"Rodney..."
As Zhao Dong hustled back on defense, he turned to Rogers. "You've got to stay on Malone. Since you can't crowd him physically, try using a hand-check to block his vision. Distract his eyes—it might throw off his rhythm."
"Got it," Rogers nodded firmly.
Back on the other end, Zhao Dong locked in on Iverson. He wasn't going to let Philly's lightning bolt tear through the paint. He'd rather give up mid-range jumpers from Malone than allow Iverson to penetrate and create high-percentage looks.
Interestingly, both head coaches shared that same goal: keep the opposition out of the paint.
Malone received another pass from Iverson, and with Rogers retreating, the Mailman went to work—elbows flaring, creating space. Once again, he found enough room to rise up and shoot.
Rogers went with Zhao Dong's advice. He jumped and extended his arm, not to contest, but to partially block Malone's sightline.
But that kind of defense requires precise timing. Too aggressive, and you risk a foul. Too soft, and it does nothing. This time, Rogers got the timing wrong.
Zhao Dong had an opportunity to rotate, but he stayed put—too far from the play to make a real impact, and more importantly, he and Willis had boxed out Ratliff under the rim.
Bang!
Whether it was Rogers' eye-block or just an off shot, Malone missed. Zhao Dong grabbed the board and pushed the pace.
He drove hard, slicing into the left elbow area. The double-team came quick—three defenders closed in. Zhao Dong stopped, pump-faked, spun, and leaned back into Malone. Then, just before Lynch and Ratliff closed in, he spun again—a quick turnaround and fadeaway.
But he didn't shoot.
As he elevated, he caught a glimpse of Willis cutting in unguarded. Zhao shifted in midair and dished a no-look bounce pass. Willis caught it in stride and slammed it home with two hands.
Next play, Iverson responded with a trademark quick stop jumper near the right elbow. Too fast. Willis couldn't rotate in time, and Zhao Dong was late as well.
Swish!
"Iverson really lives up to the nickname 'The Answer,'" Barkley said on live broadcast. "You can't stop that first step."
"His stop-and-go rhythm has improved a ton," Smith added. "I'd bet good money he borrowed that from Zhao Dong's tape. That hesitation into the jumper—he didn't have that in his rookie year."
"Exactly," Barkley said. "The sudden deceleration improved his stability. His crossover and change of direction make the defense bite every time."
---
End of First Quarter: Knicks 28, Philadelphia 22
Philadelphia's triple-team strategy at the paint's edge had made Zhao Dong's path to the rim more difficult. His attacks lost some force, and the crowding limited his clean finishes. His field goal percentage dropped slightly.
But that scheme had holes.
With Ratliff and Malone pulling away from the rim to contain Zhao Dong's penetration at the edge, the paint was wide open underneath. And Zhao Dong knew how to exploit it.
He fed Willis three times under the basket for easy dunks in the first half of the quarter. When Ratliff adjusted and returned to protect the rim, Zhao Dong instantly ramped up his own drives again.
Larry Brown had no choice but to prioritize protecting the rim. His goal was clear: keep Zhao Dong away from the basket and force him into lower-percentage mid-range shots.
Still, Zhao Dong's first-quarter line read: 8-for-14 shooting (57%), 4-of-4 free throws, 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Not his best efficiency, but still dominant.
On Philly's side, Iverson couldn't crack the paint either, and his jumpers were less effective. Malone wasn't in rhythm either—he shot 4-of-10 with two free throws for 10 points.
---
Second Quarter Begins
The Knicks rolled out a rotation lineup:
Zhao Dong ran point.
Stackhouse remained at shooting guard.
John Wallace checked in at small forward.
Shawn Marion and Gary Trent filled the interior.
Not an ideal unit.
The Zhao–Stackhouse backcourt was firepower, but the other three positions were noticeably weaker compared to Philly's deep rotation.
There wasn't much choice. After a brutal regular season and a grueling first-round series, fatigue was mounting. Players like Wallace, who barely saw the floor during the season, were now logging significant playoff minutes.
Zhang Heli exhaled heavily as he leaned back in his courtside seat. "If Fordson were here, he'd easily give the Knicks 35 quality minutes. Without him, the rotation's seriously thin."
He paused, glancing toward the court as the second quarter unfolded.
"Marion's still too green," he continued. "Rogers doesn't defend, and Ginobili… man, he's flashy, but his game's not consistent yet. But like it or not, these three are now key pieces in the rotation—even starters at times."
Beside him, Su Qun shook his head. "If you ask me, the Knicks have to make a splash this offseason. The owner's got deep pockets—use them! Get a couple more stars."
With the second unit struggling, Zhao Dong took over. Playing like a man possessed, he drew the defense, slashed into seams, and found Stackhouse on the wing for multiple buckets.
By halftime, the scoreboard read: Knicks 55, Philadelphia 45. A ten-point lead, built largely off Zhao Dong's relentless offense.
He went 6-for-10 from the field in the second quarter, sank 4-of-5 free throws, and posted 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist just in that frame.
At the half, Zhao Dong had logged 36 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks on 14-for-24 shooting and 8-for-9 from the stripe—an absurd 58.3% shooting clip.
On the other side, Karl Malone and Iverson, the feared Email Combination, both played the entire half, going 14-for-32 combined—43.7% from the field. Solid, especially considering how little they attacked the rim, opting mostly for contested jumpers.
But when compared to Zhao Dong's production?
It wasn't even close.
Despite facing tight coverage and aggressive traps, Zhao Dong's output remained terrifying. Even with a dip in his usual insane efficiency, he still outclassed Philadelphia's star duo.
Both coaches had executed their defensive strategies: limit paint touches and force outside shots. But only New York had the firepower—and Zhao Dong—to turn it into a lead.
---
Halftime Show
"This series has been must-see TV," said Charles Barkley, sipping from his water bottle as the crew returned from commercial. "The ratings keep breaking records—over 60 million viewers for Game 4 alone!"
"The high-octane, physical basketball we're seeing—man, that's what the NBA's all about," he added. "Offense is king."
Chuck turned to face the camera. "Let's give props to the Email Combo—Karl Malone and Iverson have been spectacular. This is probably the best playoff run of Malone's career. And Iverson's doing it all—scoring, facilitating, playing with that Philly grit."
"They're putting up 50-plus a night between the two of them," Barkley emphasized. "One of the best inside-out duos we've ever seen. Don't sleep on them—they're right there with Shaq and Kobe in terms of impact."
Kenny Smith nodded. "Absolutely. Malone's footwork has been flawless, and Iverson's finding him at just the right moments."
Barkley smirked. "Yeah… but then they ran into him. The God of Efficiency. Zhao Dong. My old teammate. Averaging over 50 this series by himself! And not chucking—he's doing it with historic efficiency. He's flat-out crushing Philly's best effort."
Kenny raised an eyebrow. "So what, you're saying this series is over?"
Barkley chuckled. "Kenny, just think about it. This is Game 4. Tell me—how many times has Philly led at the end of a quarter?"
Smith paused. "Uh…"
"Exactly!" Barkley exclaimed, grinning. "Not once. That's game control. That's domination. Zhao Dong doesn't just score—he controls the flow. He breaks your rhythm."
"You just mad you're not out there," Kenny teased.
"Oh please!" Barkley leaned forward and raised his right hand, tapping the heavy gold ring on his index finger. "I got mine. Finals MVP, baby! I'm the main guy, not a sidekick! Look right here—close-up on the ring!"
Cue studio laughter. Smith laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair.
---
Third Quarter – Madison Square Garden
Back on the court, Philadelphia's Coach Larry Brown stuck to his game plan.
"Trap him in the paint," he barked. "Stay close. No open looks near the rim."
Zhao Dong's shooting had cooled just slightly, a small victory in itself. Brown knew he couldn't stop him—but maybe he could slow him down.
But old Don Nelson was ready with a counterpunch.
He adjusted his offensive scheme, calling for more weak-side cuts to loosen up the double teams.
He inserted Shawn Marion, the rookie with springs in his legs and a knack for finding soft spots in the defense.
"Move without the ball," Nelson told him. "Soon as they trap Zhao, slash—cut like a knife."
The results were instant.
On three straight possessions, Zhao Dong drew the trap near the low block. With Ratliff and Malone lunging toward him, Marion dashed from the weak side, catching perfect drop-offs and hammering home dunks.
Marv Albert's voice echoed through the Garden:
"YES! Shawn Marion with the finish off another dime from Zhao Dong!"
Doug Collins chimed in. "That's what makes Zhao so dangerous—he's not just a scorer. He manipulates the defense and creates easy looks for his teammates. These aren't just passes—they're playmaking opportunities."
Frustrated, Ratliff and Malone hesitated on the next few traps—and that hesitation spelled doom.
Zhao Dong pounced.
He bulldozed his way into the lane, finishing through contact and drawing whistles. In just one quarter, he forced four fouls on Philadelphia's frontcourt, sending both bigs to the bench in foul trouble.
By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks had seized full control.
They pushed the lead to 18 points, silencing any hopes of a Philadelphia comeback. Game 4 was all but decided. The final quarter felt like a formality—Philly's energy faded, and their shots failed to connect. New York secured the win and took a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The once-confident 76ers now found themselves on the brink. Dropping two straight at home and falling into a 1-3 hole against a juggernaut Knicks squad left them in a desperate situation. Given New York's firepower—and the man at the center of it—elimination was nearly inevitable.
Zhao Dong, the unstoppable force of the series, delivered again.
He poured in 57 points on a blistering 61% shooting, reminding everyone why he was called the God of Efficiency. His scoring instincts were razor-sharp, his footwork clinical, and his ability to manipulate the defense unmatched.
The fierce back-and-forth battles in this series had also driven ratings to new heights. NBC's coverage shattered records, with each game pulling in over 60 million viewers.
Of course, Allen Iverson continued to draw major attention. His performance throughout the series elevated his status from All-Star to certified superstar. Analysts began to discuss what hardware he needed—perhaps a Finals MVP or a scoring title—to cement his legacy.
But on the Knicks' side, there was a curious phenomenon.
Even with solid outings from Jerry Stackhouse and promising flashes from Manu Ginobili, it was all overshadowed. Zhao Dong's brilliance was so blinding that no one else could escape his shadow. The media barely mentioned the contributions of others—and when they did, it wasn't flattering.
In a strange twist, getting no attention might have been better than the criticism that came with it.
---
Around the League
That same night, the Lakers closed out the Mavericks, taking a 3-1 series lead, just like the Knicks. Meanwhile, chaos brewed across the league.
On May 13, the Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden. The series followed the 2-2-1-1-1 format, and Game 5 would be on their home floor. Lose it, and they'd have to head back to hostile territory in Philly for Game 6.
Elsewhere, the Pacers and Bulls were locked in a slugfest—tied at 2-2. Same for the Suns and Blazers. The second round was a warzone, and every team still alive had a shot at the conference finals… or so they thought.
---
May 14 – Game 5: New York vs. Philadelphia
There were no surprises this time.
No miracles.
No drama.
Zhao Dong came out firing and never looked back. He dropped 55 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and led the Knicks to a blowout win, eliminating the Philadelphia 76ers and punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Across the five-game series, Zhao Dong's scoring line read like something out of a video game:
68, 38, 66, 57, and 55 points.
That's an average of 56.8 points per game, with a 62.1% field goal percentage. The numbers were absurd.
He wasn't just scoring—he was dominating with historic efficiency, a relentless machine of buckets and bruises. Fans and media alike began tossing around new titles:
Best active player. Greatest playoff scorer. The God of Efficiency.
---
History Made
Zhao Dong didn't just win—he rewrote the record books.
Most 50+ point games in a single series: 4.
The previous record? Michael Jordan, with 2.
Most 50+ point playoff games in NBA history: 13.
The previous record holder? Also Jordan, with 8.
Even the legendary Zhang Dashuai, often celebrated for his scoring prowess in China, had only hit the 50+ mark twice in the postseason.
In comparison, Karl Malone's postseason scoring—though impressive—often fell short of his regular-season impact. Zhao Dong was the opposite. His game elevated under pressure.
He also became the only player in NBA history to average 50+ points in two separate playoff series.
The only scoring feats left for him to conquer?
Jordan's 69-point game in the playoffs.
Isiah Thomas's 25-point quarter in the Finals.
And the all-time playoff single-quarter record of 29 points.
"He's the most terrifying scorer I've ever seen," Charles Barkley said on postgame show, beaming with pride. "And I've played with him. The man's a cheat code."
That night, the Lakers also advanced, sweeping aside the Mavericks and setting up a potential Lakers–Knicks Finals—a dream scenario for fans and media alike.
Suddenly, the rest of the league vanished from headlines. Every sports outlet focused solely on a Zhao Dong vs. Shaquille O'Neal or Zhao Dong vs. Kobe Bryant matchup.
This blatant dismissal infuriated the other contenders.
In the Pacers' locker room, veteran Reggie Miller lashed out during a pregame interview:
"The media's already handing the crown to the Knicks and Lakers. They're in for a surprise. Count us out? Fine. We'll show them."
Meanwhile, the Bulls were internally combusting.
Rasheed Wallace and Tracy McGrady were locked in a bitter feud for team supremacy. Without Charles Oakley's old-school authority to hold things together, the Bulls' locker room might have imploded already.
And yet… the talent was undeniable.
Wallace and Oakley anchoring the frontcourt.
McGrady and Cuttino Mobley lighting it up on the wings.
Jason Kidd orchestrating the offense.
The only thing holding them back was themselves.
Motivated by the media's disrespect, the young Bulls finally pulled together.
Oakley played the role of peacekeeper, convincing McGrady and Wallace to call a truce—for now. The locker room found a common enemy: the hype around the Knicks.
To boost morale, Oakley stepped in front of the cameras.
"Look, the Knicks and Lakers are great, no doubt. But don't forget—we're the Chicago Bulls. We're not pushovers. If we make it to the Conference Finals, we'll take the Knicks to Game 7. Believe that."
Fueled by resolve and a dash of vengeance, the Bulls roared into Game 5 and took it. They now led the series 3-2, one win away from the Eastern Finals.
---
That Night
After the Bulls' win, Oakley's phone buzzed. It was Zhao Dong.
"Haha! Charles, you really think you guys can take us to Game 7?"
Oakley sighed into the receiver.
"Zhao, you think I wanted to say that? I had no choice. These kids argue all damn day. I needed to give them a goal. Otherwise, they'd blow up the locker room."
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