NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 221 Let’s rebuild! (Ten thousand words chapter)
On May 2001, 5, due to the Lakers' victory over the Spurs in yesterday's game, most sports media began to discuss the showdown between the Lakers and the Knicks in advance.

In G1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Iverson performed normally, continuing his inefficient performance in the semifinals and the Bucks.

出场43分钟，27中10，三分线外5中2，罚球7中4，26分4篮板5助攻1抢断3失误。

Such a performance can definitely be called "the 76ers lost, and Iverson also lost." After the game, the commentators also forgot about the little All-Star.

No one is creating the topic of "rivals" anymore. The strength gap between the two sides is really too big. The New York fans' phrase "overrated" is recognized by many football commentators.

Since G2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be held tonight, TNT's program will once again warm up the game.

In the studio, Ernie Johnson noticed that both his partners were in a low mood, so he could only take the initiative to stir up the topic:

"Although they lost by a big score, I believe that head coach Larry Brown will make effective adjustments. Don't forget that they just experienced a tiebreaker."

Kenny Smith wanted to discuss another set of conference finals, because it was difficult for him to comment on Iverson's performance. Facing the camera, he could only talk boringly:
"Allen Iverson needs to learn how to make his teammates better and take less forced shots, which may help the team."

Charles Barkley had long been impatient. He could barely be called a 76ers legend and commented unceremoniously:
"There is no chance! Iverson will continue to lose. When your core players hit less than 4% but the opponent can score efficiently, losing is inevitable."

"Iverson can continue to text me, but I still want to say, he can't beat Lee!"

"Tonight's game, the Knicks will still win easily."

Looking at the serious output of Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson sighed. This episode will definitely be complained by fans again.

ESPN's program is no different from TNT's. Most of the invited commentators hold the same view.

No one mentioned things like "fighting with injuries," "perseverance," and "fighting spirit." In competitive sports, victory is worth remembering.

Most sports media follow the same tone. Michael Jordan was questioned and ridiculed before his big win. Iverson followed the same path.

History is always surprisingly similar. If Iverson finally leads the 76ers to the top after a few years of silence, then the reputation will be reversed, they will keep losing, and the final harvest will be an "inefficient brush."
The schedule is not very friendly to the 76ers. Of course, if they can survive until G5, they can get more rest time.

At 20:30 that night, G2 of the Eastern Conference Finals officially started.

Iverson spoke eloquently before the game, and by the end of the first quarter, Madison Square Garden once again heard shouts of joy:
“Overrated!”

打满首节，单节8中2，三分线外1中0，罚球2中2，6分3助攻2失误
At 18:34, returning to the bench, Iverson was devastated and seemed unable to believe that he was 16 points behind again.

After two consecutive games, Iverson, who continued to play in the second quarter, only slightly reduced the number of shots, but he couldn't make any shots. He relied on Mutombo and Aaron McGee to score points.

7 of 0 in a single quarter. Under the leadership of Iverson, the half game was 39:59, and the game was no longer suspense.

Head coach Larry Brown, who walked towards the tunnel, may have expected such a result, his face was expressionless throughout.

In the live NBC commentary box, Doug Collins glanced at his partner and really didn't want to comment on the game. In the end, he could only say helplessly:
"The gap between the two sides is large. In individual rounds, the 76ers failed to resolutely implement the game strategy."

Aaron McGee, who started the game, was beaten by Li You. Too many individual defenses did not produce very good results.

Bob Costas was also unable to comment on head coach Larry Brown's game strategy. He suppressed the thought of "boring Eastern Conference Finals" in his mind and continued to analyze carefully:

"Mutombo grabbed 10 rebounds in the first half. This is the advantage of the 76ers, but if they want to equalize the point difference, they must first defend well."

The Knicks led by 20 points. Doug Collins looked at his partner's serious look and couldn't hold back for a moment:
"It may be a better choice to consider protecting the home court in advance. After returning to Philadelphia, the 76ers have no retreat. They must win the game."

"."

In the home team's locker room, everyone was smiling. There couldn't be a more relaxing game than this.

Ewing began to pray to God again, seeming to thank God for the welfare schedule.
In the last game, Alan Houston made 14 of 9 shots, 3 of 1 from beyond the arc, and 2 of 2 free throws. He scored 21 points and performed very efficiently.

Tonight, Alan Houston continued the state of the previous game, and he was ready to attack in the low post near the left block.

"Maybe we can end the series early and reach the finals for four consecutive years. This feels really good!"

Alan Houston's words resonated with everyone. For most players, reaching the conference finals is already very successful.

As for the finals?Most players may not be able to reach such a stage after playing football for a lifetime.

Artest was the most excited, but Ben Wallace seemed to be used to this process and seemed very calm.

Li You rubbed his chin, calculated the schedule, and found that even if he swept his opponents, he wouldn't get much rest time.

The Spurs are really weak on the outside. If nothing happens, the Lakers can probably sweep their opponents easily.

"End the series as soon as possible. I have a hunch that the game between the Lakers and Spurs will end soon."

Clapping his hands, Li You signaled everyone to work harder in the second half. Although 20 points was a lot, they still couldn't be careless.

Grant Hill on the side was a little speechless. He seemed to be entering the finals in a daze.

The 76ers on the opposite side were no match for the Knicks. Iverson was pushed and bumped repeatedly by Li You. Not to mention fighting with injuries, even if he was in good condition, there was a high probability that he would not get any benefit.
After everyone chatted for a long time, Grant Hill discovered that Jeff Van Gundy had also returned to the locker room at some point:

"Is this the coaching philosophy of a championship coach?"

After the start of the third quarter, the Knicks took the lead in attacking. Seeing Li You slowly passing through the half court, the emotional Iverson immediately pounced on him.

Coach Larry Brown's instructions were all forgotten, and Iverson started to interfere.

Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, only protected the ball sideways. He noticed that the opponent still did not double-team, and took advantage of Iverson's interference. He took the initiative to use force, knocked away the opponent, and quickly jumped and dribbled the ball.

Noticing that the opponent wanted to continue to attack, Li You suddenly changed the direction of his hips and swung his body sharply to the left and front.

Iverson subconsciously slid to the right and back, and Li You quickly crossed and pulled back, then suddenly accelerated his dribbling rhythm. After completing the crotch dribbling again, he suddenly changed direction in front of his body.

Iverson failed to react. Li You, who had switched to his right hand, had already broken through with his shoulders down, grabbed half of his body, and broke through to the free throw line in the blink of an eye.

After losing his defensive position, Iverson still wanted to pull, but as soon as the two entered the paint area, Li You suddenly jumped and shouldered his opponent away again. Without waiting for Mutombo to help block the shot, he threw the ball with his right hand. Basket!

Subconsciously jumping to block the shot, Mutombo could only watch the basketball pass over his fingertips and fall into the basket accurately.

"Wow!"

Scoring so easily in a single made the New York fans scream with joy.

The attack time only took 12 seconds. Once Li You accelerated, he was like a heavy tank compared to Iverson.

Larry Brown on the sidelines kept reminding loudly and making gestures, asking Aaron McGee to defend:
"Calm down! Don't make any more mistakes, we still have a chance!"

The midfielder did arrange a lot of tactics, but when he got to the court, he failed to get the chance immediately. Iverson caught the ball on the left wing again.

After taking a tentative step, he quickly released the ball with his right hand. Iverson lowered his center of gravity and broke through. Taking advantage of Li You to slide to the left and back, he immediately dribbled the ball with his hips.

Although there was some room to shoot, Iverson still chose to change direction in front of his body again, stopped and started suddenly, switched to his right hand again, and went straight to the basket!

Te'lon Hill stood in the right corner at this time, opening up the space. On the lower right side of the basket, Mutombo and Ben Wallace were still stuck.

Iverson was extremely fast, and Li You was not slow to react. He followed the opponent and slid to the position directly in front of the basket.

During the march, Iverson took the initiative to exert force and leaned towards Li You. Then he suddenly took a large step back in the paint area and completed a fadeaway jumper!

As soon as the basketball was released, Iverson saw Li You leap high and directly hit the bottom, immediately changing the trajectory of the ball.

"rebound!"

After landing, Iverson shouted a reminder while rushing to the basket, but Mutombo was still stuck with Ben Wallace. Li You predicted the position of the basketball and shrank to the basket to easily collect the rebound.

Bob Costas looked at San Bu Tian's shot and subconsciously praised Li You:
"OH! The basketball didn't touch the basket? Li should have completed a block. What an excellent defense!"

Staring angrily, Iverson pounced again, and Li You immediately gave the ball to Grant Hill, who received the ball. The latter received the ball, accelerated along the left sideline, and quickly dribbled across the half court.

Jumaine Jones retreated in time, but faced Grant Hill's quick push from the three-point line and changed direction, losing another half of his position.

During the transition attack, Grant Hill went up to the line at a 45-degree angle on the right side and went straight to the basket. Facing Mutombo who retreated from defense, he distributed the ball to the left corner in the paint area.

Alan Houston's off-ball screen on the left wing just hung up for a moment, and Li You rushed to the bottom corner.

The moment he caught the ball, Iverson immediately pursued him. Faced with Li You's feint, he continued to defend.

After collecting the ball, Li You took advantage of the situation to firmly protect the ball on the left side of his body, while taking a quick test step with his right foot.

Iverson subconsciously adjusted his defensive focus and moved a small step back to the right. Li You seized the opportunity, exerted force with his feet, hung on the opponent's arm, and quickly shot a jump shot!
"My bowl!"

Amid the shouts, the basketball hit the net. At the same time, looking at Iverson raising his hand, the linesman also blew the whistle.

"Hey! I didn't foul, you can't do this to me, you ruined the game!"

The emotional Iverson suddenly rushed to the referee and complained loudly. Fortunately, his teammates had quick eyesight and quick hands and pulled him back in time.

Li You shook his shoulders, smiled at the excited Iverson, and then walked to the free throw line.

Anger made Iverson throw away some defensive principles. Don't put your hand on Li You's arm, otherwise there is a high probability of being fouled.
"There are no miracles. Coach Larry Brown may be able to replace the main lineup as soon as possible. After more than a day of rest, they have to return to the home court."

"It's not a bad thing to prepare for G3 early. Iverson also needs to adjust his condition."

Doug Collins said it very rudely. Seeing Li Youjia hit the free throw, Bob Costas did not refute, but said in agreement:
"Both offense and defense need to be adjusted. Returning to home court and with the support of Philadelphia fans, I believe the 76ers can win."

At 39:65, Li You successfully scored 4 points, and the point difference widened again.

The 76ers, who originally wanted to speed up the offensive rhythm, found it difficult to create good offensive opportunities. Each attack took nearly 22 seconds, and most of them ended up being jump shots.

Iverson's empty three-pointer was also solid. Only Aaron McGee was in good condition and helped the 76ers score consecutive points.

The Knicks were more prosperous, and it wasn't until the end of the third quarter when Artest came on the court that the game started.

The scene was filled with cheers from the fans. After watching most of the game, head coach Larry Brown finally chose to return to the bench to watch the game quietly.

20:27 in a single quarter, 59:86 after three quarters, and there was no suspense in the game.

Iverson, who walked to the bench, was in a depressed mood and seemed to find it difficult to accept such a result. Losing two consecutive big scores seemed to indicate some problems.

Trying to push down the thought of "continue losing" in his mind, Iverson returned to his seat, covered his face with his hands, and shut himself up again
19中5，三分线外4中0，罚球4中4，14分4篮板7助攻1抢断3失误，如此表现，让艾弗森几乎抬不起头来。

Jeff Van Gundy smiled brightly and patted Li You on the shoulder. The 27-point difference was completely stabilized. He protected the two home courts and easily achieved his goal!

The coaching staff also asked Longley to let the big-time center move his body. This season, as long as Longley comes on the court, it is basically garbage time.

Grant Hill, who was replaced early, stood up and fist bumped with everyone one by one. Seeing the 76ers bench on the other side fell silent, he returned to his seat and whispered to Li You:

“It’s also a good thing to end the series early!”

Li You just smiled and nodded, but Grant Hill felt the same way. He could understand his opponent's mood. When he was stopped in the first round for many years in a row, media reporters also ridiculed him.

In the last quarter of the game, the 76ers no longer had the main lineup, and they just waited for the time to run out.

In the end, 80:108, the Knicks continued to beat the 76ers, and the series score reached 2:0.

At the end of the game, Ewing smiled and hugged Mutombo. For the Gorilla, the last home game of the Eastern Conference Finals was over, and he had to pretend to be X at this time.

In contrast, Mutombo could only smile bitterly. He did not expect to lose so much. The two briefly exchanged greetings, and NBC reporter Jim Gray came over:
"Pat! Congratulations to the Knicks for successfully protecting their two home courts. What are your expectations for the next games!"

Ewing was still waving to the fans, and after hearing the question, he answered confidently:

“We’ll end the series as early as possible to get more rest time.”

"The team is also well prepared for the next finals. This is the last season of my career, and I still long for the championship!"

"."

G2的比赛，李佑出场29分钟，16中8，三分线外7中3，罚球5中5，拿到24分4篮板13助攻1抢断1盖帽2失误。

Attending the press conference, most sports media in the audience did not ask about the 76ers, but couldn't wait to warm up for the finals:
"Lee, if you encounter the Lakers again in the Finals, how should you restrict O'Neal? This season, your inside line seems to have lost its dominance."

When an ESPN reporter asked a question, he received glares from several Philadelphia media outlets.

Li You noticed the disharmonious atmosphere in the audience and did not answer seriously:

"The series is not over yet and I'm not thinking about the finals."

"Maybe the team's points lost inside have indeed increased, but our outside defense is still up to standard."

"In this series, I think the Knicks successfully suppressed the 76ers' backcourt!"

The ESPN reporter nodded with satisfaction, while Li You received another glare from the Philadelphia media.

Seemingly not answering the question, but giving an appropriate answer, Stephen A. Smith also sat with several Philadelphia reporters. He expressed deep sympathy and silent blessing for the little brother's experience:
"Maybe the Knicks will make the series more exciting if they enter the Finals."

The schedule is relatively intensive, and the Knicks have to pack their bags and fly directly to Philadelphia the next day.

Most New York fans who haven't watched enough are planning to buy tickets for Saturday's G4, but for Thursday's G3, everyone has no choice but to give up.

On the night of the 25th, perhaps influenced by the Eastern Conference Finals, the Lakers broke out again.

72:111, the Lakers returned to their home court and defeated the Spurs!

In the G2 game, the Lakers also won by 14 points and won the match point with a crushing victory. For a time, the calls for "Lakers championship" became louder and louder.

There was no more suspense in the series, and the "OK" combination killed the game.

科比出场40分钟，27中14，三分线外4中2，罚球9中6，拿到36分9篮板8助攻1抢断3失误；

奥尼尔出场35分钟，23中16，罚球9中3，砍下35分17篮板3助攻4失误的大号两双。

The two scored 71 points together, just shy of tying the Spurs' team score. Such outrageous statistics made the commentators' hearts swell!
Tim Duncan made 14 of 3 shots and only scored 9 points. After the game, San Antonio fans started chanting "Popovich is fired" again.
O'Neal, who is about to sweep his opponents and has been somewhat dull in this year's playoffs, also regained his confidence after the game. In an interview, he no longer discussed the Spurs:
"We will reach 11:0 in the Western Conference, and after the finals, it will be 15:0!"

"Yes, I will break the record set by the Knicks last year. The best record in history belongs to the Lakers."

The Los Angeles media in the audience were delighted when they heard this, because they wanted this kind of confidence. Everyone unanimously agreed with O'Neal's point of view. This year, the Sharks will tear the Knicks' inside line apart!
O'Neal grinned and blew, "I haven't exerted my strength yet", "Actually, I prefer to play for 48 minutes", "Even if the league changes the rules, it can't restrict me."

Even the media in San Antonio felt uncomfortable, but they were unable to refute it after falling behind 0-3.

Although Kobe was very excited, he said seriously during the interview:
"The Lakers' goal has always been the Finals. We have not forgotten last year's defeat!" "This season, everyone is training hard. Grant, Fox, Fisher, Shaw, Horry, Lu, look at these guys, no People will be our opponents.”

The two boasted fiercely on the stage, and the media in Los Angeles became more and more excited. Only the media in San Antonio secretly complained:
"If we can add excellent outside players, we will definitely win the championship."

The Western Conference Finals has basically come to an end, and it is impossible for the Spurs to make a comeback.

For Philadelphia fans, before the start of the G3 game, they received another piece of bad news. Both Iverson and Eric Snow were injured.

In a life-and-death battle, Iverson naturally had to encourage his teammates before the game:
"There is nothing wrong with my body. As long as I can play, I will give my best!"

"Winning two home games, the 76ers can turn the game around."

Iverson, who was covered in injuries, did not specifically show his injuries to the media. The same was true for Eric Snow, who fractured his right foot and was injured again after returning from injury.

So far in the series, the two can only choose to fight with injuries.

At 26:20 on the evening of the 30th, at the First United Center Arena, more than 2 Philadelphia fans shouted at the top of their lungs as soon as the game started.

No one wants to see the team eliminated at home. After losing to the Knicks for many years in a row, everyone's patience will be exhausted.

In the first quarter of the game, Aaron McGee misfired, but veteran Te'lon Hill stepped up. When the team needed to score the most, he continuously scored on the lower right side of the basket.

6 out of 4, and contributed a team-high 8 points in the first quarter, making the two sides tied at 24:24.

For the Knicks, Alan Houston, who scored efficiently in the first two games, slumped. He made 5 of 1 and only scored 2 points.

During the break, Iverson walked to the bench and put his right hand to his ear, asking the fans to make more noise.

On the other side, Jeff Van Gundy greeted Artest on the bench and told Kurt Thomas on the bench:
"Just take the shot, and if you miss it, rush for the rebound. Don't let the opponent score easily again!"

The bald young coach looked serious. Although Lewis scored 6 points in the first quarter, his defensive performance failed to satisfy him.

Kurt Thomas nodded fiercely when he got the chance, while Billups on the bench was depressed. In the crucial game, he would no longer be able to play.

Kukchi is used to this kind of treatment. Jeff Van Gundy believes more in defense, but at this time the offense is giving the ball to Li You.
In the NBC commentary box, Doug Collins noticed the Knicks' lineup and suddenly laughed and joked:
"Coach Van Gundy should have chosen the best defensive lineup currently, with Lee and Artest in the backcourt, and the frontcourt of Hill, Kurt Thomas, and Ben Wallace."

"The average height is very good, but the attacking space has dropped a lot, but this will not affect Lee too much."

Bob Costas saw that the 76ers just replaced Lee Aaron McGee, and Eric Snow continued to play. Obviously, he wanted to fight the main force again:

"Let Eric Snow, who is affected by a foot injury, continue to play. It seems that the 76ers have further reduced their rotation tonight."

Six players rotated, and the two looked at each other, and in the end there was a tacit understanding without comment. Even if they win this game, G6 will most likely have bottomed out in physical fitness.

"Defense!."

The defensive shouts sounded again. After receiving the ball from the baseline, Li You made tactical gestures, then accelerated and passed the half court while hanging on Eric Snow's defense.

After receiving the instruction, Artest stopped at the free throw line, and Grant Hill moved to the right corner.

Kurt Thomas didn't move, still struggling with Te'lon Hill near the baseline on the left.

When Ben Wallace saw Li You passing half court, he immediately came outside the three-point line and started a high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.

Li You did not move unnecessarily. After stopping, he suddenly stepped in and out, swaying left and right. Holding the ball in his right hand, he suddenly lowered his center of gravity and immediately broke through to the right.

Ben Wallace's screen quality was average, but he successfully delayed the pursuing Eric Snow.

Mutombo came up with a big delay at this time. He had just helped defend to Li You's left side. Artest immediately moved and made an off-ball screen.

Iverson realized that Mutombo had lost his defensive position and saw that Li You did not slow down at all, so he subconsciously helped defend to the basket.

For a moment, Li You attracted three people to mark him, and everyone rushed toward the basket.
After finishing the screen, Artest immediately came to the top of the arc. As soon as he stopped, Li You jumped up and threw the ball behind his head.

The basketball fell into Artest's hands accurately. After catching the ball, he looked at it for a while, but there was still no one to defend him, and then he made a steady jump shot!

"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly!

In the first round after debuting, he had to test his shooting touch. He felt that his shooting touch was very good. Artest excitedly celebrated with a fist pump.

On the Knicks bench, everyone cheered, and Jeff Van Gundy also nodded in relief. The tactics were executed brilliantly.

"Shh!"

The wonderful offensive performance naturally made the Philadelphia fans boo.

Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines loudly reminded Iverson to pay attention to the defense and seemed very dissatisfied with this defensive round.

Amidst the cheers, Iverson quickly slipped across the baseline from left to right and came to the right corner near the sideline but failed to receive the pass immediately.

Eric Snow was interfered with by Li You and could not turn around quickly. Fortunately, Iverson moved up again and then calmly sent a cross pass.

Artest was already catching up at this time and seemed to have absolute confidence in his speed. After receiving the ball, Iverson immediately released the ball with his left hand and broke through smoothly.

Artest, who was chasing to the right, lost his defensive position instantly, but it was a brutal collision when he caught up.

Coming first, Artest directly knocked Iverson into the paint with the ball.

Losing his center of gravity, Iverson almost flew out. The referee immediately blew the whistle and warned Artest.
Only a common foul was called. Coach Larry Brown was so angry that he rushed to the linesman and complained angrily:

"Hey! This is definitely a flagrant foul. This is not a basketball move at all!"

After receiving the warning, Artest behaved very well, and Li You also said a few nice words to the referee. Despite the boos from the audience, the referee did not change the decision in the end.

After lying on the floor for a while, Iverson rubbed his buttocks with a painful expression. He fell, which seemed to make his injury more serious.

“Referee Sucks!.”

The Philadelphia fans at the scene began to curse the referee, and after the sideline kick was taken, Iverson used the same tactic to slide the baseline from right to left, and was pulled covertly by Li You.

The moment he caught the ball, Li You immediately rushed forward. In the left corner, Iverson released the ball with his left hand, hoping to break through along the baseline.

Just after taking a big step, Iverson felt a strong attack from his side. Iverson stumbled and was almost knocked out of the baseline by Li You.

After struggling to adjust his body's center of gravity, Iverson finally hung up on the defense and forced a breakthrough to the basket. He jumped up from the bottom left of the basket and pulled the lever in the air, barely gliding to the right, but was interfered by Ben Wallace.

Throwing the ball toward the basket with his right hand, Iverson completely lost his center of gravity in the air and fell heavily to the floor again.

The basketball came out of the frame, Mutombo clicked the basketball, Ben Wallace took off a second time, got in front of the opponent, and finally protected the rebound.

Li You immediately accelerated after catching the ball. At this time, Iverson, who was lying on the floor, had just stood up. Amid the exclamations of the fans, he gritted his teeth and chased after him.

Eric Snow also got angry and bumped into Li You, near the left sideline. The two bodies collided. Li You slowed down slightly, and then gave a concealed elbow.

In the eyes of the referee, this was just the action of a ball protector, but Eric Snow screamed in pain, instantly lost his defensive position, and watched Li You rush across the half court.

Mutombo, who was still desperately retreating in the middle, did not expect that his teammates would suddenly lose position. When he saw Li You coming to the right wing, he slowed down and stopped, and subconsciously pounced on him.

Ignoring the striding meteor, Mutombo jumped from his side to defend. From the right wing, Li You made an emergency stop and quickly made a jump shot!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly.

Li You smiled and raised three fingers while raising his left arm. For a while, there were endless shouts and curses in the arena.
At 30:24, the point difference suddenly became 6 points, and everyone in the 76ers team was a little confused.

Coach Larry Brown on the sidelines had already realized that something was wrong. When Iverson received the ball in the right corner and attacked, he broke through along the baseline and was directly knocked to the ground by Li You.

Almost flying out again, Iverson fell directly next to the camera, causing the fans in the front row to scream.

The referee blew the whistle, but Li You just raised his hand expressionlessly to indicate that it was his foul.

Iverson, who fell to the floor, let out another cry of pain. Mutombo became even more furious and shouted at Li You:
"Shet! You obviously have better defensive options!"

"Yes, he can also choose to rest."

Li You looked calm and responded casually. Ben Wallace laughed lowly and then yelled viciously:
"I swear, if he gets to the basket again, he'll still be lying on the floor!"

The referee hurriedly separated the crowd and warned the players on both sides at the same time. Iverson stood up with anger in his eyes and ignored the advice of his teammates. He continued to catch the ball after the game restarted.

Seeing how tenacious the star player was, the shouts in the First United Center became louder and louder.

In the left blocking area, Iverson caught the ball and was defended by Li You again.

Not caring about the opponent's speed to squeeze through the defense, Li You stayed very close, lowered his center of gravity and then started to interfere.

After two consecutive tentative steps, Iverson saw that Li You was still clinging to him, so he immediately released the ball with his right hand and leaned forward to accelerate.

Although he grabbed half a position with his speed, the defensive pressure coming from his side prevented Iverson from making too many moves.

Leaning against Li You in the paint, Iverson suddenly jumped, drifted to the right, and made a fadeaway jumper.
Ben Wallace and Mutombo were pulled together, and the rebound was protected by Kurt Thomas.

After receiving the ball, nearby Grant Hill accelerated along the left sideline, and Li You in the center also rushed forward without the ball.

After halftime, when he saw Li You standing near the free throw line, Grant Hill took advantage of Ben Wallace to stand at the top of the arc, immediately held the ball with his right hand and drove straight to the basket.

The same tactic, but Li You feinted a shot, instead of stepping forward to cover, he moved laterally and suddenly bounced to the top of the arc.

Grant Hill jumped up to throw the ball. Mutombo, who was sliding backwards, was about to remind Iverson loudly that Li You, who was catching the ball, didn't make any adjustments and just threw the ball up!

Iverson, who jumped in front of Li You, failed to control his body weight and both fell to the ground.

"Shua! Squeak!"

When the ball went in, the buzzer sounded, and everyone on the Knicks team cheered. Everyone gathered around and pulled Li You up.

Iverson stood up and was still arguing with the referee. Larry Brown on the sidelines also complained loudly. Philadelphia fans watched Li You walk to the free throw line with a smile and began to boo incompetently.
"This season, Li has played 4-point rounds many times. What a terrifying scoring ability!"

Bob Costas couldn't help sighing in a low voice again, and Doug Collins noticed the Knicks' defensive changes:
"Strengthen physical confrontation. This is a huge test for the 76ers!"

"Playing with injuries will inevitably affect your physical condition."

At the free throw line, Li You took a deep breath and hit the extra free throw steadily. Jeff Van Gundy smiled again, and there was a burst of chirping on the sidelines.

At 34:24, the point difference came to double digits.

After retreating, Li You walked up to Iverson, noticed the angry look in his eyes, and immediately joked in a low voice:

"Get off the field and rest! Bro, lose early and take good care of your injuries!"

"Blind his grandma!"

Iverson roared angrily, then started asking for the ball again, and soon the right wing made a pull-up jumper from outside the three-point line.
The long rebound was just picked up by Li You. Without waiting for the opponent to step forward and delay, he immediately swung the ball hard!

The basketball flew across half the court. Grant Hill picked up the ball at the three-point line, took a big step, leaned against Jumaine Jones, and succeeded in a layup.

Seeing that the score difference continued to widen, the cheers and cheers in the First United Center Arena disappeared.

The stubborn Iverson noticed that his touch was not good and immediately began to rush inside.

It's just that too much physical confrontation and a bunch of defenders under the basket made Iverson end up stretching his hips.
The game gradually entered the Knicks' favorite rhythm, with opponents attacking quickly and counterattacking quickly!
With 4 minutes and 01 seconds left in the half, Kurt Thomas received a pass from Li You in the left block and hit a mid-range jumper.

Coach Larry Brown's timeout had some effect. The 76ers retreated faster, but unexpectedly fell into position to attack. Kurt Thomas began to score consecutive points.

Li You smiled and celebrated by bumping chests with Kurt Thomas, who was shouting excitedly.

Subsequently, Artest received his second foul and sent Iverson to the free throw line.

After missing two free throws, another burst of exclamations erupted in the arena. Outside the three-point line, Li You caught the ball and rushed forward, ignoring Mutombo who was retreating on defense. He hung Eric Snow from the left wing. Straight to the basket.

At the bottom left of the basket, Li You jumped and collided with two people in the air. Under Mutombo's interference, he hovered briefly, exerted his body strength, grabbed the ball with one hand with his left hand, twisted his body, and threw the ball toward the backboard!

Amid the exclamations of the Philadelphia fans, the basketball hit the rim twice and finally fell into the rim.

"Shh!"

The scene was booed again. Eric Snow staggered after landing. After hearing the referee's whistle, he just stared blankly at Li You walking to the free throw line.

"Lee showed his impact. It's incredible. In this state, he can still find the rebound accurately!"

Bob Costas was also dumbfounded. Now he is completely sure that Li You's goal was really not a blind move.

At 47:33, Li You successfully hit a 3-pointer, and the point difference came to 14 points.

Doug Collins noticed that Iverson went 2-for-7 in the second quarter and still didn't score, so he could only comment helplessly:
"Taking Aaron McGee may be a better choice. Iverson needs to calm down. He must find his shooting touch again."

In the last few minutes, Iverson was still asking for the ball. Except for a 2+1, the other several attacks were bang bang.

Mutombo also failed to score a free throw. At the end of the half, there was only noise in the arena, and the Philadelphia fans could no longer hold back.

On the last possession of the half, as Li You assisted Ben Wallace to eat the cake under the basket, everyone on the Knicks bench stood up and cheered.

At 56:40, looking at the 16-point difference, Iverson lowered his head, said nothing, and turned towards the tunnel.

He made 10 of 1 shots in a single quarter and only scored 3 points. Iverson's performance also disappointed the Philadelphia fans who supported him.

On the other side, Li You and his teammates were chatting and laughing as they walked slowly towards the tunnel. Ewing and Jeff Van Gundy were already laughing. The team was about to get the match point, and the Eastern Conference finals were secured!
In the commentary box, seeing head coach Larry Brown still looking at the score, Doug Collins felt the same for a moment:
"This is a superstar. Lee can fit into any lineup. The Knicks really played excellent defense in this quarter."

"Irrespective of the coach's tactical arrangements, with the 76ers' current staffing, they really cannot restrict Lee."

"This is all-round suppression of body, technology, and competition experience!"

Bob Costas also noticed the shortcomings of the 76ers' lineup, and after a little thought, he couldn't figure out how to strengthen it with Iverson as the core:
"If they want to break out of the Eastern Conference, what other adjustments should the 76ers make?"

Doug Collins glanced at his partner and couldn't speak for a moment, so he could only talk about the scene:
"Add some three-point shooters to create better offensive space for Iverson, that's all I can think of."

He quickly glanced at his partner. Doug Collins didn't want to dwell on this topic anymore. When he heard the Philadelphia fans started to curse, he secretly complained in his heart:

"Continue to strengthen? Let's rebuild."

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(End of this chapter)