star players play, but if they can't lead their team into the playoffs, that's a skill issue."
"Don't always complain about the championship team. Those teams that constantly experience failure should reflect on why they can't win the championship!"
"…"
These words left everyone speechless.
They just felt that New York got lucky, which is why they kept shifting the blame.
If Lee had been drafted by another team back then, it would be the big-mouthed New York Media complaining constantly now!
That night, the two teams in the Eastern Conference Semifinals once again made fans witness an offensively "constipated" game.
72:67, relying on extremely excellent Defense, the Detroit Pistons successfully secured an away victory, bringing the series score to 1:1.
This game stunned the fans watching on TV. Scoring less than 70 points, what kind of game is this?
Among the two teams, Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons shot 8 of 14 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, scoring a game-high 23 points.
For the Pacers, old Miller carried the team's offense, shooting 5 of 13 from the field, 1 of 6 from beyond the arc, and 10 of 10 from the free-throw line, scoring a team-high 21 points.
Other players from both teams clanked shots.
Rasheed Wallace shot 4 of 19, contributing 10 points.
Jermaine O'Neal shot 6 of 18, scoring 16 points.
Chauncey Billups shot 1 of 7, scoring 6 points, and Jackson shot 5 of 20, scoring 13 points.
Perhaps many had already changed channels after watching half the game, as the viewership for this game hit a new low.
Head Coach Larry Brown didn't care about viewership at all.
Having won an away game, the famous coach became even more confident:
"For the Detroit Pistons, this was a perfect game. We have achieved our goal!"
The entire Detroit Pistons team recorded a total of 19 blocks.
Although the two "Wallaces" were poor on offense, they combined for 9 blocks on Defense.
The Pacers did not slow down their offensive pace, with the number of possessions still reaching 80, but they just couldn't make their shots.
Coach Carlisle did not blame the players.
He simply stated calmly in his post-game interview:
"In the NBA, you always encounter nights like this. In the upcoming games, we will win on the road!"
On Saturday, May 8th, after last night's defensive battle, fans complained that the game was ugly.
Commentators found it difficult to evaluate this, as they couldn't really say that both sides were just "chickens pecking at each other."
Tonight, not only will there be G3 between the Knicks and the Nets, but G2 between the Sacramento Kings and the Timberwolves will also officially begin.
Ever since the New York Times took the lead in mocking Kevin Garnett as a "thief," the tough guy had been holding back his anger.
With the MVP trophy in hand, Kevin Garnett stopped pretending.
In an afternoon interview, Kevin Garnett publicly addressed the media reporters, expressing his dissatisfaction with vivid expressions, glaring and waving his hand:
"The Knicks' roster has caused a decline in viewership for Eastern Conference games."
"The arrogant New York Media always thinks they're right. They don't understand basketball at all. They only use cold statistics to judge a player's ability."
"Clay Lee is excellent, but he is not God! I believe Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. He never played for statistics!"
"Basketball should be purer, and I will prove that with my performance!"
The Minnesota Star Tribune, as the largest local print media and also the tenth largest newspaper in the United States, has always had extensive sports coverage.
This time, with Kevin Garnett winning the MVP, they had a verbal confrontation with the New York Times.
Everyone was very satisfied with Kevin Garnett's statement:
"Kevin, we're all rooting for you! It's time to lead the team to a championship!"
"..."
In contrast, the New Jersey Herald, the largest newspaper in New Jersey, has been praising Lee these past two days, aside from criticizing Kidd.
The main reason they became "Lee's fans" was the overwhelming number of local New York Knicks fans.
To boost newspaper sales, the New Jersey Herald has compromised in recent years.
Last night, the Eastern Conference Semifinals viewership hit a new low, and several New Jersey Herald columns righteously declared:
"Compared to their peak, the individual strength of NBA All-Stars has declined significantly!"
"No matter what kind of Defense they face, star players should perform better."
"Imagine, would Michael Jordan be limited by the Detroit Pistons' Defense?"
"Clay Lee is the best proof. No matter what kind of Defense he faces, he can deliver the performance fans expect, and that's why we support him."
"Fans' logic is simple: as long as a player is strong enough, everyone will support him. As spectators, we just want to enjoy more exciting games."
New Jersey's largest local newspaper has become Lee's lapdog, and Kidd had nothing to say about it.
After reading the newspaper early in the morning, Kidd fell silent.
In the afternoon, during the team's warm up, the leader remained speechless.
With the boss quiet, Kenyon Martin firmly joined the "Anti-Lee Alliance," seemingly agreeing with Kevin Garnett's rhetoric.
"This is our home court! Do you still want to keep losing? It's been three years!"
"I absolutely won't allow this to continue. Counterattack! Our Defense is better. Richard, show the home fans your tough side!"
Kenyon Martin's voice grew louder as he called out to Richard Jefferson, who was quietly warming up.
As a rookie, Richard Jefferson's blood initially surged upon hearing his teammate's words, then he calmed down.
In Game 2, he went 3-for-13, scoring 10 points, and committed 4 turnovers against Ron Artest's Defense.
Richard Jefferson didn't shout like Kenyon Martin, but quietly said:
"I will do my best to help the team!"
Kidd saw that Kenyon Martin seemed a bit displeased, so he stopped dribbling and said seriously:
"Forget the previous games. Pay attention to my hand signals. We need to adopt different defensive strategies. Every possession must be taken seriously."
"Don't disappoint the fans. This is a must-win game!"
Upon hearing their leader speak, the Nets players immediately expressed their commitment.
However, as they realized today was Saturday, a vague sense of unease crept into their hearts.
At 7:30 PM, half an hour before the game, a large number of New York fans wearing the New York Knicks' away No. 1 jersey had already entered the Continental Airlines Arena.
Although the front row seats were occupied by Nets fans, the Continental Airlines Arena was still filled with a large number of New York Knicks fans.
During the playoffs, Jay-Z, as a minority owner of the Nets, always watched from the front row.
Tonight, he even brought his girlfriend, Beyoncé, to watch the game.
Although they had confirmed their relationship, they rarely showed affection in public, which led the director to frequently focus the camera on the two big stars.
As a "fair-weather fan," Beyoncé had always publicly claimed to be a New York Knicks fan.
Tonight, even though she was sitting next to her boyfriend, she wore Clay Lee's away jersey.
One wore Kidd's No. 5, and the other wore Lee's No. 1.
This situation also represented the atmosphere at the Nets' home court.
They had been completely invaded.
Although Lee wore the New York Knicks' blue away jersey, after the visiting team made their appearance, he waved to the fans as if he were at home, and greeted friends in the front row.
Such behavior immediately brought back unpleasant memories for Kidd on the other side of the court.
Frank was still in a black suit.
As a rookie Head Coach, he was a bit nervous. Game 3 could not be lost, otherwise the next game would be a battle for honor.
However, as a hands-off Head Coach, although Frank had a lot to say, for the Nets to win, it still depended on the star's performance:
"Jason! You must control turnovers in tonight's game!"
As the game was about to begin, Frank pulled Kidd aside and gave him endless instructions.
Seeing the rookie Head Coach's nervous demeanor, Kidd simply nodded.
Back at home, they naturally had their own advantages.
After the game started at 8 PM, the Nets were still a bit slow to get going.
Kidd didn't activate his scoring mode as critics expected, but continued to organize the offense.
Kenyon Martin became the team's primary scorer, often driving straight to the basket after a pick-and-roll!
Even in some possessions where Pau Gasol avoided contact, the referees still blew the whistle.
Kurt Thomas also picked up two early fouls, and the frequently shooting Kenyon Martin had become tonight's hero.
In the second quarter, with the interior duo.of Amar'e Stoudemire and Dikembe Mutombo entering the game, both sides simply engaged in a fierce exchange of blows.
With 1 minute and 2 seconds left in the first half, as Kiddles' wide-open three-pointer from the right wing swished through the net, cheers erupted in the Continental Airlines Arena.
52:49, the Nets narrowed the deficit to three points.
At the TNT commentary desk, Kevin Harlan began to praise Kidd's performance:
"Although this is his first field goal of the game, Jason Kidd completely activated Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin in the first half."
"Coupled with their control over turnovers, they performed even better tonight compared to the first two games!"
1-for-7 from the field in the first half, 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, 3-for-4 from the free-throw line, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 turnover.
Rivers looked at the statistics from the commentary desk and momentarily couldn't find a reason to continue praising him.
Seeing Lee receive the ball on the baseline, Rivers simply changed the subject and said:
"The atmosphere in the Continental Airlines Arena might have affected the New York Knicks players. Ron Artest also got into foul trouble tonight. They need to calm down in the second half."
"Let's go Knicks!"
The home-court whistle enraged the New York fans in the Continental Airlines Arena, who shouted loudly, their voices almost drowning out the arena DJ's sound.
Lee slowly dribbled past half-court.
Although the Nets were catching up, he didn't feel much urgency.
The officiating tonight was very strict.
To avoid foul trouble, the New York Knicks substituted in their rotation lineup in the last two minutes of the half.
Amar'e Stoudemire arrived early at the right wing to initiate a pick-and-roll.
Kidd noticed the movement behind him and immediately called out to Kenyon Martin.
Lee, dribbling with his left hand, immediately accelerated and moved horizontally as his teammate set the screen.
The Nets switched defensively.
Kenyon Martin braced himself, raising his right arm high, and quickly stuck to Lee's side, constantly using his body to push him outwards.
Ever since he discovered that such obstruction would not be called a foul, Kenyon Martin's movements became increasingly aggressive.
At this point, he was practically hugging Lee.
"Referee Sucks!"
The referee made no call, and the New York fans in the arena began to collectively curse.
At the top of the arc, Lee, who was constantly accelerating horizontally, failed to shake off the Defense.
Taking advantage of his opponent still sliding, he suddenly stopped short and dribbled the ball extremely quickly and forcefully with his left hand.
Kenyon Martin instinctively reached out to interfere, but the basketball passed through his fingertips.
Lee quickly completed a crossover, switching to his right hand while accelerating and twisting his body.
Without giving his opponent much time to react, Lee immediately lowered his shoulder and accelerated.
As their bodies were almost touching, his left hand's subtle leg-support action flashed by.
Before the referee could see clearly, Lee, using the leverage, had already squeezed past Kenyon Martin's left side.
The latter stood rooted to the spot, only able to loudly remind his teammates to help defend, watching Lee drive straight to the basket.
Directly in front of the basket, Lee, after a three-step run-up, first performed a large gather, evading the big man Collins who came to help defend.
He soared into the air directly in front of the basket.
In mid-air, Lee held the ball with his right hand, glided to the lower left of the basket, and facing Kidd's help Defense from the left near-baseline, he turned his body in the air, attempting to push past the Defense.
Kidd, who jumped to block, ultimately only hit his shoulder.
Watching Lee about to land, he casually tossed the ball towards the backboard with his right hand.
"Squeak!"
"Boom Swish!"
The whistle blew and the shot went in.
The ball bounced off the backboard and into the hoop, and the Continental Airlines Arena erupted in another round of cheers.
The Nets players all grimaced.
They couldn't stay in this home arena anymore.
The referee's whistles were very targeted, and they clearly knew what the fans wanted to see, showing considerable favoritism towards Clay Lee.
As Lee stepped to the free-throw line, another chorus of shouts echoed through the Continental Airlines Arena:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
As the free throw went in, the lead was extended again.
Lee called for his teammates to retreat on Defense.
On the Nets' side, Kidd quickly dribbled past half-court and again initiated a pick-and-roll with Kenyon Martin in the left elbow area.
The excellent screen quality allowed Kiddles to shake off Lee's chase-down Defense.
Amar'e Stoudemire's positioning was problematic, and he was again beaten by a bounce pass that sliced through the Defense.
Kenyon Martin, after a delay, accelerated and cut to the basket.
The moment he received the ball, Lee stripped it from behind him.
Stumbling, he couldn't control possession, but fortunately, the referee immediately blew the whistle, sending him to the free-throw line again.
Shouts of protest once again filled the Continental Airlines Arena, as Lee picked up his second personal foul.
Coach D'Antoni at the sideline briefly complained to the side referee, then clapped his hands at his players, signaling them to remain calm.
Kenyon Martin, who had benefited, rushed silently to the free-throw line.
His first free throw, however, hit the rim and bounced out, causing some Nets fans to sigh.
When his second free throw also missed, the New York Knicks' bench erupted in cheers.
Dikembe Mutombo grabbed the rebound, and Lee, after receiving the ball, didn't rush to advance it.
Frustrated, Kenyon Martin waved his fist and quickly retreated on Defense.
This had been an excellent opportunity to narrow the score.
Arriving at the right wing, Lee, dribbling with his right hand, noticed that Kidd hadn't called for a double-team.
He immediately pushed the ball for a change of direction, accelerating his drive with his left hand.
As he approached the three-point line, Kidd closed in to defend him.
Lee then smoothly pulled the ball back between his legs, switched to his right hand, and feigned an accelerated drive.
Seeing Lee lower his shoulder, Kidd quickly adjusted his body's center of gravity, desperately sliding backward to the left, while his hands kept moving, his left hand following to strip the ball.
Having tricked his opponent into shifting his weight, Lee pulled the ball back between his legs again, then quickly stepped back.
Realizing something was wrong, Kidd jumped up to block, but his timing was too early.
Lee leaned back slightly, undisturbed, and only when his opponent was descending did he calmly jump shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
58:49, Lee scored 6 points in a row, and the lead once again approached double digits.
With the All-Star scoring continuously, the New York fans at the arena stopped their jeering.
Everyone was overjoyed, starting to cheer loudly again, releasing their excitement.
After landing, Lee patted his surface brother.
This time, his opponent didn't choose to "shuffle his feet," which counted as a clean Defense.
Kidd's face, however, grew increasingly grim.
Lee's continuous scoring was like rubbing salt in his wounds, and he could already imagine how the sports reporters would criticize him after the game.
Both teams' final possessions of the half were misfires, and Richard Jefferson and Raja Bell both secretly lamented, as both of them were playing exceptionally well.
Scoring 49 points, this was the highest score the Nets had achieved in a half during this series.
Watching the players walk towards the player tunnel, Kevin Harlan on the commentary desk sighed again:
"Clay Lee's offensive precision is too outstanding. He can find opportunities without even trying."
"No matter how the Nets adjust, they can't limit him, and that's why they're trailing in this series."
Rivers had been a commentator for most of the season and deeply understood this:
"This is a superstar. Unaffected by rules or tactics, he always delivers the performance fans expect."
The Nets were visibly showing signs of decline, and Kevin Harlan wasn't going to talk about the officiating in the first half.
At this point, he also joined the trending gossip:
"Doug, what do you think is the reason for the decline in ratings for the other Eastern Conference Semifinals series?"
"Has the emergence of the Knicks affected the development of the NBA?"
Rivers, hearing this question, didn't want to offend anyone and instead spoke diplomatically:
"The success of a team doesn't just rely on its core players. The playoffs severely test a team's roster depth."
"I don't think the decline in ratings is due to the Knicks. Look at the reaction of the fans in the Continental Airlines Arena. They love tonight's game."
"Clay Lee's achievements are naturally inseparable from his hard training. We have no reason to criticize a superstar for winning too much. This is competitive sports, and the strong should receive more respect!"
Kevin Harlan was speechless.
The fans in the Continental Airlines Arena would naturally like the Knicks, as most of them were from New York, and at this moment, they were all dancing to the music.
Most of the Nets fans were quiet.
Jay-Z had been pumping his fist at the start of the game, but by the second quarter, he was leaning back in his seat, quietly watching the game.
In the visiting team's locker room, Ron Artest was cursing the referees.
Every time he interfered tonight, a whistle almost always blew.
This caused his matchup, Richard Jefferson, to explode, scoring 16 points in the first half on 5-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.
"I knew they would target me on the road. These damn referees must have gotten instructions!"
"Every time the ratings are bad, they control the game. Can't they come up with a new trick?"
Having played in the NBA for a few years, Ron Artest had also come to understand what is called the art of officiating.
The referees would keep Lee on the court at all times, then use their whistles to weaken the Knicks.
Whenever the lead was about to exceed double digits, the Nets always managed to get free throws.
This kind of back-and-forth greatly displeased the impatient Ron Artest, who wanted to finish off his opponent in one blow.
"There's no need to complain to the referees, because none of us can change the calls. In fact, we're better at running and playing offense against them."
"No matter how they officiate, we have a huge advantage. You have to learn to enjoy the game!"
Lee leaned back in his seat, hydrating, and casually comforted the agitated Ron Artest.
Pau Gasol experienced the NBA's home-court advantage in his very first professional season.
Back then, no matter how he fouled, the referees wouldn't blow the whistle.
Tonight's situation was the other extreme.
Regarding this, Pau Gasol, unable to change the status quo, also joked:
"Maybe this will boost the ratings for tonight's game. Honestly, I don't like watching the other Eastern Conference Semifinals either."
"Fans don't like watching the games, and I think it's because both teams lack a player like Lee. This is the NBA, completely different from European basketball."
Grant Hill also noticed the "Anti-Lee Alliance" situation.
In recent years, more and more teams have begun to emphasize sportsmanship, and thinking of this, he couldn't help but quip:
"Pau is right. If the NBA had a few more star players who played like Lee, it should improve the ratings issue."
"I'm a bit confused by the current situation. Many people are starting to advocate that championships are useless; are they crazy?"
The atmosphere group burst into laughter, and Kurt Thomas shook his head repeatedly.
Championships are certainly useful.
The Knicks film team commercials every year.
Although they are mostly food commercials, the contract amounts are not large, but for role players, it is still an income.
Plus the championship share each season, playing for the Knicks, even Matt Barnes, who just waves towels, earns more than the atmosphere groups on other teams.
Except for Sprewell, the former big-mouthed championship guard who used to show off everywhere, the Knicks players all made a fortune in silence, and no one was interested in creating competitors for themselves.
During halftime, the locker room atmospheres of the two teams were completely different.
After a belly full of pep talk, the Nets were still the same at the start of the third quarter, with Kidd continuing to orchestrate the offense.
In the first offensive possession, after continuous pick-and-rolls, Kenyon Martin still couldn't find an opportunity.
Ultimately, the Nets started passing the ball continuously on the perimeter again, and Kidd, left open on the left wing, received the ball and didn't hesitate, immediately taking a jump shot that clanked off the rim!
Lee grabbed the long rebound near the left block, controlled the ball, and then accelerated into a fierce drive.
After crossing half-court, noticing the Nets' fast transition Defense, Lee voluntarily slowed down.
Kidd was still directing his teammates to get into defensive positions.
At this point, he was just following Lee, moving towards the left wing, always maintaining a defensive distance.
Still two steps away from the three-point line, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, executed a simple between-the-legs dribble, and at the moment he switched to his right hand, he suddenly gathered the ball and then shot it up!
Kidd's eyes widened instinctively, then he turned his head to the rim, watching the basketball swish through the net.
"Wow!"
Cheers once again echoed through the arena, and Kevin Harlan, after exclaiming, praised in a lighthearted tone:
"What an incredible shooting range!"
"Clay Lee has continued his excellent shooting touch from the first half. This is his fifth three-pointer of the game."
61:49, the lead finally reached double digits, and Coach D'Antoni on the sidelines also stood up from his seat, celebrating with the fans.
Actively speeding up the offensive rhythm, Kidd dribbled past half-court, and Kenyon Martin set a zipper screen for Kidd near the right baseline
Quickly popping out to the right elbow, Kidd received the ball and, in an instant, put the ball down with his left hand and drove with a step.
Grant Hill did not lose his defensive position.
Instead, he adjusted his footwork, followed his opponent to directly in front of the rim, and leaped high to attempt a block.
In the air, having drawn the Defense of Kurt Thomas under the basket, Kidd delivered a behind-the-back pass.
Kenyon Martin immediately exploded after receiving the ball, attempting a poster dunk over someone.
Kurt Thomas quickly twisted his body and went to meet him.
With his effort on Defense, Kenyon Martin's dunk hit the rim, and the basketball flew high.
Pau Gasol grabbed the rebound with one hand, then passed the ball with great force.
Lee received the ball beyond the three-point line, then smoothly dribbled behind his back, holding the ball in his right hand and continuously accelerating along the right sideline.
Kidd quickly slid, sticking close to him while trying to foul by grabbing.
Kidd, who was in front of Lee, felt a chill between his legs.
Lee smoothly completed a nutmeg dribble, his body suddenly darting forward to the left, and after switching to his left hand, he accelerated again.
"Oh!"
All the fans in the Continental Airlines Arena gasped in unison.
In the blink of an eye, Lee had shaken off his defender and crossed half-court.
Kidd's face flushed.
He immediately twisted his body to chase back on Defense, and just as he caught up to Lee's side, he realized that Lee had deliberately slowed down.
On the left wing, Lee suddenly stopped and gathered the ball, faking a shot.
Kidd, chasing up excitedly, immediately jumped from his side to block.
Kidd flew past him, his eyes wide, watching Lee calmly adjust and calmly jump shot!
"Swish!" Another three-pointer went in!
"Wow!"
The New York fans in the far back rows were jumping and shouting with excitement.
Lee's shooting touch from beyond the arc was exceptionally hot tonight.
Having made his sixth three-pointer, Lee smiled slightly at Kidd.
Although the third quarter had just begun, the lead had already reached 15 points, and Frank reluctantly called a timeout.
The Nets' coaching staff only wanted to interrupt Lee's hot shooting touch.
Walking towards the bench, Lee waved to the fans again, drawing another round of cheers, and returning to his seat, he couldn't help but shake his head:
"After this game, the poor ratings might once again be blamed on me."
Ewing had just high-fived everyone in celebration.
Returning to Lee's side, he pulled a smile and said proudly:
"The MSG ratings are very good. They're just jealous!"
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)