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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 May 24, 2004, as the Detroit Pistons returned to Detroit, local newspapers began to hold "criticism meetings."
The Detroit Free Press repeatedly analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before the series began.
After praising the "bulldog backcourt" and "the league's best interior combination," it finally concluded:
"Win!"
As the local daily with the largest circulation, it naturally had great influence, and columnists all worked hard, deliberately ignoring the New York Knicks' record while heavily praising their home team.
The fans believed it, so after two crushing defeats, everyone was disheartened.
Mitch Albom, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, has been speaking out frequently these past two days, pointing the finger at Larry Brown.
This morning's latest article even used a boxing term for its title:
"Technical Knock Out!"
Technical Knock Out, considered a summary of the first two games, the article was not written haphazardly.
In Game 2, the New York Knicks attempted 27 shots from beyond the arc.
With 11 made out of 27 attempts, the entire team shot 40% from three-point range, while the Detroit Pistons made 2 out of 11 attempts, with a shooting percentage not even reaching 20%.
"The Detroit Pistons' tactics seem to be stuck in the 1990s. We are constrained by ourselves!"
This article resonated greatly with fans.
The coaching staff made no adjustments, and they lost cleanly and decisively.
79:110, the Detroit Pistons lost Game 2 by another 31 points.
This kind of point difference seemed to indicate that the two teams were not on the same level, which made the fans even more desperate.
After entering the 21st century, Detroit was still experiencing economic contraction and urban decline. In the 2000 census, the city's population had dwindled to 950,000.
After a large number of African Americans poured in, the local racial structure had changed, and the chain reaction was that basketball seemed to become more popular.
When the New York Knicks arrived in Detroit yesterday afternoon and checked into their hotel, they were met with resistance from some fans.
Although Grant Hill left due to injury back then, fans still disliked "traitors."
In addition, when "Grandmama" came here, he put on airs, and no one liked that trade.
Every time the New York Knicks play an away game in Detroit, they stay at the Marriott Hotel here, which is some distance from the Auburn Hills Palace.
For afternoon warm-ups, they need to prepare in advance.
The temperature rose in late May, and Lee, playing an away game, was still dressed in his usual jeans and white T-shirt, adding a suit jacket to appear more formal.
In Detroit, Lee's popularity was mediocre.
Black fans here didn't like him for who knows why.
Aside from extreme fair-weather fans, most people felt indifferent towards him.
However, this was also a good thing for Lee.
At least he didn't have to entertain fans these past few days and could rest peacefully.
When the New York Knicks boarded the bus in the afternoon, preparing to head to the Auburn Hills Palace, only sports media were gathered there.
A TNT reporter saw Lee chewing gum and greeting everyone, and quickly asked:
"Lee, did you watch last night's game? If the Timberwolves make it to the Finals, will this pose a challenge for the New York Knicks?"
Lee went to bed early after playing cards last night.
He really wasn't interested in watching those slow-paced, brick-filled games.
"The New York Knicks won 72 games this season. No team came close to us. No matter who the opponent is, it won't be a problem for us."
"But I'm very happy to see Kevin win. The MVP should show his dominance, and I'm looking forward to meeting him in the Finals."
"At that time, I can send him home early. I think New York fans would be happy to see that!"
The accompanying New York reporters chuckled softly.
They had all watched last night's Western Conference Finals, a "clash of the weak."
The two teams were not on the same level as the New York Knicks.
An ESPN reporter, however, was more focused on tonight's game and seized the opportunity to ask immediately:
"Leading 2-0 in the series, Lee, will you continue to win tonight? Facing the Detroit Pistons' Defense, will you make any tactical adjustments?"
"The New York Knicks will certainly win the series. As for adjustments, I think that's the opponent's problem. The team has won two consecutive games by a large margin, so we won't make any adjustments."
Lee answered this "absurd" question with a smile, just as he said, the coaching staff indeed didn't have many instructions these past two days.
After a brief interview, seeing the New York Knicks players boarding the bus with relaxed expressions, some sports reporters began to complain in low voices:
"If the Timberwolves make it to the Finals, viewership ratings will definitely be an issue."
"Not everyone wants to watch a fourth battle between the Lakers and the New York Knicks! The Lakers played like garbage last night. I like watching Kevin Garnett play!"
"Who the opponent is doesn't matter at all. Do you really think the New York Knicks will lose? They've won 70+ games for two consecutive seasons."
A reporter for the Detroit Sports News found that the Detroit Pistons had been completely overlooked and couldn't help but feel a bit angry.
This week's weekly magazine, just released this morning, featured a large section on the Detroit Pistons' strong comeback at home.
As a result, most sportscasters were no longer commenting on this series.
On an ESPN program, Stephen A. Smith even began making predictions for Lee:
"At the end of this season, we will witness the birth of the greatest player in history!"
The Detroit sports reporters listened to the low discussions of others, yet felt powerless to refute.
Everyone could only hope that the Detroit Pistons would win the game tonight.
At 7:30 PM that evening, half an hour before the game began, the Auburn Hills Palace was already filled with over 22,000 fans.
This Auburn Hills Palace had a larger capacity than Madison Square Garden, and with fewer "traitors" in Detroit, as the New York Knicks players entered, boos erupted in waves.
Grant Hill was also heavily booed by Detroit Pistons fans.
For "traitors," everyone was merciless, and many fans began to hurl expletives.
The loudest boos were naturally directed at Lee.
The New York Media constantly made predictions and repeatedly mocked opponents, making the away game atmosphere particularly bad.
In New York, Boston, and New Jersey, a large number of Asian fans could always be seen in the Madison Square Garden, but in Detroit, these loyal fans were absent.
When the Detroit Pistons players entered, the fans in the Auburn Hills Palace cheered loudly, trying to infect the home team with the enthusiastic atmosphere.
Although Ben Wallace struggled in Game 2, as a star player currently with the Detroit Pistons, Ben Wallace was still the fans' favorite.
Everyone loved this energetic short center.
The noisy atmosphere also caused the two commentators at the ESPN broadcast booth to involuntarily raise their voices:
"Terrifying home atmosphere, I love the energy shown by Detroit Pistons fans."
"After returning home, the Detroit Pistons should play to their strengths!"
Bill Walton also didn't analyze tactics or game lineups.
Neither side made changes, so he spoke more about the psychological impact.
Nessler seemed to be infected as well.
It had been a long time since there were such pure fans.
Hearing his partner's words, he also agreed, saying:
"I believe the Detroit Pistons can protect their home court. They are the best Defense team this season, and they haven't shown their true strength in the two away games!"
Before the game started, Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace continuously encouraged their teammates.
In this do-or-die game, Head Coach Larry Brown also kept talking to his players on the sideline.
On the other hand, the New York Knicks' coaching staff quietly sat in their seats.
Tonight, Mike D'Antoni wore a "red scarf," and the boos from the arena didn't affect his good mood.
After the game began, the Detroit Pistons abandoned their slow start from the previous two games.
Despite generally poor shooting, they frequently attacked the basket, responding with free throws.
Ben Wallace, who was left open, also found his touch in the paint, steadily putting the ball into the basket with several finishes.
With the home crowd's support, every Detroit Pistons player fought bravely.
Williams also found his rhythm, hitting several mid-range jump shots after pick-and-rolls.
In the second quarter, Rasheed Wallace finally found his touch from beyond the arc, hitting consecutive three-pointers after pick-and-roll plays with Hamilton.
Chauncey Billups also responded with a sudden three-pointer from beyond the arc.
No longer playing zone Defense and actively increasing their pace, the Detroit Pistons, through a combination of free throws and shots, managed to ignite a scoring run during the rotation period.
The single quarter score was 24:32, and at halftime, it was 54:59, causing the Auburn Hills Palace to erupt.
Over 20,000 fans cheered loudly, and as Rasheed Wallace walked towards the player tunnel, he repeatedly punched the air, roaring with excitement from the atmosphere.
Rarely had the New York Knicks been trailing at halftime this deep into the playoffs.
However, this situation did not affect everyone's mood.
Aside from Ron Artest being somewhat dissatisfied with the referee's calls, everyone's emotions were very stable.
At the ESPN commentary booth, the two looked at the technical statistics, and Nessler once again praised the Detroit Pistons' backcourt performance:
"This is the bulldog backcourt combination we've been waiting for. Head Coach Larry Brown made timely adjustments, and the Detroit Pistons have finally unleashed their offensive firepower."
Playing almost the entire half, Hamilton was 5-of-10 from the field, 8-of-9 from the free throw line, scoring 18 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 1 steal.
Chauncey Billups was 3-of-8 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line, tallying 14 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover.
The two combined for 32 points, accounting for half of the team's total score.
In the first half, the Detroit Pistons were very aggressive, shooting 17-of-19 from the free throw line, and the New York Knicks quickly accumulated team fouls.
Bill Walton heard his partner's words and added,
"Three turnovers in the half, that's the key to the Detroit Pistons' lead. They executed their game plan perfectly!"
Rasheed Wallace was 4-of-6 in the first half, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, scoring 10 points with jump shots.
After returning to the locker room, he once again spoke up:
"Hold on! The defending champions are nothing special! Beat them, and we are the champions!"
Standing in front of everyone, Rasheed Wallace clapped his hands repeatedly, loudly encouraging them.
Campbell, who rarely played in this series, also chimed in:
"Think about the fans who support us, protect our home court, the series has just begun."
Lindsey Hunter also cooperated with the veterans, loudly encouraging them.
The starting lineup played almost the entire first half, and their physical exertion was significant, so at this point, they could only grit their teeth and persevere.
When Larry returned to the locker room, he was very satisfied with the players' condition.
Although this was not the game rhythm he preferred, the result was good:
"Remember, no unforced turnovers, stay focused, we are only 24 minutes away from victory!"
With the series at this stage, there was no need to draw up more tactics.
Both teams understood each other's strengths after two games.
It was all about the details.
Compared to the hyped-up Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks didn't make too many adjustments either.
Excessive fouls led to more rotations, but Coach D'Antoni didn't mind.
He disregarded any deficit within 10 points.
During halftime, the New York Knicks returned to the court early to warm up, once again being booed loudly by the home fans.
By the time the third quarter began, the noisy atmosphere once again echoed with unified cheers.
Having performed well in the first half, Chauncey Billups, receiving the ball on the baseline, was in high spirits.
Facing Lee's lead Defense, he actively pushed forward, dribbling behind his back, making body contact, then accelerating with his left hand to charge past half-court.
The biggest change after returning home was that they couldn't aggressively swipe at the ball.
The hand-checking rules largely protected the Detroit Pistons.
Ron Artest first defended Hamilton.
Under full pressure, when Hamilton popped out to the left block after using a screen, he didn't have a good passing opportunity.
Chauncey Billups, protecting the ball with his body, didn't pass immediately but instead quickly called Ben Wallace forward for a pick-and-roll.
As he neared the left wing, Chauncey Billups moved horizontally.
Clay Lee noticed the movement behind him and immediately moved up to stick close.
Ben Wallace, faking a screen, quickly rolled down.
Pau Gasol cautiously controlled his hedging position.
Having picked up 3 fouls in the first half, he no longer expanded his defensive area.
Chauncey Billups, dribbling with his left hand while on the move, seized the opportunity and immediately delivered a bounce pass.
Ben Wallace, rolling down the middle, received the ball and gathered it, then, facing Kurt Thomas's help Defense, he twisted his body to evade the Defense, switched to his left hand, and laid it in from the left side of the basket.
The basketball hit the backboard and immediately bounced off the rim.
Amidst the sighs of the home fans, Grant, who had timely rotated to the basket, immediately secured the defensive rebound.
Rasheed Wallace, standing on the right elbow trying to crash the offensive glass, now shouted loudly, reminding his perimeter teammates to retreat on Defense quickly.
Williams hedged and then ran back to half-court.
Tonight, the Detroit Pistons almost completely gave up on offensive rebounds, retreating faster on Defense.
Dribbling past half-court along the left sideline, Grant wasn't in a hurry to attack.
Only when both big men were at the elbows did he pass the ball to Lee near the Logo.
After completing the pass, Grant began to call for everyone to spread out, quickly cutting along the baseline to the right corner.
Lee, dribbling with his left hand, slowly shuffled his feet.
As he reached the left wing, Kurt Thomas moved to set a screen.
On the three-point line, as Lee, dribbling with his left hand, moved horizontally, Kurt Thomas, faking a screen, quickly rolled down.
Rasheed Wallace switched Defense in time, while Chauncey Billups cut off the passing lane, slowing down as he chased to the elbow area, turning his head to observe the situation on the high side.
The two worked together seamlessly.
The tall Rasheed Wallace also raised his right arm high to strictly prevent Lee from passing the ball, maintaining a certain defensive distance while trying to interfere.
Facing Rasheed Wallace, who had switched onto him, Lee, dribbling with his left hand, first moved horizontally, then, near the sideline, suddenly drove forward, dropping his shoulder and accelerating.
Taking advantage of his opponent moving backward, Lee quickly pulled back with a crossover, then, near the left sideline, as he returned beyond the three-point line, he feigned gathering the ball with his left hand.
Rasheed Wallace quickly moved forward, but Lee once again dropped his shoulder and accelerated.
Watching the big man get faked into a dance, suddenly losing his defensive position, the Detroit Pistons fans on site gasped again:
"Oh!"
Chauncey Billups, who was stopped near the elbow, immediately came over to double-team.
Clay Lee, who had taken a big step forward with the dribble, noticed the defensive movement and pulled the ball back between his legs, then quickly stepped back.
Back near the left sideline, beyond the three-point line, Lee drifted backward, raising the arc and leaning back slightly as he shot over the two defenders who jumped to block!
Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace, who had already flown into the air, could only watch the basketball sail over their fingertips.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
"Boo!"
Boos once again echoed through the Auburn Hills Palace.
Lee, who had made the difficult jump shot, looked calm as he moved to the baseline, continuing to lead the Defense.
57:59, the deficit narrowed.
The Detroit Pistons players were a bit nervous, and Chauncey Billups, receiving the ball on the baseline, was even more cautious.
He dribbled past half-court, almost pressing the 8-second violation.
Upon reaching the top of the arc, Chauncey Billups immediately sent a diagonal pass.
After cutting along the baseline and then circling around the top, Hamilton, using Rasheed Wallace's screen at the elbow, just managed to shake off his defender as he received the ball in the right block.
Although Ron Artest chased him down vigorously, when he got alongside him, he could only slow down, rein in his defensive movements, and watch his opponent drift backward to his right and make the jump shot!
57:61, a quick response.
Cheers erupted again, and many fans stood up to watch the game.
The single-digit deficit made everyone especially nervous.
After the inbound pass, Lee quickly dribbled past half-court.
Just as he reached the Logo, Williams suddenly came over to help Defense, combining with Chauncey Billups for a double-team.
Ron Artest was struggling on Defense tonight, and his three-point shooting was also off.
Lee did not choose to pass the ball but quickly dribbled behind his back, accelerating horizontally with his right hand.
Chauncey Billups continuously slid to his left, while Williams followed alongside him.
The two tried to trap Lee near the right sideline.
As he accelerated horizontally, nearing the three-point line, Lee suddenly stopped short and pulled the ball back between his legs, then, just before Williams could complete the double-team, he suddenly drove forward the instant he switched to his left hand.
Chauncey Billups had just lost his position, and Lee, accelerating suddenly, weaved through the two of them.
"Oh!"
Amidst the fans' exclamations, Lee, scooping the ball with his right hand, took two big dribbles to reach the paint, directly in front of the basket.
Facing Ben Wallace's block, he quickly completed a floater!
The basketball arced high and then precisely fell into the basket.
59:61, the deficit was once again narrowed.
Larry continuously clapped his hands from the sideline, loudly signaling his players to stay composed.
The New York Knicks players were experienced in games and knew this was a crucial possession, so they also defended diligently.
Seeing Chauncey Billups dribble past half-court and accelerate several times without being able to shake off Lee's Defense, the noise grew louder and louder.
Unable to shake off Lee with his explosiveness, Chauncey Billups, at the top of the arc, held the ball with his right hand, protecting it with his body.
In this crucial possession, he didn't call for Ben Wallace's pick-and-roll.
Chauncey Billups patiently waited for his teammates to get open.
In the left block, Hamilton had just received a pass from a teammate and was immediately chased down by Ron Artest.
He didn't choose to attack with the ball, but instead passed it to Rasheed Wallace in the right elbow area.
After completing the pass, Hamilton stepped forward again for a hand-off.
Ron Artest didn't choose to squeeze through the screen but instead went around the baseline to block his opponent's path.
Hamilton, moving sideways, was met head-on.
He dribbled once with his left hand to the free-throw line, then immediately turned and passed the ball back again.
On the right wing, as Rasheed Wallace received the pass, Kurt Thomas raised his left arm and stepped forward to interfere.
Rasheed Wallace didn't attempt another three-pointer.
He ultimately chose to move sideways, holding the ball in his left hand, and passed it hand-to-hand to Chauncey Billups with his body turned sideways.
The Detroit Pistons' offense went in a circle, and finally, the ball returned to Chauncey Billups's hands.
The noise grew louder and louder.
Seeing Lee stick to him tightly, the Detroit Pistons fans also seemed to feel the pressure.
Chauncey Billups dribbled continuously with his right hand, making jump steps.
Clay Lee remained unfazed, continuing to press his Defense, occasionally reaching out to interfere.
After continuous pound dribbles, at the top of the arc, Chauncey Billups suddenly lowered his shoulder and decelerated.
His protective hand swatted away Lee's arm, and their bodies collided as he continued to drive hard with his head down.
Just as he was about to break through near the free-throw line, Chauncey Billups suddenly dribbled behind his back, briefly shaking off the Defense, immediately gathered the ball at the free-throw line, and quickly shot a fadeaway jumper with power from his feet.
Under the smooth combo, at the moment the basketball was about to leave his hand, Chauncey Billups in the air suddenly widened his eyes.
Lee, who burst out from his side, seemed to have seen through the Defense and was well-prepared, leaping high.
The moment the opponent's basketball left his hand, he slapped the ball with his right hand.
A clean block made the Detroit Pistons fans exclaim again.
After landing, Chauncey Billups stumbled and lost his balance.
Seeing Lee sprint forward, control the ball, and accelerate fiercely, Chauncey Billups immediately chased him from behind.
Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, ran faster and faster, ignoring the Defense behind him.
Just one step past the free-throw line, he immediately took off, glided through the air, and slammed the ball in with a one handed dunk!
"OMG! Clay Lee is flying! The New York Knicks have tied the score!"
Nessler's voice instantly rose.
Bill Walton, next to him, eager for more excitement, said enthusiastically:
"The time has come to test the star's mettle! The Detroit Pistons must have someone step up to score!"
Chauncey Billups grew increasingly nervous.
Seeing Lee moving his shoulders under the basket, he couldn't help but loudly remind Williams, who was inbounding the ball:
"Bro, be careful!"
Again, he dribbled past half-court with his back to the opponent.
Hamilton couldn't find an opportunity immediately.
Chauncey Billups proactively sped up the offensive rhythm and immediately signaled Rasheed Wallace to demand the ball in the low post.
After a cross-screen under the basket, on the left low post, the moment Rasheed Wallace received the ball, Pau Gasol immediately stuck to him in Defense.
After putting the ball down with his right hand, Rasheed Wallace continuously backed down forcefully.
Noticing Kurt Thomas moving to block the high side, Rasheed Wallace turned his body forward, then immediately spun towards the baseline.
Pau Gasol successfully anticipated his opponent's attack and used his long arms to interfere with Rasheed Wallace's straight-arm shot.
The moment the basketball hit the rim and bounced out, the referee immediately blew the whistle, signaling Ben Wallace for a foul for pulling on the rebound under the basket.
Kurt Thomas immediately clapped his hands.
After so many years of specialization, his subtle movements were very hidden.
Ben Wallace complained once, then quickly retreated on Defense after hearing his teammates' calls.
"Defense!"
The Detroit Pistons fans, realizing the situation was dire, shouted loudly, trying to encourage their home team with shouts of Defense.
Chauncey Billups, conserving energy, retreated early to near the Logo.
Seeing Lee dribble continuously between his legs and slowly bring the ball past half-court, he pulled up his shorts and stared intently at the ball's movement.
As his opponent came up to press him, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, immediately turned his body to protect the ball and moved to the left wing.
The New York Knicks were still in a "V-shape" formation.
Ron Artest, whose shooting touch was not good at this time, quickly slipped along the baseline in the left corner.
At the same time, Kurt Thomas in the left elbow area quickly came up to set a screen.
The moment his teammate set his feet, Lee, holding off the Defense, suddenly pulled the ball back to fake, then quickly turned his body forward.
Chauncey Billups, whose center of gravity was fooled, couldn't squeeze through the screen immediately.
Rasheed Wallace, watching Lee accelerate with a lowered shoulder, quickly slid backward, while raising his right arm, attempting to interfere.
Dribbling past the three-point line, Lee quickly performed an In-and-out dribble, faking right and driving left.
Rasheed Wallace made an excellent read, adjusted his footwork, and continued to slide back and to the right.
While moving, Lee suddenly changed direction in front of his body.
Watching the basketball disappear from in front of him, Rasheed Wallace instinctively followed by shifting his center of gravity.
The moment he switched to his right hand, while his body swayed to the front right, Lee suddenly accelerated his dribbling speed, changed direction in front of his body again, and then gathered the ball to drive straight to the basket.
The two consecutive changes of direction were too fast.
Only after Lee surged forward with three big steps did Rasheed Wallace react, quickly moving towards the basket and jumping up to block.
At the same time, Ben Wallace also quickly rushed to the front of the basket, jumping high with him, providing timely help Defense.
Under the left side of the basket, Lee in the air held the ball with his left hand.
Noticing the help Defense arriving, he suddenly gathered the ball, curled his body, and glided to the other side.
Just before landing, using his core strength, Lee twisted his wrist with the ball in his right hand, and the basketball spun off the backboard and into the basket!
"Oh!"
63:61. The Auburn Hills Palace was filled with constant exclamations.
Clay Lee scored 9 consecutive points, and Head Coach Larry Brown immediately called a timeout.
On the New York Knicks' bench, the hype squad was jumping and cheering, waving towels and high-fiving everyone walking to the sidelines.
"Good job!"
Mike D'Antoni smiled brightly and patted Lee's shoulder forcefully.
The strongest tactic was indeed effective.
All the fancy adjustments were not as effective as giving the ball to Lee.
On the Detroit Pistons' bench, everyone looked serious.
The moment they were overtaken in score, they felt immense pressure.
Larry Brown tried to control his emotions, constantly gesturing on the whiteboard:
"Rasheed, go set a screen. The opponent can't interfere with your shot. Now we need to score!"
Hearing Head Coach's words, Rasheed Wallace nodded fiercely.
When Hamilton's offense stalled, it was his turn to be the primary scorer.
In the first possession after the timeout, the Detroit Pistons strictly followed the coach's arrangements.
A high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.
Lee failed to squeeze through the screen immediately.
Kurt Thomas interfered with Chauncey Billups, who immediately delivered a bounce pass.
On the left wing, Rasheed Wallace received the ball with little adjustment and made a long two-point jumper!
"Wow!"
63:63, tied the score.
Cheers echoed through the Auburn Hills Palace.
Rasheed Wallace even excitedly pounded his chest and shouted repeatedly, trying to ignite his teammates' emotions.
Inbounding the ball from the baseline, the New York Knicks players quickly rushed past half-court.
With the same tactic, four players were already in position early.
As Lee dribbled past the half-court line, Chauncey Billups noticed that both big men behind him were starting to move up.
Realizing it was a double screen play, Chauncey Billups immediately stepped forward to press Defense, while calling for his teammates to provide timely help Defense.
Taking advantage of his opponent stepping forward to press Defense and shifting his feet, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly lowered his center of gravity and performed a wide crossover dribble while swaying his body to the front right.
Chauncey Billups was faked and frozen in place, unable to make a defensive move.
Still some distance from the three-point line, Lee directly gathered the ball and shot a pull-up jumper!
The Detroit Pistons players all instinctively turned to look.
The moment the basketball fell into the net, exclamations once again echoed through the arena.
"Oh!"
"Incredible, a 26-foot three-pointer? Clay Lee is simply unstoppable!"
From the commentary booth, Nessler shouted repeatedly in amazement.
Watching Lee continue to lead the Defense, Bill Walton also praised loudly:
"The moment for a superstar to take over the game has arrived! Clay Lee has already entered scoring mode."
Seemingly stimulated by the outrageous shot, the Detroit Pistons' offense became sloppy.
Williams, who had played efficiently in the first half, immediately drove forward after receiving the ball on the right wing.
Grant Hill did not lose his defensive position and slid quickly.
The New York Knicks' defensive line also contracted accordingly.
Near the restricted area, Williams suddenly performed a spin move, coming to the painted area directly in front of the basket, and quickly shot a floater with his left hand!
The basketball left his hand.
Grant Hill twisted his body and jumped to block.
Kurt Thomas, who had recovered on Defense under the basket, controlled the ball and passed it back to Grant Hill.
The New York Knicks immediately launched a transition offense.
The players on the court all rushed forward with their heads down.
When Lee reached the right wing, he immediately ran back up the court to receive the ball.
After Chauncey Billups came up to press Defense, Lee put the ball down with his right hand and dribbled with a jump step to create some space.
Taking advantage of the Detroit Pistons' Defense having just settled, Lee dribbled between his legs, then quickly changed direction in front of his body, suddenly accelerating his dribbling speed, and immediately gained half a step.
Driving straight to the basket from the right wing, Lee charged forward with his head down, occasionally swatting away Chauncey Billups's left arm with his left hand, and pushed through the Defense to the lower right of the basket.
As he neared the paint, Lee immediately took a jump step, paused slightly in mid-air, first shouldering aside Chauncey Billups, then quickly curling his body to glide to the lower left of the basket.
Ben Wallace, who had jumped to block, could only watch as Lee grabbed the ball with his right hand and scored with a reverse layup.
68:63, the noise in the Auburn Hills Palace grew louder and louder, and the Pistons fans couldn't hold back.
Detroit Pistons attacked, and after Hamilton, who had run around twice, missed a jump shot from the right block, Head Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines jumped up and down in frustration.
Pau Gasol, who grabbed the rebound, immediately threw the ball to Lee, who accelerated along the left sideline, with Chauncey Billups tightly sticking to him, interfering with his play.
Seeing Lee arrive at the left wing, shouts and curses began to erupt in the arena, and the Detroit Pistons players, who had just completed their defensive assignments, subconsciously looked up court.
As he approached the three-point line, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, suddenly dropped his shoulder and accelerated, and as Chauncey Billups slid backward, he immediately dribbled behind his back.
Slowing down his dribble, Lee, with the ball now in his right hand, paused slightly, noticed Hamilton on the other side starting to accelerate his movement, and suddenly feinted to the right front.
Chauncey Billups instinctively slid backward to the left, and Lee quickly crossed over and pulled back.
The moment he created space to shoot, Lee immediately brought the ball together, and amidst the exclamations of the Detroit Pistons fans, he pushed off the ground, leaned back slightly, and quickly shot a jump shot!
Chauncey Billups, who was desperately trying to defend, lost his balance, and as the basketball flew towards the basket, he collided with Clay Lee, sending him tumbling to the floor.
"Squeak!"
As the referee blew his whistle, the Detroit Pistons players once again looked towards the basket.
The basketball swished through the net, and the Auburn Hills Palace suddenly fell silent, then erupted into chaos.
Amidst a chorus of boos, the Detroit fans, whose Defense had been completely broken, began to curse wildly.
Lee, pulled up by his teammates, smiled and cupped his left hand to his ear, making a listening gesture.
"Clay! Don't provoke the Detroit fans!"
The sideline referee directly pushed Lee to the free-throw line, while turning his head to warn the Detroit fans in the front row to watch the game civilly.
"Referee Sucks!"
After Lee made his extra free throw, the Detroit fans in the Auburn Hills Palace began to curse the referee, seemingly unable to accept such a game.
72:63, seeing the score difference reach double digits, Chauncey Billups also couldn't hold back.
After dribbling past half-court with his rear end sticking out, he quickly turned at the top of the arc, and after switching to his right hand, he took advantage of Rasheed Wallace's stationary screen, accelerating his drive from the right wing straight to the basket.
Kurt Thomas did not try to keep up with the Defense as he had in the first half.
Instead, he immediately engaged in physical contact during the delay, forcing Chauncey Billups to slow down.
The moment his opponent squeezed past the Defense, Kurt Thomas simply stopped, creating space for Clay Lee, who was trailing in the Defense.
Although Rasheed Wallace was shouting warnings from behind, Chauncey Billups couldn't stop.
Nearing the paint, he immediately took a jump step, leaning forward with the ball in his right hand, and tossed the ball off the backboard early.
At the position near the lower right of the basket, Lee, who had adjusted his footwork in advance, leaped into the air, and before the basketball reached its highest point, he slapped the ball against the backboard with his left hand!
After landing, Lee controlled the ball, and Chauncey Billups immediately fouled him.
"Boo!"
The boos in the Auburn Hills Palace grew louder and louder.
After Lee dribbled past half-court, he quickly passed the ball to Pau Gasol in the right elbow area.
After passing the ball, Grant Hill from the right corner quickly slipped along the baseline, creating offensive space.
Clay Lee first accelerated his movement to the right wing, then suddenly stopped abruptly, feigning a cut back up court.
Taking advantage of Chauncey Billups's stop, Lee once again started and drove straight to the basket.
Too nervous, Chauncey Billups, who had lost his defensive position, had no time to pull him back, watching Lee charge to the lower right of the basket and leap high.
Although Pau Gasol's high lob pass from the elbow area was slightly high, Lee was not too affected.
He grabbed the ball with his right hand in mid-air, drifted backward, and quickly slammed the ball into the basket!
"Boom!" An alley-oop dunk!
"Ah!"
After completing a difficult dunk, Lee landed and pounded his chest, roaring at the Detroit fans in the front row.
74:63, Head Coach Larry Brown called another timeout.
On the Detroit Pistons bench, several veterans were silent.
The shouts and curses in the Auburn Hills Palace grew louder and louder.
At the commentary table, Nessler composed himself before loudly saying:
"This is a superstar! Clay Lee has changed the course of the game with his individual ability!"
"Lee has torn apart the Detroit Pistons' Defense. He is too fast, and his strong body makes him fearless of contact."
"An 11-point difference, the Detroit Pistons still have a chance!"
Having accounted for all the points in the third quarter, Bill Walton felt it was absurd after specifically checking the statistics.
After the timeout, the Detroit Pistons, who had fallen into a scoring drought, finally broke the deadlock with Rasheed Wallace's free throws.
After activating their crazy double-team mode, Lee continuously delivered assists, and the New York Knicks players also showed no mercy, making shots and free throws, constantly hitting back with responsive plays.
Realizing the referee was calling fouls, the New York Knicks proactively lowered their defensive intensity.
At Coach D'Antoni's signal, Lee began to speed up the offensive rhythm, and after missed shots, both sides rushed faster and faster.
Although Hamilton regained his touch, continuously helping the Detroit Pistons score, and Rasheed Wallace even hit a three-pointer.
After both sides ran frantically for the latter half of the quarter, the score difference was not narrowed.
In the last possession of the third quarter, Hamilton was stolen by Tayshaun Prince, who came off the bench, and after committing a pulling foul and giving up free throws, the Auburn Hills Palace completely erupted.
Amidst the New York fans' curses, Tayshaun Prince remained calm and steadily made both free throws.
36:16 in a single quarter, after three quarters, 90:75, the New York Knicks took the lead.
8-for-10 shooting, 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, Clay Lee exploded for 22 points in a single quarter.
On the Detroit Pistons bench, Larry Brown's inspiring words had lost their effect.
Chauncey Billups stared down at the floor, no longer hearing his Head Coach's instructions.
Rasheed Wallace, usually so lively, was no longer yelling.
Perhaps too much back-and-forth running had exhausted him, and he remained silent except for heavy breathing.
Ben Wallace felt powerless.
When he entered the game, he wanted to say something, but in the end, he opened and closed his mouth without being able to speak.
After the fourth quarter began, neither team made any further lineup changes.
Lee began to consciously control the pace of the game.
As time passed, both teams either missed shots or committed fouls, and the Detroit Pistons fans were completely enraged.
With 7 minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the game, Ron Artest gleefully inbounded the ball from the baseline, and a Detroit fan behind the basket directly threw beer onto the court.
The beer splattered at his feet, and he heard the Detroit fans cursing again:
"Fuck you! Put away that shitty smile! You Nigger who only licks ass!"
Hearing the curses, Ron Artest, who was splashed with beer, immediately flew into a rage and wanted to rush over to argue:
"Fuck you! You white pig!"
Lee and the baseline referee were also splashed with beer.
Seeing Ron Artest trying to cross the camera to throw a punch, they immediately stepped forward to stop him.
Before security personnel arrived, a large number of Detroit fans threw their snacks onto the sidelines, and the shouts and curses throughout the Auburn Hills Palace grew louder and louder.
Both teams' players came to the baseline.
The New York Knicks players pulled Ron Artest back to the bench, and then security personnel entered to escort several New York fans who were still loudly cursing out of Auburn Hills Palace.
The game was forced to a halt, 97:81; after more than half a quarter, the score difference reached 16 points, and the Detroit Pistons fans knew the situation was lost.
Once the New York Knicks secured match point, the series would be over.
Despite the security personnel's best efforts to control them, snacks thrown by Detroit fans still occasionally appeared on the court.
Memories surged in Lee's mind.
He turned to look at the fuming Ron Artest and immediately walked to the scorer's table to remind him:
"Have the security personnel control the Detroit fans, we're not interested in an extra boxing match!"
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)