NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 258: So we are so weak? (Ten thousand words chapter)
2002年5月13号，NBA联盟公布了01~02赛季的最佳阵容：
The five members of the first team are:

Li You, Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal;
The five members of the second team are:

Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber, Dirk Nowitzki;

The five members of the third team are:

Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace.

The selection of the best team has nothing to do with the coach, and the final vote is made by sports reporters in the United States and Canada plus TV commentators.

Of course, there will be objections after the list is announced. The Kings, the league's first team, Chris Webber was only selected for the second team.

The 40ers, who only had 76 wins, actually had someone selected to the All-NBA team, which almost caused public outrage.

After the All-Defensive Team was announced not long ago, many sports media clamored for the impression flow of NBA head coach voting. When it was the turn of the All-Defensive Team selection, they boomeranged in the face again.

Whenever it comes to voting, there are a lot of dissatisfied people every time.

Last night, after the G4 game between the Knicks and Celtics, Antoine Walker almost shut himself down.

87:101. The Celtics failed to score 90 points in several consecutive games. After being swept 4:0, the "Double Star" reputation plummeted, and even McGrady was criticized:
"Leading 2-0 and losing to a Celtics team like this? McGrady is overrated."

Antoine Walker was already in a bad mood after the loss, and became completely angry after losing to the All-NBA team.

Antoine Walker, who was still summarizing the reasons for the loss in Boston, started to criticize again during the interview:

"Why do players with the worst regular season record appear on the All-NBA team?"

"It's so unfair. We made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals and no one from the Celtics was named to the All-NBA team. I really don't know what the criteria for this list are."

Paul Pierce was also very angry by this list. His defeated opponents overwhelmed him, and the superficial brothers were helpless:

"Our record ranks ahead of the Magic and 76ers, and we also defeated the Magic in the playoffs."

"Then you tell me that no one from the Celtics was selected for the All-NBA Team? Shet! I can't accept it. Such a selection lacks respect!"

The Celtics' "double stars" began to output wildly. Although they did not specifically name which players should not be selected, after these words were said, they were referring to the soft players such as Iverson, McGrady, and Mutombo. persimmon.
After reaching the Eastern Conference finals for six consecutive seasons, Li You was in a good mood. The new players who joined the team came to a bigger stage for the first time, and they were all busy celebrating.

Since the Nets also got the match point, this year's Eastern Conference finals will most likely be a showdown between the two. The two teams are very close, which makes it convenient for fans to watch the game on site.

Ray Allen recently had a heated argument with his teammates and head coach!
Unhappy in Milwaukee, Ray Allen was too lazy to ask the "lazy dogs" for training at this time and no longer acted as a confidant. After angrily complaining about the team, he patted his butt and came to New York, ready to watch the game and relax.

Not long ago, several mainstream media outlets such as the New York Post and the New York Times "teared apart" Kobe and Gary Payton, two "parallel import defenses."
Several articles expressed the two's performance on the defensive end through detailed Excel, and by the way, they also sprayed the NBA head coach's impression stream vote:

"The best defensive team should also be selected by the media and TV commentators!"

"At least we won't make decisions based on our senses every year. The league should pay attention to the opinions of the media!"

The reporters accompanying the Kings followed New York's lead in cheering, supporting coach Adelman, and at the same time protesting against Doug Christie.

The sports media in Los Angeles did not forget to support their players at this time. Although they hoped to get the right to vote, they were not convinced by Excel's game evaluation!
The 13th happened to be Monday, and Ray Allen had just arrived in New York to go shopping with his girlfriend, but he was quickly blocked by New York sports reporters.

When asked about the recent selection of the best team, Ray Allen also followed the straightforward output:

"I don't know the specific criteria for selection. If you look at the record, some players should not be on this list at all."

"If you just look at individual statistics, some players' statistics are better."

"Perhaps the selection is more based on the reputation of the players. Most of those who play in big ball markets are overrated!"

"Are their shots really good? Did those teams really play great tactical coordination?"

"I don't see the so-called tactical coordination. Most people in the league still rely on talent to play. They don't even train hard!"

Shannon smiled and pulled her boyfriend beside her. She knew the nature of the New York media better. These words would definitely be exaggerated several times and would eventually offend many people.

Ray Allen, who was dressed casually, noticed his girlfriend's actions and stopped talking. He was really angry that he didn't enter the playoffs this year:

"In short, I don't like the current selection criteria. If those in big markets performed the same as Lee, I wouldn't say so much, but in fact they are not good, but they get more attention."

The Eastern Conference Finals will be held on May 5, and the Knicks have nearly a week of rest.

Of course, head coach Thibodeau is aware of the recent quarrel over the best lineup, but he is more concerned about the subsequent lottery ceremony.

The draw ceremony will be held at Madison Square Garden at 16:19 on the evening of the [-]th. At this time, Thibodeau still has not received any notification or consultation from the management, and he already knows that his prospects are not optimistic.
The players were on vacation, but the coaching staff still had to work. Assistant coach Don Chaney also heard some news after returning to the Tarrytown Training Center. After lunch, he couldn't help but consult Thibodeau:

"Tom, did management consult with you about the draft?"

Thibodeau immediately shook his head and stopped sorting out the documents in his hand. Instead, he said with some disappointment:
"Maybe I'm not in the team's plan either. Jeff made the right choice. Ability in this position is not important."

James Dolan also seems to want to get involved in the team. The curly-haired boss has never been able to direct the championship coach how to play, and he has no excuse to interfere with the general manager's work.

This change of head coach seemed to be an opportunity. Thibodeau had a conversation with the management when he took office, and then the two sides stopped communicating. All fools knew that this was dissatisfaction with him.

Assistant coach Don Chaney also sighed. He had won the best coach. He thought he could take over the team, but now he has realized the reality. The big boss seems to want to find a coach who is easy to control.
"I don't like this team atmosphere, even though we have won 4 consecutive championships"

Only halfway through his words, Thibodeau suddenly interrupted:
"It was Lee who won four consecutive championships. He was not Michael Jordan, and he never said he only played for one coach."

"Do you think Lee cares about what Jeff accomplished? He doesn't care who's on the coaching staff any more than he cares who he plays with."

"Players who don't perform well won't get playing time. There are too many people who want to come to the Knicks to play. He knows this, and Glenfield also knows that if you don't perform well, then leave."

After hearing these words, assistant coach Don Chaney no longer comforted himself. "Brother basketball" and "meritorious basketball" do not exist in the Knicks.
Black coaches always like to mingle with players, and in the Knicks, everyone knows that "if you don't play well, you will be traded."

The head coach's preference is not as good as scoring a few more points on the court. Beautiful data is more useful than the coach's encouragement.

The two of them suddenly fell silent in the office. Looking at the photo of the champion on the table, they felt a little sad for a moment:
"Are you really going to leave?"

On the night of the 13th, Li You also hosted Ray Allen and Shannon at home. The chef tonight was best at Mediterranean cuisine, and Shannon was particularly happy to eat.

Whenever he eats at home, Li You usually makes reservations with some famous New York chefs. Although the price is high, the service is worth every penny.

Ray Allen is still not in a good mood. The best lineup often represents incentive clauses, in other words, it is a beautiful knife.

In sponsor contracts, there are requirements for data, record, and honors. If players want to get more rewards, they must also pursue honors.

I always felt that I had lost a lot of money this season. It was not until Milinda talked about things in college that Ray Allen felt better.

"Ray, don't you plan to graduate? Lee will still take summer classes every year. You can go back to Connecticut together during the offseason."

There are many courses in law school. It will take some time for Li You to graduate, and Ray Allen has not yet received his bachelor's degree. At this time, he still declined with a low smile:
"I still want to train in Milwaukee during the offseason. Maybe there will be changes in the lineup next season, and I have to be prepared."

Shannon on the side looked a little disappointed when she heard these words. She didn't like Milwaukee at all. She wanted to live in Manhattan with her boyfriend.

Milinda winked at Shannon, indicating that she was trying her best. Shannon spent more time at Li You's house attending parties than with her boyfriend.

After dinner, Milinda took Shannon with her to go shopping, while Li You and Ray Allen went to the audio-visual room on the fifth floor to watch football and spanking.

There is another game between the Mavericks and the Kings tonight, with a big score of 3:1. The Kings will most likely advance at home.

In the first quarter of the game, the two sides poked each other again. Seeing the Mavericks' Nash, Nowitzki, and Mike Finley working together tacitly, showing a look of "brotherhood", Ray Allen, who was lying on the ground, suddenly sighed:
"Why do the Bucks always have conflicts? These rookies are almost catching up to my achievements!"

Li You also collapsed on the sofa. There was nothing he could do about the internal conflicts of the Bucks. George Karl was extremely strong:

"At the very least, it would be nice to play in a different environment. Coming to New York would be great. I think we should have the opportunity to cooperate!"

Ray Allen laughed immediately when he heard this, and then joked to himself:
"Joining the Knicks, maybe I won't make this choice until I get the veteran's minimum salary."

"Three max-salaries play together. To be honest, there is a high probability that there will be problems with the lineup."

Thinking that this good brother still wanted to be the boss and pursue the maximum salary, Li You nodded in agreement, but secretly complained in his heart:

"Looks like I need to take more beatings. Is brother basketball so difficult?"

There will be no games on May 5th, and all four teams in the Eastern and Western finals have been announced.

Eastern Conference, Nets VS Knicks, Western Conference, Lakers VS Kings.

Football commentators were still warming up for the game. On the night of the 16th, Li You appeared in Madison Square Garden wearing a smart black formal suit.

The lottery ceremony will be held at 19:[-] in the evening, and James Dolan, general manager Glenn Field, and Knicks management staff are also present.

Boss Curly Hair is currently looking for his favorite head coach candidate, and he is also very high-profile at this time. During an interview, he hugged Li You and exchanged commercial boasts:

"Lee is only 24 years old, and the Knicks will not waste his prime years!"

"Luxury tax? I don't care. If there are suitable star players, we will sign them directly."

"Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball. Look at the six championship banners above our arena. Our goal is to surpass the Celtics!"

"Lee will surpass Russell. I think the title Lord of the Rings is good!"

Unlike Charles Sr., the swollen James Dolan is about to become a loudmouth, and respect for the seniors does not exist on his side.
Li You smiled helplessly. He was booed frequently in the away game, which was also inseparable from the contribution of the curly boss.

After being surrounded by New York reporters, Grunfield laughed and joked:
"Both the Bulls and Warriors have a 22.5% chance of getting the No. [-] pick, but no one knows God's will."

"We just hope that the Suns can get a good pick. Lee needs more young talents. It is definitely a win-win decision for the rookie to choose to play for the Knicks!"

The 21-win Bulls and the 21-win Warriors have a high probability of getting the No. [-] pick, and everyone present knows this.

Krause, the general manager of the Bulls, has a big face and has failed for several consecutive years. His plan completely failed.

The results of this year's lottery ceremony exceeded the expectations of many media. The Rockets, who had only an 8.9% chance of winning the No. [-] pick, suddenly made a counterattack!
The representatives of each team sitting above looked at the results in front of them and congratulated them, but they also felt like lemons in their hearts.

Francis was overjoyed. He came to the scene with the team today, and he really didn't expect to get the No. [-] pick.

Sitting in the Knicks' seat, Li You quickly saw the Suns' lottery results:

"No. 8 pick."

James Dolan didn’t know who to choose, but he didn’t care about it. He just smiled and said to Grenfield beside him:

"This is a good pick. I remember we had a lot of draft picks this year. If there is a chance, it would be good to trade for an All-Star player!"

Being able to get a lottery pick made New York fans happy, and newspapers began to discuss which player the team would eventually choose.

As for the Eastern Conference Finals, no one cares about it, the Nets?Just fish belly.

Jason Kidd, who was still preparing for the Eastern Conference Finals, was angry!
A 360-degree turn, from the No. [-] pick to the Eastern Conference finals, his joining brought huge changes to the Nets, but no one paid attention?

Fortunately, the New Jersey Star has always been concerned about the Nets, which has turned around. As one of the oldest newspapers in the United States, the Nets have been the front page headlines in the sports section for several days.

During the interview, Byrons-Cote seemed confident and boasted in front of reporters:

"I believe in my players, they are seriously underestimated, Martin is a beast, he will tear the Knicks inside."

"Kidd is our team commander. He will help the team control the rhythm of the game. In the Eastern Conference finals, we will show our talent again!"

Kidd also expressed confidence in an interview. The triple-double master interpreted the game from another perspective:

"Maybe the opponent's perimeter defense is very good, but the Nets are not bad either. We will attack from the inside. Just like the coach said, we are the better team!"

"."

On Sunday, May 5, in the morning, the ball commentators were still discussing the Lakers' clean win in the Western Conference Finals. In the evening, everyone focused on the Knicks' game.

The Kings, who are playing beautiful basketball, seem to lack dominance. No one believes that the Nets can win. Everyone wants to see the specific content of the Knicks' game.

Madison Square Garden is usually sold out on weekends.

Before 20 o'clock, the arena was already full, and many people came to the scene early to watch Li You warm up.

Choosing a pair of pure white signature shoes, Li You, who was "fully armed" tonight, was almost dressed in all white.

After completing the appearance ceremony, the atmosphere at the scene became more and more enthusiastic. Grant Hill, who was selected for the All-NBA First Team, hugged everyone and kept smiling on his face. Everyone in the Nets felt that they had been ignored.

Li You continued to complete shots. In the NBC commentary box, Marv Albert returned to his familiar home court and also shouted X:

"Every time I see Li warm up, I feel like it's a pleasure. I can see that he is in excellent condition tonight!"

Mike Fratello did not brag about the Nets again this time. He finally understood the strength of these rookies in the Eastern Conference:
"Coach Scott has retained the previous starting lineup. Tonight will be a huge test for the Nets' backcourt."

Only then did Marv Albert remember to introduce the starting lineups of both sides:
"The Nets' backcourt combination is still Jason Kidd and Corey Kidders, and the frontcourt trio is Keith Van Horn, Kenyon Martin, and Todd McCulloch."

"For the Knicks, defending the opponent's low post offense is also a test."

The two analyzed it together in the commentary box. When the referee called for both sides to come to the center of the field, Li Youye fist bumped with everyone on the Nets team one by one.

"Let's go Knicks!."

When the two sides were about to jump the ball, the New York fans at the scene had already stood up, shouting and not forgetting to wave their handkerchiefs.

Kidd looked serious and did not say "Bro" before the game. If he lost the game, he would be ridiculed.

Gasol moved the ball to half court, and the Nets quickly retreated on defense without choosing to press the ball holder. After the opening, they quickly established a position similar to a zone defense.

Amidst the cheers, Li You, who was dribbling the ball in his left hand across half court, stopped at the top of the arc, observed the opponent's defensive formation, and began to move to the left wing, while calling Gasol to step forward to pick and roll.

The Nets' big man McCloch naturally followed. When Kidd greeted his teammates, Li You quickly dribbled the ball under his hips. After switching to his right hand, he immediately lowered his center of gravity and pretended to break through on the right side.

The moment Kidd slid to the left, Li You immediately circled the ball behind his back. As their bodies collided, they quickly adjusted their steps and scooped up the ball with their left hand. Li You successfully shook off the defense.

Big man Mike Lodge seemed to have been prepared, but before he could lower his waist to defend, Li You quickly pushed the ball to change direction.

He only had time to reach out, but he didn't touch the basketball at all. McCloch tried to help defend again, but Li You had already grabbed the ball with his right hand and squeezed out of the gap.

Seeing Li You break away from the defense and break into the paint in the blink of an eye, the fans at the scene cheered. Kenyon Martin under the basket was a little confused at this time.Noticing that Li You made a passing motion after joining the ball while walking, Martin, who was sliding towards the basket to help defend, immediately stopped. In the blink of an eye, he saw Li You grabbing the ball with his left hand, breaking through to the basket and easily picking up the basket!
"Wow!"

Van Horn and Kidders raised their hands at the same time, and they should have assisted in defense, but Li You was too fast. Before they could fully react, the basketball fell into the basket.

After serving from the baseline, Kidd looked at Li You beside him. After being blocked, his advancement speed also slowed down a lot.

The two struggled for half the game. At the top of the arc, Kidd immediately moved sideways to protect the ball.

Kidders quickly slipped across the baseline from right to left, and with the help of Martin's cover near the baseline on the left, bounced out to the left wing to catch the ball.

After receiving the pass, Grant Hill's defense followed suit. Kidders did not choose to attack on his own, but immediately lobbed the ball to Kenyon Martin in the left block, who was holding a back position.

Kurt Thomas was very aware of the opponent's technical characteristics. He noticed that the opponent released the ball with his right hand and went up the line to break through. He immediately raised his hands high and moved laterally to provide physical confrontation.

After jumping, he failed to reach his best offensive area, right in front of the basket. Martin still grabbed the ball with his right hand and threw it decisively.

"state!"

The moment the basketball came out of the frame, Gasol collected the rebound. The Nets did not press the ball, but quickly returned to defense.

Although Li You responded by speeding up the advance, the Nets completed the defensive matchup early.

"Let's go Knicks!."

Still in a zone defense position, Kidd leads the defense at a distance on the line. On the other side, Kidders also shrinks to the right elbow.

In the left corner, Artest was frustrated to find his opponent Van Horn moving in the left block. The tall forward with long arms did not look at him at all, and kept aiming at Li You at the top of the key.
An iron barrel formation was set up at the beginning. Gasol noticed the opponent's position and quickly ran to the free throw line to catch the ball.

After sending the pass, Li You ran to the right wing without the ball, while Grant Hill accelerated towards the top of the key. After receiving the pass, he observed the opponent's defense again.

Li You also noticed that big man Mike Lodge started to move back after Hill received the ball. It was obvious that the opponent planned to squat.

Kidd began to loudly instruct his teammates again. Li You first slapped the opponent's arm away, pretended to run back and cut in, and then quickly bounced out and returned to the right flank.

Grant Hill quickly sent a cross pass. Li You received the ball and feinted. Taking advantage of Kidd's upward pounce, he released the ball with his right hand, lowering his center of gravity and pretending to break through.

Subconsciously sliding to the left and back, Kidd adjusted his center of gravity and discovered that Li Youyun took a big step and quickly retreated sideways. His defensive prediction was wrong, and it was too late to jump to block the shot.

On the right wing, Li You drifted slightly to the right after joining the ball, ignored the block in front of him, and quickly shot a jump shot!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly!

At 0:5, he scored 5 points in a row in the opening game. Li You's excellent game state made Madison Square Garden excited again.

"Perhaps most teams will have a headache when encountering such a defense."

"But for Lee, as long as he finds his shooting touch, he can use his personal shooting ability to destroy the opponent's defense."

"Perhaps this is why he frequently shoots from outside the three-point line this season. Many times, this is indeed a good offensive option."

Mike Fratello smiled and joked about the much-criticized three-pointer. Marv Albert noticed Artest's low attack on Van Horn in the right block:
"Defense is equally important, and I think Artest deserves to be on the All-Defensive team."

Realizing that he was carrying personal emotions, Marv Albert wanted to change the subject. When he saw Van Horn's turnaround jumper, he immediately exclaimed:
"OH! Here comes the Knicks' transition offense!"

After Kurt Thomas collected the rebound, he threw it forward. After receiving the ball, Grant Hill continued to accelerate along the right sideline and sprinted across the center line.

Before approaching the three-point line, Grant Hill swung the ball from behind from the right wing.

Li You, who followed up in the middle, caught the ball and released it with his left hand, crushing Kidd's defense and breaking through.

Continuously giving physical confrontation, Kidd desperately slid back to the right and raised his right hand high.

The moment the two came to the paint area, they caught sight of the movement behind them. Li You immediately jumped, shouldered Kidd away, tilted his body, grabbed the ball with his left hand, and quickly threw the ball toward the basket!
"state!"

The defense still worked. Kidd wanted to collect the rebound immediately. The moment he took off for the second time, the basketball was clicked by Gasol who was following behind. Finally, he stumbled and fell into the basket.

The fast break is as fierce as a tiger, and the center also runs with it. New York fans never tire of this kind of scene, and they immediately cheered:
"Oh!"

The Nets' big man McCloch had just retreated and returned. At this time, Kidd realized that it was a 3-on-2 frontcourt and could only stare at his teammates depressedly.

"Defense!."

After a 7-0 start, the fans at the scene were completely excited, and the defensive shouts became louder and louder.

Kidd, who was being defended by Li You, failed to speed up. After halftime, he turned sideways to protect the ball again, and then quickly made tactical gestures.

The two big men of the Nets were positioned near the baseline on the left and right, and Kidders was parked on the right wing at this time.

After Kidd made a tactical gesture, Van Horn in the left block immediately quickened his pace and came to the top of the arc to cover.

After half-turning, he switched to his right hand. Kidd used the screen to briefly get rid of the chasing Li You. Artest immediately stepped forward and delayed, not giving the opponent a chance to easily break through.

When the two men formed a circle, Kidd flicked his wrist and quickly gave the ball to Van Horn who bounced outside to the left wing.

The good passing quality allowed Van Horn to join the ball immediately after the ball. He used his height advantage to ignore Artest's quick defense and quickly shot a jump shot from outside the three-point line!
"Bang!" Another strike.

The long rebound was collected by Kenyon Martin in the paint area, who saw the opportunity. Before he could make an offensive move, Kurt Thomas attacked him.

With a quick twist, Kenyon Martin subconsciously threw the ball to Kidd who was near the logo.

The overly obvious intention of passing the ball was predicted by Li You in advance. Kidd had already started to move forward to meet the ball, but Li You took advantage of the situation and jumped high in front of the opponent. He poked the ball with his left hand and the basketball immediately flew past Kidd. top of head.

"Wow!"

Cheers started again. Li You stumbled after he knocked the ball away. Kidd reacted quickly and both of them rushed towards the ball at the same time.

At the center line, Li You grabbed the ball with his left hand and knocked Kidd away.

Kidd, who wanted to grab the ball, was hit and lost his center of gravity. He subconsciously wanted to pull, but Li You accelerated out of the way. In the end, unable to pull, he took two steps forward and fell to the floor.

After leading the ball forward, Li You grabbed the ball with his right hand, then accelerated with all his strength, 1 on 0 in the frontcourt, quickly rushed into the paint area, rushed up in three strides, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and performed a powerful one-arm dunk!
"what!!"

After completing the dunk, Li You beat his chest and shouted at the camera under the basket. For a moment, the cheers almost broke through the arena.

At 0:9, Byron Scott on the sidelines looked helplessly at Kidd, who was lying on the ground and beating the floor angrily, and immediately requested a timeout.

"The Nets seem to have not adapted to the intensity of confrontation on the court. In the playoffs, the Knicks usually get the start."

"Kidd should try to finish by himself. At this time, the Nets need core players to step up and respond. Don't forget that most of them are experiencing the conference finals for the first time."

Mike Fratello shook his head, and Marv Albert added:
"Coach Scott's defensive strategy was well developed, but Lee's breakthrough and three-pointer after the opening game successfully broke through the opponent's defense."

"Maybe they should choose to double-team early instead of relying on Kidd's personal defense."

The two discussed it in the commentary box, but in the first round after the timeout, Kidd still did not choose to attack.

After the pick-and-roll on the left elbow, Kurt Thomas did not delay the defense. Kidd, who escaped Li You's pursuit, sent a ground pass near the free throw line.

Almost completing the cut, Kurt Thomas lost half his position. Kenyon Martin immediately released the ball with his left hand after receiving the ball. He took two dribbles, jumped to the basket, and made a hard layup to help the team break the deadlock. .

Everyone on the Nets breathed a sigh of relief and finally got the points.

Li You didn't care. He caught the ball from the baseline and was defended by Kidd, so he simply dribbled through the half court in 8 seconds.

Noticing that his opponent still hadn't changed his defensive strategy, Li You moved sideways to protect the ball and called Kurt Thomas to lift up.

Coming to the left wing, Kurt Thomas received the pass, and Kenyon Martin who followed him kept interfering.

The Knicks' two forwards were still in the left and right corners, and the opposing players were also shrinking inside the three-point line. At this time, Gasol also moved up to the right elbow area.

After passing the ball, Li You cut in without the ball from the center. Before Kidd could react, Li You suddenly stopped and set a back screen for Gasol.

The big man McCulloch was confused and subconsciously followed Gasol, but was delayed by Li You and failed to follow up in time.

Gasol used the screen to cut directly to the basket. Kidd looked at his out-of-position teammates and rushed to the basket to try to cut off the passing route.

This was an excellent opportunity to beat a small one, but due to Martin's interference, Kurt Thomas failed to throw the ball to the basket immediately.

The fans at the scene sighed with regret, but Li You did not stop, slapped away the arm pulled by the big man McCulloch, and accelerated the shot.

Arriving at the top of the arc, Li You received a cross pass from Kurt Thomas and immediately raised the ball to feint, and then the big man McCulloch who was chasing him flew away.
Putting the ball with his right hand, Li You calmly moved laterally, no longer giving his opponent a chance to defend, and quickly made a jump shot from outside the three-point line!
"Shua!" Three-pointer and then scored!

At 2:12, with a double-digit lead and wonderful coordination, Madison Square Garden went wild.

Hearing the screams of the New York fans at the top of his lungs, Kidd's face became even more ugly. He always felt that the two sides were not playing the same game.
On the Knicks bench, watching everyone retreating on defense, the atmosphere team also became excited. The conference finals turned out to be so easy!
Kidd was still organizing the offense. The pick-and-roll at the right elbow of the free throw line found McCloch, who caught the ball, arched Gasol, and successfully put the basket under the basket.

As soon as the Nets scored a point, Li You, who received the baseline ball, rushed across the half court, and then immediately gave the ball to Grant Hill on the left wing.

The opponent had just completed the defensive matchup. After receiving the ball, Grant Hill released the ball with his right hand and broke through smoothly. He rushed to the basket and immediately caused a foul on Martin who was assisting in defense.

Kidders raised his hand in frustration, indicating that it was his problem and he was crushed and broken through.
Hill made two free throws. Coach Byron Scott frowned and kept reminding his players loudly.

Kidders, who bounced to the right wing, caught the ball and broke through, hitting a long two-point jumper.

Looking back, there was a simple pick-and-roll on the three-point line on the right wing. Martin wanted to cooperate with Kidd to double-team Li You, but Kurt Thomas, who went down to the right elbow area, succeeded in a jumper.

Realizing that the pace of the game was getting faster and faster and that there were problems with the defense, head coach Scott kept making downward gestures.

But Kidd, who was in control of the ball at this time, had no intention of slowing down. The two sides suddenly started a stabbing mode, and the score continued to rise.

After the opponent scored consecutive baskets in several rounds, Kurt Thomas and Gasol also began to strengthen their confrontation.

Kenyon Martin received the ball at the right elbow this time and wanted to rush to the basket and take advantage of the situation.

But Gasol returned to defense very quickly at this time. After Kurt Thomas delayed the opponent's offensive rhythm, he immediately jumped high and slapped the ball on the backboard.

Kidd also wanted to rush into the paint area to pick up the board, but Li You controlled the ball immediately.

Before everyone in the Nets had time to retreat, Artest quickly rushed through the half court and caught Li You's pass from the three-point line. He ignored Van Horn who was chasing behind him. He took three long steps and used both hands. Successful dunk!
At 12:22, the Nets were +2, but the point difference did not narrow.

The cheers got louder and louder, but everyone on the Nets team became more and more impatient.

Kenyon Martin's screen hung up and then left. Li You, who was pursuing, easily squeezed through the screen and pursued Kidd again.

The two stopped on the left wing. Kidd once again protected the ball sideways, turned around and switched to his right hand, throwing the ball directly towards the top of the arc.

Kidders, who bounced off the screen, caught the ball and quickly made a jump shot from outside the three-point line!

Grant Hill's lateral defense interfered. The basketball hit the front edge and bounced into the hands of Gasol who retreated to the basket, and then immediately threw the ball forward.

After landing, he started to accelerate. Grant Hill shook off Kidders behind him, crossed the center line and successfully grabbed the ball.

Seeing his teammates out of position, Kidd gritted his teeth and quickly retreated from the defense, pounced directly from the right wing towards Hill who was cutting into the basket.

Before he could commit a foul, Grant Hill passed the ball across the field, and Li You, who also rushed through the half court early, received the ball on the right wing.

The moment he feinted with the ball, Kidders, who came up from the side to defend, flew past Li You.

Completely shaking off the defense, Li You calmly adjusted and made a quick jump shot from outside the three-point line!
"Shua!" The three-pointer hit the net hollowly.

At 12:25, Scott looked ugly on the sidelines and asked for a timeout again.

The two people in the commentary box seemed very dissatisfied when they saw Coach Scott pulling Kidd and talking non-stop.

"Kidd should control the tempo of the game instead of following the Knicks in transition."

"Once the defensive end fails to match up in time, Lee and Hill can easily tear apart the defense. They should stick to the defensive strategy after the opening."

Mike Fratello was not polite and immediately pointed out Kidd's problem. Marv Albert shook his head inwardly, but on the surface he praised the Nets' performance:

"Several pick-and-roll attacks and constant scoring of the ball into the basket. The Nets have found the rhythm of the game!"

In the second half of the first quarter, the Nets slowed down again, deployed a zone defense, and began to conduct more patiently on the offensive end.

As a result, no points were scored within 3 minutes, but the New York fans at the scene laughed.

Fortunately, the Knicks' shooting percentage dropped and they also hit a few irons.

It was a rare opportunity for Kidd to break through and throw the ball into the basket against Li You's block.

Kidd, who almost threw himself on the street, was so excited that he pumped his fist in celebration. The excitement did not last for 10 seconds. Looking back, Gasol hit a mid-range jumper from the free throw line.

Kidd, who was following Li You in the corner, saw that the big man McCulloch thoughtlessly double-teamed Grant Hill, who was holding the ball outside the three-point line. He couldn't hold back for a moment and cursed angrily:
"Damn it! Watch your defender!"

In every round, the Knicks have to toss the opponent's big man. McCloch also said that he was in trouble. Hearing the boss's reprimand, he could only raise his hands to show off.
In the last few minutes of the first quarter, Van Horn faced off against Artest's several low-post attacks, and the Nets were once again in a scoring drought.

Looking at Grant Hill standing on the free throw line, head coach Thibodeau smiled and clapped his hands on the sidelines. He was very satisfied with the team's performance in the first quarter!
Kenyon Martin also stood on the free throw line at the last moment, helping the Nets score another 2 points.

At 17:31, at the end of the first quarter, the 14-point difference made the Nets bench silent.

Although Artest shot poorly, his opponent Van Horn also went 5-for-0.

"Ron, work harder! Keep up this defense!"

Li You walked to the bench and patted Artest on the shoulder. The latter smiled awkwardly and quickly blew an X to express his stance:
"The guy on the other side can't even try to score in double figures tonight!"

On the Knicks side, there were cheers and laughter, Grant Hill and everyone high-fiving each other in celebration. On the Nets side, Kidd returned to his seat and stared at his teammates with death:

"Stay focused, Shet! When you encounter cover, don't run around with your opponent!"

Seeing the boss getting angry, no one dared to say a word. When Kenyon Martin heard the Knicks fans behind him shouting "Beast" with a smile, he felt very depressed:

"So we are so weak"

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(End of this chapter)